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Here's a recent shot (about a week shy of my 16 Month mark).
This is my usual styling these days (wet, add the de-frizzing something or other, comb the afro pick through to get out tangles and to evenly distribute the product, finger style, lean forward and gently shake the curls down a bit). I also often wear a half-tail with a little leather piece for accent (it has a Celtic design on it and is held on with a stick that runs through my half-tail). I think it looks OK, but will be far better looking after the remaining curls hang below the shoulderline.
Thanks everyone for the motivation, inspiration and support without which I would not have made it so far.
Cheers!
Shawn (Mr. Crow)
Yay, you still exist! And the manlocks are looking marvelous! The ringlets on your forehead really add to the style. I think the Celtic hairpiece idea is great too, I actually picked up some similar items at the Ren Faire last weekend (thin leather strip with a wooden stick). Maybe when your hair get's longer you could go with some of the tailcuffs I've seen on the website below. I know I'm already drooling over them...
Keep it curling!
Mouse
Sorry I didn't reply to your RenFest Posting (I thought the pics were great! and I really liked the hair accessories you picked up.) I've a week until school is back in session and I am trying to prep my rooms adequately while squeezing in the last bit of summer. The tailcuffs look AWESOME, Mouse, and (thought the curls hide it) I can wear a pony tail rather easily (some gel for the fly-aways required) and, when wet and before it all curls up, I am happy to report that it reaches my neck at shoulderline and I have to make sure it doesn't get stuck in my collar. (I am glad to see the progress.)
I must say, I am a bit curious about how the parents will view my hair as I am starting a new role as Kindergarten Teacher (in addition to the music I was already teaching at this school) and I wonder if I won't look too unprofessional with my hair down. Sure ladies could come in and teach with hair like this and nobody would say a thing...but I am a man and there is already a double standard reagrding guys who work with young children. I am not really worried since I've been working at the school for a few years and most parents already know me from my music role, but I wonder if my hairstyle will fuel any preexisting presumptions about male kindergarten teachers. Any thoughts?
Thanks for the compliments on the curls, Mouse!
Cheers!
Shawn
PS... This is what I looked like last year at this time:
Thanks Mr. Crow, to me you're a trailblazer as I'm hoping to get into the same school board. Grow, grow, grow :)
Are you already looking for a j ob or are you just long-term planning?
Shawn
already looking
Thanks!
I have collar issues as well. The best remedy seems to be a tail, but I still go loose some days with a collared shirt and just accept the scruffiness.
Unfortunately anything outside the usual gender norms will always be judged differently. While I personally think the curls are lovely and show a unique personality, you'll essentially have to prove yourself extra worthy, courteous, "clean," and respectful at every turn to make up for your manlocks. Double-standards for the sexes, silly as they are, show up everywhere. What's normal for men is horribly out of place on women and vica versa. For example, I've always faced some judgement for not shaving my legs like the usual American woman (just my personal preference). Most people just don't know what to say, but I've been told that it looks dirty and unkept, like somehow it means I don't shower regularly or groom myself properly. I wear pants a lot. ;-)
That being said, I think you have a number of things on your side. (1) The fact that you're already working in the school and have obviously established a good enough reputation to expand your role, (2) you're a music teacher (music seems like a realm where more variation in appearance is acceptable), (3) you're a father of a young child (i.e. you're not just some strange single guy who likes being around children), and (4) you seem very intelligent and well-spoken (based on your writing style on this hyperboard).
I think you'll do fine, but I wouldn't be surprised if you face a few interesting comments or situations. On the plus side, you have the chance to expose more children to the possibility of longhair on men. Children at that age question out of curiosity, not prejudice, so you can expand their world and make a longhaired man part of their reality.
Good luck!
Mouse
What a well-articulated response, Mouse.
Yes, it is true that gender bias still exists. Perhaps by having exposure to alternatives to the rubber-stamped archetypes expected in our society (at least in professions), children will be able to more easily outgrow these societal expectations. I will make sure to go the extra mile to bring a good name to long haired men everywhere. (Where clean cut male teachers may enjoy the option of the occassional sport team sweat shirt worn to school, I should wear ties more often than not.)
