Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => 30 Day Rule / Beginners Section => Topic started by: SuperGreg on May 18, 2012, 11:44:46 AM

Title: Tonight's the night!
Post by: SuperGreg on May 18, 2012, 11:44:46 AM
So, probably a typical story - I started losing my hair in my early 20's and have been self conscious about it ever since.  I'm in my mid 30's now and it's just gotten worse over time.  I can't really style it, I hate getting it wet, it's hard to put sunscreen on the thin spots so being in the sun is a pain, and I just hate the way it looks. 

I've considered shaving it all off for years, but have been too afraid.  I've finally decided tonight is the night.  I'm going to shave it all off, put a little self tanner on and get some sun this weekend. Hopefully the skin won't be too irritated when I go back to work on Monday.

I'll post pictures after I'm done.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Sir Harry on May 18, 2012, 11:52:57 AM
Welcome and Good Luck! Nice to see someone else free themselves from "hair prison"
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Slick A on May 18, 2012, 11:53:23 AM
Congratulations on taking the plunge.  Hope it sets you free!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Goodfishfrancis on May 18, 2012, 12:18:36 PM
You're gonna love it! Can't wait to see the pics!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: IllinoisBaldy on May 18, 2012, 01:09:36 PM
Welcome and good luck SuperGreg.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Natedawg on May 18, 2012, 01:33:22 PM
Welcome to the site, SuperGreg. I'm very glad to hear you have made your mind up and decided to give it a try. I think you will find you will feel lighter than air.... and naked.  ;D Most of all, I think you will be happy.
Can't wait to see the results! Go for it!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Mr Jules on May 18, 2012, 01:42:33 PM
You'll love the smooth feeling. And you'll be thrilled at the results.

Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: SuperGreg on May 18, 2012, 02:02:53 PM
Thanks guys.  I am so psyched, I can hardly stand to sit here at work all day.  I can't wait to get home and cut it all off.  The weight resting on my shoulders from being so insecure and disappointed at my hair all these years feels like it's about to lift off for good... bring it on!!!!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 18, 2012, 02:04:59 PM
 O0 Really smart and sly idea. 
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Frontier Guy on May 18, 2012, 02:10:15 PM
SuperGreg, I'll join you in the 30-day countdown ... I shaved mine this morning (photos to come). It's a remarkable experience.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Slyfive on May 18, 2012, 02:10:38 PM
Greg, you really will become SUPERGREG! When it's gone, bring on the freedom!
Title: Re: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: RoWilJr on May 18, 2012, 02:16:26 PM
Great news! Look forward to seeing you on the Sly side!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: SuperGreg on May 18, 2012, 03:26:54 PM
SuperGreg, I'll join you in the 30-day countdown ... I shaved mine this morning (photos to come). It's a remarkable experience.

Great!!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: kalbo on May 18, 2012, 07:35:19 PM
Enjoy the transition Supergreg. Welcome to the brotherhood.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Lynchy on May 18, 2012, 09:29:24 PM
Excellent news!

Can't wait to see the pics, good luck, go slow (when shaving), and all will be well!

Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Baldstu on May 19, 2012, 02:38:47 AM
Well said Lynchy
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Mikekoz13 on May 19, 2012, 06:55:56 AM
Welcome to the Forum, Greg!!! Post up some post shave photos!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: wilky895 on May 19, 2012, 09:14:00 AM
 I'm glad to hear it too. Just did mine for 1st time on tues. Good Luck. My friends and family were very receptive hope yours are also. 8)
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: SuperGreg on May 20, 2012, 12:12:20 AM
Well, Friday night after I put the kids to bed I went ahead and did it!

The clippers were easy.  After I was done I hopped in the shower and sat under some hot water for a bit then lathered up my scalp and started at it with my razor.  I realized right away this isn't as easy as shaving your face.  The consistency of the hair is different and harder to cut through (at least on the sides and back lol) and it was very hard for me to tell if I actually shaved a spot or not by feel - the hair on the sides and back lays very flat and wasn't short enough to feel prickly yet.

My plan was to simply shave WTG this time, but ended up doing some strokes sideways to get some areas.  I was really afraid of getting ingrown hairs as that is a problem in other areas at first when I first start shaving or waxing.  When I got out of the shower I was surprised at how tacky my scalp was, I was expecting it to be smoother! I put some after shave balm all over then examined myself in the mirror - I had missed some spots on the back (especially around that bump on the base of the skull), and I just got those in the shower the next morning.  And I was able to see that since my hair on top has been to thin for so long, the top of my head is not very white, which is good but accentuates the horseshoe shape of where my hair actually was for the time being.

Since I didn't shave extremely close, my whole head feels like sandpaper.  It's a very odd feeling! 

