Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: happyharry on October 03, 2006, 12:27:48 PM
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The only thing I dislike about my bald head (besides the redness issue I mentioned in a different thread) is the shadow.
Shadow...aaaahhh!
Bald people with dark skin are truly blessed in that respect - the shadow doesn't show.
But milky white fellows like myself (I'm very pale for a Greek) are - some more than others - suffering from this thing called shadow.
When I shave my head, and no matter how thoroughly I do it, no matter how much skin cells are sacrificed in the process, I always end up with a bright blueish shadow.
Here's the thing: you're contemplating to go bald (by choice) and you see these bald actors on screen - eg B. Willis - and you think "wow, that looks great! So...clear and shiny and smooth...". And then you decide (but not based on that criterium alone) to shave your head. And the first thing you realise is "hm...doesn't quite look like the clear and shiny and smooth plate I saw on Bruce Willis in that film...it's not white, it's blue!".
Well, guess what, he's using various make-up to cover the shadow - having an army of make-up artists in your trailer is a big plus. But I don't have a trailer, and I don't have my own make-up artists.
Or some other actor is completely bald and has only little hair left on the back of the head, and that doesn't produce much of a shadow when shaved off. Or he's got blond hair and that won't produce much of a shadow either.
So, the reality for me is, I have to live with the shadow.
True, when I'm old and bitter I won't have any natural hair left, so I will have that look I love in about 50 years from now.
But right now I'm young and restless, and my blood is boiling and I want that clear, smooth and shiny look right now, not when I'm in a wheelchair giving that hot nurse that tends to me my most charming toothless grin.
Any suggestions on how to achieve that much desired look?
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hehehe I must have a look to find this shadow, but my pate is so beautiful hehe like Yul Brenner(sp?) in WestWorld (minus any bullet wounds to his mechanical melon haha)
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You're lucky, Yeti, being a Canadian Yeti (these have fair fur) - there are other Yeti species with dark fur, and they have a hard time with the shadow.
Seriously, being fair haired the shadow doesn't show in your case. If you have darker hair (like me) you usually get a blueish shadow tone, and it looks weird.
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Sounds like my "black sheep" Western cousin Bigfoot.... he's dark, smelly, stupid, and gets seen on occasion. Unlike the Yeti, normally only seen by Sherpas high in the Himalayans. hehehe NOT comparing you to him, the story just reminded me hehe  ;)
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Sounds like my "black sheep" Western cousin Bigfoot....
HAHA, I grew up in Bigfoot country! You would be amazed at how many people claim to see one every year.
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I am "sadly" very aware lmao He is always writing home whining about "I think they saw me again, sorry!" lmao ::)
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Nevermind Yeti and my tangent...
Anyone know how to help HappyHarry?
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I seriously have no clue, I am as white as they come and am not aware of this shadow effect, but then again, maybe I am not getting harry's comment correctly. I will re-read. It's not language barrier issues, I thought I read dark skin = no issues and I am well the Yeti (WHITE! lol) and dont have a blue halo hehehe :-\
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Happyharry,
Not sure if this will work for you, but I'm a pale Irishman and after i shaved my head I had the shadow. I bought this product by Olay that is a lotion, and contains a very minimal amount of sunless tanning ingredients...
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fpics.drugstore.com%2Fprodimg%2F152693%2F200.jpg&hash=16ad4b0c7de3bb612e4b8167b09e192ebdceee35)
It blended my shadow in nicely. It's not even meant for the head, it's a body cream. I exfoliated, then applied a thin amount to my entire head and neck, with a little extra in the shadow area. Â
Hopefully what works for the pale Irish can work for the blue Greeks.
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Hey sean, thanks for the tip. Certainly sounds promising. I shall check it out and let you know how it went.
By the way, I like the Irish. They're unbelievably friendly, and solid drinkers, too - I, for instance, start feeling dizzy after the second beer... ;)
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Sean, you've been quite the active participant since joining! Keep up the good work and awesome info provider! ;)
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Thanks, Yeti. I've read a bunch of your posts on here and you seem like an awesome guy. Great to meet you and I look forward to learning more about you.
Greek. I, as an Irishman love the greeks and admire your abilitiy to withstand the sun's pressure. As for driniking, I could pound a bunch in my day. But now at 29, I need to pace myself and ready the gatorade for the morning. But in my heyday, it was ugly.
