Sly Bald Guys Forum

New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 06:35:33 AM

Title: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 06:35:33 AM
Hi fella's.

Great site and has been a real source of confidence to me.

I'm 31 and have been losing my hair since about 27.  I have been shaving gradually since then from a #8 down to a #1 in recent years.

I've got to admit (first time to anyone!!) that it has been the worst time of my life!!  It is literally all I have been thinking about day in/day out since my mates sent me a text whilst I was holiday, telling me to not forget putting sunscream on the top my head in case I got burnt!  Since then, i've lost count the times i've tried to use various mirrors to look at my head!

It's almost like you look for an angle that looks good to you, to try and hide what other people see! (if that makes sense??) basically to try and make you feel better.

It's at the point where I hate going out, playing sport, seeing family and friends etc!  I can't believe I don't see some of my family and friends because i'm embarrassed!!  How pathetic!

I've probably got the same story to tell as many of you, but it's making me feel better getting it off my chest.

at 27, I had a good haircut, although always thin.  I'm ok looking and had decent luck with the girls!  But in the last 2 years, and more so recently it's really got to me.  Despite gradually shaving my hair shorter, it didn't really help.  I see some other guy's I know going bald, but not in my circle of friends. in fact only 2 of us are out of approx 25.  (which go's against the odds)

I'm absolutely fine when i'm with close friends and family, they are used to my hair.  My main problem is when you see someone you haven't seen in a while, and you see the shock on their face.  especially as the talk at your head and not your eyes.

I've read through this site, and see hundreds of cases of how people feel better once they 'take the plunge'.  I've literally (10 mins ago) shaved my head with the guard off, and its really close.  I feel really insecure about.  I'm sick to death of wearing hats!

It is the shortest it's been (basically same as ljungberg now playing in euro's, if any footie/soccer fans on here!)

How do you get the nervous feeling away, almost panic attack feeling?  Is it just a case of getting on with life until everyone takes you for how you are? 

Sorry to go on fella's! 

But, as i said, it's a great site and does make me feel better reading other people's thoughts.

Looking forward to future forum discussions!!

Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Sly Red on June 15, 2008, 06:50:52 AM
Cranger, welcome to the forum.  Post some pictures and let us see what you look like Sly.  We're all here to give you support in this time that you're doubting yourself.

Cheers,

Red
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 07:10:53 AM
Sorry guys (and Magmababe!!)

Should have had a read through this section 1st.

I'll get a couple of pics on asap and not bore you with my story so early!!!!

Cheers
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: marty22 on June 15, 2008, 07:18:25 AM
howdy, Red!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Razor X on June 15, 2008, 07:27:06 AM

It's at the point where I hate going out, playing sport, seeing family and friends etc!  I can't believe I don't see some of my family and friends because i'm embarrassed!!  How pathetic!

I've probably got the same story to tell as many of you, but it's making me feel better getting it off my chest.



Hi, Cranger.  Welcome to the forum.  It's perfectly normal to feel the way you described and it sounds like you've taken those important first steps toward taking control of the situation.  You'll be amazed at how quickly the confidence returns once the thinning hair is shaved off.  And remember that a razor shave is only a week away from your usual #1.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Rob on June 15, 2008, 07:37:52 AM
Welcome to the forums.  Like red said, post a pic and then we can give you advice.  i'm sure you look fine.  Channel that feeling of 'panic' and turn it into excitement and confidence at your new look! 8)
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: buuckkweet on June 15, 2008, 08:25:03 AM
Welcome to the site!  Speaking to you as another new guy around here, you can take good stock in the advice you will receive from these very sly men. (and ladies!)  8)
 
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Bensen on June 15, 2008, 08:45:58 AM
welcome granger. u will find some good support here.
btw, i know what you are going through.

this is ljungberg granger mentioned:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sf.tv%2Fpiccache%2Fwebtool%2Fdata%2Fpics%2Fsportdiashow%2Feuro_schweden_ljungberg_szq_w_h347_m.jpg&hash=62ea9f505085b5dde51df05111aae06991eaa230)
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsimg.bbc.co.uk%2Fmedia%2Fimages%2F42573000%2Fjpg%2F_42573827_ljungberg_getty416.jpg&hash=f713d0ca8d2080d1343676e9fb0c958b31cb8f27)

an older picture:
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fde.geocities.com%2Fljungbergfan%2FLjungberg2.jpg&hash=9e3ea9d3a70e3af310c936b9e3813c9de3a3c20b)
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 09:19:55 AM
Hi Ben 32

Great work!

