How To Deal With Losing Your Hair
The first step in tackling most issues in life is acceptance – understanding that it’s just how your body is and embracing it.
The next step is analysing what’s really going on. If your hair is just beginning to thin, the chances are you may not need to go the full monty like I have. If you ask your barber, I’m sure he’ll agree that simply a shorter, neater hair cut will do the trick [Read through Rob's superb articles in our hairstyle section, where he provides tips for men in such situations].
However, if you’re fighting a losing battle and parts of your hair have started to drift apart like continents in a sea of flesh, it’s time to cut your losses. Literally.
Famous Bald Men
Before we start, here is a collection of famous men who have fully embraced their balding or rock a completely shaved head. From actors such as Bruce Willis, Jason Statham and Sir Patrick Stewart to artists such as Common and even high profile model Tyson Beckford (who isn’t even going bald), it just goes to show that a close shave can work for a variety of men – no matter body type, skin colour or any other excuse you may still be holding on to:
Shaving Your Head: The Steps
Step 1 – Get Thyself A Shaver
If you are going to start shaving your head then you need to get your hair as short as possible beforehand.
Get your hands on a pair of clippers that will allow you to shave your hair down to a minimum of grade 1. If you have particularly long hair, try a grade 4-5 first and then a grade 1, to make sure you get everything even and neat. If you can get it shorter to a 0.5 that would better, as the less hair the better the shave.
Step 2 – Take The Plunge
Take a deep breath and get shaving! My preferred method is a wet shave but I have tried electronic as well. If you are going to use an electric shaver then make sure it’s a good quality one and that you take your time with it. I suggest either Philips or Braun and small circular motions with the blades.
However, if you are going for a wet shave then make sure you have a fresh pair of blades. I recommend shaving your head while standing in the shower because the hot water will actually help open your pores making it easier to do.
Sure, it can take awhile to get used to but seriously, you know where your head is right? It shouldn’t be that hard to figure out. If it is however, then do it once out of the shower with a good quality shaving gel, going first with the grain and then against as you would with any other shaving routine. I tend to start with the top of my scalp and then do the back and sides.
Step 3 – Moisturise & Maintain
Once you’re done, wash with cold water and then apply a moisturiser. I actually find that aftersun from Piz Bruin works best for me, but many of the shaving products Duncan has recommended before will also work to calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Then, using a hand held mirror, check out your handy work looking for any rogue hairs or patches that may have been missed, while bearing in mind you will need to include your neck hair in this shaving routine too. Otherwise, you’ll just look weird.
I’d also say that, considering you now have no hair on your head, other areas of maintenance will have to begin too – such as nose, ear and eyebrow hair. With these now being your only source of hair, it will be much more noticeable if they aren’t trimmed and tamed. You can buy a nose and eyebrow trimmer for around £20 these days, and will work wonders in improving your appearance.
Finally, you are free to experiment with facial hair, but don’t use it as a crutch or to over-compensate. I would personally recommend becoming completely comfortable with your new appearance before starting to grow your beard out.
Final Word
So there you have it guys, a little advice on what do to if you are going bald and have been considering shaving your head, from guy who’s been there before. Sure, you could try out medical treatments, and there’s even a product called Regaine that you can use, but that’s a rather expensive option compared to this one. You could instead put all that money towards clothing and developing your personal style.
Besides, nearly all these treatments always have a side effect that involves your junk – and when it comes to choosing between my junk and my hair, guess which one I’m picking?
And trust me on this one, once you have shaved it all off, you’ll be surprised at the freedom and confidence it will give you.
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