Sly Bald Guys Forum
Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Tyler on July 11, 2013, 06:36:57 PM
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In my latest blog post (http://www2.slybaldguys.com/serendipity/index.php?/archives/388-Every-male-should-be-required-to-shave-their-head.html)I make the assertion that every male should be required to shave their head. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree?
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I'm not sure I'd go as far as to make it a requirement, but I do think that every man should try shaving his head at least once in his life. Ultimately I'd like to see hair become optional the way facial hair is. Most guys who can't grow decent beards shave their faces and don't spend a lot of time obsessing over it. It would be good if we could get to a point where hair on the scalp is viewed the same way.
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It's an interesting thought! I agree that every guy should shave his head at least once -- to get rid of that fallacy of our hair defines us. Just think of all the women who go through chemo and lose their hair. There is more to be said about someone who loses his or her hair (by nature or by choice) and how they choose to allow hairloss to define them or help them to build their character.
On the flip side, I think of the two brothers in the article below. I never really thought about it before but I guess you may have to have your head shaved to go through the procedure. You would think that these guys would think they that the look pretty great bald after having their heads shaved prior to the procedure. But I guess not!
Plugs are plugs and a rug is a rug! You are not fooling anyone!
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/05/15/bald-brothers-double-hair-transplant_n_3277165.html#slide=2451479
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haha....and I just realized that Tyler put a nice plug in for this forum in the Huffington Posts' comments area!
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haha...you like that?
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Sorry but no I don't agree. Yes parents should be teaching their children values but I don't think shaving the head is the same as balding. Shaving your head is just another haircut. I had a 0 for years but later when I decided hair wasn't working for me, I am not sure that helped.
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I don't like it..... it's kind of like the government saying you have to buy health insurance.
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Another vote for: personal option, yes; requirement, no. However if a youth wants to shave his head he should get parental permission first, but to make it mandatory I think is a bit overboard.
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I don't like it..... it's kind of like the government saying you have to buy health insurance.
DING DING DING!!!
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
P@^
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My assumption, which is mentioned by Razor X, is that there be a requirement that every male do it once in their lifetime. In one sense, it presents men with the opportunity to do something they may not like but, as with life, we do many things that we are required to do but do not like. Or, of course, you can join the Marines or get head lice then the shave must be a requirement. When I joined the service I got peeled and was "allowed" to keep it that way for the first six months. There after the service mandated how it would be kept, conformity was everwhere but....it relieved me of many decisions that I wouold have routinely made that just took up time..such as deciding what I'd have to dinner and when I'd have it...PJ
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Folks, I have a request:
Can we keep politics (healthcare) out of this discussion? Tyler posted a compelling blog entry and that should be what we are discussing, not equating his argument to a United States partisan issue.
We also have a fair number of non-US citizens here who might disagree with US domestic issues and live in countries with universal healthcare who have a different perspective.
If your goal is to make zings at people, American or otherwise, who believe in universal healthcare or just make a statement about it, there are other places/forums on the internet to do that intelligently.
SlyBaldGuys should remain bipartisan, and our discussion should reflect that, especially from our moderators/senior members who I generally look up to and respect. I'd like to continue to respect such people regardless of their political beliefs provided they are kept to themselves.
Onto Tyler's post:
I agree that a mandate to shave your head shouldn't be instituted by parents. Instead, I think we can encourage shaving. Here's my personal story on that:
By my own volition and curiosity, I shaved my head one summer before I was noticeably balding a few years later, and that was empowering. It taught me that I could look good with a shaved head, so that made losing my hair that much less of a struggle.
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In my post I said this should be a requirement by parents, not the government. It would be more of a societal requirement, a coming of age in the sense.
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I think every guy should try it at some point in their life. I don't think it should be a requirement though.
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I would like it to be a common enough occurrence so that it is viewed as just another haircut. We've made great strides in that direction but we're not quite there yet.
About ten years or so ago it was a big trend for kids to get their heads zero-guard shaved in the summertime but lately the fashion has gone back the other way. I'd like to see things get back to the summer shave routine for the reasons Tyler mentioned in his blot post. If guys were used to getting their heads shaved every summer while hey were growing up then it wouldn't be a big deal when MPB starts kicking in.
