Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => Reactions to being Bald => Topic started by: Laser Man on April 12, 2012, 09:06:32 PM
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I've had several instances in the past few months where I realize that people (mostly strangers, but some casual acquaintances, too) seem either wary or intimidated by my appearance (shaved head, moustache and goatee). I've been told by several people (all women) that my "new look" is kind of intimidating.
The most recent example was meeting a realtor who I hadn't seen in a year. My changed appearance seemed to elicit a wary and cautious reaction from her. Things lightened up when my wife arrived, but I sensed the realtor's discomfort when when she met up with a tall, bald guy in a dark overcoat.
Funny thing about it is that I'm not an intimidating person - I smile a lot and act polite and courteous.
Have you experienced this kind of wariness or caution toward you since going sly?
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Can't say that I have. (Except when I'm in biker leathers. That seems to scare the crap outa a lot of people.)
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I can't say I have noticed anything like this. Maybe I am a mouse but in the 8 yeares I have been sly with full beard I don't think anyone had been intimidated by me.
I just smile and look cconfident which does wonders for my ego.
Roger
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oh, yea. I live in the "third world" so bald guys are like aeliens around.
But they turn to be cool when they get to get to know me :)
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Not really...kinda goes with the territory, being military and what not.
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Never ,
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Nope
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No i haven"t. I"m very friendly and outgoing.
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I wear full leathers meself sometimes never a problem but I think it is the type of place where you live . Mbe its different if you live in some out back of Texas differnet response to Brighton UK where nobody gives a head turn as to the way folk dress and there are some very intriguing ways in which people look . The Sly bald look in Brighton is totally acceptable in leaisure and buisness / profession .Several of My surgical colleagues are sly bald
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Yes, but only for the first few seconds, then my smiles and manner turn them around.
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I live in quite a conservative/right wing/ part of England, where a lot of people I know regularly comment on my shaved/buzzed head. I think to some older people it's still seen as thuggish.
I just turn on the smile :)
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npsbg, I think I see the problem. Looking at your avatar (I assume that is you), I notice you are wearing sunglasses, so I suspect that your eyes are sensitive to light. This means that you probably have spent many years squinting in bright-light conditions, and have developed permanent ridges in your forehead between, and just above, your eyes, giving the impression that you are constantly scowling. If you compare your picture to those of others in this thread, you will see that they do not have those ridges. Combine that with a mouth whose corners naturally turn downward, and a somewhat rugged look to the skull area in general, and you have a person who looks quite intimidating. >:( I know because I have exactly the same problem. In my case it is partially concealed by my glasses, so a possible solution might be to look for sunglasses which hide the ridges. Also, tweaking the facial hair to hide the downward-turning corners of the mouth might help as well.
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I live in quite a conservative/right wing/ part of England, where a lot of people I know regularly comment on my shaved/buzzed head. I think to some older people it's still seen as thuggish.
I just turn on the smile :)
very skillfull ^-^ ^-^
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I would suggest to give them a big bright smile, np, it should make all the difference. If you looked the way you do in your avatar, then I can understand the reaction. ;)
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I live in quite a conservative/right wing/ part of England, where a lot of people I know regularly comment on my shaved/buzzed head. I think to some older people it's still seen as thuggish.
I just turn on the smile :)
Exactly the right thing to do.
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npsbg, I think I see the problem. Looking at your avatar (I assume that is you), I notice you are wearing sunglasses, so I suspect that your eyes are sensitive to light. This means that you probably have spent many years squinting in bright-light conditions, and have developed permanent ridges in your forehead between, and just above, your eyes, giving the impression that you are constantly scowling. If you compare your picture to those of others in this thread, you will see that they do not have those ridges. Combine that with a mouth whose corners naturally turn downward, and a somewhat rugged look to the skull area in general, and you have a person who looks quite intimidating. >:(
Is that supposed to make him feel better? ??? ???
A lot of people wear sunglasses; I think it's a huge leap to assume that just because someone does, that he has ridges in his forehead that create the illusion of a permascowl. If that were the case, he'd have had this problem long before he shaved his head. If you re-read the original question, you'll see that he specifically says that this reaction from others started at the time he went sly.
