Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: DrewH on May 15, 2010, 07:53:13 AM
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So there I am.. I've been thinking about doing it, but I'm worried I won't like it. I do have an above average sized head (7&3/4 for those familiar with hat sizes) but more or less a fairly rounded head. No real lumps anywhere.
I'm at the point where I refuse to take my hat off or go anywhere without it because I feel so self conscious among my college aged peers. Now I'm expecting a biased answer from you sly guys, but truly would it work for me?
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I think you'll find that you're so close to being sly now that the transition will be relatively painless. You'll also transition from a 23 year old who's losing his hair to a 23 year old who took control and rocks the sly look. A shaved head is so mainstream these days that you'll be more of a normal guy with a shaved head than a 23 year old balding guy. Shave it - if you don't like it after 30 days you're only a few days away from being back to the look that you have now. Experience the freedom - until you take that step you won't understand.
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I had and still do have a head full of hair, and going sly wasn't all that difficult. If it is something that you want to do, go ahead and doing. And if you don't like it, just let it grow back. But by experience and advice, you'll love it and I'm pretty sure you will keep shaving it. Like they say, try it for 30 days, you'll like it.
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So there I am.. I've been thinking about doing it, but I'm worried I won't like it.
Do you like the way it looks now? Obviously not, or we wouldn't be having this conversation. So it's time to try something else. And let's face it, the options are somewhat limited. ^-^
At the very least, you need buzz the top down to the same length as the sides. Leaving it longer makes it look like a very obvious attempt to disguise the thinning, and you're past the point where it's possible to camouflage it. Once the top is buzzed down, you're going to look very bald; there's no escape or going back. But it will also look a lot better.
Once the top is buzzed down, it's a relatively easy transition to completely shaved. You may want to get used to the buzzed-all-over look for a while first, but at some point you should give the shave a try. Remember that it only takes a week to grow back to a #1 buzz, so it's a relatively risk-free experiment. And it's a risk well worth taking; being afraid to take your hat off in public is no way to live.
Once your head is shaved, you'll get some comments from your peers, and you'll be amazed at how genuinely positive 99% of them are. After a week or two, it will be a non-issue and no one will bring it up again. And instead of looking like a 35-year-old, you'll look and feel like a rejuvenated 23-year-old.
Please don't think of this is as a biased answer, but rather a sincere and honest one. Many of us have been in your shoes and know how difficult it can be to take that first leap of faith. But we are also here to bear witness to the fact that things get much better once you take charge of the situation. I have yet to hear of any guy your age and in your situation that regretted scraping his dome clean.
Good luck.
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Just do it. There is nothing to lose. In the (very unlikely) event that you don't think it looks much much better, it grows back much faster than you would think.
Chances are, once it's done you will be kicking yourself for waiting so long.
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I recommend the shave. I chose an other option...and look at me now!!!
P.S.
The countdown to being bagless is on, my friends!
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You understand the appearance issue--thinning hair, island developing in the front, and it does make a guy look and more personally feel older, less assured about their appearance. Large head, I've got you beat, 7 & 7/8s! Hats are hard to find and frankly not too comfortable either--leaving their mark when I wear one.
The guys are right, do it for yourself, review the posts in the 30 day board--you'll find that your reticence about this is not unique at all. Try it, 30 days, then decide, every option you want as long as no drugs, no plugs & no rugs. Sly is the safe and sane way to deal with a genetic trait. You will enjoy it, no worries about the appearance of what you can't change, acceptance of what is for every guy I've seen pass by here a great improvement in appearance and attitude. Go for it--you deserve to be free.
I recommend the shave. I chose an other option...and look at me now!!!
P.S.
The countdown to being bagless is on, my friends!
TTBM--we're here, cheering you on. It's going to be great, really--you know that, but we're here to assure you and get you free too! O0
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Welcome to the Forum!
You should shave that little bit of hair you have left and move on to the next stage of your life. The stage that includes confidence, better looks, and probably even a smile on that face that currently troubled to me.
My Friend.... you will not believe how a little shave cream, a razor, and fifteen minutes of your time can change your life.