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I think also that every man should try it at some point in his life. As a requirement, I would also not see it. I agree to razor x Bald should be seen as a normal hairstyle. I think that this forum and all the guys shave their heads contribute to an altered visual example.
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Oooh! little bit contraversial!
No, I personally don't think that it should be a requirement. I work with a lot of Muslim families and traditionaly when preparing for "Haj" (I think!) the male members of the family are required to shave their heads.
Ive spoken with a lot of kids who have HATED this, felt that it was forced on them rather than a choice. Made them feel massively self aware in school.
So..it's choice isnt it? If you want to, go for it! f you don't.cool! But dont make anyone!
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I just read the blog post, and it reminds me of the old saying, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions". This general philosophy was popular when I was growing up in the 1960's. "Use force to coerce outward behavior or appearance, and it will in turn change inward attitudes." It might have worked for some people, but for me, my friends, and many of the adults in our community, and people across America, more often it created resentment, and in due time, a social backlash that undid most of the progress made.
You say this proposal is based on observations from this forum; that once people shaved, they essentially realized that hair was no big deal. However, it must also be considered that 1: Those who shaved were adults, or nearly so, and 2: They did it of their own free will, and thus were already in an inward mindset to accept the style if all turned out well. A child who is shaved against his will may not be in such a mindset.
Also, we hear on this forum from those who like the shaved look. But how many hated it once they tried it, and simply grew their hair out and never posted back to this forum, and thus we never heard of their "failure".
Lastly, any time someone says "Everybody should...", it raises a red flag to me. We are not "all one". We are each unique individuals, with our own personalities and characteristics, and "one size fits all" philosophies rarely do.
How did this post get so long? :px
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I think more men would be helped in getting through the loss of their hair if they had good male role models in their lives to show them that balding really is not such a big deal. Frankly, Tyler, I think you hit a proverbial home run when you created this board as it allows men to speak with each other about this issue.
I was blessed with a father who was losing his hair at the time I was born. I saw a man who never showed ANY anxiety over it, and went about his life exuding the confidence to which we so often refer on this board. When my hair started thinning at seventeen, I just took it as a part of my growing up because of him. Sure, when I was confronted with the first true bald spot at my hairline when I was twenty one, I felt that panic, but it was very short lived because by that time I had not only a father but two uncles and a few professors who were balding and never displayed any anxiety or problem with it. Their nonchalance rubbed off on me.
I think that we as fathers and men to whom others may look up have to set the example for our sons and other young men in our lives to show them that their hair is not the epitome of who they are nor the measure of their attractiveness and charisma. To me, that has a much stronger value and will yield a much greater benefit than forcing those young men to be bald against their will.
As I said, Tyler, this site is a GREAT thing you did.
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I think more men would be helped in getting through the loss of their hair if they had good male role models in their lives to show them that balding really is not such a big deal.
I could not agree more. That is something that I did not have and I frequently wished that I did. It would have made things a lot easier when it was time to shave.
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speaking only for Americans, we live in a society obsessed with appearance. Unfortunately, baldness was seen as a shortcoming and portrayed negatively in movies and on TV. Pharmaceutical companies have spent and made millions on drugs to help men retain or regrow hair, not lose it. It's only recently that a bald head has been seen as cool, stylish, strongly masculine, virile, etc.
While I'm opposed to mandating or forcing anyone to shave, I think if more people experienced it, the stigma of baldness would be greatly reduced. It would also help a lot of young guys who fear MPB since being bald would be "normal". Alas, we are a long way from this state of affairs.
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Just to add that with so many guys head shaving these last 10 or 15 years their sons will grow up with a Dad they have never seen with hair. So I think this next generation over the next 10 years plus will see baldness differently and be more open about shaving their heads earlier and see it as a part of maturing. I know a young guy who has no hair loss but started shaving his because his uncle has had a shaved head and he wanted to try it. So his uncle shaved it the first time for him. Then later he started shaving himself and enjoys the look and feel. So that tells me younger guys having shaved relatives will try it and not see it as anything negative. It wont have to be a requirement, they will just want to try it.
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Im one of those that say it should not be a requirement enforced by parents but instead, parents should express support when their child decides to give head shaving a try.
