new thread
Hi everyone,
I went to the hairdresser last weekend with a view to having my hair cut once and for all. The conflicting emotions I've grappled with for the past three months had to end, not just for my sake but for the sake of everyone around me.
When I got there I found myself getting very emotional about it, so she decided not to do it. Instead, she took off about 1.5 inches from the back and half an inch on the front and sides. This looked a little odd to me afterwards but within a few days I had grown accustomed to it.
I went in again today and this time I was calm. Not a tear in sight. At least now I've been able to bite the bullet and I'm pleased to say I did not instantly regret my actions. Naturally the reflection I see in the mirror is strange to me right now but I guess a few days from now it will seem ok. When I had it at its longest a week ago there were things about it I liked, but there were many things I didn't.
Although I realise this has been all in my head, I don't think I've ever done anything quite as interesting or complicated as growing my hair. I know, it wasn't really that long, but it was still a hell of a lot longer than I've ever had it so to me it was long.
What have I learned from this exercise? Before I started doing this I'd never thought much about guys with long hair. It never occurred to me that they were normal people who just happened to like their hair longer than the average. Nor did I understand how special their hair is to them. Now I have a new found respect for longhaired guys and will never again judge them by their appearance. After all, I've had something at least partially in common with them.
I want to say thank you to everyone for your help and positive comments. It's sad to leave this way. Perhaps I will still drop by and check on your progress from time to time. Just because I don't have long hair anymore doesn't mean I don't find it beautiful to look at. If by some chance I do decide to give it another try some day I'll be back, but I have a feeling I've been set free.
Cheers!
LukeB
22-Sept-2006, the longest I've ever had my hair.
30-Sept-2006
Hi LukeB. I have to say that was such a well written letter as it even had me feeling bad just thinking about what you were going through.Regardless I'm so glad you are at peace with yourself now and you certainly given it plenty of thought before you proceded.I certainly will miss your posts to this board but don't hesitate to drop by whenever you feel like it.Certainly longhair is not for everyone and I would respect you for at least trying.Good luck as your future will be bright!Mark
You bring up an important point, long hair is not only freeing in and of itself but it can also lead to freedom in that we know what we want better. For some like Bragi that lead to a change in his whole life, for you it led to the realisation that you preferred and really wanted short hair. That is freedom indeed.
So enjoy it!
But try and visit us once a year at least, for courtesy's sake :)
All that time, all that work, all gone.
But, he learned along the way, so "all" is NOT "gone". I also agree with Mark (Hairball), that Luke's letter was very well-written. Thanks, Luke, for all your contributions to this board. May peace & freedom be with you!
- Ken
It's always easy to degrade others not like you, as many people do to those of us with longer locks. I commend you; you gave it a shot, enough to realize that it was not for you. That's called learning by experience; others should be so fortunate. It's all about what you really want, and by giving it a shot you are aware of what is right for you.
And the shorter cut does look good.
Big George
LukeB, I think a shorter hairstyle suits your face better than, or certainly as well as, a longer hairstyle. So you needn't be glum about your decision!
I agree, Luke. Your face has very well-defined bone structure that was hidden with your longer hair. I know it must have been hard, but I think you made the right decision.
Well I am glad that you didn't have a negative sorrowful reaction after you had gotten it cut. You certainly look fine both ways and you certainly can change your mind later on if you miss it. Then you will know that you do want it if you ever grow again. I am glad it worked out for you. Best of luck to you in your new life :)
I am sad but happy at the same time that you found your real self
regards Axel
Hi Luke, Even though I prefer the long hair styles of some on this board (and mine). I think that your cut looks great on you. Your stylist deserves a good tip :). But that don't mean you should be a stranger (like me) to this fine board.
Your hair is looking AWESOME Luke!!!!! I wish I could get mine to hang as straight as yours. I know exactly what you mean about the "emotions" you had. I came close to cutting mine after a yeras growth about a month ago and chickened out while I was getting in the chair. Now I am glad I didnt do it. Keep up the growing Luke, longer hair really suits your face and you're looking real good guy ;-)
Ah, Mike, I think you better try reading my post again, like, all the way through.
LukeB
You've still got a decent hairstyle! I'm all for diversity but I hate that severe buzzcut that a lot of guys have.
But you say "not just for my sake but for the sake of everyone around me." I understand this emotion, after experiencing how seriously some people reacted to the 100% natural act of letting my hair grow. It sounds like you feel guilty about having long hair. What I'm trying to say is "It's your hair, do as you wish!"
What I meant was not that the hair itself was driving others insane, rather it was that I would go on and on about it. That's what would have annoyed them.
LukeB
Luke,
I wish you well in your personal evolution. We are all, well almost all, on a pathway of self understanding and growth.
I too agree that you look stronger in the comparison photographs with shorter hair, and you sure found a good haircutter.
However, if I may hazzard a prediction, a prophecy. I bet within the next couple of years you will decide to go the distance and let your hair really get long, and then when you pull it back it will give you the same strength in your face as the short hair, but even more.
With every good wish.
Caledonian