Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: mike87 on April 23, 2013, 02:56:51 PM

Title: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: mike87 on April 23, 2013, 02:56:51 PM
I'm 25 and lost most of the hair on my crown of my head for the past 5 years.

it was awkward to use the hair powder products and i like to swim so i went with  a
hair piece for the past 2 years. the hair piece covers the crown up the about 3 inches from my widow's peak.. (still have some hair)

i don't want to live with the insecurity of a hair piece anymore but am afraid it will look weird being bald and I work in the sales industry for anti-aging products (obviously haven't tackled baldness yet)

Do I go for the plunge and just buzz my head or keep hassling with the hair piece?
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: TV guy on April 23, 2013, 03:19:42 PM
It is axiomatic that "Bald is better than balding".   Balding always makes you look older; for better or worse. Bald is semi ageless - it's harder to place the age correctly (and that's a good thing).   

We do live in a time when a shaved head is acceptable in most life circumstances and jobs. No matter how much or how little you shave off it still looks like YOU made the choice and that boosts confidence. Without photos I cannot suggest alternatives that might work and there might be some; I'd say ditch the piece, shave the dome, dress well and conservatively and smile.   ^-^
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: Laser Man on April 23, 2013, 04:12:09 PM
Unless the hairpiece is really, really good, it will look always like a hairpiece.  Furthermore, if you have an active life in which you like to swim and do other athletics, a hairpiece can be pretty limiting. 

If you read through this site, you will see posts from guys who've worn hairpieces or "systems" for years and maintaining the image becomes both expensive and oppressive (limiting their lives, activities, etc.)  Most are exhilarated when they finally give up on the hairpiece game.

If you find yourself thinking about your hair all the time and refraining from enjoyable activities because of it, try the sly look.  While being sly is not a cure-all, it certainly frees you from the hair worries.  And being sly has become pretty acceptable, especially for young guys, so that should not be an issue.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: TheSlyBear on April 23, 2013, 04:49:51 PM
Ditch the rug, go natural.

You won't look any "weirder" than the rest of us do.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: schro on April 23, 2013, 05:44:25 PM
Ditch the rug, go natural.

You won't look any "weirder" than the rest of us do.

Speak for yourself Bear!

Mike, ditch the rug...follow us to freedom!
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: stasiu on April 23, 2013, 06:17:56 PM
Hey Mike ! Welcome to SBG ! 

Today's hair systems are very realistic and polymer adhesive to the bald scalp and not just taped on like a hair piece.  Don't you have other "baldies" in sales with the Company you work for?  Also ... shaved smooth or buzzed tight is so mainstay today ... it might help sell with an "honest" look.  Confident look and a great smile with creative sales pitch!  Post a pic if you don't mind. 
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: smoothsailing on April 23, 2013, 06:50:55 PM
You should go bald.  Especially if you have nice skin.  People will have an entire head of healthy skin to look at while you confidently sell to them the very products that you'd probably use on your bald head :D
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: Hingatao on April 23, 2013, 10:11:59 PM
Here's another vote for shaving it all off.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: mrzed on April 24, 2013, 05:01:26 AM
Scroll down through the avitars on this site. Bald is a good choice. Looks good. Acceptable in society. Look around your community. If it's like mine, I see shaved bald guys every day. All over the place, and this is not a military base community. 

Shave bald with confidence.  It looks and feels good.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: buddha on April 24, 2013, 07:06:47 AM
Shaving is cheaper.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: TheSlyBear on April 24, 2013, 09:34:24 AM
Speak for yourself Bear!
8) My point being, of course, that we all look great!

How many times have we seen a new member say "You all look good, but I'm gonna look weird!"?

And we know it doesn't work that way.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: bella on April 24, 2013, 10:36:52 AM
Not the same as a hairpiece or "hair system" per se, but since going sly I did end up buying a wig (a very nice one) for professional situations with conservative clients.

My experience is...

IT. IS. MISERABLE.

Beyond the nerves about it somehow falling off, even though that's not remotely likely, and the weird paranoia that everyone knows it's fake, it just feels wrong.  I know it's not my hair, and I don't act natural around it no matter how often I wear it.  My friends all swear it looks completely natural on me but I know it's just not legit and I'm ill at ease every time I wear it.

I'd rather look stupid bald (even though I don't! :) ) than deal with the insecurities and issues that come up wearing fake (i.e. not mine, someone sold their hair for this wig) hair.  I decided that if I economically need to deal with such conservative clients I'd rather grow my hair out a few weeks than deal with the anxieties and issues associated with the wig. 

Though 90% of the time I'll just test my clients on how conservative they REALLY are once they see my work versus my appearance.   ;D  My work usually wins.

Just my experience. 

Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: mike87 on April 24, 2013, 12:51:49 PM
Thanks all! I'm gonna buzz it to a 1 this summer :) pics too come.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: leighmundo40 on April 24, 2013, 01:21:44 PM
Theres pros and cons to EVERYTHING! Most people think hair pieces, "Systems" whatever all look like comedy wigs from the 70's, truth is that the modern ones can be undectectable, but they are a lot of upkeep.

The choice really is yours. Be good to see photos of you now so we can see.

Just go for what makes you happy, either way, support is here!
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: 50plus on June 14, 2013, 12:52:00 AM
1. The members on this site are THE BEST and really tell it as it is and at the same time they all RESPECT the individual a lot.

2. The following is my own experience and if it helps you then that's great. Really it's up to you.


A bit more than a week ago I DID exactly what you are thinking of doing. I also had a hair program but for 8-9 years.

I buzzed to a number 2 and then 1.5 front blending into a number 2 at the back.

I can't shave yet as I have hair folical infections and am on anti biopics. That's if I decide to shave.

I have a scarring/patchy alopecia and so I thought the look was going to be a bit much.

I walked out of the barber a NEW MAN. So many positives to the decision I made and (very) few negatives.

I too had a hair program that only covered the top - a bit like in an oval shape.

All the very best with your decision as it's not such an easy one at first (I know) but all I can say is that I'm very happy with the move I made and I think you will be too.

Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: Hingatao on June 14, 2013, 08:45:28 AM
Ditch the hairpiece. More often than not they look exactly like what they really are, FAKE! And people will notice. You may or may not like the bald look but at least you'll have the dignity and self respect that go along with manning up and embracing the situation.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: greatnessinc on June 14, 2013, 07:28:11 PM
If your hair is creating insecurity or anxiety just remove it from the equation. Guarantee you'll enjoy not worrying about hair.
Title: Re: hairpiece vs shaving for semi-bald guys
Post by: DJ_Bald on June 15, 2013, 12:39:15 PM
I'm going to go against the grain here a bit.  I have a friend who wears a piece and to be honest, I think it looks pretty damn good most of the time.
He likes the look of it and is comfortable that way. I honestly couldn't imagine him any other way.  I personally wouldn't want to deal with it, but
if its something that makes you feel better about yourself, then go for it. Shaving is an option as well--its your personal choice.
Title: Re:
Post by: geeman on June 15, 2013, 07:04:54 PM
welcome...there are no real negatives to going bald...just relief and confidence. ...no more worrying about being found out....and how long do you keep it up for....