A few of the cosplays I want to do, include a character that is either bald (Heavy) or is basically bald (Jet from Bebop)

The question is what are alternatives and is it too much to shave your head just for a cosplay?

Bald caps are great for not shaving your head! Abit of latex on the edges of the caps helps with the realism to if your hair isnt that long should be easy enough ^^ Seen afew cosplayers use these

I agree bald caps are the way to go. Just make sure you do a patch test before wearing to make sure your not allergic to latex

I have also seen people use skin coloured wigcaps. Naturally this has a seam at the front but is less work to apply then a baldcap and cheaper. So it depends on budget