Deciding to Go Bald: When is the Right Time to Shave Your Head?

Coming to terms with hair loss can be a touchy subject for many men.

With men starting to show signs of balding in their early 20s, it’s a common question to ponder – when is the right time to embrace the change and shave your head?

The decision to take the plunge and shave your head can be a significant one. Is going bald the best solution for you? What if you don’t like the result? These are questions many men face when they start to notice their hair thinning.

Let’s walk through some of the signs that it’s time to consider shaving your head and some of the benefits of doing so.

3 Questions to Decide if Now Is the Time to Go Bald

bald man sitting on a couch smiling

When considering whether or not to go bald, then think about these three questions:

1. Are You Comfortable with the Idea?

The first step is determining your comfort level with the idea of being bald. A shaved head will be a significant change, especially if you’re used to having a full head of hair. Spend some time thinking about the advantages and disadvantages and how you would feel about seeing yourself bald in the mirror.

2. Are You Prepared for the Maintenance?

While shaving your head can seem like a simpler hair care routine, it does require its own set of maintenance. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, you may need to shave every few days. Additionally, your scalp becomes more exposed to the elements when it’s bald, so you’ll need to protect it with sunscreen and moisturize regularly to prevent dryness.

3. Are You Ready to Save Both Time & Money?

Let’s not beat around the bush; maintaining good hair can be costly and time-consuming. From expensive salon visits to hair products and devices, these costs can quickly add up. And that’s not to mention the time invested in styling every single day.

bald businessman smiling

Shaving your head can alleviate both of these burdens. While you’ll still need to invest in good quality razor and head care products, these typically last longer and are less expensive than the corresponding hair care products.

On top of that, think about the time you would save, which you can use for more productive or enjoyable activities.

There’s a reason why the bald care industry isn’t in the billions like the hair care industry – shaved heads simply require fewer products, less maintenance, and less time.

3 Signs That It’s Time to Shave Your Head

bald man standing outside in suit

Okay, we know you should have answered the aforementioned questions, but you might still be on the fence. Let’s look at three signs that might suggest it’s the right time for you to shave your head.

1. Hair Loss is Noticeable

Some hair loss is normal, with most people losing 50-100 hairs from their heads each day. However, if the hair loss begins to exceed this amount, and you’re noticing substantial thinning or bald patches, it could be a sign that it’s time to consider shaving your head.

Hair loss is typically influenced by genetics, age, hormonal changes, and stress. It may also be a result of certain medical conditions or treatments. While some of these factors can be modified or treated, many are out of one’s control.

2. The Hairline is Significantly Receding

A receding hairline is one of the most common signs of male pattern baldness. That all-to-dreaded “M” shape that begins to form signals that hair is thinning and retreating. Sometimes, trying to cover up the receding hairline can lead to hairstyles that are more noticeable than the baldness itself.

three men talking in a conference room

While some men may consider shaving off the lower part of the widow’s peak to try and camouflage the receding hairline, it might not always give the desired outcome – such as large foreheads and uneven hairlines. In this case, fully embracing the bald look can be a simpler and more stylish option.

3. You’re Spending Too Much Time and Money on Hair Loss Solutions

It’s no secret that the hair loss industry is absolutely massive. In fact, Grand View Research projects that it will balloon to $12.27 billion dollars by 2030.

But if you find yourself constantly purchasing new products, trying different treatments, or investing in hair transplants in an effort to combat hair loss, it may suggest that these solutions are not providing the results you’d hoped for.

Furthermore, continually chasing after these hair loss treatments can lead to a significant amount of stress, and ironically, stress is also a contributing factor to hair loss. It’s important to consider the physical, emotional, and financial toll that these solutions may be taking on you.

What Will Others Think?

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While sure, there are stereotypes that some folks think that bald heads are associated with sickly or older individuals, it’s crucial to remember that societal perspectives on baldness have shifted significantly over the years.

Many famous personalities, athletes, and actors adopt a shaved head as a part of their image, even when not necessitated by natural hair loss. Notable individuals such as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Jason Statham, and Michael Jordan are prime examples. This has not only made the bald look more socially accepted but also appealing to many.

Moreover, both men and women find bald heads attractive. A study done by the University of Pennsylvania found that men with shaved heads were perceived as more dominant, taller, stronger, and having greater leadership potential than those with a full head of hair or hair loss – take that as boost to your confidence!

As a personal anecdote, when I shaved my head for the first time, I was nervous about how my friends and family would react. However, as soon as I set down the razor, and looked in the mirror – I felt like a badass!

But Will You Look Good?

I get this email all the time: “I want to shave my head, but I’m afraid I won’t look good.” What you need to remember here is that individuality counts.

bald man with sun shining on head

While there are typical guidelines for facial types and hairstyles (e.g., oval faces look good with almost any hairstyle, while square faces may benefit from softer, longer hairstyles), these are not hard and fast rules. You don’t have to limit yourself based on these stereotypical ‘rules.’

Moreover, the feeling of liberation, confidence, and empowerment you may gain from shaving your head could easily outweigh any aesthetic concerns you might have.

Remember this: your appeal is not solely determined by your physical appearance. Confidence, personality, charisma, and kindness – are the true drivers of attraction.

So no, don’t worry about looking like an egg or a cue ball. Instead, focus on the potential benefits and freedom that come with shaving your head.

The Process: How to Shave Your Head

Once you’ve decided to go bald and embrace the new look, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to shave your head. However, here’s a short summary:

  1. Get a Haircut: Start by getting your hair as short as possible. This will make the shaving process much easier.
  2. Prepare Your Scalp: Wash your scalp with warm water and a mild cleanser to get rid of oils and dirt. Apply pre-shave oil to soften the hair and protect your scalp.
  3. Shave: Using a safety razor or a head shaver, begin shaving your head. Start at the top and work your way down to the sides. Remember to always shave with the grain (in the direction your hair is growing) to reduce the risk of cuts and razor burn.
  4. Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse your head with cold water to close the pores and apply a moisturizing aftershave balm to soothe your scalp.
  5. Maintain Regularly: Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to shave your head every couple of days to maintain the bald look.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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