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I don't think anyone is suggesting that parents should forcibly shave their sons' heads against their will -- only that it would be beneficial it became the norm for kids to experiment with a shaved head once they reach 15-16 years old. Most kids would want to do it if their friends were doing it too. It would take away the fears about shaving later in life if they had the experience of having a shaved head while they were growing up.
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Ultimately I'd like to see hair become optional the way facial hair is. Most guys who can't grow decent beards shave their faces and don't spend a lot of time obsessing over it. It would be good if we could get to a point where hair on the scalp is viewed the same way.
Agreed, Razor X
Been thinking about this one, too. I shave my head, like I used to shave my face - all part of the daily routine and think of nothing of it. And the beard is the feature to experiment with in terms of length and style - just like the hair on my head was some years ago.
Of course, for the first 15-20 odd years of our lives, we have hair on our head and none on our face. Which is why we may be conditioned to that appearance.
Agree with your later post - every man should shave their head at least one. Just to see if they like it.
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I agree that every male should try a shaved look at least once but it should be done of their free will.
I think more and more young people will want to give it a go because of a tendency towards minimalism that we've observed in the last decade and it's here to stay. A bald look is practical, minimalistic and is promoted by modern mass culture (though rather slowly:-)) So, if the tendency goes this way in the next 10-15 years, young males won't be required by their parents to shave their heads because they'll be willing to do it themselves.
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The only people that should be forced to shave their heads are Motley Crue.
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Thinking about it, feel it's important to let out kids develop their own individuality (within reason) and while I think it would be cool for my son to have his head shaved as a rite of passage, feel it would be detrimental to "require" him to do so. Two years ago, my son said he wanted a buzz for the summer and just like last week, we went to the barber, he got his burr and I got my head shave. The moment he looked in the mirror after his cut, you could see the life fall out of his face and in fact, was so self conscious over his (lack of) hair that he was reluctant to hang out with friends. Over the last two years, he grew his "Emo" hair out and fought me over even getting it trimmed. I was in shock a few weeks ago when he said he wanted a High n Tight. I reminded him how he felt after the last short cut and he said; "I think I'll like it this time." Sure enough, He loves it. I think he's a little young to go sly (unless he's Avatar:-) however if he wanted to do so in high school or grow it down his back, I'd be supportive as my parents always fought me when I wanted to buzz my hair down growing up so I refuse to make that an issue in my house. I want him to find and be comfortable with the look he wants and feel if I forced something like a headshave, then he'd resent it/me and rebel in the opposite direction. That's human nature...
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I think it works best as a decision made by the individual. The desire to go sly plus the commitment to follow through are IMO the only true requirements.
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I wouldn't say every male should be required to shave their head. But they definitely try it at least once In their life. If every male was required to do it then they would be no diversity thus making people who do shave their heads as distinguished not as they normally would be.
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I'd chime in as well, that the requirement should only be a that you are offered a personal choice to take the clippers and razor out, and go smooth. It's optional to decide to do so... but I see MANY more people shaved today and it's less unusual than it was even a few years back. I feel like it's a great idea as a 'rite-of-passage' but not being forced into it. Maybe dad and son(s) can go to the barber together, or just sit out on the deck on a nice day and have a head-shaving party. :)
A friend of mine's son had to have his head shaved due to head lice. He was extremely self-conscious about it and very uncomfortable. Then one older kid told him he thought it "looked cool" and all the sudden the smile broke out and he wasn't fearful of it any more. Just one compliment like that makes anyone stand taller and prouder.
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Perhaps a requirement in military organisations would be ok but not in general. I think that each person should make their own decision whether or not to opt for the shaved head look.
I was not "forced" for want of a better word, to shave my head. It was my own decision. I am bald-by-choice and proud to be so.
Making a head shave a "rite-of-passage" would only provoke resentment in some corners of society, me-thinks.
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One thing to remember is that not every man has MPB. It is only we few, we lucky few, we band of brothers, (and some sisters), who have to deal with it [Shakespeare off].
