Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: nyjrb on October 03, 2014, 11:09:29 PM
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Hi, I'm 24 years old, with a loooong history of balding men in my family, so I always figured that one day I would start to lose my hair, but, like most, I was hoping it would hold off for awhile. Alas I started to notice more forehead and some miniaturized hairs. So I posted on a few hairloss forums to get some opinions on whether or not I was going bald. Turns out my worst fears came true. Once I found that out, it has consumed me. I know that it's just slight thinning, but it's all I see. Anyways a few people (including my barber) suggested that if I was self conscious of the thinning, I could try a ceaser cut or a buzz cut. Now I've never had that short of hair. But recently I've thought that maybe I should try shaving it off when I still have alot of hair, so it won't become so noticeable or drive me insane when it inevitable becomes worse. The thing is I think I will look terrible without hair! So I would like opinions/advice/words of encouragement from people who have made that choice.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc200%2FRushkryptonite%2Fdvbf.png&hash=f7479e271d73f94d8ea95b5d5497dfbdabc7d6d0)(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc200%2FRushkryptonite%2Funnamed.jpg&hash=2d614c32753da189b566a226a7ec6e220ccc04fa)
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Try it, it will always grow back if you don't like it.
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From the photos it looks like you have alot of hair. Sounds like you are looking for an excuse to shave your head, and that's ok. Maybe you should find a local charity head shave, if you don't like it, you will be surprised how fast it grows back.
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I have a full head of hair, and for most of the past 8 months, I've been shaving it every day. I'm very content with that choice. I've found that most guys look good with or without hair. I don't think being bald makes a whole lot of difference to one's appearance. Barring some weird head shape issue, I think you'll look somewhere between good and excellent bald. So I say, go for it. You've still got a lot of hair, and what you have will grow back quickly if you don't like it.
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I don't see very much hair loss...Regardless, if you shave it, look at it as just another haircut.
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You and your hair look good in both those photos. I don't think anyone would think of you as balding. It does sound like you want to try at least a buzz to see how you look. Now would be a perfect time. If you liked it, you may want to keep it. If you shave your head now and that becomes your permanent haircut, you'll never experience the look of balding and getting increasingly balder and balder!
And if you don't like it, you can quickly grow back the head of hair you have now, which is still a good head of hair!
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Wish I had your hair when I was age 24 ...
Try progressive shorter cuts and end up with #0 buzz cut.
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Halloween is coming up, razor shave it smooth and think up a creative
costume to match the sly look.
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I did say it as just a slight thinning.
Here is my hairline:
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc200%2FRushkryptonite%2Fuserimage-578022.jpg&hash=87d2f4f20520651e00cbc69a048f2416cd6eb47a)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc200%2FRushkryptonite%2Fuserimage-578027.jpg&hash=fd7c3a84fa3d95cf3c7d8f5b1e7134adaea5c91b)
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It can't hurt to try it. Will always grow back in time. I am not losing hair at all and chose to shave my head because I have very bad scalp psoriasis. Since I have shave my head and been able to use steroid creams. My head and scalp psoriasis is 100% gone. I had no idea how much I would love having no hair. That is why I say just try it and see what you think.
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I think that you have a long way to go before you are forced to make the move to sly.
That having been said; every man should shave his head at least once in his life even if he has no hair loss problem.
Shaving your head is a very, very, masculine and empowering thing to do. It is a huge rush of adrenaline and testosterone - and it is a good way to find out that there is more to you "mojo" than just your hair, etc.
I still have a full hairline and I shave my head. It has made a world of difference to my "attitude". I started shaving my head as part of a charity fund raiser. At first it was shocking but I followed the advice on this forum about the 30 day rule. By the third day I had already accepted it as "just another haircut". And I LIKE IT! It is ME, expressing MY CHOICE, and MY MASCULINITY! If I want to go back to having some hair once in a while - well then I will try those "haircuts" also.
So, I say that you should really try it out - and keep it for at least 30 days.
Post photos and tell us how you feel during the journey!
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You still have a lot to work with man but if you want to shave, go for it. Like others have said, your hair will grow back quickly if you do shave it. With me, hair would grow fast in some places but in others I wouldn't have hair at all. Haha! It's all good though since I love having a bald head.
