Embracing Baldness: How to Confidently Accept Going Bald
November 14, 2024 • 10 min read
In every man's life, there comes a defining moment when the mirror reveals an inescapable truth – the onset of hair loss. It might arrive slowly, a creeping change barely noticed, or strike suddenly, leaving no room for doubt. This moment can feel like a personal setback, challenging our sense of identity and masculinity.
My day of reckoning started when I hit 40. My hairline started receding, and the dreaded horseshoe pattern started to show. What followed was not just a quest for solutions, but a journey towards self-acceptance and a newfound confidence that went beyond mere appearance.
My male pattern baldness was genetic. My grandfather's generation went bald in their 20s, while my dad started wearing a hairpiece in his 30s. Hair loss runs in the family, so embracing baldness was always something I knew I had to deal with eventually.
Join me as we navigate this path, from the initial shock of hair loss to the empowering decision to accepting baldness. It's more than just a tale of hair; it's a story of self-acceptance, resilience, and the courage to redefine personal style on our terms.
The Stigma Surrounding Baldness
Before we dive into confidently accepting hair loss, let's address the elephant in the room.
The Stigma attached to being bald is real. It doesn't matter where you live. You'll be the butt of jokes. People will talk behind your back, and some may even look down on you. I remember a time when society portrayed balding men as less attractive, causing stress and anxiety to those who were experiencing hair loss.
The worst thing about this is it didn't matter what caused your hair loss. Even if you have skin cancer and just got a bad report from your doctor, your baldness will be ridiculed.
This was decades ago. Nowadays, things have changed.
A study shows that men who shave a perceived as more dominant, tougher and taller compared to men with a full head of hair.
So don't worry too much about your dating game its still very much on!
Are You Ready to Embrace Your Baldness?
Let's face it. No one is ever ready when the McDonald's logo on your head starts appearing. Male pattern baldness can hit you as early as your teenage years, while some can get it a little later.
We've all heard that Bald is Beautiful, but if you're in the middle of losing your hair, it may not feel that way.
You no longer feel confident, and low self-esteem starts to creep up on you. I could imagine how significant hair loss can affect emotional health, especially for teenagers. At this age, appearance is crucial. You want to look cool among peers.
Imagine celebrating life in your teens and hair loss surprises you on your 18th birthday!
While it may feel like the end of the world, it's not.
Hang in there because the life journey becomes better along the way as you figure out how to embrace balding gracefully.
Don't Fall for Expensive Solutions That Don't Work
The start of my journey was an expensive and frustrating one. I spent hours watching YouTube videos and reading tons of articles on hair loss, treatment options, hair growth products and how to accept going bald. I ended up buying a product that was rather expensive but had many testimonies showing that it could address thinning hair. I noticed some improvement after a few months of using the product. Baby hairs started to appear, but it was too insignificant to cover up the horseshoe.
The owner of the company that manufactured the hair growth product was honest enough to say that my pattern baldness was in the worst stage on the scale and that his treatment could only restore maybe 10 to 20% of my hair.
A few months and hundreds of dollars later, I realized this wasn't sustainable. I had mixed feelings by now. Should I consult a doctor? What about hair transplants? Oral medication? After learning about the side effects, I decided to look for natural remedies. I found a new hair growth product selling like hotcakes but was also 10 times cheaper. Too good to be true? I didn't waste my time and placed an order.
I used the spray for nearly a year but wasn't satisfied with the results.
I didn't realize it at first, but I became a slave to hair loss treatment products. Money went down the drain, and the big change in appearance I expected never materialized.
I needed to learn how to accept balding and consider shaving i all off.
Accepting Hair Loss: Shave It Off Already
Constantly worrying about hair loss and other people's opinions can be exhausting. I grew tired of the endless chase for new hair growth products and the need to hide under hats and sunglasses for a semblance of privacy. This constant effort, however, couldn't shield me from reality.
Learning how to accept hair loss marked the beginning of my true liberation. The reality that there is no cure for male pattern baldness became not a source of despair, but a gateway to freedom.
Saying goodbye to my hair and deciding to shave wasn't easy. We had a good run, but it was time to win the battle against hair loss once and for all.
The good news is I no longer have to worry about my hairline, hair follicles, hairstyles, bald spots, and how to cope with going bald.
I invested in my first electric hair clipper 14 years ago and have never looked back.
photo of my Freebird FlexSeries shaver
I recently upgraded from my Wahl hair clipper to a Freebird Flexseries head shaver, and I'm very satisfied with my new rotary shaver. It gives me a closer and smoother shave than my old hair clipper.
Tips for Keeping Your Confidence and Accepting Baldness
Now that you've been set free from the worries of male pattern baldness, you need to develop a new mindset. Confidence starts with how to embrace balding first and foremost and being confident in who you are.
Look at the photo of George Costanza from the hit TV series Seinfeld. He looks better shaved and bearded than balding.
Remember this: A full head of hair does not define you!
In fact, learning how to shave your head may be the best thing that ever happened to you!
Focus on your good qualities
Being bald doesn't make you less awesome. We all have qualities that make us unique and special. Focus on these qualities and let them shine! Whether writing encouraging articles for blog posts or showing compassion to those losing hair due to sickness, we can all help others with our gifts and talents.
I smile and engage with people while serving at our Welcome Center in church. I wear my shaved head confidently and minister to those I come across. I easily notice when someone needs encouragement and talk with them if they're open to talk. It's such a great feeling when you can help people, no matter their age.
