Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => 30 Day Rule / Beginners Section => Topic started by: Slyer on September 25, 2012, 09:36:16 AM
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Hey guys,
I discovered this site today while searching information about shaving your head.
I'd like to get the "hair factor" out of my life. I have a lot more important bigger things to care about than to lose time worrying about something useless (to me, at least).
I think the 30 day challenge is a neat idea, and it goes hand in hand with the body transformation I started 3 weeks ago. (which I recommend. If links are allowed I can link to it)
I have shaved (with clippers, but to zero) my head once when I was 18, and I remember how comfortable it was. Dunno about the looks though. I don't think it suits my face, but it's not something I care too much about. (not planning on participating on any beauty contest in the foreseeable future)
So I think I'll make the move this afternoon. I think on going to a barber and let him do it. At least this time. Since I don't own clippers.
Any help/encouragement will be appreciated. Still some decisive hours ahead... ???
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I think that if it's something you want to try, then try it. Though, judging by your photos it honestly doesnt look like you are losing any hair at all! looks fine!
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welcome.
do it, you're gonna love it.
keep us updates, post pics
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Shave your head and leave the scruff on your face. That's a great look for you young dudes.
Red
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it's getting to the point where it's becoming something I think about daily, and that gets in the way of other important, more productive thoughts.
Bingo--the final answer--you need to shave it, live with a shaved head for 30 days and experience the freedom that provides. Obviously you're at the early stages of mpb, it can go fast or slow--Mother Nature is a b_tch! >:(--so shave it, the mpb process will continue, you can't change that, but shaved you're ahead of the game and can get on with the important things in your life.
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I think the 30 day challenge is a neat idea
Welcome to the SBG forum, Slyer.
Yes, consider the 30 day challenge. It's a great experience and you'll adjust to your new appearance quickly and happily. It'll be a whole new you !
Let us how it goes.
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Welcome to the forum Slyer. I think every guy should try it at least once so I would say go for it. The forum is full of useful advice and if you need encouragement you are in the right place! Let us know how it goes.
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Thanks all for the encouragement :)
The time is approaching, and I'm still decided to go for it. My only concern is not to scare my girlfriend when she sees me... maybe I'll send her a picture beforehand (oh oh! I just remembered she's out of battery on her cell phone)
Well, I hope she doesn't get too scared... :XX
But I'll show you guys first... That's the first thing I'll do. Take a picture and post it here.
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go for it but a short buzz cut may work better in the beginning.....
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Your stubble beard will make the shaved head look excellent.
I can almost picture you bald. Hope you go through with a full head shave. Then post a picture.
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I agree with the guys, I think you will look pretty hot with a shaved head a scruffy beard. You never know, your girlfriend may dig it.
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Slyer, welcome.
If, as you say, you are thinking about this daily then it is too much of an emotional burden. Shave it off and enjoy the freedom that brings.
I'm confident your girlfriend is more interested in the "real you" that the hairy covering. And she's going to like you all the more as you become more confident in your transformation (and, yes, please post the link you mentioned).
You're going to look great. And the time to do it is now.
Welcome to the Sly world.
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Thank you all for the kind welcome and words! Feels great already! :)
I'm just back from the gym, just eat my post workout meal and now a shower before I head on to the barber.
For those interested in transforming their body in 12 weeks, here's the workout I started 3 weeks ago (it's free and incredible quality):
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/kris-gethin-12-week-daily-trainer-intro.html
It's a daily video plan, that means the trainer does the transformation with you and films what he does, eats, and what you should be doing DAILY! Story short, a top notch personal trainer for free for 12 weeks. Can't beat that. Hope many of you get into it. I already see and feel the results.
Ok, enough chatting. Next thing I'll post is my shaved head.
Wish me luck!!
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Looking forward to the new you. Sly for life! Wow. Here comes the confidence. Remember the 30 day rule. Keep shaving.
Going from a full head of long hair to bald will most likely generate comments, but trust they will be good comments. You'll look refreshing.
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Do it! It's great once you do!
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That photo's taking quite a while to develop :-)
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Welcome to the bald brotherhood Slyer. You have the head and the face that can rock the shaved look. Looking forward to the hair liberation and the pic.
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Welcome!
Enjoy the barber shave experience and let us know how it went.
Don't worry with the girlfriend, at start it might be a surprise, but you will see that you will both like it.
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Welcome Slyer, the others have touched on it, but it really is the mental burden that warrants the shave rather than the physical appearance, you'll look great I'm sure!
