Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: nickster on August 24, 2014, 01:43:13 AM

Title: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: nickster on August 24, 2014, 01:43:13 AM
Hi! New member here... lurker for a few weeks. I've really noticed thinning on my crown in the last few months and I've had temple recession starting when I was about 16. 27 now. Yesterday I took my hair down to a #3; it's been a few years since I did that and I'm wondering now whether or not I should leave it as it is (with this cut I can see the thinning on top clearly, whereas with hair it looked like minor crown thinning) or just go the whole way; got my clippers here, thinking about going unguarded but very much on the fence right now. Attached is before (about a week ago) and after (yesterday). Thoughts?

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FQa9MNtr.jpg&hash=f944f2d1e089d28a5900b309ed2da96c4b491488) (http://imgur.com/Qa9MNtr)
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Frontier Guy on August 24, 2014, 05:02:17 AM
Welcome nickster,

I think if I were in your position I'd go the whole way for 30 days. You are "so close" now, why not do it and find out what it feels like and how it looks (but give it the 30 days "wear in" period).

If you decide you don't care for it, it won't take long to grow back to what you have now. But I think you know that inevitably you are heading down this path.

Personally, I think you will be like so many others here who are incredibly relieved to have taken control of the situation.

Best to you in your decision(s).
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: invaray on August 24, 2014, 05:12:07 AM
The before was good, the after was better and if you shave it best. It is what ever you like. I think you would look fine with it shaved off with a razor. You should try that at least once. I would keep the mustache or goatee or beard.

The length you have now if you shaved it would take about two or three weeks to grow back if you don't like it.

Its just hair, shaving it off isn't permanent. (sadly)
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Cave Dweller on August 24, 2014, 05:17:45 AM
Welcome, Nickster!

If you have the "itch" to do something like that, it is not going to go away until you scratch.

I agree with Frontier Guy. You are very close to what you are contemplating right now. If it turns out you don't like it, you, can be back to your current look within a week or two.

Glad you joined the board, sir.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: bbc2012 on August 24, 2014, 06:59:31 AM
Go for it. If you have the wish to become a bald guy give it a try. Hair grows back if you don't like it (which would not be the case ;))
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: mrzed on August 24, 2014, 07:16:27 AM
The 30 day rule is a good starting place.  Hair will grow back, if you don't like it and no worse for the wear.

However, I found that after a few days, I was sold. BBC.  I especially like the feel of a smooth head shave.

At least around my town, bald heads on guys is rather common, or at least a very tight buzz (no guard).  Looks sharp either way.

I'd say go for it.  The itch won't go away until you shave your head; and the recommendation from many of the guys here is to commit to sticking with it for a full month to give you and others a chance to get used to it.  Then decide.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: tobler1 on August 24, 2014, 07:18:35 AM
If you're tempted to shave, there is little or no reason to try it out.  But, if you're really asking whether we think your hairloss is so bad that you really don't have a choice but to shave, no, I don't think you're there yet.  The buzz looks perfectly fine on you.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: reddog on August 24, 2014, 09:41:52 AM
Gotta scratch that itch, once you think about it, it will constantly be on your mind. You look like you have a good head shape, go for it.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: reddog on August 24, 2014, 09:42:12 AM
Duplicate,sorry
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Razor X on August 24, 2014, 09:45:43 AM
The buzz cut is an improvement but it does not conceal the receding hairline.  So, as oths have suggested, since you've at least asked the question, go ahead and shave it.  It does not take long to grow back out to buzz cut length, so you might as well go for it.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on August 24, 2014, 12:15:42 PM
I was in that same situation months ago.  The recession in front was present but my crown was really bad.  If you shave it completely, you will feel a huge amount of relief and that a big weight has been lifted off your shoulders.  You're still young like me and don't deserve to have something like hair consume your thoughts like it does.  My advice like others will be to shave it off completely and be done with it.  Keep your beard though.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Sir Harry on August 24, 2014, 01:49:07 PM
Welcome! I don't have anything to add to what the others have said, but growing out the facial hair was a good move to go with the shorter hairstyle, IMO
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: slymyke on August 24, 2014, 04:11:43 PM
Welcome! I don't have anything to add to what the others have said, but growing out the facial hair was a good move to go with the shorter hairstyle, IMO


I agree with Sir Harry, and I think it will look good on you.

Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: nickster on August 25, 2014, 06:13:44 AM
Hi guys, thanks for taking the time to reply; I guess it's good to hear my current middle ground option looks okay, and shaved would probably be good too. As frontier said, I am dealing with the inevitable. Reactions so far to my buzz have been good, but I've ordered a head blade; it's the next step. Got a classic safety razor (no Mach 3 for several years now...) but seeing as I always nick myself with it when I can clearly see myself in the mirror, I wouldn't want to try it on my head!
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Razor X on August 25, 2014, 07:39:56 AM
There is a learning curve to using the Headblade. I wouldn't recommend using it the first time out.  And as for reactions, you'll probably be surprised at how few reactions you'll get.  Most people will consider your buzzed head to be "shaved" already.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: SWvic on August 27, 2014, 01:01:47 AM
agree with all of the above... just do it!  although i do like the crew cut.  And as far as reactions go, you will be your biggest critic! most people love it, rub it and move on... only the uber-jealous make snide remarks ;-)
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: mrzed on August 27, 2014, 05:34:57 AM
RE: Headblade.

