Sly Bald Guys Forum
New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: Lew on May 19, 2016, 07:25:47 PM
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My name is Lew. My hair started thinning when I was 20. I quickly went into deep denial about it. No one in my family suffered from any type of hair loss, so I couldn't imagine it happening to me. I was swimming, well, more like drowning, in the sea of denial ... and losing. My hair continued to thin in my 20s but it was still hanging on by a thread (pun completely intended). Between the ages of 33 and 34 I lost 115 pounds. I looked great but my hair fell out in clumps as a result of my semi-rapid weight loss. The grim reality of my hair loss was brutally thrust upon me. I was mortified.
My weight loss resulted in a number of epiphanies for me. I got out of a horrible marriage, moved to a new town, and began leading a healthier lifestyle. All I needed was a good head of hair to complete the package. A couple of years later at the age of 36 I went to Hair Club for Men. This was the answer to my hair loss issues. I was a faithful member for 15 years; however, when I turned 50 a year and a half ago I started reflecting and reevaluating a lot of things in my life. I made a career change last year that has worked out wonderfully. There was just that one nagging issue I kept neglecting to address: embracing my baldness.
Two weeks ago I walked into Hair Club for the last time. I cancelled my membership, had my system removed, and my head shaven clean. It was a scary decision at the time but in hindsight I realize it was the right one.
For the past two weeks I've worn beanies and fedoras. Well, today for the first time I bravely went out into the world as a bald man. And let me tell you, after being held a prisoner to my hair loss for 31 years, today was one of the most empowering days of my life. I am literally blown away by the overwhelming support I've received from my family, friends, and co-workers.
So my new journey as a bald man begins. I look forward to it and the interactions with others I have at Sly Bald Guys!
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Welcome, Lew! Yes, it was a long journey for you, but in the end it will all be worth it. Great story to share for those that may be on the fence. Glad that it's working out for you and your supporters. Participate often.
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Sounds like you don't even need the 30 day rule!
Thanks for sharing your story. Being a bald guy is great. There is a lot of guys who can relate. Around here, I see BBC guys many times every day. Sporting a bald head is really common. And it feels so cool and refreshing.
Welcome, and keep sharing your story. There are other guys who need to hear it. And you can tell it first person.
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Fantastic story and very much like lots of men go tnrough. As you say the final step is totally empowering.
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Congratulations, Lew! That is a great story. It is great to hear that you are happy with your decision.
Glad you joined us here.
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Great to hear your story Lew, and welcome.
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Glad to hear you've had support, and it's funny how easy it seems when you just do it, do you wish you did it sooner? Also, wow 115 lbs is a ridiculous amount to lose so fast! I hope it was all planned though and not due to medical reasons. Congrats on the new look, it looks great! O0
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Welcome Lew, it looks very nice
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Lew, you look great bald. And I would never think you're over 50. Congrats on embracing you.
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Congratulations on taking the plunge!
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Welcome sir!!
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Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. I purchased the ATX razor and shaved my head completely this morning. I'm very happy with the results and look forward to my new look.
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs32.postimg.org%2Fivi312z7p%2FIMG_4328.jpg&hash=3f5f7ceb6f29d2ea7f9934da3a4fd47103f847a5) (http://postimage.org/)
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Congratulations!
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Welcome to the club and congratulations on embracing the sly look.
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Looks darn good Lew, I hope you enjoy the bald head, you have a good shaped dome!
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Welcome to the club Lew.
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Wait a minute .... NO WAY you are 50! If you look that good with a shaved head why on earth would you ever want to hide one square inch of that with hair?
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Actually I'm 51 and will be 52 later this year. Ironically I thought I looked younger with hair but recent comments from others leads me to think otherwise. Crazy.
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Most def stick with bald man !
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(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs33.postimg.org%2Firw1k1rhr%2Fbeforeandafter2016.jpg&hash=4f1ab96bab3a4dd654ef4fe721d6abdf0fdaad56) (http://postimage.org/)
One month can make a big difference. I have now completely embraced the life of a bald man with open arms.
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Looking much better, what a difference a month can make
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You must get some wild reactions when people see you now, Lew. I hope you are enjoying your shaved head, it looks fantastic! I like the dark goatee too. Right after I first shaved my head, people told me I should get a Harley. Have you heard that yet?
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Thanks, Dragon. It has been a big change and one that's much for the better.
Reddog, some folks I know do a double take when they see me. I've found it to be quite entertaining. Thanks for the compliments. The positive feedback from folks has helped reaffirm my decision to lose the hair completely and for good. Several people have told me I look like Walter White, which I disagree with wholeheartedly but that's just my humble opinion. And, yes, several people have told me that I should get a bike. Been there, done that. Since I got my ears pierced last week I've been asked when I'm going to get a tattoo. No tats yet but I'm not ruling that out completely.
I wish I had shaved my head thirty plus years ago when my hair first started thinning. Hindsight's 20/20, but it's never too late to own up to reality and move over to the sly bald guy side.
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Nice pics, Lew! The average person who didn't read and/or know your story from the beginning would probably ask "Why did he do that?" But we know the deal, great change!
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Good choices all around with the bald head, goatee, and pierced ears.
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You look amazing Lew
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Oh Lew! That rug screamed; "TOUPE!!!!!!!!!!!!" from blocks away!
You made the right decision. I did the ear piercing after I shaved my head too - but look out - shaving your head is a "gateway drug" to all kinds of new adventures - I have gotten two new tattoos since then as well!
You look great man - and you are my "weight loss hero"!
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Actually I'm 51 and will be 52 later this year. Ironically I thought I looked younger with hair but recent comments from others leads me to think otherwise. Crazy.
That is typical - a "mature" guy (say over 40) will almost always look younger shaved, a young guy (less than 30) will sometimes look older.
The new you looks great.