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OK guys, just as planned... IT WAS DONE!!!
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1265.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj518%2Fphotobucketeero%2F01_zps05b2bd9a.jpg&hash=50e9bd3d25d0409f0edcb3ca25dad86de56b139b)
Before and after:
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1265.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj518%2Fphotobucketeero%2F02_zpscda510e4.jpg&hash=06fede902e714431bd89f92550bc7c92b8a02b28)
Sorry for the delay, I had planned to post the picture last night, but I got home kinda late (things developed differently), and had no chance.
It's 7:50 AM, and here I am, first thing of the day... ;)
The story:
Went to the barber, and I had to wait like an hour for my turn. Lucky enough I had a good book with me... Anyway, the moment came (by the way, no doubts in my head -pun unintended- whatsoever during the wait time). The barber has known me for a while:
Barber:-What are we doing today?
Me: - Cut to zero.
- hahaha no, come on...
- I'm serious :)
- haha nice one... So, what are we doing...
- Dude... zero... zepo... nada!
- hahaha you'll have to go to another barber then... haha OK, what are we doing??
- I want to have it cut to zero man, seriously
(by this time the whole situation was very amusing :P )
- Are you really being serious??
- Completely!
- How about we try short but, something else
- Zero!!!
Ok, the conversation went on for 10 minutes, with him trying to convince me on doing "something else", and I was laughing so hard, which didn't help on showing him how serious I was.... hahahahaha (I'm still laughing at the whole thing)
So once he realized I wasn't going to change my mind, he got the clippers and started... But with a Number 4 clipper!!
-See? you could cut it short, like this...
- ZEEEERRRROOOO !!!! :)
And THEN he started!!
It was a lot of fun and a great feeling to start seeing my MIND freeing from all those "thin moments of useless thoughts"...
The barber, as you can tell, was at first reluctant, but we finally had a lot of fun, doing crazy cuts and shapes and laughing about it... Even at a point I started complaining really loud (there were other customers around):
- How could you do such a thing!!! I said short, but NOT THIS SHORT!!! How are you going to fix this now (and he played along)
- But I though you meant this....
Everybody who was talking was now staring at us ... until the barber broke in laughter and told them we were playing around.
Ok, so that's the barber story... Now my girlfriend:
Went to pick her up from her dance class. As she is approaching the car she can't see me (it's dark in the night), and she tries to open the car door, and I, instead of unlocking it, roll down the window... She immediately thought she was at the wrong car!! hahaha So she backed off, and after a second she goes: "my boyfriend!!!!!!" hahaaha :D
That's when I opened the door :)
to make the story short (after making it so long):
THIS FEELS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm super happy with how this feels. Sleeping with no hair was a whole new experience... 100 times better!! The freedom I'm experiencing at this moment is exhilarating!
I also like how it looks, and my girlfriend ended up liking it too. At first it was sort of shocking for her, because she works at a hospital and subconsciously associates a shaved head with not so nice thoughts... but then she digged it... she even lent me her sun glasses for my sly look! 8)
I really want to thank all of you guys for encouraging me to go do it. You were all right, it's something that has to be done!
I do want to know what you guys think of it.
2 technical things:
1) You'll notice there's a shadow... this is as far as the clippers could go, the barber really put a lot of effort to go for zero. But my hair is quite dark, and with a light skin I think the only way to make the shadow disappear is with a razor. But even with that it will be hard. I can't make my facial hair shadow disappear with shaving... If you know how, point me in the right direction (although I don't mind the shadow... as I said, hair is not something I want to think about)
2) Please point me in the right direction (forum posts) where I can read about keeping this look for 30 d... years!! :P I'm thinking on buying some clippers...
Ok, I'll post this now...
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Wow! you did it! And it really suits you! Good for you!
Other guys will be able to answer your questions about shadow etc, though I have to say, for me, I like the shadow look.
Glad it turned out all alright for you!
You remind me a bit of a young Keanu Reaves!
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Barbers simply don't want to buzz guys' heads 'cause you'll figure out how easy it is to do it for yourself.
If you get antsy for a shorter buzz, Oster makes blades to cut as short as 00000 (Five Zero). Your barber probably won't have any blades to cut that short.
I say go completely Sly, at least once. O0
Red
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Congratulations Slyer, you look great. The look with the sunglasses is very good, but I think without would be even better - you've got a great face (eyes) and everything works well together.
