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In my twenties, I grew my hair half way down my back and stood apart from my friends and contemporaries.
It was a good thing - I was accepted as being "matt", as opposed to being a "longhair" - it was the way I was.
My reason for growing long hair?
Because I can. Because hair grows. Because it's difficult.
Finally, in '95, after 10 years of long hair, I got it cut off due to a bet over a sports event.
I've never felt entirely comfortable ever since, but I didn't realise this until I started growing my hair again.
I've got to the "pre" difficult phase several times over the years - shoulder length - and have got it all trimmed off to a traditional male style.
This time, I've gone that step further - that step toward real difficulty.
I'm about 4 months from being able to tie it back and my god, it's a mess. It's taken 12 months to get where I am and the inevitable comments are starting.
"It looks better short"
"Get a hair cut"
I'm going to stick it out - I want long hair again - all the pain of having to dry and care for it mean nothing when you have hair to shake around.
I will convince my girlfriend that I will look better once it's long and I will NOT go to a hairdresser again until it's the right length.
I made the mistake, two months back, of getting it "stepped" - it looked alright for a few weeks, but I've basically lost two months growth and now it looks worse.
I never had long hair to prove a point, but simply because it feels more natural.
After all, hair grows, so let it !
Hey Matt - Glad to have you aboard. Your story sounds similar to many here. I too feel more comfortable and more myself with my hair long. I've grown it long 3 times. Each time I cut it, sometimes for silly reasons other times due to pressure, I would adjust to it but soon begin to miss it and grow it back. The last time I think I regretted it the most of all and began growing it back the very next day. Maybe it took that long to sink in that I truly want it long. I'm 51. Others now/knew much earlier, some of us here started later. You said a lot about the effort it takes. I agree. It takes determination, patience and perserverance. The result is pride, a sense of accomplishment and a nice "mane." And yeah, some grow it to make a statement, others just because they like the way it looks and feels, others for spiritual reasons. Whatever the motivation, it is a great journey and one few who have not done it can understand. You'll find a great support group here and many kindred spirits. So, as you said, let it grow brother and post a Pic when you get the chance. Peace - Bruce'ster
Keep it growing, Matt. You've been there before and you seem to require conviction enough for you AND your loved ones. Best of luck. You'll find all the moral support and cheerleading here that you may be lacking in your day-to-day life.
I wonder if it is easier or harder the second time around. Like a trip down a familiar road can seem shorter than a drive to an unfamiliar destination, does hair-growing seem less arduous when one has already seen the destination? Or does having been there make one long for it all the more? (Sorry, but I couldn't help but use that pun.)
All the best,
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Hi Matt,
Great to hear your growing it back again! I too, had relatively long hair for most of my life but grew it the longest in the late 90's, to mid back. I cut it in 1999, for silly reasons. I started growing it again in 2004 and have never looked back. Since I'm now 53, I don't know what I can accomplish, but I intend to grow it as long as possible. Just remember to IGNORE those negative comments--All of us get them! Just remember to keep coming here to update us on your progress, you'll find a great community here.
David
im in the same boat as you, had long hair until 94 and cut it off for a dwi i got. started growing at 14 and cut it off at 23 it was long. was never really ok with the short hair. i've been growing now for 14 months and its to my shoulders another 2 years and i should be there. just one thing im worried about now is going bald cause im 35. its not as think as it used to be but you cant really see it being thin.
Hi Matt,
I'd just look forwards to April 2007 - it will come faster than you think. In the mean time, you are pretty damn right in ignoring stupid comments - you might even tell people to stop those remarks, eg by saying "That's none of your business." and "I'm not choosing my hair styles as to please you", etc.
All the best, and post a picture in April if you want.
Merry Christmas,
Hans-Uwe