Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: spiralout1123211 on January 07, 2010, 10:09:46 PM
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I'm shaving my head. A friend showed me this site, and after reading a bunch of guys that have gone through the same thing and reading Tyler's stickied article, I'm ready to get rid of my hair for good.
The BEST my hair ever looks
vvvvvvvv
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I'm 25, and I've been dealing with balding for probably over 4 years. I used to be fine with thickening shampoos, etc., but it got to the point to where I was wearing a hat any time I was out in public. I knew it was probably obvious to anyone that I saw on a regular basis that I was hiding my balding head. :( It was devastating to my confidence, and it's been a big reason that I haven't left a job I hate (I'm scared to work somewhere I CAN'T wear a hat). I never go swimming any more, and I absolutely hate it when I can't wear a hat and it's windy (self-consciousness goes up tenfold).
I've always been the type to ignore a problem and hope it goes away, letting it get bigger and bigger. Well **** it, my hair is always going to look awful, barring a ridiculously expensive operation that isn't even a permanent fix, or a hairpiece, which I just don't feel right about, so I'm just gonna shave it and put this all behind me forever. I've been toying around with the idea of shaving my head for at least a couple years, but I've always worried about what I'd look like bald (weird head shape, too pale, blah blah blah, you know the deal), but after reading Tyler's article, I'm pretty much convinced that sly is the way to go. :) Besides, how much worse could it look than it does right now? :P
Anyways, how do I get started? Basically, what am I going to need for daily grooming and how do I do that first shave with long hair? Thanks a lot, guys. :)
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Welcome to the forum.
As I read your story, it felt a little like "de cha vu” (spelling?). I'm also 25 now and have also dealt with balding since about 20 or so. Also wore caps and hats allot ect ect Everything you said in your post, is how I also felt. So, about 6months ago, I also shaved it. And yes, your head may be pale in the beginning, but a little sun goes a long way. But for me it was the best decision ever to shave it all.
But your question is about your proposed shaving routine... So, I’ll pretty much share what works for me, and I'm sure allot of other guys will add on to this... Before you shave the first time, I would probably recommend buzzing your hair short before you start.
Firstly, doing your shaving routine in the shower is quicker for me, and it is less messy. I start of with washing my head (and face, then its done) with a good facial soap. I use warm as possible water, as this softens the hair. I apply Gillette shaving gel. And use a Fusion razor. Many guys on the forum will confirm that the fusion is #1!!
My first shave, I shaved with the grain, because I was nervous. But also shaved it a second time against the grain. As from the second time, I always shave against the grain. After you shaved it all, use your hand to feel over your head where you may have missed a spot. Re-apply shaving gel and shave it off. I then continue with my usual shower routine. Then just as I get out, I again rinse my head for a while under cold water.
Afterwards I apply an aloe get. This helps me with red spots or in grown hair. However, I am presently looking for something else to apply post-shave. And I have to admit, I am still kinda new at this compared to most of the others, so listen also to what they have to say, and decide what will work best for you.
Good luck & Post a pic after you shaved. Also, do a search on the forum about the 30 day rule!! It’s really true!!
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hey spiral: welcome 2 the sly fraternity. glad that ya joined us. congrats on deciding 2 "do the deed", "take the plunge", or in simpler terms... "shave the dome".
2 help u out... research the HEAD SHAVING SECTION of the forum titled: "your shave routine", "what razor you use?", and "shaving cream or gel". this section has priceless information on head shaving. u might want 2 go 2 a professional barber & let him/her "buzz" it down to a #1 & "do the deed" when u get home. remember... always use a quality razor (fusion, m5, mach3, headblade) when "doing the deed".
again... welcome 2 the best forum on the internet. keep us posted 2 your road 2 slyness.
