Balding is a life-altering experience — and one that can invoke a lot of grief and heartache. Despite all this, it is possible to overcome the sorrow of hair loss and begin your journey to being bald.

The most painful obstacle to overcome during (and after) the point of hair loss, is the loss of confidence. Though it is rough and inevitable, it IS conquerable, through these five key tenants:

1. Own It — But, Start Small

Some people always jump in the water without testing it, some start in the shallow end and work into the deep end. There is no right answer. But, the goal is to do what feels comfortable to you. If you are a deep end jumper - go for it! If you start in the shallow end, slowly use smaller and smaller numbers on the razor (5,4,3..).

If you own it, YOU are the one in control of being a bald badass. Not your friends, not random people on TV, not a stranger on the street. YOU. And it shows you are confident with your appearance, no matter where you are in the process.

2. Reinforce Positive Boundaries

Carve out positive spaces for yourself, both emotionally and physically.

In addition to surrounding yourself with supportive friends, partners, and family, create and embody a positive mantra for yourself to live by — one that encourages you to live life with a greater sense of self worth.

In social spaces (including the ones online) avoid immersing yourself in negativity and uncertainty about your appearance. Always remember that YOU are the one in control — and though you don’t have to put on airs of confidence everyday, it’s important to establish a baseline where self-pride comes without question.

MANTL’s social media has a myriad of gentlemen that have owned being bald, and are great examples of owning this lifestyle — from our own team, to our favorite game changers, to well-known celebrities. It doesn’t matter who you choose, but it could be powerful for the next time you’re feeling down and out.

3. Focus On What You Can Change

Do not shy away from a refresh — especially in your health habits, daily grooming, and style.

Working on your health is something in your control completely, in addition to, adopting a daily skincare routine. Start simple and small. If you don’t work out, go for a walk, have a salad for lunch and build up over time. If you don’t have a skincare routine, start with one change. Our MANTL Face + Scalp Cleanser is a simple 2-in-1 that allows you to wash your face and your scalp, one less thing to do in the morning or night!

But, take it one change at a time. Multiple changes in your life can be overwhelming as you try to figure out what works.

4. Dealing With Insults

Men who are balding are often a punchline for the masses — and it is reasonable to be concerned about it. The best way to handle it? Own it.

Embrace and accept this new change in appearance, and recognize that others are also moving through their own journeys — which may result in projecting their insecurities onto others. Don’t take it personally.

In fact, you can share with them that you are just ahead of the curve — according to the American Hair Loss Association, 66% of men begin balding at the age of 35, and most are completely bald by 55. Again, hair is just one less thing you have to worry about. Think of it as simplifying your life! ;)

5. Be Vulnerable

Being bald may not immediately inspire feelings of confidence — and that’s okay. To deal with this be open about it. Share that you struggled with balding and you have arrived at a place of acceptance. That vulnerability is showing that balding is not something I can control. But, I can control my reaction to balding, which is being bald.

Overall, confidence comes from you. Focus on what you control - how your scalp looks, how you eat, dress, and take care of your skin, how you respond to rude remarks. What you will find is the true friends, loves, and family will support you in this change, and you will most likely hear more compliments than insults.