new thread
Shown are pictures from before and after the cut. The "before" picture is from an event about two weeks before I got it cut.
Last Saturday, February 9, I got my hair cut to shoulder length. It was about an inch shorter than my idea of shoulder length, but I was still happy with it. Also, I donated about 6-8 inches of hair.
One reason was maintenance. I felt it was controlling my life, since I had to wait at least 2 and a half hours for it to dry, and I couldn't go anywhere without waiting for it to dry and then brushing it. This was a big problem especially since I am still in high school. I also had to manage when I took a shower, because I couldn't shampoo too often, etc. Overactive oil production meant I couldn't (and still can't) go more than a day without shampooing.
Another major reason was damage. People told me that my hair didn't seem damaged at all, but I felt that it was very heavily damaged. I could see the split ends all over the place in the last 6-8 inches or so of hair. It got tangled all the time. I had to bring a wide toothed comb with me and comb it a few times a day so that it looked somewhat decent.
Another reason was self image. I felt that I was putting out the impression of "immature teenager", especially with damaged hair. This was a major reason. For the first few days after the cut, I felt that I made a more positive impression. I felt more willing to interact with people I don't usually interact with. But now I feel that the image I put out is about the same. Not negative. I now think the negative image was mostly paranoia, but partially due to damaged hair.
Over the past week, my feelings about this cut have changed progressively from satisfaction to partial regret. I wish that I had not cut off so much. I definitely needed a major trim, at least three or four inches. Oh well. In a few months I should be satisfied with the length again. Fortunately, I am not far from an ideal length at all. Also, I plan on getting jojoba oil and oiling my ends daily, because my hair seems prone to splits. I even have a few split ends now.
I'm also really hoping that my body starts producing less oil, because I hate how I have to shampoo my hair every day. I think that was a major source of the damage. I definitely produce less oil than I did last year, but it's still a problem. By the end of the day my roots are rather oily.
Also, I realize that my hair looks fine in that "before" photo, but when I looked in the mirror there were splits everywhere, and the bottom several inches were always getting tangled.
I've definitely learned from this experience. I work at a grocery store with no policy on hair, but I would always tie my hair back when I worked, partly because it would get in the way but mostly because I felt an insecurity that customers looked at me negatively. This is because a grocery store isn't exactly a liberal environment, and it's the kind of job where everyone is 'supposed' to look the same. I now no longer have that insecurity, not only for when I work but anywhere. As long as it is well kempt and not damaged then it should be fine anywhere.
...for you. It was not fitting into your lifestyle and was difficult to care for.
Once you reach your perfect length try to maintain it right where it is.
Hair should make you happy. If it is taking up too much time
or if it makes you unhappy for whatever reason, then changes are in order.
Good Luck!
Thanks Luckskind, that's very reassuring. You're completely right and I did need a change.
I agree. It's what YOU want to do with your looks/hair that's important. It looks fine and if you are happy then it's all good.
Just based on the before photo I'd have to say your hair looked healthy to me. I got a trim last month but only of about 1/2 inch and now my ends feel great. You've still got decent length though and top-quality hair!
Thanks Jason. :) I know it looked healthy in that photo, but it didn't feel healthy, and looking at it more closely it didn't look healthy.
It looked like it was pretty much all one length before but now that's emphasized even more. I really like that look.
People told me that my hair didn't seem damaged at all, but I felt that it was very heavily damaged. I could see the split ends all over the place in the last 6-8 inches or so of hair. It got tangled all the time. I had to bring a wide toothed comb with me and comb it a few times a day so that it looked somewhat decent.
Hi Jake,
Maybe I'm reading into this a bit too much but if your hair was that damaged in the last 6-8 inches why then would you donate it?Seems to me that they would be unable to use it if the hair was not in good condition and would just discard it.I'm sure your intentions were noble but I've never bought into this hair donating craze that seems to be getting popular recently.I've been reading more and more articles it seems.Anyway I"m glad you are more happy with your new length as thats what matters most.Personally I like your before pic but thats just me.Hopefully some better hair care will provide you with better results down the line.Mark
Actually, it wasn't really my idea. I went to get a haircut and she said they can donate it if it's 6 inches or more. And I said sure, even though I was thinking it's probably not worth donating.
