What's in a shape?

The "bald" you are wearing effects your eyebrows shape.
This is because some eyebrow numbers are stored in the slider hair inventory item.

This is why some shape manufacturers include a bald to go with the shape so you will get the face they made.

I am a total newb so please forgive the obvious question... but hopefully some others will wonder the same things:

Once I have set my own shape to how I like it using the sliders, can I save this somehow so that if I use another shape I can return to what I had?

If I use a shape and then take it off, do I automatically return to the shape I had set with the sliders? (And... how do I take a shape off - I have one on at the moment that doesn't seem to give me a Take Off option... have that problem with some hair too)

If I buy a full avatar outfit including shape and clothes, I can take that on and off and alternate between that and my 'usual' shape?

That should annoy everyone enough for now... so sorry, folks!

The only way to take off a shape is to wear a different one. You can't exist without a shape - otherwise your pixels splash all over the floor andit's rather messy. Once you've saved the slider settings, yes you can put it back on later.

And the only way to save the slider settings is to wear a shape you buy, and then modify it and save the new settings? (Giggles about her messy pixels... quite an image, that!)

Actually, you can use one of the library avatars, a freebie, or in the Advanced menu, you can actually pick a "test" default avatar as your starting base. (^_^)

Advanced >> Character >> Character Tests >> Test Male

Advanced >> Character >> Character Tests >> Test Female

In the end... Your own work will be truly individual. My shapes are all my own work, and there isn't a duplicate around that I've ever seen. If someone finds my twin, let me know, it would be a fun experiment. (^_^)y

Thanks so much to those who helped here... this makes all the difference. To any other newbs finding this - just start with a Library shape (I didn't even know about the Library till now) and you can modify it how you like... take a copy and you can mess it up to your heart's content. BUT... one tip... spend a little money and get a decent skin if you can; it makes working with your shape SO much nicer!

I'd disagree with that last bit. There are some shops that do charge ungodly fees for their shapes, but there are also a number of shapemakers in SL who do very good work and don't charge an arm and a leg (and don't rely on marketing hype). I have a shape shop (two, actually) and I have been able to help a number of residents look the way they'd like to, whether it was because they didn't know how to do it themselves or just didnt have the time to hunt around for all the matching components. So far all my customers (as far as I can tell) have been very happy with the service they've received and have considered it money well spent.