I think the intimidation factor has a lot to do with one's physical build. A big muscle-bound guy with a bald head might look intimidating to certain people, while those same people probably wouldn't find a smaller, skinny guy with a bald head to be intimidating at all. Clothing can also make a huge difference; a sly guy wearing a T-shirt and jeans might look "thuggish" to some people, but put that same guy in a suit and he'll probably be perceived in an entirely different way.
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npsbg, I think I see the problem. Looking at your avatar (I assume that is you), I notice you are wearing sunglasses, so I suspect that your eyes are sensitive to light. This means that you probably have spent many years squinting in bright-light conditions, and have developed permanent ridges in your forehead between, and just above, your eyes, giving the impression that you are constantly scowling. If you compare your picture to those of others in this thread, you will see that they do not have those ridges. Combine that with a mouth whose corners naturally turn downward, and a somewhat rugged look to the skull area in general, and you have a person who looks quite intimidating. >:(
Is that supposed to make him feel better? ??? ???
A lot of people wear sunglasses; I think it's a huge leap to assume that just because someone does, that he has ridges in his forehead that create the illusion of a permascowl. If that were the case, he'd have had this problem long before he shaved his head. If you re-read the original question, you'll see that he specifically says that this reaction from others started at the time he went sly.
I think the intimidation factor has a lot to do with one's physical build. A big muscle-bound guy with a bald head might look intimidating to certain people, while those same people probably wouldn't find a smaller, skinny guy with a bald head to be intimidating at all. Clothing can also make a huge difference; a sly guy wearing a T-shirt and jeans might look "thuggish" to some people, but put that same guy in a suit and he'll probably be perceived in an entirely different way.
I didn't want to say anything, but you hit the nail on the head Razor.
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Razor is right about physique and clothing , plus tats may also look intimidating . I find it very attractive , and i am sure adopting the right attitude avoiding eye contact with some folk can be protective when walking around places like Marzahn , Berlin or Whitehawk Brighton at1200 midnight .
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Slyfive and Razor X - thanks for your posts. I took no offense to the original one from Calbito. Indeed, I have lines on my forehead - as did my dad and as do my two brothers. I think of them as marks of distinction! :)
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I think of them as marks of distinction! :)
They prove you're doing lots of thinking! Smart head inside and out.
And in response to your comment baldchav, the tats do intimidate some people, but I have gotten more reactions due to the head than I did with tats before I shaved, I think it's because baldness is eye level.
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I think of them as marks of distinction! :)
They prove you're doing lots of thinking! Smart head inside and out.
Thanks! :)
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I almost retracted that post I made, thinking that it might have sounded too harsh, but like I said, I have the same problem, and it took someone else to point it out to me. So when I saw his avatar, the issue just jumped out at me. The guy was asking for help, I saw what might be the issue, and so I wanted to try and help, even if the truth was unpleasant, rather than just sugar-coat things and say "oh no, you look wonderful, can't see any problem". In retrospect, a PM probably would have been the better approach. Oh, well, live and learn.
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No need to apologize - no offense taken! :)
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NPSBG, No, I have never got that reaction. I echo what others have said, it's all about the build and the way we "carry" ourselves. I know what you mean by "intimidating", bald and a goatee, plus a stocky build can project that type of image, which may easily be broken when the person gets to know you.
If I had to judge your personality only on your profile pic without even having read your post, I would say that you look like a guy who does not take any crap from anyone. So yes, the perception can be there.
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When I lived in the UK it was never an issue, but now I live in a small, conservative city in Japan. There are not so many foreigners here, although I know 2 other sly guys.
Sometimes here older people, especially old ladies, will have looks of horror on their faces when they see me, almost to the level of disgust. My wife gets very angry about it sometimes, but I don't see how that will help. They're old, set in their ways, and even smiling as I would do naturally wouldn't fix things with them. A lot of older Japanese don't even believe foreigners should be allowed to live here. My smiling and being polite to them on the street isn't going to change that, but if anyone takes the time to have a proper conversation with me, they'll quickly see that their misgivings and preconceptions couldn't be more wide of the mark.
