Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: matt79alpine on August 03, 2010, 12:07:25 PM

Title: Not sure!
Post by: matt79alpine on August 03, 2010, 12:07:25 PM
Hi guys,
Just looking for some advise.
My hair has been slowly thinning for about 3yrs,when dry you couldn't tell at all,was more visibe when it was wet.Over the last few months it's become more visible when it's dry,i don't have the normal mpb patten,it's just thinning all over the top. I really like the idea of shaving to a grade1 or 2,but not sure if its gonna just look really bad and don't think i'm ready to go sly. has anyone had a simular problem,does anyone know how bad thinning hair looks at a grade1/2.
Thanks alot.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: The Noggin on August 03, 2010, 12:43:18 PM
The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Try it and then you can see if you're happy with the result or not.
There's really no reason to be afraid.  8)
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on August 03, 2010, 01:43:07 PM
Why don't you do this, shave it--to the bone.  Then let it grow out if you're more comfortable to a length that seems to disguise the effects of mpb for your situation.  Then, until mpb advances, you're set, but you'll have the advantage of already having been totally sly so it's not a additional worry to you.  It will grow out fairly quickly.  But remember, you can have mpb with a gradual thinning all over the top with the traditional dip in the back--well you know--a developing horseshoe.  Nothing to fear about it at all.  You can't stop it and can only "slow" it by using means that are either expensive or physically dangerous or both.  Shaving gets it behind you.  But, at the early point of development a buzz can let you hold on if that's what works for you, provided you understand that it's highly unlikely to remain a static situation. 
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Mikekoz13 on August 03, 2010, 05:51:37 PM
Welcome to the Forum Matt! Many have felt just as you do now. Search the Forum and you will find the full range of emotions for those thinking about shavin the first time.

Stick around, read, contribute, and enjoy the Forum. Your answer will find you......
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Rob on August 03, 2010, 06:01:23 PM
grade one or two on a thinning head of hair is gonna look almost shaved anyway: might as well give SLY a try... 8)

Welcome, by the way. O0
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Sgt. Pate on August 03, 2010, 06:24:14 PM
Shave you head and then you'll be very sure!  O0
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Razor X on August 03, 2010, 09:16:55 PM
I really like the idea of shaving to a grade1 or 2,but not sure if its gonna just look really bad and don't think i'm ready to go sly.

If by looking bad you mean that more scalp will show through the buzzed hair, then you are probably right.  However, that can actually de-emphasize the thinning, since it's expected that some skin will be seen through hair buzzed that short.  And the reality is, it's not a situation that's going to get any better with time.  By postponing it, all you have to look forward to is agonizing over bad, thinning  hair.  Buzz it as short as you feel comfortable with for now, and when you feel ready, buzz it a little shorter or shave it completely.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Redgrave101 on August 03, 2010, 11:58:30 PM
I also have this form of hairloss, it just gradually seems to thin all over the top but leave thick areas at the sides/back but also at the fringe.
I started buzzing abit over a year ago, gradually going down from a 6 to a 1 grade.
I then went down to a 0.5 and finally after much consideration, ran a blade over my head and that was that. Im still struggling with a few self confidence issues but i would be lying if i said that shaving/buzzing my head was a bad idea. Its been a very positive step forward for me.
My point being if you are unhappy with how you look go for a buzzcut and see what you think, if you don't like it no problem. It grows back.
And who knows.. maybe you will love it!
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: matt79alpine on August 04, 2010, 11:05:39 AM
Hey guys,
Cheers for the input,has been a help,just gotta get the balls to do it now.
Redgrave,sounds like you have the same,infact it sounds just like it,how much could you see the thinning at grade 1?
Thanks again guys O0
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: reb123161 on August 04, 2010, 12:03:14 PM
Go SLY....don't be like me and have YEARS of headaches combing-over, worrying, missing out on fun things.  Free yourself and live your life to the fullest!  Good luck, bro.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Redgrave101 on August 04, 2010, 06:00:37 PM
To be honest, grade 1 looked awesome. as did grade 2. I realised soon after buzzing that it was in fact a much better look for me than all the trendy styles i was rocking before my hair started thinning.
When i first went down to a 1 i could barely see any thinning, then gradually over time i began to become self conscious of it again and felt it was becomming more noticable. That was when i started to seriously consider the sly approach.
I have been sly for a couple of weeks now and still people keep asking me why i shaved my head. When i explain that my hair was thinning they laugh and say that i must have been seeing things. I knew what i was seeing, but hearing this did make me realise that we study our own reflection in alot more detail than others ever have the chance to...
However people like me sly, they say it suits me. And chances are if you go for a buzz cut and it suits you then the results of a shaved head won't be much different.

