Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: thinningfabio on January 21, 2007, 05:24:28 PM

Title: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 21, 2007, 05:24:28 PM
I am 18 years old. I recently realized that my hairline is receding. As you can see from the picture, my long hair largely hides it. The problem is that this can change completely depending on the way the wind is blowing. Upon asking friends if I should shave it off, i've had many staunch no's, and a few "that might look really good"'s. I know that there are many nonaesthetic reasons to shave as well, but since I'm living in Maine, there are many practical reasons to keep these locks. My case is a difficult one, because I can't simply grow my old haircut back if it doesn't look good. What do you guys think?
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: MagmaBabe on January 21, 2007, 06:11:18 PM
I am 18 years old. I recently realized that my hairline is receding. As you can see from the picture, my long hair largely hides it. The problem is that this can change completely depending on the way the wind is blowing. Upon asking friends if I should shave it off, i've had many staunch no's, and a few "that might look really good"'s. I know that there are many nonaesthetic reasons to shave as well, but since I'm living in Maine, there are many practical reasons to keep these locks. My case is a difficult one, because I can't simply grow my old haircut back if it doesn't look good. What do you guys think?

Aaaw, bless your cottons, you're a cutie!  ;D
In my personal opinion, I think a skinhead would look great, guys with hair like that are damn sexy as far as I'm concerned. There's a lot of pro's for chopping it all off as well, for a start, it won't have to be washed so often and I bet getting a brush through it can sometimes be a real drag (geddit, drag...sorry!!  :-[)
It would take a bit of getting used to at first, but a haircut like that would look a hell of a lot smarter too. You'll have the girls flocking round ya, mark my words!!
Good luck with that hun, whatever you choose to do!

Welcome to Sly Bald Guy's too!
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: PBurke on January 21, 2007, 06:17:27 PM
hey thinning. welcome. always gotta go with a LAY-DAY'S opinion brother.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Tyler on January 21, 2007, 06:30:23 PM
Hey Fabio, welcome to Sly Bald Guys!!

What are some the reasons that you'd want to keep your hair?  What makes your long hair special to you?  I ask this so that I can make some recommendations as to how a bald dome can be as equally gratifying.

Friends' will often be very reluctant about agreeing with you to make a big change because they don't want you to blame them if you don't like the results of the change.  But, being that most of the guys here, including myself, have been where you are, I'm sure that you will find that it's quite the liberating experience.  Just imaging waking up everyday and not having to worry if someone is going to notice if you're balding or not because the wind it blowing.

In regards to practical reasons for keeping your hair in Maine, I'm guessing you mean the cold weather.  Well, many guys here live in very frigid areas and love having a shaved head.

Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 21, 2007, 06:39:29 PM
Well, ive had long hair since my sophmore year of highschool, and in a sense that hair has been with me for the most eventful years of my life. Once I had long hair, thats when I started to get noticed by girls (the amount of girls that came into my life exponentially grew from my crewcut to fabio days, but then again - i got older and more confident). Its really good long hair that many people envy. It just happens to be thinning rather rapidly, considering I'm barely 18, and once you find four long hairs in every meal, you start to wonder if the hair is worth it. The other thing is, my girlfriend of 2 years really doesnt want me to shave it. She thinks I'll look like a leukemia patient, which is understandable. Im young, 5''5', and not extremely tan. But, I do think I have the right shaped head for the bald look - im just not sure if I should do it now or wait until people can notice im balding, because I don't look all that bad. But in a sense, im also kinda sick of my long hair -its been a long time. Well, I think I answered your question - essentially I like it for aestetic and sentimental reasons.

Thanks for your replies,
Nick
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Razor X on January 21, 2007, 06:46:50 PM
Well, ive had long hair since my sophmore year of highschool, and in a sense that hair has been with me for the most eventful years of my life. Once I had long hair, thats when I started to get noticed by girls (the amount of girls that came into my life exponentially grew from my crewcut to fabio days, but then again - i got older and more confident). Its really good long hair that many people envy.

Hi, Nick. 

Welcome to SBG.  An important thing to remember - You are not your haircut!!  There is a lot more to you than just your hair and you'll be the same person without it (probably better because you'll stop worrying about the thinning and be more confident).