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I haven't experienced it myself yet but I sort of expect to.
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I haven't experienced it myself yet but I sort of expect to.
I've started to see it over about the past 10 days. It's kinda strange because I hadn't noticed it for my first couple of months being sly. But, since I've been back from vacation I've noticed some of my ship's new crew members giving me the "look" as I walk by. What seems particularly weird about it is that it's come from the guys. The women don't seem to give a rats a**.
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Yes I do lot of folks avoid me kinda funny tho as im in a wheel chair, not like I could beat you or anything. I do not smile and frown if I'm thinking plus I squint in the sun. I cant read minds it might be the chair and fear I would run them over oh well.
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baldOUfan ... looks very natural and approachable in your photo. Doesn't sound like people's occasional wariness bothers you, and it shouldn't.
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Occasionally I get the strange looks, but for the most part most seem accepting to the BBC look. TSA, loves to check me over more than necessary, imho. Taking up time on a bald, fat old man, I mean really?
O:O
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Friends and people that knew me before going BBC don't have a different attitude twoards me.
Strangers now: They kind of place me into a category (not the best of them all) they think I fit in, but when we have to interact I kind of suprise them.
If I make a judgement about somebody I only see in a picture or for 5 seconds on the street and I don't have the chance to actualy talk or interact with him/her then this says more about the stereotips I believe in than that person's character.
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For whatever reason, people have always been intimidated by me. I'm a prett big guy... 6'-1" and 230 lbs. and I have a definite Baltimore City accent that is kind of harsh, plus I'm tattooed and of course there is the bald head.
Thing is..... I'm a really compassionate guy that just keeps his good deeds to himself.
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Thing is..... I'm a really compassionate guy that just keeps his good deeds to himself.
The unpublicized good deeds are often the most rewarding and inwardly satisfying.
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Absolutely. Good deeds often lift your own spirits, as well as the intended beneficiary's. Win-win. O0
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Thing is..... I'm a really compassionate guy that just keeps his good deeds to himself.
The unpublicized good deeds are often the most rewarding and inwardly satisfying.
Agreed FG. I NEVER publicize the charity/good deeds that I take part in. I'll publicize the charity itself but NOT the part I take in it.
The rewards that I get from these types of things are so personally satisfying. Taking part also helps to keep me grounded.
If you've never recieved a hug from a happy special needs kid or a heartfelt "Thank You" from one of these kids Moms..... well you haven't lived.
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Thing is..... I'm a really compassionate guy that just keeps his good deeds to himself.
The unpublicized good deeds are often the most rewarding and inwardly satisfying.
Agreed FG. I NEVER publicize the charity/good deeds that I take part in. I'll publicize the charity itself but NOT the part I take in it.
The rewards that I get from these types of things are so personally satisfying. Taking part also helps to keep me grounded.
If you've never recieved a hug from a happy special needs kid or a heartfelt "Thank You" from one of these kids Moms..... well you haven't lived.
Another perspective, along the same line, which I relish is seeing the recipient's delight at the kindness, and then their wonderment at who might have done it "for them." I think that keeps them elevated a lot longer than if their benefactor is revealed. Such a good feeling.
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Can't say that I have. (Except when I'm in biker leathers. That seems to scare the crap outa a lot of people.)
;D
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I have had this kind of reaction from people, especially when I first went sly. Some folks thought I had joined a Skinhead group or something similar. At first, some folks who didn't really know me, would avoid me. However, when I gave them a smile & began to speak to them civilly, it kind of took them by surprise & dis-armed them completely!
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It is possible..
However I'm 6'4 250lbs
Covered with tattoos..
And the truth...
I could give a **** what most people think about me.
Those who matter know better.
If I'm judged on my appearance alone well shame on those who are afraid to scratch the surface to see what is beneath.
Besides it keeps the shallow and insecure away.
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If I'm judged on my appearance alone well shame on those who are afraid to scratch the surface to see what is beneath.
