Sly Bald Guys Forum
New Member Section => Introductions => Topic started by: ludeakris7 on May 08, 2009, 07:07:00 AM
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Hi all! I'm a 28 yr old guy about to take the head shave plunge.javascript:replaceText('%20:-[',%20document.forms.postmodify.message); Mother nature has been dealing me the genetic card since I was a teenager. I started noticing my hairline receding at 16 and it hasn't let up since. On top of that my top hair has been thining too. Fortunately I have sported a caeser style cut which actually looked good up to about a year ago when my thinning top hair started looking unhealthy. My cut is so short I'm basically bald anyway because I have blond hair...so in pictures I look bald neway. For some reason though I am having anxiety about just shaving it. I shaved it once when I was 19 and it was a good look for me. I grew it back out cuz I felt weird about it. I have a good head for it I'm attractive and I sport the goetee which helps. I'm the type of person whom is really critical about my hair because I've always been trying to hide my balding. I always wear a hat but when I can't (ie dinners, work, functions) I get stressed. I'm sure some of you have had a similar issue and I'm looking for a little support I guess. At this point my hairline is halfway back on top and my crown is starting. The hair I do have is pushed forward to cover but its looking super thin and now is def looking comb-forward or "hawning". Its time to do it and I have no choice but I wanted to explore other peoples stories....maybe to gain a little confidence. I'm planning on doing it before a 9 day vacation with my wife whom is 100% for the shave (I think she doesn't like my hair right now cuz she stopped touching it) next month so I have some time to get some color on my dome. Thanks for listening everyone and I look forward to being a Sly-Guy.
concerned about balding
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First off, welcome aboard. If your hair being blond and already so short that it can appear sly why not go the whole route. Shave it and keep it that way for 30 days. You said you already liked the look on you so you just need to get comfortable with staying sly. They are plenty of sly guys around today so that should take the edge off. If you have any questions, just ask away, the guys hear are always ready to help.
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Welcome to the Forum LK7!
Take Paul's advice.... 30 days.
The nervousness that you had as a boy of 19 will not be there as a Man of 28.
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Thanks guys for the nice welcome and words of wisdom lol. I really think I’m having anxiety about all this is because for the past 10 years I’ve been trying to hang on to my hair, so its really a big time psychological issue. I’m sure it will be a relief not having to hang on to my hair anymore but it’s a major change in my mind. Honestly I know deep down that I will be happier and prob more confident (after reading some other posts relating to confidence and self esteem). It makes sense in the fact that I lose my self confidence when I’m worrying about my hair, so if I don’t have to worry about it I can only be confident. As for the 30 days….my choice to shave is a one way ticket so it will be a forever slyguy decision. Reason being that my hair has receded so much (halfway back) that if I shave it and try to grow back it will look retarded during the regrow process. I’m sure I’ll feel weird initially like I did when I was young but I think being that I have “manned” out in my appearance and mindset I will have no problems stickin with the sly look. After reading some other stories I’m starting to realize that I really don’t have it that bad. I’m basically already a slyguy with my hairstyle now so it shouldn’t be such a shocker to people…its not like they didn’t notice my hair was going away. Lol I’m sure everyone agrees that trying to hide it is vain and unattractive. I’m at the point now with my hair that I feel I am portraying that vainess n just looking like a D-Bag. I’m really enjoying the slyguy and am looking forward to truelly becoming a slyguy. It really helps to be chatting with people in the same boat. Any first shave recommendations…based on mistakes of others? Also, I have really good tanning skin, so does your head tan similar to the rest of you i.e. time to darken and sensitivity? I’m doing it before a 9 day vacation (in a month) down the shore so I’m balanced before work.
Thanks all!
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... my choice to shave is a one way ticket so it will be a forever slyguy decision. Reason being that my hair has receded so much (halfway back) that if I shave it and try to grow back it will look retarded during the regrow process.
Same here. Once you accept that you're going to be bald no matter what you do, it's a lot easier to shave. Sounds like you've reached that stage of acceptance, so the rest should be a piece of cake.
Just one bit of advice: shave it now -- right now. Why postpone the inevitable? It's Friday; you have the whole weekend to adjust. The anxiety you're experiencing is from the anticipation. Get it over with and you'll feel better immediately.
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I would do it now but I really want the time to get color and used to it before I go to work..I just don't want my co-workers staring at a light bulb colored dome. Trust me, I've been playing in the mirrors by pushing it back so I look bald...so yes I am def in anticipation. I am however each day getting more acceptance of whats going on. I know it sounds vain, the whole color thing. But I think it will make me feel better about the new me and the decision. Thanks for the push off the cliff though lol
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Just one bit of advice: shave it now -- right now. Why postpone the inevitable? It's Friday; you have the whole weekend to adjust. The anxiety you're experiencing is from the anticipation. Get it over with and you'll feel better immediately.
