Sly Bald Guys Forum
New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: Goodfishfrancis on May 16, 2012, 11:33:26 PM
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Hello Sly Bald Guys!
I'm 27 now. I first noticed that I was losing my hair around 20 or 21 years of age. For the past six years, I struggled. I started using rogain at the age of 22 after talking to my doctor about it. I kept my hair long most of the time, using a hair dryer to add volume and conceal the thinning. I was in constant agony about losing my hair, and I hated the way I looked. There was a time that females would come up to me and compliment my hair all the time, and I could tell that it wasn't going to be like that anymore. My relationships with women were always hindered by my obsession with my hair situation. I wouldn't go swimming out of fear of how my hair would look. The worst part was that I was good enough at styling my hair to where it wasn't apparent that I was balding, and I had this huge secret. In the past two years, I started cutting my hair short (#1 on the sides and a #4 on top). I eventually went and consulted with a hair restoration specialist. I was convinced that it was the only way for me to be happy. But it was way too expensive, and there wasn't enough certainty.
I would have bad dreams about balding, and sometimes dreams that I had my hair back. A few months ago, I found an add for a bald concealer and the company was offering a free trial. I tried it, and for the first time in a long time, it looked like I had a full head of hair. Even my friends made comments about how my hair looked thicker. But there was still much anxiety that came a long with it. I still couldn't swim with the concealer in, and I felt like I was wearing a toupe.
I knew the solution was to completely shave it off, but I was so afraid. I had never seen myself with a completely bald head, and I felt like shaving would be the white flag, like saying, "ok, I'm freaking bald."
Thankfully, my beautiful girlfriend was extremely supportive, and we made a trip to the store and picked up some BaldGuyz shaving gel and a brand new razor. I got home and was still hesitant. But I picked up my Wahl clippers, and shaved it down with no guard. It wasn't too bad looking, in fact I liked it a little. But I knew it wasn't good enough. I had to prove to myself that I was able to go through with the whole process. So I took a hot shower, got out, lathered up my head with the shaving gel, and got to work.
I have to say that it was one of the most satisfying experiences in my life. Not only did it FEEL good, but I really liked how I looked. I felt a surge of confidence unlike any that I had ever felt. That's when I got online, and found you guys. I wanted to tell the whole world that I went completely bald, and that I love it. Here's to being sly.
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By the way, I'm having trouble attaching a picture to my profile. I found where I'm supposed to do it, but it doesn't seem to be working :(
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Welcome to the bald brotherhood Francis. Your story is not uncommon here on the forum but it gives an added boost to the fact the embracing baldness will give you a great sense of freedom and there is nothing to fear about going bald or shaving your head. Wear your bald head high and with pride.
About posting your pic, it might have exceeded the maximum size, try to make it smaller.
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Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your newfound freedom!
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Woohoo! now go make the most of that freedom. So glad to hear you have a supportive girlfriend, a supportive partner really does make it an easier process. Look forward to seeing the dome!
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By the way, I'm having trouble attaching a picture to my profile. I found where I'm supposed to do it, but it doesn't seem to be working :(
I had the same problem. Note the maximum size limitations. if you can shrink your photo down to about 50K in size, it should work. This site won't take 100G sized photos of the modern hi-res cameras. If you need a tool, Irfanview is free for windows. 'Convert' is free for linux.
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Francis, you have an encouraging story. Thanks for sharing.
I'm sure bald will look great on you. Step out in confidence.
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Welcome!
Thanks for sharing.
Can't wait to see that sly dome!
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Welcome to SBG.
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Welcome!..... Great story!!
And tell all the Brothers on board how much that supportive girlfriend of yours loves that new shaved head.
Major props to her for encouraging and supporting you...... she sounds like a "keeper".
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What a great story and an inspiration to others.
Welcome to SBG.
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Welcome to the Sly! Thx for sharing your story...Hope to see ya around the forums. O:O
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Hey guys!
Thanks so much for all of the encouraging replies! Also, thanks for the tips on getting my picture up. I'll be posting more soon, and I'll get a pic of my gf with my new found slyness ;)
It's been two days since I shaved, and I can't wait to shave again. I think that I'm going to have to shave every day, because I love the feel of the smooth skin. However, I do have pretty sensitive skin. I'm also afraid of shaving against the grain due to the possibility of skin irritation. Can anyone give me some tips?
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You seem to have good routine so i cant add anything there but tips to avoid irritation: maybe shave with the grain for a week or two every other day. once you're past that try against the grain. you want to let the blade do the work without applying pressure. I do a cold rinse , witch hazel, and nivea replenishing post shave balm. To shave, I use headslick or some type of gel, they both seem to have less drag compared to any shave cream.
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Can anyone give me some tips?
That's a great sly look. No wonder, you're so pleased with your new look.
Tips ?
Try the 30 day trial. Shave sly every day for 30 days. Post often, in case you need a bit of encouragement. After 30 days, you decide. Suspect you may have already made a decision.
Try pre-shave oil. Apply on your scalp. Then apply your shaving cream and shave as normal. The razor tugs less on the skin - result less irritation. Works a treat for me.
Make fewer, longer passes across the scalp with your razor.
After rinsing with cold water, apply witch hazel. This is an astringent which reduces inflammation and freshens up the skin.
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Your profile pic looks awesome... The sly look definitely suits you!
Re: Tips?
The guys above have nailed it. My 2c of what helped me was:
Moving to a shave brush and cream/soap, so much more friendly to sensitive skin.
Exfoliating in the shower with antibacterial soap.
Cold water rinse, Witch Hazel, and ice cube rub after.
Keep up the great work!
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Thanks for the tips fellow slymen! I shaved again today, which is the second time in my life going sly. I love it so much, I don't see any reason to ever let my hair grow out again. Right now I'm using Bald Guyz shave gel, and I shave right out of the shower. Post shave, I use an aftershave lotion that has vitamin E and aloe, sans alcohol. But I do want to hunt down some of this witch hazel. Thanks again everyone. This is an awesome forum and I'm so happy to be a part of it. You guys kick ass.
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Exfoliating in the shower with antibacterial soap.
Oh yes ... do use an exfoliating scrub in the shower.
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witch hazel is awesome. btw its usually around where rubbing alcohol is kept.
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Kick a$$? Look whose talking and look at your profile picture.
That's one sharp bald head. Nice beard! That's smart.
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Welcome to the forum GFF, hope you stick around now that you've gone ahead and taken the sly choice.
Don't know what you looked like before but you look like you were born to be sly mate. Congrats! ;D
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Looking GREAT!!!! O0 O0 O0
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Goodfishfrancis,
Congradulations to you on going sly. Your some looks awesome.
I usually shave every day but sometimes miss a day. I hate the stubby feeling and like the clean smooth feel myself.
Try some pre shave oil before you lather up. I always use a shaving brush. I usually use headblade slick or sometimes baldguyz shaving gel.
After I finish shaving, I rinse my noggin in cold water and apply some witch hazel. Next I apply some fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera gel and then some headblade glossy lube. I end up using a little baby oil gel whichgives a good shine that I like. I hope that this helps.
COngradulations and welcome to Sly Bald Guys. You have a great looking dome.
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looks fantastic.
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"Free", you know so many of us have felt that sensation--freedom, and it's great.
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WoooHooo ! Sly fits you perfect ! Your g/f better keep a sly eye on you if she wants to keep other girls away from you now ! Congrats !
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Hey Francis, I just saw your avatar. I knew it, you look great bald. O0