Hi all,
These are my 26 month progress photos. I feel as if my hair is slowing down as there isn't much difference in length compared to 2 months ago. I can't believe I'm reaching terminal at this stage, but who knows, perhaps I have bad hair genes.
Anyway, I haven't been around much as I'm feeling a little discouraged. Since I hit the 2 year mark I have been receiving negative criticism from my family about my hair. My parents, my sister, my aunts and one of my best mates have all told me I should get my hair cut, that I looked better with it shorter, that I look 'girly'. I have always been independent and strong-minded and don't give in to pressure, but as my family have always been very supportive and good to me in all other areas, this has caused me to doubt myself a little. I have to admit, part of me has considered going to the barbers lately. Yet another part of me screams NO! Thankfully, I have a few long-haired friends to keep me on the straight and narrow.
Just thought I'd share these things with you guys.
Get it cut!
No, I'm not serious. I just said that because I wanted you to feel the shock. Obviously, since you've come to a group of guys who enjoy long hair, you're expecting support for long hair.
Here's my support: I think you look majestic with your hair length just as it is. I wish I looked as good. If it doesn't grow anymore than what I see now, I think it's great just as it is. However, I think it will continue to grow. Try increasing your vitamin intake...specifically omega 3 oils.
Thanks B for the kind comments. I think your hair looks great too!
Ignore them - it does actually look good at length.
I appreciate your disappointment , i have similar length hair and it seems to get longer at about an 1/8 per month at best. I am otherwise healthy so no issues there. May well be terminal length beckons but just hang in.
Thanks UK for the reply :)
Your hair looks great Pablo. I'm pretty sure it hasn't reached terminal yet. Just let it grow and don't pay attention to it. As for negative response concerning your hair, Shrug it off mate. Don't let them get the best of you. Take care.
Thanks Chris! I gotta hang in there and keep metallin on!
Hello Pablo ...
Welcome to mlhh. I don't recall seeing you here before so I'll extend a warm welcome to you. This is a great place.
Your hair does not look "girly" by any means. It actually looks great to me. Don't be in too much of a hurry to cut ... after you've been here for awhile that desire will all but diminish. I'm living proof of that. :)
As far as the continued growth is concerned. I would make sure you're getting a good multi-vitamin daily, plenty of rest, exercise and a good diet rich with fruits and veggies. I know I sound like a health commercial but what can I say ... I'm a healthcare practitioner by trade. One thing I may ask is how do you care for your hair is regards to shampooing, conditioning, drying, styling, etc?? That may be something to consider changing around a bit if you're not getting the results you're looking for..
I'm sure the rest of the group here will have good suggestions as well..
Again ... welcome to the board and keep us up to date with your progress..
and remember..
Be Blessed...
Tristan
Thanks for the response Tristan! I was active on here last year but haven't been online much these past few months. I think my vitamin intake may be lacking a little. I wash my hair 2-3 times a week, using shampoo and conditioner once a week and the other times just with water. I usually let it dry naturally and don't use any styling products.
Pablo
Hey Pablo, don't let everyone discourage you from doing what YOU want. Your hair is looking wonderful, and not at all girlie or however they describe it. Best of luck and take care. =)
-James
Thanks James, your hair is looking great too!
Hey Pablo! Been a while since i last saw you make an update, anyways i think your hair is coming along real nicely!
And don't listen to anybody who think you should cut it, it's your hair and you do what you want with it, and i can't even believe why they thought you look girly, in my oppinion you just look really cool;)
I hope you do keep it growin and continue to make regular updates here, take care!
Simon
Thanks Simon, and good luck with your re-growth!
You have great hair, don't cut it please :)
i don't think you have hit your terminal lengh , your hair must just grow slowy.
Cya
My hair journal
Thanks for the reply. Fingers crossed its just growin slow!
I think it looks great.
If you're getting discouraged though, I'd recommend experimenting with different styles of facial hair and see what that does for you (just to change it up a bit).
I myself settled on a little chin trimmed look, which is similar to yours, plus I kinda like how I look with stubble.
That should also put a stop to the "girly" comments a bit. I just don't understand why they'd be bashing you at that length. It doesn't look feminine at all.
Thanks for the response! I used to have a beard - mebbe its time to bring it back!
Pablo, please skip a trip to the barbers! Your hair looks great and it's a little strange that just now you've gotten such comments. Maybe your mom and others are just jealous because you have better hair than they do who made the comments! And maybe, just maybe, your best mate is thinking you might get all the girls rather than him!
I like the sunlit pictures and brings out a cool reddish tone.
I bet your hair is still growing, but the longer it is the harder it is to notice length being added.
Thanks Bragi, I'll do my best to keep away from the barbers! I'll put that theory to my mate :)
Firstly, Your hair looks great and does not look feminine at all. That said, it is still tough when those lose to you think your hair is a bit of a freak show which they 'tolerated' for long enough. In the end, though, most people really don't care about how others o their hair; we are each to preoccupied wondering what others think of us.
Thanks for sharing.
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Thanks Shawn for your support.
