Sly Bald Guys Forum

New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: steve69 on September 14, 2020, 09:48:26 PM

Title: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 14, 2020, 09:48:26 PM
Hi, all,

This is my first post and I'm happy to be a part of the community! A couple fun facts about me:
I've lost over 110 pounds the past couple years and have worked my way up to walking and jogging 10 to 12 miles a day.

I started getting thin in my early 20s and started shaving my head. But I was seriously overweight and really unhealthy. Three years ago I started to take steps to get healthier. As I lost weight, I started to wonder what I'd look like with hair again. I started wearing hair systems and have been playing around with different styles.

But lately I started to wonder how I'd look with a shaved head again now that I've lost so much weight, but I was afraid to do it. I think I was afraid I'd still see the old me. But it was really hot on Saturday so I headed to the barber shop and got my head shaved again.

A lot of people like it better than the hair systems. I haven't decided yet. It definitely feels better, especially when I'm getting in my miles. What does everyone think? Was it a good move or a big mistake?

Here's how I looked 110 pounds heavier with a shaved head, then with a couple hair systems and then yesterday with the shaved head minus 110 pounds.
(https://i.postimg.cc/DzBDs9C8/IMG-20200914-232757.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGS3fBfh)

Added some better photos of the shaved head, at least as much better as it can get with my face. At least I have a decently shaped head LOL.
(https://i.postimg.cc/hjM3T5Jp/BBC2.png) (https://postimg.cc/MMMD8tmQ)
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Dragon on September 15, 2020, 12:17:02 AM
@steve69 Well done, good for you for taking control of your life.  The systems look good but the new shaved you looks brilliant. Natural, strong, confident
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 15, 2020, 03:14:40 PM
@Dragon Thanks for the kind words. It's taking some getting used to, but I do feel a lot less self-conscious than when I was wearing the hair systems and it is a lot cooler. I'll probably stick with the shaved head and mustache for at least a while. The beard was really uncomfortable when I have to wear a face mask all day long.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: reddog on September 15, 2020, 03:38:35 PM
Congratulations on the weight loss Steve, and keep rocking the baldie! It has to feel so much better with a smooth shaved head. You have a nice head shape, and you wear the bald style well!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Dragon on September 16, 2020, 01:18:16 AM
@steve69 you have to stick with it for a while to get used to it.  im sure when you started using a system it looked strange at first, until you got used to it. The same applies to the shaved hairstyle, hence the 30 day rule

@Dragon Thanks for the kind words. It's taking some getting used to, but I do feel a lot less self-conscious than when I was wearing the hair systems and it is a lot cooler. I'll probably stick with the shaved head and mustache for at least a while. The beard was really uncomfortable when I have to wear a face mask all day long.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 17, 2020, 03:57:11 PM
Congratulations on the weight loss Steve, and keep rocking the baldie! It has to feel so much better with a smooth shaved head. You have a nice head shape, and you wear the bald style well!

Thanks, @reddog  - I've changed a lot the last couple years and I guess the head shave was just the next step. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it the last few days, so I guess it's a keeper. It definitely feels better when I'm exercising.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 17, 2020, 03:59:36 PM
@Dragon - yeah, the hair systems definitely took some getting used to. But the more I get used to the shaved head with my slimmed down face, the more I like it. And pretty much everyone has said they prefer the smooth look to the system, so I think I'll keep it shaved for a lot longer than 30 days!

@steve69 you have to stick with it for a while to get used to it.  im sure when you started using a system it looked strange at first, until you got used to it. The same applies to the shaved hairstyle, hence the 30 day rule

@Dragon Thanks for the kind words. It's taking some getting used to, but I do feel a lot less self-conscious than when I was wearing the hair systems and it is a lot cooler. I'll probably stick with the shaved head and mustache for at least a while. The beard was really uncomfortable when I have to wear a face mask all day long.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: slybeard on September 19, 2020, 03:58:55 PM
IMO, shaved looks better on you.  But you are asking guys on a head shaving forum.  My suggestion, keep it shaved, and grow some facial hair.  I think a shaved head goes well with a beard, or at least some facial hair if not a full beard.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 20, 2020, 07:25:51 PM
Thanks, @slybeard. I'm going to keep it shaved for a while, anyway. The response has been pretty positive, especially from women, which is a bonus. They say it makes me look more confident. It's just hard for me to get used to for some reason despite the fact I used to shave my head when I was a lot heavier.