Thanks for the images of Ljungberg!

Just out of interest, would you agree that he shaves withou a guard or is that with a razor???

I'm honestly feeling loads better about myself already!  Only being on this site for last hour or so.

cheers  Fellas

Pics will arrive, my PC has become like the other half...very awkward!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: MagmaBabe on June 15, 2008, 09:36:09 AM
Awesome, another fellow brit  :)

welcome to the forum Granger

I LOVE Freddy, he plays for my team... and he looks totally smokin' hot in those Calvins!!

personally speaking, he looks a hell of a lot better with no hair  :@`


Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 09:39:54 AM
Hi Magma

Good to see you!!!

I think he looks a lot better too, and he's a good player.

How come your on this site?? (if you don't mind me asking??)

No that i'm complaining!

Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Bensen on June 15, 2008, 09:40:12 AM
thanks granger.
i think he shaved without a guard, that's what i saw in the last 2 games during the cup.
though i saw one or two pics where it looks like shaved with a razor. but i think he does
very infrequntly.

it's great that you feel better!

Ben32

PS: enjoy the soccer season O0
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: MagmaBabe on June 15, 2008, 09:45:21 AM
Hi Magma

Good to see you!!!

I think he looks a lot better too, and he's a good player.

How come your on this site?? (if you don't mind me asking??)

No that i'm complaining!



because I love SBG's Granger  O0

and some of these guys on here, I couldn't live without!  :@`
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 09:54:28 AM
Firstly, thanks again Ben.

I'm finding it pretty hard to enjoy the current 'soccer' season (obviously you mean Football!) I can't bear to watch without england being in the tournament.

Secondly, Magma, thats amazing that you think like that!  If so, then i'm cured and will never worry again!

Is there many Uk people on here???  Haven't come across too many so far.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Ian on June 15, 2008, 10:00:33 AM
Welcome to the forum.
Well if shaving your head makes you as happy as Ljungberg in them pics then i say go for it  8)

I started going bald at about 22 (well going thin on top) different people started to say 'use one of them hair tonics' i was like yeah right.
Then it got to a point where i couldn't handle people looking at my thinning hair,not in a bad way,it just annoyed me.
Anyway i spoke to my mum about (R.I.P Mum) and she said 'just shave it all off' and that's what i did,not Sly but with clippers,over the years it got shorter & shorter until i decided i had to use a razor on it.
Well here i am today using a HeadBlade & its the best thing ever,along with everyone else on here.

Do it for you & not for anyone else


Ian
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 10:08:54 AM
Hi Ian,

Thanks for that, great advice.

I think thats my main problem.  It's doing it to feel comfortable for myself.  I constantly worry about what other people think or are saying (I know i'm being paranoid and no one cares)

In fact it probably boils down to a vanity thing? which is pathetic.

Honestly, I feel loads better just from today! 
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Ian on June 15, 2008, 10:12:10 AM
In fact it probably boils down to a vanity thing? which is pathetic.

Honestly, I feel loads better just from today! 

Glad your feeling better,and about it been a vanity thing i can honestly say i look a lot better without hair than i did with it.... :*))
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: MagmaBabe on June 15, 2008, 10:13:45 AM
Well... you have Ian here for a start  :)

and there's Argyle, Portsmouth fan, bless, he can't help it  (j/k Argyle, I love you really!!  :-*)
Dagenham Jim, Rob (there's about a thousand Robs on this site lol) and if anyone else
is willing to chip in from the uk, then feel more than welcome  ;D

there is quite a few Cranger  :)

I hear what ya saying about the footie as well... so I've adopted Spain as my team of choice, not
that I'm going to go out of my way and watch them like an ardent fan. That's just who I'd
like to win the European Championship.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: BJ on June 15, 2008, 10:44:25 AM

I hear what ya saying about the footie as well... so I've adopted Spain as my team of choice, not
that I'm going to go out of my way and watch them like an ardent fan. That's just who I'd
like to win the European Championship.
Magmababe
You've adopted Team Spain? Why?
Team Netherlands all the way.

