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We get all kinds of support here and at other online communities but there's nothing like a real-life compliment to brighten one's day. At 35 I am still one of the youngest people where I work and I'm the only man out of hundreds of employees with long hair. It is rather a conservative group.
As I was getting coffee today I heard someone approach me. She slowed as she passed me and said, 'Jason, your hair is getting so long...I just love your long hair!' I thanked her and really felt like I was on cloud nine. We grow our hair primarily for ourselves, as it should be, but it's still nice to get some positive feedback.
There was also a guy who's probably about 60 who complimented me a couple of weeks ago. He has good hair for his age and said he has always wanted to try it but never did. He cited his wife's extremely conservative father as a reason. I can't imagine allowing such a factor to influence me. He said he's living vicariously through me! LOL, that made me feel good too.
My pictures are just a natural product of my inner joy at realizing a lifelong desire. I hope they serve as some inspiration. It's not my desire to seek endless compliments and do not expect them. I just enjoy documenting my progress and often wish to share. Today's positive remark motivated me to take some more.
Hey Jason - Looks like we had similar experiences today. It DOES feel good to be noticed and complimented nomatter what the reason: and when our HAIR is the reason...well that's SWEEEEET! Glad it has inspired you to express yourself in this way. Bruce'ster
Hey Bruce,
I'm glad you too experienced this. Especially in the work environment, it's a great thing for sure.
That's great to get positive responses like that. I am glad you feel the way you do and state it in an eloquent manner - not hubris or vanity, but a veritable air of contentment and peace within you.
It reminds me of a compliment I got once last year. I was out of town working at one of the banks. My other co-workers and I went to church for Wednesday night prayer meeting with two of the guys from the bank. Afterwards, the preacher was walking around meeting the new people there. The first thing he said to me was, "If I could grow hair, I'd grow it just like yours. But I can't, so I'll just remember yours." He, for all practical purposes, was as male pattern bald as could be. Sometimes, compliments come from unexpected sources.
Interesting, very similiar to my experience. It's nice to be recognized for having something others want. It makes us appreciate that not all are free to have long hair.
That's great that you're getting such awesome compliments, Jason. It seems more and more that people really aren't as hung up about long hair as many think, which is obviously a good thing. =)
Very nice pics, too! Gotta love those windswept shots. =)
Thanks, James. It was very windy today. Normally I don't like wind for hair shots but sometimes it makes for some cool images.
I think sometimes people have an initial hang up but once they get used to it, they have no problems with it.
Congratulations, Jason, you really have hair to be proud of! The growth rate seems to have TAKEN OFF lately, I think you will reach waist length sooner than you think, and I was wondering if you might consider going past waist length? The hair growing experience is doubly sweet when you receive compliments, and with hair like yours, is it really any wonder? No wonder I want "Jason" hair, LOL!
Keep it growing, and heep those posts coming,
David
Congratulations, Jason, you really have hair to be proud of!
Thanks again David.
The growth rate seems to have TAKEN OFF lately
I have say I think I've a spurt recently. It's starting to get in the way a lot more! (yay)
I think you will reach waist length sooner than you think, and I was wondering if you might consider going past waist length?
Oh, I sure hope it grows past my waist! My goal is belt-length but lately I've been eyeing some people at LHC that have reached classic and I have to say, it's an uber cool length!
No wonder I want "Jason" hair, LOL!
LOL, just don't patent the term. :)
My goal is belt-length but lately I've been eyeing some people at LHC that have reached classic and I have to say, it's an uber cool length!
That would be WAY cool, Jason! Why not go for it, do give it some serious thought as you near belt length, classic length would be AWESOME! (I also suspect, from your hair quality, that your terminal length is FAR past belt length)
David
Hi Jason. You're right about receiving 'real time' hair compliments. It's always a definite upper! I've haven't received any like compliments from friends/co-workers but haven't received any negative comments, either. The best compliment I received was from my parents in October when I was there for a visit. They said they really like my long hair! Which surprised me! :)
BTW... great pics!
--Rick
Hi Rick,
That's awesome that your parents like your hair! Sometimes they're the hardest to convince to be accepting. Thanks.
In my teens, my dad was always on my case about keeping my hair cut short. I think he changed when I went to visit my parents around 1995. I walked in the house with my first ponytail. About 4". He looked at it and said, "Cool!" Shocked me a lot. Of all my friends and family, my parents were the ones who I thought would complain the most. Actually, only 1 friend jokingly did but she's over it now!
--Rick
Before I go off on how great your hair is, I just wanted to I was shocked about a misconception I had about you. I honestly thought you were a lot younger (I thought early-mid 20's :P ). Make of that whatever you want to.
Anyway, your hair is absolutely fantastic! It's obvious you care for it alot and are doing all the right things. It's people that have wonderful hair like you that keeps me from cutting all this awkward stage mess off in hopes that after a while, it will look as good as some of yours. Thanks for the update, and keep it growing! :)
Wow, thank you very much. I don't feel like I've changed that much since that age except finally emerging as the longhaired person I was meant to be.
Thanks, dude. I'm glad I can provide some inspiration. Your hair is coming along fine. Before you know it, you'll be through the awkward stage and it will be awesome!
Jason,
The first photo where the light catches the amber highlights in your hair is just beautiful. You really have accomplished something to be proud of.
Mouse
Thanks, Mouse. I love the effect that sun, especially late-day sun, has on hair. Like you said, it picks up the highlights nicely.
Jason
The compliment is clearly deserved. You have a magnificent mane.