Great to be on the boards. Thanks for welcoming me, guys. Great site.
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By the way, I like the Irish. They're unbelievably friendly, and solid drinkers, too
That nice complement about the Irish put me over the top to register. Knew about the drinking part. Never heard that we were the friendly sort. I'm a second generation Irishman. Grampa Mickey immigrated from Galway, Ireland at the turn of the 20th century. I grew up watching my grampa and dad REALLY get along with people, so I did pick up the friendly thing from them. Although no "problem" drinking was in my upbringing--my dad is probably the friendliest "drunk" (for lack of a more moderate term) I've ever met....never seen him get mean because of a few pints. I picked that up as well. Got to be more careful as a family man because I love to recreationally swill and quaff.
'nuff of that. Of course I'm new to the forum. Haven't yet shaved my head. I've had to warm my wife to the idea. PLUS I need to find the right time frame (over the weekend, etc.) Which is why I chose this topic. As a first-time, fair skin "Mick," I imagine I'll be facin' the blue shadow thang.
Sounds like a quality self-tanning lotion on a properly cared for scalp mitigates the "just-shaved" look.
Guess that's it for now.
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Haven't yet shaved my head. I've had to warm my wife to the idea. PLUS I need to find the right time frame (over the weekend, etc.)
Thanks for the post and welcome to Sly Bald Guys!
If you haven't already, just explain to your wife that it will always grow back. I know a lot of guys that said that right before they did it the first time.
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Thanks, Tyler
I actually did just that over dinner a little while ago. Just so happens that she came home from the gym this evening and said she saw a guy about my size, shape and skin tone that she said looked good with the shaved look. She said he looked very "deliberate" about the whole bald / getting in shape "package."
We haven't been to the gym in over 2 months since we moved into our new home (Littleton, Colorado). So we made a deal based on what I need to do anyway...when I lose 15 lbs (half way to my ideal weight of about 215 - 220), then I shave my head without any further protest. She said she'd help out. She's up on the latest natural skin care products and would be interested in seeing how they help make a scalp as healthy as can be.
Frankly, I think that once she gets used to it and sees the whole "package" coming together...she'll be fine. I just wanted there to be some amicable common ground.
I weigh in tommorrow morning and will hit the gym, having a cool "total package" goal to look forward to. I'll keep you posted.
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I did post this elsewhere, but it's worth repeating.
http://www.sirna.com/wt/page/dermatology
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In the winter I have a shadow of hair and I hate it
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In the winter I have a shadow of hair and I hate it
I understand the plight, no matter what I do, if I shave it well, it looks like snow where my hair was. I just have learned to accept that.
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This is only my second post and I haven't shaved just yet. The shadow is one of the things that is keeping me from making the plunge. I have relatively fine brown hair, but the sun always naturally bleaches it blond. I get tan very easily during the summer (and never burn) and would consider fake baking in the winter. Typically, the first long day in the spring sun is enough to give me a noticeable farmers tan. So, my dome would hopefully tan well too. Considering my hair and skin type, do you guys think daily shaving would be enough to keep away the shadow?
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daily would probably work grimesy. but some sort of shadow is something we have all accepted. you will notice way more than anyone else, i promise. just don't overdo the sun/fakebake thing. your head is not as conditioned as the rest yet. good luck. post up more often to let us know how it goes. now go scrape that thing.
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This is only my second post and I haven't shaved just yet. The shadow is one of the things that is keeping me from making the plunge. I have relatively fine brown hair, but the sun always naturally bleaches it blond. I get tan very easily during the summer (and never burn) and would consider fake baking in the winter. Typically, the first long day in the spring sun is enough to give me a noticeable farmers tan. So, my dome would hopefully tan well too. Considering my hair and skin type, do you guys think daily shaving would be enough to keep away the shadow?
First....Welcome to the Sly Guys forum....you've come to the right spot.
I'm right with ya on the pale shadow. I've been shaving the noggin for almost a month.
The pale shadow is something we all deal with in some fashion. I don't think it's a matter of shaving daily or getting the closest possible shave that mitigates the "pale" part.
That part of the scalp (where hair has been protecting it from most types of exposure) is very "VIRGIN" and in my case is very slow to respond to tanning of any kind....doesn't mean that it DOES NOT respond.....just very gradually.