When my kids saw me in the morning they were very surprised! My 11 yo told me I look like a russian bouncer haha.  Throughout the day he kept rubbing my head too! My GF hasn't seen it in person yet (I told her before hand what I was going to do, and she was not too sure about it).  I sent her a pic on the phone and the only thing she's said about it so far is "WOW". We'll see :)

So far (Sat night) I don't really have any irritation, maybe just a little in the back at the top of my neck. 

Anyway, here are the pics.... sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures.

Before:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ihost.biz%2Fsly%2FBefore1.jpg&hash=c38bb493be1a8762238042e25aa98950167c6307)

From the top.  This is the angle I always hoped nobody was looking at me or taking a picture from:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ihost.biz%2Fsly%2FBefore2.jpg&hash=3ae40de2a9d273e24ed0d8f535c158f2444a48e1)

When I was buzzing I figured I might as well try sporting a mohawk for a bit!

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ihost.biz%2Fsly%2FMohawk.jpg&hash=565f6a9c626ed848fc8dad51c42849f7bf5b02bd)

All finished:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ihost.biz%2Fsly%2FAfter.jpg&hash=e0cf9dc8ac12bc908de28cf8ba83b3318194e910)
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Lynchy on May 20, 2012, 01:18:27 AM
Well said Lynchy
Thankyou!
Well, Friday night after I put the kids to bed I went ahead and did it!

The clippers were easy.  After I was done I hopped in the shower and sat under some hot water for a bit then lathered up my scalp and started at it with my razor.  I realized right away this isn't as easy as shaving your face.  The consistency of the hair is different and harder to cut through (at least on the sides and back lol) and it was very hard for me to tell if I actually shaved a spot or not by feel - the hair on the sides and back lays very flat and wasn't short enough to feel prickly yet.

My plan was to simply shave WTG this time, but ended up doing some strokes sideways to get some areas.  I was really afraid of getting ingrown hairs as that is a problem in other areas at first when I first start shaving or waxing.  When I got out of the shower I was surprised at how tacky my scalp was, I was expecting it to be smoother! I put some after shave balm all over then examined myself in the mirror - I had missed some spots on the back (especially around that bump on the base of the skull), and I just got those in the shower the next morning.  And I was able to see that since my hair on top has been to thin for so long, the top of my head is not very white, which is good but accentuates the horseshoe shape of where my hair actually was for the time being.

Since I didn't shave extremely close, my whole head feels like sandpaper.  It's a very odd feeling! 

When my kids saw me in the morning they were very surprised! My 11 yo told me I look like a russian bouncer haha.  Throughout the day he kept rubbing my head too! My GF hasn't seen it in person yet (I told her before hand what I was going to do, and she was not too sure about it).  I sent her a pic on the phone and the only thing she's said about it so far is "WOW". We'll see :)

So far (Sat night) I don't really have any irritation, maybe just a little in the back at the top of my neck. 

Anyway, here are the pics.... sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures.

From the top.  This is the angle I always hoped nobody was looking at me or taking a picture from:


When I was buzzing I figured I might as well try sporting a mohawk for a bit!

All finished:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.ihost.biz%2Fsly%2FAfter.jpg&hash=e0cf9dc8ac12bc908de28cf8ba83b3318194e910)

Congratulations looks great!

Good job!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Mr Jules on May 20, 2012, 03:07:33 AM
SuperGreg,

Great new sly look for you. Congratulations !

Keep up the good work.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Frontier Guy on May 20, 2012, 03:40:41 AM
It's a great look for you. And - based on your smile - you look pleased as well.

The whole process is peppered with new experiences and things unexpected. The sandpaper feel isn't what I expected - though I don't know what exactly I was expecting. And I know it all will come together, but shaving is much different than I anticipated - there is so much change in hair direction that it is hard to get them all until I have a mental map in place.

Today's day #3. Yesterday was the first day back at job #1 - comments were either supportive or inquisitive. None negative (I didn't expect any).

Rick
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: mrzed on May 20, 2012, 03:44:31 AM
Congratulations, The new look is sharp; commanding.

From your 'top' view, I can see why you wanted to shave your head.  This will be a good improvement.

Now, you are just starting.  Can't expect perfection on the first try.  Remember the 30 day rule.  By the end of the month, you'll be a pro at shaving your head.  You'll have a smooth finish and have the routine down to just a few minutes.

Thanks for sharing the before and after pictures.  After looks better. Probably feels better, too.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: mrzed on May 20, 2012, 03:50:12 AM
The whole process is peppered with new experiences and things unexpected. Shaving is much different than I anticipated - there is so much change in hair direction that it is hard to get them all until I have a mental map in place.

