Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Mauricio on July 13, 2010, 11:00:45 PM
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I've been wearing a hairpiece for the last 12 years and I absolutely hate it! To be honest, I seldom go out without a hat unless I'm at work. I really want to shave my head but I am a bit fair skinned with darker hair and I know it is going to be completely obvious what I did. Are there tanning creams that might lessen the contrast between my skin and hair? I'm also a teacher and I totally dread the million and one questions I know I will get when I return to school this fall. I know I should just suck it up and not care about what other people think, but it just makes my stomach turn every time I think of the reaction I will get. Does anyone have similar experience?
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I never wore a hairpiece so I can't comment on that. But if you hate it...do something now!! As far as a million questions.....what better way to get peoples opinions about the new you?? Sure you can tan ur head with products....or take that opportunity to get out more without a hat (use a bit of sunscreen...trust me) and get that head tanned!
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I'm a (new) teacher. Just got my certificate in June.
I never wore a hairpiece but you should relax. You have about 2 months
to get used to having a shaved head. Some of your students
or colleagues may ask you why you keep your hair short but that's about it.
Think of the worst question you think they will ask you and practice giving
a response in front of the mirror. Sound ridiculous but I'm serious. What
question is it that would give you a hard time? Write it down, ask yourself
that or those questions in the mirror and you have 2 months or so to prepare
yourself to answer them.
Good luck with everything and keep in touch. Let us know how it goes.
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Welcome to the Forum Mauricio!!
Many of us have been very nervous before our first head shave...... it's normal. But the bottom line is that it's your head, your life. If you're not happy with the way things are then change them. It doesn't matter what others think when your own happiness is involved.
Now is the perfect time for you to shave...... Summer and away from school. By the time school is back in your head will be nice and tanned. And yes there are some tanning products that many here like.... Jergens makes a nice product but I don't remember the name.
Please keep us posted and PLEASE ask any questions or just lay out your thoughts on here for a little support.
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I can't speak to the rug part, but I can tell you that my determination never to wear a horseshoe was in large part due to a teacher who kept his--being kids we called him "Harry" Toiletseat. Kids will respect the sly look. And, worried about what people will think ane questions and remarks? Frankly, and I don't mean to be harsh, but believe me they have been questioning among themselves why you have a dead squirrel on your head. You'll only get compliments. To the bone, it will be all evened out by school term. You're going to love the freedom.
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the feeling you have is natural.
but, if you try out shaving your head for 30 days, you're quickly going to realize how liberating it is. no more "i need to wear a hat at all costs" types of days, no more fiddling around with your "hair", no more worrying about rain or hat hair or anything. it truly is liberating.
and now is the perfect time! shave it and get some sun! you'll tan up that dome in no time!
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Welcome Mauricio. To be rather blunt about the rug, I am sure that the kids have already labeled you. Perhaps you just haven't heard them. Kids are cruel. They say just what pops into their heads. My suggestion would be to become the cool teacher. Lather up and take the plunge. Future remarks from the kids will be positive!
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I can't speak to the rug part, but I can tell you that my determination never to wear a horseshoe was in large part due to a teacher who kept his--being kids we called him "Harry" Toiletseat.
ROFLMAO! OMG, I never thought of it like that! Wearing a toiletseat on your head! No wonder I absolutely loathe the look of a horseshoe.
I've always felt, if my hair wants to leave me, then don't let the door hit ya in the ass. But I had to wait, because my wife and kid were initially freaked out by my wanting to go sly.
However, I finally got them on board with it.
I took a regular picture, and photoshopped it to make me look bald, so they could see what it'd look like.
When I saw that, I thought, wow.. I'll look pretty good like that, I think.
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Trust me. Some folks will be surprised at first, but then "it's just the way you are." If someone remarks, "What did you do to your hair?" Just reply, "Hair? What hair?" And they say, "That rug you used to wear." Just say, "Rug? Toupee? I never had one of those." Deny, deny, deny (in a light-hearted way, of course). They'll give up; life will go on.
