Sly New Guy (my story)

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Sly New Guy (my story) by Ryhaines on 14 Jan, 2016 22:18
Hi everyone,

I've been reading on these forums for the past two years & finally decided to make an account. I'm 19 years old, and have been losing my hair since I was a freshman in HS. It started to recede when I was about 16-17 & between then & now, I realized that the crown of my head was thinning. I was tired of hearing "you're going bald" whether it was at school or out in public. It was eating me alive & I was so self conscious. So one day, I decided I was going to set myself partially free & started cutting my hair with no guard. I liked the look, but me being an anxious person as it is, I was still (and still am) afraid of what my friends, family, and everyone else would think about it, and of me. Whenever I can, I wear hats, and try to stay hidden. It's just hard to accept the fact that I'm balding at 19. But, I didn't want to be one of those people that try to hide the fact that they're going bald. So yesterday, I said the hell with it and decided to shave it all off. I fell free but at the same time I feel like everyone will be looking at me wondering what's wrong with me & how stupid I look. Maybe, it's all in my head, maybe it's not. I'm going to stay sly & hopefully gain some confidence along the way.

Does anyone have any similar experiences, tips, or any comments?

Here's a picture of me with my newly shaved head.
#1 by Sir Harry on 14 Jan, 2016 23:26
Welcome, Ryhaines!

It's unfortunate that you had to experience hair loss and rude comments at a young age. The shaved head looks great, especially with that killer beard. It's funny how most balding guys can have great beard coverage. In time, when people get used to it, the comments will stop. Thanks for coming out of the shadows and joining!
#2 by Quiet_Dan on 15 Jan, 2016 02:54
yeah a great beard for you mate, it's a good combo. I get more comments about an 'epic beard' than I do for the bald head. I was self conscious also, but i gained confidence with the beard, and can joke about that I grown the beard cos I can't grow it up there! The confidence thing is tough, but if you just go out there with it, after a couple weeks most of the normal people in your life will be used to it
#3 by Cave Dweller on 15 Jan, 2016 06:04
Welcome to the board, Ryhaines.

I also started losing my hair at 17, and the balding became very apparent while I was in college. I wish I had shaved back then.

Congratulations on taking control and doing what you want with your head. Congratulations also on such a spectacular beard at 19!

As Harry and Dan said, give people a little time to get over the initial surprise of the look. After about the second or third time they see you, they usually will no longer even notice.

Glad you joined us.

#4 by jbrit25 on 15 Jan, 2016 06:15
You look good man!
#5 by tobler1 on 15 Jan, 2016 06:34
Looks good...quite a nice dome, in fact.
#6 by Reg on 15 Jan, 2016 08:47
Welcome! I think you rock the bald with beard look well. Own it as a distinctive style.
#7 by stn87 on 28 Jan, 2016 15:18
Good look. I love your long beard!
#8 by Jordan1991 on 28 Jan, 2016 15:26
Looks fantastic! That's an awesome beard too!
#9 by wpruitt on 28 Jan, 2016 16:36
Welcome!
#10 by Professor Rorschack on 28 Jan, 2016 17:15
You're rockin' that slick dome! I'm 28 and can't even come close to that epic beard you're sporting!

I teach 8th Graders every day, so I know how tough it can be to be young and stand out for a reason you would rather not stand out for. I've found in my own experience that if you own it, it makes others less likely to even notice.

Good luck and happy shaving!
#11 by Adamski1972 on 31 Jan, 2016 09:06
Welcome to the group! You have an awesome beard that paired with a bald head is a killer look. Of course I'm biased being bald and bearded. Once you get through hopeful mostly if not all positive initial comments from people it's all good! The 30 day rule is a great way to get started and the video introduction for it is on the board if you haven't seen it yet.