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goal.com%2Fimages%2F31633_hp.jpg&hash=999f869a480a3212aaa6bc6a961eb1986a0f1f5e)


Welcome Cranger07
As for the vanity thing, .... no one's more vain than I.
I'm bald-by-choice so I really can't comment on what your currently going through. I sported a buzz for years, so the leap to sly was the next logical step. I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: MagmaBabe on June 15, 2008, 10:55:56 AM
Sorry BJ!!

however,  the Netherlands would be my second team of choice.. it was a toss up between the two as
I have Dutch ancestry on my fathers side.
I was eventually persuaded by a good friend of mine to support Spain.
I love the language and the people, and stayed in Valencia last year.

besides, I sooo don't look good in orange lol   ;)

Viva L'espana!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: no1birdman on June 15, 2008, 11:04:39 AM
Hi,welcome from stoke
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Bensen on June 15, 2008, 11:04:47 AM
The Netherlands did a good job @ the European Championship.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: BlackJamesRackham on June 15, 2008, 11:07:02 AM
Welcome to the forum Cranger!


Well... you have Ian here for a start  :)

and there's Argyle, Portsmouth fan, bless, he can't help it  (j/k Argyle, I love you really!!  :-*)
Dagenham Jim, Rob (there's about a thousand Robs on this site lol) and if anyone else
is willing to chip in from the uk, then feel more than welcome  ;D

there is quite a few Cranger  :)

I hear what ya saying about the footie as well... so I've adopted Spain as my team of choice, not
that I'm going to go out of my way and watch them like an ardent fan. That's just who I'd
like to win the European Championship.

You can add me to the list of footie fans as well. Let's go Gunners!!! I'm a Gooner all the way
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: BALDANDRE on June 15, 2008, 11:19:56 AM
Welcome from the other side of the pond!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 15, 2008, 01:35:00 PM
Thanks guys

I'm with Spain too.  Only cause I put a big bet on them to win at the start of the championships.

What a brilliant site!

First step to getting my confidence back!

Great that there is a lot of UK people on here too, but i'm with all you lot over the pond too!   I used to work in York, PA.  great people.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Argyle on June 15, 2008, 02:16:18 PM


Well... you have Ian here for a start  :)

and there's Argyle, Portsmouth fan, bless, he can't help it  (j/k Argyle, I love you really!!  :-*)
Dagenham Jim, Rob (there's about a thousand Robs on this site lol) and if anyone else
is willing to chip in from the uk, then feel more than welcome  ;D

there is quite a few Cranger  :)

I hear what ya saying about the footie as well... so I've adopted Spain as my team of choice, not
that I'm going to go out of my way and watch them like an ardent fan. That's just who I'd
like to win the European Championship.

Hi Magma, never been so offended!!  Argyle is of course Plymouth not Portsmouth!

How you getting on down there in the south?
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: FR8TRAIN on June 15, 2008, 05:01:56 PM
Welcome from across the pond, Cranger! Glad you found us.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: OzPete on June 15, 2008, 09:46:46 PM
Welcome Cranger!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: MagmaBabe on June 16, 2008, 03:15:21 AM


Well... you have Ian here for a start  :)

and there's Argyle, Portsmouth fan, bless, he can't help it  (j/k Argyle, I love you really!!  :-*)
Dagenham Jim, Rob (there's about a thousand Robs on this site lol) and if anyone else
is willing to chip in from the uk, then feel more than welcome  ;D

there is quite a few Cranger  :)

I hear what ya saying about the footie as well... so I've adopted Spain as my team of choice, not
that I'm going to go out of my way and watch them like an ardent fan. That's just who I'd
like to win the European Championship.

Hi Magma, never been so offended!!  Argyle is of course Plymouth not Portsmouth!

How you getting on down there in the south?


ahahaha, yeah, I meant that  ;D it's easy to confuse the two..*ahem* of course. I was just
sitting downstairs reading the newspaper and realised what a clanger I'd made - I should know better -
Portsmouth has 'our Harry  :-[
and is a much better team lol

was hoping to modify the post before anyone noticed hehe *slaps self on head*

Yeah, things are good down South - been pretty busy of late with one thing or another. Am enjoying
the sunshine we've been having, makes a nice change  ;)
How's things up Norrfff?  how's the little 'un coming on?  :)
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Argyle on June 16, 2008, 03:36:18 AM
Things up here are good thanks!  The little one is in fact one tomorrow!  Cant believe how time has flowing by.  The first three months were amongst the worst and most arduous of my life but since about four or five it has been the best experience ever.  She is now almost walking, certainly getting about a bit and every day makes you laugh!

