Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: HIKER48 on December 14, 2011, 08:44:08 AM

Title: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: HIKER48 on December 14, 2011, 08:44:08 AM
Gentleman:

I am finally ready to go Sly! I am apart of HCM now and was planning to take it off in the summer, but circumstances has changed. I will not go into an entire HCM bashing session, but basically, they want me to pay about another $100 a month for the hair to work! So basically I will be wearing a BMW on my head.

My question is how to take it off! I know going there and having them take it off, is just going to be Drama City. And I have a feeling they probably won't even give me a haircut(shave my head) just for spite. So I want to plan this carefully. In about a month, I plan on taking it off on a Saturday, then taking Monday and Tuesday off from work, just to adjust and maybe go tanning a few times.

I am trying to find out if an independent barber/stylist will take it off and then shave my head for me. But if I cannot find one, I may have to rely on HCM. And really that's the last thing I want to do, but will if I have to.

I was hoping some who went through the same thing I am about to go through, has some advice? Of course I am nervous and all of that, but my mind is made up. I would feel extremely irresponsible to continue with this, when the money could be going to my child's education!! Especially for something that I have grown to hate and resent!

Thanks a lot guys....
Title: Re: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on December 14, 2011, 09:09:21 AM
My question is : Why can't you do it yourself?  Get your wife to help.
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: BalDon on December 14, 2011, 09:11:37 AM
Hey Hiker,   I am so happy you are going SLY!
I made the exact same call 25 days ago,  experienced all the same angst and then some!

I had my wife do a clipper shave to remove the system and then went to a barber for a head/
Face shave.    I wish I had just had my wife do the whole deal,  seemed like a wasteful expense in hindsight.

Some other items that I experienced for you to consider just in case…

Moles:  I found a bunch under there!  Don’t wait on them if you see troubling ones that are either dangerous medically or that will get in the way of shaving.   I just had one removed last week and more to come (had basil cell carcinoma most of my adulthood. Taking no chances )

Tan:  I had a major color difference between face and head afterwards,(still do),   This will just take time.  As someone with skin cancer concerns I don’t recommend tanning to fix it,  go with the Jergens natural glow express and just apply evenly once or twice a day until it catches up.

COLD:  I am freaking freezing!    Stock up on warm beanies/hats etc if you are in a cold climate, sunscreen if in warm.

Beware!    HCM will make numerous attempts at negotiating you to stay at a cheaper level.    I’m a bit ashamed, but I had to fib to get them to back off by telling them I was losing my job and couldn’t afford anything.    I still have to finalize everything because I bent a little and agreed to revist in February.  (I plan to tell them thanks but no thanks)

$:   Saving over $400 per month now!  (products, service, tips, etc)

Last of all,  don’t wait!   Your self talk may get in the way,  once you decide, just jump.  You wont regret it after a day or so!


The folks here were awesome (still are!) at keeping me focused and positive throughout.

I am thrilled to be BALDON!  (My new self appointed nickname who only speaks in the thried person.    

Baldon is Happy,  Baldon is free,  and BALDON IS SEXY!

Best of luck man!
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: Paul the Headblader on December 14, 2011, 10:17:10 AM
hey.
so many questions, easy answers :)
go to a barber for the very first time, then do it by yourself, you'll see that is's extremly easy :)
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: Mikekoz13 on December 14, 2011, 10:30:41 AM
Congrats on your decision Hiker! Don't let those vultures lure you back.

Move along and enjoy your new found freedom from the raccoon....... and oh yeah... enjoy that $400 per month too!!
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: TheSlyBear on December 14, 2011, 10:51:14 AM
Don't let those vultures lure you back.
Quoted for emphasis! They'll likely try to sweet talk you into changing your mind -- after all, they're sucking on your wallet and don't want to stop.
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: xnewyawka on December 14, 2011, 02:09:26 PM
Hiker, welcome to the SBG's forum, you are definitely making the right choice.
Don't worry about any drama, just get that "dead hair hat" off your head. Tell them your done fooling yourself and wasting money, (alot of money!). You have better things to do with it, like you mentioned.
I guarantee you're going to love the freedom you will gain. Whatever it takes, pull it off, buzz down and then shave. We're here to help with any encouragement you need.   O0
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: kalbo on December 14, 2011, 04:15:06 PM
Welcome to the bald brotherhood Hiker. You have made the right decision to embrace baldness. $400 is an entire month's salary in my part of the world.
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: DAVIS30 on December 14, 2011, 07:01:29 PM
Congrats on the decision. I too have lived your situation. Here is what I did:
1- Planned the day I would do it a month or so in advance(went on vaction right after)
2- Bought a headblade, headslick, and some replacement blades
3- I shaved myself using clippers with no guard before using the headblade
4- Went to the mall to feel what it feels like with my new look around strangers
5- I posted a pick from my vacation on facebook to aleviate the surprise when going back to work

Best decision I've made in awhile. I think I look better now than with the hair hat, plus, I have more money in my pocket for the kids. Enjoy the freedom, I am.
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: BalDon on December 14, 2011, 07:03:37 PM
Congrats on the decision. I too have lived your situation. Here is what I did:
1- Planned the day I would do it a month or so in advance(went on vaction right after)
2- Bought a headblade, headslick, and some replacement blades
3- I shaved myself using clippers with no guard before using the headblade
4- Went to the mall to feel what it feels like with my new look around strangers
5- I posted a pick from my vacation on facebook to aleviate the surprise when going back to work

Best decision I've made in awhile. I think I look better now than with the hair hat, plus, I have more money in my pocket for the kids. Enjoy the freedom, I am.


Awesome Davis!  How long ago did you do the deed?
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: jsbaldy on December 15, 2011, 09:36:53 AM
Do it yourself!!! It is very liberating.  I locked up in the bathroom and took it down to the skin and my dome is sooo smooth.  HCM does not care; they just want your money!!!
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: DAVIS30 on December 15, 2011, 04:45:40 PM
I took it off end of August the day before I left for Disney with the family. The wife loves the new look, and everyone is used to it at work. It is almost as if I never had the birds nest on my head. No regrets!
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: Krimson on December 15, 2011, 04:54:07 PM
what is HCM?
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: TheSlyBear on December 15, 2011, 07:19:16 PM
Hair Club for Men
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: Slynito on December 15, 2011, 08:10:36 PM
EXCELLENT!
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: Krimson on December 16, 2011, 01:40:56 PM
Hair Club for Men

What's that? i don't think we have this up here
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: zzaapp on December 17, 2011, 11:10:31 PM
Hair Club for Men

What's that? i don't think we have this up here

It is a company that preys upon the insecurities of men who are balding.  They use slick advertising campaigns that promise natural looking hair and self confidence.  They show men swimming and water skiing and promise that you can maintain an active life style. 

Once they suck you in and get you to sign a contract, they super-glue a toupee on your head.  Because what is left of your real hair continues to grow, and the glue eventually loosens, you have to go in for regular "maintenance", for a fee of course.

This is just what I've heard.  I've seen their advertising, but I've never been to one of their "Club Locations".
Title: Re: Done With HCM-Just Need Some Advice
Post by: BalDon on January 19, 2012, 11:17:11 AM
Hiker, did ya lose the rat officially?  Curious to know how things went!