Do what makes you happy.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Nate on August 04, 2010, 10:07:41 PM
You look like you suit it also got the build and head shape

Girls must love your look

Some guys really suit it others just gotta deal with it  ;D
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Rob-Raz on August 05, 2010, 03:32:24 AM
Welcome Matt--no pun intended--well maybe a little.   Go ahead and try it!  Kept my head clipper shaved for years due to thinning hair on top and wish I would have taken the leap to bald years ago!  If you don't like it....let it grow back out.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: matt79alpine on August 06, 2010, 11:42:02 AM
Hello,
Just wanted to say thanks alot for the replys,has really been a help,it's strange to see some many people having gone though/and are going though the same thing!
I'm sure lots of you hve heard this before,but i will get there!!
Just wanted to add this site rocks!!!
Thanks again "door" Matt(cheers Rob :*)) ) I'll keep you up dated on the progress!!
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: matt79alpine on August 06, 2010, 11:43:56 AM
 :*)) haha I ment "welcome" Matt!
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Nate on August 08, 2010, 08:08:25 PM
Some guys just do it

I am in your boat and I ponder my head shape and think sheesh I will look bad

And thats a good point RedGrave just stated in the fact other people really do not scrutinize your look. Not unless you are some hair model or you are constantly around vanity obsessed people and most of us arent

Something everyone here will tell us both is there is an initial getting used to period with ourselves our colleagues our friends and family. But after that time elapses its business as usual
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: matt79alpine on August 25, 2010, 01:09:12 PM
Hi guys,Getting ever closer,was wondering how long it normally takes to even the colour on your head(to your face/neck) i'm in the UK and summers all but over,but i'm pretty brown as i work out doors,just a bit worred about having a white helmet on my head for to long!! Cheers!
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: The Noggin on August 25, 2010, 01:25:29 PM
It depends on your skin, but it shouldn't take too long to get at least some tan. You can also try a self-tanning lotion.

I myself don't tan very much. Last year, after I went sly in April, my scalp didn't catch up to my face and neck completely. However, the sly feeling has been so overwhelming, the tan really wasn't an issue for me. Finally, the winter paleness has evened it out.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on August 25, 2010, 01:56:53 PM
The "tan line" is really nothing to concern yourself w/, it passes quickly.  What people notice is the clean sharp look, not the line.  The good thing, and you'll have to believe us on this until you've actually done it, is that no one except you is worried about this.  They just don't notice.  You're spending a whole lot of time looking at this situation in the mirror--most of us have been standing exactly where you are now, covering what's left w/ our hands and lord knows whatelse trying to get a glimpse into our future.  Ultimately, it just doesn't matter.  The sense of freedom is just overwhelming and you'll realize that the only thing you regret is waiting so long--that is the only regret. 
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: reb123161 on August 25, 2010, 02:51:42 PM
I have found the only heads I look at are ones that should be SLY----when I see another SLY phenomenon of nature, ONLY I look at the shave....and know what time of day it is for the dude!!!  What I mean with this post is---we WORRY more about our hair, or lack of, than everyone else.  SLY is freedom and power, man!  Set yourself free, brother.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: thebbqguy on August 25, 2010, 03:07:40 PM
I really like the idea of shaving to a grade1 or 2,but not sure if its gonna just look really bad and don't think i'm ready to go sly. has anyone had a simular problem,does anyone know how bad thinning hair looks at a grade 1/2.
Thanks alot.

I first visited the forum in April 2010 and at that point I had been getting my hair clipped at the barbershop to a 2.  After reading around on here awhile, I purchased the Wahl Balding Clippers and went to 1 and then 0 (no guard) over the period of a few months.

Last week I shaved my head entirely.  There's really not a great amount of difference. I understand your thought process with the 1/2 guard because I took the same approach. It allowed my friends, family, and co-workers time to get used to the idea and it allowed my scalp time to "condition".  I have really fair sensitive skin and freckles.  The gradual approach worked for me, but I doubt it was really necessary.

Whatever approach you take, I'm sure it will work out fine.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: matt79alpine on August 26, 2010, 03:16:35 PM
Hey guys,
Buzzed it down to number 1..........is Awesome!!!!!!!!!!! can't seethe thinning! it's like a year long weight has been lifted from my shoulds,i was dreading going back to work,but now can't wait! i've also lost the fear of going sly i reckon,i'm thinking i'm gonna keep this look for a while,as i like it! i wan't to say a massive thank you to all of you!! with out your input,i would still be stressing!!! i really mean that!!i will post a pick tomorrow!!! THANKS AGAIN!! O0 O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: xnewyawka on August 26, 2010, 06:59:07 PM
Congrats Matt, sounds like your happy with it.
A #1 buzz is awesome, but a smooth shave is even more awesome!!    O0
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: thebbqguy on August 28, 2010, 07:33:50 AM
Way to go Matt. Can't wait to see a picture.
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: Sgt. Pate on August 28, 2010, 09:01:29 PM
Right on Matt!  O0  Glad you found a look that you like!
Title: Re: Not sure!
Post by: BaldWriterBob on August 29, 2010, 12:02:18 AM
Good for you, Matt. Glad you're happy with the new look.