What grade of clipper can be got away with after HT?

[organix]

Hi there, I am trying to determine what grade of clipper can be gotten away with after a HT and still not give away the scar? Is it possible to get away with a 4 or 5 or have haircuts like the links below? I wouldn't want to shave my head to grade 1,2 or skinhead level, just might like to have short back and sides or a buzzcut

 

http://www.yeshairstyles.com/wp-content/gallery/jake-gyllenhaal/jake-gyllenhaal-short-buzz-cut.jpg

 

http://www.televisioninternet.com/news/pictures/matthew-fox.jpg

 

Also, I've read about the scar causing a "smiley face" effect with shorter hair cuts, not the scar that's visible, but the way the hair lies and it appears darker throughout the scar. I was wondering if anybody had any thoughts on this?

 

cheers

 

Andy

[Thehairupthere]

A 4 or 5 on a clipper will hide your scar well, I don't suggest going lower than a 3. I would wait to use a clipper for the first few months after surgery though because the scar hasn't healed yet and the clipper may still show the scar at that point. Tell your barber to use scissors and around 5 months is when you can start using the clippers again.

[organix]

thanks for the reply.

 

Yeah that's what I'd thought around 3 months.

 

Any thoughts on the smile effect? Or do you reckon that's just with really short hair?

[Thehairupthere]

The scar is technically in the shape of a smiley face, but you won't see it if you keep your hair long enough. Usually 1/2 inch to 3/4 of an inch of hair length does the trick and unless the scar heals poorly it should not be noticeable with a #4 or #5 on a clipper.

[aaron1234]

Depends on your scar heals. I tend to scar wider. But take a look at futbol9's scar, barely noticeable and he shaved to at least a 2 or 3.

[gillenator]

I also agree that it really depends on the individual. Some do tend to heal with a bit wider scar and also any lingering redness can show the scar in shorter hair styles.

 

The higher degree of coarseness to one's hair along with a fair amount of density in the donor zone works well to hide the scar. Most peoplel with average hair characteristics should be able to wear their hair as short as #3

[orlhair1]

I have been able to clip the sides and the back with a 3 and not see the scar, but that is not always the case. You can get fairly short, but not buzzed.

[organix]

Thanks guys, useful replies. I guess I'll have to wait and see.

[gillenator]

Possibly have your hairdresser cut a very small area first starting at say, a number 3, and if it is showing through, slowly increase the length until the scar cannot be seen.