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Hey everyone,
I'm sure every single one of you has been through something like this before. So, I'm asking you all, what did you do when you felt like cutting your hair? And why did you feel like cutting it?
Right now, this is where I'm at.
My hair is a bit past chest length, and I like it, I really do. It's nice seeing other guys with long hair and knowing I have long hair myself, and it's always great at concerts and stuff, or just whenever I'm around other musicians.
On the downside, my hair is REALLY thick and it's hard to take care of. It gets in the way when I'm trying to work on or build guitars, and when I'm working on my car (that can be a real problem!). It's also not a very good presentation when looking for a job...
Like I feel as though I've matured alot as my hair has gotten longer. I'll look at a picture of me with chin length hair, and I'll immediately remember how my life was at that time--or when I had shoulder length hair. And that's awesome. Because I felt as though my hair was a part of me that just had to be there. But I'm not so sure now. Don't get me wrong, I like my hair, but the aforementioned problems are making me considering cutting it. Plus, the girls definitely like short hair... I get the whole "you'd look great if you had short hair" comments all the time. Then there's a close friend of mine (a girl) that reeeally wants me to cut my hair, and even though I've been considering doing so, I don't want to make it look like I'm cutting my hair for her, you know? I'm not like that, so even if I do cut my hair, how in the world do I make it look like I DIDN'T do it for her?
Also, what do you guys think about donating the hair? There was one time in my life where I would've cut my hair off right then and there, no questions asked. A lady came up to me and said "Wow, you have such nice hair! It's so thick! I bet my daughter would like that." And although I was flattered, I wasn't quite sure how to take that comment--then I looked over and saw her daughter. She didn't have any hair... =( That was one moment where I felt like I could've just cut it all off, right then and there!
Anyway.. sorry for the long rant... let me know what you guys think. Take it easy...
I've been there dude.
I trimmed my hair significantly 1 year ago due to your exact reasons. (getting tired of maintaining it, always gets in the way)
But why not wear it in a ponytail? I always wear it in a ponytail for job interviews.
I too, felt that wearing long hair in a ponytail was rather stupid because long hair is meant to show off.
But trust me, once you cut your hair, and grow it back, you don't mind keeping it in a tail afterwords.
Atleast that's how I feel.
I guess I'd rather keep my longhair and wear it in a tail, rather than trim it again.
Besides, you can always find time to let it loose and be naughty. Hehe.
Well, I wear it in a pony tail about 90% of the time already, and have been for as long as I can remember being able to put it in a pony tail..
Hi Peg,
As I'm sure we all agree you do have very good looking hair and it has alot of body and a great colouring as well. Like you I have thick hair at times it can be a real pain but you get used to it and how to look after it. I'm has crossed my mind a couple of times about cutting it but I think how aweful it was having short hair and I think no more of it. I'm sure that there will be many more advice and from the other posters on the board.
As for the work environment I just tie my hair back as I have a contact with customers so there have not been any comments about longhair and dress code etc. I also work with pc's so I don't want my hair falling into them and getting the way.
I certainly would not consider cutting your hair because you many have a better chance with short hair in making connections with people. There been a few stories here of people cutting their hair for someone and regretting it.
It's also certainly nice to be complimented and when you hear that is certainly makes it with while through the time it takes to grow out. As for donating it for charity there are a few places but as it had been mentioned here before not all the hair is used.
With all people that are considering cutting their hair think of the two week rule and reflect on it.
Good luck with you decision and keep us informed.
I hope you enjoy the holidays.
Cheers,
John.B
Thanks John. B, I appreciate the advice. I forgot about the two week rule--I'll remember that. I'm not yet to the point where I think I could go out right now and just cut it--but I'm getting there. And when I do get there, I'll remember that two week rule. Thanks, and happy holidays to you too!
Sorry to burst your bubble, but I have never once questioned whether I wanted to keep my hair long. It's a commitment I made the day after I graduated High School in 1990, and I haven't had short hair since. I look 100x better with it long than I do with it short.
That's great to hear, man. I'm happy for you. I was just like you--I've grown it out since I graduated in 2003 and haven't looked back. Even now, I haven't looked back--I'm glad I grew it out. I wouldn't be me without it. It's just that now, it *may* be time to move on. Who knows.
Actually, no.
See if you can find/figure out some styles(/coverings/devices) that will help you keep your hair controlled or protected when you need it out of the way, so you can have it down for play.
This is obviously a decision only you can make, however, you have a head of hair many of us here would die for. This isn't a decision to make quickly (don't forget the "two week rule") or without a lot of thought, think about how many years it took to achieve the length you have now. A decision I made in 1999 to cut the really long hair I had back then is one I regret to this day. Also beware of donating hair to an organization called "Locks of Love". I have heard that 90% of hair donated to them is not used to make wigs for cancer patients at all, it is simply thrown in the garbage! Do you really want that fate for your hair? Don't forget the usefulness of a ponytail when the hair gets in the way of some activities.
