Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: spacecowboyE9 on January 27, 2012, 01:00:14 PM

Title: Balding support
Post by: spacecowboyE9 on January 27, 2012, 01:00:14 PM
Hey guys, new here.  Um I'm 22 and pretty much at the 4a or 5 scale.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_UDIwZAxomYk/S2mNH1tK2cI/AAAAAAAAAN4/D8N8zFhOhTM/norwoodalternate.jpg

This is something that gives me a ton of stress and anxiety because I feel like 22 is way too young to be losing most of your hair.  I've always had fine hair, but it was thicker, and when people look at my photos from just two years ago they usually comment I get comments all the time that I look 35 or whatnot!!!  My family hasn't said anything, but my friends have teased me about shaving it because it's "awkward".   Well, I'm finally thinking about doing that, just was wondering if you guys could offer some encouragement/ advice/ testimonials on what to do.  Other details, I'm short, and have a small build.  Not really lanky, but just a smaller frame.  Here are other photos for reference :/
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3626041/Photo%2011.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3626041/Photo%2012.jpg
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3626041/Photo%2013.jpg
Thanks,
Elijah
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: mrzed on January 27, 2012, 01:02:18 PM
shaving bald will likely make you look younger.

Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 27, 2012, 01:26:10 PM
Welcome Elijah, come on in--we've got a seat for you ;D  [I've always wanted to say that!]

First of all, let me say you have one fine beard, great color and it's going to go great with your new haircut.  Fortunately, as evidenced by your beard, when we get the genes for mpb we also are often also blessed with genes for a great beard. 

My suggestion would be to get some clippers--you probably have them for trimming the beard.  Set it to no guard, and take everything above the ears as far down as possible.  Then hot shower with shampoo, leave some conditioner on the stubble.  Then lather up with a gel or better some Headslick on a brush.  Now take a razor--this you may have to buy considering that beard ;D, I'd start with a Fusion or a Schick Hydro 5 solely because they're very forgiving and not prone to inflict a nick.  With a new blade SLOWLY shave your head.  Then rinse with warm then cold water, wipe down with some witch hazel, hydrogen peroxide or other astringent and apply a non-oily after shave balm like Nivea Extreme Comfort.  Then sunscreen, always sunscreen. 
Thirty days later all your friends and everyone who you meet from here on out will only know you sly, and with that beard, you're going to look good.  Get in front now, put the worry and angst of mpb behind you--and start living again!
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: 4fit on January 27, 2012, 01:41:30 PM
Hey Elijah, welcome. Three words of advice ... listen to saintc. Do it and prepare to look and feel great. Oh and the beard, awesome ;)
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: kalbo on January 27, 2012, 02:50:57 PM
Welcome aboard Elijah...Saintc's message is right on the dot. Shaved is better than balding. Believe me, you will look younger when you get rid of what's left on your head.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: TheSlyBear on January 27, 2012, 02:58:36 PM
It may not seem possible now, but you will most likely discover that freedom from the tyranny of hair is more liberating than you can possibly imagine.

Imagine getting up and not worrying what your hair looks like. Not worrying if it gets windy. Not worrying if it gets wet. Not worrying at all about "what does my hair look like?"

Give it a try. You have nothing to lose. In the highly unlikely event that you don't love it, it grows back. There's no downside to giving it a try.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Razor X on January 27, 2012, 03:20:53 PM
Clear the runway of the bad grass and you'll look and feel a whole lot better.  It's not uncommon to have advanced hair loss at 22, but it is becoming increasingly uncommon to see such 22-year-olds that don't shave or at least tightly buzz what remains.  You'll blend in a lot better when the hair is gone.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Laser Man on January 27, 2012, 08:25:00 PM
You're fighting a losing battle.  Nature has set the wheels in motion.  Keep the beard, buzz your hair short and see how you like it.  Then take the next step and shave smooth.  My guess is that you'll look great and feel a sense of relief.  Once your head is shaved, you simply stop worrying about hair and move on with life. 
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Paul the Headblader on January 27, 2012, 09:48:52 PM
shaving bald will likely make you look younger.


