Baldie?

[jeff]

OK... so here's my next moronic question:

I'm one of those guys who shaves his hair down to stubble in the real world, because if I don't, Mother Nature makes some funny bald spots on my pate. I know the recent trend for this is new, but I also know these fashion things could be cyclical.

Does anyone know if there would be any authentic basis for a semi-shaved head in the period?

If not, just how long would I need to grow it out for it to not be farbfull?

[Fenian]

Jeff, I have seen photos of very close cuts particularly on Zouaves.IMHO these are more authentic than ponytails, pleated pigtails,shag cuts and other exotic stuff I've seen out there.I have never seen a photo of a total "DaddyWarbucks" look though.:) Bud Scully 13th NJ and 69th NY

[Frenchie]

Greetings, my fellow follicle-challenged victim of male-pattern baldness! :D Two possible "stories" for your chrome dome:

You're a former circus strong man and got used to shaving your pate (they did so to show the sheen of perspiration and add to the illusion of doing mighty deeds). This works best if you have a beefy physique.

You shaved your head to eliminate an infestation of head lice. Clue your pals in on this so they can answer for you if you're asked about your shaved head by a spectator; you'd be too embarrassed and your pards should smirk and guffaw as you quite naturally react with irritation. This would work best in a camp or garrison setting, before there's been time for everyone to get a case of pediculus.

[10TN]

Here's a cite for you-
from a letter by Mitchell Thompson of the 83rd Illinois, written from Cairo on Sept. 2, 1862

"Here we are called the hairy regiment as every man almost has hair on his face although most of them have their hair clipped pretty close to their heads-some so short that the scalps can be seen all over the head"

BTW-no lice involved:-)

[Chip]

Gentlemen:

I too fall under the "follically challenged" category. Most of the time I'm smooth as a baby's behind on top. When an event is coming though, I normally let it grow for about a month. This will add just short of an inch of hair where it still grows, which from photos that I have seen is right around acceptable. I'm "horse shoe" bald, so after I let it grow, I just do a little light grooming on the front to clean the off the three lone hairs that haven't figured out that the party is over.:shock:
Once the event is over, part of the clean up process is shaving all that nastiness off.
Keep looking at photos. I believe the 1st CRRC has at least one pic of a balding soldier who was keeping his hair faily short.

[Memphis]

General Ewell, anyone?

[sbl]

Colonel Edward E. Cross 5th NHV

http://www.echoesofgettysburg.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/.pond/ColonelEdwardCross.JPG.w300h456.jpg

Could have been the inventer of the "comb-over."

[NoahBriggs]

I believe the 1st CRRC has at least one pic of a balding soldier who was keeping his hair faily short.

Can't remember if it's the same picture or not, but in that same collage of Harewood Hospital photos there is a balding man with a less-tidy comb-over.