From correspondence with the Head Blade staff, the ATX has an easier learning curve than the Sport, but the Sport gives a closer shave. You can only get the Sport online now, but they intend to continue carrying it because it has a good following.  Use the links on THIS site to get a 20% discount when you order online, and I believe that SBG also gets a referal credit, so it supports this site.

I'd agree, don't START OUT with the Head Blade. There IS a learning curve.

Use your favorite multi blade razor. WITH the grain for the first few days. Then WTG followed by Against the grain, for a smoother shave.

After you get used to a standard razor, then introduce the head blade. If you are using the Sport, go easy at first.  As you get used to it, you'll find it becomes a very fast shave, but only with experience.

It's extremely rare that I get a nick with the Head Blade Sport, and it's always user error when I do.

Enjoy shaving your head.  Most likely you won't want to go back to hair. 

Now, It's time for my morning shave. Ahhh!

Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: stasiu on August 27, 2014, 07:34:03 AM
Just do it and feel confident that you  did it !  That is a big but refreshing step.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: nickster on September 03, 2014, 05:27:21 AM
Alright lads I'm convinced... on both. Won't start with shaving yet, but I've clipper #0 on it. Thoughts?

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FxesZUUo.jpg&hash=36baf18d1f0f4fa6190dd8aaec2176555dad115b)
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Frontier Guy on September 03, 2014, 05:31:35 AM
All around, that's a great look. Nice balance.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Cave Dweller on September 03, 2014, 05:36:13 AM
Looks good, sir.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: DoberDaddy on September 03, 2014, 09:17:22 AM
Keep going!
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: wpruitt on September 03, 2014, 03:21:29 PM
You're getting there!
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on September 03, 2014, 05:17:50 PM
Once you shave it with cream and a razor, you won't want it any other way. There is nothing like starting off the day with a freshly clean shaven head.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: nickster on September 04, 2014, 01:06:01 AM
AJ - I bet, but I don't want to shock everyone too quickly by removing the shadow. Reactions from my family have not been good... my parents hate it (sort of expected), my brothers are not keen. The friends I've seen so far like it. I'm on holiday at the moment and back to work Monday, so we'll see how my colleagues react. Last time they saw me was a day before post #1 on this thread; so I had a pretty full head of hair, which I'm returning without. For me personally... I like it
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Sir Harry on September 04, 2014, 02:50:44 AM
The short buzz looks good to me....When you go sly, there will be various reactions, but in time, it will be a non-issue.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: tobler1 on September 04, 2014, 03:23:28 AM
I think the 0 buzz looks mighty fine on you.  I hope you're enjoying it.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: mrzed on September 04, 2014, 04:10:11 AM
Looks refreshing.

It's OK to keep this for awhile.  The difference from this and shaved bald is minimal, but it feels fantastic (bald) .

When you are ready break put the razor.  You won't want to look back.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: invaray on September 04, 2014, 08:09:42 AM
You look very nice, its your head shave it if you want to. Almost there  :)
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Frontier Guy on September 04, 2014, 03:32:50 PM
The key is that you need to feel and act confident. Don't worry about the others. It's your head!
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on September 04, 2014, 04:11:43 PM
AJ - I bet, but I don't want to shock everyone too quickly by removing the shadow. Reactions from my family have not been good... my parents hate it (sort of expected), my brothers are not keen. The friends I've seen so far like it. I'm on holiday at the moment and back to work Monday, so we'll see how my colleagues react. Last time they saw me was a day before post #1 on this thread; so I had a pretty full head of hair, which I'm returning without. For me personally... I like it

I understand completely. You do what you think is best.
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: slymyke on September 04, 2014, 06:26:10 PM
nickster,

I think your look good with the short buzz.  What I think it proves is that you have a good head for the shaved look.  I think shaved will look even better because there will be no hair to show the receded hairline, and the focus will be on your face....and the beard adds to the look.

Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: Razor X on September 04, 2014, 09:00:15 PM
Remember that you're not trying to look good for your parents or your brothers.  Ignore them; they will get used to it and stop commenting.

Now finish the job!   :D
Title: Re: Should I go the whole way?
Post by: chgobuzzbald on September 04, 2014, 11:35:30 PM
You look great with the zero. You are only 3 days growth from a smooth shave basically.  You look more up to date. Your first picture was like a 1980's haircut trying too hard to look like someone who is hiding under the hair. This cut or shaved smooth makes you look younger and more appealing, more contemporary.  You look much better this way and smooth shaved will not be viewed by anyone as much different from the zero length. I often sport a #1 or zero and most people don't make a distinction, they just say Im shaved. Lately I have been razor shaving every 2 or 3 days because I LIKE it that way and no one says anything negative or different.  Plus its fun to do and feels amazing when totally smooth. You will love it.