Howdy everyone,

My name's Mike and I've been a visitor of this site for about a week now, and let me tell you all one thing - thanks.

See, I'm only 17, but I'm about 95% certain that I have a receding hairline and that it will only get worse as I start college in the fall. I'll attach some pictures of me - mind you, I don't have a camera, so it's just what I could pull off the ol' myspace - but I have a pretty good amount of hair.

Thing is, I've been sporting the same haircut for the past 2.5 years or so, and I'm tired of it, haha. I LONG for short hair, as weird as that sounds, and I've always loved the look of buzz cuts/shaved heads on a person. Since it's summer and I want to try something new, I'm going to be doing one of two things soon: getting a buzz or just going for the total shaved look. Which do you guys suggest? I'm leaning right now towards the buzz, so I can see what I look like in short, short hair, but I'm up for suggestions.

Oh, and for the reason that I was thanking you? Well, I've always been worried about what would happen if - and more probable, when - I do go bald and how lousy I would feel. This site has shown me that it really is absolutely nothing to dread at all.

Still, that's not to say that there isn't a ton of trepidation and timidity about me even getting it buzzed, but who really cares, right? I'm young, it's summer, and I need a change. Hopefully it looks good and I'll be able to keep it - god knows it'd be easier to take care of, haha.

Anyway, though, anyone here been through a similar scenario where they weren't sure whether to buzz or just go all the way with the shave?

like Razor said...its only hair.  You know what...Hair does grow back....at least for most.  If you dont like the shaved look...let it grow back to a stubble.  If the stubble look doesnt work then keep on growing. You will find a look that fits you.  Just give it a try.  With the shaved head being so popular now....I doubt it if much will go noticed.  THe people who know you will prolly say something but the general public...they wont give it a second thought.  Good luck keep us posted
Timmay

I say shave it all off, it will grow to a buzz cut length in a few days.

What's up man? Welcome.

I would try shaving it down to a 1 or 0 and see how you like the look. If you're feeling that, take it smooth. You seem to have plenty of hair, so it'll grow back quicker than you think.

Hiya Mike, welcome to the forum 

Welcome to the Forum Mike! Good advice from the other brothers.

Thanks for the incredibly quick replies, everyone.

I think I'm probably going to buzz it at first, like people have suggested, then see how it goes from there.

Do you guys recommend that I get the first buzz done at something like a barber's shop or that I should go buy clippers and do it myself? And if I should do it myself, what would be the best gear to use? (The cheaper the better, haha.)

I'd get a barber to do it, since its your first time and you're not sure whether or not you'd like it. No sense in buying clippers you may only use once 

Excellent suggestion, James. No need buying something you'll only use once.

Razaki,my bet is that after your initial buzz, you'll opt for the razor and never go back to hair. The most inexpensive headshave is a Gillette Mach3 disposable with some Gillette Foamy Shave Cream followed with a cold water rinse and aloe vera gell to prevent razor burn.