Sly Bald Guys Forum

Confidence and Success => How to Build Confidence => Topic started by: Ishinomaki on March 30, 2016, 10:06:51 AM

Title: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Ishinomaki on March 30, 2016, 10:06:51 AM
Over the past five years I have watched my luxurious mane slowly thin and disappear much to my dismay. I could feel my confidence slipping with every hair I brushed off of my pillow in the morning. For about the last two years I have kept my hair clipped to a #2 and while it looks alright, there is painfully obvious thinning and the crown of my head was pretty barren, made apparent in pictures of me on a recent vacation. After fighting with myself I finally decided enough is enough and shaved my head. My immediate opinion was that it looked horrible, and I sunk even lower. After a few days a friend of mine said it was shocking at first but now that she's used to seeing it, it doesn't look bad at all and I found myself agreeing.

On the dating side of things, I use a few common dating apps/sites being single and in a new area and would you believe it, I actually get more attention and compliments as a bald guy than I ever did with hair! I'm officially sold on the look. I've been called handsome, good looking, and even hot in the past week as a baldy! I have also noticed a strange shift on how others behave around me, it's almost as though they are more respectful, and make eye contact with me much more frequently. I don't want to say I'm more intimidating but I catch people (especially women) looking at and acknowledging me much more than ever.

This site was one of the biggest influences for me finally taking the dive and I couldn't be happier. I don't know what to say to you guys other than a whole hearted thank you.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Sir Harry on March 30, 2016, 11:08:58 AM
Congratulations and welcome to the group!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Cave Dweller on March 30, 2016, 12:30:58 PM
Congratulations on taking control. I am glad you are happy with the result.

Welcome to the board!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: jbrit25 on March 30, 2016, 12:41:30 PM
Great story and great to hear that you are enjoying the look.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: kerryman on March 30, 2016, 02:03:26 PM
In fairness you rock the sly look. Im pretty happy with mine as well. I was out Saturday night and seen a fellow sly with a gorgeous tall blonde hanging off him. I will say the guy was dressed well and was obviously proud of his appearance ( no beer belly chest out proudly ) . Just goes to show you can shave your head but you still have to own it. Im back in the gym again lol.   
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: mrzed on March 30, 2016, 03:38:21 PM
Excellent story. You have a whole life in front of you to enjoy with a shiny slick head.  Photo looks good.  Enjoy the SLY look.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: wpruitt on March 30, 2016, 04:28:36 PM
Great Post - Welcome
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on March 30, 2016, 07:53:09 PM
I experienced some of those same things that you spoke of when I first shaved my head like getting more attention from the ladies. Rock that awesome bald head and welcome to the group!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: tobler1 on March 30, 2016, 09:41:56 PM
Very glad to hear you've found yourself happy with the new look.  And, as the others have said, it very much suits you.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Semi-Sly on March 30, 2016, 11:07:52 PM
You say:   "I have also noticed a strange shift on how others behave around me, it's almost as though they are more respectful, and make eye contact with me much more frequently". 

Well, perhaps that is because instead of their eyes going toward the scraps of hair you were carefully preserving - now their gaze goes directly to your most prominent feature - your eyes. 

You have a nice looking head but GREAT eyes!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: slybeard on March 31, 2016, 05:22:31 PM
A lot of sly guys notice the change.  It gives a new level of confidence.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: chrisphilly123 on December 07, 2018, 12:57:10 PM
Over the past five years I have watched my luxurious mane slowly thin and disappear much to my dismay. I could feel my confidence slipping with every hair I brushed off of my pillow in the morning. For about the last two years I have kept my hair clipped to a #2 and while it looks alright, there is painfully obvious thinning and the crown of my head was pretty barren, made apparent in pictures of me on a recent vacation. After fighting with myself I finally decided enough is enough and shaved my head. My immediate opinion was that it looked horrible, and I sunk even lower. After a few days a friend of mine said it was shocking at first but now that she's used to seeing it, it doesn't look bad at all and I found myself agreeing.

