Mailbag: Positive reinforcement

People are sometimes very nervous about shaving their heads for the first time. They often wonder if it will look okay, or if they will be mocked once their head is shaved. I thought I'd share some emails I've gotten from people who have shaved their heads for the first time.

I shaved my over my vacation and was anticipating some negative comments from my co-workers but upon returning to work, many workers complimented me and said I looked good. The part that's really interesting is a couple of guys stopped wearing the hats that covered a bald spot on their head and one of the girls that never wore shorts suddenly started wearing shorts and I overheard another girl telling someone that what I did was very bold. I think my change helped people feel better about themselves and they can be who they are without fear of ridicule.

I'm now shaving every evening because my hair grows very fast.

That email's from Larry, and it's fairly typical of the comments I receive. Here's another positive email that I received from Mark:

I just wanted to say "thank" for your informative site. I shaved my head 3 days ago and am still getting used to everything. My reason for shaving - I was born with a small "bald" spot near the front, left-hand part of my head. For all my life I had this patch of skin where hair should have been. So everday I would have to comb hair over it. I was always self-conscious about it...

As I got older, and my hair began to thin it became increasingly difficult to cover up my baldness. I would spend 30 minutes messing with my hair each day and I'd still not be happy with the results. Plus, I drive a convertible and own a motorcycle... so my hair would always get messed up anyway.

I had been thinking about shaving my head for a year... My only hang up was that, considering my bald spot... my decision would have to be permanent. But when I finally did... I felt so free! For the first time in my 30 years of existence, I didn't have to worry about my bald spot, my thinning hair, or anything... just a smooth scalp.

It's going to take some getting use to.. but I know I'll be fine.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my story. Thanks again!

Nearly all of the email I receive from first-time headshavers is positive, which is great. Keep it up, folks.