Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => Reactions to being Bald => Topic started by: beardedbaldgerman on January 01, 2011, 07:55:10 AM

Title: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 01, 2011, 07:55:10 AM
Hi and Happy new Year to everyone!

I recently shaved my hair down to 0.6mm. Now I wonder how others would notice the difference to a completely shaved head. I'm from Germany. How are the experiences other BBC guys living in Germany had? How did collegues at work react?
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: The Noggin on January 01, 2011, 10:49:51 AM
When I started to buzz my hair 2 years ago, I got some comments of the "Why?" type at work, but also some positive remarks. I went shorter and shorter over 4 months, then I shaved, only reaction was from my older sister (slightly shocked :o).
Last summer, after I started to shave my eyebrows off as well, 2 colleagues actually gave me compliments on doing it. I was very surprised by that!

Generally, I don't think people pay that much of attention to somebody's hairstyle except their own.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: Razor X on January 01, 2011, 12:17:16 PM
When I started to buzz my hair 2 years ago, I got some comments of the "Why?" type at work, but also some positive remarks. I went shorter and shorter over 4 months, then I shaved, only reaction was from my older sister (slightly shocked :o).


In other words, pretty much the same reaction that occurs everywhere else.   :)
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 02, 2011, 02:22:04 AM
Thank you for your answeres. However, it seems to me that fully shaved heads are more common in the USA than in Germany. That's why I ask bbc guys from Germany.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: The Noggin on January 02, 2011, 03:04:26 AM
In the village I'm living in (see my profile) to my knowledge there is only one more completely bald guy, he's in his 80s. In the nearby city where I work I occasionally see some sly dudes, students I'm assuming. At the office I'm the only one.

But I don't think I was ever treated differently after going sly, be it people that knew me before or strangers.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: joergHH on January 02, 2011, 03:43:57 AM
Happy New Year!

In Hamburg there are many sly guys - not as much as in Berlin but a shaved hair is very common here.

After having shaved my hair at work I got no comments by men and just compliments by women.

J


Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 02, 2011, 06:47:07 AM
As you can see I still have a full head of hair: http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/s...n/IMG_0687.jpg

I think it is something different to shave a full head of hair off or to just shave the rest off when you are already balding. I assume that in my case more people would ask "why?"
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: Razor X on January 02, 2011, 06:55:51 AM
But you're almost there, anyway.  Do people ask you now why you keep your hair clippered so short?  They'd probably be less likely to notice your intact follicles if you shaved to the skin.   If you want to do it, don't be dissuaded by the assumption that others will react badly.  Remember that it will only take you two or 3 days to get back to the 1 mm cut you're currently sporting.  Seems like a pretty safe venture to me.  Getting down to 1 mm is the hard part; taking it down to the skin is a breeze in comparison.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: The Noggin on January 02, 2011, 09:06:32 AM
I think it is something different to shave a full head of hair off or to just shave the rest off when you are already balding. I assume that in my case more people would ask "why?"
I doubt that. It's a giant leap for yourself (at least you think so), but a small step for mankind. 8)
Being asked isn't bad - it shows the asker cares about you.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: baldaholic on January 02, 2011, 12:37:42 PM
Hi 1mm,

a few things:

1. the difference between 0,6mm and clean shaven is not that big.
Most People might not even notice it, because for most people you are bald already.

2. Give it a try, cause it will be at 0,6mm in no time.
If you shave in the evening, you already have stubble in the morning.

3. Yes, people might ask, why you shave a full head of hair.
They do ask me from time to time, cause I still have hair - not great hair, but hair.
So I tell them, that I like it, like the look, the feel, no worries about the hair beeing in place ...

Regards
Sometimer
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: c16188 on January 04, 2011, 03:03:54 AM
Hey,
I live in Frankfurt region.
I went progressively shorter and in summer, some years ago, I shaved all off.
I never got a negative feedback.

Try it! I'm sure you won't regret it.
best regards
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 04, 2011, 11:43:42 AM
I work in Frankfurt! Do you know if the barber shops in the Bahnhofsviertel do head shaves? I don't want to nick myself again.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: c16188 on January 04, 2011, 10:43:09 PM
Yes, go to a Turkish barbershop (Münchner Strasse?)
They do headshaves
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 08, 2011, 04:15:57 AM
got cold feet again... and buzzed it without a guard.
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/amueberlegen/IMG_0703.jpg
http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss77/amueberlegen/IMG_0704.jpg
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: Oto on January 08, 2011, 03:42:45 PM
The difference beteween a 0,6 and a fully shaved head is almost none. Don't mind what others can think and enjoy your smooth shave. You virtuallly have nothing to lose.
If you went so far as in the pics you showed, there will be almost no difference. Obviously people around you already assumed that you have now a shaved head and will not notice the difference. If they had something to say, they would have said that already.

And remember, it's your head, not theirs.

