You are following advice to a tee.  I'll be honest... you don't have the coverage yet to let the sides stay.  Even if you dyed the hairs, they are not heavy enough to cover well. I fully support your timing to regrow because on one of these 6 month intervals you will see a difference and you can let it rip. For now, continue with the good coverage you have... others have become quite used to you bearded and it will be a small adjustment when you decide to add the sides.

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