new thread
Looking over the posts, I've noticed a lot of guys in their late 30s/early 40s who are growing their hair out now. If that's you, wondering why you're choosing to do so now? And whether you had long hair as a kid/teen in the ’70s/early ’80s.
I'm 38 and growing it out for the first time in a decade or so. Never had it long in the ’70s (beyond what was normal length for a biz cut then--which would be pretty long by recent standards). Tried it for a minute in the early ‘90s, but it never really looked long from the front, just unkempt, so I didn't go at it very long.
Now I've been growing out the back since October. Had the top and sides trimmed a couple of times, but not much. Just reaching the collar and creeping over the ears now. In my case, I'm choosing to do it now because while I've still got enough hair in front that it's not ridiculous to grow it long, I don't know how long that'll last. Figure it's the last time that long hair will be in style that I can get away with it. And want to see it look really long--not pony tail length, but enough to look long from the front and bounce behind me when I work out--just once.
This story resonate with anybody? And if not, what's your reason for growing it out at age 40?
Hmmm...
I grew mine out for the VERY first time at age 38. Why? Wanted to
see what it would be like, AND I was tired of sloppy looking hair.
My hair always looked terrible short, just enough curl to keep it
from staying put, but not enough to hold it in place. The long
hair solved that.
Now that it is mid-way down my back, I don't intend to ever go back,
I just look better, and feel better with my hair long. And, unlike
seemingly most guys, I do NOT wear it in a ponytail.
As for age 40 - I just turned 40 and had my ears pierced, but that's
another story...
-Zorba
me too i started growing my hair out when i was 43 now i am 47 and i dont ever intend to cut it short i just plain like it to much thats all there is to it i just like the way it looks and feels i been want to grow it out for years and finaly i just said its time ...its half way down my back and i just love it
>SNIP<
In my case (I'll be 38 in July), I'm on extended leave from my job, recovering from back surgery. I'm taking advantage of that fact to grow my mane back out. I never had long hair (other than the late 70's semi long/cover-the-ears-not-the-collar-version)until several years after I separated from the Air Force. After that I did contract work, which was another good environment for growing out long hair.
The dress code at my current employer isn't just conservative, it's *uptight*. It wasn't until 2 years ago that they allowed women the privilege of wearing anything but dresses to work. Unfortunately, at the time they interviewed me it was a choice between supporting my family and keeping my mane. My family ALWAYS comes first with me, so I said hello to some trimmers.
Long hair and earrings on guys are still a no-go for guys there. Since I don't intend to cut it off again, it'll be interesting to see what happens when I go back. Fortunately, I'm in a better position professionally this time around. The long and the short of it, I guess, is that I'm growing it out because I want to, and because I *can*.
Scott (of the long hair)
>>>>>>>>I'm in complete agreement with Scott and Zorba.
I'm growing my hair (at 42) because I want to. My hair looks like crap when it's short. It's very straight and very blond so I have to keep it very short in order to look half decent and I don't like it.
I like the tousled, unkempt look. For me, this will work. I don't want a pony tail but I will keep it in good shape.
My goal is to grow it to my waist if that length is in my genes. I work in technical support from the comfort of my own home and so there are no restrictions on me.
Some of my friends have not been too encouraging but others have. They felt compelled to provide their opinion on the way my hair looks but in the end, the decision is mine and I'm growing it long because I can.
>>>>Dave
I have been married to the same woman for 13 years, with two kids, and at the same place of employment for over 21 years. Why do I choose to have long hair ?? Because I can do what I damn well please.
And the decisions I make in life have no bearing on what is PC and what isn't. YOU decide what is good for you, not someone else. Screw the world. It's YOUR life and you can do what YOU want with it.