Besides it keeps the shallow and insecure away.
Ain't that the truth, I'm now around alot of non-judgemental people, which is great!
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Again I am 6'3" so I do notice some people seem hesitant
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Yeah I get people that are wary of the way I look, it's a curse for being so damn handsome ;D
Seriously though I do get some people that think I am intimidating being 6'-3" 275lbs and fugly but first impressions can be deceiving, once I flash my toothless smile and they chat to me they know I am a big cuddly teddybear......shhhhhhh keep that amongst the Sly Brotherhood here O0
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Only children and teenagers are afraid of me until they get to know me for five seconds I'm to goofy to be scary when they know me 8)
Although when they get more comfortable I notice people want to touch my head a lot lol
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Yeah, I have been called "sir" more times in the 7 weeks that I have been a baldy than I have been in the previous year. and its by the same people I have been dealing with for years while doing my job. Most of my friends and neighbors seem to like the new look and know that I am just a big friendly goofy nut.
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What's funny is that I get it most when walking around my very safe and quiet neighborhood. Though, it's usually the Asian or Indian women, though they probably cross the street for all men walking in the neighborhood.
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I normally don't care what others may think, but if it bothers you I would try a different pair of sunglasses. I don't think the baldness is intimidating, though.
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To add a little of the opposite side...
I could sum up the majority of the in-person reactions to me being a slight, 5'3", sly gal as "adorable!"; "do you have cancer, poor dear?" and "you shaved your head to help your friend/child with cancer, you lovely soul!"
There's been a negligible amount of ugly anti-gay comments but we shall ignore those as the opinions of idiots have no statistical significance.
I'd say about half the people I've interacted with have been really supportive of me being sly for my own preferences, and about half seemed really disappointed that the reason I was a slyette wasn't "good enough." Those whose opinions I know well and care for obviously skew heavily in the first direction.
So it's almost like people assume I'm more nurturing/supportive when they see me sly until they learn that there's no cancer patient at home.
Don't think anyone's afraid of me but wouldn't mind feeling a little tough for a change I think. ;D
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I normally don't care what others may think, but if it bothers you I would try a different pair of sunglasses. I don't think the baldness is intimidating, though.
Just think ... you could have green skin with purple lips ... so I am glad that you are you ... and yes ... new sunglasses will only show off your bald personality radiance ... regardless !
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As other folks have pointed out there's probably a cultural factor to consider too. Back in Italy I used to get a lot of wary if not outright hostile reactions, if anything because Italians can be very conservative and narrow-minded when it comes to appearances. Up to just a few years ago you really didn't see many young bald/sly guys around there and even though I used to be as thin as I rake I've got my fair share of funny looks, people edging away from me, being called a skinhead and so on. Never had this kind of grief in England, but then again the bald look is way more common here.
Worst I can say is that, having beefed up a bit since I moved to London, I've been mistaken for a bouncer / security guard a couple of times ;D
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As other folks have pointed out there's probably a cultural factor to consider too. Back in Italy I used to get a lot of wary if not outright hostile reactions, if anything because Italians can be very conservative and narrow-minded when it comes to appearances. Up to just a few years ago you really didn't see many young bald/sly guys around there and even though I used to be as thin as I rake I've got my fair share of funny looks, people edging away from me, being called a skinhead and so on. Never had this kind of grief in England, but then again the bald look is way more common here.
Worst I can say is that, having beefed up a bit since I moved to London, I've been mistaken for a bouncer / security guard a couple of times ;D
;) You do kinda have that Godfather look ! I have always wanted to go to Italy, I love pasta, and also have some italian in my gene's ! That stash looks good on you O0
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Ahah thanks Switch, the stache is still a work in progress and filling in slowly, we'll see what kind of reactions it'll get me in a few weeks... already had a colleague asking if I was planning to become a Bronson impersonator http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) :D
Definitely take a trip to Italy if you ever get the chance... it's a pretty messed-up country in many ways but it IS beautiful, no mistake (I can't comment about the food cause of course I'm kind of biased there).
