Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: SyZ on May 24, 2012, 07:45:06 PM
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Hi, first post here.
So, my hair has been falling out since I was 22, and I'm 27 now. I'm not really sure it's because I'm balding as opposed to bad nutrition .. I don't have the best eating habits. My hairline has receded maybe an inch from where it normally was, and there is some thinning all throughout the middle from the front to the back where there is a small bald spot. The hair on the sides of my head seems to be fine in the sense that it's not coming out. In the thinning areas I can't seem to keep the hair, it usually falls out with a length of about an inch, and I get my hair cut to 1/2 an inch every 6 weeks or so. I've been somewhat conscience about it for a while, in fact I haven't been on a date in a few years ... one girl I asked out actually said she worked in a salon and said I should use Nioxin for better results. It's definitely hurt my confidence in terms of 'was that girl smiling because she thinks I'm hot or because she's laughing at the hair loss?' In either event, I'm ok with shaving it off. Ok as in I don't have a very strong attachment to having thick flowing hair until I'm 50 and it goes grey. If I look better without it then I'm perfectly ok maintaining it indefinitely.
And that brings me to where I am now. I'm graduating college (yea, 5 years behind schedule ...) in three weeks, and the dreaded job hunt will begin. My degree is in statistics, I'm in California, and I have no reason to believe whatever industry I move into will be ultra conservative, but I still hesitate. Does being young and shaving your head send the wrong signal? I don't want to screw myself out of starting my life by sabotaging a job interview because I look like I don't respect the dress code or whatever rationale an interviewer would use against me.
That's the main reason I'm hesitant to take the plunge, but also the main reason I want to. Being out of school and starting a new job gives me a fresh start. If I walk into that interview with a shaved head, nail it, get hired and start work, nobody will know me as that dude with the horrible bald spot and a 4 inch forehead. Other than that, here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
I'll be home for a while and it gives me a chance to try it out to see if I like it or / how I look with it without having to go to class with 90 kids I see every day and know me already.
Very strong chance I would look better
Very strong chance my confidence will go up
No more haircuts!
Cons:
My skin is very pale / white, and I worry how that will look. Almost every bald / shaven guy I've pulls it off well has a tan head that matches their face
If my hair is falling out randomly along the middle, won't that show up in the patterning when it's clean-shaven? As in, the top of my head will be dark in spots with hair and empty in spots where the roots are gone
My mother HATES the idea, and she's a big part of my life
I sunburn very easily, I live in California, and summer is starting.
I have VERY oily skin, and I'm pretty sure my head would be even shinier than 'normal'
With all that said, what do you guys think?
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My recommendation is to try it out as soon as you're done with graduation activities.
Reading through your note was exhausting ... though I understand how big a factor this is for you.
Although I'm only one-week into the "sly" mode, I've realized that few, if any, will care what you look like. Those who didn't know you with hair won't have anything to compare to, and those who did know you will hopefully be seeing you for your inner qualities regardless of the outer shell.
I'm in my 50s and have done a fair bit of hiring. Other than general appearance standards (cleanliness, etc.) hair presence or length didn't matter. I was much more focused on skills and personality (how will the candidate fit into the team, does he/she convey confidence).
You'll get a lot of support here, but I think the underlying response is going to be: 1. Try it for 30 days. 2. If you don't like it, it'll grow back. 3. You'll most likely be saying, "Wow, I wish I'd done this sooner." and 4. The sense of freedom is empowering.
Welcome. I'm looking forward to seeing you embark on this journey and share your insights. It can be very transforming.
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Welcome! First off, congrats on finishing college....I'm going back to college this fall and I will be 42 or 43 when I finish, so finishing at 27 is not too bad....As far as a job goes, most employers are looking for confident, aggressive go-getter type people, hair be damned...There are a lot more sly guys in the workplace today than you think! Women are sometimes like prospective employers...they just want a confident man who doesn't worry about outside forces that he can't control thinning hair being one of those forces...that said, if your (remaining) hair is stopping you from enjoying life and what it has to offer maybe sly can make a difference. Give it a try, and if you don't like it you can always grow it back...(most don't bother). Good luck and keep us posted!
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My recommendation is to try it out as soon as you're done with graduation activities.
Reading through your note was exhausting ... though I understand how big a factor this is for you.
Although I'm only one-week into the "sly" mode, I've realized that few, if any, will care what you look like. Those who didn't know you with hair won't have anything to compare to, and those who did know you will hopefully be seeing you for your inner qualities regardless of the outer shell.
