new thread
Occasionally someone posts a thread here, --- usually someone brand new to MLHH, who we often never hear from again --- who informs us of the fact that they've already cut their hair into a mullet, an undercut, or something as severe as a mohawk... and now they want advise from us as to how to continue growing their hair long; but they are unsure whether they should buzz it all off, first, in order to start all over again...
In situations like that, I am often at a loss for words as to what to suggest. My honest opinion on such matters is that I think, "the dirty deed is already done", --- meaning: they should have thought this decision through BEFORE deciding on the mohawk, mullet, or undercut!!! I want to be polite & tactful, especially to newcomers to MLHH; but, I also feel sometimes people need the cold, hard, BLUNT facts... Unless you started off growing your hair long from a mullet, undercut, or mohawk, to suddenly "try out" one of these more risky styles from a full head of long, beautiful hair means you take a BIG risk regretting that cutting decision, later.
As a longhaired co-worker said to me right after I impulsively cut off my own waist-length hair back in Y2K, "hair is easy to cut; but, much harder to grow." That was 7 years ago, --- and it has taken that long for me to get back the length I had before that stupid decision. I am now 54, instead of 47. Maybe that's another way of emphasizing the importance of THINKING before impulsively cutting (or even, "experimenting" with with any of those half-long / half-short hairstyles)....
I am posting this thread not out of meanness or being judgmental / critical towards anyone that truly *enjoys* having a mullet, undercut, or mohawk; but, rather as a forewarning to all who have worked hard to achieve long hair to THINK TWICE before getting too "wild & crazy" with a pair of scissors or electric razor... There is such a thing as, "making a BIG mistake" with one's hair, --- in fact, it is ***extremely easy*** to do (and I speak from experience)!!!!!
- Ken
Good post!
I think you should think even more than twice before doing anything. First of all, before cuting your hair you need to be absolutely certain that this is what you want for at least two weeks straight. If you have any doubts whatsoever, don´t cut it!
We used to know that here as the fortnight day rule -
After you've take a decision to cut or any of the other styles mentioned you wait fourteen days. If at any time during those 14 days you have doubts, you reset the clock and start the 14 days again.
Worth reminding those those thinking of cutting.
I actually used that rule as an answer to my mother when she would ask when I was going to get a trim to "even it out." I would just say, "Well, I'm thinking about getting one, but I want to be really sure first, so I decided that when I want a trim every day for two weeks I'll go get one." That kept her at bay, and, well, I haven't had any trims!
Mouse
Fantastic post Ken, I think we should re post this every couple of months or so. In the past as we all know some of us get frustrated with these people and respond in somewhat less than diplomatic language thus offending them. One does consider that the majority of these people do disappear anyway only a scant few actually hang around and re-grow their hair you being one of them.
Thanks for your post Ken and hopefully it gets many reads before getting pushed down.
Kevin
I've simply stopped responding to such people altogether. If they can't commit to the process, they aren't worth my time.
Alright, not sure if it is possible. On other forums, I have seen threads and posts that always remain at the top of the list; I think "sticky" is the term some use. But could we post the common posts as permanent top-of-the-listers or in a special grouping at the top? So that all who venture can read them without sifting through? Just a question...
Hi Ken,
I totally agree with you. I have seen a few of my ex long haired friends in my little group of friends cut their hair because they fancy a change or are bored with their hair, a bit rash and much to their regret. Now I am the last remaining long hair in the group BUT I STAND PROUD AND TALL IN SHROUD OF SHORT HAIR.... err, *cough* got a bit carried away there lol.
Neil
I agree, so many people have the impression that it's only hair, it will grow back. What they don't think about is the length of time and reason for cutting it. You can't just put it back on!
This is good advice. It reminds me of something I was once told along the lines of: You ought to listen to the good advice of others sometimes since you're not going to live long enough to make all the mistakes for yourself!
I agree Ken, its' hard to come up with the diplomatic stuff when all you want to do is reach into the monitor and give them a dope slap. We are here to help and offer advice to those that want that advice, but there are always those that will go down their own path. Sometimes people need to make their own mistakes.
Bruce
I'd consider this an important post for a few reasons, Ken. Many people view long hair as part of an "alternative" lifestyle, indicating a degree of dissent from the average population in a number of personal areas, such as importance placed on physical appearance to personality traits, and everything in between.
The issue with undercuts, mohawks, and other styles is that they too appear to follow this "alternative" frame of mind. Some people don't see it as a big deal to cut off 25% of their hair after having grown it for a while. I agree that this stage is where people need to critically analyze their happiness with their completely grown long hair prior to making any rash decisions.
I've been tempted to go for one of the more extreme looking hair styles on a few occasions, but that desire eventually subsided. The support from places like MLHH really helps when trying to re-center one's focus on why real long hair is a thing to cherish, and shouldn't (in my humble opinion) be seen as a passing fad or temporary style.
Peace,
Ryan
Hey Ken
What a fantastic posting! Your way with words as always is just so unique, and you have said volumns here.
Thanks for posting this ever so true insight when it comes to those kinds of postings after deed has been done when all is too late was probably not well thought-out or WAS a quick act of being impulsive.
All the best :-)
Justin~
Hey Ken I will second that as I am starting to grow mine
all over again after shaving it all off.
at least I did keep the beard so there is still some
long hair even if it is on my face and not head
There is such a thing as, "making a BIG mistake" with one's hair, --- in fact, it is ***extremely easy*** to do (and I speak from experience)!!!!!
I know exactly what you're talking about, i made a mistake too, chopped off my hair, it felt great for about a month or so but as soon as i noticed more and more longhairs i wanted to grow it out again, because it almost felt like a part of me was gone with the hair gone.
Simon
And this is why I try to compliment people on their hair, in case they've been getting no comments or worse, negative words.
I understand what you are saying. Guys who truly want long hair will not cut it, despite having negative comments from other people. Those who get their hair cut because they are concerned about what other people think are just too sensative.