Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Schopenbard on August 06, 2014, 01:04:06 PM

Title: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Schopenbard on August 06, 2014, 01:04:06 PM
Alrighty, I'd like some input on what I should do, if you please.  I'm 23, fairly tall at 6'1", and around 160 pounds.  A couple stylists have recommended I don't shave or buzz, rather that I'd keep it mostly on top (what's left) and short on the sides.

So, in your opinion, what do?

http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk (http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk)
http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk#1 (http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk#1)
http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk#2 (http://imgur.com/TteQyAk,cvw58EZ,hWTCnhk#2)
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: bennett11 on August 06, 2014, 01:49:28 PM
I would buzz it short top and sides.  Short on sides and long on top would emphasize hair loss.
At your age without balding I kept mine very short buzz, this many years ago.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: bald Luck14 on August 06, 2014, 02:32:04 PM
I think shorter on the sides and longer on the top might work. I think you still have a good amount of hair left on your head. More than I did at 23, LOL!

If you do a complete shave like I have, then you should consider your head shape. Otherwise, you might want to do a buzz just to be safe.

It all depends on what will make you happy and feel comfortable. Would you feel comfortable with a shaved head? The only person you should be impressing is yourself.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: reddog on August 06, 2014, 03:00:02 PM
I would say either buzz it or shave it. I don't see much left on top to do much with. I just made the move a year ago, and shaved a full head of hair off. Once I thought about shaving bald, it was constantly on my mind. I liked the look so much, 14 months later, I'm still sly!

Mike
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Semi-Sly on August 06, 2014, 03:11:07 PM
Well what did you think that a "stylist" was going to say?  Of course she wants to keep you coming in and giving her money!

I would never ask a "stylist" an opinion about my hair  - a real BARBER, yes; a "stylist" NO!

I think that you are definitely a prime candidate for a big change.  What you have now detracts from your overall appearance and makes people look at your thinning hair instead of your great face, jaw line, and eyes.

Since you still have all of those long scraps left on top right now, you might at least try out the "short on the sides, long on the top" look.  But, honestly, I don't think that there is enough left on top to do anything but just emphasize the fact that you are losing your hair.  If you do try this out, just be sure that you go to a real man's barbershop where they know how to do great fades on the sides and not the "haircuttery" blocked back and sides that most "stylists" do.

After test flying that look for a week or so,  you can still progress to the tight buzz or bald look

If you don't like that you can always grow back what you have.

Bottom line:  It is just hair - just some dead keratin that you are spending a lot of time obsessing about.  Test fly some different styles.  Keep the one that makes YOU feel good about your appearance!  The only really firm advice that most of us here will give you is that if you go for the tight buzz or shave you MUST keep it for a minimum of 30 days.  We all have found that it took a few days to get over the initial "shock" and for both we and those close to us to get used to seeing our new selves.  After 30 days, most of us never go back!  You will be amazed at how much "testosterone" you will feel once the scraps are gone!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Cave Dweller on August 06, 2014, 03:31:25 PM
Welcome to the board, Schopenbard.

I think your hair looks OK. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with thinning hair.

If you are not ready to make a major change such as buzzing or shaving, I would recommend just thinning out the sides a little to balance them with the top.

Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: bald Luck14 on August 06, 2014, 03:34:03 PM
BBBA makes a good point. The hair stylist might just want you to keep coming back for more hair cuts. So also consider how much money you'd save if you did in fact shave your head.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: tobler1 on August 06, 2014, 03:50:53 PM
Since your hair loss is fairly developed, I think you would benefit from a fairly short buzz.  I definitely disagree with those who've said it wouldn't work on you.  From what I can see, I think it would look quite good.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: DoberDaddy on August 06, 2014, 05:01:42 PM
Hi,

You are pretty thin on top, and receded in front. I would just buzz it short... see how you like it... keep the beard!

Then maybe try a shave.

Steve
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: invaray on August 06, 2014, 05:32:59 PM
Just shave it all off with a razor and be done with it. Face your fear and get over it it is just hair and what you have will grow back, if you decide to let it do that.

Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on August 06, 2014, 06:45:50 PM
Welcome Schopenbard! You have definitely come to the right place for advice.  To start off with, like BBBA said, the thinning hair does not do your looks justice.  It makes you look much older than 23 and not in a good way to be quite honest and you don't want that.  On a side note, by all means keep your beard.