Preparations are well underway for a family get together this weekend, although she is oblivious to all the fuss.
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: MagmaBabe on June 16, 2008, 03:49:46 AM
Aaaw, Happy 1st b'day to the little one Argyle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and
a fantastic weekend  :@`

the time does fly by real quick.. I can remember when my daughter was 1, totally adorable!
She turns 15 in 6 weeks  :-\

btw, glad to hear you're keeping well  :)
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Joe442 on June 16, 2008, 01:12:20 PM
Welcome Cranger,  I'm pretty new here myself and I can tell you that you won't find a cooler group anywhere than those on SBG!!  I'm on the way to sly myself and it sounds like you have gone short for some time now....my advice simply is to just embrace it!  Use that sunscrean and get a nice tan on the bean and roll with it!  I had a hard time making the decision myself but in the end you sure can't worry about what others may think....those that are going to judge you on your appearance or your hair or lack thereof aren't worth wasting a thought on anyhow!  Hang in there bud and wear it proud!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Tyler on June 16, 2008, 06:02:23 PM
Cranger, how goes it now?  Are you getting used to the shaved look?
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: BALDANDRE on June 16, 2008, 11:51:46 PM
The first three months were amongst the worst and most arduous of my life but since about four or five it has been the best experience ever. 

Truer words have never been spoken! ;)

Congrats brutha on the 1 year!!!!!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 17, 2008, 02:09:18 AM
Hi Joe

Had it at the shortest it can possibly go on a shaver for a couple of days, and even though i've been on a #1 for a while, i've had quite a few funny looks and comments.

I have to say, the negative have out done the positive.  My first appearance playing in a football (soccer!) match last night and had a bit of stick (to be expected!) 

It's great all the advice and i'm trying to keep it in my head when i'm out, but i just don't feel comfortable!!  I'm beggining to think i never will.  But i'm sticking with it, and had a shave this morning.

How long was it til you actually felt comfortable and not self conscious?

Cheers
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Paul on June 17, 2008, 05:22:04 AM
I was self conscious at first too Cranger, but the more exposure you give yourself the more your self confidence grows.  The idea to keep in mind is to NOT CARE what others think, but how GOOD YOU feel about being sly.   If you walk around with your head held high for all to see and exude confidence no one is going to have much to say. 
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 17, 2008, 05:43:40 AM
Great point Paul


"The idea to keep in mind is to NOT CARE what others think, but how GOOD YOU feel about being sly"

This is what i have to keep reminding myself, and as soon as I get more comfortable with more exposure, I'm sure i'll be back to normal!!!

Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Joe442 on June 17, 2008, 06:03:09 AM
Hi Cranger,  I'm on my way to the #1 and that started with a #3 this past Sunday!  Yeah, for awhile now I've been thinning on top and was self conscious about it, but I let it go natural and didn't try to cover it up and I've finally decided that there's really no reason to keep messing with it!  So I went for the #3....actually got talked into it because I was intending to go shorter right off the bat but I felt comfortable with it immediately!  It feels good and it's alot cooler already in this hot weather and I'm going back and getting it down to a #2 later this week!  Good Luck to you and keep your head up!  There's nothing to be ashamed of.....just be you!!
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: Cranger07 on June 17, 2008, 06:46:38 AM
Good for you Joe!  Great effort and i'm really pleased you feel better.

Let me know how you get on with the #2.

It must be a confidence thing that only comes with time.

Unfortunately, I do not need to keep cool over here, it's genuinely just started raining and its about 14 degrees C!!!

Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: xnewyawka on June 17, 2008, 12:08:10 PM
Cranger, welcome to the SBG site. Good to have you come in.

I agree with all my fellow sly guys (and gal), keep it at a buzz that's comfortable for you for a while. You will get used to it, and then you can think about taking all down.

I believe it won't take too long before you get the bug to do it. That's what has happened with a lot of us here.
 
Good luck, and let us know how it goes.   
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: BlackJamesRackham on June 17, 2008, 12:27:21 PM
Hey Cranger...great that you're giving it a shot. I definitely felt a little uncomfortable at first, and even today am not 100% comfortable. But it definitely has gotten better with time. The only thing that worries me now is the reaction of those that are used to me with longer hair. Not sure what to expect from them
Title: Re: New from UK.....
Post by: warhawk on June 17, 2008, 06:29:45 PM
hey cranger:  welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  glad that ya found us.  hope U become an active member of the best site on the internet.  hope U enjoy your new look & get comfortable with it each & everyday.  remember... 2 keep the smooooth look 4 atleast 30 days.  the 30 day trial is the unwritten rule in the SBG forum.  after 30 days... one will B able 2 decide to keep it or grow it back.  in the meantime... enjoy your new look & have fun with the reactions.   O0

WARHAWK O0