I tan very easily like you and have fine brown hair as well. I do the fake bake each time I go to the gym (3 to 4 times a week). I'm getting pretty dang tan everywhere else....but the noggin is coming around slowly.
I've resolved that it will take patience and repeated exposure for the body to send signals up there that it needs protection from the sun = melanin = "tanning" cells.
Here's one thread to check:
http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=128.msg1524#msg1524
You can also use the search function and plug in "shadow" and get some hits.
a couple bottom lines that have been arrived at here:
1. All bald dudes have issues with it to whatever degree
2. It's really not as noticeable to others as it is to us...you know, pressing our forehead against the mirror
3. It takes patience and extended exposure to even it all out up there.
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The only thing I dislike about my bald head is the shadow.
Shadow...aaaahhh!
Bald people with dark skin are truly blessed in that respect - the shadow doesn't show.
That's not true.
The more color I get on my head the more my shadow shows!
Any suggestions gents for eradicating the unsightly!!
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Any suggestions, gents for eradicating the unsightly!!
Put me on that list too! O0
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That's not true.
The more color I get on my head the more my shadow shows!
Weird, it's the opposite for me.
Any suggestions gents for eradicating the unsightly!!
Just ask her to leave... :*))
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
On a more serious note, there was a post about tweezing your head.
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That's not true.
The more color I get on my head the more my shadow shows!
Weird, it's the opposite for me.
Ditto for me, the better the tan, the less noticeable the shadow...Plus I think the sun even bleaches out those folicles
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Tyler & Paul,
I just don't get your gratuitous off the cuff comments!
I've been a Sly member for a least six months, but everytime I post, I get the message that you actually don't want me here.
I no longer can use a blade on my head, Dr's orders!!
Anyway, I have to make do with a Panasonic Wet/Dry Shaver.
It delivers a smooth shave, but leaves a noticeable shadow.
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Ben, I am sorry that you took my comments that way. They certainly were not intended to be offensive. I was commenting that for me, at least, the opposite is true. Every sly guy here has a slightly different routine or situation based on their own personal body type or needs. Of course using an electric is going to leave more of a shadow and a suggestion for reducing that might be to apply peroxide to lighten the color of the hair itself, thus not showing as much. Again Ben, absolutely no offense was meant...glad you are with us.
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Tyler & Paul,
I just don't get your gratuitous off the cuff comments!
I've been a Sly member for a least six months, but everytime I post, I get the message that you actually don't want me here.
Ben I can't speak for the 2 of them, but from my interactions with them here on the board I can tell you they have always seemed VERY standup kind of guys...
I have only seen very fair and openmindedness from Tyler both in his comments and the way he chooses to run the site....
I think that is the one problem with this whole internet interaction...there may be times that things are taken the wrong way or with the wrong tone...
Hope you can stick around, it's a real cool place to hang! O0
Keep it smooth my bald brutha!
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Tyler & Paul,
I just don't get your gratuitous off the cuff comments!
I've been a Sly member for a least six months, but everytime I post, I get the message that you actually don't want me here.
Ben I can't speak for the 2 of them, but from my interactions with them here on the board I can tell you they have always seemed VERY standup kind of guys...
I have only seen very fair and openmindedness from Tyler both in his comments and the way he chooses to run the site....
I think that is the one problem with this whole internet interaction...there may be times that things are taken the wrong way or with the wrong tone...
Hope you can stick around, it's a real cool place to hang! O0
Keep it smooth my bald brutha!
I second what BA said Ben...
Stick around bro...there are some really cool dudes on this site, although I have heard that Paul likes Karaoke too much :/O
Seriously though, not everyone is going to agree and sometimes things come out differently than intended because you can't read body language, or whatever else
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More sun less shadow??? for me.. guess we all have diff. type of skin
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Using an electric is going to leave more of a shadow and a suggestion for reducing that might be to apply peroxide to lighten the color of the hair itself, thus not showing as much.
That's a great idea. Thanks, Paul!!!
I'm applying the peroxide now man.
That should do the job.
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Using an electric is going to leave more of a shadow and a suggestion for reducing that might be to apply peroxide to lighten the color of the hair itself, thus not showing as much.
That's a great idea. Thanks, Paul!!!
