tmstz

Hi all,

My friend and I are going to Rome, Prague, and Amsterdam in June and we both shave our heads. Are we going to be mistaken for skinheads or just Americans that are folically challenged? Thanks!

kleeblatt

Quite a good question.

The shaved head look is definitely not as popular over here (at least not in Switzerland).

If you're concerned, wear a baseball cap and don't be loud.

The problem with our skinheads isn't the way they look but the way they act.

Dukey

No, you will NOT be mistaken as a "skinhead" if all you do is shave your head.

Skins dress in a very particular style to include Doc Marten boots with various colored laces and with jeans tucked in.

fishee

Prison tattoos are also a dead giveaway so as long as you don't have Ayran Nation, White Power, and swastikas inked onto your forearms or the back of your neck, and you don't otherwise dress like a skinhead, you should be O.K.

kappa

> The shaved head look is definitely not as popular over here (at least not in Switzerland).

Schuler meant, I think, in the part of Switzelrand (Central/Northern Swiss German)where he/she lives, I see on paper and on TV reports on skin head/neo nazi... over there. Where I live (Geneva), it's not that common but still I have a few friends with shaved heads and have no problem. Otherwise, I agree with what Schuler wrote.

kleeblatt

Thanks, Kappa. You're quite right.

I'm a Swiss country bumpkin living among the cuckoo birds, farmers, cowbells and in a town of 2,000.

It is quite different than the bigger cities of Geneva and Zürich.

SiobhanP

You will be totally fine. Its trendy now for guys in the UK and oreland to have shaved heads or tight haircuts. A few german Pals of mine are the same. Trust me unless as mentioned above you wear docs and dress a certain way and have certain tatoos no one would think of it. Don't give it another thought.

worldinabag

Hi

I shave my head and I have a chunky earing as well (left ear, thank you). I've travelled to heaps of places in Europe. OK I do get some quizzical looks now and then but I don't care anyway. It's fine, you'll have no problems. It's a good look!

tmstz

thanks everyone!

alanRow

Look up "eastenders mitchell brothers"

bilboburgler

Not as skin heads but while I guess the folically challanged are acceptable you would be seen either as say a professional diver (hates toweling), an "American Marine" or at the bottom end of the social scale.

Try a range of hats

caroline_edinburgh

bilboburglar, are you actually from Rome, Prague or Amsterdam ?

As Siobhan says, a shaved head is a fashionable look for guys in Britain & Ireland and I think the same would hold throughout Europe - assuming said guys are not wearing skinhead regalia. Personally I think that if a guy is losing his hair, then shaving it looks more attractive and dignified than any of the alternatives.

And why on earth would people in Europe assume anyone is a US marine ?

Dukey

"Not as skin heads but while I guess the folically challanged are acceptable you would be seen either as say a professional diver (hates toweling), an "American Marine" or at the bottom end of the social scale.

Try a range of hats"

This is TOTAL BS...and what this person knows about the "bottom end of the social scale" is anybody's guess.

You do not need to wear a hat; you will not be the only person in Switzerland with either a shaved head or practically bald. I know because my head is shaved and I've been to Switzerland more than once without any difficulties whatsoever.

bilboburgler

Enough already; though

"As Siobhan says, a shaved head is a fashionable look for guys in Britain & Ireland and I think the same would hold throughout Europe ". WHAT!

Still, I'm only trying to help what I felt was a reasonable question so I guess the answer guys is none of us know. Just be yourselves and have a great visit.

caroline_edinburgh

At least Siobhan and I live in Europe so have more of an idea than some.

missypie

This past summer, we saw LOTS of guys with shaved heads in Rome...I thought it was a trend.

kappa

That's a nice trend for balding guys, myself included.

amp322

Many Czech guys either shave their heads, or wear really short buzz cuts. No worries there. As others have said, if you don't dress like a skinhead, you should be fine.

LoveItaly

Hi tmstz, I have a few Italian male friends in Italy that shave their heads
(as yes they are balding) and no they are never considered to be skinheads. One travels a lot around Europe on business and has never had a problem. Well actually he has a grandmother who gives him negative comments, lol, but you know how grandmothers are!

Kate

To echo all sensible posters, shaving the head is no big deal at all. It's very popular, particularly amongst the gay community.