Sly Bald Guys Forum
New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: bdizzle on October 01, 2010, 01:08:15 PM
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My Story
Well I'm a 23 year old under (not un)employed college graduate who's had thinning hair for maybe a few years? now. I'm not sure exactly how long my hair's been thinning on top, because I think it's always been somewhat thin on the top, I just never noticed it. I had slightly longer hair in my teenage years so I never really paid much attention, however in recent years I've come to the conclusion that my hair is thinning on the top and has receded, at least on the temples.
My biggest problem with going sly? Holy sh*t I can't imagine I'd look any good bald. I'm short (like 5'8 on a good day), thin, (155 lbs), pretty damn white, and I've had my hair short in the past (down to a 0 in buzz) and people have told me I didn't look good. Heck, I got the most comments on being balding when I had my hair buzzed down short, because that's when you could notice the thinness on the top the most.
I really just can't imagine looking good, full sly either, because I have a BIG ass head. I know my situation's not hopeless, and the majority of posters are going to say, "just do it", I guess I just need the affirmations lol. I've enclosed a few pics, the last two are fairly recent (within say 2-3 weeks) so they're a pretty good presentation of where my hair is at right now.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg291.imageshack.us%2Fimg291%2F6243%2F1221y.jpg&hash=55f5502d372e8bbf831070a7e1b2c32200a6e9da)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg155.imageshack.us%2Fimg155%2F7408%2F54101175412701808112280.jpg&hash=03fdfb92bc737c08aab0bab20da78f4c292ac6d3)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg839.imageshack.us%2Fimg839%2F6651%2F57302471331106037154556.jpg%2F&hash=0ce76c2d5a755f2e723fc1b119de5343d061bf6d)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg525.imageshack.us%2Fimg525%2F3639%2F31637450473659250640564.jpg&hash=b5a38bfdb5cddc5ed025be943dfff38bf4755b95) (I actually think it looks pretty good in this pic)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg718.imageshack.us%2Fimg718%2F953%2F33933514825050707139601.jpg&hash=2880d3c018753c7d7008845ae2936dbec4adf686)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg405.imageshack.us%2Fimg405%2F2851%2F60156514823723367139601.jpg&hash=8619112f27bde250a47695b74f9fae94d9cc4d98)
Anyways there's one more pic, but I can't get it to upload for some reason, the first two were taken like 1.5 years ago, the third one about 4 months ago maybe, and the last two were taken a few weeks ago. Even though they're not really great photos, I think the thinness in the top is noticeable in at least a few of them. Suggestions? Advice?
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First off, let me welcome you to the forum Bdizzle. Yes, most of the members will say to shave it smooth. IMO this is something that has to come from you. If you are worried about other people's attitude, don't! Your personal appearance is about what you like. Friends and family can really be hurtful in these areas. Remember, it is all about what you like. If you were to go Sly, it will grow back in a very short time. Persoanally, yes, I would shave it. Mainly just to see what it would look like. I had a full head of hair and lost a bet. So off it came. I had no intention in the beginning to keep it smooth. It felt so great that I have shaved everyday for the last two years. I have no intention of ever going back to hair. I really is overrated. You have come to the right forum for your inquiries. The brothers will help in any way they can. Please remember on your hair loss, no drugs, rugs or plugs! These things will ruin your health and pocketbook.
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Agreeing with PD. Give it a try. It's not as if going SLY is like getting a tattoo. If you try it and don't like it, a month will take you back to square one*.
From Ming's POV, there is NO such thing as a head that does not look OK if SLY. It might not be what you like (after dipping into the water), but SLY is FAR better than halfway measures.
*but if "square one" is creeping MPB... what ARE you waiting for? From age twenty to the grave, SLY will never let you down.
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Welcome to SBG, bdizzle!
I don't say "shave it", I say: "Don't be afraid."
You may go sly for the look, but you'll stay sly because of the feeling.
Visually it's not a big difference between buzzing at #0 and shaving, but the feeling is SO different.
It's all in your mind. When you're ready, go for it! 8)
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welcome you got some sound advise for the brothers i have a big head too and i get nothing but good comments from all around me. it is all about how you feel and how you project that feeling.
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I don't think your hair looks bad in the last couple of photos. It is thinning but you still seem to have good coverage, for the most part.
You need to come to terms with the fact that it is thinning and that it will continue to thin. And that makes your statement "I can't imagine I'd look any good bald" irrelevant. You need to figure out how to look your best with what God gave you to work with.