As for the shadow ... if you've got dark hair, it's going to happen and you are going to be the only one who really notices it. It'll be there for anyone to see, but you'll be the only one who cares. A good friend of mine has a really pronounced shadow and it's just part of his "look." I think you just accept it and move on.
Then, when your hair turns lighter (or 'gray' like mine) the shadow will disappear.
You can maintain the current stubble length using clippers or you can go "baby butt smooth" by shaving. I start every morning with stubble and am transformed into BBS after an encounter with the HeadBlade. If you think going to "zero" was awesome, you have a much more thrilling experience waiting - when your scalp is slippery slick. Incredible. [You might try shaving, at least once, before you invest in clippers. If you find the smooooth look appealing you'll have saved the cost of the clippers; if smooth isn't quite right you'll be back to stubble in a couple of days.]
There are lots of threads here which talk about shave routines, best blades, exfoliants, after shaves, sunscreens, pre-shave oils, etc. What I've learned over my extensive (four months) Sly journey - you have to experiment and find what works best for you and what you enjoy. You are unique and it's unlikely anyone else's choices will mirror yours. So don't be afraid to experiment. Even when you find something you like you may occasionally want to try something different for comparison - just might be better.
But the bottom line is "Congratulations" to you. You went into this with a great attitude, you had a terrific experience with the barber and the girlfriend's reaction, and you're poised to shine to everyone else in your world.
My recommendations: Commit to the 30-day challenge (which I think you have). If you move towards head shaving (which I encourage) do that on a regular (daily if possible) basis which will toughen your scalp, develop the muscle skills which are a little different, and provide a consistent look for you and everyone else to become accustomed to.
And, finally, please continue posting here of your experience, reactions from others, things which surprise (or puzzle) you about being Sly. Because it is your experience which will substantially empower others to rediscover themselves in the Sly world.
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Hello Slyer
Welcome to this awesome site. Your profile pic shows that you have long thick hair. Probably the most hair that I have seen on a guy who has visited this site and who is contemplating going bald. But if you are losing some strands of that nice long hair, there is no reason why you cannot go sly. It was one of the most exhilarating things that I and many others here ever did in their lives.
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Hi Slyer: Welcome 2 the sly fraternity. Glad that ya joined us. Your new look is a keeper. U look like a natural. Remember to keep it for the "30 day rule". It is an "unwritten" rule on SBG in which the new head shaver must maintain the sly look for 30 days straight. After the 30day rule the new head shaver will either decide to keep it smooth or grow it out. As you probably know... most if not all decide to keep it smooth.
Keep us posted to your road to slyness,
WARHAWK O0
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Welcome!! That's a big difference and I'm glad you and your GF like it.
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I think the new look makes you look more mature. Not too keen on the sunglasses, just my opinion :)
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Welcome, Slyer! Nice transformation there, though the long hair wasn't too bad, either...but you wear the sly look well!
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I can't thank you ALL enough for your positive comments and support!
I will complete the 30 day challenge (of course). And also will study the best way shave my head with a razor or get the Oster OOOOO zeros. I know shaving my head periodically won't work for me, since it'll be a lot of work and time, and as I mentioned, the whole point of why I'm doing this is to stop thinking about hair. So probably those good clipper will be the way to go for the long term; but I will definitely try the razor AT LEAST once.
Of course as soon I'll be posting any news here.
For what is worth, let me tell you that my impression on the SBG community is VERY positive. People trying to help and encourage, in the most friendly manner. THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE.
I hope my experience can encourage others to do it on the VERY SAME DAY they start thinking about it.
We'll keep in touch!!
PS: Maybe I should now change my avatar to the new me?
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Good job! I'm glad you and your girlfriend like the "new" you.
I suggest you try the fully shaving your head at least once during your 30 days. While it may not look much different than a very short buzz, a shaved head feels completely different than a buzz. And it's really not much work - in fact if you look around the site, you'll see that most of us really enjoy and look forward to the daily ritual of shaving. It's not that we worry about hair, it's just that we enjoy the slick feeling of a smoothly-shaved head.
Whatever you choose, I applaud you for taking control of things and not letting hair control your life!
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Congratulation!
Looks good!
I think it's just a matter of time until you will try the razor, especially if you got this far.
The 0 buzz is a good preview for the sly look, just that sly is the better option IMO.
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Your two stories were great! You look very good, but a shaved gourd and some scruff would be even better. You done good! O0
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Welcome, Slyer, and well done! Glad you are happy with the results. Looks great on you. O0
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that's the right look for you at this time I believe!