As far as the top of the head goes, you will by far look your best shaved completely bald.  You can try a buzz cut like my colleagues have mentioned but I guarantee the bald spot at the crown will be emphasized more than it is now. I'm not speaking just to get you to shave but from experience.  Your hair is too far gone to do much with it. I believe you will look good bald. Also, you will feel so relieved to get past hair loss at an early age.  I'm only five years older than you are at 28 and I feel great not having to worry about hair.  Don't fret about not possibly being attractive to ladies because I've gotten more attention from them shaved bald than I ever did with hair.

Keep us posted on what you decide to do.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Schopenbard on August 06, 2014, 09:26:46 PM
Hi again!  I've been out for a good part of the day so I apologize for my lack of response--along with the mess in the background, I just moved in.  I'm extremely appreciative for all the advice given.  I suppose I'm typical with my thinking about how my hair looks and how often I do.  I'm at the point where I am willing to take a leap sometime next week or so, get the final advice of a barber, and just get it done.  I am leaning towards going for a buzz of some sort, given the advice given towards that direction, but if it does bring more emphasis towards the spot on my crown, I'll probably go further than that.  I'll do well to keep this up to date.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Cave Dweller on August 07, 2014, 05:37:40 AM
Final advice from a barber?

If you want to buzz it down, then do it.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Goatee on August 07, 2014, 06:25:23 AM
Buzz is the way forward for now. You have nothing to lose! Good luck
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: balddaniel on August 07, 2014, 01:57:46 PM
I think you are a good looking guy.  In my opinion I think you should try
A buzz cut the same length as your beard.  I think you would look
Very hot!  Let us know what you decide.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Sir Harry on August 07, 2014, 05:51:36 PM
Welcome! No harm in giving the buzz and/or sly a try... If it doesn't work out, you can always grow it back!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: slymyke on August 07, 2014, 06:56:01 PM
Welcome! 

I think going with a short buzz to start and leaving the beard is the best option... and I think it will look great.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Schopenbard on August 13, 2014, 09:33:16 PM
so, the update!  As per the recommendations, made a trip to the barber to day and I'm very much pleased with the final product.  He did jolly good work working with what hair I have left, while leaving it buzzed short but also managing to cover some of the balding spot on top of the head.  I'd like to thank you gents for your advice and encouragement.  I mean, it is just a buzz cut, but it's a cut that I actually never had in my adult life.  You all have my thanks.

http://imgur.com/WZUbf0L (http://imgur.com/WZUbf0L)
http://imgur.com/4QW0Qe8 (http://imgur.com/4QW0Qe8)
http://imgur.com/XiHHdCY (http://imgur.com/XiHHdCY)
http://imgur.com/G6lUOV8 (http://imgur.com/G6lUOV8)
http://imgur.com/87i38Up (http://imgur.com/87i38Up)
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on August 13, 2014, 10:00:29 PM
You're welcome. It looks good.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Mike E. P. on August 14, 2014, 05:41:22 AM
Wow - looks great. You look younger, too!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Semi-Sly on August 14, 2014, 09:33:52 AM
Wow!  Definitely proves the saying; "less is more".  The shorter the hair on the back and sides lets the hair on top look more full.

I would say that you look "right" this way.  People's eyes are not "drawn" to your hair now.  Your eyes have once again taken command of our face.

Good on you for taking charge of your appearance and having the courage to change!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: baldjoeg on August 14, 2014, 08:59:42 PM
Welcome.

You are looking great. Hope that You are enjoying your new look.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: slymyke on August 14, 2014, 09:10:49 PM
Thanks for the update!  It looks great!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Sir Harry on August 15, 2014, 12:16:38 AM
Nice change!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: DoberDaddy on August 16, 2014, 09:17:10 AM
WOW... looks great!

Especially works well with the beard...

Nice choice!

BB
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: baldlyshine on August 18, 2014, 01:12:13 PM
A shaved head is very liberating and looks and feels good. I've shaved mine steady now for 6 months, had been on and off the past few years, and feel great with it shaved. There are so many guys embracing the look as well. It actually becomes part of who you are and you begin to embrace it.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Cave Dweller on August 18, 2014, 01:24:14 PM
I can only echo the gentlemen before me, Sch openbard, when I say you made an excellent choice/change. It works very well for you, sir.
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: Hairloss BaldWin on September 08, 2014, 12:05:16 PM
Buzz it down. I think you'll look awesome, try it!
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: njbill on September 12, 2014, 08:03:38 AM
Depends on what they mean by long on top, i would try fading it from a zero to a one or one and a half,  you may have better luck getting a good fade at a black barber shop.  Thats what i used to do, not being racist or :-) anything....they just seem to be :-) way better at it lol
Title: Re: 23 and balding, what do
Post by: JasonR on September 21, 2014, 01:00:02 PM
That looks waaayy better.

I would just shave it. I bet you'll look even better. :)