Dress Well
Now that our bald heads are the focal point, we must up our style game.
Start by looking at the latest trends and see if they look good on you. Dress to express your unique personality. You should choose a style that makes you confident and comfortable. It doesn't have to be the latest styles. You can go for a vintage, classic, hipster, or something unconventional. I look at style gurus on YouTube and look at models who have the same features, height, and build as me and see if what they're wearing suits my style.
It doesn't end with dressing well. How you carry your stylish clothes matters. Good posture is essential. Standing tall with shoulders back and head held high shows confidence.
Accessorize
I already mentioned wearing hats and sunglasses to cover my hair loss. Now, as I embrace baldness, I invest in them for sun protection and to enhance my personal style. Hair loss became a blessing in disguise. The first thing people notice when they see me is my bald head. Whenever I enter a room, guess who gets all the attention?
photo of me wearing sunglasses and a cap
I invest in hats and sunglasses that accentuate my looks. Paired with a stylish blazer, a bold pair of sunglasses, and the right hat, it can make you stand out among the crowd. Did you know that not all sunglasses look good on baldies like us? When choosing the best sunglasses, you must learn a few things about your face shape and skin tone. You can read about this in one of our comprehensive guides on sunglasses, glasses, and choosing the best hats for bald guys.
Adding a classic watch, a nice pair of shoes, well-fitted shirts, and stylish jeans can complete your new bald look.
Upgrade Your Grooming Tools
Now that you've embraced your baldness and started shaving your head, you need to upgrade your arsenal of grooming tools.
photo of my latest upgrade to my grooming tools
An electric shaver should be at the top of your list. You can check out our guide on choosing the best shaver for bald heads. Next, you need scalp care products that can help keep your bald head shiny and moisturized.
Ignore haters
No matter what we do, there will always be bashers and haters. Ignore them. If you need to respond, do so with grace and humor. Turn their negative energy into an opportunity for laughter and positive vibes.
You can always ask what Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis, and "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson have in common. They're all successful and influential people who sport a bald head.
I am a self-published author, and whenever I get invited to speak about my ebook, I begin my talk with jokes surrounding my baldness. It's a good icebreaker, and it works every time. My audience warms up, and I get to connect with them. I earn their respect since I carry myself with confidence.
Celebrate Your Newfound Freedom
Congratulations! Doesn't it feel great to be free?
As you start this journey of how to deal with going bald, wouldn't it be great to celebrate this new chapter in your life?
Invite your friends over and throw a party. Share your story and inspire others who are struggling to deal with hair loss. Talk about the benefits of going bald and how your new hairstyle has changed your life.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss is a natural part of life. Learning to confidently embrace your baldness can free you from the stigma of hair loss. It allows you to focus on your best qualities rather than what you don't have.
Be grateful for the gift of life and strive to be great in other aspects of life, like family and relationships. Be the best husband, father, or friend. Life is too short to dwell on hair loss.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. There are millions worldwide, like you and me.
Embrace your baldness and Be Free!
FAQs
Does Being Bald Make You Less Attractive?
Not at all! A study shows that bald men are seen as taller, dominant, and more confident. Balding is what I believe makes you less attractive. I also think that shaving your head makes you look younger by 5 to 10 years.
If baldness made you less attractive do you think lead actors like Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, or bald villains would strut their bald heads on screen?
Should I Just Shave My Head if I'm Thinning?
If you're stressed by thinning hair, shaving can be a liberating experience. Having side hair and none on top can make you look older.
Try buzzing it first to give you an idea of how you'd look. You can shave it all off once you've decided that it suits you and you prefer bald over buzzed.
How Do I Find a New Style That Fits My Bald Look?
Finding a style that fits your personality is on top of the list of to do's when you decide to shave your head.
Check out the latest fashion trends that resonate with you. You can also get inspiration from baldies you know or famous baldies like Statham and the rest.
For the latest in bald men's fashion click on the link to read our comprehensive guide.
How Can I Handle Rude Comments About My Hair Loss?
Rude comments may affect you at first but they say more about the person making them than about you.
When faced with negativity, I respond with humor and grace.
Shrug it off and surround yourself with friends who support and accept you for who you are and not for how much hair you have.
Are There Support Groups for People Losing Their Hair?
Yes, there are. There are numerous online communities and local support groups where you can connect. Bald and Beautiful is a Facebook Group for men and women who suffer from hair loss, alopecia, or chemically damaged hair. It's a public group with more than 20k total members.
Does Embracing Baldness Mean No More Hair Treatments?
Yes, why would you spend on treatments that don't work or give minimal hair growth? Male pattern baldness has no cure. Once you've accepted hair loss, you shift to spending on grooming products like moisturizers, aftershaves, sunscreen, shaving creams, etc.
Can Going Bald Actually Make Me Look More Confident or Professional?
Yes, we already mentioned a study that says that bald men are perceived to be more dominant, taller, and confident.
When you accept baldness and carry yourself confidently, it can change how others see you.
How Do I Keep My Scalp Healthy After Shaving?
Post-shaving care is a must for head shavers. Shaving is harsh on our scalp it can make dry scalps drier, so moisturizing after a shave should be a part of your grooming routine moving forward. For a list of what to put on your head after shaving click on the link to learn more.
What Products Work Best for a Bald Head?
Products that are specifically designed for baldies are your best bets.
From the best electric shavers, trimmers, and shave and scalp care products companies like Freebird has you covered.