WARHAWK O0
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Welcome spiral. The others have already given some great advice. Check out the HeadShaving section and see what will work best into your personal needs and routine. Most important is a good razor and cream, I use Headblade or Mach 3 and Headslick. A good cold water rinse to close up the pores and some sort of after shave application to deal with razor burn, ingrown hairs, or whatever. If after reading up on others routines and you have questions, just ask away. Everyone here is ready and willing to be of assistance.
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Welcome to the Forum spiral!
If your balding has affected your life the way you have stated, then you are making a great choice by shaving. Your confidence is about to take a huge leap up my friend.
As for shaving products...... I'm also a HeadBlade used but for your initial shaves you may want to use a more traditional razor. I use the new, which can be purchased at WalMart , for my face and love it. It's a Fusion clone that costa a fraction of the origiinal.
A good gel or cream will go a long way toward a good comfortable shave. Many of us use HeadSlick.
Good luck, keep us posted, and please post up a photo of the new you.
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Well, the brothers have told you what to do, where to find information on this site and equipment.
It only remains to be said what has been said in many different ways to the literal thousands who have visited and take part in this site--you're really going to like it. Don't forget, shave it for 30 days--two reasons, 1) it will help you develop your technique for your unique scalp and find what equipment and stuff work best for you, and 2) to get used to "That new dude in the mirror!" You will be able to do anything now w/o worry about hair. And to your credit, you've not done plugs, rugs or drugs. They don't work. The blade is the answer, and your only "regret" will be that you didn't do it sooner, we promise that. \
See you soon on the Sly side, and do post a picture of the Sly Spiral.
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Spiral.... I would also add that you should read the post from early today by PDXTODD that talks about the sales experiences that he has had since he ditched his longtime rug.
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Welcome spiralout, good to have you with us, you've come to the right place.
I echo what all the other bro's have said, and will only add that if you feel the need to always wear a ballcap when you go out of your house, and it is affecting your abilty to go to work, then it's definitely time to shave it down. Set yourself free and ditch the caps, get on with life!
Keep us posted on how it goes. O0
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Welcome Spiral. From your original post, I agree that it is time for the next step-Shave it! The others have given you good advise. The only thing I can add is that you take your time. Hast only result in nicks and bumps. Good Luck!
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Welcome to the forum, spiralout. As warhawk pointed out, there's a ton of info on the site to answer all your questions. Just take your time and read through the relevant threads. Then just do it!
Good luck! O0
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Go for it..you wont regret it..having a shaved head for 15 years was an awesome experience for me..and one I'm sure I will return to one day..
A slick bald head look great and gives you great confidence too!
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They have said it all - -now go do it and enjoy your new look - - -Bald is Beautiful - - -let's get a picture when you are done - - - -
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You must shave it. You will feel like a new man. Take a look around, a lot of domes out there these days. You will wish you did it sooner. I promise.
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Off with your head! That is, the hair on it.
There's a phrase, "Neither fish nor fowl," and that applies to hair. If you gotta lot, let it alone (unless you wanna be BBC); if it's decided that it's time to take off for other places, just sweep out the room, polish the floor, and let the sunshine in!
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Welcome aboard! Being sly is something you'll never understand until you try it! Then, you'll wonder why you waited so long! :*))
Then, it's Headblade and Headblade products all the way! O0 http://www.headblade.com/headblade-101.html
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howdy and welcome!
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Welcome to the group. Lots of good advice to be found here. I use a "Rolling Razor", Headslick and Bald Guyz Aftershave Gel. Whatever works!
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Welcome SpiralOut
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Thanks a lot, everyone. I plan on seeing if I can get someone to buzz my head for cheap in a day or two, then I'll probably shave it with a Fusion I have lying around somewhere (the blades are too tiny to deal with my facial hair, but it seems perfect for my head :) ). Can't wait to be done with hair!
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Welcome to the group Spiral! You're going to love being sly. I had my hairdresser buzz my hair with a #2 after peeling rug off. When I got home I saw how stupid it looked and took out my $25 clippers - pulled the guard, and shaved my head myself (it was actually fulfilling to take it down the "last mile"). I jumped in the shower and used a Fusion. I went to Walgreens the next day and bought a Headblade Sport and haven't looked back (well except for a few days when I thought I wanted to look like an old man with a horseshoe on his head -- and I quickly slapped myself back into reality and the benefits of a shaved head).