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I'm getting my haircut next week for a wedding, I think I might go short, I'm just not sure how short I should go. Advice? Also right now I have a full beard, but I'm going to have my barber trim it. Should I stick with the full beard or try a new style?
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I'm getting my haircut next week for a wedding, I think I might go short, I'm just not sure how short I should go. Advice? Also right now I have a full beard, but I'm going to have my barber trim it. Should I stick with the full beard or try a new style?
My vote is always for the full beard. As the others have said, you look as if you have a long way to go before having to make a decision about buzzing or shaving your hair. If you want try it though, go for it. I think you will look good either way.
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You cannot go wrong with a full beard, IMO. Especially if you decide to shave you head or get a short buzz.
I had told myself years ago that when I started thinning, I would shave it completely. I was probably close to where you are now when I decided to shave, but older, around 48. I had some general thinning on the front hairline, some receeding, and a thin area on my crown. In reality, I was just waiting on an excuse to shave it. You still have enough hair to keep it if you want, so do not feel "forced" into a decision now. But when you are ready, go for it. I suggest you do shave before MPB kicks in completely though.
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I agree with the other esteemed gentlemen. You can always buzz it, and in your case, it will grow back if you don't like it.
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Even if you do just go for a crewcut or a nice high fade buzzcut - remember the 30 day rule. Because at first the "change" alone will tell your brain to reject the image/regret the change. But after only a few days your brain "accepts" the new image. You will regard it as just a new hairstyle and you will be able to evaluate it with some objectivity.
After 30 days you will be able to make a rationale "choice" about what to do next; (keep the high fade, grow it back long, or test fly a full shave as long has you are already short, etc.).
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I think that your are worrying too much about your hair. You have a great head of hair, and unless you are really losing so fast and your hair line is really depleting, I would keep the hair and hold off the bald look for awhile.
If you really feel self-conscious, then I would get a real close buzz ( a 00 ) from your hair stylist. Then see if you want to go all the way to BBC. If so, go for it. I did the 00 and on the next Monday I went all the way and have not had any regrets since. It has been months.
So I would say to help you feel better about yourself, try it. You can always grow back your hair.
Good Luck
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Thanks for the advice everyone! I was thinking about trying a circle beard (a mustache and goatee) but I don't know how that would look, any thoughts?
...I suggest you do shave before MPB kicks in completely though.
How much hair loss would you consider "before MPB kicks in completely"? I just want to know what to look for.
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How much hair loss would you consider "before MPB kicks in completely"? I just want to know what to look for.
That is a question that is up to the person. Several guys here kept a donut or horseshoe for years before going sly, and some like me immediately went sly when thinning was just starting to be noticeable. The guys that waited almost all say they should have done it sooner. Your photos show that you still have enough hair that thinning is not really noticeable unless you walk aound holding your hair up to expose the thin area(s). But if it is botherring you to the point you worry about, go ahead and go sly. These days, sly is popular even with young guys that still have hair. No one will give it a second thought.
As to the facial hair, any facial hair goes well with a sly head, and my opinion is the more facial hair you have the better it looks. Circle beards are also popular with a sly head. You can always switch it up as well.
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Unless you want to make a preemptive strike before it recedes to a noticeable degree, I think your hairline looks fairly full. It's not receding at the temples, so it just looks like a high hairline.
Do what makes you happy.
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Unless you want to make a preemptive strike before it recedes to a noticeable degree, I think your hairline looks fairly full. It's not receding at the temples, so it just looks like a high hairline.
Do what makes you happy.
Thanks, I think it looks thin. I wish I knew what norwood I was. Any ideas?
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs24.postimg.org%2F4lqavc31h%2FResampled_2014_10_19_19_17_43_966.jpg&hash=4a084be94deffe709bdb2563757f4a55e4a58cde) (http://postimage.org/)
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Your not even on the chart yet Iirc a Norwood 1 is receded temples.....I see nothing noticeable here
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Honestly dude, unless your hairloss is very aggressive, you've got years left. I'm 25 and my hairline is wrecked, yours looks 100% to me. Enjoy your hair while you still have it, soon enough you won't have the choice.
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Honestly dude, unless your hairloss is very aggressive, you've got years left. I'm 25 and my hairline is wrecked, yours looks 100% to me. Enjoy your hair while you still have it, soon enough you won't have the choice.
