Today, for the first time in 29 years, I was able to go out in public with my hair tied back in a tail. Not a great one, mind you (~6"), but progress comes in little steps.
I had to use a black clip behind each ear to hold the tuffs that don't reach yet. I figured at 6'1" and 285 lbs I have little to worry about with clips in my hair being confused with a girl! Of course, if some idiot did happen to comment, I could respond about how they must run with some really ugly women to confuse me with them, or something to that effect. Was prepared, but nothing happened.
Fact of the matter is, nobody said a word, and I hardly got a second glance. I'm actually happier about things than I have been in a long while, and am thrilled to have found the "freedom" to be me and let my hair grow back out again.
And the support system here is great. Thanks to all.
Big George
good for you!! i think you'll find that people generally aren't nearly as concerned with how we look as we think they are--check out my "feminine" hairstyle, which has only garnered my positive feedback!!
Heh. I wear some sparkly hair toys, and except for some old grumps who hate them[1], the usual result is women going after them. Not precisely my goal, but I'm not complaining.
Lately though, I've been wearing a celtic knot type slide clip from Bronze Jewelers that isn't particularly feminine.
[1] One guy got so bent out of shape after I wore a series of increasingly sparkly hairtoys (he was a regular rider, and never failed to comment on my hairtoys) that he refused to ride my bus anymore, I was, of course, heartbroken ;D
Bronze Jewelers
You enabler, you!
Oh and to Big George, I bet it was a great feeling to realize you were thinking about your hair more than anybody else was. Go out tailed and enjoy!
Elizabeth
http://www.bronzejewelers.com/images/MVC-312F.JPG
Bravo, sir! The length of the tail can only grow if you so desire; the happiness that follows remains, irrespective of the length. Well done.
Big George,
That is good to hear. Even just being physically capable to tie a ponytail is a huge milestone for any longhair. Wearing it proud in public may be awkward at first, but before you know it, it will become natural and you will relax. At first you might keep touching it and fidgeting with it, and you think that everyone is passing their own internal comments about your hair... it is all BS, just our own personal insecurities and our minds getting the better of us.
I would feel uncomfortable and akward WITHOUT my ponytail, lol.
As for feminine comments...forget about that. You are a big guy and someone would need to be a complete retard to confuse you as the opposite sex. Good luck in continued growth.
That is a huge milestone - I discovered the ability to pull up a tail around New Year, and was absolutely thrilled.
Hey, I have a non-board-related question for you, shoot me an e-mail, if you don't mind.
-m
Since I haven't posted a picture, I can't use the email system here. Contact me at cajunbiggeorge@yahoo.com