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Twelfth-Day Thoughts by gebodragon on 12 Sep, 2010 18:07
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I shaved my head for the first time on September 1, so it's been twelve days now. When I got the urge to do this for real, around my 55th birthday in late August, I never would have imagined what a profoundly transformative experience it would turn out to be.
Like many guys who come here who are pondering shaving for whatever reason, I too was convinced that I would look utterly ridiculous with no hair, but I figured I had to do it once, just to see, and told myself that if it was awful, it would grow back quickly. As I stated in my introductory post, my inspiration for shaving was not so much that I was going bald, but that my hair had gone completely white, starting back in my twenties and gone, gone since my middle forties.
Well . . . . after being BBC for twelve days, I'm to the point where I can't imagine myself ever going back to having hair. Shaving my head is not only physically transformative in a good way, but it has utterly changed how I feel about myself and my appearance.
Reactions from family, friends and people at work have been overall very positive; a few people have been a bit shocked at first because I do look very very different, but as people get used to it, I have had many positive comments.
One friend's wife told me she REALLY liked it, and said it's a very "strong, masculine" look.
I finally worked up my nerve and tried the Headblade, find it easy to use on the front and sides, but the back of my head is more difficult to do with it; nicked myself last night, just a little. So right now, I'm using a combination of Headblade and Fusion, and it's getting faster and easier every day. I think the Headblade will get more and more use as I become more confident of my touch with it.
I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I admit that the little missed spots that my fingers seem to find a few minutes after I'm done could make me a little crazy if I let them. Have decided from reading posts here that it goes with the territory and not to let them.
I'm managing my two largish moles by putting a fingertip over them and shaving around as close as I can get, then fine tuning around them with my beard trimmer's little foil shaver attachment after I'm done. It's working pretty well. Have an appointment next month with the dermatologist, hoping I can convince him they should just go away. Would make things very much simpler.
I bought the Conair Cleanhead shaver, too, and find it does a creditable job though not as satisfyingly smooth as the blades; am using it for late-in-the-day tuneups mostly, when I feel the need.
I'm finding myself overall much more interested in my appearance and general physical upkeep than I've been in a while, and I think that's a healthy side effect of this, too. It's almost like sliding into a new identity of sorts, which is really fun and rather liberating. Kind of "Oh, that guy with the white hair wouldn't dress like this, or do this, but this cool guy with the shaved head totally would, so let's try it . . . ."
Like I said--liberating and fun and inspiring in an odd and unexpected way.
I've been continuing to read through the old posts here, and have to say that in all my years on the internet I don't think I've ever seen such a consistently positive, supportive, insightful and considerate group of people gathered in a forum of any kind. You guys are awesome! Maybe on top of everything else, sly guys are more enlightened!
All in all, I would say that shaving my head--being done with messing with and worrying about my hair FOR GOOD--is one of the most unexpectedly wonderful things I have done for myself in recent years. Had no idea what I was setting in motion for myself when I picked up that razor, but I'm not going back.
I will add my voice to the chorus of those telling the fence-sitters and the fearful to go for it; you've got absolutely nothing to lose, and maybe a lot to gain. At the very least, you'll be taking control of something that matters deeply to you on a very personal level, and that's very empowering.
Luke -
#1 by Noodles on 12 Sep, 2010 19:00
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Luke,
First and foremost- Welcome to the SBG forum. Glad you found us!
As the members log on and read your post above, I think just about everyone here can agree that we ALL went through a verrrrrrrrrrrry similar "mental thought process" when we were first considering to go SLY.
I mean....you nailed it dude!!
Your post above would make a great testimonial piece when "fence sitters" come across this site trying to decide what to do about their receding hairline or horseshoe!
Once again, Welcome.
Post comments often, and if you ever have questions about anything, feel free to ask. Within the many members that SBG has, somebody either knows the answer, or can point you in the right direction where the answer can be found.
Lots of "shaving research and knowledge" within these forum walls. Grab a pillow, make yourself comfy and get ready for some very enjoyable reading...
In the "How to" section of the forum, there are easy steps you can follow to help you post a pic on your profile.
- Cap'n Noodles -
"Luke - Welcome to the SLY side!!"
...and now back to the game....
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#2 by D.A.L.U.I. on 12 Sep, 2010 19:36
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Like I said--liberating and fun and inspiring in an odd and unexpected way. a very personal level, and that's very empowering.
YES
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#3 by Tyler on 12 Sep, 2010 20:27
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Awesome post gebodragon! You put into words what so many guys feel after going Sly! Congrats on your new liberation!
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#4 by BaldWriterBob on 12 Sep, 2010 23:02
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Congratulations and welcome to the brotherhood.
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#5 by Rob-Raz on 13 Sep, 2010 06:23
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Nice post....very good description of how it feels to be "enlightened!"
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#6 by reb123161 on 13 Sep, 2010 06:44
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Very nice post! Welcome! You really hit the nail on the head, man.
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#7 by Professor Melon on 13 Sep, 2010 10:46
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Hi, Luke:
Yes, indeed! I took the plunge late in life too, have never regretted it, and wonder why it took me so long. The forum helped and I recommend SBG to every balding (or BBC) man I encounter. Best, Professor Melon -
#8 by ozzie on 13 Sep, 2010 21:01
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I have to agree .... well said!Like I said--liberating and fun and inspiring in an odd and unexpected way. a very personal level, and that's very empowering.
YES
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#9 by junglephone on 21 Sep, 2010 12:43
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+1
Exactly.