Hope this helps,
David
I would kill for hair like yours,it is looks absolutly amazing, but as you know some people on this site have cut there hair and regreted it, just remember the 2 week rule. BTW I would look up about what David said, 90% of the time you hair goes in the garbage not for cancer patients, that would suck. Well anyway hope you keep the hair, its up to you, you may wanna try something different, but remember when its gone its gone for a LONG time.
Peace
Yeah, I've heard that donating it isn't a very good idea.
I have no idea how true it is though. It's not a concern for me, really.
Well, my first post was probably a little too extreme and got axed, however, these people that want you to cut your hair in the name of charity really get me pissed. If someone wants to give to charity then money and/or work is the usual way, not cutting your hair. It sounds like you are under a lot of pressure to cut your hair and are, therefore, trying to justify doing it. Just make sure that's what YOU want to do before you cut your hair. I just hope you don't wake up some morning and find that you are 40 or 50 years old and that you have spent most of your life trying to please people that never really cared to begin with. Someone that really likes YOU will be just fine with your hair and what nice hair it is. Best wishes.
I'm not exactly sure what I want to do; I suppose that's why I came here.
I wouldn't do it to try to please other people. Although I feel like I might make friends easier..
I definitely wouldn't do it for charity; but if I happened to cut my hair for whatever other reason, I suppose I'd consider donating it.
Thanks for the advice, man.
Well it sounds like not everybody has thoughts about cutting their hair here but I daresay it is not unusual.
Mostly I have thought to cut my hair mainly for two reasons:
1) It does take more care and time than short hair
2) I started to grow my hair out at a time I had thought I was recovering from a long term serious illness and wanted to celebrate a new self. Only it hasn't turned out that way after all and it turns out I am still in bad shape and now I have this long hair that reminds me of a time when I thought things would be better but they aren't so I often want to cut it back so I don't have that dissonant reminder.
I still have it for now though.
As everyone said don't forget the two week rule. But from the stories I have heard here some people have cut their hair and immediately regretted it, whereas some others cut it and walked away happier and free from thinking about it anymore. The only way you will know which you are is to cut it. I know
its kind of radical way but when its done you will be certain what you want. If you cut, then you will know how important long hair is to you as a whole person.
Good luck whichever way yo choose
This is awesome advice, thank you so much!
My first reply may have been deleted (posted 6 hours ago, I haven't seen it show up), but just wanted to say you have a really awesome head of hair that obviously took years to grow. Just think seriously before cutting it, and as others have said, give it the two week rule. I, for one, had really long hair in the late 90's that I cut off and regret to this day.
All the best,
David
Thanks, it took me about 3.5 years to get my hair this long. It's been in pretty good condition until a few months ago, lately I've been having alot of breakage.
Anyway, I'll definitely stick to the 2-week rule. Probably more like a month rule, actually. Maybe even longer, who knows.
How long did you have short hair (after you cut it), and did you always regret cutting it?
I cut it in late 1999(when I took up golf), actually in stages, shorter and shorter, ending up like the picture I have attached. Strangely, I had no desire for long hair until early 2004. I had gone for a while without cutting and decided, "I'm going to grow it long again". Since then, I haven't looked back and now want it longer than ever. I really hope you keep your hair, and have a Merry Christmas!
David
I used to have chest length, I guess. About 3 years worth.
Then I was tired of how the girls didn't like it, and how it was hard to manage sometimes. So I donated it. It was weird when I got it cut everyone was more dissapointed than I would've expected.
So here I am regrowing it. But I my only regret is that I didn't use the two week rule. Oh well.
Good luck, hope you figure it all out. P.S. Don't cut it for girls that's a huge mistake.
Yeah, I have about 3 years of hair myself. So did you regret cutting it, or just not using the 2 week rule? Who was disappointed that you cut it?
I wouldn't be cutting my hair for a girl either, it's just that I don't want it to look that way! That said, I also think that I'd be more presentable towards girls if I had short hair. Too many times they make stupid assumptions, or maybe it's all in my head...
Thats all too true, but as humans we all sorta do this,even if we think we don't, or even when we try not to its subconscious, but I think some girls prefer long hair... or at least I hope they do lol
Hi Peg,
to get to the point: Your chances of getting your dream job and connection to people wouldn't improve a bit by cutting off your hair. You need to be yourself, in order to leave a good impression in interviews. Don't get me wrong, certain jobs are easier to get with short hair, but do you WANT and NEED these jobs? Otherwise, muster up all your assertiveness, and just project the image "Cutting my hair is out of the question. I'm presentable, and that will have to do."
You are indeed VERY presentable, and, even as a professional, hair has never been a serious problem for me - in more than one country. Feeling at one woth yourself is more important than fulfilling the expectations of others.
