Sly Bald Guys Forum

New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: A_D on November 06, 2012, 09:41:09 PM

Title: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on November 06, 2012, 09:41:09 PM
hey guys, im new and liking the vibe of this place

recently gathered the kahunahs to shave pretty short. I do feel better in myself however the past few years of denial, and genreal anger with my genes have left me a bit down and lacking somewhat in confidence. any pointers on how to get back into life and not have to worry about something as trivial as hair would be greatly appreciated.

cheers. :)
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Andrei on November 06, 2012, 11:33:55 PM
Welcome Aidan, great avatar!

The first thing you need to do is take control over the situation. Don't go for haircuts that don't suit you, go for something that works for you, like a short buzz.
But, you already did that, so, I think you're on the right track. Experiment a little, go even shorter, try the razor too; what do you have to loose?
In the end, choose what you think is better for you and what makes you happier.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Frontier Guy on November 07, 2012, 03:44:22 AM
Welcome Aidan,

First, you simply have to accept there are some things you cannot change - genetics is one of them.

Second, it's only hair. There are so many more things in life that deserve your energy and attention and passion.

I would suggest that you shave all the way and give Sly a try. It's possible that even short hair is working against you emotionally - reminding you of having longer or more hair. And, worst case ... if you don't like it you can let it quickly grow back to a buzz.

But on the other hand, if hair loss is continuing and Sly is in your future ... why not take charge and YOU determine when that's going to be.

I heartily recommend the 30-day challenge (shave daily for 30 days) to get a real sense of what it's like to live the Sly Life. I think that you will find a greater reserve of confidence hiding just below that buzz cut.

And stick around here. Ask questions. Express your concerns. Get suggestions from others. You've got thousands of guys here who have either faced hair loss or who choose to be bald.

You're a good looking guy and I think you will be amazed just how good you look with NO hair!
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Beardman on November 07, 2012, 04:10:18 AM
Welcome to the family mate.

FG took the words right out of my mouth. I think you'd look pretty good sly. You should give it a crack, do the 30 day rule which gives you and those around you time to adjust to teh new more awesome you, and it also gives you time to refine your new shaving technique and routine. If you don't like it, you can just let it grow back out again and within a week you'll be back to at least a no guard shave!

And as FG said, we are here to help mate, with any questions you need answered, not necessarily about just shaving either.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on November 07, 2012, 09:39:14 AM
Thanks guys.

Iv taken your advice (sort of) and have gone for a number 2. I felt instantly better and more confortable.
im still a bit uneasy and wonder what people think but screw them right? as long as i feel better in myself then thats all i need.
Its not like if i decide to grow it out that i will suddenly have a wondrous mass of hair to whip back an forth....

im so glad this site is here, there are so many others advising people to get surgery, try useless meds or get a head tattoo etc.... I must admit, it was tempting but the reality is, its never going to look amazing and your ALWAYS going to be worried about it until its gone.

Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: theman on November 07, 2012, 09:46:24 AM
Welcome to the club !
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: balddaniel on November 07, 2012, 10:09:48 AM
I think you should try the sly look.  You will rock it.  The beard is also a plus
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: mangosink12572 on November 07, 2012, 12:21:34 PM
Go for it  - -you will be a happy BALD -  BEARDED guy  - - -nothing like it  - - - - -great to look at and wonderful to feel
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: leighmundo40 on November 07, 2012, 01:41:12 PM
Hey there and welcome.

The other guys have given you lots of great advice. Go with what you feel comfortable with. If that's a number 2 buzzcut or completely SLY.

You have a cheerful friendly face and I actually think your look in your photo suits you!
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: nuts on November 07, 2012, 01:44:49 PM
The beard and bald look is a great combination (I'm biased).  Go for it - I think you will rock the look.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Frontier Guy on November 07, 2012, 01:49:15 PM
I know Mr Z will be along shortly ... so I'll write what he would, and then he can confirm it.

Once you get to short hair (#2, #1 or no guard) there is almost no visible difference from that and being shaved to the scalp.

But OOOHHH what a feeling. That morning shave and the feel of a smooth dome will change your outlook for the entire day.