I'm in my 50s and have done a fair bit of hiring. Other than general appearance standards (cleanliness, etc.) hair presence of length didn't matter. I was much more focused on skills and personality (how will the candidate fit into the team, does he/she convey confidence).
You'll get a lot of support here, but I think the underlying response is going to be: 1. Try it for 30 days. 2. If you don't like it, it'll grow back. 3. You'll most likely be saying, "Wow, I wish I'd done this sooner." and 4. The sense of freedom is empowering.
Welcome. I'm looking forward to seeing you embark on this journey and share your insights. It can be very transforming.
Welcome!
Frontier Guy nailed it IMO!
Re: Job. I'm 23 and recently had an interview for a fairly big promotion at work, if successful I will be the youngest in the team by an easy 10 years! Word on the street so far is that I'm in! Anyway everyone knew my before and after being shaved, hardly anyone mentioned it TBH!
Good luck, I hope you find what works for you!
Keep up updated!
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Welcome aboard!
I have oily skin also. When I did have hair, it would be very noticeably oily if I didn't wash at least once a day. Let me assure you that it's not a problem for baldies . It's not like someone's going to mistake your head for a Texas oil field, or anything. ;D Just keep the scalp clean as you would any other part of your body. My head actually never looks shiny, even when I try to use shine-obtaining tricks, like rubbing it ice cubes after a shave.
It's a big change (going sly), so of course I understand you have reservations about doing it. However, please understand that all you are really fearing is the unknown, which of course is perfectly natural. You've never done this before. It sounds like you want to go for it, so I'm going to push you a bit. Just do it. Dive right in. Bald can be a very clean look, so don't worry about prospective employers. Would you really want to work for the kind of people that would hire you based on your looks anyway?
There's no good reason not to try it at least once. You'll never know unless you take that leap...
Best of luck to you! O0 And congrats on graduating college!
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That's the main reason I'm hesitant to take the plunge, but also the main reason I want to. Being out of school and starting a new job gives me a fresh start. If I walk into that interview with a shaved head, nail it, get hired and start work, nobody will know me as that dude with the horrible bald spot and a 4 inch forehead.
Your instincts are pretty good--the clean look, neat, put together will be a plus. Importantly, and keep this in mind now and in future, an employer is looking for what's in your head, not what's on it. Certainly be neatly dressed, clean fingernails, yada yada, but make sure you learn what the prospective employer's goals are, from internet, Linkin, etc., and during the interviews and correspondence seeking interviews try to highlight your interests and academic achievements that could help them meet their goals. Often in fields such as yours they'll want a writing sample, start looking through your files for a good and relevant example to provide, even bring one to the interview if they haven't asked--it's a nice drop off and makes your application just a little more significant. It should demonstate your particular strengths in the field and it could help if it's a little "academic!" Finally, send a thank you note to the interviewer for his time and interest immediately after your appointment. Two benefits, shows you're not a social clod when it comes to business manners, and two, the big one for you, after they've seen all the applicants it gives you a chance to remind them that you were there--although a nicely shined dome won't hurt. And there's always the chance one of the people you'll talk to is a sly guy too. Best of luck.
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I understand your apprehension and it is normal. I had been going bald for over 20 years and finally took the plunge at the encouragement of a friend and my wife. I actually feel less self conscious; and more confident about myself now then with the little hair I had. Hey what could be more crisp and clean cut during an interview then a sly guy. As far as the color difference after shaving... I was pale under the little hair I had left after shaving, I went over the top and used SPF 50 and got NO COLOR AT ALL, went to a 30 and slowly the color is blending in. Hope this helps and Good Luck O:O
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Pros:
I'll be home for a while and it gives me a chance to try it out to see if I like it or / how I look with it without having to go to class with 90 kids I see every day and know me already.
Very strong chance I would look better
Very strong chance my confidence will go up
No more haircuts!
You have the urge to shave your head. As Mark Twain said "the hardest thing to resist is temptation".
Give it a go and shave sly. Bet you like your new look.
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If you're ready to ask the question, it's time to do the deed.
As I've said many times: there's no downside. It grows back quickly in the very unlikely event you decide it's not for you.
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Many words of wisdom and your haircut should have no bearing what so ever with your abiltiy to perform and do a job . Frontier guy puts it very well try it and see
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Well, some pretty big things happened since my post. I was hanging out with one of my friends last Friday and one thing led to another and SHE asked ME out (haha). We went out yesterday and had a blast and she said she thinks I can pull it off (and I tried on some hats in stores and she said I looked good in all of them), so I've made the decision to do it. Now I just need to wait the two weeks until after graduation ...
I'll keep checking back in and I'll update once I do it! Thanks for the responses
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That's great, and I like your commitment.
Just one caution ... don't be totally surprised if you decide to shave sooner than you planned. A lot of guys on these forums, me included, had a specific target date - but once we were mentally and emotionally committed there was no point in delaying the change.
You're going to look great and you will be astounded at the support and positive comments which develop around you.
Cheers to you!
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Hey SyZ: Welcome 2 the sly fraternity. Glad that ya joined us. Anytime one has thoughts about shaving their dome than one will never be satisfied until the "deed is done". Keep us posted 2 your road 2 slyness.
WARHAWK O0
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Glad you have decided to commit!
Now let's see how long you can hold out!
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hey and welcome. 27 is an age that requires changes, good changes. going bald is one of them. shave it off and feel free.
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Give it a go and shave sly. Bet you like your new look.
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This^^^^^if you don't like it, grow it back O:O
Good luck and keep us posted O0
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Good job Sy! I can't really add more, the guys have already done a great job, but I do want to point out that a girl asked you out, irrespective of what's on your head, so you're obviously a cool guy... And soon, you will look ever cooler. So sit back, shave, and just enjoy being you.
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Welcome SyZ, let me add to those who encourage you to shave your head. You have already given it much thought. I am sure you will like it. Best regards.
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I agree with all the other guy's comments on here.
If you are thinking about it then you really should do it. Even better suggestion: allow the girl-friend to buzz your hair short & then let her shave you smooth. You will both enjoy the experience. I think it is the logical next step for you, now.
All the best,
Bilko
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(http://)I did it!
Here is a picture of me last night:
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/me.jpg
Here are two I just took after coming back from getting it done, but I think I need to go shave after a shower to actually get it bald:
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/shaved2.jpg
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/shaved1.jpg
I'm happy with how it came out, I didn't end up having any horrible bumps or scars on my skull/scalp that would make it look bad, although I have a tiny scar on my back left (I'll take a picture of it later)
So does it look ok? Now for some questions/concerns ...
1) The woman told me my scalp is VERY dry. She put maybe an ounce of conditioner through my scalp and my skin basically absorbed it. Should I be using any sort of product on it? I picked up http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=10100-2&Category_Code=aftershave and http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=10600-7&Category_Code=preshave
2) Should I shave it daily? Every other? Weekly?
3) Still use shampoo/conditioner?
4) Anything else I should know?
Thanks for the replies / support!
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Thanks for sharing your pics, it is a good improvement from your thinning hair. Its time to take out the razor and shaving cream to complete the look. Shave every other day to avoid irritation and to help toughen up your scalp. Use shampoo or whatever you use on your face, do away with the conditioner. Happy shaving.
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good start!
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Looks good! It will feel good when you go all the way!
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Here's three from after I shaved:
http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/?action=view¤t=shaved3.jpg
http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/?action=view¤t=shaved4.jpg
This is the back of my head, couldn't get a better shot:
http://s1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/?action=view¤t=shaved5.jpg
I think I cut myself in a few places, is that normal the first time? Now if I can just get some color I should be good ;D
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Congratulations on joining the Sly civilization. I hope you are feeling an extraordinary sense of relief. Looks really good.
It's been 22 days since I shaved, so I'm not an expert - but I can give you first-hand rookie experience.
I suggest shaving daily - one 'cause it's a pleasant experience, two because it will help you quickly improve your skills dealing with a new shape, and three because it's a great reinforcement of the sly look. Thus - adhere to the 30-day challenge.
Take your time and go easy. I did create a few nicks the first couple of days and then it lessened, though I manage occasionally to draw a drop of blood or two now and then.
I use my regular shampoo ('cause I have plenty on hand) to wash my scalp and cut through any oils and such. And then I use a little exfoliant (St Ives Apricot Scrub) to loosen any dead skin. Just a little and not hard enough to create irritation.
And afterwards I don't use a conditioner - but will put on sunscreen if I'm going to be outside more than just a few minutes.
My most important bit of advice ... Enjoy your new look! You look great. You will be surprised when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror or a window. And you may think people are staring - they really aren't, but I think the newly shaved are just a wee bit self-conscious. If someone is staring, it's probably because you are just so good-looking they just can't help taking a moment to admire.
Welcome to the Team.
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WOW ! What a change for the best !
