Welcome aboard...digg around, you'll find plenty of stories, helpful hints and comradarie within these pages of internets. Tomorrow marks my 30th day straight shaving the scalp and i have learned tons in the short time I have been here. Quit thinking about it and do it....and if you don't like it....it will grow back!! 

Thanks gentlemen - looks like a good  place. 

Welcome, we all have been through what your feeling and have found the freedom. Good luck and I hope we can offer some helpful advice.

I would think the majority shaved it themselves first, but more first have a barber buzz it as close as possible.  But, a $10-15 clipper from Wal-Mart will do the same, and is useful to have around for trimming purposes if you decide to add a chin mitten later.

I think actually shaving yourself is such an exhilarating sensation that it shouldn't be missed--I think the guys that have done it remember the experience as one of the most memorable in their adult lives.   

Welcome Timbo.  So glad you came to the right place for information and support.  As has been said, you have the itch.  You won't rest until you have the scratch.  Many have said to do it yourself, for me I had the barber do it for me.  IMO I don't think I could have had the nerve to do it.  Everyone is different.  And of course, it does grow back.  The feeling after the first shave is unreal. There is a numb feeling on the scalp that can't be described properly.  It is just AWESOME.  The kind of feeling you wish would never go away.  But perhaps the best thing about shaving you head, it also shaves years off your appearance.  At my age, what could be better?   Good luck with your decision.  We are behind you all the way. 

This support is great. Just having a place to ask is a real help.
I haven't made up my mind all the way yet, but assuming I go through with it I am going to ask my barber to do the job; his shop is in the building where I work now. I've been going to him for 12 years. Do most guys have a barber shave their heads the first time, or do it themselves?
(There's probably  whole thread on this here - so sorry if it is off topic.  )

 

I just went to my barber and he buzzed it down.  First to a #3 on top and #2 on sides.  Then 'cause I'm real thin on top I asked for a #1 all way around.  I wore it that way for a couple of weeks before shaving.  I've been shaving daily since.
By the way, Welcome!

Welcome Timbo!

As experience shows, hesitation is absolutely unnecessary.
Just make up your mind and act.
You can be a bald guy pretty fast.

And in case you'll need it, don't hesitate ( ) to ask us for support. We're always here to help.