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Drew:
Not knowing where you live, it is almost summer and perfect time to get a very tight buzz cut so you and everyone else can get used to the look. Just tell everyone you are "buzzed bald" for the summer. I balded the EXACT same progression like you only at age 22 and my large balding forehead made my head look larger. You're a handsome young man who needs less worry about hair and more fun in life! Keep us posted and good luck ! ---Stasiu
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All we can do is assure you that you won't regret trying it out. It won't do any harm. And even if you don't like it, at least you know it and don't have to be curious about it.
You can't lose! Except for the hair, of course. ;D
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Yeah , Shaving is a must for you -- And your gonna look great ...................... 8)
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If you shave your head you will look younger. You already have short and thin hair, so you could get easily used to a shaved head.
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Just do it! O0
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Welcome to the forum, Drew. As you can see from the thoughtful responses you have received already, the time has come! Just do it. You will not regret it. O0
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So after my original post I went to work today (hat in tow) and while at work (I work at a local Gamestop) I counted 4 or 5 sly guys. Now that I'm really considering this I do notice a lot more guys with it than I originally thought.
I'm amazed at all of the replies today. Thanks for all the support everyone. I have made a compromise with myself.. I'm going to keep what I got until my HeadBlade comes in the mail (which should be 3-4 business days) and then I'm going for it.
I'll keep you all posted.
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Agree, shaving will make you look younger. People are always guessing I'm 5-7 years younger than I actually am!
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23 years old and look like a 35 year old
You say that like it's a bad thing :x!
Like everyone else said. JUST DO IT! Nothing holding you back but fear >:D
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23 years old and look like a 35 year old
You say that like it's a bad thing :x!
Haha I meant no disrespect to you 30 somethings (or even the older guys who are fortunate enough to look younger!). I just don't look or feel like a 23 year old. I'm missing out on my college years!
But anyway yeah thanks for the support guys. Good to see some confirmations that I will look better and younger. I can't see it being any worse, like some of you pointed out. Worst case scenario is nothing changes and I still wear my dingy old hats, right? Best case scenario is I lose the emotional baggage. So I'm going to do it.
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Check out the Before and After Gallery and take note of how virtually everyone there looks better in the "after" photo:
http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?action=gallery;cat=2
And, BTW you can buy HeadBlades in Rite-Aid. Just be careful when you use it; it takes a little time and skill to get the hang of it.
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Haha I always wondered what Neil Strauss looked like pre-sly.
He's the reason I actually started considering this after I read some of his stuff and watched him do a few talk shows.
You're right.. pretty much everyone in that gallery looks a million times better.
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Go for the shave! you're going to look GREAT!! O0
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I was just messin with you ;) I'm with Razor on the Headblade. I'd even venture to tell you to get the Sensor 3 cartridge. I've tried the Headblade ones, Atra II's, and Sensor Excels. Sensor 3's are WAY more forgiving. I'd probably tell you to use your regular razor for your first go. Then after you get familiar with your "topography" use the headblade.
'
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Go for it dude :)! Your head size should be fine as mines 7 1/2, so its more or less the same size, check out my pic's in my older posts O0. Although its nothing to worry about as like all of the guys off here, you'll look cool and sly!
Good luck for when your HB arrives.
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That first time you shave it's going to be a confusing whirlwind of surprise, excitement, and apprehension. Just keep your head and you'll soon get used to that new guy in the mirror.
Stick it out for 30 days and I can say with high confidence that you'll love it! I never did the "30 day trial"; it took me about half that time to realize that bald is my "destined" look. And it's awesome O0
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Agree, shaving will make you look younger. People are always guessing I'm 5-7 years younger than I actually am!
I can beat that... people guess about 10-15 years younger -- don't I wish.
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Definitely keep us posted.
Your hairline looks like mine did at 23; I wish I would have had the guts to get rid of it then for the long haul, instead of shaving it, letting it grow, and fussing until I was about 30. Keep the facial hair for the time being and I'm betting you like what you see when you're done with the Headblade. O0
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Drew you're wasting so much time putting too much thought into this.
