The best time to start shaving when balding

People have been shaving their heads for thousands of years, and it's not a new trend: in fact, did you know men have been doing it since ancient Greece?

So if you're considering dropping the razor on your head, don't worry: it's not some newfangled thing that no one has ever tried before. Actually, it's quickly becoming a trendy hairstyle, even among men who do not suffer from alopecia.

Your hair is still healthy, but you're seeing the first signs of balding?

Then wait. There's no rush. Get comfortable with the idea or the eventuality of becoming bald, but do not panic and do not stress about it.

You might be thinking about taking the plunge and shaving your head, but there's no need to rush into such a drastic change.

In fact, if you've been going through this for a while, you may likely have noticed that your hair is still strong and healthy enough to keep growing for many more years before you start to see any significant thinning or loss.

If you're not affected by BMP, there's a good chance you can get your hair back into a healthy state. Consider visiting a dermatologist early on to see if it's something you can tackle.

Worried about balding? Get a buzz cut

If your alopecia is progressing fast and you want to hide that, shaving your head is a great option to start fresh.

Getting a short buzz is an excellent way to hide initial hair loss; it can also help you become more familiar and comfortable with the prospect of having a bald head.

Less importantly, but still worth mentioning, shaving your hair shorter can get the people around you to get used to your head without a big-bang reaction.

Dealing with family, friends, and partners when balding

If you're balding, it can be hard to know how to talk about it. You might feel like you're being judged by the people around you, or that they have some sort of preconceived notion about who you are because of your hair loss. You might even feel like your relationships with loved ones are strained.

But there are ways to deal with this situation in a way that can help both you and the people around you feel more comfortable.

Here's how:

• Be honest
• Don't hide the fact that something is bothering you
• Be open about what's going on so that those around you feel less awkward about what's happening (or not happening) in their relationships with someone who is going through this process of losing their hair

If you don't want people asking why you're balding or if you are afraid it can bother them, just be transparent and tell them what's happening in your life.

In fact, if you want to try shaving your hair before you go completely bald (which is fine), consider waiting until after a significant event or milestone in your life.

You may also want to try it out in private first — your partner might think it looks great and encourages you to keep going!

Our view: start with a buzz cut

Shaving it off is no rush if you're worried about looking like a balding guy. Instead, start with a buzz cut or even just a trim.

That way, it will be much easier if you decide you want to go fully bald one day (or if your hairline recedes).