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Ah yes, a topic that's never been touched upon here on the hyper board. The dreaded (and often monotonous) "I'm cutting it all off" thread.
Here's the thing though. I'm quite torn on the issue. Granted I prefer long hair, but short hair has a lot of benefits, especially for someone like myself who is very physically active.
I'm at the gym 7 days a week (for cardio) and I train my muscles long and hard on 3 of those days. I'm sweating a lot here guys.
This is an issue, as I've never been one to shampoo like a madman.
These photos here are about 3 months old, and despite the fact I'm way out of the awkward phase, my hair still tends to annoy.
I suppose this is more of a suggestion request than anything, and despite the fact short hair would really cut down on some minor stress, and time constraints, I would like to reach my hair goal of lower back...and maybe waist.
So if anyone can help on the following, that would be great.
1. Gym Washing Regimen! (Yes, I've experimented, but to no avail)
2. Good hair restraints.
3. Sleeping! (This is definitely becoming a problem. I do have satin bedding though)
4. When does hair just finally mellow out? When it's all one length? 3 years? I'm coming up on 2.5 years soon.
Thanks for any replys
Zac
I used to stick mine in a pony tail then tie it up in a kind of low bun using covered bands (you get them at the chemists, the loopy things that don't break your hair). Shower after exercise (leave the hair alone), loads of water to drink and I sleep in cotton (easy on the skin).
A male friend of mine who I trained with (we were gymnasts) had long hair (a bit longer than yours and about as thick) decided to cut his short one summer because he was fed up tying it up and decided since he was always tying it up what was the point? He was fine for about 2 days then decided he'd made a mistake and tying it up wasnt that bad, so go figure (the usual story)
your hair looks quite thick, very nice and your very lucky, I suppose you either have to put up with the time to tie it back and appreciate what you have or go the easy route (which you may or may not regret), you might need strong hairbands though since it's thick
p.s. hair mellows out when you do :)
Zac, I still say you have perfect hair!
I know what you mean about exercising though. It is admittedly a drawback of long hair but one of the very few and well worth dealing with. I don't work out everyday and I try to time workouts for day 2 or 3 hair when I'm going to wash anyway. It doesn't always work out. Don't be afraid to shampoo after every workout - just make sure the shampoo only hits your scalp.
My next suggestion is the one I feel strongest about. Switch from a ponytail to a braid!! This makes all the difference for physical activities. Your hair will be completely out of the way. I find ponytails tend to loosen while my braid never needs adjustment even with vigorous activities. When you take out your braid, your hair will remain nicely detangled.
I also use a satin pillowcase for sleeping. It's not perfect but definitely helps. You could try a braid here too although I've found it too uncomfortable to sleep with.
It doesn't look like you have any layers that are too obvious but elmininating any remaining layers could help especially if you go the braid route.
Zac, you would regret it immediately after cutting your hair, not to mention it'd be an absolute travesty. Take Jason's advice and try out the braid. There's no sense in throwing away all that time and growth just because of a little sweat. =)
-James
Thanks for the reply Jason. I'll definitely check out some braiding options. Are there any sites online you could point me to?
Thanks again
Zac
Well, there's dreamweaver braiding. Frankly, I find their instructions more confusing than they have to be. The best thing to do is to learn the basic 3 strand technique and then just practice, practice, practice! It's something you just have to learn by trial and error. Your hands will gradually increase in dexterity to the point where you don't have to think about it that much.
Practicing braiding while watching TV is a good chance. Do a braid, check it in the mirror, repeat. I don't recommend trying to braid looking into a mirror, however. It's more confusing.
braiding instructions
aha!!that's what I've been doing wrong..I've been applying way too much shampoo on my hair (throughout the shaft).I guess that's one of the reasons my hair is so damn dry..:(
Hi Zac,
The hair is looking really great and in wonderful condition and you should be very proud of what you have achieved so far.