There's no need to wait for your HeadBlade to arrive. Take out any fresh blade and give your head a quick once-over.
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23 years old and look like a 35 year old
:*)) :*)) :*)) :*)) :*))
I think I remember how it feels to look like a 35 year old. Wait a damn minute. Where's my walker?
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I recommend the shave. I chose an other option...and look at me now!!!
P.S.
The countdown to being bagless is on, my friends!
why are you setting a date? let me tell you from experience, I've only been sly for 2 days and its been the best two days Ive had in over a year. I agonized with my MPB hairline for over a year while lurking this site, just go for it man
Also to Drew, you should try shaving aswell I think you would look great with it. Worst case scenario you don't like it, it grows back O0
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Alright guys.. UPDATE TIME
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Just did it like 10 minutes ago. Literally took me like an hour to do, but its finally done.
I think it looks good. Its a little on the pale side, but nothing some sun won't fix.
Also, I've got a question. It's a little dark on the sides, you can't really see it in the pix, but is it normal for the first few times for some of the stubble to be so stubborn? Or am I just a terrible shaver? Like I said before I was using the HeadBlade and it was a brand new razor so I'm convinced its either just me or my head.
I mean its not terrible, but I would like it to be a more uniform bald.
Thoughts and comments welcome!
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Dude, that look is YOU! You own it for sure.
Did you shave with or against the grain? Or both? When you shave against the grain on the sides and back the look is more uniform, not to mention how awesomely smooth it feels O0. But, as many people in many threads have pointed out, if you have dark hair, the shadow is something you learn to live with. I do a good, slow once-over all over my head with the grain with my HB and then against the grain with my Fusion. ATG is the best way to minimize shadow.
I've had my head shaved for about 10 months now and I have gotten a decent amount of sun but I still have a lingering shadow and a slight pale complexion on the sides and back of my head. Maybe once I hit the beach this summer and get some REAL sun it will even out a little more.
Just remember to always wear sunscreen/moisturizer with SPF!
Congrats on the new look, now go out there and be somebody! ;D
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It's a little dark on the sides, you can't really see it in the pix, but is it normal for the first few times for some of the stubble to be so stubborn?
Well, looks good really good. Now 30 days. Oh, and that "dark on the sides"--it's the "shadow" and most mpb guys have it if their hair is dark. It can be minimized by a close shave and your skills will improve at a rapid rate. But, with dark hair, the shadow is a fact. On top of course the hair is thin, and shadow isn't apparent. A little color on the dome will help too. But look around, all the sly guys have shadow--it's part of the "look" and I'm of the opinion that unless another sly guy is the observer, it's not what they see-they just see a fine looking smooth sly dome. Good work. And you don't look 35 any more.
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Who's the 35-year-old in those photos? ??? Just kidding; it looks great. ^-^
With respect to the stubble on the sides; your technique will improve as you get used to shaving. Did you shave against the grain? What kind of razor and shaving gel did you use? Those things all make a difference in the quality of the shave.
Congratulations on taking the plunge. O0
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In a not so coordinated way I went WTG first and then against.
And yeah I used whichever blade comes with the headblade sport.. as well as the headblade cream.
I definitely don't think I'll have a hard time with the whole 30 days thing. Just look at the first pictures I posted in the thread. I'm over that look already.
I'll just have to see how I can minimize the shadow over the next couple weeks.
And haha at the joke Razor. ;D
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Drew - - -You look GREAT and 23 - -Good for you - -now enjoy being SLY BALD
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Well I'm glad you look like us 23 year olds again :*)) Looks great on you.
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Looking Awesome Drew !
Congrats ! Just watch out for the girls now ... and friends will want to rub that sexy melon :@`... that becomes addictive ! Hey ... a little fringe shadow is unique look on young guys like you! ---Stasiu
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Looks great, dude.
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I know the notion of you jsut shaving your hair is a pretty biased opinion here, but honestly, it looks so much better now that ur bald.You looked a lot older with your male pattern baldness.Sly is definitly a solid look on you!I wish it looked as natural on me as it does you.Definitly rock this look for good!
