Recently (last winter) a 52 year old member of my Saturday golf foursome started growing his hair out. He was able to achieve a high ponytail after only 5 months and is on the verge of a full ponytail after only 10 months. He also claims to trim his ends every few weeks, so his hair would be even longer if not for these trims. His hair is really straight and appears really healthy (I have not seen his hair loose lately but another guy who sees him during the week says it's near chin length) Would this be considered fast hair growth on a 52 year old, and would he have a chance of reaching waist length after starting growth so late in life?
I don't know about waist length--those things are hard to predict. I think it varies so much that you won't know if you can do it or not until you get there.
the rate of growth sounds fast to me. I'd sure like to know what he's eating!
I'm about the same age and right at the average of 6"/year and feel fortunate to be at least that fast. on the other hand, straight hair gains the most appearance of length the soonest since it's going straight down. I also don't know how long it was when he started. chin length at least should be expected by now. that sounds more like an average rate. he should also blow off the trims as they are not necessary and counterproductive. my personal trim rule is to not do it until your hair is long enough for you to hold a fist of it out in front of you so you can look at it and do your own neatening up of the ends.
I guess my thoughts were that the growth rate could be used to "predict" the chance of a guy's hair reaching waist length or longer. Also, since he has straight hair, meaning stronger strands, I would think he has a better chance, even though he started growing at an older age.
It sure sounds like fast growth. I am 52, and am growing just over 3/4 of an inch a month. The front of my hair is between my bottom lip and my chin, and in back has begun breaking over my shoulders. That could be a little misleading, for as my wife says, I have no neck.
I personally would doubt he is getting trims every few weeks and achieving this rate of growth. A trim would normally take 1/4 to 1/2 inch off minimally, which is about a normal month's growth for most.
I'm pretty sure he's getting the trims, although it's hard to tell as he keeps it tailed on the golf course. This guy has always wanted everything "perfect", i.e. his golf game(he's by far the best in our foursome), total dedication to his job (works very long hours), etc., and I'm sure he wants his hair the same way. I'm not sure how long he plans to grow it but I know when he sets a goal for himself he is totally dedicated, so I wouldn't be surprised if he goes for the maximum length possible.
I'm 60, and my hair's a few inches past my belt now. (And I need to make a new avatar picture). My hair's been growing for about 5 years now.