If you're worried about your head size, remember that having hair on the sides and little or none on top can give the illusion of a bigger head. It can make a forehead look longer than it really is -- and shaving off the surrounding hair can make it seem less so. It's worth giving it a try to find out. The worst that can happen is you don't like it and it takes two weeks to grow back out to a #2 buzzcut length.
Another thing to consider is that growing some facial hair can make the shape of your face seem different, and can draw attention to the lower part of your head and away from the top.
I think the buzzcut in the first picture looked good. You can tell that it's thinning, but that's something you're going to have to deal with sooner or later, no matter how you cut your hair. If you can get used to wearing it that length, it makes the transition to totally shaved very easy, because you can quickly revert back to it if you want to.
Change can be difficult to adjust to, but taking charge of the situation by cutting your hair really short or shaving it completely is very empowering and confidence-building. Don't listen to the naysayers; the decision is yours and yours alone. Just bear in mind that the universal advice for all balding men is that shorter is better. I think all of us already know that on some level, but coming to terms with it and taking that first step isn't always easy. But once it's done and the 30-day trial period is over, most guys are sorry they didn't do it sooner.
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Welcome to SBG. You've come to the right place for help and advice. (For some reason your pics are not showing up right now)
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Welcome B. Razor has given great advice. The choice is fully yours.
You still have plenty of hair, so try different things. The buzz cut is good, you may even want to go a little closer next time. Try a shave and if you don't like it, you'll be back to a buzz in a week.
Good luck.
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Welcome to the forum! O0
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Welcome to SBGs!!! 8)
Just do it...it will grow back if you really want it to...chances are you won't!!! O0
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Well as far as a big head, I can barely squeeze into a 7 7/8's hat size, some "adjustables" aren't adjustable enough to cover my melon so if big heads contradict sly, didn't happen for me.
Your pictures indicate to me at least that you have a few years of "hair time" left, it will be thinning all the time, but you'll have hair of some sort. But, that being said, as the time passes not only will you progress toward full blown bald, but some of your friends will start too because the sats tell us by age 30, approximately 30% of the male population is bald to one degree or another. It may be that when you see others in the same situation you'll feel confident enough to shave. Personally, I agree with the rest of the SBG's general statement, try it, give it 30 days and you may like it as much as we do. In any event, after 30 days, you'll have removed the question mark in your mind about doing it, because you already will have experienced it. So, if you decide to try to coach a few more years out of you hair, you'll know where "home" is and perhaps it will be easier for you when it gets beyond hiding at whatever length. Just don't use drugs and screw up your body, surgery and scar your body or rugs and ruin your finances.
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You look great with the 0 buzz - - -don't let anyone tell you any different
Listen to Razor X -he knows what he is talking about
Welcome to SBG
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I think you still got a decent amount of lettuce to work with.... you're not at a Costanza yet.
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Welcome! O:O
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I don't think your hair looks bad in the last couple of photos. It is thinning but you still seem to have good coverage, for the most part.
You need to come to terms with the fact that it is thinning and that it will continue to thin. And that makes your statement "I can't imagine I'd look any good bald" irrelevant. You need to figure out how to look your best with what God gave you to work with.
If you're worried about your head size, remember that having hair on the sides and little or none on top can give the illusion of a bigger head. It can make a forehead look longer than it really is -- and shaving off the surrounding hair can make it seem less so. It's worth giving it a try to find out. The worst that can happen is you don't like it and it takes two weeks to grow back out to a #2 buzzcut length.
Another thing to consider is that growing some facial hair can make the shape of your face seem different, and can draw attention to the lower part of your head and away from the top.
I think the buzzcut in the first picture looked good. You can tell that it's thinning, but that's something you're going to have to deal with sooner or later, no matter how you cut your hair. If you can get used to wearing it that length, it makes the transition to totally shaved very easy, because you can quickly revert back to it if you want to.
Change can be difficult to adjust to, but taking charge of the situation by cutting your hair really short or shaving it completely is very empowering and confidence-building. Don't listen to the naysayers; the decision is yours and yours alone. Just bear in mind that the universal advice for all balding men is that shorter is better. I think all of us already know that on some level, but coming to terms with it and taking that first step isn't always easy. But once it's done and the 30-day trial period is over, most guys are sorry they didn't do it sooner.
Yet again Razor has hit the nail right on the head with his post!
I would actually advise not shaving it just yet... Not sly. In the picture where you say your hair looks good, I think it looks great! You're losing a bit of hair, but that is fine!
What I would say is though, if you KNOW your hair is going, which you will know best, I would shave it now, as people that know you will remember you as having a full head of hair, and never as a balding man. I wish I never got to the stage of badly balding before I did it, because now people will remember me as the person who shaved his head because he was going bald, if that makes sense.
