Okay, I've been reading the board for several years now.
In that time, I've grown my hair for maybe six months at a time, before going shorter for summer or for a change. But I usually end up starting again.
Never particularly wanted to go for the ponytail. And always noticed that some of those "awkward stage" photos weren't so different from what I was HOPING my hair would look like.
So with all respect to those who are working toward the ponytail, is there anybody else here who figures that somewhere between the collar and shoulders would be about right for them? Would be curious to see some of those pictures, too.
If by between the collar and shoulders you mean between the knees and feet, then yes. Otherwise, no. XD
I think hair down to the chin looks really good actually. For me, thge awkward phaze is everything from past the ears to the chin. :)
I'll probably go a little past the shoulders or at least to the shoulders. I guess between collar and shoulders is where I am at now, at least in back. My avatar is a little while ago (couple weeks?) and sorta fits in the category as well. And, to let you know, the length you describe allows for a short ponytail (3-4 inches) from the base of the head. Which might be useful in wind and for those days where you get frustrated with hair in your face.
I'm not going for the ability to tie a ponytail either. I have regrown the length necessary to tie one, but haven't but once in the last two months since that's been an option. I just don't like the way it feels, and plus my hair seems to stay out of the way for the most part since it locks into locks. I'm going for way past collar to shoulder length though - as long as still pleases me is the new goal. I used to maintain between collar and shoulder length, but no more. My avatar captures the length you cite.
I've always said that somewhere around shoulder-blade length would be plenty of hair for me. To me, hair up around the head area where people see it readily is enough. Then my hair stopped at shoulder-blade length anyhow, and going beyond that wasn't a choice. [grin]
Why do I not yearn for longer hair? Practicality for one. I'm an active guy who doesn't want to overly futz with his hair and who doesn't want it forever being caught in stuff. But more than that, it just feels right. If you look around, a lot of men with long hair go for shoulder-blade length. It looks long at that length but it's still practical, and a lot of guys are practical when it comes to fashion. After hair passes the awkward stage it gets more docile to control but then after reaching a null in that vein, its uncontrollability and need for care creeps upward again with more growth. I suspect a lot of guys go for ease of care and like falling in that null.
As for ponytails, it is rare that I'll ponytail what I have, although I can, mainly because I like the look of loose hair. If I go outside I'll put a bandanna around it rather than tail it. I do have a few pony ties, though, and I'll use one if I am hiking or working in brush. I may also tie a bandanna in a cap over it in that case to keep the top from getting snagged. Hair tangling in brush is not a fun event.
Now I'm growing out my beard. I'm going for terminal just because I want to see how long it will get. After that, darned if I know. It is already starting to get caught in stuff, mainly my dinner. I sense that is a form of "awkward stage" though. Guys with longer beards tell me at some point that may lessen, and maybe a point of more calm, a null for unruliness for the beard if you will, will be reached with it longer.
Time will tell! I'll be watching!
Bill
There must be a type of hair for a loose wearin'. It is very similar unpredictable advantage like having the straight hair. Some hair can't be worn freely, because it doesn't look civilized, they're too big and uncontrolled. You can guess why my schoolmates called me "George from jungle", heh heh :)
I know exactly what you mean about some people's awkward stages being your goal stage. My goal is to have my hair down to about 1/1.5 inchs below my chin all the way round. That isnt even touching the tops of my shoulders. I'll see how it looks then but I dont see myself gorwing it much longer than that.
My advice: grow your hair all over until you think it's long enough for your desired haircut. Then, find a picture of a guy with a similar type of hair who has that cut.
Finally, go into a decent hairdressers, show them the pic and ask if they can do it. You'll probably want layers.