So I guess I started getting a receding hairline around 19 or so, and the hairloss has escalated alot in about the last year. I used to buzz my hair with a #2 guard every 2 weeks about a year or so ago. Then as it got worse it would be every week. Then after I got tired of cutting it every week I switched to a #1 guard so I would only have to cut it every 2 weeks. Same thing happened so I switched to the no guard every week. Eventually(about May or so) even right after cutting it with no guard you could clearly still see where hair was thicker than other places. So then I went to beard trimmers, these got it a lil closer. I would cut my hair with these about 3 days a week up until about 3 weeks ago. Then I decided the hell with it and shaved it all off. Love the look just gotta get used to people who havent seen me in a while say "Damn whered all your hair go?" Thats the hardest part to me. Ive been wearing a hat every time I go out at least since January, just too self conscious about it. Im starting to get comfortable with it around my friends and roomates because theyre used to it now and it pretty much is what it is at this point.

Anyways I have a few questions for all the experienced bald guys. First, how did yall get over your hairloss initially?

And when it comes to shaving, I cant ever seem to get a shave in without nicking myself. I use the fusion 5 blade and I only get a clean, cut free shave when I use a brand new razor the first time. Then it seems like each time after I cut myself every time. I just cant see myself spending that kind of money on razors all the time(it was 8 for like $27). I would like to get AT LEAST 3 shaves out of every one but hate getting cut on 2-3 shaves. So what do yall do to prevent cutting yourselves?

And sorry but I got one more. I got some Jergens Natural Glow to tan up my white head, is it ok to put it on right after a shave instead of aftershave? When I get done shaving I rinse my head with cold water then dry it, then I used to put aftershave on but all the spots where I nicked my head get extremely red and make my bald head unattractive. So thats why I was wondering if it was ok to just put the natural glow on. TIA!

I shave it every 2-3 days or so. Sometimes Ill shave it everyday(if its the weekend or something) or whenever I want to look my best. For example, Im probably going out tonight, tomorrow night, and Saturday night, so most likely Ill shave it each day so I can look my absolute freshest for the ladies! Haha.

I got over my hair loss one day when I was about 12 years old. I looked at my Dad, who was 36 years old at the time, and realized that one day my hair line would look just like his..... way back.
I'm from a long line of male pattern baldness on my Dad's side so i knew it was in my future.

No big deal.

Welcome to SBGs!!!

Hi SCjay,

I started to recede and thin out all on the top around 19 or 20 as well.  If you've been buzzing down for over a year now, I don't think the transition to shaven should be a big deal to anyone (and it's not) that's seen you in that time span. 

Go ahead and give shaving a try.  The thing I think will help you the most is making yourself go out without a hat on all the time.  I wore hats during the 2-3 years of balding (while attempting shaggy college hair) and was very self-conscious.  Once I buzzed it down I felt absolutely liberated.  A couple weeks after the buzz I shaved it off and have been doing so for 2 years and 3 months.  Wouldn't change it for the world. 

Regarding your razor, I recommend the "blue jean method" for re-sharpening the edges.  Google or YouTube it.  I usually use a bath towel or my forearm and gently swipe the razor in the non-cutting direction across it for about 10 swipes.  I find doing this at least doubles or even triples the life of my blades.  I use the Personna M5 and, shaving every day and sometimes every other day, I can make my cartridges last about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks.

As far as Jergens Natural Glow, I use it every now and then and I've found that using it right after a fresh shave usually results in irritation and burning.  I'd wait at least 20 or 30 minutes to put it on.  Also, if you're using an alcohol-based aftershave you may want to consider switching to Witch Hazel.  It contains 14% or so alcohol (much less than most aftershaves I think), there's virtually no irritation, and it still has the antibacterial and astrigent effects. 

hey scjay:

welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  glad that ya joined us.  one thing about "head shaving"  there R so many razors out there and different routines.  check out the "headshaving section of the forum"  under "what razor you use" and "your shave routine".  U can research this and decide what works 4 U.

again... welcome 2 the forum and feel free to ask more questions.

WARHAWK

Welcome! Are you using a good shave gel? You may want to try an electric shaver.

 

How does the electric work for you? Does it get as close as shaving against the grain does?

Welcome--you're at the right place. 

Anyways I have a few questions for all the experienced bald guys. First, how did yall get over your hairloss initially?

This is different for everyone, but one element of a guy's acceptance is the realization that when push comes to shove the people worth knowing and loving are more interested in what's in your head rather than what's on it!  There are lots of these people out there--trust us on that one.
And "nicks"--well, again with time and a regular shaving practice you'll learn your equipment and your noggin and those will be only a random occurance, rather like shaving your face.