Thanks but my hairline is not 100%, although I wish it was. This is my hairline now, with thinning. I had a full hairline at this time last year. Is that aggressive?
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Maybe assertive... Not aggressive ;-)
You've definitely got a growing forehead but the temples are still there. Might just be a natural realignment all men get.
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Haha, I hope that's all it's doing. I just don't see many guys thin like this, I tend to see the M type hairlines, so I don't know what to expect.
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But honestly, dude, if you're worried and already asking the questions, just give shaving it a go. There's this wide-held paranoia that a super short or bald haircut is the most drastic thing anyone can ever do... It's really not! Hair grows back really fast. And you mentioned that you've never had your hair cut really short before, so you may be new to this... But as someone who spent his entire life switching hairstyles and getting bored some days and just buzzing the lot off, the weekly maintenance of really short hair is testament to how quickly your hair will get back to style-able.
And, as I and others have said, you're probs not going bald. BUT we're not doctors (well, not all of us)... you might lose it all, and this is a great way to see how you look sly. And for what it's worth, you've got a good head shape and you'll totally rock the look O0
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You still have enough hair left to have the option of trying a few different styles before shaving it all off if that's what you finally decide to do. I think you will look fine shaved, but you still have enough hair to pull off several other short styles, Cesar, Ivy League, fades, flatops, buzzes, etc.
Take a little time and enjoy what you have now, just don't hold on to a few ridiculous strands thinking theres more there than there really is, but you are a long way from that situation at this time.
Oracle
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Take a little time and enjoy what you have now, just don't hold on to a few ridiculous strands thinking theres more there than there really is, but you are a long way from that situation at this time.
Oracle
If I end up a norwood 5,6 or 7 I'd shave it off, like my dad did, with out a doubt. I just don't think a horseshoe fringe would look good on my beanpole frame, haha. I think my dad looks good when he keeps it close to his head, and I wouldn't mind looking like him when I'm older. But he also has a stocky, stout build so I think it fits. Who knows, maybe by the time my hair is gone I' will have filled out a bit lol.
I just hate the idea of being a balding guy now, but I'm weird with meds so I fear taking fin even though I hear it helps.
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I would keep the full, short, beard.
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Can anyone help and answer if this looks like my vertex is starting to thin? Someone told me today that I look a bit thin back there....
Here it is wet (flash was off for both pics):
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.org%2Fuew6eyzw3%2FIMG_0164.jpg&hash=997f0e5f95a94521a44ced544c529cbbe5108ed9) (http://postimage.org/)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.postimg.org%2F5m02yxia1%2FIMG_0167.jpg&hash=97e1651a44cb3561ec1302340e761ea7f7bbd706) (http://postimage.org/)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2F7bjigxxxp%2FIMG_0168.jpg&hash=006910467a32be32b058d7390cd42a02b2736ed0) (http://postimage.org/)
Here it is dry:
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs21.postimg.org%2Fz3o0yz0rr%2FIMG_0177.jpg&hash=f6c58b631ef7b216ceed40d798edb6c072f9dcbb) (http://postimage.org/)
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Buddy, chill! Looks like a crown to me!
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Friend:
Like so many have already told you; you have nothing to worry about. You have lots of hair. SWvic is right - that is just a normal crown pattern. If you want to keep wearing your hair long you can certainly continue to do so.
But I have a question/suggestion:
It seems like you are going crazy from an obsession about your hair. Is it really worth it to you to spend this much time worrying about it? You might be a candidate for "shaving for sanity". If your hair is worrying you so much have you ever thought about just getting rid of it and not having to worry about it for a while? Might that not be a very "freeing" thing for you?
Why not give yourself a month's break from this obsession/compulsion. Just go the "full monty". Get rid of the hair and then observe the 30 day rule. After the end of a full month as a sly guy ask yourself if you really want to go back to worrying about your hair. - or if your life isn't just a little better without having to worry about that anymore.
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I understand the obsession, I went through that for years, as I'm sure many of us did before we decided to take charge.
The advice here is solid, you're hair looks good but if you're "losing sleep" over it, then try the short 'do. Get it buzzed and see if you like that look. I buzzed my hair for a year before I finally decided to shave it off and after I shaved it, I realized I should have just shaved it all along! Stick to the 30 days to give yourself time to get used to it.
