Perhaps a requirement in military organisations would be ok but not in general. I think that each person should make their own decision whether or not to opt for the shaved head look.

I was not "forced" for want of a better word, to shave my head. It was my own decision. I am bald-by-choice and proud to be so.

Making a head shave a "rite-of-passage" would only provoke resentment in some corners of society, me-thinks.

I have not read the post, but I say Yes and no. I say it should be a CUSTOM. We break many customs and make our own. For me, I always take a spoon full of sugar before I get a tattoo. Don't ask me why, I just do. Just as I think that you should not have facial hair until you turn 21. Maybe it should be a right of passage and have it for the whole year of the 18th year of your life, you should be a JR. Sly. On your 19th birthday, you can choose to have hair or remain sly. BUT it is not a requirement.

Dont likeauthoritarianism in any form , forced haircuts no way , let men make there own choices

One place where some men have to shave their heads is in many police academies in New Jersey.  The link below is from one man who was about to start training.  He wanted to know if an electric razor would work. I liked in particular one succinct response:  "Be a man.  Use a blade."  I read elsewhere that the man who reorganized police academies in New Jersey, who himself shaved his head, came across really undisciplined, out-of-shape recruits and gradually tightened up the training requirements.  The police commanders were so pleased with the results that they let him institute a shaved-head rule.  Not all academies in NJ enforce complete head-shaving, but some do.  I think that this is one area where a shaved-head requirement could be made more widespread.  After all, this is for basic training, which no has to participate in (unless he wants to become a cop, of course).  Does anyone know if police academies elsewhere require shaved heads for trainees?  BTW, thank, all police officers out there, for your service.

http://forums.njlawman.com/post/important-question-2371453?highlight=head+shave

hi to everyone.true not forced is better

thanks!i'm actually not at the point where it's really bad yet.

I'm with Mike E. P.,  Aleforna. I think your friend has some stereotype in her head of what a bald man is like.

We all are different. Just read some of the threads on this forum if you need proof of that.

When I was considering/worrying how I would look fully bald, I wet down what was left of my hair and slicked it back against my scalp. It made it much easier to see all the imperfections and odd slope of my skull. Funny thing is, once I went through with the first shave, no one - not even my wife - noticed those flaws until I pointed them out. A lot of guys have reported the same thing on this forum.

thanks guys.