he said it all!
you've got something most of this community members don't: friends support!
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Slynito on January 28, 2012, 07:05:42 AM
I choose, "all of the above"...you'll feel liberated and confident. You'll shrug off and laugh at criticism from others. Welcome and good luck.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: spacecowboyE9 on January 30, 2012, 11:11:53 AM
Hey guys!  Just wanted to say thank you for the support, stories and advice.  I needed to hear "get over it and just do it!"  Special thanks to saintc for the practical advice.  Decided to just buzz it for the time being, and if I want to go shorter in the future it should be no problem!
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: warhawk on January 30, 2012, 11:43:10 AM
hey spacecowboy:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  glad that ya joined us.  the buzz cut suits ya.  keep us posted 2 your road 2 slyness when u decide 2 "do the deed". 

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: DCdome on January 30, 2012, 11:52:24 AM
Hey Cowboy,

Starting out with a buzz cut is a great idea.  Just be sure to make it a shorter rather than longer cut.  With that beard you are going to look great.

As time goes by and you get use to a close crop, you may find yourself really wanting to shave the dome.  That will be a happy day, I promise you.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: BillOnBass on January 30, 2012, 11:59:32 AM
The buzz looks great, man.  Super-jeal of your beard, too.  ;D
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: stasiu on January 30, 2012, 01:01:17 PM
Good choice Buzz length ... I wished my facial hair would be that thick !  Thanks for updated pics !
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on January 30, 2012, 02:00:03 PM
if I want to go shorter in the future it should be no problem!
Looks good O0, glad you're enjoying.  My bet is that the itch to try the "to the bone" cut will take over, and if it does, you can grow it back out to a buzz in about a week or two.  Now get out and enjoy life, your hair problems are behind you!
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: spacecowboyE9 on January 30, 2012, 02:22:44 PM
I seriously feel great!!!  You guys were absolutely right, it's totally freeing to not have to worry about it.  Real confidence booster!  Thanks!!!
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: valldo on January 30, 2012, 02:37:12 PM
The buzz looks great. Now you're one step closer to free yourself completely. Take the next step whenever you're comfortable with it, take your time. If you shave it all off you will most likely love it, in the unlikely event you won't....it will grow back faster than you will want it to
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Laser Man on January 30, 2012, 05:11:00 PM
The buzz looks really good.  Give yourself time to adjust and then decide if you want to go further.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Razor X on January 30, 2012, 05:20:22 PM
Looks a lot better.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: marty22 on January 30, 2012, 05:34:32 PM
your hair must go.
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: baldbearded on January 30, 2012, 05:43:51 PM
Buzz looks great, especially with the beard.

Next... shave it (just keep the awesome beard).

Ben (bald and full bearded).
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Jimmy on February 02, 2012, 03:47:15 AM
Mate, you look great! :)
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: mrzed on February 02, 2012, 04:29:48 AM
Hey guys!  Just wanted to say thank you for the support, stories and advice.  I needed to hear "get over it and just do it!"  Special thanks to saintc for the practical advice.  Decided to just buzz it for the time being, and if I want to go shorter in the future it should be no problem!


Buzz is a good start. Now just shave it bald.  You'll like it even more. It will look sharp. You won't look 'balding'.  Just get over it and shave your head. :)
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: isleepinthebuff on February 04, 2012, 07:06:08 AM
Wow!! What a difference!!!
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Sir Harry on February 04, 2012, 08:23:25 AM
The buzz looks much better, IMO
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: Acme on February 04, 2012, 09:29:44 AM
I think the buzz looks great too!  It does make you look much younger.  I believe if you shave it off, you will be even happier.  I'm short/skinny too and I'm very happy with my bald head and my build. 
Title: Re: Balding support
Post by: NESTYdPOGI on February 18, 2012, 07:11:35 AM
Yes just do it and prepare to look and feel great. Nice facial hair man!!!