Thanks for the kind words! :)
Thanks for sharing your stories, Jason. We get support here from others, to be sure. Sometimes it is the only support we find. So it is a really nice thing to hear from others that the journey we take for our own personal reasons, is also appreciated by others for how it makes them feel.
I must comment....
you said, "As I was getting coffee today I heard someone approach me".
As a coffee affecionado, it is great to know that you can drink your beans and still end up with locks like yours. A truly inspiring revelation.
Thanks again, Jason!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
(http://www.myspace.com/manlocks) - Mr.Crow's photo archive of growing hair
Well said. Outside validation is a nice bonus when we get it.
Oh, I'm a coffee addict, lol! I'd say I average about four cups a day - usually two in the morning and two in the early afternoon. My hair seems to like it!
Thanks Shawn.
Jason
I'm a coffee addict too!!can't live without Caffeine! :))
Great news Jason, especially by someone who resides in NE. I lived over 1/2 of my life it CT. before moving to the West Coast, and when I got here I noticed a change right off the bat in peoples attitudes. I suppose different parts of the Country are noted for different things. NE certainly was tough on anything but the so-called molded image-look.
To get compliments where you are is certainly a sign to be very happy about. If approval is now there, this is fantastic news for sure.
I am glad for these well deserved compliments you received.
"NE"? Do you mean North East, or Nebraska? Does anyone else here live in Nebraska? I went to your site and saw those mountain photos. I've lived here all my life, and have never seen mountains. lol
later, :)
I believe Justin was referring to New England. I live in Massachusetts.
I don't think I've received any actual negative comments so maybe things are mellowing even in New England. Thanks!
Fantastic looking mane Jason!
It's no surprise you're receiving so many compliments.
Thanks for the update,
- Oren
Thanks Oren!
It's always good to hear compliments from people of the opposite sex,I can imagine how you felt:)I'm happy for you...the compliment is well deserved of course.no wonder your name is becoming an "adjective" on this board lol.
I'm still waiting for the day that some woman comes up to me and says "Jacob,you have great hair!",or somethin similar to that.that day might never come though :(
oh btw,you look younger than you really are.ok,take care!! :))
Haha, thanks. Yeah, comments from the opposite sex are especially nice for sure.
Nah, it will come - your hair already looks great but with added length it will garner even more attention and I know some of that will be positive!
Thanks!
I always enjoy seeing your pictures Jason, not only for the hair but they are always well thought out and have movement and life.
I don't have people compliment my hair as it tends to look like a bush most of the time and I guess its difficult to see whether its well kept and healthy and would not be classed as 'nice', but a few of people have said its 'cool', so that fine.
Your is looking really great and when you get to waist length it will look totally amazing.
Facial hair looks great on you too!
Thanks. I appreciate your comments about my photography.
Give it time!
Hopefully it will stay thick as it continues its journey down my back.
Thanks, I love it in winter especially.
Man, you have great hair. I´m hoping for something similar to that when my hair grows out. You seem to have kind of the same haircolor as I do too. :)
Thanks, Erik. You have great, thick hair yourself that will look amazing when it gets really long.
A week or so ago an older guy with a beard very similar to mine, but white, smiled at me and then said (paraphrased)"You've still got color in it . . . I wish I still had color . . . It looks nice!" Anyway, kind of a different compliment (and has nothing to do scalp hair) but nice to hear, definately improved my day. Technically, as my beard is as long as hair at least in the awkward stage, it could be considered "long hair", so I guess this is still on topic. :)
That's cool, Paddy. Beard compliments are nice too!
Jason,
First, your hair looks GREAT! The longer it gets the better it looks.
Second, I know what you mean about feeling good after getting a compliment. So often the words "haircut" and "Locks of Love" are thrown about, so when someone says someting positive it is great to hear.
Third, keep your photos coming and have FUN on your hair journey.
Karsten
Thanks, Karsten!
I so agree.
This is the really fun part. I want it longer, of course, but it's now at a fun length that can be enjoyed.
BTW, that's cool you set up another Yahoo group with plenty of space for your 2007 pictures. Keep them coming!
Hi Jason,
I am not at all surprised that your hair draws the odd compliment now and then: your hair is FANTASTIC. The pictures you have of your hair are always perfect and like you have wished, brilliant documentation. I only wish I could get pictures with the same results!
Neil
Hey Neil,
Thanks for the compliments on both my hair and photos. Digital cameras definitely help. You can take enough pictures till you get some you like. A tripod is another great tool. I'm looking forward to your next update!
Jason
is outstanding. With every update it just gets better and better. You have one of the best manes here. This photo tells it all, absolutely first rate. Keep growing it.
Absalom
Thanks Absalom, I really appreciate your kind words. I have so far to go to even think of your mane's magnificence but we must take small steps!
Congratulations on the compliments! It certainly brightens my day when I hear a kind word, especially when you least expect it.
Btw, your hair is fantastic!
Keep on growin'
Bruce
Thank you very much!
Hi Jason,
congratulations again, your hair is phantastic as ever!
I just noted that one of your pictures makes me think of a self portrait of Albrecht Duerer:
I do love the "classic" look - it shows an enormous potential of life!
All the best!
Hans-Uwe
Hi Jason,
congratulations again, your hair is phantastic as ever!
I just noted that one of your pictures makes me think of a self portrait of Albrecht Duerer:
I do love the "classic" look - it shows an enormous potential of life!
All the best!
Hans-Uwe
Thanks Hans-Uwe. I can see some resemblance!