Welcome...like Razor X suggested, shave it now -- today -- and by the time you go on vacation, you'll be converted 100% to slick sly. It's unlikely the coworkers and others will even notice or respond on Monday if you already have it pretty short/thin. Trust me. A total nonevent and I regret postponing it and timing it just right due to concerns about wanting others to like it or get used to the change. The joke is no one cared. Either way, sounds like you are on the edge...take the leap!
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I need a haircut anyway today! lol So do I spend 30 on a cut or 30 on a blade/cream/sunscreen etc? I know what you'll say.lol Yes I am being concerned about other peoples opinions and I need to get over it. I think what I needed was you guys. I might be grabbing some stuff on my lunchbreak.hehe
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I need a haircut anyway today! lol So do I spend 30 on a cut or 30 on a blade/cream/sunscreen etc? I know what you'll say.lol Yes I am being concerned about other peoples opinions and I need to get over it. I think what I needed was you guys. I might be grabbing some stuff on my lunchbreak.hehe
$30 on a haircut? Seriously? :o Not worth it at all, once you've reached the stage where you've lost enough hair that you're ready to shave it. Just stop by the pharmacy and get yourself a good razor and some headslick. Buzz your hair as short as you can before you start shaving.
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I need a haircut anyway today! lol So do I spend 30 on a cut or 30 on a blade/cream/sunscreen etc? I know what you'll say.lol Yes I am being concerned about other peoples opinions and I need to get over it. I think what I needed was you guys. I might be grabbing some stuff on my lunchbreak.hehe
Now you're talking! Just trying to spare you the anxiety I had. The relief and confidence boost, once it's done, are incredible. Have a barber do it for you cheap and finish it off at home with a good razor. Spend the $30 celebrating instead.
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Hey ludeakris,
Welcome aboard SBGs man. Glad to have you with us.
Many of us have been where you are now. I agree with the guys that it would be good to shave the noggin now. Why wait? But if you do wait until vacation, that's okay too. Just stick to the deadline that you set.
One thing: after you have a shaved dome, ditch the hat. It is important for your self-image and pride that you wear the look proudly. and why wouldn't you man. You have already said that you look good with a dome. (Only proviso is that you take proper precautions against sunburn and that means wearing sunscreen and even a hat outdoors if you will be exposed to sunlight for a significant period. Don't want to hide the new, handsome, shaved dome under bandages :px.)
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Yea 30 for a haircut. I kept going to this women because she did my hair the way I wanted because I was so picky about it. It was 25 then I gave her a couple bucks and a couple to the shampoo girl. I was going every 3 weeks too cuz my side hair grew long compared to my top and it looked stupid. The financials of the whole hair thing was another big consideration with becoming sly. In this economy spending 500 a year on cuts compared to the creams and razors is a no brainer. So I am taking your advice...I picked up the headblade (couldn't find the spf head stuff) at lunch and I am picking up the Billy Jealousy shave cream after work. I am just going to do it when I get home tonight. I'm actually really excited about doing it!!! It feels liberating in a weird way. Like you said boston ditching the hat is going to take some getting used to due to the fact that its the first thing I grab going anywhere or even when people are coming over. I really can't wear it cuz I want to get a nice tan up there. If you have any suggestions on products (that I can get after work...not online) that would be great. Like I said I only got the razors so what other products should I get? From what I've researched; Shaving cream, some suggest like a "Pre-Oil", aftershave, spf moisturizer ( all with no alcohol)? I'm going to use a 1 clipper then get in hot shower then shave. Thanks a lot guys!
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Yea 30 for a haircut. I kept going to this women because she did my hair the way I wanted because I was so picky about it. It was 25 then I gave her a couple bucks and a couple to the shampoo girl. I was going every 3 weeks too cuz my side hair grew long compared to my top and it looked stupid.
I can remember going through all that. Then one day I woke up and realized that I didn't have enough hair to justify putting out that kind of money on it. That's when I started getting buzz cuts, which kept getting shorter and shorter ...
The financials of the whole hair thing was another big consideration with becoming sly. In this economy spending 500 a year on cuts compared to the creams and razors is a no brainer. So I am taking your advice...I picked up the headblade (couldn't find the spf head stuff) at lunch and I am picking up the Billy Jealousy shave cream after work. I am just going to do it when I get home tonight. I'm actually really excited about doing it!!! It feels liberating in a weird way.
It's very liberating. Be careful with the Headblade and remember not to apply pressure like you would with a normal razor. You can cut yourself pretty badly if you do. Take it slow and carefully and you'll be fine.
Enjoy the shave and post some pictures of the results when you can.
