27. Severely bald?

[Wolf Pack]

If you were bald, you wouldn't say that. You would have that hair transplant that you know think is a waste of time.

See-through hair (under harsh lights only most of the time) beats a shiny dome by a long range.

I am looking at it objectively due to my background and real life experience. I respect the fact that every patient has different expectations which I mentioned.

I might have it out of desperation but I would still be considered bald or pretty much bald and you can't grow your hair which is the whole point for me. My friend is a proper diffuser but still has a lot of hair yet people have commented on him being bald.

You need 50% density to create the illusion of full hair and I do think that's the minimum. At the front you can get away with less density as the hairline tends to often start with less hair, edge of the forest so to speak.

You're right, does beat a shiny dome but not sure by much, for me anyway.

 

[Wolf Pack]

Wig or keep it as it is. You seem happy.

 

[massa]

I really don't think a hair transplant is viable due to the extent of hair loss. Even trying to frame the face would be pointless as there would be huge unnatural gaps plus the grafts would have to be spaced out so it would look thin and horrible.

Tbh I don't think baldness ruins this guy, it looks okay on him with facial hair its fine .

 

[2bald2young]

You could benefit from a FUE hair transplant if you don't put any graft at the crown. You would still have to shave after the hair transplant but at least you'd have a frame for your face.

Getting back my frame with a hair transplant erase 90% of the worries I had over my hair loss. 10% is for the density, and 10% is for my crown which I will need to fix in the future since it's going.

But those don't matter nearly as much as the framing of the face. Get back your frame and you'll feel a lot better, even though the density won't be amazing and you'll have a bald spot at the back.

Don't you mean it erased 80% of your worries?

 

[Wolf Pack]

Wig is not a viable option so keeping it as it is the only option for him.

Well, according to you.

If he was happy, he wouldn't be posting here.

Depends if he has exceptional donor density. Otherwise all he can have is a thin coverage (severe thinning) of a transplant that he has to buzz down anyway, but most people will not want this as it will still look sparse and unnatural. The frame thing is over rated in this circumstance, doesn't change anything. That's why hair transplant surgeons don't regard them as good candidates. Lets face it, most people want hair.

So I think unless he has great donor hair, he should opt to keep it shaved/buzzed or put on a wig for full hair appearance. With great donor density he could cover the posterior and mid scalp and then have a comb over. That's a possibility only if he has enough hair to move.

I really don't think a hair transplant is viable due to the extent of hair loss. Even trying to frame the face would be pointless as there would be huge unnatural gaps plus the grafts would have to be spaced out so it would look thin and horrible.

Tbh I don't think baldness ruins this guy, it looks okay on him with facial hair its fine .

My thoughts exactly. Better to keep it shaved and discreet looking in this situation. I feel he could try a full system and see how he feels.

 

[Wolf Pack]

hair transplant docs themselves don't consider them candidates on many occasions and the patients themselves may think that too. You're right I've never been bald and you have, but you can't claim to say they will all feel the same. That they all want thin coverage. A lot of people are 'all or nothing' in the sense they either want to sport some sort of hairstyle or shave it.

Even toms said his friend is wearing a wig. I know 2-3 people too. They are not on this forum as they are relatively happy with their full hair appearance and have some piece of mind. Most bald people will shave it or wig I feel, not this kind of transplant you had. But everyone does what they need to, to get through the day, including you.

Let's see what op says and decides.

 

[Wolf Pack]

Here there is no real difference between someone shaving or a thin diffuse buzz. Maybe a few percent improvement maximum in the eyes of girls. He will still be seem as bald. If he is doing it for himself : that's different. But you mentioned society and girls.

You're right, a proper hair transplant with fullish hair restoration obviously beats a wig hand down.

You mention all those activities, well you can do them shaved too and with a wig minus swimming maybe. They are quite advanced now.

You say sex, girls like to grab hair when you go down or play with it, with a wig that's possible too.

 

[EvilLocks]

I must agree with Fred here. A wig will never be a viable solution for hair loss, but unfortunately to people like myself, is the only option.

 

[Wolf Pack]

I don't think your mother would leave him if he took the wig off, if she did, no offence, but what kind of relationship is that? Based on hair? After all these years you would think they would have a proper bond and history. Are you sure you're not being paranoid? Otherwise I feel bad for your father. In fact I think those in long term relationships will take that wig off in front of their partner.

Also I have never insulted your transplant outcome on your thread and others should be diplomatic. I always say whatever brings you peace of mind in this battle, opt for that, even if it's shave.

I feel you are quick to bring down wigs and dismiss them, that's the crux of the issue, you don't like it but others may. Now I have never had one but it seems many people do wear them and lead a happy life. So it does warrant mentioning, especially to someone like OP who either has to shave/paper thin transplant or wig. These are his options and he should know that. I am not a fan of hair tattoos like smp and find it a ridiculous concept especially when explaining to a girl or even mates "I don't have hair so got hair tattoos drawn on to make myself feel better" but I accept smp and concealers as an option. Do you see a wig as "cheating"?

