new thread
Hello everyone,
I'm new to your site and soon to be new to the process of growing my hair out (very nervous). I've had short hair my whole life but if I close my eyes and imagine deep, deep, deep, very deep down inside I can see myself with long hair, brushing it, letting it fly in the wind, you know... all the stuff long haired men can do that I can't. My first question is, Do I have to use conditioner? I know it's awhile down the road for that but I just can't wait to know how much conditioner and what brands are the best and if conditioner is really needed. My next question is, are there any other websites or clubs I can join once I get my long hair? And if so, how long does my hair have to be to be considered a long haired man? I wish I could just yank each hair on my head, streeeeetch them out and have long hair by tomorrow.... but that's just not gonna happen is it guys. Anyway, I'm very nervous, what if it doesn't look good, what if I don't like it... please help and send your support.
Thanks, Rich
There is a wealth of information available under "LINKS" at the top of the main page which will answer many of your questions.
Yes, you should use conditioner. Lots of it. What type is up to you, more personal preference than anything. I use the Sunsilk products which many do not like but work well for me.
There are other sites; once again look on the "LINKS" page.
The main advice is that there will be periods when you get frustrated, think it looks like crap, want to cut it off and start again, want a trim, etc.
We all try to use the two week rule. If you should want to do something like this, give it two weeks to see if you still feel the same. That will help you avoid impulsive and regrettable decisions. Just ask many on here who failed to follow that simple advice.
Look forward to seeing more of you on here.
Big George
Hello Rich. Good to know that you have dreams of long hair and want to pursue them. I am sure I can speak for many when I say we are behind you and with you...some of us are just a few months downstream of you and some of us are right neck-in-neck with you in hair length and some of us remember way back when our hair was little stubble.
To the conditioner question, the answer lies in your hair and its qualities. Conditioner is used to put stuff back in the hair that shampoo takes out like oils or something. Personally, I do not use conditioner, only shampoo; I am lucky to have naturally "good" and naturally straight hair. When your hair gets longer, you can see whether or not you will need conditioner. As for shampoos, I use one of the Herbal Essences line (Drama Clean) which is more natural than some of the mainstream shampoos but less natural than the hair products some members use. Some people even swear by not using shampoo!
As for clubs and sites, this is one of them and from my recon, one of the best around. When you feel so inclined, there is an online form in the FAQ section that you can fill out so that your email and name goes on the Directory and you can get one of the little pics appear whenever you post. Outside of this site and other websites, I do not know of any particular clubs or organizations in non-electronic life. But all of us have our activities and things we do. Some people do dance competition, some of us write, some of us love to cook and enjoy fine foods and the beers and wines that go with, some of us like music of different styles, some of us like to hang out in the sunshine and enjoy nature. Basically, longhair is not a club but rather a length of hair that we all enjoy together. I am sure you have those things you do as well.
Definition of long hair depends on the person. Some consider a mere couple of inches to be long while some say shoulder length and some even go so far as to say midback or longer. I guess it depends on the person and the background and the goal. Mine extends a few inches past the collar and fits into a nice ponytail so am at a stage of considering different hair ties and braids and hair sticks. One of our frequent posters (Urban Cowboy) made up this scale as a fun way to measure one's progress:
http://www.mlhh.org/archive/?196475
Keep up the growth and do not trim for any reason and you will reach your goal!
~"Antesse"
Hey Richard, welcome to the site
Growing out your hair is a very long and drawn out process. But not a complex one.
Avoid getting any haircuts of ANY KIND for at least 2 years from now. At that point some of your hair may start to get worn out and fray and break at the very tips in what are called "split ends". But you will have lots of time for that later.
Conditioner is useful but you certainly won't need much. Just experiment with using a very little bit. I am sure you will get lots of recommendations of brands here. I haven't found the perfect one yet but until you know more about your hair type (by its growing longer) it may be hard to say what type you need. A moisturizing type with some kind of oil in it is a safe bet. I bought one that has shea butter and nut oil in it but havent tried it yet.
As for how long is longhaired? I think of the line to long hair as when you can do a ponytail, even if you don't actually plan on doing so.
And as for websites for longhairs, you are already on the best one now, look no further :) Some people here on another site called the Long Hair Community I think it is called. Jason and DavidN are and could tell you more.
Also you should read over some of the websites in the Links section (at the top of the main board page). Particularly Bill Choisser's FAQ "ON Being a Longhair"
Good luck and again welcome!