I'm applying the peroxide now man.
That should do the job.
let us know how the peroxide works bro...I'd like to try it as well if it works, I'm just afraid of the potential irritation
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Tyler & Paul,
I just don't get your gratuitous off the cuff comments!
I've been a Sly member for a least six months, but everytime I post, I get the message that you actually don't want me here.
I no longer can use a blade on my head, Dr's orders!!
Anyway, I have to make do with a Panasonic Wet/Dry Shaver.
It delivers a smooth shave, but leaves a noticeable shadow.
Hey Ben, I can assure that I want you here. As for the off the cuff comment, just trying to inject some humor, but I apologize that it didn't come across as such.
I wasn't aware that you had orders to not use a blade and were using an electric. I guess that's why you're getting the opposite effect that I am. As a formal user of an electric, I can tell you that it's going to be tough to get rid of the shadow, but Paul's suggestion may work out for ya.
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Using an electric is going to leave more of a shadow and a suggestion for reducing that might be to apply peroxide to lighten the color of the hair itself, thus not showing as much.
That's a great idea. Thanks, Paul!!!
I'm applying the peroxide now man.
That should do the job.
let us know how the peroxide works bro...I'd like to try it as well if it works, I'm just afraid of the potential irritation
I hate to be a wet blanket, but I really doubt that this will work. The shadow is caused by the roots of your hair, just below the surface of the skin. I don't think it's possible to alter its color, and even if it were, it would be almost impossible to keep up with because new growth is always going to be your natural color. I think the shadow is something you just have to live with.
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The only way to get rid of the shadow is to get rid of the hair, i.e. going bald for real.
If you're not lucky enough to be naturally bald you can always tweeze out your hair,
like I did (if you wish to know more about the method www.scalptweezing.com)
Look at the before and after pics... (shaved vs tweezed)
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Thanks zetaeffe! I had no idea scalp tweezing was even an option. I actually used to own one of thos machines but since I started shaving it has disappeared. I think I will take a look for one on ebay.
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The only way to get rid of the shadow is to get rid of the hair, i.e. going bald for real.
If you're not lucky enough to be naturally bald you can always tweeze out your hair,
like I did (if you wish to know more about the method www.scalptweezing.com)
Look at the before and after pics... (shaved vs tweezed)
Wow! I'm totally jealous...looks friggin' awesome...
maybe some day I'll have the b@lls to do it...
Now, THAT'S bald bro! Very nice O0
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sure looks interresting.......... seems something to try at least once.
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Thanks zetaeffe! I had no idea scalp tweezing was even an option. I actually used to own one of thos machines but since I started shaving it has disappeared. I think I will take a look for one on ebay.
Be careful as it's VERY painful, and when you start doing your dome you have to go
all the way or you end up with a patchy scalp...
Moreover you should be warned that even with one single tweezing you can lose
some hair forever, expecially if it was close to go anyway cause of upcoming mpb...
so don't do it if you plan to grow ALL of your hair back sooner or later...
in my case (full head of hair) it still grows back after 9 months of tweezing, twice a
week... so permanent hairl loss with a single tweezing looks not likely,
but you never know...
Bye
Francesco
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hey zetaeffe.... how much is the $$$ 4 tweazing the dome??
WARHAWK O0
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hey zetaeffe.... how much is the $$$ 4 tweazing the dome??
WARHAWK O0
No $$$ at all... you do it yourself, usung a little electric device named "silkepil"...
guess you can find it around for about 40 $.
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hey zetaeffe.... how much is the $$$ 4 tweazing the dome??
WARHAWK O0
No $$$ at all... you do it yourself, usung a little electric device named "silkepil"...
guess you can find it around for about 40 $.
woul that fall under SADO-MASOCHISM? holy crap that is ballsy to do that to yourself.
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What up gentleman? Brand new here, love the site.
In any case, I started lossing my hair at 18, had significantly receded by 22, and was totally bald by 25. I've been slying it since the Fall of '96, when head shaving was just becoming socially acceptable for a cucasion male. I usually hit it four days a week in the shower with a Shick Quattro, ALWAYS against the grain, I find scrubbing it good with a shower puff (no, I'm not gay, but those things kick ass) really softens the hair and I rarely have bump or burn issues.
