Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: karlton on October 24, 2014, 10:12:57 AM

Title: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: karlton on October 24, 2014, 10:12:57 AM
So... this is my latest buzz, and I'm feeling like my dome is just too big. After I buzz it down, I feel cool with it for an hour or two, and then I se my reflection in a store front or fitting room, or bathroom, and I feel like an alien!
Has anyone ever felt like there head is just the wrong size / shape altogether? I'm struggling hard.

Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: njbill on October 24, 2014, 10:30:27 AM
I have a gigantic dome, but no realistic options, you look like you have something to work with there.    Shaving you head for the hell of it is like using a wheelchair for fun lol
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Razor X on October 24, 2014, 10:34:48 AM
Your head doesn't look big or abnormal in any way to me. It takes time to get used to a new look.  That's why we recommend maintaining it for 30 days before making a final decision.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: karlton on October 24, 2014, 10:50:29 AM
Thanks. I've been on medication for a while for my hair loss. I can just barely get away with styling it to hide the corners, and I fear diffuse thinning is around the corner, since all but one guy that I know of are bald on both sides of my family.
I hate my hairline so I figured I would give the buzz a try so I can feel like I have an exit strategy later on. I think I feel worse now that I've tried it and don't care for it.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: karlton on October 24, 2014, 03:31:01 PM
Thanks Razor X,
 I feel like it looks ok in certain lighting, but then I go out into daylight/harsh lighting, and I feel like a conehead, honestly. Did you ever notice certain lighting or mirrors that make your head seem weird or too big?
 I know someday I will have to get over this fear, unless I want to wear a piece, but I have zero confidence without my hair right now. I'm not feeling any better that 130 people have already seen my photo, but haven't had any positive things to say. Sigh..
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: TheSlyBear on October 24, 2014, 04:36:24 PM
Are you even reading the replies?

One person said something that was mildly non-positive (and complete bullshit, in my opinion).

Your head looks good. You are a handsome guy and the source of your unhappiness with your appearance is baffling.

As Razor said, it's just new and will take some time to get used to it. And to be honest, if you think your forehead looks too big (it doesn't, but if you think it does), then a bald shave will actually make it look smaller. It may seem counter-intuitive, but without a hairline for contrast, heads actually look smaller when shaved.

I hope you get over this quickly as another thing that could make you look even better, in my opinion, is a smile.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Semi-Sly on October 24, 2014, 04:47:39 PM
Yes.  I had EXACTLY the same experience as you are having.

BUT that is the purpose of the 30 day rule!  Anytime you make a change to your physical appearance, like getting a tattoo, a first it is a big SHOCK when you see yourself in the mirror in the morning.  You have to give your brain a break - you have to give it some time to get used to its new interpretation of "you".  Once that happens, you won't even notice your head shape.

Your problem with the size and shape of your head is "all in your head"!  You are a good looking guy with a really nicely shaped head. 

My suggestion - the fact that you have left some hair and have a visible "high" hairline might actually be what is causing you to question the shape of your head.  Since you are "test flying" this new look anyway - my suggestion is that you go the full Monty.  I think that if you shave your head, the hairline will not be as noticeable, and you will actually get used to and like the look more quickly than you will with just the buzz cut.  So my advice would be to just do the deed and do the the 30 days.  keep in contact with us and let us know how you do.  We will be here to ride through it with you.

Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Mike E. P. on October 24, 2014, 06:13:56 PM
My God ... I think we all have thoughts like this from time to time. My head is big and lumpy, my ears are huge, etc. I know all that is really just in my head. If you had a full head of hair you would still think you looked crappy in certain lighting. I have learned to avoid that lighting and to stop over analyzing.

Man, you look good in that photo. Give yourself time to adjust. Give yourself a break. It does get better with time. I know. I've been where you are.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Razor X on October 24, 2014, 06:40:41 PM
Thanks Razor X,
 I feel like it looks ok in certain lighting, but then I go out into daylight/harsh lighting, and I feel like a conehead, honestly. Did you ever notice certain lighting or mirrors that make your head seem weird or too big?
 I know someday I will have to get over this fear, unless I want to wear a piece, but I have zero confidence without my hair right now. I'm not feeling any better that 130 people have already seen my photo, but haven't had any positive things to say. Sigh..