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Congratulations on joining the Sly civilization. I hope you are feeling an extraordinary sense of relief. Looks really good.
It's been 22 days since I shaved, so I'm not an expert - but I can give you first-hand rookie experience.
I suggest shaving daily - one 'cause it's a pleasant experience, two because it will help you quickly improve your skills dealing with a new shape, and three because it's a great reinforcement of the sly look. Thus - adhere to the 30-day challenge.
Take your time and go easy. I did create a few nicks the first couple of days and then it lessened, though I manage occasionally to draw a drop of blood or two now and then.
I use my regular shampoo ('cause I have plenty on hand) to wash my scalp and cut through any oils and such. And then I use a little exfoliant (St Ives Apricot Scrub) to loosen any dead skin. Just a little and not hard enough to create irritation.
And afterwards I don't use a conditioner - but will put on sunscreen if I'm going to be outside more than just a few minutes.
My most important bit of advice ... Enjoy your new look! You look great. You will be surprised when you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror or a window. And you may think people are staring - they really aren't, but I think the newly shaved are just a wee bit self-conscious. If someone is staring, it's probably because you are just so good-looking they just can't help taking a moment to admire.
Welcome to the Team.
Thanks for the long post!
I'll reply to your last paragraph first - I'm actually fairly confident with how it looks - in fact today I'm thinking of just going to the mall and randomly walking around and getting smiles from good looking girls :)
I wouldn't say I'm self-conscious, just ... 'concerned' would be the correct word. I need to get some coloring on my scalp to match more in line with my face, but I burn easily and I'm hesitant to just sort of go outside with sunscreen on and soak in some sun (more than I usually do walking around campus on a normal day, that is)
Is this '30 day challenge' referring to shaving daily the first 30 days to get your scalp adjusted?
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Is this '30 day challenge' referring to shaving daily the first 30 days to get your scalp adjusted?
I believe the 30 days is more to get yourself adjusted, than your scalp adjusted. Shaving for 30 days establishes a routine, ensures a long enough time for you to adjust to the new look and to adjust to the responses of others around you. It's kind of the Sly way of keeping you on the wagon until new habits are established.
At least that's how I'm interpreting it!
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So I have been shaving four days now, and have a few questions and wasn't really sure where to put them.
I've been using the Headblade Sport and Head Slick, and noticed that after using it my scalp is smooth but also sticky / there's some friction when I run my hands over it. Is this normal? I wash my head with cool water at least 30s after I'm done so it can't be that I'm not cleaning off the slick thoroughly. Should I be using any special lotion or product afterwards? I also picked up
http://www.headblade.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HB&Product_Code=062011&Category_Code=kits
so I have all those lotions and products but haven't used any yet. Tomorrow I will be spending a lot of time outside and not really sure which to use. So far I have not had any sort of shine, and was also wondering if this is because I'm using the slick and it's clogging up the pores?
My other question is in terms of actually shaving, should I be going both with and against the grain? I went with the grain the first three days and noticed on the back of my head it still kind of felt like sandpaper. Today I spent about 5 minutes more and it was noticeably smoother. Thanks!
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Welcome SyZ! You rock the sly look, dude.
Some answers to your questions:
Shave with the grain at the back first, and then against on your second pass. Then the whole dome will be silky-smooth. After shaving, I splash on some aftershave lotion to catch any microabrasions or nicks. Go slow with the HeadLube Glossy, and rub it in well. That usually gives a great shine without a greasy feeling.
Your head will tan really slowly, unlike your face. Just deal with your white head for now, it will slowly start to blend in. Mine is still a shade lighter than my face after two months, but definitely a huge improvement to when I first shaved. You can try some self-tanning lotion if you like, but they don't tend to work so well on the head, and there is the danger of ending up with an orange head.
Good luck and congrats on taking the plunge.
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Congrats on the four days towards your 30!
I use HeadSlick also and don't have a problem with stickiness afterwards. You may want to try adding Shave Secret (available in most retailers like Wal-Mart) to your routine. Before your put on the HeadSlick put five drops of Shave Secret in your palm and then rub your scalp thoroughly. Makes the whole process smoother.
Without applying any moisturizer I'm don't have a shiny dome ... and then the shine depends on the moisturizer I'm using. I mix it up - some days I use the HeadLube Matte, some the Shiny ... and days when I will be outside a lot I use Coppertone Sunscreen SPF 50. All depends on my mood. I find the key is to use any of them somewhat sparingly.