I have to agree with James and Jason and perhaps try a braid instead. I'd certainly hate to see you make the wrong decision and like you have said before a few posters have regretted.
Continued good luck on your hair journey.
Cheers,
John.B
Hi Zac,
Your hair looks GORGEOUS, shiny, silky, and in PERFECT condition! (I remember the pictures from an earlier post) Please do not change anything you are doing, whatever you are doing is EXACTLY right, but DO keep it growing, DON'T cut!
David
Well, you may have to make compromises. There may come a time when you have to make a choice--it depends on your circumstances. For example, I used to go to a pool and swim for exercise, but it got to the point where it was so inconvenient, not just because of my hair but also because of traffic and other problems, that I give it up and began running. So my compromise was getting aerobic exercise, but not the type I used to engage in. At the pool I would have probably had to start wearing a cap and I couldn't deal with that.
On the other hand, I was watching an (American) football game on tv last night and during the 4 or 5 minutes I was watching it, one of the players pulled off his helmet and he turned out to have hair halfway down his back. I imagine he spends a lot of time working out and he manages somehow so perhaps you can too.
Before you do anything,I think you should talk to Absalom.He does vigorous exercising,and has super-long hair.so he's pretty much the expert on this topic (correct me if I'm wrong please!).
It would be a shame to see that lovely mane get chopped off. I suggest you find a different approach to deal with this quagmire. I seriously hope you dont cut it man.......
Good luck pal
to cut off such a magnificent mane due to sweating from exercising. You have great hair and it is only going to get better as it gets longer. I exercise a lot and get sweat in my hair. It has not harmed my hair thus far. In fact, sweating seems to help distribute necessary oils down my hair, which keeps it from drying out. The water in the sweat evaporates leaving the oils behind. Also I shampoo only once every 1 or 2 weeks, depending on oil production. 10 Days is about average for me.
Your hair is probably long enough to use multiple hair ties along its length. I currently use 10 (actually 11) on mine. (See photo.) The top tie is a nested double, which secures it much better. My hair has ties in only 9 places in the photo, but it was not as long as it is now.
To secure your hair better, try using 2 ties, one nested into the other. It will stay much better, and slide down a lot less. This is very good for sleeping. If your ponytail is over 8 inches, use ties at about 4 inch intervals.
Hope this is helpful. Keep growing your hair, it looks great.
Absalom
I dont understand why is it that these days so many people are wanting to cut their hair, and before they said how they wanted long hair like real bad. My advise regarding hot weather is, tie your hair into a bun or a segmented tail if it's long enough. It really helps to keep you cool. You will sweat hair or no hair, so wanting short hair because of exercise is just a lame excuse. Consider what about women who usually have long hair and works out? Sometimes it helps to take hair advise from women because believe it or not, they are more experienced in that regard.
A benefit of long hair during cold weather is that your hair acts as a scarf, and when it's hot you can tie it back or something.
It would be a shame if you cut it since your hair has such lovely color and texture. It's also something you've worked very hard to attain. I would take the advice of the other posters before even considering it.
Mouse
Since you stated that you have a goal for hair length and have been growing for 2 1/2 years, you are not growing on a wim.
There must be a solution that can address both of your desires, working out and long hair. Don't do anything drastic and try one, two or more things that were suggested below. I think you can find happiness doing both things.
Good luck,
Bruce
hello i'm a hairstylist from holland.. and i love long hair yeah.. it looks beautiful to me.. so don't cut it of.. please.. ;-)) xx G
Hi Zac,
I do hope the advice from Jason and by Absalom work well for you. Your hair looks phantastic, and it would be such a shame if it were cut off. The worst part: you'd feel terrible for a long time.
I'm glad Rob pointed to this American Football player with long hair. I can point out a successful German soccer player with a pony tail, Torsten Frings.
There are many ways to bring long hair and lots of physical activity together, it might require some experimentation, however. I suggest, continue to be as persistent about growing your hair as you are with your physical activities!
All the best, and, happy growth!
Hans-Uwe