And oh yeah, keep the full beard.
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The crown looks normal to me....most men have a little "swirl" in the center. That said, maybe you could try something in the form of a high-and-tight or maybe a "bald fade" (the one where it's thickest on top 1 guard on the sides and cranium and no guard along the ears and the nape of the neck) just to see what you would look like with shorter hair....Many of us went the shorter and shorter route instead of going all the way all at once (though there's nothing wrong with going either route). Did you ask your dad how old was he when he started losing his hair to give you an idea when it should happen to you?
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I echo the others by saying you have nothing to worry about. I had a huge bald batch at my crown that was five inches in diameter when I completely shaved mine. You still have a lot to work with man.
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Buddy, chill! Looks like a crown to me!
I agree with SWvic, chill man. If you lose it you lose it. I still have an appearance of a full hairline though its softening in areas and about to head for the hills. I just came back to being shaved and its liberating to say the least. I'm 25 and now I don't have to care about hair loss. Its just less to shave. Give it a try and stick to it for 30 days.
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I've took a bit of time to contemplate, but now I feel like I may be ready to buzz my hair.
I do truly believe that I'm losing it in a diffuse pattern, if anyone has that type of hairloss let me know what you think, and I'm just not so sure about taking fin to stop it. I'm getting ready to embrace being a bald man. Should I?
Here is some photos of my whole head: http://imgur.com/a/7tVJb#0 (http://imgur.com/a/7tVJb#0)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.org%2F49uku9oe5%2Funnamed.jpg&hash=5b56c6762995ad3925ec7e048f73cae3caae946c) (http://postimage.org/)
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Welcome back, nyjrb!
I looked at the photos, and I see a slight thinning, but I don't think you're full blown mpb just yet. That said, if you think you're ready, go ahead and give the buzz a shot.
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You r looking really nice.Don't bother about other things.
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As a fellow diffuse thinner, the best way about it is a buzz cut.
I was way, way worse than you. Last year I went on vacation and I saw some pics when I came back...and...eesh. So I asked for a 4 on top 2 on the sides, and then I thought that was too long, so I asked for a three. Progressively I went down from there. Now I'm so thin (but with an awkward solid patch in front...think Zidane)....that I switch between a 1 on top/0 sides and fully shaved. I had been faux hawking it on the weekends- kinda like you I guess.
I remember when I was 26, I went on a business trip and whatever the hotel mirrors had, my hair just looked so bad. So thin on top. Forget the crown- a lot of dudes have that. But it took until I was 28 to buzz, and I should have sooner.
When I buzzed, everyone I know- from co-workers, my guy friends, women, my mom...everyone said how much better it looked. And if you choose to go sly after, people barely notice the adjustment.
One thing I do notice about being fully shaved, is that guys will find you scarier, and some girls won't like it and others will be behind you at a bar and just start touching your head.
I'm glad that there are places to discuss this as I have a few balding friends and most are in denial, but there are lots of places on the internet where balding guys are all full of despair and hopeless.
You are ahead of the curve, and good for you. I hope this helps and I hope the younger mes out there who were desperately trying anything (rogaine doesn't work after a while and never works for diffuse on top) see this and get over any issues and just buzz it and or shave it.
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As a fellow diffuse thinner, the best way about it is a buzz cut.
I was way, way worse than you. Last year I went on vacation and I saw some pics when I came back...and...eesh. So I asked for a 4 on top 2 on the sides, and then I thought that was too long, so I asked for a three. Progressively I went down from there. Now I'm so thin (but with an awkward solid patch in front...think Zidane)....that I switch between a 1 on top/0 sides and fully shaved. I had been faux hawking it on the weekends- kinda like you I guess.
I remember when I was 26, I went on a business trip and whatever the hotel mirrors had, my hair just looked so bad. So thin on top. Forget the crown- a lot of dudes have that. But it took until I was 28 to buzz, and I should have sooner.
When I buzzed, everyone I know- from co-workers, my guy friends, women, my mom...everyone said how much better it looked. And if you choose to go sly after, people barely notice the adjustment.
One thing I do notice about being fully shaved, is that guys will find you scarier, and some girls won't like it and others will be behind you at a bar and just start touching your head.
