should I or shouldn't I?

• should I or shouldn't I? by servante on 13 May, 2009 13:32
• First of all, hello to everyone.  I've been coming to this site for a couple weeks now, debating on whether or not to take the plunge.  Everyone seems really cool and supportive so I was hoping to get some honest feedback from ya.
  
  I started balding young (as I see is the case for a lot of people here), and joined up with hair club for men when I was 20 years old.  I am now turning 28 next week and ready to be done with it.  I know some people can tell when someone wears a rug, but "some" is the key word.  I really don't think TOO many people know.  I'm a musician and so most of my friends would not think twice on calling me out on it, albeit discreetly and in a joking manner.  But I'm positive some people know of course.  I can tell right away with others, just because I have one myself.  Anyway, I'm sick of worrying about if people can tell or not...  not to mention being severely limited in my activities; i.e. not being able to swim, sleep normally on a pillow (:p), and having an intense fear of a windy day, lol.  Also I'm sick of spending the money on it now too...  $300 a month, plus I had moved 200 miles away from where my hair club is located, so that's quite a bit of gas money every other month.  The cost of hair products is expensive too, about 70 bucks every month and a half. 
  
  Something has come up in my life where my mother has asked me and my girlfriend to move in with them for awhile.  My dad is on the tail end of a nasty battle with Lou Gerhigs (sp) disease, or ALS.  For those of you who don't know, it's a pretty ugly terminal disease.  So I will be moving about 90 miles away to help take care of them, and help get the house paid off so my mom doesn't end up in an apt after my dad dies.  I've had my girlfriend for awhile, and she is extremely supportive in every way, and wants me to shave, but says she loves me either way of course.  But hearing that from your girlfriend is like hearing it from your mom.  They kind of HAVE to say that.  lol.  So I was just hoping for some honest feedback from you guys, HONEST feedback, lol.  I don't want to have it sugar coated.  Like I said, I'm a musician and a writer so if there's one thing I appreciate above all others is constructive, honest criticism.   
  
  Here's a somewhat bad pic of me... of course the only one I have available of me is a party pic.  My camera's battery is dead.. so I don't know how well you guys can judge.  But I do have a naturally round, smooth noggin.  No bumps or discolorations.  I'm just worried about my jowels, and my ears mainly.  I don't know if I would look funny completely bald.  My girlfriend has seen me with it off, where I just have a horseshoe, and she says that I would look good without, I'm just not so sure.
  
  Anyway... here's my pic(I had to load it as an avatar, since I can't seem to figure out how to insert it into the text :p), so please be honest.  Thanks!
  
• #1 by BALDANDRE on 13 May, 2009 13:40
• Nice intro bro...first off ...cool girl...she probably digs bald dudes and can't WAIT for you to shave it smooth..a musician..bald is a great fit..
  
  your looks can totally take it too..and with what you and the fam will be dealing with...you WILL feel silly stressing over your hair and wearing a "piece"..
  
  shave it smooth, let your girl dig the new bald you,the "hair stress" will go away and you can concentrate on taking care of the important things..
  
  plus you'll really dig the whole bald vibe!
  
  Go for the bald bro!
• #2 by bem75 on 13 May, 2009 14:51
• I could not agree more.  Bald goes well with the musician look.  Seriously.  Plus, I think that you will look good with a shaved head.
  
  Look through a lot of the stories here, including mine.  You will see a common theme.  We all feel better and, in my case, empowered with a shaved head.  Shaving my head gave me confidence that I had not felt in a long time.  I get more looks from women, more respect from men, and I simply feel better about the way that I look.  I'm not worrying about the bald spot and receding hairline anymore.
  
  As for the rug, you're not gonna get a lot of support for that here.  This is a group of guys that has embraced the bald lifestyle.  So, don't expect mush support for the rug.  Plus, whether you think people notice or not...they do.  Sorry to say that, but you asked for honesty.
  
  My opinion:  Save your money, shave your head, live your life free from worry, and enjoy being bald.  Roll with it.  Make it part of your personality.  I have and I love it more and more every day.
• #3 by GaryT on 13 May, 2009 15:10
• Go for it dude! I agree it will look great on you!!
• #4 by Paul on 13 May, 2009 15:17
• One more vote for the sly musician look servante.  The bald look gives a great persona to a band.   And with all the issues you will be facing soon, sly is easier to maintain.   It is always great when the lady in your life is on board too.  Sorry to hear about your dad.   ALS is a ROTTEN disease.   It's fantastic that your dad and mom have the two of you there to help.  And know that this place is about support, whether for going sly or other of life's issues.   
• #5 by DCdome on 13 May, 2009 19:20
• Hey servante!
  
  Go for the bald look.  Straightforward, worry-free, manly and great for a musician.
  BTW, you are wrong about your girlfriend having to say she would like you to have a bald dome; she doesn't have to say it or feel it.  Many women do not want their men to shave although many change their tune when the see the outcome.  You are very fortunate to have such a supportive woman at your side.
  
  Sorry about your dad.  He and your mom are lucky to have you for a son.  Hang in there and turn to us at SBG for support.  We are here for that purpose.
• #6 by Mikekoz13 on 13 May, 2009 19:28
• Welcome to the Forum Servante!
  
  Good luck and Prayers to you and your Family in your battle with your Dad's ALS.
  
  Dude..... I could tell as soon as i saw your photo that you had a rug on. Banish that beast.
  
  Imagine what you can do with that $300 every month. Not only that.... imagine being able to do the things that you haven't been able to enjoy for years now.
  A supportive partner certainly helps and shewill probably love your new look. You'll be able to hug her in the pool and roll around under the blankets without worry.
  
  You will say about $4000 a year by taking off that rug and being done with it.
  I work with a guy that has worn a rug for many years. Last Summer he just showed up without it and his head ws shaved as smooth as mine. What an improvement.
  
  Cheers, Peace, and Prayers to you
• #7 by penmouse192 on 13 May, 2009 21:23
• See for yourself! I agree. Dump the expense:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• #8 by BALDANDRE on 13 May, 2009 22:21
• Quote from: penmouse192 on 13 May, 2009 21:23

  See for yourself! I agree. Dump the expense:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  It'll look awesome!
• #9 by bem75 on 14 May, 2009 06:41
• Quote from: penmouse192 on 13 May, 2009 21:23

  See for yourself! I agree. Dump the expense:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  Well done Penmouse!  Servante will look awesome SLY!
• #10 by servante on 14 May, 2009 13:21
• lol, good pic alteration.  Thanks for all the comments and support; both for my question and for my family issues.  This is really a good group of guys.  I'll post pics once I shave... I'll be moving around 06/12, so it will be a few weeks yet until I can get rid of this thing.
  
  Thanks again!