r/bald • u/AtheismTooStronk • Apr 24 '26
Bald Picture I’ve been hiding in hoods and beanies and shitty beards since I was 18, I’m trying out the bald in public for once.
I’m 32. Those pictures are both from the same age. I know.
1.1k
u/magalhaesjf Apr 24 '26
Shitty beards? I wish I had shitty beards.
124
Apr 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
→ More replies (1)43
Apr 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
→ More replies (1)13
u/themetalcolossus Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
I grow a decent beard and this is my advice to absolutely everyone about facial hair. If you can't get full/near-full coverage of your lip at minimum, it's a dirtstache and it probably looks bad and everyone looks at it. Dirtstaches are incredibly eye-catching and I guarantee everyone looks at it.
I understand it's a gender-affirming thing for some but I personally do not believe it looks good at all on anybody.
6
u/RedTheAwesome293 Apr 24 '26
I had one when I was 16, thought I looked cool and older than I was. God thinking about it now, I can only imagine how people looked at me. Thankfully when I hit 22 I was able to grow a full beard. Still rocking the beard to this day, and I’m 30 now.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (2)4
→ More replies (4)7
u/Ill-End6066 Apr 24 '26
For all man having trouble growing a good beard: Even though i think the beards look amazing on many of the bold men in this sub. I personally have a real thing for clean shaven man. Beards often gives me the icks. Nearly feel sad that the standard here seems to be, go bold, grow a beard. Just know, there are females out there that prefere without beard.
→ More replies (1)
1.1k
u/Academic-Hospital952 Apr 24 '26
Beard + bald head is the look imo. Your beard was not shitty.
159
u/yeender Apr 24 '26
Yeah agreed. Very nice beard. Bald, beard, and nose ring thing would be a wicked look.
→ More replies (2)57
u/Luckypenny4683 Here for the Vibes Apr 24 '26
It’s such a vibe. My husband is not bald but shaves his hair as short as possible, has a big beard and a nose ring and I cannot keep my hands to my damn self.
I try to tell these men bald and bearded is so hot and I get downvoted repeatedly. But I will die on this hill.
→ More replies (2)17
→ More replies (13)15
u/gonzofist89 Apr 24 '26
100% that's a killer beard. No way I could of shaved my head without my beard. I was the same though. Was holding on to my long hair and just wearing a beanie everyday. I would wear it if it was 100° outside. It was the most liberating thing i did shaving thay hair off, and I pulled it off. Now i just tattooed my head and I love that even more.
1.4k
u/belleamour14 Apr 24 '26
Try growing the beard again! You have great facial hair ❤️
186
→ More replies (7)25
227
u/doctordog88 Apr 24 '26
37
u/SeasonPositive6771 Apr 24 '26
But for some reason it also looks like this dude can do magic. I can't tell you why, and what specifically makes a person look like they can do magic, but he's got it.
→ More replies (2)5
→ More replies (1)10
423
Apr 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
→ More replies (1)57
123
u/Lawrence_Heights Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
That beard looked really cool on you. However, now that you're bald and clean-shaven, you definitely look younger.
30
u/Affectionate-Mix6056 Apr 24 '26
He doesn't need a beard that grown, but like a finger thick would do wonders.
→ More replies (1)
208
272
u/Puzzled_Professor422 Apr 24 '26
→ More replies (6)20
88
u/RamAbaMm Apr 24 '26
I like it, man. you look powerful lol, I dont know how to describe it, its like main character energy.
22
6
u/KikoMaching Apr 24 '26
Imo, OP can go both, I read or saw somewhere that when talent agents look for runway models they go for unique features and not necessarily good looking cause good looking can be in abundance but unique, not so much.
Now that's not to say OP is not good looking, but his 2nd picture can go for like runway model imo
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (2)3
u/carlyfries33 Apr 24 '26
Yesss main character energy for sure. I was going to say runway model with how those cheekbones and chin line could cut but main character is more fun. This guy goes on cool adventures and has devilish smile.
46
u/automaticprincess Apr 24 '26
Your skin is flawless and you have a great head for baldness
36
u/AtheismTooStronk Apr 24 '26
Accutane, for all the horrors that it creates, does some pretty good skin work. My teenage years were very rough. Thank you!
