new thread
First off, I don't have the words to express how meaningful this site is... and will not try to explain why I feel so drawn to it... Except for posting a few messages, I've been in the shadows on this site for more than 4 years. During those years, I've tried to grow my hair out many times. I've almost forgotten how many attempts I've made. Each time, I've hit a point within the ackward stage and cut. And, each time, after a few months, I decided to try again.
Many times, I've read Bill's essay on Becoming a Longhair... This may sound strange, but after reading many of your posts, I've even printed a few off and kept them folded up in my wallet - reflecting back on them on some more difficult days...
As I grow older (I'm 38...), I've noticed my hair texture is changing - becoming slightly more coarse, especially the newer, grey hairs, which themselves vary in texture. The two weeks before I've cut, the forces of nature seem to temporarily overwhelm my desire to grow, to my dismay... I've determined this path or cycle has chosen me and I'm amazed at how strong the feeling to let my hair grow becomes... Wish me luck as I try again...
Best wishes,
Jim (aka "caiandohca" reflects my travels, the places I've lived, etc...)
Hi Jim,
I found this site back in 1999. I began growing my hair out for the first time at age 40. My hair was long (mid-back-ish) for 7 years. Last fall, simply out of curiosity about what short hair would feel like again (I really couldn't remember)I cut my hair. I enjoyed it for about a month, and then decided I would grow it out again.
So, I've done this twice, now. I am squarely in the middle of the "awkward" stage. And this time around, it's really not so awkward. I promise. I know, this time around, what long hair feels like and what it does and how it acts on me. So, this in between stage makes more sense to me, and doesn't make me anxious like it did in 2000.
Just do it. Just get through out. It will take about 2 years if you started with very short hair. If it was longer, then about a year or year and a half. Just do it. Nothing else to think about. When you get frustrated, tell yourself: frustration is a sign of progress. I can do this./ And keep doing it.
You owe it to yourself to see what long hair feels and looks like. You can always cut it if you decide it's not for you, but you must get there to do that and KNOW what it's like.
wishing you perseverance,
Bob
Your advise is PERFECT, Robert! And Jim, any way you can survive the awkward stages (and I do mean, "ANY" way), --- be it hats, gel, hair spray, half-tails, bandanas, short-haired wigs, etc., etc., etc... Just DO it!!!
Best to you on your long hair journey!!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Yes, I agree with Ken. Sage and wise and practical advice for all of us who get too anxious during this journey of growing.
Best, Johnnie
I grew my hair long late 90's then cut it in 2000. My last cut this time was Oct 2005 and this time the awkward stage did not bother me at all because I knew what I wanted was long hair. Oh yes there was wings and odd waves and the dippity do thing, but I would not allow those things to get in my way! So do persevere as Bob has said, the reward is worth the journey.
Bruce
Hi Jim,
I agree with Bob (and Bruce) as well. I had a similar story to what Bob had, and what Bruce had in his similar story. I have had long hair most of my life, until it reached its longest (a bit short of mid back) in early 1999. I started growing again in early 2004, and my hair is now close to my former longest length, although thinner than when I was in my mid 40's. I don't plan to go back to short hair again.
Keep it growing,
David
Friend,
It's never too late. I'm 73, and never enjoyed my hair as I do now. Let it grow, and dare to be awkward for a while.
Cal.
My hair was almost touching my butt before I stupidly cut it last March. Now I'm growing it out again and am almost past the awkward stage and really this time around it's not bothering me at all because I know what's coming. Actually I don't think people notice awkward hair as much these days what with all the "bed head" hair styles. I think only the head shavers and bible thumpers notice very much.
Thanks for all your comments... I'll give it my best shot! Except for elementary school many years ago, when my hair was shoulder length, the longest it has been in the past 15-20 years was last November, when it was past my ears and bangs were to my nose. Actually, I seem to last longer in the ackward stage in winter when I wear caps, etc., which help control my hair... Summer, and esp. humidity are not fun, but I realize I'll need to come to terms with it if I want to have long hair.
Oh, oops, meant to entitle Bill's essay "On being a longhair" during my last post...
Thanks again for all your comments, guidance...
Best regards,
Jim