new thread
Hello, Shawn (et al).
Firstly, sorry for not replying directly to your message about compression. I do not post as frequently as I used to and so, by the time I got around to posting for your compression thread, I figured it was too far down the list to be easily discovered by you.
I share almost your exact hair texture. (Decide for yourself)
Here I am at about 10 months:
I am approaching the 2-year mark (watch for updates around the mid/end of April) and compression is still a problem, although less so. When I get out of the shower and style my hair, the water adds that bit of extra weight and my hair hangs down like a rock star. Damn cool! Once dry, it gets wider than it is long. While the longest and lowest hairs tangle up in the collar, it is nowhere near where the other two-year update pics from straight-haired folks is hanging.
Oh well. So what? Guys like us just have to trade in speed of length for the fullness and volume that we will have when the hair does reach the 'dry-hanging' length we desire.
Unfortunately, since our hair (especially near the ends) will be that much older when it hangs at a certain place (like you said, we look a few months behind), we have to really treat our hair with due care.
CONDITIONER IS YOUR FRIEND and SHAMPOO IS OVER-USED and OVER-RATED.
I predominantly use Infusium23™ 'Moisturology' conditioner for dry and damaged hair. Minimal scent. Clean feeling. Soft hair. It helps a lot. I am generous with it and even prefer it over using a lot of gel or mousse as an actual styling product, applying it to wet hair the way one would use gel. (I then add a bit of gel if there are fly-aways or I anticipate a poofy-day.)
GlassEyes' formula for a leave-in is also good.
You probably do not need to shampoo more than once a week, if that.
If you are hoping to reduce compression, a good technique is to (once it's long enough) pull it into a pony while it's wet. Wear a bandana over it until it is all dry. Then take out the pony and take off the bandana and add just enough wetness (and conditioner/styling product) to style. It won't be straight, but it will be more straight than usual.
When I post my update, I will include some timeline pics so you can approximate where you might be in a few months, though it is very individual.
Cheers to you for growing it out!
Shawn (yes, my name, too.) (a.k.a. Mr.Crow)
(Here's a more recent pic -same as my avatar- taken in January - about 20 months.)
Hey Mr. Crow, just had to say what a beutiful and unique head of hair you have...wow!!! Those tight curls are amazing and suit to perfectly. Well done and look forward to your update soon.
Keep them curls flowing!!!
Max
Wow, thanks, Max! I must say that your recent updates are lookin' great, too. (And I realize that you weren't compliment fishing, but as I am already writing to you, I thought I'd let you know.)
I really feel long hair makes a man seem more present and powerful - a far cry from the more feminine look that nay-sayers would have us believe.
It is a great journey and the support here has made it all the easier -- lord knows I don't get any from the wife. Ha!
In long-hairedness,
Shawn.
What a fantastic texture you have, sure it's worth waiting a little more to add length!
Thanks, Ale. I appreciate it. I look forward to compiling a few pics for the 2-year update in a few weeks.
Shawn
Hey Mr. Crow,
It doesn't matter, there's no rush to reply ^_^
Actually, thanks a lot for your detailed thread.
Your hair seems to be curlier than mine, so maybe I'm worrying a bit too much. True, the curls make length appear not as obvious, but sometimes I like when my hair compresses so much, as it hides a lot of growth (my peers are constantly muttering "cut that mess", and my grandparents are very old-fashioned), but yeah, it would be nice to look like its longer sometimes.
The photos look great. Yeah, with curls I think our growth-timeline is different, i.e. if someone with straight hair is at 10 months, we would look like we're at 4 :P. But your hair is coming along great. It's a huge difference between 10 months and 20! I know what you're saying when you said it dries wider than it is long, as I have a friend whose hair is slightly curlier than yours, and after swimming in summer her hair really afroes out! (is that a verb? haha).
Thanks for the conditioning tips. You too, GlassEyes. I'll go search for a decent leave-in conditioner very soon. I'm not too fond of using Shampoo but my mum always buys me Shampoo & Conditioner Sets (I use Herbal Essences "Normal hair", I think it works great and I love the smell!!), so I always end up using a lot of shampoo, so that the 2 bottles are level (Conditioner always empties much faster than the Shampoo because I think I use a bit too much sometimes). But now I'll just tell my Mum to stop buying me Shampoo altogether, at least for now. I still have a full bottle left; should last me up 2 6 months! hahaha.
In reality I love curls because I have a thing for 1980s hair, and since volume was the trademark of the 1980s, then my hair can just be finger-combed and I won't need any hairspray to keep it big! hahaha. Seriously. I think it looks cool, don't really care what others say. All hair types are cool, even your curly-ness..
Thanks for the advice and tips.
I can't wait for your update!!
Meanwhile, I just posted my 9-month update :P. Please note, my hair is anything but compressed in that update!
Take care,
Shawn
You just gave me new hope dude, curls ftw! :D