I only wish I had taken the step that you're taking when I was 25. But back when I was 25 we used sharp stones to shave as the razor had not yet been invented ;-) You have the benefit of today's technology. Post a new picture. You're going to love the confidence that it brings. I'm amazed every day at how awesome a shaved head is.
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Welcome Spiral! Glad to have you with us. These forums are great and the guys here couldn't be more helpful and supportive. I too just shaved my head this week. Its a great step. I love it. I am taking it slow right now...shaving with the grain with my fusion razor. Its almost 1 in the morning right now and I am at work until 7 and all I can think about is getting home to get in a nice shave...going to try going with the grain now and hope for the best! Its a great thing when you are this excited for your head! Go for it and make sure you post a pic!
Andy
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Welcome Spiral!
Yes shave your head and enjoy your life without hinking about hair(loss).
Best wishes O0
J
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just do it ... you will look great and feel even better.
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Step 1 complete.
My $12 buzz (tried to haggle the price down, but they wouldn't budge, oh well...)
vvvv
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I got a HeadBlade Sport and some Bald Guyz shave gel. Gonna seal the deal tomorrow. I'm excited! I look way less "weird" than I was expecting (I'm actually happy with how I look without hair). My little sister was a few miles south of supportive (read: REALLY rude about it ;D), but she'll come around eventually. I'll post pics tomorrow.
Oh yeah, one more thing... I apparently have a mole (EXTREMELY sensitive) that looks like it will make shaving really annoying in one area. Does anyone else have to deal with that? What do you do?
the mole
vvvv
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I had a mole in almost exactly the same spot. Had it removed and biopsied a week after going sly. I strongly suggest you do the same thing. Apart from being in a really awkward place to have to deal with when you shave, you want to make sure there's nothing serious going on with it.
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Just had one removed in almost that same place, just a little lower. ;D
Most Dr.'s will do it right in their office. O0
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Looks great; a huge improvement over the thinning locks. You'll love it when it's shaved smooth.
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Welcome
I am much older than you but your experience is what I went through when I was your age
I made a huge mistake: I tried to hide my baldness with lotions, transplants and hairpieces
Sounds like you are not going to do this-SMART
Now the real you begins and throw the hats away....enjoy the wind that once made you nervous..It's called freedom and you will love it
For shaving, I use the Mach3 Turbo and Gillette Gel; top it off Nivea Cool Balm; shave every other day; the days I don't shave, I use a St Ives moisturizer with aloe and vitamin e after the shower
Good Luck and Stay in touch
steve
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Welcome to sly bald guys! I'm glad Me article was there to help you better your life.
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Looks great, relax, you're home Sly Guy. About that mole, probably good advice to have it reviewed by a dr. and he'll probably remove it--that's just from this Sly Guy that's had 8 skin cancers--get them early then no worries. Damn, it's a good looking dome though. You really belong with us.
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Alright, shaved it today, and damn, it's harder than I expected. I tried doing it blind in the shower, like I shave my face, but I had to get out and finish in front of a mirror. That mole makes it REALLY annoying. Also, I only shaved front-to-back today as I didn't want to razor burn the crap outta my scalp. The front is amazingly smooth, but the back is still a bit stubbly. I'm loving it, though! I can't wait until my whole head is totally smooth. O0 And about that mole, I'm definitely going to get it removed, and possibly checked out. It's been there for as long as I can remember, though, so I doubt it's anything. Better safe than sorry, though. =D
And on a sidenote, I didn't realize how much my hair insulated my head. It's freezing right now. o_O
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Hey!!! Congrats on taking that first step... O0
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Congrats!!