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Great experience with the barber! My friend and I messed around too. Looks great
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Your barber story is GREAT. One of the best head shaving stories I've seen. A big congratulations.
As you noted, you have a buzzed to zero haircut. And it shows shadow. In the morning, get out the razor and take it down a notch. You'll probably still have some shadow (I do and I'm BBC), but it's less than with the clippers. Now that you are already buzzed, you really don't need clippers, just a good razor blade(s). If you like the feel of the buzzed to zero head on the pillow, wait until you shave with a razor. It's even smoother. Wow. feels fantastic. It keeps me shaving every morning to get rid of the sandpaper feel. It's been 8 months here and I'm still rubbing my head very frequently. Love that feel of shaved bald.
You can pull it off without the sunglasses. They are OK for a fun picture. Get a clearer photo for your new profile picture. Something from a real camera, not the cell phone camera.
I agree with the others, a 0 buzz is close, but not the same as shaved. Now that you've gone this far, you'll want to finish with a head shave.
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I'm with everyone else. Welcome, congratulations, it looks good, and you now know the secret that no hair is better than hair.
I definitely recommend trying the razor before you buy the clippers. I think you will find it's going to be easier and less time consuming using the razor for a few minutes a day in the shower than trying to buzz it consistently with the clippers. I bought the Panasonic wet/dry shaver thinking it would be easier and less time consuming and its not. I have tried it both wet and dry and it takes at least as long and does an unsatisfactory job with my barbed wire like stubble. It's ok for the face which I don't mind if it's not perfectly smooth.
Good luck with all your experimentation.
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Thanks a lot for the kind words!!
I will definitely shave my head... I do want to feel the pillow the way I used to in the cradle :P
Tomorrow I'll read more on how to do it (without bleeding to death) and will give it a shot. Of course, the story will be posted here.
Oh, by the way. I did send the picture of the "new me" to some friends, under the subject: "breaking bad", of course (why do I imagine I'm not the first one on this forum to do that haha). So far the comments were fine... from "what an extremist + giggle" to "wazzup badass mofo" (pardon my friend's french)...
Oh, a quick question. I'm starting to notice that the real "sly" look implies a razor shaved, not really buzzed to zero. Is that so? If it is, I shouldn't even consider myself started on the 30 day rule, right? Clarification on this will be appreciated. Thanks :)
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I'm not the official rule-keeper, but I think buzzed to zero counts as Sly. No worries there.
And, enjoy your shave. Take time to savor the experience. Go slowly (that will avoid nicks as well). I found the first week it would take me a half hour or so to shave my head. Totally worth the time invested.
After a couple of weeks the time required dropped down to about the same as shampooing and drying my hair. So don't think the longer time needed is "forever."
You are in for some great experiences ... shaving to BBS is one. Another will be the first unexpected "head rub" from an admirer.
I'm glad you're here and look forward to your recounting the further "Adventures of Slyer."
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Buzzed to zero probably counts as sly - we need Tyler or Mikekoz to weigh in here!
You'll be surprised: shaving is easier than you think. Cartridge razors like the Mach 3 and Fusion are pretty forgiving if you take your time. As Frontier Guy noted, the first times at shaving are slow, but then you get the hang of it and it goes quickly.
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Oh, a quick question. I'm starting to notice that the real "sly" look implies a razor shaved, not really buzzed to zero. Is that so? If it is, I shouldn't even consider myself started on the 30 day rule, right? Clarification on this will be appreciated. Thanks :)
Buzzed zero probably really qualifies as Sly. I'd say you can start your 30 day timer. But You're going to want to shave with a razor. It's closer, smoother, feels great, and you'll probably have less shadow.
Concerning shaving, take it easy at first. Be sure and make your first passes WITH the grain of the hair. Then, if you want super smooth, go over again, against the grain. During the first week or two of shaving, take it easy. Don't press too hard. Don't sweat a little bit of fuzzy feel.
Use witch hazel after the shave, then some 'balm' of some sort. Head slick Glossy, or aloe vera, or Nivea Balm, etc. After shave if you like.
I started with a Schick Hydro Five. I've never sliced myself with that, ever. No nicks, no gashes, no blood.
I'm a Head Blade fan. But don't start with that. Wait a few weeks before giving that a spin. There are HB fans on this site, and some that hate it. Have to figure that out for yourself. I love it.
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Hey guys!