The first couple of days I shaved with the grain because I was still learning. Then I added against the grain which provided much better results. About two weeks in I eliminated the WTG and just do ATG, followed up with lots of feeling for missed patches. I didn't realize how many different directions my hair was growing until now -- and after almost four weeks I know most of the quirky directions which need adjustment.
Continued success to you!Q
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Sorry I have not jumped in sooner. I've been traveling and had limited internet access.
Congratulation on shaving your head bald. It looks really good. Welcome to the sly community. Keep up shaving for 30 days and you'll never want hair on top again!
After using the head lube, your head may feel a bit tacky but the lube will absorb in a few minutes and then it's smooth.
If you have some sandpaper spots after shaving, just go over them again more slowly and they will smooth out. Some days you get a closer shave than others.
Thanks for the pictures. The bald ones look so much better than the very sort buzz. Guess I'm biased.
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Ok, so have some updates.
First off, I got a date :D
I was taking the bus to campus one last time and a girl I hadn't seen before was checking me out at the stop, so I made sure to sit across from her and chat her up. Before getting out I asked if she wanted to grab coffee and she said sure and we exchanged #s and are getting together Sunday. Score!
As for the gloss shine, I tried it and I think it worked well. It seemed to last from 7 to 6 at which point I wiped it off. My head was as shiny at 7 as it was at 6, I don't think it ever faded or changed with sweat/moisture or anything like that. I made sure to get 3-5 minute breaks outside now and then to soak in some sun. Still some questions though:
I'm still cutting myself. Not as much as at first, but I'm definitely not a pro yet. Is it normal to still be nicking my scalp or do I suck at shaving?
Should I be using some sort of moisturizer every day? For example, tomorrow I'll be home working on a project. I won't be going outside and won't be in public, but should I still apply something?
Do most guys who shave their head actually prefer to have the shine? I always assumed it was a negative - that people would comment about seeing their reflection in your scalp, about how you're sweating, etc. Without applying anything I don't have a shine and I don't know if this comes across as cleaner or what have you.
For the date, I'm pretty sure she's going to want to touch it (she's a stylist). And if she doesn't I'll probably make her :) .. but I don't want to put on something like a gloss moisturizer if she's going to cringe when she touches it. Thanks!
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I have not nicked myself since using Bald Guyz preshave scrub and applying some oil before I slap on the shaving gel. I found that nicks happened during "touch ups". If there is a stubborn area of hair, make multiple passes with very little/no pressure (esp with a HeadBalde).
Good luck with the date!
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@SYZ
I fully understand your concerns at your young age. Guys who are in the forties or fifties generally care less about what people think about them than guys in their twenties. So it is easy to roll a statement like, “Just do it man!” off the tongue by someone like me.
Having said that, it still remains the truth. You will only know if you take the plunge. You will be surprised at how many of your friends, family and loved ones will actually be accepting of your new look. Don’t even tell anyone, just do it and let them deal with the perceived shock. I found it so exhilarating. It is also a good character builder, as you learn how to accept yourself for the person who you are rather than a person who is defined by their “hairstyle”. Besides, going sly is just another “hairstyle” – that is another way to look at it.
All the best with your quest!
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My two cents ...
Still some questions though:
I'm still cutting myself. Not as much as at first, but I'm definitely not a pro yet. Is it normal to still be nicking my scalp or do I suck at shaving?
Should I be using some sort of moisturizer every day? For example, tomorrow I'll be home working on a project. I won't be going outside and won't be in public, but should I still apply something?
Do most guys who shave their head actually prefer to have the shine? I always assumed it was a negative - that people would comment about seeing their reflection in your scalp, about how you're sweating, etc. Without applying anything I don't have a shine and I don't know if this comes across as cleaner or what have you.
For the date, I'm pretty sure she's going to want to touch it (she's a stylist). And if she doesn't I'll probably make her :) .. but I don't want to put on something like a gloss moisturizer if she's going to cringe when she touches it. Thanks!
I had that problem the first few days until I learned which spots were irregular and required unique shaving directions. Using a pre-shave oil, like Shave Secret, improved the situation as well. But I still get a nick once in a while.
I don't have dry skin/scalp, so if I'm going to be home and mostly inside for the day I don't use any moisturizer or sunscreen. It's different for each person I think.
Based on comments on this board, I think "shiny" is the preference (or at least they are the most vocal). I vary from shiny to matte to (nothing) depending on mood, place or people I'll be with. Having been studying sly guys in the public there doesn't seem to be any reaction one way or another to shiny or matte.