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I sure remember that cold feeling, why I first went sly in the winter I'll never know! ::)
Front to rear on top and bottom to top on the back is against the grain and the closest shave you can get. If you're concerned about razor burn, try reversing that and go with the grain... top to front and top to bottom on the back. O0
Check out these videos: http://www.headblade.com/headblade-101.html
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Spiralout, the brothers have given great advice. I was in a very similar position as you and I was 25 when I decided to take the plunge. You were right about having nothing to lose, only something to gain (your life back!) by going sly.
Even though you are substantially thinning, you have coverage all the way to the front and the thinning won't be apparent in the shadow. You already look happier in that parking lot. Family tends to give the worst reactions because they already have a certain image of you in mind and are weirded out by that image changing. They will get over it, they have to, as family they will still love you and they will get over it. You will probably hear comments both positive and negative for a few weeks then life will be fairly normal after that.
My quicky routine: Undercoat olive oil, cheapo shave gel, shaving against the grain with a Mach 3 in the shower. First time you might want to go with the grain, then after a few days go against to skin close. At first go slow and be careful to avoid cuts.
Welcome and best of luck!
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Way to go, bro
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This is great news, and we told you that you'd like it O0
Your technique will quickly improve and you'll find yourself, like most of us, addicts to a clean smooth head.
You're in front of mpb now, get on with life and enjoy the hell out of it. Post up the Sly Spiral and take part in the Forum, in so many ways for shaving it's great, but when they say "Brothers" they mean it in a way that you are just beginning to appreciate--this is a VERY special place, trust me on that one.
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Looks awesome! Get the mole removed. I shave my head or just keep it buzzed like your step 1 but have never been able to do either without the help of a mirror. I probably could at this point but I'm already set in my routine. Part of the fun for me is watching it getting removed.
Yes, colder head but definitely more sensitive to it at first. That'll regulate but I still insist on a hoodie or hat when it's cold.
Again, looks great. Congrats! It totally suits you.
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I decided to try to shave against the grain both ways today, and man my head is nice and smooth. I love it! I do have a few red spots on my head from razor burn, but I'll get better at shaving with time. I got some Bald Guyz moisturizer to help with the irritation, and I had a bit of a Home Alone moment...
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WTF?! I thought this was supposed to HELP with the burning, not contribute to it! :*)) Anyways, loving the new look, thanks for the support, guys.
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O0 Dear Spiral:
Glad you took the plunge. I did it 3 1/2 years ago and have never regretted it or hankered to regrow what's left of my hair. Each sly bro works up his own regimen, usually after experimentation and experience. I was never content with going with the grain, and very soon evolved this technique: hottest shower you can stand, application of Headblade shave cream, application of Fusion gel, complete front-to-back shave, re-lather with saved cream, back-to-front shave, repeat same operation on face and neck (avoiding goat), re-lather head and cheeks, final to-the-bone shave until all surfaces are utterly smooth. Rarely knick anything, and BaldGuyz Moisture Gel takes care of any razor burn or cut. Whole operation takes under 15 minutes. Head stays chrome smooth for about four hours, when velcro starts reappearing. Have found it's better to shave daily. If I skip a day, tiny skin pucker around hair-shaft resists the razor, requiring new or almost new blade. Let us know about your progress. Professor Melon
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Hi there spiral,
I wanted to echo what so many others have eloquently said. I went sly in June/July of this past year and I could NOT be happier. My wife thinks I'm sexy, i get comments on my beautiful melon, and most of all I feel extremely confident where I used to wonder if folks were looking at my thinning hair.
I also agree that you'll get your own routine as you go. My head was so sensitive when I first started that I immediately went for an electric razor. now I've gone back to the old mach3, shave oil, and headslick/bald guyz. You'll have it down in no time.
One word of caution: you'll be tempted to quit when you run against negative comments, shave bumps or cuts. Trust me, please, that you'll get over all that and will just plain enjoy the awesome feeling of a freshly shaved head.
Take care and best wishes,
Brett
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....having a shaved head for 15 years was an awesome experience for me..and one I'm sure I will return to one day..