You still have a lot of hair and it will probably be a long time before you are anywhere near bald.   But a shorter haircut would probably be a lot more flattering.  Long hair is weighed down and this makes the thinning appear more noticable.  My recommendation is to get your hair cut as short as you feel comfortable with.  As the thinning gradually gets worse, go a little shorter to compensate.  I'd say that you have quite a few years before you need to seriously think about shaving it all off -- unless you really want to, in which case I'd just say, "Go for it."
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: schro on January 21, 2007, 06:52:04 PM
Hey thinning, at 18 yrs of age you're too young to remember 80's rock bands. At a minimum, take it to a #2 setting. At that point, re-assess & take stock.

I was never a long haired guy, but you're hairline appears similar to mine at that age.

I'm with Paul, a lay-day's opinion carries more weight than one coming from a guy that hangs around websites dedicated to bald dudes. Damn, I should be looking at on-line porn.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday,
Schro
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 21, 2007, 07:11:40 PM
Thanks guys. I think im probably going to keep the hair for now (unfortunately, i dont think i can cut it because of how high the hairline is). ill probably be back here - just don't know if itl be 2 weeks from now or 20 years from now.

-nick-
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: ar3inc on January 21, 2007, 11:26:38 PM
Welcome to the group, Nick!  I would listen to the the ladies, shave it!  There are so many more benfits to having a shaved head that you'll discover.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: David on January 21, 2007, 11:41:35 PM
I would say in your case, you need to decide how important hair is to you.      I personally think it's a myth that people don't have the body type/head shape whatever to pull it off.

Ultimately at the end of the day, you are the one looking in the mirror, you are the one dressing up to go out with your friends, etc.    Whatever route you choose has to give you confidence in whatever you are doing.    Whether it's trying to impress a girl, hanging out with your buds, or giving presentations/answering questions in class, confidence and how you handle yourself is what matters.

All that people see is your happiness/confidence or unhappiness.   It doesn't matter whether you have hair or not, tall or short, etc.....

To me though, it seems you want to shave it, but have some lingering doubts because you are afraid what if I hate it and I can't ever grow it back. 

Thanks guys. I think im probably going to keep the hair for now (unfortunately, i dont think i can cut it because of how high the hairline is). ill probably be back here - just don't know if itl be 2 weeks from now or 20 years from now.





Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: fcb2001 on January 22, 2007, 12:49:34 AM
I would shave it, i wish i shaved my head back in 1997, i didnt shave my head until 2004
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Argyle on January 22, 2007, 03:29:10 PM
Cold???  You wanna try being here today, the snow is deep and the nipples are like rutt ends!!
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: wpruitt on January 22, 2007, 03:46:59 PM
Cold???  You wanna try being here today, the snow is deep and the nipples are like rutt ends!!
Man .... TMI
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 22, 2007, 09:47:50 PM
I admit the idea is still pretty tempting, life would be more simple - but im only 18, skinny, and can easily pass for someone with alot of hair - on the other hand - i feel less confident now, and the considerable loss of hair ive had has made my look less apealing. I sometimes resort to hats to cover up the hair loss, which seems to work. I definitely respect you sly guys - and I kinda wanna join the crew - but I also really care about how my gf perceives me - and she loves long haired guys. The thing is, alot of what I love about long hair is going away with my hair. Instead of being able to play with the hair, I reach and feel thin receding hair, which i'm afraid to touch -because it might fall out. Im even noticing some thinning in the crown. She thinks im crazy for even thinking i have a receding hairline, but i know i do. she also argues that if i do have one, i should savor the hair while it lasts - but thats hard to do when its thining. But, how can i be confident with a shaved head if my gf doesnt want it to happen? I know I should be my own man, but the ramifications are clear. jeez, balding is difficult!
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: David on January 22, 2007, 10:16:26 PM
I admit the idea is still pretty tempting, life would be more simple - but im only 18, skinny, and can easily pass for someone with alot of hair - on the other hand - i feel less confident now, and the considerable loss of hair ive had has made my look less apealing. I sometimes resort to hats to cover up the hair loss, which seems to work. I definitely respect you sly guys - and I kinda wanna join the crew - but I also really care about how my gf perceives me - and she loves long haired guys. The thing is, alot of what I love about long hair is going away with my hair. Instead of being able to play with the hair, I reach and feel thin receding hair, which i'm afraid to touch -because it might fall out. Im even noticing some thinning in the crown. She thinks im crazy for even thinking i have a receding hairline, but i know i do. she also argues that if i do have one, i should savor the hair while it lasts - but thats hard to do when its thining. But, how can i be confident with a shaved head if my gf doesnt want it to happen? I know I should be my own man, but the ramifications are clear. jeez, balding is difficult!