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good to see another young'un like myself joining the ranks of sly
congrats man, looks good
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You've made the good choice. You look better and younger.
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Sly is definitly a solid look on you!I wish it looked as natural on me as it does you.
It does. Seriously. Hang in there; you'll be glad that you did.
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Shaving it bald does make you look younger..damn looks good!
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Literally put a smile on my face when i scrolled down and saw that you shaved. Looks good, good job, keep it up.
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Dude the sly look definitely suits you, you look way younger now
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you're deed is done and correct. Keep it clean.
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Big improvement, you don't look 35 at all in fact you look alot younger bald. Most people can believe I'm 51, but I am and going on 52 net January. Going bald changed alot of things for me not just looking younger. The bald look has opened up alot of opportunities for me and I'm jus enjoy it alot. Glad you decided to go bald. You'll never regret it and wished you had done it sooner. Good luck.
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Looks good on you....congratulations! :)
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Lookin great, bro: you suit the SLY look, in the opinion of a 'really ancient' 39 year old anyway ;)
O0
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Lookin great, bro: you suit the SLY look, in the opinion of a 'really ancient' 39 year old anyway ;)
O0
Guess that makes me prehistoric at 42! :*))
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I was feeling pretty good yesterday, so I decided to go shopping and ended up buying a whole new summer wardrobe to compliment my new look. The best part of it was I managed to do it without wearing my hat and with all the confidence in the world.
I ended up going to an outdoor mall simply because I wanted to get some sun on the dome and I managed to not fry myself, so mission accomplished there.
Only thing left to complete my look is a nice pair of shades. Been hunting around and I'm thinking a pair of Oakley's. I've been putting off buying them because they're pretty pricey for a pair of sunglasses, but I think the newfound confidence merits the purchase!
Day 3 and still feeling euphoric. Thanks for all the support guys.
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Hey Drew ! I am happy for You !
Post new pics in your new summmer wardrobe ! Sounds like you adjusted to SLY very well ! Awesome Job ! ----Stasiu
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People look much older when there bald/thinning on top versus when they shave their head. So I'd say shave your head and you'll be alot more confident in being 23.
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million times improvement, wow you look awesome, you should keep it slick.
Alright guys.. UPDATE TIME
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(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg36.imageshack.us%2Fimg36%2F5514%2F0521101637a.jpg&hash=01f2c53a75839547d298d50974e50628602946e0)
Just did it like 10 minutes ago. Literally took me like an hour to do, but its finally done.
I think it looks good. Its a little on the pale side, but nothing some sun won't fix.
Also, I've got a question. It's a little dark on the sides, you can't really see it in the pix, but is it normal for the first few times for some of the stubble to be so stubborn? Or am I just a terrible shaver? Like I said before I was using the HeadBlade and it was a brand new razor so I'm convinced its either just me or my head.
I mean its not terrible, but I would like it to be a more uniform bald.
Thoughts and comments welcome!
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Drew! You are rockin' the look, dude! Welcome to your new improved life and life style! O0
I am so happy for you!
(Oh to be 23, or 33 or4-.... :/O)
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Dude, you look like a 23 year old guy who is losing his hair. You'll look like you're 23 until you are 24 and anyone who tells you different is either an a$$hole or just stupid. Even though your hair is thinning the skin on your scalp will have a downy younger look than someone who has thinning hair later in life. Be glad that you're growing up at a time when baldness is cool, it was hard for me to appreciate that when I had your hairline at 23 years of age back when hair bands ruled the rock n roll world.
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drew h---u look great!
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Looks great man! Like the others have said - you look younger and better! Way to go man! Good choice.
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Trust me shave it off. Im 26 years old and have been shaving my head for over 6 years, so do the math. I was just like you, hiding under hats, I was always the hat guy. In fact, I was voted "most likely to be first bald" in high school. Sad huh? Start by using slippers with a 1 attachment, then go down to no attachment. Soon you will realize that its much easier and faster to just shave it smooth! I use the Headblade and I looove it. Just go for it, its just hair, and like they said if u don't like it it will grow back (in places). You will look much younger with no hair and the sly look. Go for it! O0
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welcome!