I'm going to experiment with the facial hair. I have to wear a face mask a lot, so I'll see how long I can let it grow and still be comfortable with the mask.

All in all I have to agree that the bald look works pretty well for me now. Let's see how it goes when I hopefully lose another 50 or 60 pounds.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Semi-Sly on September 27, 2020, 12:44:07 PM
 Be brutally honest that hair system looked terrible! 

 You absolutely made the right decision !
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 28, 2020, 07:34:52 AM
Be brutally honest that hair system looked terrible! 

 You absolutely made the right decision !

@Semi-Sly

I'm not sure that I agree with your opinion on the hair systems. Pretty much everyone I know liked them and people who didn't know they were systems didn't even suspect.

But I agree that going back to the shaved head was the right move, at least for now. I was getting a lot of headaches and I think there were caused by wearing the hair systems pretty much continually for a couple years. A lot of women I've asked definitely prefer the smooth look, so that's a step on the right direction. And I've had a couple kids ask if I'm a police officer, so maybe I'll get a little more respect LOL.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: DAMMAG on September 30, 2020, 03:25:17 AM
Fit and bald is a good look hair or no hair. Add in the fact that a hair system is a "painful" band aid and the answer is obvious.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on September 30, 2020, 09:13:48 AM
Fit and bald is a good look hair or no hair. Add in the fact that a hair system is a "painful" band aid and the answer is obvious.

@DAMMAG

I'm still working on getting fit - I'd like to lose another 50 pounds or so. The hair systems can be physically painful. I think they have been giving me headaches, so an at least temporary break is in order. For now I'm loving the shaved head and I've gotten a lot of positive feedback, especially from women, so I'm feeling more confident in my decision to go Sly again.

I went back to the barber shop yesterday for another straight razor head shave. Went out and logged another 10 miles after that. Definitely feels better when I'm exercising.

(https://i.postimg.cc/kGt02sZy/IMG-20200917-0852492.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/MfqP47zc)
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Tyler on October 17, 2020, 04:07:02 AM
Shaved head looks great! Keep up the good work with the weight loss!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Rusty Shackleford on March 23, 2021, 06:54:20 AM
Damn 110lbs? Your old pics may only show your face but it doesn't seem like you'd have 110lbs to spare!  Congratulations that a hellalotta weight to lose!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Semi-Sly on March 27, 2021, 12:39:07 PM
That is an unbelievable weight loss.  Congrats! AndIMHO there is no question that you look great With the clean dome and a mustache!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on March 29, 2021, 06:00:50 PM
Afraid you've got a backslider on your hands. I ended up feeling really self conscious with the shaved head.

I kept seeing the old 350 pound me staring back in the mirror. I appreciate all the positive feedback, though! I love the way being sly felt, just not how it looked on me, at least not right now. I'll be 52 in a couple months, so maybe that'll be when I decide to return to the ways of sly. Until then, peace out and thanks again!


Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: clint902 on March 29, 2021, 11:48:01 PM
Your health is the most important thing which I hope you're maintaining.  As for your hair, it was a terrific look on you and made you look younger but isn't for everyone.  I guess what I'm saying is you can always shave your head but getting back your health is another matter.  In my case, impossible.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: slybeard on March 30, 2021, 06:37:29 AM
You need to do what you want to do.  You are not the only one here that sported a shaved head for some time, and then either grew it back or used a system.  We have several members that go through cycles, hair in winter, shaved in summer.  It is all about finding out what works for you.  I will say you system looks good, but of course I am partial to the shaved look.

