new thread
Many thanks to those who responded to my anxious first post on whether or not to cut my hair after one year’s growth.
I spent a useful year growing my hair with a few, sparse maintenance cuts (three in all) and learnt a lot about conditioning, not blow-drying, air-drying, infrequent shampooing to the extent that my hair is now silky, soft, shiny and practically straight.
But as a result of my post the day before yesterday and of overwhelming — and, from what I can see, unprecedented— agreement from several longhairs on this sit who systematically approve of long hair in others that, in my case, cutting was best for career AND aesthetic reasons, I decided to waive the two-week rule and go straight to see my stylist.
Despite the superficial attraction of going back to a butch, Vin Diesel style shaved head I decided to rule this out for two reasons: (1) every other guy in this city wears one and I want something a LITTLE bit original and (2) despite being more socially acceptable than shoulder-length hair and rapidly-growing acceptability of the skinhead look, I still feel a little bit of length with bangs and all would flatter my image from a job pespective more. Above ll, I want my hair to be longer than it used to be, and it seems a shame to cut it ALL off after having spent a year growing it at the painfully slow rate of half an inch a month.
My stylist is a genius: he’d already worked out for months what he wanted to do with it when I eventually came for a “real” haircut so discussing it took no time at all. AND I’m incredibly pleased with the result.
I intend to stay a member of this board despite no longer qualifying as a longhair nor intending to become one again (in the short term anyway). I hope this is OK. I plan to post about my experience with straightening, conditioning and caring for fine, frizzy, dry hair and other issues as well.
Thanks again to everyone for their help.
I am glad that you made a decision that was right for you. That is what is important. The new style looks good, and you seem pleased in the pictures. Oftentimes, longish/medium styles are very easy to maintain, and in your situation will allow you to have some modicum of 'distinction' about your appearance while at the same time allowing you to do what you want career-wise. This whole event has probably helped you come a few steps closer to understanding yourself, which is for everyone a daunting task.
You never know what may come your way, so if you still have that lingering desire for long hair, you might just get to do that one day too. I am glad you are going to continue to participate here. But, don't be surprised if keeping on hanging around here keeps on planting the long-hair-desire seeds in your brain.
I agree with Bragi wholeheartedly. You have to do what is right for you. Sometimes decisions have to be made where whatever you do has a downside. Each of us had to do what is best for us at that point in time.
You may find that once in your new job for a while, the hair may become a non-issue. You just have to wait and see.
I also support your decision. All of us here have preferences for long hair; some of us have more pressing priorities that don't allow it at the time.
Please stay aboard the forum.
Big George
Salut, Astorg,
it seems that you made a good decision. You do look good before AND after the haircut, and you did seem to leave it long on the top. Your current look should be VERY presentable even to conservative people.
Nevertheless, I'm surprised that some young gay men have a problem with long hair. My gut reaction would be, if your looks doesn't quite turn them on, to heck with them! You should have no problem making friends with lots of people who appreciate your personality AND your looks.
My own experience with middle-aged women (is 45 already middle-aged?) is that they don't usually have any problem with a man making his own hair decision - but maybe, France and Germany are a bit dissimilar in that respect...
I also think that, in a year or so, more people in your work environment will have gotten used to your current hairstyle, and from there, growing it a little bit longer should be no problem.
Bonne chance à tous égards, surtout à ta carrière!
Hans-Uwe
Looks good! You didn't even lose so much length. Good luck with the career moves.
Looks cool!
That style does look good on you, plus, an interesting tattoo you got going on your right shoulder.
Hi Astorg,
You made a wise decision. The haircut looks great and it really suits you quite well. Fortunately, you left a few inches of medium length style rather than going for the bald, homogenous look that all too many guys are sporting in Paris. All the best with your career promotions, you must be proud with yourself.
Please, by all means, keep active on this board. You are a very intelligent guy and it is great to have people like yourself posting here. All the best mate, Jean.
Thanks to all the guys here for these replies, I certainly intend to stay as my interest in the longhair scene remains intact despite having,out of of necessity, ceased to be one myself. My hair remains long by current French standards.
I will remain an active member here and plan to post, in the next few days, about straightening and conditioning, as I thought my previous year's experience might be of interest to thers in the same situation.