Pablo
Hi Pablo,
Your hair is looking fabulous, it is straight and healthy, and I don't see any problems with your growth rate at all, you are doing just fine. I remember that you mentioned in an earlier update that you started from a buzz cutt. Remember that many other guys started from more conventional men's haircuts, so they already had a head start.
Whatever you do, don't let anyone distract you from your desire to have long hair, and be sure to keep it growing!
Take care,
David
Thanks David, I hope you're right about the growth rate!
Best wishes
"Girlie?" No way!! You have EXCELLENT looking hair, --- so, if that defines, "girlie", then I say just grow a beard and/or mustache... that will show 'em! I have yet to meet a female who sports a beard or mustache that people think looks feminine!!!
Opposition to long hair, --- especially when one is still in the process of growing it out --- more or less, "comes with the territory"... You have to figure on the fact that your family and friends are still getting used to your new look (and, in some cases, are actually afraid of losing the old, familiar "YOU").
And I doubt you've hit terminal length. Your hair is not thin and sparse at the ends; but is still thick and full! All of us longhairs go through moments of thinking we have, though, --- especially when your hair has gotten long enough to no longer notice the growth as easily as when it was shorter. I went through the same thing when I first grew my hair out. In fact, i STILL think those thoughts; but, my hair is at my belt now, and as slowly as it grows nowadays, every once in ahwile I notice a growth spurt has occurred, so it is still growing!
The only reason someone should ever cut their hair is if you yourself, totally on your own and without comments from others, felt that you might prefer it that way after all. But, that's not the case here (at least not what I'm hearing from you, according to what I just read). Just quietly, calmly keep on growin' that great head of hair of yours... In time, your family and friends will not only get used to it; they'll also grow to like it, --- and maybe even encourage you NEVER to cut it! This has actually happened to other guys here... It's funny how with just a little more time and/or with just a little more length, people actually do shut up and learn to like the difference of being in the presence of a longhair.
- Ken in San Francisco
Thanks Ken for takin the time to reply. I'm determined to hang on in there and get through this rough patch.
Cheers
I hope your longhair friends keep you in line because your mane looks great and it'd be a shame to cut it. The lighting in the photos is cool too.
Mouse
Thanks Mouse for the support! I'm sure I'll manage to keep away from the dreaded scissors!
Your hair looks great....and masculine.
Yeah for the Progress !
Poo on the Opposition......
WWT
Thanks WWT!
Sometimes people go through a resting phase, where their hair appears to have stopped growing, and then they suddenly experience a growth spurt. You might be going through something like that. Try not to pay too much attention to the length, one day you will be surprised to see that it has appeared to grow literally overnight. I doubt you reached terminal length, be patient, it will start growing at a normal rate soon.
Carol
Thanks Carol, I didn't know hair growth rates could vary. Hopefully mine will pick up soon!
Hi Pablo,
Your hair looks fabulous. I have the same problem with my family. My best advice: select your friends and dont let pseudo friends choosing you. About your family: they have a problem with your hair? Ok fine,
..but not you! (yourself, your life, your PERSONALITY) Do what you wish with hair. (except the scissors)
;-)
Take care
SamsoKera
Thanks for the kind comments!
Don't let them get to you Pablo! Your hair looks just fine and not "girly". Don't forget that even though these are your family and friends, they still believe "men = short hair.
Always." They can't help it, they were infected with this belief a long time ago. Unfortunately they say any thing to win you over to their way of thinking because "men = short hair.
Always."
Take care and Keep on growin'
Bruce
Thanks Bruce, I won't give in so easily :)
Hey Pablo, your hair looks reasonably thick to the ends. Perhaps it grows slowly. Maybe it grows 4 or 5 inches per year rather than the usual 6. It could be genetic or due to high testosterone levels. The normal range is 299 to 999. You may want to have it checked by your physician. Mine was only 361 the last time I had it checked. Testosterone does impair head hair growth in men. Your hair quality looks excellent from what I can see. With slow growing hair you will need to be a lot more patient to reach a good length.
Scott
Thanks Scott, I'll mention that to my doctor the next time i'm at the clinic.
First off Pablo you do not look 'girly' in any way. The length you have looks plenty cool and very stylish. It is a terrific update Pablo, I am sorry it is marred by discouragement from others. The girly comment is a typical way to get you cut your hair. Your friends and family are typically biased against long hair not because it looks a certain way but merely because most people do not have it the length you do and they don't like being associated with such a rogue! If everybody had long hair well I don't think it would be an issue for them.
I suppose you could just look at your long hair as a distinguishing characteristic of your stubborn personality and ask those who oppose your long hair if they would respect you more for giving in to their pressure or standing up for your principles. Do they really want a wimp for a friend or family member? lol Maybe this perspective will give them something to think about :)
The pics are super cool Pablo, I hope you stick it out cause you look great, terminal length or no :) Good luck
Thanks Chris! Your comment on standing up for my principles really struck a chord with me.
Hi Pablo, I think your hair is coming along really well. I don't get this 'girly' thing, I think long hair on a man is classic and natural, I guess people have been pummeled into thinking conformist thoughts by society.
Anyway, I'm sure everyone here would agree that its looking brilliant and you should definately keep growing.
Regards Dave
Thanks Dave. I think 'society' has a lot to answer for!