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latorrettaresort.it%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F05%2Fbobbio-e-val-trebbia-4.jpg&hash=aaa0dd539cc036d5d24d477cbc75184c59f732be)
This is where I grew up by the way, a bit off the tourist track and well worth a visit... kind of place where a sly head is sure to get more than its share of odd looks though :D
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I haven't met someone yet that has said the sly look is intimidating yet but they did say that about my voice. Don't know why but I am a really nice person and will try to do good all the time but can't be good all the time got to be bad sometimes but that is hardly ever O0
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Aside from the past few weeks at work (when I was genuinely disgruntled,) I haven't noticed people being wary of me. I can tell you that for someone of short stature (5'4",) I carry myself as someone much bigger, and I usually have a very serious appearance whenever I walk/stomp.
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Yeah, a Leather jacket and a shaved head can be intimidating to the older ladies! But flash a smile and say hello and you are good O0
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I am a skinhead to most people at my school. But people who know me well enough know I am pretty much the opposite
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the stache is still a work in progress and filling in slowly, we'll see what kind of reactions it'll get me in a few weeks... already had a colleague asking if I was planning to become a Bronson impersonator http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) :D
Good luck with the 'stache Todo. Personally I like a slick head and stache as a combination.
Good link too. Actor Tom Hardy looks real fierce with a shaved head in Bronson and Dark Knight. I still get amazed at how a shaved head can really change an appearance. Hardy is a great case in point.
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Ahah thanks Switch, the stache is still a work in progress and filling in slowly, we'll see what kind of reactions it'll get me in a few weeks... already had a colleague asking if I was planning to become a Bronson impersonator http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) :D
Definitely take a trip to Italy if you ever get the chance... it's a pretty messed-up country in many ways but it IS beautiful, no mistake (I can't comment about the food cause of course I'm kind of biased there).
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latorrettaresort.it%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F05%2Fbobbio-e-val-trebbia-4.jpg&hash=aaa0dd539cc036d5d24d477cbc75184c59f732be)
This is where I grew up by the way, a bit off the tourist track and well worth a visit... kind of place where a sly head is sure to get more than its share of odd looks though :D
Dov'è questa meraviglia? :@`
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Hey hey buongiorno, another Italian on board! This is Bobbio, in Emilia Romagna - place to go if you like medieval towns, plus the surrounding countryside is awesome and there are some mean rafting spots on the river (and don't even get me started on the food bit :@`). Whereabouts are you from?
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No cant say I intimidate people but for some reason skin heads keep adding me as friends on facebook... lol
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I haven't noticed anyone being wary, but I have only been bald for 30 days.
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Since i shaved my head i have gotten a few comments about looking scary. I'm a pretty big guy (193 cm and 102 kg) and i started using contacts instead of glasses about the same time that i went bald. The hair and glasses made me look kinda dorky, and when i changed my style i started looking like more of a stereotypical tough guy i guess.
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Size (mass) can be intimidating all on its own. You can soften that perception with your smile, gestures and general behavior. Sometimes it does take a little effort to break through the preconceived barriers people put up.
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The other day there were these two young fellas, I'd guess in their early twenties who pulled up behind me and the wife at a stop sign.
I had wanted to speak to them about some tree pruning's that the electric utility company had left on the curb in front of their house, (I burn wood for heat), and this was an opportunity to ask them about it.
Well I got out of my truck and started walking back towards them indicating with my hand for the driver to roll down the window, and much to my surprise they started to back up.
Long story-short, we did reach an agreement, and they were glad to get rid of the wood.
But it took the wife who told me it was my new look that had them thinking "what did we do to piss this guy off". :x!
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I wish we lived in a world where this kind of fear had not been needlessly perpetuated by a select few bad people
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I've been noticing recently that some of the new people on my ship act like. Oddly enough, it's always the guys who look intimidated and they're (mostly) younger than me. The ladies, though, always seem like they don't give a rat's ass!
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I've been noticing recently that some of the new people on my ship act like. Oddly enough, it's always the guys who look intimidated and they're (mostly) younger than me. The ladies, though, always seem like they don't give a rat's ass!