You're gonna have the itch to shave it all soon ... and you're gonna have to scratch it.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Slynito on November 07, 2012, 01:54:48 PM
Welcome to the forum...these guys know what they are talking about.  O0
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Mr Jules on November 07, 2012, 01:57:21 PM
your ALWAYS going to be worried about it until its gone.

Which is why you might consider shaving your head. Because when you shave sly, there's nothing more to be worried about.

Frontier Guy's advice is sound: take the 30 day trial challenge.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on November 07, 2012, 02:48:22 PM
i see what some of you are saying, going sly is tempting.... its just im still young. most of you guys have more miles behind you so it looks a lot more normal than it would on me.... thats all im thinking.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: SlyintheOC on November 07, 2012, 05:25:19 PM
I know a few guys that are in their early 20's that prefer to shave their head and it looks really good on them.

Right now you are at a number 2 clipper guard that is 1/4 of an inch in length. Hair grows at about 1/8 of an inch per week. If you shave it smooth and don't like the look or feel of it, then you will be right back to where you are today in just a matter of a couple of weeks.

You have to want to do it, no one can convince you to do it. But there is such a liberating feeling once you shave it all off.

I was thinning on top and the front hairline was receding. I couldn't find a barber or a hairstyle that made my hair look good. I had looked all over the internet for different types of hair styles. Every where that I looked, they said that short cuts are best for thinning hair. I never thought about shaving my head. One night after work, it was time for a haircut and I took the clippers into the bathroom. I did a number 4 all over. That didn't seem to do anything to make the thinning less noticeable. If anything it made it worse. I thought maybe it just wasn't short enough. I kept cutting it guard by guard until it was about 1/16 of an inch. At that point it obviously looked even thinner since there was just a stubble on my head. I said to myself "S**t, I may as well just shave it off!" And so I did and I have never looked back.

So if you worry how your hair looks and how it continues to thin, do something about it. Life is way too short to stress out about MPB. Head shaving seems to be a very popular trend these days with guys of all ages.

I really hope that my situation can help you make the ultimate decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide. This forum is a great place to get advice.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Slyfive on November 07, 2012, 05:33:00 PM
Hey Aidan,

I'm only 23, and trust me, it is total freedom. It really is the biggest confidence I've ever had. Feel free to PM me if you want any advice from a younger dude.

Cheers,

Matt
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: zetaeffe on November 07, 2012, 06:07:56 PM
Welcome!
From your avatar pic I can tell you're going to look great bald, so don't be worried and try it!!  :)
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: kalbo on November 07, 2012, 07:23:47 PM
Welcome to the bald brotherhood Aidan. You will look great shaved smooth based on the picture you posted.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Sir Harry on November 07, 2012, 07:49:42 PM
Welcome! You have the face and beard for sly....but good luck with whatever you decide.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Beardman on November 09, 2012, 04:16:54 PM
If you are happy with the #2 then stick with it for now mate, just remember you can always go shorter if/when you get the urge to go lower. No one is going to make you do anything you don't want too, but almost everyone here will advice you to go all the way, its just he nature of it.

Not everyone that frequents this site is completely sly, Leigh is a perfect example, he keeps his hair buzzed short too. So don't think that just because you aren't completely sly you can't join in and offer a different perspective  O0
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on November 10, 2012, 06:58:12 AM
hey guys! thanks for all the advice, your all legends!

for an update, I went for the no guard yesterday and love it!

the thing i was most worried about was what people would say and think but all i had was good responses! nobody other than my close friends even knew i was loosing my hair and just thought id shaved my head.

I know its not sly all the way but pretty much right?

its amazing how much better and more comfortable i feel in myself since i went shorter. and dont think i would have gone for it without this forum. as most other places on the web tell me im going to be forever alone if i went bald!
LIES!

just have to wait for the "told you so" now eh?
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: mikesj on November 10, 2012, 08:37:26 AM
Aidan,
Welcome and congratulations on going shorter. The biggest fear is other people's reactions. I found it turned out to be a "non event" .....other than many positive comments and a few raised eyebrows.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Mr Jules on November 10, 2012, 08:48:11 AM
The biggest fear is other people's reactions. I found it turned out to be a "non event"

Agreed. Same for me. Bit of a non-event.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Laser Man on November 10, 2012, 09:54:11 AM
Glad you hear that you are enjoying the no-guard buzz.  It gives you a good sense of what being fully sly is like.  Since you're this close, you might want to give it a try.

