new thread
I can't help but think that if I didn't find this board, I would't be paying as much attention to my hair, thinking about it, taking pictures and such...and that it wouldn't seem like it was taking soooo looong. Oh well.
I'm up to about 10 months from 0 length. I thought I was in the "awkward phase" 3 months ago, but as it gets longer I'm learning I was probably wrong. I'm guessing I've got about another 6 months or so of "awkwardness." Anyone have any (hopefully more encouraging) estimates based on the pics? I seem to be growing at a pretty normal rate, about a half inch per month. Don't let the pics fool you, this is as good as I can get it to look...normally its considerably messier.
So, how long until I'm free?
bigger pic, more awkward hair
Welcome
Your hair looks good and suits you. A bit awkward but witha little care it looks OK.
keep growing.
Yes, that's the awkward phase all right! I think for me it was about 18 months before I tied my hair back, including most of the bangs. I probably could have done it a bit sooner, but didn't try to, and my hair grows a bit slower, somewhere between a quarter and a half inch per month.
My new blog (with more pictures)
Hi Gregor,
you do look cool already, even with the "awkward stage" hair, and you'll look downright gorgeous just a few months down the road! The wait and the patience are well worth it, even if it turns out to be 7-8 instead of 6 months! But, then again, maybe you get there in, say, 5 months, who knows?
Keep it growing, man, it really suits you well!
Hans-Uwe
P.S. Just a curious off-topic question: I figured that your background may be other than Anglo-Saxon (Gregory) or Italian/Spanish (Gregorio) - am I right?
My given name is Gregory, just using gregor in an attempt to have a little more distintive handle for the boards. I'm half portuguese, other half a mix of mostly german, english, and possibly some other. Oddly enough, my nickname in highschool, (which manifested itself into numerous screennames, handles, and emails) was Spiff, supposedly because of my spiffy (gelled, parted, surfboard-looking) hair.
I don't really have a ton of contact with relatives, but there's a decent mix of people with thick, curly dark hair and straighter lighter hair like mine. There's also a mix of people with some balding, and some with full heads of hair into their 50s. I'm hoping I'll get lucky. I'm also seeing the beginnings of some waviness; I thought I was getting perfectly straight hair....no complaints.
Do I look like some certain ethnicity to you? (say whatever you want, I won't be offended) I've always thought I looked like an average, nondescript caucasian.
Hi Gregory,
I thought you might be German, or possibly from some of the neighboring countries. We have the darker hair shades, too (see Mesmerized from Denmark and Alex from Southeast Germany). But then again, they say that most Americans have at least some German ancestry.
If you make it to Europe, drop me a line if you want to check out places in Germany. If you make it to Portugal, you'll just have to meet João....
All the best!
Hans-Uwe
I'm only five months in with wavy hair so I certainly see how your hair could be frustrating. I think it looks nice though (good shine and texture), and it should look even better as the added weight keeps it in place.
Good luck, and keep growing!
Mouse
I assume the top pic here is the most recent shot, --- looks longest to me, anyway...
I confess to total prejudice always in favor of long over short hair. So, just keep that in mind, when I say the following: to me, even at your so-called "awkward phase", I think your hair looks hands-down AWESOME!
My guess, though, is that in another 6 months - a full year your mane will be the envy of every human (male or female). So, just keep it growing, --- and even enjoy it looking "messy"!!
And, worst-case scenario, if you get to a point where you can't stand looking at it during the awkward growth time, you could always do what I did: get a light trim and/or re-shaping. But, if you do that, only go to the very best & most reputable hair stylist you can find, --- preferably one who specializes in long hair. Usually they're a little more expensive; but definitely WORTH IT!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
I can't really say, generally I think most peoples hair stops being awkward when your hair starts to touch your shoulders - once the weight of your hair starts pulling itself down. I think this will be the case for you, but you can never be sure. For 10 months of progress your hair is doing very well. Keep growing it, as it gets longer it should become more managable.
Neil
You're making good progress! The awkward can be tough for some, but I got though it, or am still getting though it by just relaxing about it. I actually am enjoying it! But more important is that if you keep your goal in mind, it makes the awkward stage less significant.
Keep on growin' and happy holidays,
Bruce
ken:
All those pics were taken the same day, the larger one may have been a week earlier. It just looks more impressive from the back. - - I am actually enjoying it even though it is awkward. When it isn't doing the wing thing behind my ears I think it looks pretty good.
everyone:
Thanks for the comments! It really does make a difference. This random encouragement should keep me motivated another couple months, at which point I'll post another update.
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I just realized that even if my terminal length is something obscenely long, it's going to take forever. I'm about 6'5", so I could potentially be growing my hair for the next 15 years before it hits the floor. I'm probably shooting for about mid-back, but even that will take 4-5 years.
Hello Gregor , Your hair is looking cool. Hair like yours will look great once long. keep us posted and good luck.
Your hair is very similar to mine in terms of waviness and body. My guess is that you still have a while to go yet, but that's okay. The results will definitely be worth the struggle. =)