Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 05:00:43 AM

Title: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 05:00:43 AM
Updated:

Before:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs8.postimg.org%2F44uh2es2t%2F20150906_023227_1.jpg&hash=44b10f0795b8da5adc2ac43754a545f53a86acf6) (http://postimage.org/)

After:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs9.postimg.org%2Fn3cqxtstr%2F20150906_154357_1.jpg&hash=ad25f13958564babfcc06b7d6ee28d48c1daf364) (http://postimage.org/)

Original message:

Hey! Came across this forum tonight after looking at about a thousand articles on balding and whether or not to shave head.

I'm 24, and for years have had severe bald spots, both in front and back, and though this is something I've thought about for quite some time,  I've just always worn a beanie or a hat... However I started a new semester last week and one of my professors has a no hat rule, and ya, I just felt extremely embarrassed... My head by itself (with hair but without a hat) looks awful, imo, but I've either been too scared to make or too comfortable postponing the jump.

Anyway, if I do this... I know a step a lotta people recommend is going down slowly, but I have a scar that goes all the way across my head that would look very weird unless I went all the way.

Questions/concerns...

1. I'm extremely pale, and don't tan well, at all... And I'm also pretty skinny... most sites I went to said that's exactly the type of person that might not wanna make the jump, or would potentially look the worst doing so. I'll likely keep a super light beard but ya... just my skin tone/weight has me kinda concerned I guess

2. I don't know anything about headshape at all, but between that, and my face itself, am I suited for a shave clean? I'm no Bruce willis, and nor do I expect to be, but I also don't wanna unknowingly make myself look worse than I might otherwise, if I found another option (medication etc), if that makes sense? I guess this is me asking if you think I should or not, and if it'd look okay... Just please be honest

Sorry for the super long post, you all just seem respectful and genuine, and as this would be a pretty big deal for me, I just wanted some input with those that have done it or would better know if I'd be suitted for it or not.

Thank you, I really do appreciate any responses to this and also just what y'all do as a whole. Made respect.
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: tobler1 on September 06, 2015, 07:42:01 AM
I tend to think you'll look good bald.  I say go for it.  I definitely think something shorter, even if not a full shave, will suit you.
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: Razor X on September 06, 2015, 07:49:54 AM
Just go for it.  You'll look and feel a whole lot better.  If you don't you will always wonder.  If you try ait and don't like it, the hair grows back -- at least you will know.
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: Cave Dweller on September 06, 2015, 08:21:17 AM
Welcome to the board, sir.

Your lack of a tan actually can be an advantage when you first go smooth in that your exposed skin's tone is closer to that of the skin covered by your hair, so there will be less contrast between the two when you shave it off. I waited until mid winter to shave just so that would happen.

If you want to shave, stop worrying about it and grab the razor. I speak from experience when I tell you that almost all your anxiety over how it will look will go away when you take the first swipe.




Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: Razor X on September 06, 2015, 08:27:48 AM
And, BTW I bet that scar won't be as noticeable as you think without hair surrounding it and providing contrast.
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: Big Jon on September 06, 2015, 09:28:54 AM
Go for it, dude! You'll love it. I promise.
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: TheSlyBear on September 06, 2015, 11:24:57 AM
Judging from the pics you posted, you will look great bald. Go for it. As Razor said, it grows back so there's nothing to lose in the unlikely event you don't think it's better.

P.S. You have a great smile. It'll go well with a shaved head!
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: Sir Harry on September 06, 2015, 11:37:21 AM
Welcome! You could always do it in stages like a shorter buzzcut at first and then go for the razor if you're not ready to jump "all in". Good luck!
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: clipped on September 06, 2015, 01:36:39 PM
You can always go in stages, from a#2 buzz, then #1, then #000 & so on. Once you do the first clipper cut and you (and others) adjust to that as your new haircut, no one will notice the shorter clipper cuts or the razor shave when you do that.  That's what I did. I alternate between a #0 buzz & razor shave as the mood strikes me and no one notices the difference.  My wife felt that I was shaving my head at #1 buzz.  You have a dark beard and I think that the shadow will look good on you.  Be bold...go for it, even if you ease into it. 
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 01:57:38 PM
Thank you all for the responses! After giving it more thought and reading through them, decided I'm actually gonna either be buzzing or making the jump altogether later on today. I'll post a picture/update when I do. Thanks again. Definitely nervous but excited too
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: nuts on September 06, 2015, 02:55:30 PM
Very positive thoughts.  Go for it and keep the beard.

Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on September 06, 2015, 03:12:25 PM
I understand the nervousness for sure.  I was that way too before I shaved it bald but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Your hair is to the point where it will no longer better your looks unfortunately with the amount of thinning involved. A buzz will look better but you will look awesome bald and with the beard. You won't regret it man!
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 05:22:02 PM
Update: sly, bald, and proud

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs9.postimg.org%2Fn3cqxtstr%2F20150906_154357_1.jpg&hash=ad25f13958564babfcc06b7d6ee28d48c1daf364) (http://postimage.org/)
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: zetaeffe on September 06, 2015, 05:46:27 PM
Quote from: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 05:22:02 PM
Update: sly, bald, and proud

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs9.postimg.org%2Fn3cqxtstr%2F20150906_154357_1.jpg&hash=ad25f13958564babfcc06b7d6ee28d48c1daf364) (http://postimage.org/)

WOW!! Looking great!! Even better than expected!
Best compliments!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: Cave Dweller on September 06, 2015, 06:28:36 PM
Major applause, sir!

The look definitely suits you.
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: tobler1 on September 06, 2015, 06:55:59 PM
Looks excellent!  Congrats and welcome!
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: Razor X on September 06, 2015, 06:58:44 PM
Quote from: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 05:22:02 PM
Update: sly, bald, and proud

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs9.postimg.org%2Fn3cqxtstr%2F20150906_154357_1.jpg&hash=ad25f13958564babfcc06b7d6ee28d48c1daf364) (http://postimage.org/)

Fantastic!!  Huge improvement!  Congratulations!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: slymyke on September 06, 2015, 08:42:19 PM
Congratulations on taking that bold step!  You look great and your before-and-after pics are the classic great example of why shaving can be such a confidence booster!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: Sir Harry on September 06, 2015, 08:47:27 PM
Looks great! See, it wasn't so bad after all!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: Semi-Sly on September 06, 2015, 10:01:19 PM
Wow;  the "before" looked like one of those old Gillette advertisements; "Will anyone date me?"  The "after" looks like; "I'd date me!"
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: nuts on September 07, 2015, 03:25:12 AM
You certainly did not hang around before taking  the plung .  Well done  and it looks  great.
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: bennett11 on September 07, 2015, 05:39:27 AM
you look great shaven, stay with it.
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: stasiu on September 07, 2015, 07:21:34 AM
Awesome Haircut !
You look very happy and congrats !
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: clipped on September 07, 2015, 09:20:03 AM
looks great...much better!!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: TheSlyBear on September 07, 2015, 11:45:17 AM
Now, in your new photo, the first thing people see are your eyes; not your hair. Well done.
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: AJ Q-Ball on September 07, 2015, 04:39:34 PM
Looks great!! Congrats sir!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: mrzed on September 08, 2015, 05:55:01 AM
You should not get any flack with the shaved head. It looks so much better than the before picture. Wear it boldly.
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: Calvo1029 on September 08, 2015, 08:28:33 PM
Way better, congrats!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: bud on September 11, 2015, 07:15:38 AM
Welcome clindholm56
you look great, keep it O0
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: Mike E. P. on September 11, 2015, 04:05:02 PM
Looks so good. Enjoy your new found freedom!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: bud on September 12, 2015, 12:39:50 PM
like Semi-Sly said,
You look great.... 8)
Title: Re: All or nothing
Post by: DoberDaddy on September 20, 2015, 11:29:13 AM
Quote from: clindholm56 on September 06, 2015, 05:22:02 PM
Update: sly, bald, and proud

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs9.postimg.org%2Fn3cqxtstr%2F20150906_154357_1.jpg&hash=ad25f13958564babfcc06b7d6ee28d48c1daf364) (http://postimage.org/)

HUGE improvement! Looks great. You could even grow a nice beard!

:)
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: marshd1000 on September 20, 2015, 01:09:17 PM
You look really at ease here.  And while I think you are happy a and made the right decision, just remember the "30 Day Rule" if you get tempted to grow it back!
Title: Re: All or nothing (UPDATED with before/after)
Post by: john.peachie on September 20, 2015, 04:41:19 PM
Congratulations on the new you!

I'll echo the others, it's a very good change!  I had the marshmallow head look when I first shaved, but it will darken in time.