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Welcome Bdizzle!
I'm three weeks in, so the memories of the pre-shave anxiety are still fresh.
I waited years because I was worried about the people around me. Each year, my hair loss got worse, and each year it bothered me more. The balding pattern was asymmetrical and weird. I wanted to shave but didn't want to deal with the comments and questions.
Finally, one morning I looked at myself while I shaving and said, "It's time." I decided anyone who didn't like it could kiss my ass, including my family and friends. I made this decision 48 hours before I had time to do it and I didn't sleep for two nights. On the day of, I went to the barber and got buzzed all the way down. I saw it and immediately felt some relief. Not bad. After reading up around this site (Thanks, Fellas!), I went shopping, rushed home and did it.
I immediately felt better. I actually looked good (at least to me). My wife and kids were a little shocked even though I warned them beforehand that I was going to do it. I'm not sure that my wife actually likes it, but she hasn't said anything overtly negative. She'll get used to it, and my kids already are.
The lesson for me was, it's not nearly as big a deal as I made it out to be in my own head. I've twice skipped a day shaving and found that it grows back fast. It will for you too if you decide you're not down with sly.
The whole thing IS IN AND ON your head! Don't do it if you're not ready, but recognize that sometimes we do a number on ourselves and that keeps us from trying new things. Read around this site. It's a treasure trove of useful information. The guys here are cool and supportive.
If and when you're ready, you'll know, and then you'll do it.
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Hey guys, thanks for the input and everything. Sorry I've been reading the posts, but mostly just lurking. Anyways, I agree that it's not terrible, but I think Razor X nailed it on the spot. I'm going to shave my hair down to a 0 in a week and a half or two, try that for a week (shave it every other day or so) and then prolly razor it all off. Thanks for the input and I'll keep you guys updated :)
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I think you'll find that there comes a point where, even though buzzing is going to reveal some more scalp, it's a relief to finally expose it to the world instead of trying to conceal it or wondering if the thinning is as obvious to the rest of the world as it is to you.
The truth is, this is something you're going to have to deal with sooner or later, because your hair loss will become progressively worse over time. And even though we're rarely "ready" to take the issue on, I've come to realize that it's better to do so sooner, rather than later, because then you can move on and stop worrying about it.
Be sure to keep us updated.
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Personally, I dont think you've reached dire need to shave yet, but it's your head... If you shave it down to a 0, you'll be back to that picture 1 in like 2 weeks. What the hell, give it a shot
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Some us actually love to be bald shaved. It feels great. I always wanted to shave my head but was too insecure and did everything to cling to my hair including transplants even though I secretly just wanted to be a shaved headed guy. Now I can t be bald enough. You look great bald, why would you want any hair when it looks so good and feels so good to be smooth shaved ? You must have met women who loved your bald head ? In their hands, between their legs ? If you dont like shaving it I bet there are women who will do that task for you gladly.
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Just Do It!!
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi111.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn132%2FFlippin4life10%2Fbluemangroup.jpg&hash=4519aef3dd9338ebfdebf0544f2e270166036b57)
ENJOY THE FREEDOM!!
- Cap'n Noodles -
DON'T worry what others might think! What do YOU want to do?
Welcome to SBG!
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Welcome, brother!!
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Welcome!
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Aloha and welcome,
The SLY GUYS have said it all... I can't say anything more except whatever your decision it will be the right one. For me the right one in May, 2008, when I was 67, was to go SLY! My wife then, and now, still thinks I look younger than my assigned years. For you it might mean more confidence, etc.etc..
Good luck (and smooth shaving)-keep us posted.
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Im not sure you're ready for us yet......
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Welcome!
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Oh man! Time flies, and whatever for some reason or another I never went through with it (scared mostly I'd say LOL). Anyways, I just finally shaved my head (with a razor even, no clippers) and I'm effin' stoked about it!
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg43.imageshack.us%2Fimg43%2F2301%2Fbald1.th.jpg&hash=8fd11172472b225d4ac79fa9c4865fe14519b9b6)
Anyways, if that doesn't load up here's a link to me fully sly http://img43.imageshack.us/i/bald1.jpg/ (don't mind the stoic expression, I'm actually really excited to be sly)
Your guys thoughts/comments/concerns are greatly appreciated, I'll try to document the full process later, but right now I'm going to celebrate! haha :)
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Well done mate.
Looking sly. O0
Remember it is whats in your head that counts, not what is on it.
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Congratulations! P@^
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bdizzle, congrats and welcome to slydom!!! O0
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So here are my thoughts so far...