I think the ideal would be that one can have as little or as much hair as s/he wants. As Razor X mentions, it would be just another style to be sly. Yet people still have a hang up about hair--any hair at all--being the norm. I think, like most issues, we will back into this change too. We'll decide to do it and wait for the right people to die. ;)
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I have not read the post, but I say Yes and no. I say it should be a CUSTOM. We break many customs and make our own. For me, I always take a spoon full of sugar before I get a tattoo. Don't ask me why, I just do. Just as I think that you should not have facial hair until you turn 21. Maybe it should be a right of passage and have it for the whole year of the 18th year of your life, you should be a JR. Sly. On your 19th birthday, you can choose to have hair or remain sly. BUT it is not a requirement.
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I agree with the general flow of the conversation here. The best way to encourage sons to shave their heads is for Dad to shave his. I like the story about the boy who was inspired by his Sly uncle to shave his own head.
I have an observation and a couple of questions for you, Tyler. First of all, not to be too picky, but it should read "every male should have to shave HIS head." Sorry, grammar geek in me. We are reluctant to use the generic "he" for males and females, but if only males are involved ...
Tyler, do you have sons? This makes a difference about how hypothetical your question is. Also, do you have an answer to your own question. One is implied in your blog post, but I thought I'd ask. If you think that the answer is yes, you're definitely in the minority here, but I'm curious about how you think this should be carried out.
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Dont likeauthoritarianism in any form , forced haircuts no way , let men make there own choices
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My nephew is 5 and everytime he sees my headblade(s) he asks what are these again? I tell him they're for shaving my head then I ask him if he wants a haircut like me. He laughs and says no.
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One place where some men have to shave their heads is in many police academies in New Jersey. The link below is from one man who was about to start training. He wanted to know if an electric razor would work. I liked in particular one succinct response: "Be a man. Use a blade." I read elsewhere that the man who reorganized police academies in New Jersey, who himself shaved his head, came across really undisciplined, out-of-shape recruits and gradually tightened up the training requirements. The police commanders were so pleased with the results that they let him institute a shaved-head rule. Not all academies in NJ enforce complete head-shaving, but some do. I think that this is one area where a shaved-head requirement could be made more widespread. After all, this is for basic training, which no has to participate in (unless he wants to become a cop, of course). Does anyone know if police academies elsewhere require shaved heads for trainees? BTW, thank, all police officers out there, for your service.
http://forums.njlawman.com/post/important-question-2371453?highlight=head+shave
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Im one of those that say it should not be a requirement enforced by parents but instead, parents should express support when their child decides to give head shaving a try.
This is my position. If I have a son at some point who does want to shave his head no matter what the age is I would support the decision.
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hi to everyone.true not forced is better
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Hi, Aleforna. You actually look really handsome in the picture, and if you are losing your hair, it certainly doesn't show. You probably would look good shaved totally bald, but you have various options. Try cutting your hair shorter and seeing how it looks. If you decide to go the razor route, a lot of us here, including me, are willing to encourage you.
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thanks!i'm actually not at the point where it's really bad yet.
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You don't need to have a specific personality to be bald. That's ridiculous. Bald men come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Does she think quiet, introverted guys look better balding than bald? Not sure that I would be listening to this friend. She should be supporting you in whatever you choose.
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I'm with Mike E. P., Aleforna. I think your friend has some stereotype in her head of what a bald man is like.
We all are different. Just read some of the threads on this forum if you need proof of that.
When I was considering/worrying how I would look fully bald, I wet down what was left of my hair and slicked it back against my scalp. It made it much easier to see all the imperfections and odd slope of my skull. Funny thing is, once I went through with the first shave, no one - not even my wife - noticed those flaws until I pointed them out. A lot of guys have reported the same thing on this forum.
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And just give heed to all the BBC guys here on SBG.
Whether your hair is thinning or not, a guy always has a choice to shave his head and keep it that way. I think that the guys with bald heads, whether by choice or now, generally carry a pretty confident look. They know what they like. They don't care to mess with hair and they shave it off. They carry it well.
Shaving your head bald is not that big a deal once you've done it. I think there is always some trepidation before you get the blades out and actually take off your hair. But the transition is over pretty quickly. It's a sharp look.
Just do it.
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thanks guys.
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For me, yes. Losing the hair makes everything simpler. I used to shower simply because I needed to wash my hair. Now if I don't need to shower, I can jump out of bed and wash my face and head with a wash cloth and go. Or I ca shower before bed and don't have to worry about my hair in the morning.
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Required no. But defilement every guy should try it.