On the dating side of things, I use a few common dating apps/sites being single and in a new area and would you believe it, I actually get more attention and compliments as a bald guy than I ever did with hair! I'm officially sold on the look. I've been called handsome, good looking, and even hot in the past week as a baldy! I have also noticed a strange shift on how others behave around me, it's almost as though they are more respectful, and make eye contact with me much more frequently. I don't want to say I'm more intimidating but I catch people (especially women) looking at and acknowledging me much more than ever.

This site was one of the biggest influences for me finally taking the dive and I couldn't be happier. I don't know what to say to you guys other than a whole hearted thank you.
f'ing great story. over the years I've found compliments, too. I've dated some really pretty gals who seemed to like my slick head. The only thing I don't like is when they say, 'I've never dated a bald guy before.' For some reason that bothers me. Go figure.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 10, 2018, 06:03:27 PM
I'm still not completely bald always have some doubt when shave it all off. This weekend I razor shaved the sides and back and clipped the top down short.
(https://i.postimg.cc/9M33yhCr/IMG-1593-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qtGZdWtT)
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 10, 2018, 06:23:22 PM
Welcome PDX, man, you're so close, I think you would look awesome completely shaved. The little bit you have left on top should go. A shaved head would be a nice clean look. Give the 30 day trial a try!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 11, 2018, 12:28:26 PM
Reddog,

Thanks for the 30 day advice. I have shaved it all off 3 or 4 times but immediately start growing it back out without giving it a chance. Went to the local pub last night with a baseball cap on two buddies said looks like you lost some hair. I lifted my hat and said yeah bad haircut. Just thinking should I take it all off before the holidays so everyone sees me bald or wait until January. I really want to give it a try but lack the confidence.  My question to you is when you started shaving your head what did you say when people threw out comments. In the past when my neighbor would say something like someone looks like they joined the Marines, I'd shoot back I got clippers in the house and can shave you if you like. He just chuckled. Thanks again for the encouragement.

Dave
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: nuts on December 11, 2018, 12:36:59 PM
You are so close why not commit to a complete shave and follow with a commitment to the 30 day rule.  You will be amazed at the feeling of confidence this engenders.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 11, 2018, 12:47:38 PM
Hi Dave. I have a full head of hair, and I shaved my head all of a sudden. Nobody knew I was thinking about it. So I immediately posted photos on Facebook and said "my new summer haircut" . I received almost all positive comments, including my (then) girlfriend.

When you're ready to give it a try, I would just say something like "I'm just finishing what mother nature started". I think you will look great sporting a shaved head. Be positive and own the look. I shave everyday and I can't wait to go somewhere and show it off! Believe me, after a few days, comments will stop, and you will realize nobody really cares what haircut you have.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: slybeard on December 11, 2018, 12:56:01 PM
Try not to worry so much about comments or questions.  In the end, no body really care what you do with your hair, it is just small talk.  Most people that know you feel like they have to say something, so it is usually just the first think that comes to mind without thinking.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift -- pretty took it all off tonight
Post by: PDXGuy on December 11, 2018, 10:58:45 PM
I kept rubbing the grown out stubble and figured I'd reshave the sides with the 00000..0000 and took a 000 and 1 across the top. Feels great.

Dave

(https://i.postimg.cc/RZp0Kqw1/unnamed-3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/VJM1cfG5)
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 12, 2018, 06:29:26 AM
Better Dave. I can see a nice clean razor shave in your future. Nothing like the feel on a smooth shaved head. Ditch the hat and see what people say!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: slybeard on December 12, 2018, 06:42:28 AM
You are going to like it.  And you will really love it when you go razor blade smooth.  The look will be similar and most people will not notice a difference - but the feel will be awesome.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 13, 2018, 07:26:50 PM
I busted out the clippers again on Tuesday and took the rest of the hair on top off. Getting use to the bald look. Re-shaved the sides today, but left the stubble on top.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Semi-Sly on December 13, 2018, 10:01:07 PM
 what seems to me like you’re kind of dancing around the fire pit I mean my goodness you’re this close why don’t you want to experience that the incredible feeling of having a beautifully clean smooth head?
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 14, 2018, 03:35:15 PM
Semi-Sly, Slybeard and Reddog,

Thanks guys for your input and encouragement. I bought some Mach 111 and shaving gel today and ordered exfoliating scrub from headblade. Last week when I shaved the sides and back I got a couple razor burns (used soap) and used whatever moisturizer I had which probably had alcohol in it as my head burned when I rubbed it on.