So what's stopping you? >:D
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Hey Spiralout. Glad you found us. The fellas have given you some great advice and it sounds like it is working. As for the red spots, I went through those for about 30 days. Then I started using a Head Blade product called Clear Head. You apply it after you shave and pat dry your head with a towel. It really works well for me. Other guys use other products - this one worked for me. Give it a try and see what you think.
I want give you my whole story but when I lost my hairpiece I went to a local barber called Jack The Ripper who buzzed me down with a 00. What a liberating experience.
Enjoy your new found freedom from hair worries. Let the wind blow now.
Sooner Steve
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....having a shaved head for 15 years was an awesome experience for me..and one I'm sure I will return to one day..
So what's stopping you? >:D
Very good question, enquiring minds want to know :/O.
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Spiralout, I really loved reading this story. I have been off the forum for a while (basically just really busy). This was a great story to read, coming back to SBG. I had Deja Vu. I went through all the same stuff that you are going through. Enjoy it! That first shave feeling doesn't come back again.
By the way, from the buzzed pic, you look much better with a shaved head. Congratulations!
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welcome.. much better shorter on u.
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Look great! Im still working on growing enough balls to shave my head, hopefully by my 20th birthday it will be done.
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Wow, I almost gave up on shaving. I I was just getting tons of bumps and my scalp was getting razor burnt to all holy hell when I used the HeadBlade. It turns out the HeadBlade just isn't right for my head. I went without shaving for a couple days to let the inflammation go down, then used a Quattro on my head just now, and DAMN what a difference! Shaving my head was almost pleasant! :) No new razor bumps on the noggin, either. I'm so glad I made the switch. On that note, if anyone wants a HeadBlade Sport and some refill cartridges, I'd be glad to donate it. ;)
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You really look great - - -welcome to the club - - - -You must try all different products and you will find what is suitable for you - - - -
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Wow, I almost gave up on shaving. I I was just getting tons of bumps and my scalp was getting razor burnt to all holy hell when I used the HeadBlade. It turns out the HeadBlade just isn't right for my head. I went without shaving for a couple days to let the inflammation go down, then used a Quattro on my head just now, and DAMN what a difference! Shaving my head was almost pleasant! :) No new razor bumps on the noggin, either. I'm so glad I made the switch. On that note, if anyone wants a HeadBlade Sport and some refill cartridges, I'd be glad to donate it. ;)
Everyone's scalp is different--we all have a drawer full of stuff that didn't quite make the grade for our personal situation--I've got a HB too. But, just so you don't feel like you're doing something out of the ordinary--most of us check the shaving stuff in every store that has it--it just happens! :D
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Wow, I almost gave up on shaving. I I was just getting tons of bumps and my scalp was getting razor burnt to all holy hell when I used the HeadBlade. It turns out the HeadBlade just isn't right for my head. I went without shaving for a couple days to let the inflammation go down, then used a Quattro on my head just now, and DAMN what a difference! Shaving my head was almost pleasant! :) No new razor bumps on the noggin, either. I'm so glad I made the switch. On that note, if anyone wants a HeadBlade Sport and some refill cartridges, I'd be glad to donate it. ;)
spiralout1123211,
Another FNG here just trying to learn a little about head shaving before I start. I to like the Quattro for my face but would also like to try a HeadBlade per a friends reccomendation. If you really want to get rid of yours I would be interested.
Thanks,
Mike
MCFooter(at)charter.net
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If you really want to get rid of yours I would be interested.
Thanks,
Mike
MCFooter(at)charter.net
For your first cleaning up, after a 0 guard buzz, stick with the tool you know, then after you're smooth, you will naturally try every shaving tool and accessory known mpb man. Don't let the lack of a HB delay the freedom, it may be for you, it may not--it wasn't for me and as I've noted it's in the drawer w/ a lot of other stuff that didn't work for my fine dome.
You will nonetheless enjoy the experience of sly, we promise.