With respect to shadow, I know if I see someone with a shaved head I IMMEDIATELY look for a shadow and ascertain how much MPB he has, or whether he has any at all. If I can't see a shadow, I'll keep looking until the angle is right and I can see one.
However, I think we definately need to realize we notice it WAY more that other people, as long as the person has less than a couple of days growth. For example, I remember seeing Telly Savalas on TV when I was kid, and I never thought he was a balding man (like say, both of my grandfathers), I just saw him as a guy who was completely bald. Now, however, if I catch an old episode of Kojak, I notice a thin horsehoe shadow above his ears.
Honestly, I've had people ask me from time to time whether or not I was going bald. Some have even asked me whether or not I shave my head, or if I just lost all my hair. Obviously that pesky shadow wasn't too noticeable to them.
So I think it's important to try not to obsess. Although I do love the feel of a baby's butt smooth scalp right out of the shower (a feeling that always seems to start disappearing by noon). And who among us doesn't look in a mirror once in a while, in a room with perfect lighting, such that there's absolutley no visible shadow in our reflection and a solid gleam ripping off our scalp. Hmmm, that waxing thing is a bit tempting...
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What up gentleman? Brand new here, love the site.
In any case, I started lossing my hair at 18, had significantly receded by 22, and was totally bald by 25. I've been slying it since the Fall of '96, when head shaving was just becoming socially acceptable for a cucasion male. I usually hit it four days a week in the shower with a Shick Quattro, ALWAYS against the grain, I find scrubbing it good with a shower puff (no, I'm not gay, but those things kick ass) really softens the hair and I rarely have bump or burn issues.
With respect to shadow, I know if I see someone with a shaved head I IMMEDIATELY look for a shadow and ascertain how much MPB he has, or whether he has any at all. If I can't see a shadow, I'll keep looking until the angle is right and I can see one.
However, I think we definately need to realize we notice it WAY more that other people, as long as the person has less than a couple of days growth. For example, I remember seeing Telly Savalas on TV when I was kid, and I never thought he was a balding man (like say, both of my grandfathers), I just saw him as a guy who was completely bald. Now, however, if I catch an old episode of Kojak, I notice a thin horsehoe shadow above his ears.
Honestly, I've had people ask me from time to time whether or not I was going bald. Some have even asked me whether or not I shave my head, or if I just lost all my hair. Obviously that pesky shadow wasn't too noticeable to them.
So I think it's important to try not to obsess. Although I do love the feel of a baby's butt smooth scalp right out of the shower (a feeling that always seems to start disappearing by noon). And who among us doesn't look in a mirror once in a while, in a room with perfect lighting, such that there's absolutley no visible shadow in our reflection and a solid gleam ripping off our scalp. Hmmm, that waxing thing is a bit tempting...
Welcome slickmick!
Thanks for the nice long into!
keep it smooth brutha! O0
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Welcome aboard slickmick. Great intro. Post up in the intro section too, so more members can welcome ya.
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Hey SlickMick.....Welcome! And a great first post!!
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Welcome to the SBG site, slickmick, glad you decided to come in.
As you found out there's plenty of great info here and a good bunch o' guys too!
I agree with you on not obsessing about it, and I don't mind the shadow. As I've stated in an earlier post, it means I will be shaving again the next day or so. It's not a problem to me.
Enjoy the forum and keep it smooth! O0
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I'm lucky in that...well... I'm white as hell and my hair is, too. When I shave, I don't have any type of shadow. My head is naturally pretty oily, so the shine tops it off... I would think that tweezing and waxing are your best bets... Do people wax their head?? I'm sure it can't feel good.
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When I shave, I don't have any type of shadow. My head is naturally pretty oily, so the shine tops it off...
Very lucky dude...I'm pretty envious >:(
I totally dig when you see a bald dude with absolutely NO SHADOW...
Bald perfection! 8)
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Hey guys, you should definitely try the laser teraphy.
You say bye bye to the shadow FOR EVER.
I can post a few pics of myself but i do not know how to do it. May be i am going to change my profile pic.
I too have VERY white skin and very dark hair and the shadow was an issue... no more...
And the great thing is that you forget about shaving.
It is painful when you are getting it done, but if your hair color is lighter the pain is less or none.
Do some research in your area with the laser depilation businesses.
Hope this helps.
Regards