The Student Room Group

Facing the facts (opinions needed)

Ok. Well over the past couple of months, it's dawned on me that I have inherited my dad's genes. I am only 20 but pattern baldness is already setting in, and I'll probably have lost most of my hair by my mid to late 20s.

It affects my self esteem a huge amount, and I end up spending hours on my hair before I go out, just trying to disguise it. I've been trying to grow it longer to compensate, but it ends up looking uneven and scruffy.

So, what do you think I should do? I've decided to have it cut shorter, but the question is, how short? I am (or at least, I am told) that I am a good-looking guy, I have quite a long face and a strong jawline, with a stubbly beard. What kind of cut do you think would suit me?

It's sad but I find it a bit scary. I've never had really short hair before and I'm kind of worried about people's reactions (I don't want to look like a thug). I'd really appreciate your opinions on this, especially the ladies. Thanks for your help :smile:

P.S - my appointment is at 5:15 tomorrow.
Reply 1
whatever suits you really.. :redface:

Some guys look hot when they're bald, for others not so....for example look at wentworth miller, with reaaaally short hair (almost bald) he looks so much hotter than with longer hair..

I have an uncle who lost his hair throughout his 20s (he's now 34) and therefore has always been almost bald, and he looks absolutely fine! :smile:

oh and my brother (he's 21) has a few grey hairs already! It makes him look wise! and he doesnt have a problem with it whatsoever, thats what he said when i suggested i'd get him 'just for men' :tongue:
Reply 2
hey,

just shave it really short, kinda shaven head look. im sure u wont look like a thug, its more the attitude that gives men that name! Maybe go to a hair salon and see what they think ur face shape will suit u best and just go with that?
Cutting it short is best. Once it gets real bad try shaveing all your hair off, you may decide its not the look for you but its better to try see how it looks then not bother at all because it suits some people very well.
Reply 4
The best person would be to ask the hair dresser,explain your prob,sometimes theyd be able to give you the best cut - like layer it etc
Reply 5
Actually, baldness is inherited from your mother's side - so look to see if her father was bald.

I never notice guys that have a bald patch until they point it out to me (I have rather strange friends, pointing out bald patches at the ripe old age of 18). Our schools head boy, vice captain, and captain of the 1st XV are all going bald, and I can't say that anyone thinks any less of them :wink: Soo many of my guy friends are the same about their hair with going out because of their 'baldness' insecurities. Clearly, it's the sexy guys that suffer this 'affliction.'

The hairdresser will know what to do, I'm sure it happens all the time :smile:
Reply 6
My brother's been going bald since he was about 18. He started shaving his head and I think he looks loads better for it. When he leaves it a while you can see how bald he is (quite considering he's only 26) and I think he's dealt with it really well.

My fiance however isn't going bald but is going quite grey, has done since i met him at 25 and now he's 30.
Medic07
Actually, baldness is inherited from your mother's side - so look to see if her father was bald.

I never notice guys that have a bald patch until they point it out to me (I have rather strange friends, pointing out bald patches at the ripe old age of 18). Our schools head boy, vice captain, and captain of the 1st XV are all going bald, and I can't say that anyone thinks any less of them :wink: Soo many of my guy friends are the same about their hair with going out because of their 'baldness' insecurities. Clearly, it's the sexy guys that suffer this 'affliction.'

The hairdresser will know what to do, I'm sure it happens all the time :smile:


So they say, but my 71 year old grandfather still has a full head of dark hair, with only a couple of greys.

Anyway, I had it cut today and it looks pretty good. She just used the scissors so it doesn't look all military. I got a few nice looks from girls on the train on the way home, which doesn't normally happen. So all is well :smile:

Thanks for all of your advice.
Reply 8
u sure we inherit baldness from my mum??? if so then im not gonna be bald
^ Not your mum herself, but her SIDE of the family. E.g, her father, grandfather, etc.

Not sure whether this is true, though.
You should at least be using Minoxidil 5% and thinking about trying Propecia http://www.propecia.com/finasteride/propecia/consumer/index.jsp

The first is without prescription. Just go to any chemist's. Don't be ashamed. My mate works in a chemist's and he sees people buying the stuff all day long.

As for Propecia, you can probably get it online on some (slightly dodgy) websites but it's best you talk to a GP or dermatologist about it. Show that you're determined to try this medicine if you really think you're going bald.

These are the only two medicines proven to reverse baldness. Sure you feel low but if you want to do something about it and are not comfortable with the idea of shaving it all off, try this stuff.
So, what do you think I should do? I've decided to have it cut shorter, but the question is, how short? I am (or at least, I am told) that I am a good-looking guy, I have quite a long face and a strong jawline, with a stubbly beard. What kind of cut do you think would suit me?


So basically, if you went bald you'd look like Michael Stipe? Michael Rosenbaum? I don't see women rushing away from them, dude. Embrace it. Your face suits baldness - at least you aren't fat with a round face: you would look like a bowling ball.
Reply 12
And as the crappy American commentators for the World Cup said over and freaking over again, Barthez dated Madonna for a year and he's completely bald. So it can work!
Reply 13
two words, Comb-Over :cool:
Reply 14
First of all, I think that you should find a period of about a month where it's least going to affect you and just take the plunge and get a half inch buzz. I shaved my head when I was 14 years old, yes it was embarrassing, especially the first day of school afterwards and walking into assembly, but **** it who cares really and you will learn how it looks.

Secondly, you can actually get products which will thicken your hair. This isn't laser or other jerk off therapy, it supposedly is your real hair and does work. Just do some research.
Reply 15
My dad was pretty much bald by the age of 30, he wasn't alone either, several of his work friends had become folically challenged aswell. He accepted defeat, cut off his hair and dealt with it. We take the mickey out of him at home sometimes, but he just laughs because he can see my 17yr old brother going the same way. Nobody says anything against his lack of hair outside the home because it's quite normal.
You'll get used to it eventually, although I can imagine it being a hard thing to accept.
Marie05


Some guys look hot when they're bald


Teal'c :yy: