new thread
I don't know what's happening to me lately. I've been growing my hair since I was 19 (I'm now 26)and my hair literally touches my butt. I'm a nude model for art classes and am very much in demand because of my terrific auburn colored hair. But lately, I've had the urge to cut it all off. I see some guy with a buzz cut and I immeiately want to grab a pair of scissors and start chopping at my hair. Last night, I stared at myself in the mirror for the longest time, wondering what I'd like with ultra short hair. I actually pulled out an old pair of hair clippers and turned them on....I was seconds away from plowing them right down the middle of my head. Is this normal behavior? Has this ever happened to anyone here?
No, but just as a matter of interest, why do you want to do it, what were your feelings about it at the time?
Do you feel that your longhair has become a part of your work "attire" or is it too much of a hassle to maintain and you feel like a change?
I guess it happens to people sometimes.
Keep your hair man!
Charles
what prompted you to begin growing out your hair at 19? does the reason still hold? to me, long hair is a form of self-expression. as we transition from one stage of life to another who we are changes and it's POSSIBLE that a change is in order for you, but BEFORE you take scissors to 7 years growth- ask yourself, "am i going to regret this after i do it?" butt length to buzz cut is a radical change... it's best to be sure before you cut. you could opt for a more manageable long length... say- mid back or shoulder blade length- but i'm not going to beg you to keep your hair- it's your freedom to wear your hair as you please... my guess is that you're not sure you want to cut as you've posted to a longhair support board. whatever you ultimately do, my only wish is that you remain happy with your decision.
John's right - the real issue is "Why do I have long hair?" One question to ask yourself is why you grew it in the first place, to help you understand why you have it now. But "now" is what matters.
Do you have it because it is part of your identity - you'd not feel like "you" without it? Or is it more because you think other people will like it? If it's the former, better keep it or you'll be miserable - if it's the latter, your circle of friends may change, or may change their ideas, over time, and this may make you rethink having the hair.
The guys on this board have found that two weeks is an adequate time to work out this dilemma in your mind. We mean a two week "cooling off period" during which you don't waver in your feelings once. Take a look, from the link below, at the section "Second Thoughts" and all the stuff after it. And don't even think of picking up the clippers until July 27. Today is the 13th.
The most important thing is that you do what you want. Nothing will shatter your self-esteem more than to let other people get away with writing their ideas on your body. So be sure they are your ideas. You're in no hurry - think it through. And good luck, man, with your decision.
That reminds me of the 15-day (two week) period to think it over before getting a handgun! Sort of a "cooling-off" period about haircuts!
Craig, I wouldn't say that your "urge" to buzz-cut all your hair off is something unusual. The "thought" of it probably gives you a sensual thrill. After all, the greatest sensual thrills in our lives are the ones that we imagine. The point is - we just image them, we don't actually act on them. I sometimes think the same thing. But I would never, ever act on it.
My hair isn't as long as yours - yet. And I would give almost anything if I could shake a magic wand and instantly have waist-length hair (or longer). But that's not going to happen. I'm going to have to wait out the years it will take, just as you did.
Most people will tell you that it's your business, your choice to make. And that's true. But I can't help but think how awful you'd feel afterwards. Just the thought of cutting off such beautiful long hair that's taken so many years to grow literally makes me ill.
Think about it all you want - enjoy the sensual thrill it brings on. But please don't ever actually act on it. You'd regret it deeply.
Do what makes you happy. If that means cutting your hair, go for it. Hair grows back (even though 7 years' worth wouldn't reappear any time soon). Above all, resist the tyranny of a particular look. Life's WAY too short to be pigeonholed on the basis of looks. Isn't that part of the reason you grew your hair long in the first place?
In other words, don't confuse your appearance with your being. They're two different things entirely.
; In other words, don't confuse your appearance with your being. They're two different things entirely.
I think this is the smartest thing I have ever read on this board. I think change is good. Certainly such a bold act is not to be taken lightly. You may regret it, you may love it. What is really important are the qualities of your life and happiness. That comes from within and should have little to do with hair. Cutting your hair shouldn't ruin your life. It will certainly punctuate it.
If you do cut it, save a piece for yourself, and donate the rest to Locks of Love so someone can experience happiness from your hair.
Good luck