As many have said here, you care more about about your hair (or lack thereof) than anyone else does. You could even sport a mohawk (far more transgressive than Sly, which is, frankly, now very mainstream) and in a month no one you know would think anything of it. Well, if it were dyed green, maybe...
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Go for it!
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Do it and enjoy being SLY BALD like all of us - - - -Most of us have been through the same thing - - - -
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Im not Bald (naturally) at all. I shaved it off about 2 months or so ago just to try something different. Its been fun - yea - you get some looks and comments, but so what - Its a head for gods sake!! nothing weird about it! Just take the plunge and if it doesnt look good to you, then you have timeto go back to the old look
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I think people naturally respect someone more for choosing their appearance than for trying to hide it! ;) You should have heard what they said about the rug! :-X
Seriously, you'll feel so much better shaved and lots of guys have the shadow. The confidence you will have will far outweigh any nervousness. Give it 30 days and you'll feel like you've always been Sly! O0 Freedom from bondage is amazing!!!
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I think the number of questions you get will be minimal. Most people who do this think it will be a major event to deal with, but I think in general, it turns out to be a non-event, except of course for you. If your rug is as evident as most you see, people will probably give you props for ditching it and going natural. Good luck, and post a pic when you do the deed.
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I'm a former hairpiece wearer and can completely relate to the fear, uncertainty, doubt, and difference in skin color. I was amazed at how much of a non-issue removing my hairpiece and shaving my head was to everyone. I literally had one person comment about it and the comment was "ah got a haircut" -- and that was it. I had the difference in skin color and used Jergen's Natural Glow and it evened out in a couple of days. The fear is totally in our own heads -- its a non event for everyone else. Take the plunge - the sooner the better - you won't believe how great it feels to not have to deal with your hair piece and how much better you look and feel. If you have any questions let me know! I was there in your shoes 8 months ago.
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Welcome to SBG's Mauricio, you've come to the right place. There is absolutely nothing to be nervous about.
Heed the advice from pdxtodd, he's been there and done that.
You won't believe the feeling of freedom you'll have, after you rid yourself of the hair hat.
Give it a shot. We're pretty sure you're gonna love it. Show up at school a new man, bald and proud! O0
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As they say, just do it!
I'm willing to bet that your reaction will be "why did I wait so freaking long?!"
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Hey, I can totally relate to your situation. I went down the hairpiece road for 13 years and I liberated myself 44 days ago. I was nervous about the transition, who wouldn't be? But it really turned out to be okay. My advice to you is that yes your scalp will be lighter, but what better time to get some sun than when you are on holidays? I used Jergens Natural glow, but it didn't really do that much for me. As I have said I have been free for 44 days and do you know how many times I have regretted shaving??? Zilch!!!! Just do it and be free!!!!!!!!!
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Thanks for the support. I'm going to talk it over with my wife tonight. This will be the first time this is discussed. I'll keep everyone posted and thanks for the encouragement.
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Go for it, you'll be glad you did. A real feeling of freedom will be yours!
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Show up this fall as the cool bald teacher versus the teacher with the rug on his head. O0
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Aloha Mauricio,
Fortunately youy were able to get input from the former "rug guys". I never wore on but shaved in May, 2008, and have loved it ever since.
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Thanks for the support. I'm going to talk it over with my wife tonight. This will be the first time this is discussed. I'll keep everyone posted and thanks for the encouragement.
Remember, if she's against it, remind her that it, or most of it, will grow back--until it all falls out, hair by hair by hair--then ask why she likes that idea. And, nicely remind her that it's your head, you live w/ it 24/7, and you really want to do this rather than look like a wimpy, dull and aging guy. Then, duck ;D ;D ;D.
But, there's always the ask for forgiveness, not permission plan. Have the discussion after you've done it. That's what I did--she still isn't a fan, but she's learned or is learning to live with it, and she's never so upset that she has tried any strange tactics, if you know what I mean. She won't touch it, although her friends will, that's a little odd, but she's learning to live with it--even reminding me to bring a hat or put on sunscreen when we leave the house on hot sunny days.