Rich,
Welcome! I understand your anticipation. I'm at the middle/end of my awkward stage. (If you don't know what that is yet, you will soon.) I want that hair to grow faster so very badly so its weight and fullness is increased. My advice is to keep that vision you have going for you. When the rough time's ahead of you come, remember how much difficulty you've survived (the price you've paid) and how badly you want to feel what it's like to have YOUR hair long (the reward at the end.)
Keeping your hair healthy now will pay for itself later. Once it's damaged, it really can't be fixed. Everyone here has seen my Lush sermons. I'm a big fan of Lush shampoos and conditioners because they are more natural than most others. However, you'll find that the best conditioner for your hair is free and readily available . . . your own body oils. So work to get used to your hair using them instead of synthetic conditioners. Lush doesn't strip all the natural oils from my hair. I also use cold water for this reason. Heated water pulls excess oil from my hair that it needs. If you feel you need extra conditioning than your natural oils, try a brand called Pure Essentials at your health food store. Whatever you buy, read the label. If you can't understand what the ingredients are, pass on it.
Banana
Hi Rich,
First I'd like to welcome you to the board and wish you good luck in your journey.
Now to answer your questions. Conditioner isn't obligatory of course, but it's very recommended, and the right conditioner can make your hair look wonderful, while the wrong one might even make it worse. Unfortunately, for everyone it's different because we all have different hair. You'll find out what sort of your you have once you start growing (curly/straight, dry/oily, etc.)
As to any other clubs, I sometimes go to the LHC (Long Hair Community). There you'll find both men and women sharing advice, stories, etc. The link will be at the bottom.
To be considered officially a longhair, most people agree that you need around shoulder length hair, or a bit shorter, but you can of course join these clubs while your growing out. It's vital to get the support, especially once you're in the awkward stage. I got out of it a few months ago and am very proud of myself, that I managed to stick through the stage where the hair misbehaves, and now i'm into the no-sweat zone as I like to call it.
Remember one thing though. When you decide to keep growing your hair, or to cut it, make sure the decision is based on YOUR opinion, and not on that of others. I got some crap thrown at me while I was growing out, but now I haven't had a singe negative comment in 3 months.
You will not regret it, though you may have to go through the awakward ordeal -- noe everyone does, since some men's hair simply grows naturally into an ideal shape.
However, I believe the time of oppression is nearly past, and we must act as though that is so. When we go for job interviews, our hair must be clean and neat, but not a topic of discussion. If it comes up, we must act suprized as though "what does that have to do with whether I am an innovative brain surgeon, who has been able succesfully to remove right wing neoplasms." Hello everyone.
I just came home from a fund raiser for our city's art museum, food contributed by local eateries and wine by wine distributors. What a cullinary orgy. I met several long hairs. I approached each of them, told them they had admirable hair, and asked if I could interview them to discuss their experience growing out their hair. They started their stories there spontaneously, but I stopped them saying I did not have pen and pad, got their phone numbers, and told them I would call them. No defensive ness, but rather eagerness to tell their story.
Guys, we have won. Long hair is not acceptable. Those who resist are increasingly going to look tupid. We must no oppress ourselves, by cutting before an interview, or getting uptight. Just go forward.
Caledonian
First of all, Welcome Richard! Second, You will not reget it and you will look fantastic! You will look different to those around you and they may try to change you mind about long hair, but at the same time you're growing long hair you will need to go a thick skin. Just stay away from trims as that will only prolong the awkward stage. And don't sweat the awkward stage. That the boundery between forever short hair and truely long hair. Every longhair has gone though it.
Good luck to you,
Bruce
Hey Rich ...
Welcome to mlhh.. This is really one of the best places around on the web.. You'll get great support and lots of good info on how to grow your locks long my friend..
I'm Tristan ... been here about 5-6 months now; this place has given me tons of advice and support and I can honestly say .. this place is addicting!
My advice for you is to take monthly pictures (lots of them) and enjoy the ride the whole way. Again ... welcome.
Be Blessed ...
Tristan
Hi Rich,
I am SO sorry to be late welcoming you to the hyperboard, as I always like to welcome new folks to our fabulous community. It is one of the best places around, everyone here is just SO cool, and I am delighted that you have found us. As for your hair, just hang in there, avoid the scissors, and have lots of fun growing! Although there may be days when it can be frustrating, the rewards are VERY rewarding, I can assure you.
All the best, and welcome aboard!
David
Hi Richard, You will look great as a longhair. Good luck
with your journey!
peace, jonalbear