New here, shaving soon, lots of concerns! - page 1 -

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New here, shaving soon, lots of concerns! by TunaSkin on 22 May, 2012 03:50
Hi everybody!

I just joined up and figured I would go ahead and get all my concerns outta the way. First of all, I'm an English teacher in South Korea and image is very important here. People are always judged by their appearance in this country (the younger you look, the better) so I'm a little more concerned than I would be if I was back home in the states. Anyway, my hair is receding in the front, at the temples and the crown and it's really been bothering me. When I get my hair cut here they always put all sorts of garbage in it and style it to hide the fact that it's thinning but I got not time for all that. I feel like a fool putting styling products in my hair, especially in an effort to hide something about myself. So anyway, I've decided to shave it this weekend, even though lots of people keep telling me "it's not that noticeable". I know it's just a matter of time before it looks really ridiculous so I'm just gonna take the plunge.
My main concern is the fact that I have a small head. I don't have any pics to post yet, but Koreans love to comment on how small my face (head) is because they like small faces for some bizarre reason. Anyway, I don't like it, but like my balding, it's just something I have to deal with. So...any support on that issue would be much appreciated.
Anyway, I'm going to shave it this weekend with no guard and if I like the way I look once I'm used to it I'm going to go full sly, as you guys say. Looking forward to talking to all of you! Thanks in advance!
#1 by Lynchy on 22 May, 2012 03:54
Welcome!

Hope you like the sly look!

Personally I thought shaving my head made it look a little bigger?

Anyway, post some before and after pics.

Good luck!
#2 by Frontier Guy on 22 May, 2012 04:26
First off, welcome.

Although I've only been here two weeks I can guarantee you'll find incredible support, encouragement and plenty of smart brains (with more experience than mine) to make suggestions and give guidance.

Cultural differences are interesting, eh?

I'll agree with Lynchy above that shaving may make your head appear bigger, so that may fuel your confidence.

My only recommendation is that you have the tools at the ready to continue from the "no guard" to the fully shaved look. When I trimmed down to the "no guard" I felt unfinished and immediately shaved the rest of the way - which yielded an extraordinary sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. And I think maintaining a consistent appearance by shaving may be easier than using clippers. At least for me.

Commit to the 30-day challenge. (Today is Day #5 for me - not that I'm counting.)

Most of all, welcome. I hope you find this adventure exciting and empowering. It will be whatever you make of it.
#3 by wilky895 on 22 May, 2012 04:32
Welcome,
You found the right place to ask questions and get info/support. It has been 1 week for me going sly and I love it. Check out the 30 day commitment sect. Remember you can always go back as a safety net. Taking it down close with clippers is a good idea it will give you a glimpse of the look but not the same as taking it all the way sly. Good luck. Looking forward to the pics.

#4 by mrzed on 22 May, 2012 04:42
Although you said that you live in Korea, you did not say whether you were yourself Korean or other.

My wife and I visited Korea two years ago. We noticed few with grey hair. Someone told us that the stores sell MUCH hair coloring. (to look young). So I can understand some of your comments. I don't remember seeing balding guys or shaved heads.

Before we went, someone did express concern about my beard and would it be accepted there? or should I shave it off. I left it on. I guess, as a non-Korean, it was OK.

So perhaps you are in this situation, too. Non-Korean could do more with hair culturally?
#5 by Sir Harry on 22 May, 2012 04:57
Welcome! Unless it becomes a safety concern (I don't know Korean customs), if you feel confident going sly, just go ahead and follow through when you're ready....Good Luck!
#6 by Mikekoz13 on 22 May, 2012 05:10
Welcome to the Forum!

Old Korean proverb..... " It is always best to be yourself, no matter where the journey leads you". (Not really a Korean proverb.... I just made it up, but I'm sure you get the idea).
#7 by D.A.L.U.I. on 22 May, 2012 07:01
Good decision, welcome and ask any questions you may have. Hiding mpb in plain sight by shaving is a great way to put all those wasted concerns to bed.
#8 by RoWilJr on 22 May, 2012 07:44
Sounds like a plan....Good luck and welcome to SBG!
#9 by Natedawg on 22 May, 2012 07:50
Welcome, Tuna! Great plan!
Don't be so caught up in what people think of you (foreign customs, or not). Be exactly who you want to be, and in time, that is how you will be accepted and known. Best of luck!
#10 by Paul the Headblader on 22 May, 2012 08:06
welcome
#11 by TunaSkin on 22 May, 2012 09:52
This is awesome, I'm already feeling better about my decision. It's great to get so much support so quickly. I think the 30 day challenge is a great idea and I'll probably give it a try.

@ Wilky- I am not Korean, just live here. I'm from the USA. You're right about beards being a big deal here though. Koreans say they look "dirty" but I think it's just because they can't grow good beards.

Thanks again to everyone and I'll post some pics as soon as the deed is done...I can't wait!

#12 by Baldstu on 22 May, 2012 15:59
Welcome tuna skin
#13 by Chiboxer on 25 May, 2012 21:14
Welcome to SBG, you'll find a wealth of great information and support here.
#14 by TunaSkin on 27 May, 2012 08:04
Update: Had the barber shave it all off yesterday morning and then went full sly last night! I love it! Spent all day at the beach getting some sun on my white dome! Thanks to all you guys for the push and I'll get some pics posted in a couple days.