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Yea I will def do before and after pics. From what I've been seeing in the forums is that Headslick is a great product and its way cheaper than a Billy Jealousy product. Plus you can get it at Walgreens instead of Bloomingdales where prices are redicilous! Grabbing some headslick + headshade and choppin the locks. I did hear that you need to be careful with the headblade and there is a learning curve. I def don't want a bloody polk-a-dot head. Luckily they are letting us out of work early today so I can get right to it. Any other suggestions on product would be great or even shaving techniques.
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Its kinda funny...I'm looking at my profile pic and I look SLY neway...It shouldn't be this hard!
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Dude, you will look great. Do it right away. You have to just jump in with both feet. You'll enjoy your vacation more if you're already sly. The sly life is better. 8)
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Don't fear the pale head, it will be evenly colored before you know it. Protect your dome though! It's the time of year where it's easier to burn it.
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Thanks guys! I'm plunging when my wife get home in a couple hours. She wants to watch and is all for it...matter of fact it was her suggestion so my guess is she finds it sexy. Can't go wrong there.lol I got the headshade stuff so I'll be tanning all weekend. At this point I don't care what anyone thinks besides myself. I just needed a little feedback from the sly community to confirm my thoughts. I'm gunna post some before n after pics. I def wouldn't be doing this so soon if I didn't have the support here. Its really great to know this community exists! I didn't even know it did until today. I guess no more bed head tonight. lol
Soon to be sly
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Looking forward to hearing what you think of the new sly look when you finally take it all off. As the rest of the bro's said, give it 30 days, you'll love it. O0
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Welcome to the world of the SBG Brotherhood....we are here to support you...need any advice just ask, some the best guys you will ever meet will help to steer you in the right direction.
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Welcome to SBG!
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Whats up everyone? So I wimped out and decided I'm just going to stick with the bad hairline and thin unhealthy hair....just kidding! lol I did it! O0 You guys were right..it feels and looks so much better than I expected. Don't get me wrong I do feel different but in a good way. It was a little more difficult than I thought it would be. I'm assuming there is a learning curve.. a quick one at that being that you need to do it routinely. It felt really good to cut off all that dying hair and finally give my scalp the needed moisture and fresh air. It def feels healthier. Also it was great this morning waking up and not having to immediately fix my hair. I can feel some tiny stuble already this morning so I'm assuming its about a 16 hour shading. My best bet I guess is shaving in the am. Like I said...my hair was so thin and blond before that I thought the change wouldn't be that drastic and it wasn't. I'm def gunna be sly forever! O0 So I am attaching some before n after photos to this post. It looks way better! I posted a pic from last summer in Cancun, a pic playing twister with my cousin (you can really see the top of my head) and a pic I took this morning with my other wife lol :*)) Look forward to hearing your responses and thanks for the support.
Newly Sly
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cancun
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top of head...you really get an idea on this one
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Let me be the first one to say, it looks fantastic mate. I remember the first time i shaved my head, i was really anxious, but afterwards, wow I loved the feeling of it. It only gets better with more practise, it will be smoother with less effort.
Enjoy it mate, but make sure you protect the dome with suncream, believe me, when its sun burnt it stings like a b*tch and you won't be able to shave it till the burn has subsided.
Look forward to hearing about peoples reactions, you'll have both good and bad, but dont take the bad personally.
Looks great mate,
Keep it sly,
Pete
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Looks like you couldnt have made a better choice. So how does it feel to be on this side of the fence? Pretty cool ehh? LOL Welcome bro. Now get your butt down to the convention this July and have some fun!
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Thanks guys! I just shaved it again and it was much easier this time. Luckily I didnt cut or get bumps either time. It feels so good! I couldn't be happier about it. My wife loves it and thats the only person that matters. I've always been one to not give a crap about other peoples opinions of me. I work in an office with mostly old caddy women so I'm sure they will gossip about a hairstyle cuz they are that vain but I always just remember that they are old "balding" overweight women :*)) Most people never change and I'm really proud that I had the balls to do it. Now I can try to talk the krusty the clown guys at work into becoming Sly O0 Everyone was spot on regarding the liberating feelings you get. I love it! I feel way confident!;D I'm sure it will look good in my dress clothes at work...prob more distinguished. Thanks guys. Any clue on how many days it will take to tan if im outside this weekend with spf on? I'm guessing it tans the same as the rest of our body..perhaps quicker because its never seen sun?
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Congratulations!! you look great! O0
Now you realize you wer much more worried than you should have been...
happens to everybody...
Your head is perfect for the sly look! Please remember to use the sunscreen!!
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dont rush the tan...it will come naturally, just be active out side with SUNSCREEN! VERY VERY IMPORTANT!
