Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: slickjack on September 16, 2018, 01:18:48 AM

Title: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: slickjack on September 16, 2018, 01:18:48 AM
Hey guys,

So I shaved my head again a few days ago for the second time this year.  I shaved first in February and posted some photos here to much support from slybaldguys which I really appreciated.  But I let my hair grow back after just a week or so of being shaved smooth, a bit nervous about returning to work with a bald head.  Crazy I know for a 40 something guy.  But it is what it is.

Anyway, I've shaved again while on holiday a few days ago and love it. I'm enjoying shaving every day with either a Mach III or an Andis foil shaver getting totally smooth.  My beard is a bit longer/fuller than earlier in the year which I think works well too.  But I'm still not sure if I have the courage to stay bald when returning to work etc. Any advice or thoughts would be really helpful. I feel a bit of a fraud on this site in a way as I'm bald by choice.  I know others grapple much more with hair loss which they don't want and have to come to terms with.  I want to shave but somehow can't stick with it for fear of others judging.

If I can get the courage to stay bald, any advice on beard style/shape that would work for me. 

Thanks guys.  Pictures of the latest shave - before and after are attached



Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: bennett11 on September 16, 2018, 05:17:05 AM
Others are sort of duty bound to make a comment, but many will admire you for taking the plunge to go smooth wishing the had the courage to do so.  Looks good, continue and your self confidence will grow.  actually at your age smooth head is rather common. 
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: reddog on September 16, 2018, 05:57:51 AM
First, you look awesome with a shaved head. Second, there are alot of BBC guys here, you are welcome here.

I was very concerned about the reactions after I suddenly shaved off a full head of hair. Surprisingly, almost all comments were positive. You might get a few reactions, but after a few days everyone will just accept your new look.

If you like having a shaved head, own it with confidence. You look great. It's a big change so it will take time to get used to it. Give it 30 days, and see how you feel.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Dragon on September 16, 2018, 07:18:33 AM
you look great and the beard is fine as it is.  dont worry about everyone else, its how you feel that is important. If you hold out you will fine you my be the talk of your work for a day, but thats it they will then move on to something else.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Magoo on September 16, 2018, 10:35:41 AM
You look real good with new beard and head shave. I mean good !! As far as getting the courage to keep it , just takes time , no easy method we all feel self conscious at first. With time you won’t give it a second thought. Just hang in there , I shaved and let it grow many times.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: nuts on September 16, 2018, 04:04:51 PM
Looks good.  As reddog says when you go back to work 'own the look with confidence' and either people will applaud you or more likely they won't even comment.  Good luck and keep up the journey.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: slybeard on September 16, 2018, 08:42:20 PM
I was in your shoes a few years ago.  I really want to be BBC, but feared going to work with a shaved head.  Eventually I did.  Sure, I got a few comment, but not nearly as I expected.  Most people just don't care.  In fact, it really was a relief.  So if you want it, do it.  After a few days the fear is over.  Stick with it for 30 days and you are set.

As to the facial hair, I am partial to a full beard with a shaved head.  I prefer the length to be a little longer as your current beard at a minimum, although a lot of guys like just having stubble.  So I suggest you experiment with it, let it gain length.  Take plenty of photos and when you think it is too long and want to trim, you will have photos at various length to help you decide what length you like best.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: chrisphilly123 on September 16, 2018, 10:34:23 PM
Hey guys,

So I shaved my head again a few days ago for the second time this year.  I shaved first in February and posted some photos here to much support from slybaldguys which I really appreciated.  But I let my hair grow back after just a week or so of being shaved smooth, a bit nervous about returning to work with a bald head.  Crazy I know for a 40 something guy.  But it is what it is.

Anyway, I've shaved again while on holiday a few days ago and love it. I'm enjoying shaving every day with either a Mach III or an Andis foil shaver getting totally smooth.  My beard is a bit longer/fuller than earlier in the year which I think works well too.  But I'm still not sure if I have the courage to stay bald when returning to work etc. Any advice or thoughts would be really helpful. I feel a bit of a fraud on this site in a way as I'm bald by choice.  I know others grapple much more with hair loss which they don't want and have to come to terms with.  I want to shave but somehow can't stick with it for fear of others judging.

If I can get the courage to stay bald, any advice on beard style/shape that would work for me. 