Try not to spend too much time in front of the mirror obsessing over things.   It will get better in time.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: tobler1 on October 24, 2014, 07:18:16 PM
I think you should be happy...I think you look great!
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: agentfortyseven on October 24, 2014, 11:48:39 PM
As Mike said we all or at least most have those thoughts from time to time especially in the beginning! Afti shaved my head i went back and forth between loving it and hating it almost daily. Occasionally i'll wonder if my bald head shape, face, ears ect. All add up to me looking like a goofball but most of the time i like it and if nothing else i'm a happy goofball :D and besides there are far more important things for me to spend my time worrying about than the shape of my head. So i guess in a round about way im saying the same as the rest of the fellas, you haven't got anything to worry about and you'll think about it less as time goes on O0
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Goatee on October 25, 2014, 01:28:24 PM
To be really honest i think your head shape is fine! Nothing to worry about! Really!

Look, shave your dome mate. Dump any meds for hair loss and live your life. You are the only one that worries how you look. We are 'all' the same! 'We' are the only ones who care about how 'we' look.

You look fine. A bald head would suit you 100%. Shave it for 30 days and see your life open up infront of you. Move on from how you feel. Be bald and embrace the look and feel!

Good luck friend
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: mangosink12572 on October 25, 2014, 03:35:54 PM
Sly Bear  - - -you said it all - - -perfect.    A good smile is good for all of us     and a few other members should smile also.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Cave Dweller on October 25, 2014, 03:37:04 PM
Seriously? You are worrying that your head is too big?

Stop it. There is nothing abnormal in that picture you posted. You are accustomed to seeing hair where now you see skin. It is something new, but not at all abnormal or "alien" in appearance.

As the wise gentlemen before me have stated so well, your anxiety is the reason for the 30 days. Give yourself time to get over the newness of the look before you decide whether this is what you want.


Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: njbill on October 25, 2014, 07:15:58 PM
Are you even reading the replies?

One person said something that was mildly non-positive (and complete bullshit, in my opinion).

Your head looks good. You are a handsome guy and the source of your unhappiness with your appearance is baffling.

As Razor said, it's just new and will take some time to get used to it. And to be honest, if you think your forehead looks too big (it doesn't, but if you think it does), then a bald shave will actually make it look smaller. It may seem counter-intuitive, but without a hairline for contrast, heads actually look smaller when shaved.

I hope you get over this quickly as another thing that could make you look even better, in my opinion, is a smile.

LOL what's bullshit is shaving magically making a large forehead appear smaller... didnt work for me.. my sh*t still looks like a billboard.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: TheSlyBear on October 25, 2014, 07:19:34 PM
Sorry that you are so unhappy with your look.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Goatee on October 26, 2014, 02:33:18 AM
LOL what's bullshit is shaving magically making a large forehead appear smaller... didnt work for me.. my sh*t still looks like a billboard.

Vey negative post that. Doesnt help one bit!
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: meanderthal on October 26, 2014, 03:52:52 AM
From my perspective, you have the perfect had to shave.  I have a big head with the hat size to prove, and shaving has worked for me for years. 
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: invaray on October 26, 2014, 04:59:18 AM
With all the posts that say I have a big forehead or the shape isn't right I think it important to know;

  Im not ok, your not ok, no one is ok but that is ok because no one is and that makes it ok.

If you have a big head, then you have a big head that is ok have a big shaved head and feature it. With hair or without it is the same size.

The is no right shape or size it is yours do with it what you want. You look fine and if you want to shave it, shave it.

Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: kalva76 on October 26, 2014, 07:29:56 AM
Karlton, 

I think quite a few of us have gone through this phase. And yes, I sport a rather large noggin...probably bigger than yours, and I can still pull it off. I think the 30 Day Rule will make a huge difference for you and I really encourage you to do it. I'm shy one year sly now (November), and it all started with the 30 Day Rule for me. Now I love the look and can't imagine going back. Try sly with the beard, I think it'll be a good look for you. Good luck.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: karlton on October 26, 2014, 01:14:09 PM
Thanks for all the guidance and wisdom fellas. To be honest, I was teased about the size of my head when I was younger, especially when I cut my hair short, so I know there is some element of truth to it being slightly larger than average for my body proportions. I also think I am hypersensitive to it, and I probably view it in a dysmorphic way.