I think we all fear people's reactions, but usually it turns out just fine.  Initally you might get a few reactions, then none.  Others are busy with their lives and move on.  Your new "hairstyle" just isn't that important to them after the initial view.

Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on November 10, 2012, 11:50:57 AM
SLY(ish)

Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Laser Man on November 10, 2012, 12:04:44 PM
Looks good!  Give the new look a little time and think about going all the way to full sly.  I guarantee you'll like it - and so will the ladies in your pictures.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: marty22 on November 10, 2012, 12:40:43 PM
not a bad start.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Beardman on November 10, 2012, 03:55:17 PM
Lookin good mate! If you decide to go completely sly you will certainly look the part  8)
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Razor X on November 10, 2012, 04:45:24 PM

Once you get to short hair (#2, #1 or no guard) there is almost no visible difference from that and being shaved to the scalp.


Personally, I don't think a #2 is short enough.  A #1 is the maximum length I would recommend, but you've already made the wisse move of going with the no-guard buzz.  Ultimately, though, as the others have told you, shaving to the skin is the best solution as no buzz cut, no matter how short, can hide thinning and recession.  Good luck with whatever you decide.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: F77Scot on November 10, 2012, 05:05:51 PM
Welcome, if you do decide to go fully sly I think you will suit you but do what you feel comfortable with, there is very little difference between fully sly and no guard other than that feeling. I am still building up to fully sly everyday if I am honest and if you try it and don't like it you will be back where you started in a few days.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Bald Hobbit on November 10, 2012, 05:40:45 PM
Finish it off! Do it!  ;D

Really, it does feel great. And this is coming from a guy without hair loss.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Frontier Guy on November 11, 2012, 04:31:35 AM
The new picture looks great.

just have to wait for the "told you so" now eh?

We'd never say that ... even though we did.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: theman on November 11, 2012, 10:48:46 AM
Pictures ! ;) 8) O0
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Slyfive on November 12, 2012, 12:33:33 PM
Trust me, the feeling you get when you have a totally smooth head is awesome! Like the others said, do what makes you comfortable, because in the end, that's all that matters, but don't be afraid to give it a go, it's only a few days away from a no-guard buzz anyway. Good luck!
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on March 06, 2013, 05:11:33 AM
hey guys! its been a while since i posted but i thought id keep you updated.

I did keep the no guard for a while, then convinced myself i could grow back my hair consequently looking like a fool for a few weeks (was never going to happen)

Today got into the shower with the razor! 20 mins plus a few cuts later I'm completely sly! so glad I did it already, its like a no guard just more badass!
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Billy on March 06, 2013, 05:33:06 AM
Congradulations on going full monty.  I just switch back'n'forth between no-guide and razor myself...  Depends on the season, my tan, time to maintain it or just to exercise my own liberation.

Anyone who thinks having no hair eliminates choices is simply full of hokey!

Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Sir Harry on March 06, 2013, 06:25:06 AM
Congrats on going sly, AD!
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: kalbo on March 06, 2013, 06:47:10 AM
How about showing us how badass it is? :)
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Todo Duro on March 06, 2013, 12:19:50 PM
Welcome to the forum Aidan and congrats for going the whole hog! you definitely have the looks to pull it off. And don't worry about being "too young" for it - no one's ever too young or too old to rock sly.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: stasiu on March 06, 2013, 01:05:59 PM
hehe - time for new publicity pics A_D !
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: mrzed on March 06, 2013, 03:04:25 PM
Good going.  To quote one of the other guys here, if there's no picture, it didn't happen. Lol. Another bald head avatar is just that much more encouragement to the new guys.
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: A_D on March 07, 2013, 11:53:13 AM
For some reason I cant post the photo as an attachment but I think its set as my avatar now?! Behold- the head! (bit of a shoddy photo from my phone)
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: Sir Harry on March 07, 2013, 12:16:21 PM
Looks good to me!
Title: Re: New and loosing hair ;)
Post by: stasiu on March 08, 2013, 05:17:17 PM
Excellent job !  It's a keeper !