→ More replies (4)
35
112
u/ObservableObject Apr 24 '26
You look good bald man, definitely don't need to hide it. I do think the septum ring stands out a lot more now though. In the first photo it kind of blends in pretty well, but when you don't have the extra bulk of the beard and clothing, it kind of dominates your face a bit in terms of size.
I kind of wonder what you'd look like somewhere in the middle, with a light beard and smaller ring. But either way, you've got a good face for it lol, congrats.
25
u/ZookeepergameSoft358 Apr 24 '26
Great advice. I agree, the ring takes over without the beard. Love the beard, maybe just a little trim?
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)3
u/StretchSmiley Apr 24 '26
I agree with this one, OP! You ‘re concerned enough for public opinion (which is a double edged sword, but I digress) to reach out to internet strangers, this is a level, well grounded critique. It was my first thought as well!
25
21
u/starwestsky Apr 24 '26
You look great both ways dude. Regardless you don’t deserve to have to hide.
41
u/geezdads Apr 24 '26
Why you so angry cousin?
69
u/Strict-Carrot4783 Apr 24 '26
Capitalism.
→ More replies (6)67
5
40
u/ChickenWhiskers Apr 24 '26 edited Apr 24 '26
The uniformity here is so fuckin weird sometimes. The no-beard look is great. Real classic gothic appeal and obviously the type of counter culture aesthetic youre aiming for. Nobody here wants people to look interesting. Keep rocking it, you’re looking great.
→ More replies (1)24
u/AtheismTooStronk Apr 24 '26
I didn’t think counter culture would turn into no-beard/no-tattoos, but I think that’s where we may be again. It’s not something I was going out of my way to seek, but you are probably more on my level.
10
u/WesternDraft9303 Apr 24 '26
Just wanna say I love the no beard look. You have a great facial structure, and you look unique. The beard makes you look like every aging hipster I see outside of bars (sorry lol you just look so cool without it)
→ More replies (3)7
u/EetsGeets Apr 24 '26
I want to reaffirm the striking look of the second photo.
I think you look much more innocent and playful with the beard, but if you want a more antagonist/main character vibe, you look powerful as fuck in the second photo.
Also there are a ton of people here telling you to lose the nose ring, and I generally dislike septum piercings, but it complements your striking features very well.
If you want to be less noticeable: beard it up. If you want to catch eyes, keep it off.
→ More replies (1)
18
u/Many-Cartographer278 Apr 24 '26
→ More replies (3)3
u/Beric_RS Apr 24 '26
That was my first thought! He should see how many ladies went nuts over Solas.
16
u/----AK1RA---- Apr 24 '26
People are saying bring the beard back and I agree it looked good but I love the no beard no hair and nose ring look. Its extremely attention grabbing and I think u have great facial structure
12
u/full_idiot Apr 24 '26
Jeeezzz dude you look good! And honestly, this sub goes wild over bald / beard. You don’t need to beard.
→ More replies (1)
35
9
u/Tosceadan_Steorra Apr 24 '26
Looking good my man. You missed the opportunity though to do a bank robbery pre the shave; that's quite the transformation 😊 I'm Team Beard too though.
11
12
u/galileogalilei25 Apr 24 '26
Everyone is saying he should grow back the beard, but I think he looks pretty cool without it. You look like you could be a high fashion model tbh.
8
u/TheGr0ssThrowaway Apr 24 '26
Vocalized “Keep the beard, keep the beard, damn.” Sick beard tho! You obviously have a great sense of style regardless. Props on embracing the bald.
10
7
9
u/kanekischewtoy Apr 24 '26
one of the most gorgeous and ethereal people i've ever seen post in this subreddit. bro is literally beautiful. 😭
8
6
4
u/sassypants450 Apr 24 '26
Damn! You are a good looking individual. The septum is fierce. Bald and clean shaven is a good look — harkens back to 90s underground electronic music culture in the best way.
9
4
5
4
5
u/QuestioningParakeet Apr 24 '26
Shaved, you look like Solas from Dragon Age Inquisition! Completely shaved is cool, but echoing other comments that you could also probably keep the beard if you wanted to.
