new thread
Hi,
I'm the guy who had the severe undercut and ended up having almost three years of hair growth cut off.
First I want to say how great it is to have this board...it helped me to grow my hair long and it's going to help me again as I grow it back.
Just an upsdate that my hair is now starting to cover the tops of my ears and is starting to look longish. As I kept my bangs fairly long when I submitted to a short haircut they are now reaching almost to the tip of my nose.
I intend on keeping my vow to NO trims...I am going to get to terminal length this time. It was the trims that lead me to getting it all cut off in the first place.
Though I really miss the longhair I had, it is kinda of exciting again to be growing it long...even more so as I can now compare the results now vs the results when I was getting trims every three months.
I do have a question about coloring. I'm 46 and have quite a bit of grey in my goatee and hair...should I consider using color on one, the other, or both?
I opting for no color...just let my hair grow free and look as god intended. NO color...NO trims!
Some think the grey makes me look tired and old...though I do not fell tired and old...what do most guys here in my age range do?
I am taking Biotin, Fo-tin, and the GNC Nourish Hair...I would have to say I am pleased with the results as my hair seems to ge growing at a faster pace than I previously noticed. (Also may be due to the belief that hair grows faster in the winter...or is it in the Summer?)
Matt:
I am 42. I have beard and long hair, having grown it out for the first time in my life this past year. My hair is not shoulder length, and I wear in ponytail for work. I'll give you my thoughts, but I have to tell you that I have practically no gray at all, so in that respect I cannot speak from experience.
When people tell you that you look tired, I tend to think they are telling you about their reactions--that is, reactions that belong to them, projected on to you. For me, the question is, what do I feel and think when I look into a mirror at myself? If you think you look tired, then act accordingly. I think that when I gray, I will simply allow that to happen and not color, but since that has not happened yet, I can only speculate. I like what you have said about just allowing it to be. Bottom line: your face, your head, your hair, your decision. Good luck,
Robert
Matt,
Ignore these people! I think long hair with a splash of grey in it looks wonderful. Have you seen photos of Bill (there must be loads of them on the board somewhere) He has pleanty of 'silver' in his mane and it looks wonderful.
Saul (only 3 grey hairs at the moment.)
Hey, thanks Saul! I was going to tell Matt that nobody has ever accused me of being "tired". "Old", well, I get that once in a while, usually with the word "hippie" (grin) - but it's always in fun.
Gray long hair can be really awesome, and "gray long hair", Matt, is the best option you're gonna have, so go for it! Be glad you've got your mane.
Keep it growin',
Bill
< s n i p >
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Well, I'm 46, and going to cosmetology school (retired from 1st job). I've seen lots of color jobs, and though the Wella color we use is much better than the stuff sold in stores, it's not something I would use--not the permanent color, anyway. The permanent color, used with a 6% solution of hydrogen peroxide, opens up the cuticles on hair, and gives the surface a rough texture . . . not the thing you want for detangling long hair. Plus, once the permanent color is applied, you're permanently married to it . . . noticible roots appear in a week or so, and ya gotta gotta gotta go get 'em covered up. Looks awful if ya don't.
On the other hand, the Wella demi (temporary) colors last through 6 (or more) shampoos, cover up 50% to 75% of the grey (blends it in rather nicely so it doesn't look like you've just had your hair colored), and does 1/10 the damage to your hair as the regular haircolor (uses a 6/10% peroxide solution). All in all, it looks more "natural," and the color fades as the roots grow in, so you don't have anyone asking you why you bleached your roots . . .
Anyway, if you're thinking about haircoloring, I'd go with what's called a "demi" color, especially if it's your first time.
A few years ago I tried the Just For Men, and liked it at first, but quickly discovered how quick the roots can turn white. Ugh. So, I (foolishly) made it a point to redo the roots every 10 days, but since I didn't know how to do just the roots, I ended up doing all the hair . . . pretty soon, my hair was very rough. After a few months of that torture, I had it all cut off (had a Ross Perot look) and have had it growing ever since. I did the Wella demi in school a few times, and like it ok, but with this one streak of blue (I colored a 1" by 1/2" strand of hair about 1" past the hairline over my left eye bright blue), I don't bother . . . the grey and blue look pretty good . . . get lots of unsolicited compliments on it while out shopping & etc (also some double-takes from the older ex-marine types).
Anyway . . .
I'd suggest going to a salon and having 'em put in a "demi" (temporary) color so you can see if you like it . . . or else do something else creative with your hair to take your mind off the gray . . .
Good luck,
--Tock