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I've posted a few pics of me with a halftail braid. I wore it out last week for the first time when my friend and I went to a couple of bars. It was fun. It was definitely different and lookswise, it's my favorite style.
For whatever reason, I've been hesitant to wear any type of halftail in public. Let's face it - it is not often seen on men. I've noticed more longhaired guys but they seem to invariably have it in ponytail and a few have it loose. I can't recall the last halftail I've seen on a man. I can see how it could be perceived by some as more feminine. I have a full beard again so at least from the front, I think that perception is minimized.
I'm gradually learning to not care what people think. I really don't like full ponytails much at all. I find them boring and if I need to have all my hair restrained, much prefer the full braid. Anyway, tonight I had to go to the mall so I decided to wear a halftail (non-braided). I'd been having a good hair day and it cooperated nicely to produce a fairly high sleek-looking halftail with plenty of loose hair.
I found it's even more fun to wear than the braided halftail because the tail bounces up and down with each step. I could feel that tapping my head and then all the loose hair was flowing with a bit coming around my neck in front. It just felt so awesome! I had this little smile on my face. Maybe it's partially because I find it reminiscent of the elven look that I've admired since childhood. Maybe it was just that it felt so incredibly like me! I could feel a few people's eyes on me, including a couple of longer haired guys that maybe were thinking they should try this style. Regardless, I didn't care, it just felt right! I got what I need to and then proceeded to just walk the mall for awhile.
It's hard to describe but after wanting long hair for so long and now being able to actually experiment more and enjoy it more, it's like a feeling of becoming. I suppose long hair and the various styling options could be taken for granted after having it for a long time but for me it's like finally reaching a place I've always wanted to be at...and it feels great!
If your hair is making you happy then it's a success!
Glad you were able to actually enjoy your hair at the mall!
Congratulations on taking a chance and wearing your hair the way you wanted to in public.
Very cool pics man!
I remember I used to tie mine like that all the time when it was shorter...
Now I wear it loose all the time, except when sleeping or when I´m in the gym
Anyway, it looks really good on you!
Congrats on your great progress!
It takes alot of courage to go against the norms, and even more to sport it out in public. Im very happy for you Jason!
Hey jason,
I made a recent post just a we bit down this page.. I'm thinking that you can help me. I checked out your website and it looks like you started your hair growth journey by growing the top part of your hair first... then it looks like you gradually let the sides grow after a while. would this be a neat way of growing?? if you read my earlier post on this board you will understand why I want to do grow it out this way. Also you could check out my hair growth journal I just set up yesterday http://salidbar07.blogspot.com/
Thanks dude.
Hi David,
It's too bad about you having to cut to get the job but I understand the pressures involved. I have to admit, I probably would not have gotten my current office accounting job had I had long hair when I first applied. I think the strategy of growing it long once you already have the job works quite well! :)
I'm a bit in the minority here when it comes to liking all-one-length hair and also favoring cutting the sides and back during the initial six months of growing. As you can see from my pics, that is what I did.
To answer your question, I think your following a similar pattern could help you in maintaining as neat an appearance as possible while going through the awkward stage. Having your hair longer on top allows the weight of it there to hold the rest of your hair in place better.
As much as most of us don't like putting gunk in our hair, I recommend a strong gel once you get some length. I used to brush it straight back. It gives you kind of a helmet hair look but it's very effective in concealing the length and keeping it looking very neat. Better to ere on the side of caution around your employer. I did this till that magical day when I could wear a ponytail to work and that obviated the need for gel.
Good luck!
Jason,
I think my own progress with long hair and how I wore it out in public, and how I felt about that was very similar to what you are describing for yourself. The hair may be longer, but all of the stuff that people put in our heads and hearts about long hair doesn't not suddenly go away because the length of our own hair has changed.
I have just passed the 6 year mark for myself--began in October of 2000. I will tell you that half-tail is my favorite way of wearing my hair second only to completely down. The problem for me is that at work, as a teacher, I am often bending over students's desks, and having my free flowing hair fall over my face, or into theirs, just doesn't work. But, the half tail keeps that from happening while giving a similar look to my hair down. I've worn a half tail to work for the last couple of months, almost daily. And, I am much more comfortable and less self-conscious about it than before.
Congratulations on your own progress. BTW, I got my wife to braid the half tail, and I like the look. Now, I've just got to practice doing it myself!
Robert
Thanks for your observations, Robert.
The halftail is great because it really gives you that feeling of free-flowing hair but still keeps it away from your face and from falling onto others.
It's inspiring to me to hear that you regularly wear this style to work. I tried it once but felt self-conscious and took it out after about an hour. Everyone was looking at me! Like anything new, it's only natural this would happen at first. I imagine that just as everyone adjusted to me having long hair, they would adjust to the halftail and eventually not even notice it. I just have to brave it at first and act confidently about it. I think it you give off an air of confidence, it sends a positive vibe to people and makes them more accepting.
That's cool your wife braided the halftail for you and I'm glad you like the look. Do you think you'd ever wear this style to work? Keep practicing - you'll master braiding it!
Oh, I definitely will wear it to work. Of course, we are off for 5 days right now due to holidays. I think the braided half-taiil is quite frankly a better look than the half-tail. It certainly evokes a little of the Lord of the Rings image, and who's going to argue with that? :)
I also think that self-consciousness, the first time we wear our hair a certain way in public, makes it feel like others are looking at us--negatively. There's always that possibility that they are looking because they cannot keep our eyes off us! :)
Robert
this post put a smile on my face!!it's great that you had an epiphany and stopped caring about what other people think about your hair...it's a great fealing!I, too, am baffled as to why there are very few longhairs out there that sport a halftail style...the halftail looks awesome!! :P
Ah, the epiphany continues! Recently I posted similar feelings about the stage I was at (almost a year) and the joy it brings. Now Jason has shown us that the pleasureable benefits of long hair continue. A positive goal to look forward to acomplishing.
Many thanks, Jason. I can't wait to get to the growth stage (both in hair and the related feelings of acomplishment) that you are at.
George
It's great to hear that you've overcome what others think about your hair. Having been on the journey for only about 6 1/2 months now, I still worry a bit, but have definitely mellowed out about it lately. The half-tail is probably the one style that I'm really looking forward to trying down the road. =)
The style looks good on you, as well as the new braiding style you just posted. Thanks for the update!
-James
That's awesome. You've definitely "arrived" as a longhair.
I think your hair looks great too. Nice length, how much are you going for?
- Brian