And, here are ways to make your hair care routine a lot easier without cutting. How often do you wash and brush etc your hair? And, have you considered a braid? Ask Jason, braids look indeed very orderly, and very presentable!
As far as the girls go: Would any of the short-hair loving girls be right for you? You need a girlfriend who appreciates you as the person you are - so, in a way, long hair protects you from falling into the hands of a girl who only wants to use you to boost her ego and to have a (disposable??!!) breadwinner - and that's not what you are about!
In a way, your long hair protects you from making wrong choices with girls! You need a girl who loves you "just the way you are". And, it is clear, cutting off hair because of a girl breeeds UNhappiness in the long run. How can you be a great boyfriend if you are not YOU? By the way, growing hair is indeed a good symbol of maturity. I'd say, keep and nourish the symbol along with the real thing!
About donating hair: Don't - it's all waisted. Those hair-donation organizations have lots of hair in their shelves, and a lot of it gets trashed. Instead, give them money if you want to help that bald girl. - And, young bald girls don't get wigs of human hair - they still grow, they might have allergies, so they get synthetic hair. Don't let that "donation" thing fool you.
I'm sure I haven't answered all your concerns, but I'd think if you gave up your hair for no good reason. Of course, ultimately, I can't decide for you.
And, I'd say, no "two-week rule" for you - give yourself FOUR weeks if you want to decide anything. You have invested several years.
Happy holidays, and all the best for 2007!
Hans-Uwe
Hey,
I know I won't automatically get an awesome job if I cut my hair, I just think people will be a bit more, oh, welcoming? I don't know.
My hair care routine isn't too bad, my hair mostly just gets in the way of everything, even when in a pony tail. But, here's my routine.
I usually wash once a week and condition 3 or 4 days a week, and wash with water everyday. I comb it out while it's wet everyday, other than that, I don't comb or brush, just finger comb.
As for braids, I've never had one before. How long do you leave them in for? I'm not sure if I would like the look, though. =/
Maybe, I suppose I would find out when the time comes...
Thanks, I appreciate that. It's not hard to find someone who likes me for who I am, but I'm just not sure if I want long hair anymore! Who knows, maybe I'm just going through some stupid doubting stage...
Oh yeah, I'm definitely going with the month rule if I continue to feel this way. Thanks Hans, and happy holidays! =)
Hi Peg,
thanks for your response, and I hope your Christmas was great. Just a few points:
First, your hair routine is probably just right - you could even leave out water on some days altogether - unless you sweat. If fly-aways or loose strands are a problem, some gel or pommade will fix that, in my experience.
Second, you can leave in a good braid one to two days, possibly longer. Just check how it looks. Braiding usually makes the hair slightly more wavy and definitely less frizzy in my experience.
Third, I don't think that so many people would be more welcoming and accommodating if you don't stand up for yourself - that's my experience. The last time an employer tried to tell me that long hair doesn't look good on me, I just stared blank at him, and he later apologized. My experience is, a good deal of appropriate self-assertiveness gets me much further than meekness and being too accommodating myself.
Good to see that you give yourself AT LEAST one month or more. Continue being who you are and who you are meant to be - a great guy with great long hair. - If you ever get to Germany, please drop me a line.
All the best, and, I'm looking forward to your 2007/2008 updates!
Hans-Uwe
Actually my hair routine does seem pretty good. I like to use water to wash everyday though, because I work in a food service environment... yeah..
I'd consider getting a braid... I'd probably have to have someone else do it though.
I've never had an employer ask me to cut my hair, nor would I cut my hair if they did ask me, I have just been feeling like it may be time to move and to make more friends while I'm at it. However, I could be wrong.
Lately I've just been going through a few changes and I've been trying to improve myself overall--I'm making alot of changes for the better. As of now though, I don't really feel like cutting my hair. =) But whenever I do feel like it, I'll go with that month rule again!
Also, I'd love to visit Germany! It'll probably never happen, but who knows. I have alot of German in me though, and I've always wanted to learn the language... I just have no motivation!
I THOUGHT. I DID. I REGRETED. Now almost two years later my hair qualifies again for long, and I cannot imagine cutting it again.
Keeping my teeth clean also requires effort, but it does not occur to me to remove them, and likewise my hair. Spending whatever time grooming I mark up to meditation and self reflection and evaluation, and do not regret it.
Personally I do not like a pony tail. I use a celtic clasp which I put in upside down, fold up, and secure with a bobby pin which Is out of sight and let my hair fall over the clasp.
I sometimes use a seamless band as for a pont tail, and do not pull the hair fully through on the third tie, thus tieing up my tail. And sometimes, I just twist my hair into a bun -- see directions from Golan.
We imagine that people are going to star at us and criticize us, for this has so often been the reality, but I think enough of us have asserted ourselves that we have good standing as a more sane than average minority.
I see long haired men all around me: workers, professionals, clerks, and of all ages.
Caledonian