Congrats on the date. If you don't put on a lot of moisturizer it shouldn't be sticky to touch. That headrub is such a surprising reaction - happens to me regularly.
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Hey Syz, looking good! Congrats on the date! O0
I'm still cutting myself. Not as much as at first, but I'm definitely not a pro yet. Is it normal to still be nicking my scalp or do I suck at shaving?
As with anything, the more you do it, the easier it will get. Practice makes perfect. Do it often enough, it will become second nature.
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Hey guys, I think I might be getting a few razor bumps from shaving everyday. I know about the 30 day challenge but ... should I take a day off? I have graduation tomorrow and want to shave before then and that would be about 20 hours from now, and last I did it was about 16 hours ago
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Hey guys, I think I might be getting a few razor bumps from shaving everyday. I know about the 30 day challenge but ... should I take a day off? I have graduation tomorrow and want to shave before then and that would be about 20 hours from now, and last I did it was about 16 hours ago
Sounds like razor burn. Are you using adequate lubrication and getting your stubble really wet before you shave? Bald Guyz preshave scrub works really well. If the problem persists, get some 1% steroid (prednisone) cream, but use sparingly for a day or two only.
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I've used more water the last few days, I think it's not getting any worse, but not any better either. With no days off it's really hard to recover and every time I go over one of those bumps I cringe that I'm making it worse.
On days when I'm not going anywhere is it better to just shave front to back and then not do the back to front to relieve some of the irritation? I don't want my hair to start growing in all funky because it's confused on what's happening
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SyZ: I know that many people say do it every day for thirty days, but maybe you were not meant to be an everyday shaver. Myself, I broke out a lot in the beginning, and I was shaving maybe once a week when my hair loss was minimal. But as the hair loss got worse, I wanted to keep a fresh shaved head as many days as possible. Thanks to this site, I've gotten it down to every third day (sometimes every other day). Maybe if you let a little fuzz grow and shave every third or fourth day, it will give your skin a chance to heal...I think bumps and irritation can happen to people of all races. Many guys here don't shave everyday and are okay with having a day or two of growth before the next shave. But if you still want to shave everyday, there are many threads that can help you with the proper care for your scalp to adjust to everyday shaving. Good Luck!
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Thanks for the replies!
Since my last reply I've taken two days off, and I think it's healing better. I have nothing against shaving everyday, I 100% love the way I look and will continue doing it, so I don't think I need the 30 day challenge. As you can see, I added a photo on the left ;) That was taken 20 minutes ago right after I shaved, and this is day 10 since I did it it the first time. Here is what I was really worried about though: the cut I keep getting
http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w369/SyZstats/cut.jpg
Apparently I have a little scar there and it makes it really hard to shave over. I don't really know what to do about it. I try to only go over it once, as smoothly as possible, but I knicked it going bottom to top. Top to bottom was fine. Maybe I should not go bottom to top over it? = /
And should I continue posting in this thread or is there another more appropriate forum? I don't see one for 'progress' or anything like that.
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I think posting here is fine.
I'll be interested to see what others say. But my limited experience (today is day #32, not that I'm counting) was that the first couple of weeks I had a couple of places similar to you that I would easily nick and bleed. But after a couple of weeks the scalp seems to have toughened up and I'm not having that problem any more. In fact, today I tried to locate the problem bumps and couldn't find them.
Now, hopefully, my posting that they are gone won't resurrect them!
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Just read through your post/thread. Great thread and enjoyed reading through your progress. Welcome. Congrats (sly, graduation, etc). and ... looks great on you!
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I also had a few spots that were prone to getting nicked. They disappear, trust me.
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I did it! Today is the first day I went both with and against the grain and didn't nick myself, so I'm taking that as a good sign!
Still a little pale, but I've been sure to go outside for periods of time every day (at graduation I got sunburnt on part of my scalp so part of it is darker than the rest = /
Still having one big issue though: I'm using a headblade, and first I go front to back, then back to front. When I run my hands vertically up and down the head it's smooth, but above my ears on either side if I go sideways there is still that sandpaper feel. Is this normal or does my hair come in weird? Any good ways to tackle it?
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That big, happy, toothy smile says how happy you are with your bald look. Hair growth comes in different directions. it is best that you first feel the area before gliding the razor over it to get the smoothness you desire.
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Sounds like you've got the hang of it.
I, too, have small strips just above the ears which defy bring shaved regardless of which direction I go. I'm getting better with them (after 5 weeks) but still not to the perfection I desire.
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I have a fair bit of hair on the diagonal there, you'll find it!