In your position what would I do? I don't know your donor density but I would have filled my back and middle then a comb over hanging forward a bit. If that was not possible, I would shave it clean or possibly try a wig and see how I feel psychologically.

We should be open minded. You're right in regards to differences in Norwood status, I think it works both ways though, some higher norwoods have forgotten the benefit of sporting a hairstyle and how a wig allows that.

I also think the jury is out on whether higher norwoods really prefer sporting a thin buzz cut to a shave. Perhaps even that is not as clear cut as it was for you, especially with bald people in real life.

- - - Updated - - -

I must agree with Fred here. A wig will never be a viable solution for hair loss, but unfortunately to people like myself, is the only option.

The fact you say it's the only option open to you now, shows it is a solution nevertheless. That's my point. It allows people too far gone to lead a better "normal" life if they wish. They will always be around unless there is a cure that everyone can access.

 

[EvilLocks]

some higher norwoods have forgotten the benefit of sporting a hairstyle and how a wig allows that.

They haven't forgotten, they have just learned the hard way what true baldness actually does to you, something you simply haven't been through. Higher norwoods know better.

 

[Wolf Pack]

Fred, your sharing your own experience and your fathers. That's two people. You're right I have no experience of balding and minimal loss in your eyes. But like I said there are thousands and thousands of men wearing a wig and there must be some satisfaction for this full head of hair, otherwise the wig industry would be out of business. There have even been positive comments from some who wear it on here, although most don't come on the forum. I assume because they are no longer battling hair loss and have a permanent solution even if it is a wig.

I also know several people with a wig, people who have had full restoration with hair transplant, people that take dutasteride e.t.c. So I am open to all options for all. I was merely offering a solution to OP. I agree I can't offer personal advice on recovering from balding trauma, as I have never had any.

 

[Wolf Pack]

Wearing a wig is like the end of your battle whether the individual likes it or not, with a transplant you can lose more and that's probably why they come on forums . Even then most the transplant stories are from Norwood 3V max.

I am not saying I would wear a wig and it brings me comfort currently: I have never put one one and I don't know what I'll do in that situation. It's just an option that's all like smp or concealers. We should welcome more choice.

As you said, I have never had any nightmare so far in my life with hair loss. Maybe one day when I am 50 plus but I don't think I will ever be fully bald for various reasons.

 

[Wolf Pack]

I tried repping you earlier but couldn't. You are a veteran and your input is needed on this forum for sure.

I may not be bald but I already know how tough this battle can be. Common sense and my background tell me that much.

 

[tkster95]

I had the same Norwood pattern as the OP at 28 and tried a hair piece for a bit. I agree with Fred, it is no permeant solution to hair loss. I found it to be extremely uncomfortable. First day after a fresh attachment was ok, but as the tape or glue started to break down it was unbearable. I couldn't go more than 4 days before I had to take it off and give my head a breather. The thought of having to wear one all day, every day sends shivers down my spine. Maybe 0.1% could pull it off. The rest will give up after a couple months or maybe a couple years. Sucks cause, they do look great now a days.

The first set of pics the OP looked to be about a NW5A. At that point, If your hairloss stays that way, hair transplant's are a viable option. The second set looks to have progressed to a NW6. I'm in the same boat and, at this point, I don't think a hair transplant is an option for most people anymore. I've been searching for a while and have only see 1 or 2 people come back from that with a hair transplant. They were both by dr umar, with multiple procedures, totaling 10,000 or so graphs to the tune of $80K-$100K. Other then those couple examples I haven't really even see anybody attempt a hair transplant at that stage. If anyone has any links to success stories I'd be interested in checking them out.

I've been shaving for awhile trying to get used to it but I still don't like it. SMP seems like a pretty good option for a slick NW6-7, even though I seem to be the only one posting on this forum that seems to think that way. I wanted to chime in cause WolfPack was bashing it pretty hard, even though I can understand where you're coming from with your sentiments about it. If I was in a NW2-3's shoes, as a lot of posters on here are, I wouldn't even think about it either. There's no way I would shave down a NW2 to gain a slightly better hairline. Plus, a shaven head, on a lot of people (especially caucasians), is an extreme look. Hardly any NW1-2's with real hair are going to shave it to the bone every day.. and that's exactly what someone with SMP is trying to simulate. Plus, it seems that most hair loss suffers want one thing; hair. SMP will defiantly not give you that. But with all that said, it seems to be a complete 180 for many recipients who get it done. Just a hairline to frame your face seems to make a huge difference. Throughout all the years of researching different hair loss treatments / solutions, I've never come across a procedure with such enthusiastic recipients. There are 100's if not 1,000's of turn around stories on the smp dedicated forums. But still, it gets no respect at all on other hair loss sites like this one. I'm confused at that. Sometimes it makes me wonder if all the stories on the other forums are just one big marketing scheme? Honestly though, I think that con would almost be impossible to pull off. Too many pictures and unique stories to be fake. Then why haven't I gotten it done yet? Cause I'm still afraid of all the what if's. Could end up with a botched job, or it just looks odd. Than what do you do? I haven't seen many laser removal stories so I'm still on the fence. If I had confirmation that a laser removal would totally erase it with no hit, if I didn't like it, I'd get it in a heart beat. If I got it and liked my new look, an people found out and judged me for getting a tattoo?? F#$k em. If I got it and like the way it looked, no one could tell me otherwise.