Many headshavers do that because of MPB issues, but there's no problem a man with a full head of hair shave it.  I have a full head but love to shave smooth. What's the problem? I like it, I feel good when I do that and people around really don't care and even if they cared it is my business, not theirs.
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: foreversmooth on January 09, 2011, 09:20:32 PM
Being hesitant about shaving your head is normal. Even though it won't make a huge difference in your appearance, it's the act of applying the shaving cream and shaving your scalp that could make you nervous the first time, not too mention the feeling of a smooth scalp -which is very different than having a small fuzz. Take your time, don't rush it. Maybe wait until you are on vacation so your hair will have time to grow back before you go back to work. In any case, keep it mind that your scalp will not stay smooth for more than 24h. Stubble occurs very quickly.
In my case, it took me many years before I finally took the plunge and razored my head. I was always contemplating other men who did it, and was so envious. I decided to clip my hair shorter and shorter over a few week period, until I reached no guard (it looks like you are already at this stage). One day I just had to do it, I shaved it. The result was beyond my expectations. Rubbing my smooth scalp was a such a thrilling experience. I let my hair grow back for a few days to observe how fast it was regrowing. Then I shaved it again, and again..., more and more frequently, until I became totally addicted to my bald look. I think it is a matter of weeks before you take the final step, but like I said, take your time. When you feel ready, do it. I assure you that you won't regret it. Once you get started, it is hard to go back to a full head of hair. The bald look will become part of who you are. As for people's reaction, you may be asked 'why bald' at the beginning but they will quickly get used to your look and won't bother you. If they already see you with a short buzz, it won't surprise them as much to see you bald headed. Shaving is becoming so common among men now (even those who are not balding). Go for it  :)
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: Jack21 on January 09, 2011, 09:35:37 PM
I really don't think that most ppl can even tell the difference between a few nanometers of hair and totally shaved. Shave it. If you don't like it or the reactions you get it will be back to your current length in a couple of days. You really have nothing to lose. Is it really uncommon in Germany?
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 10, 2011, 11:41:53 AM
@foreversmooth: "I was always contemplating other men who did it, and was so envious. I decided to clip my hair shorter and shorter over a few week period, until I reached no guard (it looks like you are already at this stage)." I could have written this! I now keep it short clipped so that people get used to my nearly hairless appereance. Then I plan to take the next step.

@Jack21: "Is it really uncommon in Germany?" To be honest. I would say "Yes". Among young guys with a full head of hair, bbc is not common.

Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: baldaholic on January 10, 2011, 12:59:34 PM
Being hesitant about shaving your head is normal. Even though it won't make a huge difference in your appearance, it's the act of applying the shaving cream and shaving your scalp that could make you nervous the first time, not too mention the feeling of a smooth scalp -which is very different than having a small fuzz. Take your time, don't rush it. Maybe wait until you are on vacation so your hair will have time to grow back before you go back to work. In any case, keep it mind that your scalp will not stay smooth for more than 24h. Stubble occurs very quickly.
In my case, it took me many years before I finally took the plunge and razored my head. I was always contemplating other men who did it, and was so envious. I decided to clip my hair shorter and shorter over a few week period, until I reached no guard (it looks like you are already at this stage). One day I just had to do it, I shaved it. The result was beyond my expectations. Rubbing my smooth scalp was a such a thrilling experience. I let my hair grow back for a few days to observe how fast it was regrowing. Then I shaved it again, and again..., more and more frequently, until I became totally addicted to my bald look. I think it is a matter of weeks before you take the final step, but like I said, take your time. When you feel ready, do it. I assure you that you won't regret it. Once you get started, it is hard to go back to a full head of hair. The bald look will become part of who you are. As for people's reaction, you may be asked 'why bald' at the beginning but they will quickly get used to your look and won't bother you. If they already see you with a short buzz, it won't surprise them as much to see you bald headed. Shaving is becoming so common among men now (even those who are not balding). Go for it  :)

Great first post of you - foreversmooth!

And I agree with what you say.
For me it was also a mixture of fear and excitement when I put the shavingcreme on my head and shaved it for the first time. The feeling is really a thrilling expearience.

I am pretty much had the same experience which you discribed and I like your screenname, since I am looking for a new one ;-)

I am an artist, and I have a job at the airport (in Germany) at the moment, and I saw a lot of sly guys this morning.
May it is becoming more popular in Germany?

It is true, that it is mostly guys with mpb, but I also saw some bbc's today.

Since your hair is clippershaved already, 1mm, you could try the shaved head over the weekend.
If you shave on friday, by monday your hair would be about the same length as before, I think.

Regards
Sometimer
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: Nonick on January 10, 2011, 08:35:30 PM
DO IT!!!  DO IT!!  For Pete's sake just do it one time @c3

(Try it; you WILL like it!  Guaranteed, or your hair goes back!) ;)
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: tomgallagher on January 11, 2011, 06:59:16 AM
+1
Title: Re: Bald in Germany
Post by: beardedbaldgerman on January 29, 2011, 03:03:36 AM
Did it. See this thread: http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=14252.msg229208#msg229208 (http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=14252.msg229208#msg229208)