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Thanks everyone! I'm going to take the plunge. I work this weekend and wont have time to tan my head, but I have all of next week off starting on Tuesday. D-Day will be July 20, 2010...im excited! I've gotten some suggestions products that I might need from reading different forums, but if you have ANY additional suggestions I'm all ears.
Shopping list:
1. Head Blade Sport (on order)
2. HEad Slick (on order)
3. HEad lube matte (on order)
4. Apricot Scrub- How often should I use it?
5. I use Neutrogena triple protection face lotion with spf 20- would anyone recommend that?
6. Does anyone use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream? I'm wondering if the conditioner softens the stubble and allows for a better shave? I'm new at this so I'm just wondering.
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I'm wondering if the conditioner softens the stubble and allows for a better shave? I'm new at this so I'm just wondering.
As we say on the car enthusiast's forum I frequent, "Your mileage may vary" or "YMMV," but I find that HeadSlick softens my hair and sets it up for a shave better than anything else I've found.
I only use hair conditioner on those rare occasions when I'm on a business trip and forget to pack - or run out of - my HeadSlick. I not only find that HeadSlick gives me a better shave, it also tends to clog the razor less.
Good luck on your journey. I'm sure you'll enjoy the SLY you!
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If it's the first time shaving your head...I sugest adding King of Shave Oil. That will help reduce/eliminate the redness and irritation that first time headshavers always experience. Steps...have beer or 2....buzz your hair down as short as you can....shower to get the bristles soft...use the scrub to get rid of dead skin...apply KOS oil and on top of that then apply the shaving cream and take your first pass with the razor. Take it slow with the razor....
but i think people will be impressed by you shaving and ditching the rug. You are being yourself and putting yorself out there. Be proud and enjoy.
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Mauricio , as for the apricot scrub....that will be by trail and error.I used it afew time for a flaking problem but I no longer need it. To much use can irritate your scalp.
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Thanks for all of the help and support!!!!
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Just go for it. I recommend using something that is comfortable for you. Try a regular razor, or try the Headblade. Personally, I am a Headblade Sport user, and could never go back, but a lot has changed for me since I first started.
I started by standing in front of a mirror taking 10 or 15 minutes to shave my head, I used a Mach 3 (which I am sure you have seen is preferred by many) going over the same spot multiple times to make sure it was perfect - this in turn cause terrible irritation and redness. I hated it.
I moved onto the Headblade as soon as I first saw it. Beautiful. I don't use a mirror at all anymore, and I am a shower shaver. It cuts down the cleanup, and time, and I find the steam from a hot shower really helps the hair stand on end, and provides for much less irratibility, redness, and smoother shave (for me). I use cheap cheap Barbosal foam shave cream w/ aloe, although I always have Headslick on hand because I love the way it really seems to moisturize my head as well. (personal opinion)
You really have to just go for it and find out by trial and error the process that works best for you.l
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Thanks for all of the help and support!!!!
Just remember, post pictures when it's shaved and satisfaction guaranteed. O0
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I'm going to take the plunge.
You're really going to like this, we promise 8)
Does anyone use hair conditioner instead of shaving cream? I'm wondering if the conditioner softens the stubble and allows for a better shave? I'm new at this so I'm just wondering.
I find that it helps to take some of the conditioner that I use on the chin mitten and rub it on my scalp and leave it there without rinsing when I shower then put the shaving oil, lather etc. on. It does help soften the stubble that for some reason seems to be tougher than the "grown out" hair.
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O0 I am a teacher/professor too and appreciate your nervousness. Let your head, not your fears guide you. The ridicule you fear is far more likely to be provoked by the toupee than by an honest, cleanly shaved head. Phoniness in any form is fair game; brutal honesty rarely is. Keep in mind, new students have never seen you before; if you walk into class with a confidence borne of being who you really are, even students who knew the old you will respond positively. And then consider the freedom: no maintenance, no ventilation problems, no pretense, no odd looks. Trust me, after a month you'll wonder why you waited. Best, Professor Melon
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Teacher here too!! Yes you will get comments!!! Shrung them off! Kids actually grow to like the look!!!
Soccer team rubs the dome for good luck!!! LOL