 

[jayden kauffman]

If you're really worried about the whole bald look, look into micropigmentation.

 

[tkster95]

Fred, what don't you like about the permanent treatment? Have you seen it in person?

I've been searching for negative feedback concerning the permanent route for quite a while. I haven't found too many bad testimonials from recipients. I've read of a few botched jobs and people who got called out. But honestly, I've only found about 3 or 4 cases like that out of the 100's I've read. Its seems most people are very happy with it.

I've seen some good looking pictures from milena lardi but unfortunately a yearly, or biyearly trip to Italy is out of the question for me. I just checked what a flight would cost and its $2,000+ even 3-4 months in advance. That plus the treatment and other expenses it would end up costing quite a lot to keep up with the temporary treatment. Also, I haven't heard many customer testimonials on temporary yet, mostly just marketing material from the providers.

 

[baldandproud]

Chill

Guys, I'm new here and don't have half the knowledge you guys have on this topic. However, I am a Norwood 5a at the age of 25, started when I was about 17. I've been reading these forums for years. I'm also in the Heathcare profession as well. I completely shave my head, as i convinced myself it was practical and took a few years to truly get used too, in fact it still makes me look twice now! I've just finished university and have already been accepted into a job, a professional setting, with a shaved head. I fully understand feeling self conscious, my girlfriend has had to put up with me for years worrying about my looks. But something's I'm sure you guys can appreciate is it can be a lot worse.

I play football and get ripped every week about being the bald guy, but so what? It means he bond over something that will happen to a lot of men eventually? Is it going to harm me in anyway apart from make me look older than I used to? If a wig or a hair transplant isn't for you, the please just try and accept it. I used to have sleepless nights over it, read all type of stories of guys in the same boat, it really isn't worth it. I met my girlfriend whilst I was still trying to cover it, she begged me not to shave the head until I took the plunge, now she openly admits she likes it. Yes looks are important but she puts up with me for all types of crap. Feel free to delete this, but I feel if someone won't give you the chance because you have no hair then clearly that's not the type of person you should be getting involved with anyway. Yes losing your hair sucks, it really does, but there really is a lot worse that can happen. Just make sure you top up on warm hats for the winter and plenty of sun cream for the summer!

 

[baldandproud]

I guess we shouldn't get involved with 95% of other people then. What an interesting social life to have.

This is the main reason your girlfriend stays with you and "begged" you to shave your head: she has control over you, she knows well that no other girls will try to steal you from her.

Deep down, your girlfriend hates your guts fro whining about your baldness that you have presumably "accepted".

I know this because I've had girlfriends when I was bald. They all hated it, they cringed every time I just made an observation about hair loss.

"baldanproud"? Please, 90% of your post says the exact opposite. Hope that helps.

Yes fredthebelgium im sure the reason she asked me to shave it is because she's scared of other girls haha! I'm sure this forum is designed to support people suffering from baldness and to help them cope with the way they chose wish to deal with it? Instead I'm reading a lot of comments from guys almost labelling someone ridiculous for losing there hair?
The beauty is how many nights have you wasted trying to make people feel like crap? To the guy that made this thread, good luck, please don't take some of these comments seriously, losing your hair will not ruin your life. You'll be surprised some people actually won't judge you, or even care. Just enjoy life!

 

[baldandproud]

What a golden advice and what a genius you are! We'd never thought about that!

Just, enjoy, life. It was that simple! Now we're all saved from hair loss. Thank you!

Saved from baldness? It's not something that's going to kill you even harm you! Just saying you shouldn't be so negative, there are young influenced people on this forum who are looking for reassurance and to be told that you basically ****** if you lose your hair is just ridiculous! Accident waiting to happen!

 

[kirk]

Saved from baldness? It's not something that's going to kill you even harm you! Just saying you shouldn't be so negative, there are young influenced people on this forum who are looking for reassurance and to be told that you basically ****** if you lose your hair is just ridiculous! Accident waiting to happen!

What about the people with lives that are actually screwed by hair loss? Do they not get an outlet to express this to like-minded sufferers?

Only someone in denial would fail to see the utility of this section of the forum.

Wow! only three posts in, and you are already battling it out with others, great start!