Working up my Courage

• Working up my Courage by Monkeystone on 19 Aug, 2013 19:49
• Just found slybaldguys. Just what I needed; a support network for my thoughts regarding shaving my head. I have worn my hair short for many years, lacking sufficient follicles for any other hairstyle. Been toying with the idea of shaving my head for a couple of years. I am mostly worried that people who know me will think I have lost my mind. Deep inside I know this is silly, but I really can't think of any other reason stopping me. Any words of wisdom from those that have gotten past this roadblock?
  
• #1 by Laser Man on 19 Aug, 2013 20:37
• Being nervous or anxious about what people will think is pretty natural, but as most of us will attest, most people get over it pretty fast.  They have busy lives and your new "hairstyle" won't be the focus of attention for very long.  That's not to say you won't get comments and some will be negative.  It's just that it won't be a huge deal for most people, especially if you've been wearing your hair short and are balding to start.
  
  Also, in many parts of the country, shaved heads are no longer uncommon.  I just came back from a vacation in New England and the sly look is pretty common and not confined to one age group.
  
  So, give it a try.  If you don't like it, your hair will grow back in a short time.
• #2 by Hingatao on 19 Aug, 2013 22:13
• Good advice from npsbg. Another point to consider is that it's your head. You're the only one who has to be happy with it.
• #3 by nuts on 20 Aug, 2013 00:15
• Everyne is usually nervous first up but once done the confidence and feeling of freedom shows through.  Good advice from npsbg.
  
  Go for it and post a pic.
• #4 by U8myburger on 20 Aug, 2013 03:45
• As someone who just took the plunge, I say go for it. You'll probably be surprised at how much you and most other people like the look on you.
• #5 by geeman on 20 Aug, 2013 04:32
• Good advice...it will be yesterday's news very quickly... I got more comments when I bought a new pair of trainers....if you are worried about your thinning hair...or that you are going bald....buzz it first....see what you think....then if YOU like it, try shaving....shaving isn't the be all and end all....it's not for everyone, some people like the buzzed look....but one thing is guaranteed, the worry and anxieties will vanish and you will feel confident
• #6 by 50plus on 20 Aug, 2013 05:30
• I'm with nuts in suggesting everyone is nervous first up. Though I don't know for sure I'ts unlikely you are as nervous now as I was a short time ago. npsbg also makes a mention of people being busy and that your hair won't be the focus. I have found this to be very true.
  
  If it's fine with you then that's the important thing.
  
  You will not be nervous for long following your shave and you will soon be so so happy. This has been my experience and personally (prior shaving) I was climbing the walls with anxiety. I am so much happier now and it's effected my life in all the right ways: Sleep better, converse with others better and generally live a more full-filling life.
  
  All the best with your road block Monkeystone. You have a lot of support with SBG and they say it as it is. Cheers
  
• #7 by Sir Harry on 20 Aug, 2013 06:21
• Welcome! It's normal to be nervous when shaving for the first time, but just remember, a shaved head is not something permanent...unless you want it to be. Good luck and we're here to help!
• #8 by Cave Dweller on 20 Aug, 2013 17:14
• As the gentlemen before me have said so well, being nervous is not uncommon. I took a little over two months to get up the nerve to put the clippers to my hairline. Once you take that first swipe, however, the anxiety goes away.
  
  If you are like most of us, you will be wondering why you waited so long.
  
  Most people will notice and may comment on the change the first time they see you, and then will not think anything of it after that.
  
  And welcome, sir!
• #9 by xnewyawka on 21 Aug, 2013 14:08
• Welcome to the forum. Like all the guys have said before, most of us have faced the same fears. The one constant we usually hear is "why did I wait so long."
  Hang in there, it gets better each day.