Looks good Jake, it makes you happy, and that's what counts.
Bruce
I'll be happier when it's longer, but yeah, you're right Bruce. Thanks.
Ha you look like Scott Stapp of Creed in the top pic LOL!
Haven't heard that one before. People used to tell me I look like Geddy Lee. Haven't heard it in a while though.
Lately I get told I look like Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers. I can't really see it myself, but oh well ...
Hi Jake,
Well it's looks as though you did the right thing for yourself and that's the important thing and it's a personal thing. Both as it was and now your hair looks in great condition. It's still long and if you wanted to grow it longer you can and it's no as though you have to go through the awkward phase again.
It would be interesting if they could use the hair for charity and we know and love "Locks of Love"!!!
There are other people on the board that work in the grocery trade as long as you look presentable and tie your hair back it should not be an issue.
I just have to make a comment about the second pic you posted. They guy in the middle with the really curly looks amazing and you don't see many people with really full thick curly hair like that and hope they keep growing it.
Thanks for the update.
Cheers,
John.B
Haha, yeah, those are two of my closest friends. I was actually pretty bummed when I saw the photo, because I guess I didn't realize a picture was being taken. Oh well. Alex does have awesome long red curly hair.
Also, donating isn't what I had in mind when I went there. I was just getting my hair cut, and she said if it's 6 inches or more they can donate it. I said sure, why not.
Working at a grocery store is also not what I had in mind. lol. I started there when I was 17 because it was pretty much the only choice I had in my town. Other places weren't so happy about long hair.
Hi Jake,
I am glad that your trim turned out well, and your hair looks very healthy. I also think your hair looked fabulous in your before trim photo, it was thick with lots of shine, and I could not see the damage, but you would certainly know better. Since your hair grows fast, you should be at your desired length in no time.
Keep it growing,
David
Thanks David. My hair does seem to grow very fast, maybe 3/4" per month. A friend of mine commented that "I swear your hair is longer already" (since last week when I got it cut). Fast but prone to splits so I plan to start oiling so I don't have the same problems again.
I know exactly the difference between hair "looking" healthy and "feeling" healthy. You'll have that hair back before you know it, and as long as you keep caring for your hair, you will be far happier with it than you were before.
I did a six inch chop last July to get rid of some old damage. I didn't regret it for an instant, the time has flown, and I'm close to getting back where I was, but without the spindly broken ends.
It really looks great.
Thanks for the supportive words FrannyG.
looks awesome man! the trim went very well and now that your hair is trimmed back you should have no problem growing your desired lenth now!
Haha I like your optimism Mark. Thanks :)
the most important thing is your happiness.If you're happy with your decision,there's no problem :)
but, i wouldn't cut my hair (even if it's very damaged) when i have a goal to achieve.I think long& damaged hair looks way cooler than short & shiny hair.
I love your hair, that's about the length I'm interested in growing mine too, hope it looks as good as yours when it reaches it
IMHO your hair looked fine before you cut it, and your ends look like they are flipping up a little now, which would drive me crazy if it was my hair, but of course it isn't.
Your hair shouldn't be taking over your life. Mine doesn't take much of my time (except online!). It is different than short hair, though, and it isn't always easy to figure out what works best.
I guess I must look like an immature middle aged guy, since mine is much longer, LOL! OTOH, I have always thought that maturity was over-rated, and of course it's only the young that care about trying to look mature. When you have some grey hair nobody doubts that you're mature, and you know for sure by then that mature just means old!
I also tend to think that working in a grocery store is one of the few jobs available to a 17 year old, period. That is, with or without long hair. It's never too late to get more qualifications, though. Especially not too late when you're only 17. This is not meant as a criticism, just to try to inspire you to do more. You don't necessarily need a college degree to make good and break out of the grocery store. There's a world of other things you can do. Step one is to think about what you really want to do, and everything else follows on from that.