i'll try to be brief,I don't get hair cut "rules" except the military, any way i was forced to get a haircut when i was younger(36) now, some time after that, i've had a desire to get haircuts even though, i want long hair, i've had long hair about 2x's growing out over a year, I can not find any one good a trimming hair as it grows out,(one guy trimmed it a couple weeks ago, actually did it about the best was possible) someone like me having the urge to get haircuts it's hard to grow out, i am a little envious of the guys with grown out hair,vs i like the short look also, in 7 months, considering 5-8 trims and hair thinning on the sides, my hair isn't long but it's not buzzed or short compared to usual, what are tips to stay out of shops ect?( i've switched over to finding All natural, shapoos with out additives,) i would like to find gel like that also to avoid gel build up/ potentially clogging hair pours, tryed giving up cofee thinking caffeine might ahve negative effects, but back on the coffee./ finally work on a healthy diet geared towards what i think would be good for health, and healthy hair and i think i've gotten some results in these areas, but it has to be maintained, ect.
Have you gone to a hairdresser? I found a woman who does a lot of guys hair, and she's actually been really helpful since I've been growing mine out. I see her every six-to-eight weeks for a trim, and advice. Going tomorrow, in fact.
You seem to be very ambivalent. Seeing a psychologist or other qualified counselor can often clarify goals, identify inhibitions, anxieties and social pressures which prevent you being you.
James
Hi Shaggy,
If I read your post correctly, you seem to want longer hair, but you kind-of would miss the experience of a hair stylist caring for your head and hair. Well, how about a scalp massage INSTEAD of a trim? Could your girlfriend / wife do that? (I'll leave the shampoo & gel questions for others - check the FAQ on this board).
Just don't worry about how it looks during the "awkward stage" of semi-long hair. However, you need to exercise restraint towards any cutting impulses, and "rough it". These impulses diminish as time goes on - just like the craving for cigarettes in an ex-smoker. (By the way, you don't smoke, right? If you do, stopping would be one of many ways to be good to your hair, too.)
Contrary to what another guy just posted, I don't think from your post that you would need a psychologist to sort that out for you.
Ultimately, you'll have to decide whether you will feel good about your hair once it's really long. If you have kind-of dreamed about having long hair for a while, you probably are a long-hair at heart, and then it's important to avoid detours, delays, and setbacks (aka "trims"). Whatever you do, be true to your true self.
By the way, being a long-hair does not require us to deny that short hair CAN look good - on others, of course ;-)
Think about it as a fascinating experience every time you notice a bit of growth whenever you look in the mirror - or post progress pictures if you are comfortable with that.
Wishing you (hair) peace and a happy journey,
Hans-Uwe