I've noticed that too! Probably says something about the way women and men perceive things differently (eg body language)?
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I've been noticing recently that some of the new people on my ship act like. Oddly enough, it's always the guys who look intimidated and they're (mostly) younger than me. The ladies, though, always seem like they don't give a rat's ass!
I've noticed that too! Probably says something about the way women and men perceive things differently (eg body language)?
Good point.
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I've noticed that as well. Woman dont seem to find bald heads intimidating at all, if anything they like them. All the women I work with love it but I noticed one of my male colleagues seamed to think I was trying to be a hardman! Have educated him in his error in judgement and had him laughing by the end of the shift
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The other day there were these two young fellas, I'd guess in their early twenties who pulled up behind me and the wife at a stop sign.
I had wanted to speak to them about some tree pruning's that the electric utility company had left on the curb in front of their house, (I burn wood for heat), and this was an opportunity to ask them about it.
Well I got out of my truck and started walking back towards them indicating with my hand for the driver to roll down the window, and much to my surprise they started to back up.
Long story-short, we did reach an agreement, and they were glad to get rid of the wood.
But it took the wife who told me it was my new look that had them thinking "what did we do to piss this guy off". :x!
hahahaha that's funny
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I am 6'1 220lb and work as a nightclub doorman being the only bald one there I always get mistaken for the one in charge or the one who 'takes care of business' they don't realise I'm 19 and one of the youngest doormen in my city!
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I haven't noticed anything too different, although when I am in my biker gear and club colors, I do see more cautious respect from people when they approach me. However, I don't think that's from the bald head, but rather from the colors that I wear. To most people in general, a biker is a biker and when you wear colors, we're all outlaws!
I did have one girl who I met at a club tell me I have a mean look, but that didn't stop her from approaching me.
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Being 5'6 and 150 lbs I don't have the size thing going on but I am heavily tattooed so if I'm some place that calls for being shirtless (water park, beach etc.) I notice some moms hide their kids and clinch their purse but usually ladies are more relaxed than guys which seem to kind of avoid me...I did have a white lady that exclusively dates men of color ask if I was a skinhead...I laughed and pointed out my hispanic wife and kid .I worked in a prison 3 years and have met real aryan skinheads ...and was cited for excessive use of force after one called my partner a certain word that starts with n and ends with his face busted...that's the only thing that has bothered me is being confused /grouped in with skins
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I was wondering if a similar thing would happen before I shaved my head. for me nothing really has yet, people look at me strangely as I walk past like usual, but my default face (or any face I can make) is not really scary at all.
I work with kids in a youth group and they don't seem bothered by it, just asked me if I was thinking of growing a beard like an emperor.
On first sight people may be a little intimidated, but as soon as I start talking they seem fine.
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I have noticed a few people are a bit cautious around me, and some even treat me as an authority figure. I have noticed that whenever I am around with a group of friends and someone new approaches (a waiter, a shopkeeper) his attention is mostly towards me, if someone is shaking hands -I am the first one to be approached.
Its still true (atleast where I live) - nobody forgets the "bald guy" at the party. :P
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I haven't experienced anyone being any more cautious around me than before I went sly.
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I'm tall but thin, so I don't think anyone finds me any more threatening now that I'm smooth!
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If they don't cringe when I walk into the room, it's clear something's not quite right with my prepping for public presentation that day.
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I guess I can count staring down a guy on New Year's Eve who for a few minutes seemed intent on getting into a fight with me. My wife says his attitude visibly changed when I took off my ski cap. All I had done was to ask him to stop setting off fireworks in front of my house.
The addition of the beard has stopped my daughter's friends and some random people I pass at the store from calling me "Heisenberg" or "Walter White" whenever I wear my glasses.
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I have had people say on the lines of that when i had my really big beard not now though.
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Nope. Not yet as I am new to being sly.
Roger
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Oh yeah totally! I'm always on late night trains around Melbourne and it makes me laugh when people give me a wide berth! But I'm actually really nice... It's just a haircut!