And just because you are not shaving, it does not mean you cannot stay plugged in to the site.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: reddog on March 30, 2021, 11:11:16 AM
Yes, not everyone is cut out to wear a shaved head. It's alot of work if you must have it smooth. Thank God I'm at the age that I don't care what anyone thinks, I love the look and feel of a totally bald noggin!

No offense, but that hair system doesn't look at all natural. But you have to do what makes you happy. At some point you will notice shaved heads everywhere, and probably will return to the spy Brotherhood.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Cave Dweller on March 30, 2021, 02:36:39 PM
Bravo on that accomplishment, sir!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on March 30, 2021, 07:02:58 PM
Thanks! I'm still aiming to lose another 50 or so pounds. It's been a long process, but I've kept off what I've lost, except for a couple times when I got sick and had to take steroids.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on March 30, 2021, 07:06:58 PM
Yes, not everyone is cut out to wear a shaved head. It's alot of work if you must have it smooth. Thank God I'm at the age that I don't care what anyone thinks, I love the look and feel of a totally bald noggin!

No offense, but that hair system doesn't look at all natural. But you have to do what makes you happy. At some point you will notice shaved heads everywhere, and probably will return to the spy Brotherhood.

I see guys with shaved heads a lot and they look great on them. On me? Not so much. At least in my eyes. And I've been upfront with people about wearing a hair system and most had no idea. I was pretty much bald by the time I was 18, so maybe that has something to do with it.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: slybeard on March 31, 2021, 07:05:20 AM
It is actually a common reaction - shaved looks good on others, but not myself.  I am on another board for beards and it is the same, beards look good on others, but not myself.  Or in my own case, Gray beards look good on others, but not me (so I dye it).
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Razorhead on March 31, 2021, 07:24:07 PM
@steve69 congratulations on the weight loss! I’m the same age as you and taking care of yourself is important. Hopefully fitness will pay off in our older years. I like the shaved head on you. It looks great. It says confidence. At our age some level of baldness is expected. And expected by and unsurprising to others. But you carry it well. And you don’t look your age at all. We are our own worst critics. Let the compliments that others are giving you the confidence to move forward. I doubt anyone is equating your choice for a shaved head is reminiscent of any past bad habits. Everyone is seeing you as moving forward even with a shaved head. And so should you.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on April 02, 2021, 07:30:15 AM
It is actually a common reaction - shaved looks good on others, but not myself.  I am on another board for beards and it is the same, beards look good on others, but not myself.  Or in my own case, Gray beards look good on others, but not me (so I dye it).

I'm glad other people have the same issue. I see a lot of guys that look really confident with a shaved head and I feel less confident. The irony is that a lot of women actually seem to prefer me with the shaved head. So maybe I just need to let myself grow into the look a bit. I'm starting to do some resistance training at the gym, so maybe that'll help boost my confidence. Walking and jogging will only get you so far.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on April 02, 2021, 07:36:40 AM
Your health is the most important thing which I hope you're maintaining.  As for your hair, it was a terrific look on you and made you look younger but isn't for everyone.  I guess what I'm saying is you can always shave your head but getting back your health is another matter.  In my case, impossible.

Agree completely - your health is ultimately what matters. I'm really sorry that your health is impossible to recover. I won't pry - but I can't imagine what that must be like. I have severe persistent asthma and my lungs only function at about 25% of normal, so I never actually feel good/great, but losing weight and exercising at least help me feel better about myself. I'm still walking and jogging 10 to 12 miles a day and am starting to get into resistance training.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on April 02, 2021, 07:40:06 AM
That is an unbelievable weight loss.  Congrats! AndIMHO there is no question that you look great With the clean dome and a mustache!

Thanks! It's an ongoing process. I backslide some this winter after I lost 5 friends to different things over the course of a couple months. But I'm back to healthier eating habits and logging my 10 to 12 miles a day.