Yup dancing around the fire is right. I remember back before I started wearing a flattop I did the same damn thing. Finally I told myself to get a set of balls and just tell the barber to giving me a flattop as short as he could cut one.

All of you have said get it smooth and clean so before the weekend is over I'll post my bald shiny head. It's time to quite playing around and get the smooth shaved head I have been wanting for sometime. Heck it my head don't know why I am so reluctant. Heck I practically don't have any hair now who is even going to care or notice.

Thanks again!

BraveDave
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Magoo on December 14, 2018, 04:32:55 PM
Good for you. You will find the look is hardly any different than you see now. But that smooth feeling is the difference. And that is the best part. Just take your time shaving , and don’t become obsessive about getting it perfectly smooth the first few shaves. Give your scalp a chance to adjust , and it will .
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 14, 2018, 05:16:29 PM
Good luck Dave. After we all encouraged you so much, I hope you like it. I like the look of a shaved head on myself, but even more I like the feel of a totally bald head. Think about going for the 30 day rule. It takes that long to adjust to a bald head and get a good shaving routine down.

So, after you shave, wear some cool sunglasses, and to go a busy shopping area, and show off that badass new haircut!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 16, 2018, 07:43:15 AM
Sly beginner,

Back and sides are shaved, told the barber bald fade sides shaved. Got the hot towel treatment felt amazing. Back and sides feel smooth. Talked about shaving my and head barber said your choice I wuzzed out.


(https://i.postimg.cc/dtPx472r/Bald-two.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/hhssGt3t)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Bv6YX239/Bald-one.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/TKzqsLhC)
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 16, 2018, 08:37:19 AM
Well, Dave, you will join us sly guys when you're ready. Until then, thinking about it will continue to be frequently on your mind.

You look good now. The average person looking at you now thinks you have a shaved head.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 16, 2018, 08:43:25 AM
Thanks Reddog,

The back feels so damn smooth almost soft. Does your head skin get like skin on you chest feeling tougher? My other question is about SLY... nicknames...like Bureau, etc. Do I become member once I show it all shaved off?

(https://i.postimg.cc/fy062pTv/smooth.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WqTWt9ZD)
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 17, 2018, 08:12:06 PM
Hey Sly Guys,

A couple things I learned over the last couple of days.

1) Since I have worn a flattop, horseshoe flat and bald fade for over 20 years, most people already think of me as a guy who shaves his head.

2) Since getting a razor shaved bald fade on Saturday, I have gone to two Xmas get parties. At one there was about 15 people and tonight's about 25 people. I did not wear a hat and only two people commented on my haircut when I asked. Tonight when I was dropping my coat (went in with a cool looking Filson hat with a stag on it), I lifted it and ask the host hat on or off  he said no hat your to classy a guy to wear a hat a a party. Remember I live in an upscale beach town where 75% of the residents are second home owners. On Saturday night I asked a buddy the same question at the party hat or off my hair is damn short, he replied it always short what is the difference.

3) Another comment I hear and believe it was a post from Reddog is if you think shaved heads look good you probably would enjoy shaving your head. For me I always notice the guy with the shaved head and think it looks damn good. On Saturday night a retired police officer Derrick was there and could not stop thinking how good his shiny smooth shaved head looked. For me I always notice a guy with a shaved head and think it rocks.

4) As for 2019 I was giving myself some new goals. One is I re-joined the gym this week after a two year hiatus. Was a gym guy all my life and got out of the habit. I've been back in 4 days and it feels great, but most of all, I really liked seeing my near shaved head when working out. Thus, the second goal is to become a Sly guy in 2019.