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SWvic: Sorry, but I can't see how people could find your appearance intimidating. You look like a poster boy for "niceness". From your photo you look to me like "the cat that swallowed the canary" and that you are about .5 seconds from breaking out into a big smile and laughter!
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I don't know if you're complimenting or insulting me!!! Think darkened platform I guess!
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It was a COMPLIMENT!
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Ha ok well that's alright then!
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I'll occasionally get that cautious reaction from sone people I'm around 5' 11" and 215 not the biggest guy around. I tend to notice a very large difference in how people react to me dependant on what I am wearing, if I'm wearing a t-shirt and jeans and sunglasses people seem a tad more hesitant than when I'm wearing a nice button down shirt or a suit. But to be fair I do kinda look like I've got a scowl usually even though I'm quite friendly. I don't think I'm too intimidating as I have had to walk with a cane for the last couple of years.
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I will also say that I have noticed far more people smiling at me now with my head shaved than I did when I had a full head of hair.
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A couple of years ago we had security issues in México. Once I was driving my car and felt somebody was looking at me so I turn head and the driver looks alarmed and change lane.
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You know the clothes you wear really do make a difference. When I'm in full biker gear, people are a little more cautious to approach. When I'm dressed up or have on nicer clothes, they're not as apprehensive. Like agentfortyseven, I do tend to look like I have a scowl on my face so that probably doesn't help the situation any either.
A friend at work told me once that if she didn't know me and came across me dressed in full biker gear she'd be terrified! Hahaha! Another time I walked into another friend's high end hair salon, again in full biker gear with sunglasses on, and just stood there by the door waiting for my friend so I could take her to lunch. I found out later on that I scared the hell out of the receptionist. She didn't know who I was or what I was gonna do 'cause I was just standing there. I guess my posture seemed threatening. Go figure!
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Since moving to Ohio from Connecticut yes people stare and avoid me at all cost bald guys out here do the comb over or have pony tails but bald on top very strange.
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nope but I have a handsome inviting face so it doesn't intimidate people.. :@`
But If I let my facial hair grow out I look more like a bad ass'ish Russian hit man...
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I haven't really noticed any change in people, after all I am still me :)
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No, but I have gotten comments such as "whoa, what happened to your hair?" when I went sly. I was skyping a friend one time, her dad (known me since I was a young kid, i'm 15 now) walked into the room and goes "who's that bald guy?". I'm 95 percent sure he was kidding. ;D
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I've never really been aware of any negative reactions from people and passers-by; my life bringing me into contact with people from 8 to 80. What I have noticed since being bald-by-choice is that people seem to remember me much more easily than before - whether that is to with walking around with a shaved head I can't say, but it seems most likely.
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Maybe it used to be like that but there's so many of us bald guys that they don't even think about it anymore.
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Yes, happens to me,specially with old people
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Yes, happens to me,specially with old people
I'm guessing old people fear 'gang member.' Sometimes I'll get a double look.
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Yes, happens to me,specially with old people
I'm guessing old people fear 'gang member.' Sometimes I'll get a double look.
I like it,keeps wrong people away.
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I started this thread when I had been shaving my head for less than a year. It's now 7 1/2 years later and either people are no longer intimidated or I just stopped noticing. One thing that has happened during that time is that shaved heads have become very common in the area where I live.
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I agree, shaved heads are so common now, I never get a comment or second look anymore. I kind of miss that attention I would get being "the guy with shaved bald head".
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I have been SLY for 15 years and early on there were times that I would get odd glances or people would ask me if it was because of a medical issue. In today’s world, it has become so common including men that go SLY that have a full head of hair.
I guess we are just lucky.
Wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
Can’t wait for my shave today.
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I know with my beard and shaved head, I get a lot more 'random' checks for security
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I agree, shaved heads are so common now, I never get a comment or second look anymore. I kind of miss that attention I would get being "the guy with shaved bald head".
Come to Mexico,here is still Taboo.