=

In a few days, you'll have a smooth shave in the mornings (both of you) and at least a few hours of no sandpaper feeling.  Ahhhh!  Being BBC, I always have the sandpaper feeling by evening.  But then I look forward to the next shave in the morning. (motivation to keep it shaved). 

The hair does grow in many directions.  especially in cowlick areas.  You'll find you'll need to have in multiple directions to be smooth.  And in a few days, shaving against the grain will become easier. That gives the smoothest shave.  I often do both with and against. Multiple passes.  You'll also get the feel for the spots that you missed on the first passes.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Sir Harry on May 20, 2012, 04:58:48 AM
Congratulations, Super Greg! Thanks for sharing the pictures; at least you were having a little fun while going sly! As is the case with many of the guys who do the deed, you look younger at the end....
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on May 20, 2012, 06:05:12 AM
 O0

Looks good, you're going to like this!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: seahawk guy on May 20, 2012, 07:14:37 AM
Looking really good - Great O0 You've made the right decision.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: stasiu on May 20, 2012, 07:18:23 AM
Welcome to Slyville !  Looks like you had fun "partying" company with hairloss !  Looks epic !  :@`
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: IllinoisBaldy on May 20, 2012, 07:44:54 AM
Well done  O0
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: xnewyawka on May 20, 2012, 09:08:56 AM
Good job Greg, what a difference. The smile say's it all. Stick with it now and you'll see things will get easier. After a week or two your scalp will become accustomed to being shaved.
Be sure to use a good aftershave cream or gel, such as Bald Guyz moisture gel, or even just some aloe lotion. Nivea Men makes some great products as well.
Check other sections for shaving tips, you'll find there are plenty of options.
Enjoy your new freedom!  O0
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: SuperGreg on May 20, 2012, 09:43:55 AM
Thanks for the support guys!

It was weird, I was out and about all day yesterday with my boys and there were times I forgot I even shaved my head.  Once in a while I'd see my reflection and surprise myself, like "woah who is that guy? Oh yeah...". It felt great not feeling like my receding hairline was the first thing people see when I'm talking to them.  And if they don't like the BBC look? So what!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: marty22 on May 20, 2012, 10:09:48 AM
good work!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: mrzed on May 20, 2012, 11:11:22 AM
Greg, I felt the same way during my first month.  See your reflection. Who is that guy? LOL, is that really me?

Takes a little bit to get used to the new look. now I expect to see a bald head on me.  Wife can find me in a crowd. Just look for the bald head.

Looks good. Have fun sporting the shiny head.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Mr Jules on May 20, 2012, 11:15:30 AM
And if they don't like the BBC look? So what!

That's the spirit. What counts is what you want.

Don't forget: in any new situation with new people, you (and your great sly looks) will be what new folk remember.

Couple of months back, started a new job. New colleagues remembered my name long before I remembered theirs. Being bald helps.  :)

Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: kalbo on May 20, 2012, 08:05:02 PM
Well done SuperGreg. Now you look really super with that freshle shaved dome. Thanks for sharing the pics.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Natedawg on May 21, 2012, 08:14:36 AM
Sly is a great look for you, SuperGreg. You wear it really well. I'd say it's a definite improvement. Congrats on the job well done!  8)
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: schro on May 21, 2012, 08:25:06 AM
Outstanding!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: zetaeffe on May 21, 2012, 08:35:53 AM
Well done! you look great!! O0
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Slick A on May 21, 2012, 09:26:50 AM
Congratulations  O0
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: RoWilJr on May 21, 2012, 09:31:11 AM
Congrats SG  O0
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: wilky895 on May 21, 2012, 11:20:17 AM
      Congrats... I agree the sly look definitely suits you. Well Done 8)
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Slyfive on May 21, 2012, 05:01:33 PM
Looks great Greg!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Itall on May 21, 2012, 05:35:49 PM
Looks great.
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Accepted on May 22, 2012, 10:17:01 AM
A natural!  Congrats, looks great!!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: SuperGreg on May 22, 2012, 11:01:55 AM
Got a better picture, color balance on the others was pretty wrong (I need to buy a real camera!).  Third time shaving this morning, finally got one irritated bump on the back of my neck.  Probably got the closest shave of them all so far though, feels pretty smooth today!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: RoWilJr on May 22, 2012, 01:57:37 PM
Looks great SuperGreg!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: -Doug- on May 22, 2012, 02:17:36 PM
I'm late to the party.....welcome and your new look looks GREAT!
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: Baldstu on May 22, 2012, 03:53:59 PM
Very nice in a white shirt
Title: Re: Tonight's the night!
Post by: AgeTwentyTwoBaldy on May 22, 2012, 09:14:53 PM
Lookin' good, SuperGreg. Keep up the nice work!