-Liking the sly look, gotta get some sun in though, I'm pale!
-I haven't been able to shave it smooth yet... maybe it's the blade I'm using? Or maybe I'm just too noob at it lol.
-My stubble grows back fast! Well part of the problem is I haven't been able to shave it down smooth yet, so my head has this sandpaper feel to it. Any advice?
-My dad's definitely against it. He's bald(ing) but rocks a combover. He's old though, very old for someone to be my father, and I can't knock him... it's his hair.
-My mom hasn't said much... she's always reserved her opinions about me though.
-A few people have seen and made snide comments, whatever... it'll grow on them. My last name rhymes with "balder" so most of the jokes are about that.
-Sandpaper! That is what my head feels like!
-I haven't shaved it in the past 24 hours... want to give the scalp some rest :]
-It's kind of cool though because the hair on my face matches the hair on my head... all stubble! lol
-That being said I can't really grow out facial hair. It has the same problem as the hair on my head... too thin!
-Most of my old friends haven't seen it yet. I recently moved and don't have many friends here so not a lot of people have passed judgment on it. I'm not really concerned about it though.
-I recall from some of my old pictures some people said that I wasn't "there" yet or "ready", but I think you can see from the first picture I've posted that I've definitely reached that point of being "there".
I've posted some pics below of me with short hair, sly(ish), and with my original haircut. I apologize if the resolution isn't that great; it's with a camera phone.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg202.imageshack.us%2Fimg202%2F6549%2Fimg20110205145435.jpg&hash=3e19b0db996148f4fb0a708e25f2285daf1a05b8)
Here is where my head is shaved down to a 1.5? I think. Almost sly... the baldness is really obvious. Note the thinning top, but if you look closely at the sides you can see how it's still full :/
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg812.imageshack.us%2Fimg812%2F1558%2Fimg20110206151547.jpg&hash=8c1d4981722382146b800c5ceabf13aa958c5d47)
Me having gone 24 hours without shaving... it grows back so fast!
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg10.imageshack.us%2Fimg10%2F7086%2Fimg20110205135600.jpg&hash=d7e7405ae9008141327bd9562f52a1d089f0c258)
Me before I got my hair cut. Poor lighting + a messy room (i just moved i'll get to cleaning it up eventually!). I think you guys can still see the thinning area/almost a bald spot right?
I don't know... thinking about it in the long run... being bald isn't really that big of a deal. I mean think about it... worrying about your hair can get you feeling down/depressed/whatever, but imagine if you were a guy wanting to be a girl? Or a girl wanting to be a guy? I mean yeah there's surgery and sh*t, but the costs are astronomical (or so I think they would be). Imagine explaining that to your friends?
http://www.alviarmanihairtransplants.com/forum/Topic30-12-1.aspx
I shared this link because I thought it'd serve a purpose for some people. This is not to criticize the people that choose to do these procedures or the doctor's work. If anything, I'd say the work is FANTASTIC. A lot of people are on the fence about the issue and most of the guys that will tell people to shave it all off are people who have bought into the "sly" mantra. I'm not telling you guys to go one way or the other, just know that there are options I guess. You're going to have to be loaded though to get a transplant by a guy like armani though.
I don't know if I can stay sly forever. If realistic, affordable technology comes out, I may opt for it. Who knows when that maybe though.
Sorry if I've been rambling a bit, I don't really have a direction with this post, I've definitely meandered a lot. To summarize my ranting:
1.) Losing hair? Go sly.
2.) Be grateful hair loss is the majority (or only) problem(s), it could be a lot worse.
3.) Given today's technology and tomorrow future, I don't think people will have to be sly forever.
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keep it shaved! Best choice/.
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bdizzle, glad you made the leap, and by the way, NO ONE rocks the combover. :/O
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You've chosen the right path as sly. Hopefully before you ever consider the "medical" alternatives you'll do some more research. MPB is a continuous process, it never stops until the end, really. So the "medical" issue has a self-limiting complication. Surgery can only attempt to solve what is apparent today, not tomorrow--hence as many of those here who have had to come back from that path can assure you, it leaves more problems than it ever solves. Your loss at 30, 40, 50, etc. will always be more advanced. So surgery will have to be done, and redone to try to keep up. And meds, do you want a course of medication, generally not eligible for insurance reimbursement, for life, with the prospect of side-effects growing larger the longer you're on the stuff?
You'll soon have lots of friends on the mpb side who haven't manifested their genetic disposition yet. You're just a leader in this area. Enjoy smooth--it's safe, it's proven cost effective and most of us think it looks pretty good too.