5) My barbershop is closed on Tuesdays and when there on Saturday I talked to him about shaving it all off. Told him about the 30 day challenge and he actually agreed it takes time to get use too. I am planning to go Wednesday to get shaved. I want to document the first all off shave with pics of hot towels and shaving cream.

As you guys know, I have been posting about getting bald for a couple weeks. After my experience this week and thinking about when I went flattop, my only regret was why the heck didn't I do it sooner. One life and one head to shave. Wednesday cannot get hear soon enough. Looking forward to posting my shaved knob.

Thanks again for all the comments and guys sharing their experience. Appreciate the site.

Sly in training.

Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 18, 2018, 06:40:39 AM
Well Dave, I usually don't encourage guys as much as I did you, but I knew you really want to try a shaved head. I also figured you were going to keep thinking about it alot.

Good luck tomorrow, enjoy the experience!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: slybeard on December 18, 2018, 07:27:00 AM
Thanks Reddog,

The back feels so damn smooth almost soft. Does your head skin get like skin on you chest feeling tougher? My other question is about SLY... nicknames...like Bureau, etc. Do I become member once I show it all shaved off?

(https://i.postimg.cc/fy062pTv/smooth.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/WqTWt9ZD)

The names are based on the number of posts you have on the site.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 21, 2018, 03:38:22 PM
Hey Guys,

Took the plunge and took it all off. I really like the look and feel.

Sly Guy in Training,

Dave
(https://i.postimg.cc/bYZJzzSL/IMG-1709.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqSY5VRb)
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 21, 2018, 04:15:06 PM
Nice looking cueball Dave! Keep it for 30 days and you'll be hooked. Shaved bald is a damn good look for you. Feels awesome huh?

Did you do it yourself or have the barber do it?
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 21, 2018, 04:43:05 PM
Reddog,

I had the barber do it but I have my shaving routine plan. So far the reaction is looks great and I love how it feels.


(https://i.postimg.cc/7ZTkJ6nY/IMG-1689.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Jsmg9RF9)
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: slybeard on December 21, 2018, 05:04:51 PM
Congratulations!  It looks great and I bet you can't keep you hand off of that smooth finish.  When it starts to feel like sandpaper, it will drive you to shave again!
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 21, 2018, 05:38:11 PM
Thanks Sly Beard. You are right I dig putting my hand up on my bald head and giving it rub.  I am amazed as after just few hours I can begin to feel stubble.  Out of the gate I love how it looks and feels and committed to 30 days.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: reddog on December 21, 2018, 06:06:05 PM
Isn't that a bald guy rule? If it feels like sandpaper, you must shave it.

Dave, you will probably be able to get it smoother than the barber. Then you won't feel any stubble for 8 hours or more. I hate the sandpaper feel in the morning, so I shave every day.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Dragon on December 22, 2018, 01:59:06 AM
Looks great Dave
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: chrisphilly123 on December 22, 2018, 11:36:06 AM
Hey Guys,

Took the plunge and took it all off. I really like the look and feel.

Sly Guy in Training,

Dave
(https://i.postimg.cc/bYZJzzSL/IMG-1709.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqSY5VRb)
Looks so damn natural on ya. congrats on joining the club.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Magoo on December 22, 2018, 01:40:13 PM
Congratulations, it looks great. You definitely have the right head shape for the bald look.  O0
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on December 22, 2018, 07:26:55 PM
Thanks Magoo! Shaved it myself this morning got it much smoother than the barber.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: Sir Harry on December 23, 2018, 07:26:35 PM
Looks great, Dave, and yes, more often than not, you get a smoother result doing it yourself
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: chrisphilly123 on January 25, 2019, 01:00:26 PM
Hey Guys,

Took the plunge and took it all off. I really like the look and feel.

Sly Guy in Training,

Dave
(https://i.postimg.cc/bYZJzzSL/IMG-1709.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqSY5VRb)
Looks so damn natural on ya. congrats on joining the club.
I think this look takes 10 years off ya. And it looks like you've been shaving for a long time.
Title: Re: A very unexpected shift
Post by: PDXGuy on January 25, 2019, 10:41:52 PM
Thanks Buddy enjoying being in the bald club.