Guess what. I've done it. Woke up, and first thing in the morning that I did was getting my razor and shaving my head... This is the result:
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1265.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fjj518%2Fphotobucketeero%2FShaved1_zps3910b23c.jpg&hash=67efb81645a7b618d746a86de055ef753f1c180e)
This is as much shadow I can get rid of. I think my hair is too dark and this is as far as I'll get. Even my face has a shadow (always does) and it's just shaved as well. Hope this doesn't disappoint those waiting for a smoother look.
To be honest, shaving with the razor was way easier than I thought. It might have taken me 20 minutes. And considering I went with AND against the grain, it's pretty quick for a first time.
I went with the grain first, and still saw quite a bit of shadow, so then I went against it. Not a lot of difference. I used a regular Gillette razor (2 blades) with regular shaving Gillette foam. Then a shower. I just used soap for my head.
The feel is smoother, but if I move my hand against the grain it still gets stuck a bit. I don't really mind though.
I'm happy because I found a quick way of maintaining the look without buying some top notch clippers.
Tonight I'll test if people who has seen me yesterday can tell the difference (especially my gf).
Anyway, this is great. I might shave every 2 days, depending on how the hair grows.
What do you guys think?
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It's a very handsome transformation. Well done.
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Looks good Slyer!
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Way to go Slyer!
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Welcome to the serious Sly side. I give the shave my highest praise:
You look totally BadA$$! :x!
Red
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Well done on taking the plunge and trying the complete shave...sounds as though it was a good experience for you!
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Looks great. Since you have dark hair and fair skin, you'll always have the shadow, but don't worry about that because you look good.
The difference between the stubble ans shave is how it feels. Sounds like you liked the smoothness of the shaved head. As you practice, you'll get closer and smoother shaves. The completely smooth feel is the holy grail of shaving!
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Looks good, man.
Concerning smooth and shaving ... give it a few weeks to get really smooth. It takes a while to learn how and get the knack of shaving super smooth. Sound like you've had a good first shave experience. I'd suggest that you shower FIRST, then shave. This gives your hair time to soften up in the shower. Then shave immediately after the shower. Some guys shave in the shower so they can rinse off.
I occasionally go a day without shaving, but I really like the smoother feel of daily shaving. You can figure that out.
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Thank you all so much! :)
This feeling is a keeper, no doubt.
@mrzed Thanks for the tip. I think showering first will actually help, I never thought of that. Just as it softens the nails I'm sure it does the same with the hair. Will give it a shot to see if I improve on the smoothness.
I can see from your pictures that you are all very good at this, you all look perfectly sly. Hopefully with practice and knowledge I'll get closer to that level of proficiency.
A big THANK YOU to all for the huge support, kind words and encouragement!
I'll stay in touch posting any anecdote or improvement...
Slyer
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You wear the sly look really well and a great story too. Time to change your avatar. :)
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The new look is great (make it your avatar). It took me a while to get it super smooth, but it's worth the effort, trust me!
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This feeling is a keeper, no doubt.
It gets better!
@mrzed Thanks for the tip.
You're welcome. Your comparison to fingernails is exactly correct.
I can see from your pictures that you are all very good at this, you all look perfectly sly. Hopefully with practice and knowledge I'll get closer to that level of proficiency.
Most of the avitar photos are after much practice, and I suspect right after a shave for most of us, so you see the best. Of course, that's the sign of a good photographer -- know which photos to never show in public!.
A big THANK YOU to all for the huge support, kind words and encouragement!
I really enjoy this forum, too. They encouraged me to shave my head when I did not need to and now I'm rolling on towards 3/4 year of being bald.!
I'll stay in touch posting any anecdote or improvement...
Please do. I like your stories and posts. Post often. I think that help keep me shaving daily. My own regular posting is a support to myself to keep shaving everyday. Now it's into the shower for me! Mr.Zed
Slyer
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Hey Slyer,
You look amazing. I shave in the shower, which helps with a closer shave. Try getting a fogless mirror for the shower and try a shower shave, I'll bet you will love it.
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O0
Well done, mate. Great decision to become a baldy by choice.
Your gf will get used to seeing you as a bald guy - she may even give you head rubs & even offer to shave you bald. My wife has shaved my head before & she loves it!
Regards,
Bilko
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EXCELLENT haircut choice !
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Great look, thx for sharing it with us.
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Fantastic look for you. I am bald by choice and the shadow issue is something you get used to. It also depends upon the light you are in. I think you will get even smoother after a few weeks for sure.