1)   If you feel less confident you need a change now rather than later.   How drastic that is up to you.

2)   If she really loves/cares about you, she loves you for the person you are, not your long hair.    A lot of the significant others of the guys here have tried to get them to grow back hair, exhibited displeasure, etc, but others like it(see magmababe).   And either way, it isn't affecting their relationships to the best of my knowledge.    Also, has your gf dyed her hair(highlights count) or gone either long to short or vice versa since you started dating?   If she has, then remember how you reacted and realize you are still together.   If not, i'd personally be really surprised.   Because shaving your head really is no different than when a girl says I want to go red from blonde, or add highlights, or chops off long hair/goes for hair extensions.     

3)  Body type doesn't matter.    All that matters is how you feel about being bald and how you carry yourself.    If it does matter to you, you can go to the gym if you want, many guys here discuss their workouts daily.   

4)  Hair was given to us as protection from the cold.  Our version of fur, to  speak.   We all lose it eventually, or it turns gray and people wish they had none.     
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 22, 2007, 11:49:17 PM
Good point David. I think ill shave - only question is when - weather is always an issue here, so at the very least, ill have to wait until i can get a warm hat shipped up here (ive never had to wear a warm hat with long hair, so i have no way to protect my head from the cold).
There is a big difference between long hair and being bald, but i think im ready for it.
Thanks for your input everyone!
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: David on January 23, 2007, 12:37:33 AM
No problem, i'm only 23(will be 24 in june).    I too had thick/long hair, the only difference is that I am bald by choice as I could grow it back if I wanted.

Here is an old pic for comparison.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi129.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fp237%2FDVauthrin%2Fdavidapr05.jpg&hash=bd8056a0ed98307c277ebfec5e4bdd124fdaecf6)
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: yep_yep on January 23, 2007, 05:19:52 AM
thinningfabio, anyone ever told you you look like John Malkovich? If/when you shave your head, I'm sure you will be told so all the time! John Malkovich looks way cool with a shaved dome.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Robmeister on January 23, 2007, 07:15:25 AM
....anyone ever told you you look like John Malkovich? 

Yeah...I can see that.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: PigPen on January 23, 2007, 05:04:17 PM
I have two words for you..........................

SHAVE IT!!!!!!!

That is all, you may return to your homes peacefully
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: spaceape48 on January 23, 2007, 06:50:07 PM
You could always shave your head, but just leave some hair in the back part- kind of like a harycrushna(spelling?). This way your girl will still have the long hair she loves and you'll have the satisfaction of the sly look too!

Seriously though, if it bothers you and you think you will look good with it, then you should go for it. You said your girl likes the long hair thing, well she might just like the shaved head thing but doesn't know it yet. Get a beanie if you go through with it- life savers.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: PBurke on January 24, 2007, 03:41:10 PM
i could give you ways to make her LOVE a bald head. but we have to keep this PG-13.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: MagmaBabe on January 24, 2007, 03:51:13 PM
i could give you ways to make her LOVE a bald head. but we have to keep this PG-13.

oh really? I would love to know what they are!!
(private message :D) lol
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: juventus206 on January 24, 2007, 03:57:34 PM
I had a heck of time taking the leap to shave my head.  The insecurities that come with the line of thinking "what if I don't look better or what if I look worse"  that came with the decision are a pain.  But, after recently taking the leap, I feel much better about myself.  Of course there are those who say that it looks terrible, but there are some that think it looks good.  In the end, it comes to how I feel about myself, which is significantly better.  I no longer HAVE to have a hat to go somewhere because of how I felt others would percive me.  Also, you may be able to get some points with your girlfriend if you decide to shave your hair off then donate it to a charity that makes wigs for cancer patients.  Eitherway, good luck.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Blagadan on January 24, 2007, 04:03:26 PM
If you want my opinion ... you probably don't but you're gonna get it anyway ... you should shave it.  Why?