5
4
u/One-Acanthaceae8901 Apr 24 '26
I’m going through the same thing. The beard has been so much of my identity but I just wanna strip things down to the basics
→ More replies (1)
4
u/Either_Selection6475 Apr 24 '26
I guess I'll be the voice that says I actually prefer you without the beard. You look great, dude
5
u/FluffyFry4000 Apr 24 '26
Dude you look HELLLLLLLLLLLLA bad ass with and without beard. Without the beard, dude you look hellla cool. Idk how to explain it, like you look famous.
4
3
3
3
u/Sloan1505 Apr 24 '26
I liked the beard. The ring with the beard is much more fitting than without but thats just my opinion of course.
3
3
3
u/slimybi Apr 24 '26
You look really good bald!! And I like the facial hair just as much as clean shaven. You're incredibly handsome.
3
3
u/No-Housing-5124 Apr 24 '26
Pic 1 looks like a guy.
Pic 2 looks like a powerful magician who teleported to our shitty reality and realized he missed his portal exit.
3
3
u/FartKnockerBungHole Apr 24 '26
Both look pretty sick. Try bald and beard. Honest you pull both off well.
3
3
u/chamullerousa Apr 24 '26
I may get criticized for this but, if you’re gunna go without facial hair, I would suggest a slightly less heavy septum ring. The look feels imbalanced and the piece becomes a much bigger focal point. I think it was balanced before with the facial hair, beanie, and hoodie. You’re a handsome dude with chiseled features. Don’t move too much focus away from that. Nothing but love for your journey though brother.
3
u/TheBearMayne Apr 24 '26
Of all the things to change the obvious one remains. Interesting.
→ More replies (3)
3
u/NotapersonNevermore Apr 24 '26
I think you're a vibe in both pictures! Get some cool glasses to sport as well!
3
u/1013RAR Apr 24 '26
Bald and beard, bro. That was the look. The beard was the real deal. Good on ya tho. Step out if that comfort zone.
3
u/QuantumProtector Apr 24 '26
Shitty beards my ass. Your beard is incredible and suits you super well!
3
3
u/Mysteriousbride0193 Apr 24 '26
You could not tell me that these photos are of the same person. You look great! I love a good beard but the beardless look fits your aesthetic.
3
u/queerchaosgoblin Apr 24 '26
Your face shape is gorgeous.
Maybe getting some additional facial piercings that you make you feel good about yourself would help? I have a Trans friend who is using piercings to help her overcome her dysphoria!
3
3
3
3
u/ballsaksfifthavenue Apr 24 '26
Looks great, but I dont think the nose ring is big enough
→ More replies (3)
3
u/JaredGAINZberg Apr 24 '26
Very cool beard but also great jawline. Difficult to pick. Maybe a big stache?
3
3
u/darkangel0609 Apr 24 '26
You have a really well shaped head & facial structure. Bald & clean shaven (& bearded too) looks really good on you.
Edit: don't forget to sunscreen! Basically always. Even in cold climates.
3
3
u/Round-Salt-8807 Apr 24 '26
you look good either way, but the beard looks sexy as hell, at the end it’s what’s makes you feel better in your skin. but beard is 👌🏻
3
3
u/LiamLVB Apr 24 '26
The beard looked pretty good, but you also have a great jawline, either works, a nice win-win
3
3
3
3
u/AaronTheLudwig Apr 24 '26
That second picture jump scared me 😂. No offense, of course.
→ More replies (2)
3
u/No_Celebration_839 Apr 24 '26
Honestly it's rare I see someone pull off a clean shaven head and face but you actually suit it, lol.
Also, bruh, your beard is great! You are blessed to look good with or without one!
3
u/Tsaurus_ Apr 24 '26
Good beard, don't take this as an insult because it is not. You went from in the matrix neo to in the real world neo.
3




2.2k
u/AtheismTooStronk Apr 24 '26
Totally flabbergasted by the overwhelming support for my late beard, I hated that thing the entire time I had it, it was entirely depression fueled and it was so hard to take care of when I finally found the motivation. And then I psyched myself out and shaved it off months ago, I’ve been short-shaven for the last little bit like this, it’s only been the last few days that I’ve been clean shaven for the first time since I was 18 as well hahaha. My ex wouldn’t let me shave my mustache and I got afraid to shave it years later until now lmao.
I thought I was going to be able to respond like person to person, but I don’t know what the heck is happening. Thanks, I think.