Ben, when I shaved off my full head of hair, I expected family and friends to freak out. Didn't happen, my girlfriend at the time said OMG! five minutes later she said I should keep it for a while, it looked good.

I would just have a couple of responses ready like, "I just wanted to try a new style".

FYI, when I got the clippers out, I buzzed to about a #2 and really didn't like it, so I shaved it, and loved it. Whatever works for you.

Hey Ben,

Been exactly where you are... I just kept denying it for a while but it was eating me up inside and I buzzed it down out of frustration one Saturday. Best decision I ever made!

I realized I didn't look too bad at all and was freaking out about nothing. This is the biggest problem I've realized... guys freak out about going bald but don't even know what they'll look like so why get so paranoid before even seeing yourself bald once? Also, good decision to buzz and gradually start shaving, it's a smooth transition and you'll love it!

Sooo reactions. Well after I buzzed it, I had this huge sense of relief which I can't really explain. I could run my hands over my head and not find myself counting the number of strands that fell out which was amazing. I remember going down and my mom looked at me, smiled and said something like "Wow, maybe now you'll stop being depressed" lol

Next thing I did was change my profile picture on FB, whatsapp etc to sorta prep my friends... then one by one I ensured I met all of them so that I wouldn't have to constantly think about how people are going to react. All in all, very positive reactions.

If people know you've been losing your hair and have been noticaeably worried about it, they're generally very encouraging and happy for you so don't worry about it. Remember, at the end of the day, it's your hair and it's your life and you need to do what makes YOU happy!

All the best (and post a pic when you're done )

BaldWin you're right I'm paranoid without knowing how I'll look. It's not just changing the style with some gel, I cant change my mind once it's done. I'm a bit worried if I do it and it looks terrible, my self-confidence will become even less... If I look good, I'll be really happy though, and I'll feel a hell of a lot moe confident in myself. Cause I know I dont look at all good with balding, wispy hair now! so an improvement would make me feel great.

My parents have just had myself and my brother move out and get our own places, which I think has been a bit saddening having us both grow up so quickly, so i guess this will just be a apart of that too. My dad and both grandparents are bald so it wont be anything new for most of my family anyway.

You mentioned guy friends too Frontier Guy. I think thats who Im most worried about. All of my friends have good hair, and my good friend from work who I see everyday does too. Its always a topic of conversation - I guess without hair I'll feel a little bit seperate from them all. I know they wouldnt intentionally make me feel that way, and will be great about it. But I'm worried I'll feel like that. Has anyone experienced anything similar?

Hi Ben:  The toughest part of anyone's 1st head shave is the hours or days before "the day".
I can almost guarantee that you will love your new look.  Just get those clippers and don't look back.

WARHAWK

Ben - to be truthful, people will probably not notice.  If they do, you may here a few neutral comments like "Got a haircut?" or "Boy that is short".  It'll be a one time thing and folks will move onward.  Your worries are for moot.

I took my hair down 1 mm per week. It was gradual enough that nobody noticed. When I finally shaved my head, it took three days for family members to notice!

same! my own mother took a couple of weeks to notice, though I don't see her often. sure you get the odd negative comment, but I just mentally tagged those people for the same criticism for when they next had a hair cut or changed the style... petty.... but deeply satisfying.... and not one of them has mentioned it since.... I think it brings people's own insecurities out.... its always the same people who comment on something new.... a car,  a new jacket, where you go on holiday.... anything they deem "out of the norm"  they have to comment on, less they be seen to be different themselves and so face the wrath of the norm police.