Thanks for the encouragement, Mouse, and here's to a world without gender bias.
Cheers!
Shawn
Whoa, am I glad I checked the site when I did. Your hair looks fabulous, there's really no other way to describe it. All I can say is keep rockin' the curls and continue to represent our curly-haired brethren for years to come.
Peace (and occasional frizz),
Ryan
Thanks, Ryan. I will keep Rockin these curls (though I do, from time to time keep them under wraps with bandanas, pony tail elastics and/or gel).
You keep rockin' them too, Curly-Bro.
Shawn
Whoa!!!!!!!!!! Shawn, Your curls look mighty impressive! Your hair has progressed so much. Amazing! Congrats man!
Wow...........do you ever have something to "crow" about. (Yeah, I know. Bad pun.) LOL
Your hair is looking absolutely fantastic and fits you perfectly. For 16 months you are doing fabulously!
Thanks for sharing the update with all of us.
Best of luck to you as you continue your journey.
You have some gorgeous curls there, Shawn. With added length you will likely have hanging ringlets, which are striking beautiful and greatly coveted. Take a look at Bodhi to see a good example of beautiful long hanging ringlets can look. Keep growing it for sure.
Absalom
What a great head of gorgeous curls! It's nice that you are growing them out, and showing them off, rather than hiding their natural beauty with a short hair cut. You are going to be a fabulous longhair, that's for sure.
Carol
Truly amazing!
John.B
Hey Shawn, good to see you around again. Lookin' good there at 16 months!
And I agree with Mouse about the school issue. Just plug away and be yourself.
Big George
Hi Shawn,
It is always a genuine pleasure to see your posts to the hyperboard. Your shiny curls are looking amazing, they are thick and healthy. I understand how difficult, and sometimes frustating, growing curly hair can be, and I salute you for staying with your hair growing journey for 16 months! Now the rewards are REALLY paying off, and things will only get better and better. As Absalom has said, check out Bodhi's avatar in the user's directory for an idea as to what your hair will look like with added length.
Take care, and my best to you, Holly, and all your family.
David
Hi Shawn,
It's great to hear from you! And your hair is looking fabulous! Your curls are really amazing, and I can't wait to see what your hair looks like when it gets to your shoulders.
Keep it up mate!
Neil
Hi Shawn, looking good fella. You have come a long way, and i think for you "the awkward stage is over".Hope life is good, keep those locks growing dude, all the best Jonny H
Such a simply styling routine, but it definitely works for you, Shawn. Your hair is looking great! =)
-James
Congratulations Shawn, not only on outstanding hair, but the perseverance that growing such curly locks must take, A+ - top of the class!!
Regards Dave
Shawn, Cool curls, great smile. Yes, seeing your locks touching your shoulders will be quite a sight!
peace, jonalbear
Wow, I sure appreciate all the positive feedback. (Did I mention that this board is the reason I have been able to push well past any previous attempts at long hair?)
I will continue growing and will be sure to keep in contact. This board and its members are great. I will write as I am able. Thanks for the support and the advice.
What a great group of people!
Shawn
Hi Mr. Crow,
You're really getting "there" now. I have to say the longer the better. I love the extreme curl-age you have.
Good luck with the new school year. If I had a kid, I'd ask that he/she be placed in your class! I am sure all will work out fine.
Lookin' great ! Suits you and frames your smile wonderfully !
Thanks for sharing
WWT
That's a great head of healthy curls! And i'm happy to see you back here in the board again:)
Simon
Hey Crow'magnum! Looking AWESOME my man. That's a hearty head of hair you've grown and getting better every time I (we) see it. Cheers back at ya'. Bruce'ster
neat curls you have there
Excellent Shawn, good to hear from you.
Bruce
Yup, deffinitely curly but it adds character it makes you you.
Keep growing it will look amazing when really long.
Kevin