And all of the positive comments on the shaved head have me rethinking things. The hair system is a pain to get to look halfway decent and now that summer's almost here, I might return to the Sly look sooner rather than later. Stay tuned...
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on April 02, 2021, 07:43:58 AM
@steve69 congratulations on the weight loss! I’m the same age as you and taking care of yourself is important. Hopefully fitness will pay off in our older years. I like the shaved head on you. It looks great. It says confidence. At our age some level of baldness is expected. And expected by and unsurprising to others. But you carry it well. And you don’t look your age at all. We are our own worst critics. Let the compliments that others are giving you the confidence to move forward. I doubt anyone is equating your choice for a shaved head is reminiscent of any past bad habits. Everyone is seeing you as moving forward even with a shaved head. And so should you.

Thanks! I honestly feel better and ostensibly look better now than I did when I was in my 30s. I frequently get guessed as being in my 30s, with or without hair. And you are absolutely right - I am my own worst critic and the positive feedback you guys have been giving me on the shaved head are making me reconsider. A lot of women really liked the shaved head, and now that we're getting out from under the lockdown, it might be time to go Sly again and try to find a date.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on April 24, 2021, 09:29:52 AM
So I decided today was the day. I think I like it better this time than last. Plus I've lost a bit more weight since the last head shave, which helps.

(https://i.postimg.cc/RZrM7Ybg/Face-App-1619273205854-2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nCkbZ3xm)
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: reddog on April 24, 2021, 09:48:58 AM
Hi Steve, You look absolutely awesome! I can't believe you would want any other look. Keep the facial hair, that is looking great too. I hope you realize that shaved is a perfect style for you. Just enjoy it!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: clint902 on April 24, 2021, 03:24:26 PM
Hey Steve!  That such a good look on you and looks so natural.  There's nothing to be self conscious about there.  Be proud of yourself and accomplishment! YR*(k

Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Dragon on April 25, 2021, 02:19:23 AM
Looks brilliant, Steve.  You need look to further this is you
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: slybeard on April 26, 2021, 06:34:08 AM
Welcome back to shaved, Steve. 
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: g_bald on August 01, 2021, 12:22:28 PM
You look great Steve! I hope you feel good about yourself and what you've accomplished. Yes, I think the sly look compliments you very well. You look happy and healthy which is what really matters!
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: steve69 on August 26, 2021, 07:04:04 PM
Sorry, guys - it's been a rough few months so I've been out of the loop. I ended up with a serious back injury and could barely walk for a while.

For the first time since I lost all that weight, I actually felt like I was 52. I'm happy to report that I'm on the mend and did my first 5 miles nonstop in a while today. To celebrate, I stopped at the barber shop on the way home for the first straight razor head shave I've had in a while.

I think I'm finally accepting the fact the shaved head is a halfway okay look for me.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Razorhead on August 26, 2021, 09:06:54 PM
@steve69 sorry to hear about your bad back. Thankfully it sounds like you are on the mend. And nice job on the 5 miles. I’ve slacked off on running myself so I’m working my way back up on the miles. I feel good about it and I’m about the same age as you.

I think you look great with a shaved head and it suits you. Plus, blue eyes always steel all the attention.

What did you think of your barbershop head shave? I’ve had a few of them my self. Most were disappointing, except the one shop i went too — Hot towels. Moisturizer. Razor shave plus norelco shaver, Aftershave. That felt good. But the barber shop went into decline.

 I find most barber shop shaves to leave stubble and no where near as smooth as what I can do at home.
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: Dragon on August 27, 2021, 01:29:50 AM
Glad to hear that you are on the mend @steve69.  Your pictures look great, the sly look really does suit you
Title: Re: 110 pounds lighter and changing things up
Post by: slybeard on August 27, 2021, 06:14:23 AM
Glad your back is better.  Your shaved head really looks good on you from this side of the computer screen.  I suggest you give more facile hair a try with it.