I'm glad that there are places to discuss this as I have a few balding friends and most are in denial, but there are lots of places on the internet where balding guys are all full of despair and hopeless.
You are ahead of the curve, and good for you. I hope this helps and I hope the younger mes out there who were desperately trying anything (rogaine doesn't work after a while and never works for diffuse on top) see this and get over any issues and just buzz it and or shave it.
But based on your experience, would you say that I have diffuse thinning?
My older brother bald the same way. he started to show signs at about 28, now ten years nothing left but the horseshoe. I sorta feel liek I'm heading that way.
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It really isn't possible to know if you have diffuse thinning or not from that photo. We would need to see something not as close up where the entire head can be seen. That being said, looking at the balding patterns of other family members is usually a good indication of where you are heading. If you feel self-conscious about it, try a buzz cut and let yourself adjust to not having a lot of hair. Then later, when you're ready, move on to the next level.
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Looks to me like you are looking for a reason to try a new hairstyle. Your not going bald, so if you want to buzz or shave, just man up and do it. But be prepared, I shaved off a full head of hair out of curiosity. That was almost 2 years ago, and I have kept it. Yes, I anguished before shaving about what people would say. The minute I shaved my head, I didn't care what anyone thought, I loved it.
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Hey there bud, I know balding is something that happens in life but sometimes you can own up and take matters into your own hand. You still have a good bit of time but hey it's up to you. I think a buzzcut will look good on you. I suggest give it a shot. If you have some clippers I wouldn't mind teaching you how to buzz it or shave it, which ever one you prefer. I'm a barber by the way. I'm looking forward to helping you out! Feel free to ask questions!
Plus to Reddog, I wish I had it like you. I shaved my head when I was 14 because I was curious and I loved it. I graduate high school this year and I've been wanting to shave it bald again for the longest! I'm too scared of what people at school will say.
-Derris The Barber
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Unless you're walking around pulling your hair back from your forehead I don't think anyone will notice.
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It sounds like you want to do it. So you should do it. Take the risk and jump. I'm betting it'll look good on you.
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I think he wants us to tell him that he is going bald... and that he should shave his head.
Dude... wow, your hair looks so thin... you need to shave it off before you are a Norwood 7.
Sorry...
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Hope you tried a buzz over the summer and it put you at ease. It might be a confidence boost.
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You say: "But recently I've thought that maybe I should try shaving it off when I still have alot of hair, so it won't become so noticeable."
DUDE - YOU BROKE THE CODE! Just do it already!
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I didn't buzz it over the summer, all though I did try a shorter hairstyle. I'm still to chicken to try it. My hair loss is slightly worse since the last time I posted, and I have had a few comments about it. But I'm learning to embrace it. I'm looking into fin.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc200%2FRushkryptonite%2FUntitled.png&hash=608702a72f1eec82f9816580bf8ee76c6b6f6bed) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Rushkryptonite/media/Untitled.png.html)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi27.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc200%2FRushkryptonite%2Fjfgsg.png&hash=70155e534ac58097e99aa9f955ba4f5cc43ea1d4) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Rushkryptonite/media/jfgsg.png.html)
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Try going progressively shorter with each haircut, working you way down to a buzz cut over some time. It will be easier to adjust.
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I'm learning to embrace it. I'm looking into fin.
If by "fin" you mean Finasteride, I doubt you are going to find much if any support for that on this board.
Your hairloss still is minimal. If you are not ready to buzz or shave it, then enjoy what you have while you have it. You are not going to be at the horseshoe mark any time soon.
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But I'm learning to embrace it. I'm looking into fin.
Once I caught a great big catfish and it had a huge fin. The thing starts thrashing all around once I got it in the boat and it stuck it right through my hand. It was the last time I looked into fin.
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But I'm learning to embrace it. I'm looking into fin.
Once I caught a great big catfish and it had a huge fin. The thing starts thrashing all around once I got it in the boat and it stuck it right through my hand. It was the last time I looked into fin.
Hmmmm .... Fins .... Why am I thinking a a Jimmy Buffett song???
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Well i heared in some health program that if your actually balding and you shave your head it speeds up the process not sure,but you seem to have great normal looking hair.
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Fin might get you compliments like..."nice rack"...and "it's OK it happens to all guys" :P
Just buzz it, I felt so confident after that.