That said, when I buzz it close, it seems ok in some mirrors, and in others it seems like I see nothing but head. It's almost hard to believe how big it seems to me, and so I have a hard time with imagining how it actually appears to other people, especially in overhead lighting.

Here are two more shots: One is outside with afternoon daylight, and the other is inside under a harsh light.  Does it seem kind of big at all? Do my beard and facial features balance things out enough? Should I maybe step it up in the gym to add some mass in my shoulders and neck? Any suggestions are welcome. Be honest!

Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Razor X on October 26, 2014, 02:18:59 PM
Honestly, you look fine.  Don't be so hard on yourself.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: TheSlyBear on October 26, 2014, 02:23:39 PM
Yup. Just not seeing the problem.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Sir Harry on October 26, 2014, 02:52:56 PM
Welcome, Karlton! (if I haven't done so already)

I don't know what you looked like with thicker hair, but the buzz cut blends in nicely with the beard. I think the beard takes some attention off of your hair, though I don't see too much recession right now. If the hairline keeps creeping back, you could try for a full headshave, but I think it looks good as is for now....but it's all in what you want to do.

Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: slybeard on October 26, 2014, 03:49:54 PM
Karlton,

There is nothing wrong with the way you look, either with or without hair.  Getting to the gym will help any guy look a little better if that is what you want to do.  Having facial is good combination for short, buzzed, or shaved hair.  I would not have thought your head was big if you had not pointed it out.  If someone is giving you a hard time on your looks, then I would say that person is not the friend you need.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: invaray on October 26, 2014, 05:04:16 PM
Looking at your picture I don't notice anything wrong about size just a picture of a nice looking guy.

  This got me looking at mine to compare size. Maybe we should all use a tape measure to see who has the biggest head and you'll see how silly it is. What if your head diameter is bigger? Is that a bad thing? I don't think so.

I measured in at 23"   :)

What is your head size?
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: tobler1 on October 26, 2014, 05:15:53 PM
I don't see an extra large head at all.  I see a nicely-shaped head.  I think you'd look very good if you go all the way.  As it is, I think the short buzz looks great on you.  I would keep the beard.  I think it balances your look nicely.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: njbill on October 26, 2014, 07:06:52 PM
23 inch is a 7 3/8...that's a normal size
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Cy on October 26, 2014, 07:08:16 PM
The #1 or #2 buzz looks good on you and I think your head shape looks normal. I think the beard works well with your look. I feel like my forehead appears elongated by the fact that I shave my head, so I understand where you're coming from there.

I deal with body dysmorphia issues myself, and my stance on how others view you would be that most people don't really care or notice the things that bother us the most. I could weigh 90 pounds and still perceive myself to be morbidly obese. Give yourself a break on some things.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: karlton on October 27, 2014, 04:16:49 PM
Looking at your picture I don't notice anything wrong about size just a picture of a nice looking guy.

  This got me looking at mine to compare size. Maybe we should all use a tape measure to see who has the biggest head and you'll see how silly it is. What if your head diameter is bigger? Is that a bad thing? I don't think so.

I measured in at 23"   :)

What is your head size?

My hat size is about the same as yours. The thing I obsess the most about is the height and the pointiness of my head. I think most guys heads are around 8" to 9.5" from top to bottom. Mine is a little over 10", so I'm really afraid of it looking unusually long without hair. I know I can't change it though. I'm glad you guys don't think it looks too bad.
Title: Re: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Razor X on October 27, 2014, 06:57:07 PM
Remember that most people are not going to stare at you for hours at a time scrutinizing your appearance.  You may be surprised to find that many people won't even notice that you've shaved your head.
Title: Not sure if I can be happy with this look
Post by: Mike E. P. on October 27, 2014, 07:26:04 PM
This thread had me running to get the tape measure. I'm 23" also. And Karlton, top to bottom, I measure 10." Maybe we should start a big head club. Oh, and I'm short, too.