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I don't believe people are more cautious or wary of me because I have a shaved head. Certainly older people have made rude comments. I think people of my generation are more understanding as to why one would choose to shave their head. I feel like older people feel like shaving your head is something you're forced to do based on hair-loss where as younger look at it as a choice and that being sly is style within itself.
I'm almost 30 (I became sly when I was 28). When I had hair, I was being asked for ID when I gambled or bought alcohol 50-75% of the time. The moment I became sly, I haven't been asked for ID since.
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No, but I have gotten comments such as "whoa, what happened to your hair?" when I went sly. I was skyping a friend one time, her dad (known me since I was a young kid, i'm 15 now) walked into the room and goes "who's that bald guy?". I'm 95 percent sure he was kidding. ;D
Yeah, I agree that he was probably just kidding you - but he must think that you look good with it because he obviously noticed it enough to comment and if he didn't think it looked good he would have said something negative.
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I never notice anyone looking at me cautiously other than being in awe of the SLY look.
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I do notice when guys with noticeable thinning eye me up. I just assume they are thinking "that looks good, wish I had the balls to do that". Obviously, with the increased amount of sly guys now, some have followed our lead!
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I do notice when guys with noticeable thinning eye me up. I just assume they are thinking "that looks good, wish I had the balls to do that". Obviously, with the increased amount of sly guys now, some have followed our lead!
I get long looks for other dudes who are loosing hair although few will start a conversation about it.They must be thinking they're headed for the same.
Living in a big city, I see so many guys, esp younger guys, with buzzed 1 or 0 guards, or shaved. I think in the past 4-5 years, it's become almost too common. No doubt the 'selfie generation' has learned to just say f**k it to balding hair.
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People tend to stare at me although I can't imagine why. Most comments are complimentary.
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20 years ago, or even 10, shaved heads were so much less common, so it stood out. Even when I first shaved it off 7 years ago, I would notice people giving me a glance. Personally, I liked it more when wearing a shaved head was less common and a little edgy. Now it's just another hairstyle. It is kind of fun when you're out somewhere and 2 or 3 baldies stand around together, usually discussing shaving routines.
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20 years ago, or even 10, shaved heads were so much less common, so it stood out. Even when I first shaved it off 7 years ago, I would notice people giving me a glance. Personally, I liked it more when wearing a shaved head was less common and a little edgy. Now it's just another hairstyle. It is kind of fun when you're out somewhere and 2 or 3 baldies stand around together, usually discussing shaving routines.
"discussing shaving routines"? Oh man, that's priceless :*))
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I've had several instances in the past few months where I realize that people (mostly strangers, but some casual acquaintances, too) seem either wary or intimidated by my appearance (shaved head, moustache and goatee). I've been told by several people (all women) that my "new look" is kind of intimidating.
The most recent example was meeting a realtor who I hadn't seen in a year. My changed appearance seemed to elicit a wary and cautious reaction from her. Things lightened up when my wife arrived, but I sensed the realtor's discomfort when when she met up with a tall, bald guy in a dark overcoat.
Funny thing about it is that I'm not an intimidating person - I smile a lot and act polite and courteous.
Have you experienced this kind of wariness or caution toward you since going sly?
When I was buzzcut, people were going out of my way on the streets LMAO
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I think people are intimidated by the appearance of a bald guy. As reddog said, it’s a more common haircut today than what it was 20 years ago. I think keeping a shaved head has improved my confidence to a certain extent.
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I think a 67 year old bald man is less intimidating than a 67 year old man that has shoulder length hair. I'm 67 years old and since I've been bald, people seem to be more friendly toward me.
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I'm also 67 years old. When I first shaved 8 years ago, I noticed alot of people giving me some looks, and I liked having an edgy looking haircut. Shaved heads were just starting to become more common around here. Nowadays, nobody gives a second look or makes a comment. Guys with shaved heads are everywhere, definitely just another haircut choice. I kind of miss the old days when a shaved head stood out more!
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When I first start shaving my head it happened a few times.
But more recently with current events in the US, people who engage in more hateful/dangerous behavior tend to have that greasy sidebrush look.
Yet another advantage of being bald.