Thanks guys.  Pictures of the latest shave - before and after are attached
i think shaved is a strong look for you. facial hair right now is a nice balance. keep it as it is.

as far as sticking with it, you do have a LOT of hair, so you make a strong statement that this is your choice. i think that in itself is a FU to anyone that gives you grief. I think if you stick with it for 30-60-90+ days, you'll define yourself as a dude with no hair, like a zillion others. people will forget the you with hair.

if you chicken out, you could always #1 buzz or no-guard buzz, that would be a great compromise.

for the record, you have more hair at 40 than i did as a teen!  LOL
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Semi-Sly on September 16, 2018, 10:54:02 PM
First of all; if you think that everyone else in the world is looking at you, or judging your or thinking of you, etc.; you really have a problem with self-absorbition, (i.e. "Pride").  Peoplke in general don't give a rat's ass about you or me.  They are all caught up in the termoil of their own lives.

Second, if there are a few people who even notice you or even fewer that make their "style opinions" known to you  --- Well F__K what other people at work think!  Why the hell are you giving anyone free rent inside your head anyway?

You have to do what makes you FEEL good.  Period. 

I like to change up between BBC for about 6 to 8u months and then grow some hair for 6 to 8 months and try out new styles, (hard parts, flattops, high and tights, fades, bald fades, even a Southside Fade now and again).  I like having hair and I look better with it but I FEEL better with a clean shaven head!!!  This year I have kept the shaved head for none months already!

You look damn good with a smooth shave and the well trimmed facial hair you show in your photos.  If you ever do try growing your hair again, why not try some different hairstyles.  (Never "settle" for a Ho Hum haircut and never "settle" for someone else's choice of what your personal style should be.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Sir Harry on September 17, 2018, 06:51:19 PM
I think it looks good both ways. Nothing wrong with growing your hair back and then shaving it again as long as you have the ability to do so.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Miller1989 on September 18, 2018, 02:29:41 PM
I know it can be intimidating, but don't sweat it! I think you'll be surprised how many people like it and compliment you on it. And a clean-shaven head is acceptable in the workplace today. You even see people in ultra-conservative professions like bankers, lawyers, judges, etc. with their heads shaved.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Tyler on September 18, 2018, 03:04:36 PM
A shaved head and beard is a very strong look for you.  Looks great!
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: slickjack on September 26, 2018, 01:18:01 AM
Thanks for all your comments and support. It’s been two weeks now and I’m still enjoying shaving every day. I’m feeling much more confident too about the look. With only one week to go before returning to work my hair is going to be extremely short whatever. So I’m just going to keep shaving. I’ve attached a couple of recent photos with a longer and shorter beard. I think I prefer the shorter look.

(https://i.postimg.cc/90y1d1Jw/08926823-_A2_BC-4_B04-9_C2_B-55_B78_B6_AA802.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/V6rK6ztR/6_AA87_B32-52_FA-4_AB9-_AACF-_AD7_E8_B74_E8_A8.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: reddog on September 26, 2018, 06:59:31 AM
Congratulations, you look awesome with a shaved head! I like the shorter beard too.

So, the day you return to work, shave your head nice and smooth. Some will want to feel it. It looks so good, show it off! After a couple days everyone will be used to your new haircut, and you can be comfortable sporting a bald head.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: scooby on September 26, 2018, 03:18:41 PM
you look perfect with the shaved head and the beard.and happy,thats all that matters.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: slybeard on September 26, 2018, 04:16:17 PM
Just my opinion, but the longer the beard the better.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: nuts on September 26, 2018, 04:22:08 PM
You'll be a knockout when you return to work.  The big smile says it all.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: chrisphilly123 on October 23, 2018, 04:46:40 PM
Thanks for all your comments and support. It’s been two weeks now and I’m still enjoying shaving every day. I’m feeling much more confident too about the look. With only one week to go before returning to work my hair is going to be extremely short whatever. So I’m just going to keep shaving. I’ve attached a couple of recent photos with a longer and shorter beard. I think I prefer the shorter look.

(https://i.postimg.cc/90y1d1Jw/08926823-_A2_BC-4_B04-9_C2_B-55_B78_B6_AA802.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/V6rK6ztR/6_AA87_B32-52_FA-4_AB9-_AACF-_AD7_E8_B74_E8_A8.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
you look great. looks like you've defined yourself and established your new look. my guess is people with whom you related, professionally and personally, are used to the new you. it would be a shame if someone forced doubt in ya. anyway. i'm sure you'll be happy in whatever choice you decide long term.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Barbero Pelón on October 26, 2018, 11:46:26 AM
Huge difference! But you can pull it off the Bald look really well.

