so i buzzed it all the down - page 1 -

• so i buzzed it all the down by ben34 on 16 Jul, 2009 23:42
• Part of the inspiration was certainly reading about your experiences here, and that they were generally positive. I did consider going bare, but I was quite anxious about the bald head to begin with. I couldn't sleep the night I buzzed my head, as I was anxious about the responses at work. I freely admit to some confidence issues I've been working through, before I ever realized I was balding. On my good days, I feel lucky that I only have something so trivial to worry about, and no major health issues (hope, this remains true). On my bad days, my self esteem is rather destroyed.
  
  I was surprised at the response when I shaved my head. My mother and an old girlfriend were the worst respondents. My mom keeps pushing drugs on me! I've received some positive responses, and I'm pretty sure one girl liked me more than she did before because I was "bold and brave." And apparently it suits my head. HA.
  
  This was in May. I've grown it out since. I had a hard time getting used to it. I know I'll be doing it again...mostly because I have no choice....and....I look back at this picture and think.....I don't look bad.
  
  Thanks
  
  Ben

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• #1 by BALDANDRE on 17 Jul, 2009 00:04
• Looks great bro...why didn't you keep it buzzed?
  
  I say buzz it bald for a week or two...then shave er' smooth..you will love it!
• #2 by Tyler on 17 Jul, 2009 01:10
• Ben, it looks great!  Welcome to SBG
• #3 by c16188 on 17 Jul, 2009 03:30
• Looks great! Take the plunge and shave it all off; you'll enjoy a smooth chromedome.
  Good luck
  Volker
• #4 by slyatlast on 17 Jul, 2009 05:19
• You're so close to being shaved now that you might as well go for it.  Hold your sly head high and don't let the negative comments get to you.  They'll end as soon as you don't react to them.
• #5 by D.A.L.U.I. on 17 Jul, 2009 06:18
• Mothers, wives and girlfriends aren't generally for it at first and some never really sign on to the program.  Don't worry about it, this is about you.
  You say you "never really got used to it."  You should have run into the SBG's 30 day rule--shave it, keep it up not less than thirty days.  That will get you over the hump some  have called the "Who's that dude in the mirror?" sensation.  After that, you probably will stay sly unless you really like going bald, slowly, hair by hair, week by week.  You're going to be bald, the only question is will you be in control or will you let yourself consider yourself a victim.  It's not a disease or defect, so it's really just you, the guy that lives w/ it 24/7/365 that is in control of how to become bald--not whether you will be bald-that's going to happen.  We think sly is the answer.  And I think we all question the wisdom of your mother pushing the drugs--they're not going to adversely affect her health, just yours.  She's not thought this through. 
• #6 by GaryT on 17 Jul, 2009 08:58
• I know you say it was back in May that it was that short but do it again! There's only one way that you will know how incredible a bald head feels and that is to  just do it! Listen to the woman that said brave and bold! I mean, how much more do you need to tell you that you look better bald than balding! Go for the 30 day rule, you will not regret it!
• #7 by xnewyawka on 17 Jul, 2009 10:12
• Welcome to SBG's ben. I say keep it buzzed down, it looks good and if it feels right for you then it's your choice.
  I also feel you should avoid the drugs at all cost. I agree with saint on this, your Mom has not really thought of the possible consequences.
  Stick to your guns and do what is right for you.
• #8 by bem75 on 17 Jul, 2009 11:42
• Looks good, Ben.  Shave it again and give it 30 days.  People will get used to it and probably will come to like it a lot.
• #9 by Stu on 17 Jul, 2009 11:46
• Ben, it looks great... only completely slick would be better.  Listent to Saintc... wise words indeed.  It's your life.
• #10 by Papa Don on 17 Jul, 2009 13:35
• Yeah Ben, the guys are absolutely correct. Drug are called dope for a reason!  My theory on Mothers not liking the shave dome is that they no longer have their baby.  If he stays the same forever, I will always have someone to mother to death.
  Once she gets the idea that you have taken charge of your life, the better for you.  Mine nearly through a fit when I had to start shaving my face.  Can't imagine what she would think now.  It's your life, do as you want to do.  Keep us posted as to your decision.  And oh yes, welcome.
• #11 by Bensen on 17 Jul, 2009 13:51
• from ben32 to ben 34
  it looks good and you story sounds very similar to mine. for sure some others here expirienced the same.
  once you got used to it youe self esteem will be much better. you found a good group to go through.
• #12 by stasiu on 17 Jul, 2009 18:43
• Hey Ben34 !  Sometimes I think this site is the GQBM (Gentlemen's Quarterly Bald Magazine) site with advice and well written stories about MalePatternBaldness or BaldByChoice !  Welcome !  Keep your hair #0 or #1 top with #0 faded sides/back so everyone gets used to this look and then work up the razor confidence or just keep it #1 or #0 overall during the bald cycles.  You got the bald looks!  BTW?  Is that your guitar leaning against the vertical blinds?  You a musician?
• #13 by aarrggh on 17 Jul, 2009 18:46
• W E L C O M E !
• #14 by Razor X on 17 Jul, 2009 19:25
• You have to shave it completely smooth in order to fully appreciate what it's like to be sly.  It won't look much different than short buzz, but if you don't shave, you're missing out on the best part of being sly -- the feeling of a smooth bald scalp when you (or somebody else) run your hand over your dome.