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Yea..I'm being cautious with the sun. I don't want any pain n probs. I'm putting on plenty of sunscreen. I don't want to post any horror stories. One thing I noticed is that I look a lot tougher >:( I'm loving that. Everyone on here looks tough O0 And yes I'm pissed I didn't do this sooner and hate the fact that I stressed so much. I appreciate the comments! Its kinda cool to be part of another fraternity. It really helps me and I look forward to helping others make the Sly decision. Thanks!!!
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Timmay is Likin' this thread O0
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fantastic!
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Congrats-great look... I went SLY over a year ago and feel HEADS above all those who are trying in vain to keep what little they have left. Yes, one more time, to the sunscreen-I live on Maui and shortly after going SLY I got a nasty head burn and couldn't shave for several days. At my age of 67 and being a red-head in my youth, I had lotsa freckles- they have come out more and more in the sun. Maybe looking tough is one thing but feeling confident is a super benefit-ENJOY!
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Congratulations; it's a huge improvement. O0
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Hey bro!
Lookin great, buddy. Since your wife likes the look so much why not give her a treat and let her rub in your moisterizer and sunscreen? Ohhhhh, whaaaat a feeeling. :@`
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Looks gr8 O0
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Thanks for the input! Thats funny...my wife volunteered to put on the moisturizer last night n def a feeling alright! It felt great working in the yard today. Not worrying about my sweaty hair all day I could just focus. I also got a couple nice looks from the females out and about on their walks. Usually I would look away when I saw them coming cuz I knew my sweat head prop looked ridiculous. It was nice to have that confidence! O0
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Rockin' the look bro. O0
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I'm def gunna be sly forever!
Good decision! You look great! Congrats!!
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Welcome! The sly look suits you really well! Lots of great folks on here. So you sit back and take in all the advice and then figure out what works best for you.
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Excellent move...glad you changed your mind about postponing the shave! Congratulations.
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Very wise choice my friend, very wise. It looks really good on you. You will love the new and improved look more and more.
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You got the look - welcome to SBG. O:O
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Thanks guys! I am def loving it. I feel like my scalp is going to be much healthier with all this attention, moisture and fresh air. I didn't take very good care of my hair when it started thining and looking healthy. It seemed that when I used a lot of product (shampoos and conditioners) my hair would fluff up and frey. Therefore I didn't use product as often as I should of because it just looked better when it had a little grease to it (I have thin blond hair). So I would get some dandruff sometimes. Now I need not worry about that and my scalp is going to love it! It already feels and looks better in just 2 days. The only concern I'm having is with the "fish-belly" color of my scalp where my hair was. The top already has some tan on it because my hair was thin and receding there. I've been reading the other topics about this and it seems that there is really nothing better than the sun. (I'm sitting out today like I did yesterday) I was just wondering if a product like "Touch of Sun" self tanner would do any good for Monday morning when I go into work for the first time Sly? As you know office lighting isn't really the best for these issues. Anyone have any advice?
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I meant sunless tanner...but anyway..I saw a couple posts stating that these products don't work well on a virgin head. Anything contrary to that would be great but from what I've seen in the forums it doesn't look promising. Thanks guys!
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Just an update...Everyday I'm lovin the sly more n more. Contrary to what I believed would happen...I went to a family BBQ and they were all diggin it big time...even my female teenage cousins (whom are very opinionated) gave me they're seal of teenage approval. :*)) Everyone at my work loves the new look! O0 I've gotten nothing but positive opinions and some extra looks from the ladies driving around town. Most have said I look younger and more distinguished..I've even gotten a few "sexy" comments from the ladies at work even. Even the nurse at the docs office was all over my head. It's so great. It's also nice not worrying about wearing a hat and wondering if my hair is messed up. I can't thank everyone enough for giving me that extra confidence to just do it right away. Its already starting to tan in nicely and I couldn't be happier. Best decision ever. Hopefully my story can help others make the decision. Thanks bros!
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This is the part where we all say, "I told you so." ;D
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:*))
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hey ludeakris: welcome 2 the sly fraternity. glad that U R getting many positive vibes on your new look. U look like a natural. i can't imagine U with hair. we hope that U become an active member of the best forum on the internet. O0
WARHAWK O0
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Thnx warhawk! I'm already starting to forget the whole hair look. Yes its been great so far and I am def going to keep being a part of this community. 8)
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Dude!!!! You look GREAT in all of your SLYness.
You sound very happy and I'm glad you took the plunge. You will find that you'll love more and more as time goes by.
Welcome to the group.
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Dude, you rock the SLY look, I don't know what you were so worried about? Welcome aboard!
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Welcome to SBG's ludea, nice to see you've chosen the right path. It sounds like you really dig the new look. Most guys find that it's so much better than any rug, plug or drug. Better to be natural, and honest with yourself.
Enjoy the forum. O0
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looks great there lude. always good seeing another Philly area guy too.