1. Personally speaking I think long hair rarely suits a man.  it may have suited Antony keidis and a few others but dammit man it's 00's, not the 80's!

2. The rock band Europe had long hair, that's enough to make any sane person shave their head.

3. you're receding and it's obviously an issue otherwise you wouldn't be here. you need a solution.  Shaving it all off (it doesn't need to be a razor shave) is a way to tackle this problem head on.  It will show you are not worried about your receding hairline as you're showing it off to the world and it WILL give you more confidence.  Plus it looks cool.

4. the bird will like it.

5. it is a scientific fact that bald men have superior sex appeal, magnificent strength and stamina, the ability to leap tall buildings with a single bound, more powerful than a train etc etc we don't like to boast or anything but it's all true.  8)

6. it's a lot neater and smarter and it's a hair style that suits just about anybody.

Go for it dude!
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Blagadan on January 24, 2007, 04:05:25 PM
You could always shave your head, but just leave some hair in the back part- kind of like a harycrushna(spelling?).

or hairy crushnas?  ;D
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: spaceape48 on January 24, 2007, 04:14:54 PM
You could always shave your head, but just leave some hair in the back part- kind of like a harycrushna(spelling?).

or hairy crushnas?  ;D

Yeah, I like that spelling better :D
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: BaldRob on January 25, 2007, 07:37:32 PM
But, how can i be confident with a shaved head if my gf doesnt want it to happen? I know I should be my own man, but the ramifications are clear. jeez, balding is difficult!

Don't worry about the ramifications...  you are 18!!  If you want to shave it, then shave it! If you don't, then don't!  Just don't let a girl control your actions, because, once again you're 18 and have a whole lot of time to find Ms. Right.  I think Robmeister has a magazine dealing with your situation... B3M3
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 25, 2007, 08:08:23 PM
haha thanks all of you,
john malkovitch, jeez
Right now I usually get harvey keitell in taxi driver
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: spaceape48 on January 25, 2007, 08:17:30 PM
Could be worse- I've been called Uncle Fester...among other things like "meathead".....whatever that means.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Robmeister on January 25, 2007, 08:28:04 PM
I think Robmeister has a magazine dealing with your situation...

Doh!!!
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Tom McGarry. on January 25, 2007, 08:36:00 PM
Go ahead dude scalp the dome, why put off the enevitable. LOL
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: PBurke on January 25, 2007, 08:36:22 PM
robmiester. i need you to email me that pic.
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: flattop peterbilt on January 25, 2007, 10:21:39 PM
well i have been bald and close to it most of my last 12 years ..I had hair longer than yours..but thanks to the USN it was removed in boot camp at the age of 18 and i have never went back..it is awkward at first but it is a personal change and most fear it...and I did look like a kemo child i was 6'0 and 145 going into the navy...but as i got older it wasn't bad looking it was a-lot less hassle...I only own a beard comb now for my goat hair on my chin and the ladies do love rubbing and kissing my head..lol
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: thinningfabio on January 26, 2007, 06:00:42 PM
haha, yeah, i admit im a little scared about the chemo thing, although I think tanning/working out can solve that problem
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: MagmaBabe on January 30, 2007, 02:32:35 AM
Could be worse- I've been called Uncle Fester...among other things like "meathead".....whatever that means.

LOL   :*))
Title: Re: what do you think
Post by: Professor Melon on February 01, 2007, 08:08:40 AM
Dear Nick: I've read your posts several times, with care. Some main concerns are clear. You have to move on. The Brits say, when you've had the goodness of a thing, let it go. Long locks were good in adolescence, but long locks attempting to cover up what you unambiguously admit is hapening on your head (receding hairline, thinning, and now the loss of hair on the crown) is just desperate--and it will get worse. The girlfriend's opinion is important, so you should try to explain to her--as Razor X commented--that you and your hairstyle are not the same. You have good bone structure, chin, and cheekbones, all suggesting that the bald look would flatter you. It does take some getting used to. If you act now, before Mother Nature forces you to, you'll be ahead of the curve. And this is the era for adopting the look. It requires a bit of bold realism, and you CAN regrow the locks if you're not happy with the shaved look. Let us know your decision. Professor Melon