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The attached pictures are about five years old now and taken after a recent hair cut. Unfortunately they are the most up to date pictures I have. My hair has looked much the same most of my life, going to the barber about every two months. I never liked getting my hair cut and rather enjoyed how long my hair grew in those two short months.
It wasn't until I moved away to college that I was able let my hair grow out. I treated my hair pretty poorly at the time and never gave its care much thought. It was frizzy and poofy but I still loved how long it had become, covering my ears and eyes at its longest. The Florida summer got to me though, June 2004 I bought a trimmer and shaved it all off to escape the heat. I had never liked the way I looked with a buzz but it kept money in my pocket and sweaty hair out of my face, so I would continue to buzz my hair every few weeks for the next couple years.
I'm not sure what triggered it but around Halloween 2006 I decided I wanted to try growing it out again. I stumbled upon this site via Google and lurked around a bit. I remember seeing some pictures from DavidN here and Jason's progress pictures on his website. Their stories and pictures really crystallized the decision for me and I want to thank them for that.
So I started from a 1/4" buzz on Halloween 2006. My hair had always been pretty thick as a kid and I imagined my hair would grow out to look much like Jason's. As the months passed I was very surprised at how thin it had become on top and especially at my temples (looking at the second picture today, I can see the onset with more hair at the center of my forehead than at the temples).
About 17 months and one small trim later the back is creeping past my neck and sides are starting to rest on my shoulders. Even with my hair the way it is, I'm still determined to meet my original goal of mid-back. I didn't intend to write this much but thanks for reading :) Keep growing everyone.
-Robert E
Welcome to the site, Robert! A bit of recession around the temples isn't that big of a deal, especially at your age, so grow and grow without any worries. Look forward to seeing some more current pics if you get a chance. Best of luck on you continuing growth. =)
-James
Robert,
As James said, welcome to the site, and best of luck with your own growth goals!
-Austin
Welcome Robert! ~ Look forward so seeing current pics, sounds like a lot has changed since these last pictures! The longer the better!!
Tom
I'm really looking forward to seeing some pictures of your current hair.
Hey Robert,
Thanks for the mention. I'm sure your hair is fine as it is, just let it grow!! Even if I talk about trimming for a certain look, I have had a very important epiphany in my journey: I feel each man that wants to be a longhair should grow his hair as is. It doesn't matter if you have some recession, a longhair is still a longhair.
Robert, I'm not saying you have any recession but even if you do, just grow your hair as it is. Long hair is an identity. It sounds like you have this identity. I knew from a small boy I did and the joy in becoming is quite profound.
Jason
Hi Robert,
First of all, I would like to welcome you to the hyperboard, and am so glad that you have found our community! I wish you the very best in your journey to long hair, and can assure you that the rewards are well worth it!
Welcome aboard!
David
Hi again, Robert,
I should have mentioned in my earlier post that I really appreciate your mention, and I am delighted to be an inspiration.
Take care,
David
Thank you for the comments, guys. I only wish I had a current picture I could share.
-Robert
"My hair has looked much the same most of my life, going to the barber about every two months. I never liked getting my hair cut and rather enjoyed how long my hair grew in those two short months."
Wow, RobertE", this was my story, too.
No need to apologize about the length of your post, you needed to tell your story and, for many of us, this forum is the only place where we can do so without the smirks appearing, the eyebrows raising or worse.
I've been growing since April 23, 2006, but I'll bet yours looks longer than mine (with mine being all curly and such). Perhaps you'll post a 18 month progress pic soon?
Congratulations on making your longhair decision on your own and welcome aboard, it is great to have you here.
Shawn (MrCrow)
Welcome Robert we're thrilled you decided to post. A longhair journey is full of ups and downs so get ready, and if you find a hat that you like BUY IY!!
Now after 5 years surely you know someone with a digital camera
so take some new pics and lets have a look. We may have some tips for you to help with the awkward stage.
Kevin