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I've been letting my hair grow for the past 18 months. Initially it was very short and it's currently just below my shoulders. I started to let it grow because I've never had hair long enough to to tie back and since mother nature has enlisted me as her pet project, I decided it was now or never. My hair is very thick where it is not receeding and I've become adept at hiding the balding aspects. It's at the point where it's starting to look good although I have to admit it's a pain to deal with in the am.
I'm at the point now where I'm thinking about getting it cut bacause I'm fed up with it and it's annoying under the cycle helmet and during workouts. I'm uncomfortable with the rouge hairs that always fall out at the side. Is this desire to cut a usual "phase" that one goes through when embarking on the long hair journey?
- Thanks, Trev
Believe me, the desire to cut can happen very frequently. I have been growing mine out for about the same length of time and the lengths sound the same. I too decided that if I didn't grow it now, perhaps nature wouldn't allow it in future. (Thankfully, only one thinner spot, but that hasn't changed in years. Most people don't even know it is there...but I do!)
I know that every time I walk out in the wind and the hair goes everywhere, I get frustrated. However, as soon as I get it combed back down the thought is gone. I often remind myself how long and hard it was to get it to this length and would I regret it in a couple of weeks if I just cut it off. (So far, the answer has been yes. Even trims seem to bother me anymore, as it is not just "1/2 of hair, but 3-4 weeks of effort!) I also question the times I wish it was short and compare with the "long" times. I and most others think it looks better. (note: I said most. There are others who think that because it is not to there "norm" standards, then it is not right.)
A few thoughts and rationalization are usually enough to stop the "cut thought process" immediately. As you will often read here "REMEMBER THE TWO WEEK RULE". You won't regret it.
Good Luck
I agree with Den. Long hair can be very annoying at times, but if, as you say, you look good with it, you'll regret cutting it. I often wish mine wasn't hanging in the way all the time, but then I have a really good hair day and thank god I stuck with it. If it gets too much, then just wear it tied up for a while. Stick at it!
As everybody on the board will tell you, this "phase" is certainly quite normal. But if you really like your long hair, be patient and you may learn to appreciate it. In the meantime, however, there are other things you can learn to do that will help you get past bad hair days or tangles from workouts. Specifically, different hairstyles. The regular ponytail is most common (for men and women), just behind letting it all hang loose, and that helps to keep it out of the way to some degree. I have found that a braid does significant wonders for not only keeping it out of the way, but staying comfortable (my head hurts if i wear a ponytail for too long), and relatively tangle-free. A regular braid is easy to do, but it takes practice (and lots of arm muscles) to get to looking tight and neat in your hair. If you are willing to devote the time, however, I think it is more than worth it!
I have had long hair for 13 years now, and I have spent tons of time studying on not just how to take care of it, but what to do with it. As a result, I have very very few "bad hair" days, because I have found a hairstyle to match almost any activity I do, and I always get compliments. For most physical activities (biking, working out, volleyball) I do, I put my hair in one (or sometimes two) tight french braids down my back. It stays out of my face, my bike helmet fits my head, and I get a minimum of tangles.
Beginner braid books are easy to find in almost any craft store, and some web pages have directions. My hair page doesn't have explicit instructions yet, but if you email me with your level of expertise and your goal, I can provide some personal help.
Good luck,
barbara