Are you still shaving ?
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Sciguy68 on October 27, 2018, 01:56:53 AM
I think you look good bald. I am bald by choice and when I went back to work after shaving it all off most people didn't even notice because I used to shave my head with no guard so there really wasn't that much to lose. The only person who lost out was my barber because I shave myself every day and don't go to the barber shop anymore! LOL
Good luck, it looks great!
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: chrisphilly123 on October 28, 2018, 10:45:05 AM
I think you look good bald. I am bald by choice and when I went back to work after shaving it all off most people didn't even notice because I used to shave my head with no guard so there really wasn't that much to lose. The only person who lost out was my barber because I shave myself every day and don't go to the barber shop anymore! LOL
Good luck, it looks great!
Barber shop?  What's that.  LOL
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Ty1963 on November 02, 2018, 12:47:17 AM
I am relatively new to the site so my opinion may not be as relevant as others, but I don't think your fraud at all.  I think you're very fortunate that you have the choice to grow your hair and style it in any way you choose and I also think you are fortunate to be able to shave your head if that's your choice as well. I would be lying if I said that I wouldn't like to be in your shoes as choices are always a good thing, but having recently started shaving because of terribly thinning hair I was amazed at the compliments that I got from everyone that I've run into put my pic up on Facebook I got 80 positive comments from my friends and family they all said I look younger and I look happier, so I say if you like your head shaved then shave it I think you'll get nothing but positive feedback.
If the time comes that you want to grow your hair back grow back and be thankful that you have the option. Now for my opinion you have great hair but the fact is I think you to look younger and more energetic with the shaved look so there's my two cents. Good luck and keep us posted
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Barbero Pelón on November 02, 2018, 06:32:14 AM
I am relatively new to the site so my opinion may not be as relevant as others, but I don't think your fraud at all.  I think you're very fortunate that you have the choice to grow your hair and style it in any way you choose and I also think you are fortunate to be able to shave your head if that's your choice as well. I would be lying if I said that I wouldn't like to be in your shoes as choices are always a good thing, but having recently started shaving because of terribly thinning hair I was amazed at the compliments that I got from everyone that I've run into put my pic up on Facebook I got 80 positive comments from my friends and family they all said I look younger and I look happier, so I say if you like your head shaved then shave it I think you'll get nothing but positive feedback.
If the time comes that you want to grow your hair back grow back and be thankful that you have the option. Now for my opinion you have great hair but the fact is I think you to look younger and more energetic with the shaved look so there's my two cents. Good luck and keep us posted

I would like to exchange places with you,I hate my hair!
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Ty1963 on November 25, 2018, 12:54:52 PM
So my hair was thinning grossly on top but in the big scheme of things I still have at least 70 plus percent of my hair so I guess in a way that makes me bald by choice.  It doesn't matter anyway as long as you like it then wear it and you're fortunate if you get tired of it or you want to change you can change enjoy your choices before genetics take them from you unless you're one of the lucky ones that didn't get that Gene.  I guess I sound bitter about my hair loss but really what I am is I support people's choices especially when it comes to their personal appearance as for myself my losing my hair has been a blessing because it's made me look at things in my life that were definitely lacking so it's changed my life in a positive way and for that I'm grateful. Good luck and best wishes
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: chrisphilly123 on November 25, 2018, 02:19:51 PM
Thanks for all your comments and support. It’s been two weeks now and I’m still enjoying shaving every day. I’m feeling much more confident too about the look. With only one week to go before returning to work my hair is going to be extremely short whatever. So I’m just going to keep shaving. I’ve attached a couple of recent photos with a longer and shorter beard. I think I prefer the shorter look.

(https://i.postimg.cc/90y1d1Jw/08926823-_A2_BC-4_B04-9_C2_B-55_B78_B6_AA802.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/V6rK6ztR/6_AA87_B32-52_FA-4_AB9-_AACF-_AD7_E8_B74_E8_A8.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
shaved head, shorter facial hair = money!
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: Sq4 on January 01, 2019, 01:27:26 PM
Hope you stayed BBC, looks so much better!
I had the same thoughts about work, but some dislike it, some like it and most don't care. It's all about how you like yourself.
Title: Re: Finding the courage to stay bald
Post by: DoberDaddy on January 03, 2019, 05:03:33 AM
I also think the longer beard is better.

With hair or without hair, you look good. It's your choice, at least you have one!

Some guys shave for the summer, grow some hair for winter.

I did it every day for more than twenty years.

Be happy you can pull off any look.