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Hey I'm a 15 year old boy who want to grow my hair long. The bad thing about this is my parents will not let me. They tell me I'll look like a girl. I don't care I think long hair on boys is o.k. and very cool. I need help convincing my parents to let me. That is why I came here. I have been dying to do this all my life and I want to have a pony tail by my senior year in high school. If anyone has any ideas please write to me a.s.a.p.
Ask your parents why growing your hair long would make you look like a girl.
also, if your grades aren't high, maybe negotiate a deal with them stating that you will strive to get straight A's if they'll let you grow your hair.
the norm right now is more boys and men to have short hair, so your parents may be concerned that you'll get picked on in school ,because you're going against the current norm.
if that's the case, suggest to them that you enroll in some martial arts classes that teach self-defense.
If this isn't the case and it's "What will the neighbors think" kind of thing, ask them why they should be concerned with what other people think.
you're a individual and individuals should have the right to express who they are. make this point valid to them without getting too argumentive if you can.
good luck and hope you get the chance to grow your hair.
I'd be wary connecting your keeping long hair to a specific grade point, though. Grades fluctuate up and down, but to have long hair you have to maintain a consistent commitment to not cut.
Also, you would be putting your appearance in control of other people (teachers) and that may not be wise. One who is a jerk, if he learns of your deal, may just mark you down one grade period to cause you hassles. Some teachers do not like longhairs.
Another reason to not connect your hair length to a grade point is there may be some course you really want for your future but you know it's graded tough. You don't want your hair deal to cause you to make choices that deny you opportunities.
If you really do have to make some sacrifice to grow your hair (having to do that is unfair but if that is the best you can do) choose a situation that you will have 100% control over. Taking on additional chores or volunteering so many hours a week to help out some cause that your parents think is cool, are possibilities.
good luck
I agree with the other guy that posted that if youre a good kid and keep your grades good youll have an easier time getting it by your parents without a fight. Im 16 and have been at this for 3 years, theres been a few arguements but lately theyve been OK about the long hair. They know I'm not a troublemaker so maybe if I have real long hair at least its not something REAL bad like stealing or drugs.
And no matter how long it gets I dont think i look like a girl, I wear t-shirts and cargo shorts like everyone else, no-ones ever called me a girl except for a few jerks who did it on purpose.
Good Luck,
Justin
I think Hank gave some excellent advice, but I'll add this: look for examples of longhaired men no one would argue with being "girlish". If your family is Christian, two from the Bible would be Samson and Jesus himself; at least, I've only ever seen Jesus depicted as a longhair.
I'm sure if you think about it you can come up with others. Best of luck!
BikerMane
Hey Ritchie. I think the argument that long hair is bad because you'll look like a girl is weak. It's true that, depending on their build and facial features, some guys with long hair may get mistaken for girls by strangers, at least initially, but so what? Does it really matter if a clerk in a store or some other stranger may think you're a girl or be unsure? People at school and other people you know and who matter in your life all know who you are. If that's really a problem though, one solution is to grow facial hair, such as long sideburns, which seem to be in style now.
I suspect "you'll look like a girl" is just an excuse your parents are making because they want you to be what they consider normal. You could try find examples of male actors and models with long hair, to show that it is a style for men. But really, your parents should be glad you have the courage to be yourself, and not just follow what everyone else does.
Good luck!
Doug
Dude;
Find a length you and the 'rents can agree on and deal with it until you turn 18. Then go away to college and let it rip!!!!! even tho 18 seems a long way off it'll be here b4 you know it. Just ask those 50 y.o. hippies!!!! ha ha j/k guyz!!!!!
Bobby T