
Hi guys (and gals):
First off I just want to say that I recently found this site, and think it's AWESOME to have a forum for guys who wear and appreciate long hair. From the posts I've read, it seems like the members of this community are sensitive and caring, and treat each other as if they were family. I love it!
Second, I had a question about what to do with my hair for some classical choral concerts in which I'm going to be performing in a couple of weeks. I am new to long hair -- 40 years old, and until now, I've never really had it touching my shoulders. I also admit to being a hair-styling dummy. Now I'm growing it out, with the eventual goal of getting it most/all of the way down my back. My hair tends to fan out in waves as it grows longer, and it's a challenge keeping it reined in. Lately, what I've been doing (as you can tell from the photo) is to simply tie the long part back with an elastic band. But it's kind of at that annoying length where the hair in front and on the sides isn't quite long enough to reach the elastic band. I don't mind it so much for everyday, casual wear, but for more dressy affairs, I'm at a loss to really know how to handle it. Should I lose the elastic, and let it be quasi-wild, à la André Rieu? Should I use gel, and if so, how much? Especially for my concerts, where I'm going to be dressed in formal tails and white tie, I want it to look as good as possible.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Peace,
dino
Hi there! Welcome, dude.
I think your hair looks pretty cool, and I'm digging the color, but I think you should wait a couple months before you try ponytailing your hair. To me, the tail looks too simultaneously high and short, and your bangs aren't fitting well behind your ears yet, so it's a bit of a messy look overall, certainly not one you'd want for a formal occasional.
As for that, I suggest simply wearing your hair down, but trying to tuck your bangs behind your ears as best you can. This is a very smooth, elegant look, particularly with shorter long hair (oxymorons rule!). If the bangs are gonna keep falling out, though, try gelling your hair back (but go easy on the gel to avoid a greasy look; just ensure you use enough so that your hair won't flop back) and leaving the back loose. A half-tail is also elegant, although maybe not so much at your length. Basically loose hair is probably the safest way to go. To me, a little ponytail so high on the head doesn't look that good for formal affairs, be it for a man or woman.
HTH!
Peace
Thanks for the great responses! I like the input and the ideas. I think I'll go with the gel -- seems easy enough. I anticipate that I'll have the length I want before too long, though, as this pic represents only nine months' growth.
dino

your hair looks great!! it's a little too short to look good in a pony tail yet. i would just use a little bit of gel--try L'oreal melting gel, part it in the middle and comb it back.
when it's longer (about shoulder length), try a bun with a hair stick (see photo). it's a very elegant look, i think.
keep it growing!!
Hiya,
Just wanted to agree with leaving it down for now and then when the front bits are long enough go for the half pony - I think THE most elegant style for a formal dressed up dude.
Thanks. I did the gel thing today and left it down for work, and it looks great. So simple, but like I said, I'm a hair-styling dummy.
One more questions (to really show my ignorance): what's a "half pony"?
it's a pony tail formed from only the hair on the top half of the back of the head. the rest of the hair hangs loose.
Sure, maybe it is the overhead light giving you that angelic look but I think that ponytail is already ready for dress wear, Dino. Even the loose wisps can be charming but if you move around a lot and they would fall during the concert that would be distracting to your audience. Completely loose hair is appropriate as long as hair again is not in your face. Long Haired Wife's half tail idea is a great way to go too. Your hair is already beautiful, and such a striking color to boot, so you won't go wrong whatever you choose.
Welcome to the board!
Elizabeth
Thank you, Elizabeth, for your nice comments! You are too kind!!
dino