new thread
Wow!
From my last short hair cut, two years ago...
...to 6, 8, and 10 months,
14 (including a 'dry-combed afro') and18 months
onward to 20 months...
...It has been a fun and revealing ride:
I had hoped, though wasn't always sure, that I'd make it this long (pun intended).
It hasn't always been easy.
My hair gets so POOFY! It gets so DRY!
As a result, I've wavered between loving my Mane to wanting to cover it up in a bandana or, more recently, a Buff™.
Sometimes I try and use Conditioners only.
On Windy Days, especially, the results have not always been my ideal:
(I can understand why my wife has been *less than thrilled*.)
Sometimes, I use various pony-tail techniques to avoid the wind-induced poof-factor.
In these next few, I've taken temple hair, twisted it into strands, tied the two parts together like a half tail, and gathered the remaining hair like a low ponytail.
I've also been using the Buff™ coverup (as mentioned above)...
... and experimenting with multiple-banded ponytails (which I am really liking as our weather has been rather warm, lately.
When the wind is not too strong, the weather not too hot and I am not unwilling to put in a fair bit of product to keep the frizz and volume at bay, Wearing it down can feel most rewarding.
A HUGE thanks to all the great support I have received here. I am not always able to respond to each update and question, but I still find comfort and encouragement through the community we have here. I am glad my hair is coming down and look forward to having my bangs rest upon my collar bone (when dry) - probably two years from now.
(FYI: My current length is about 11" (28cm) and I've had one short, end-snipping trim about 4 months ago which removed about 1/2" (1cm) in length.)
And, if I may request it here -rather than email it to the mods seperately- I'd like the below picture to be assigned as my updated avatar.
Thanks!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
What a series of dramatic variations in styles and lengths!
Amazing!
Some of my students comment that I'm always chaning my hairdo. I have to go with what the hair is doing. Sometimes wearing it 'down' is not an option. (Out, perhaps, but not down.) I couldn't have know what my hair would be like this long, before I started growing it. I only know it was curly, but as for how it would ringlet or poof...no idea.
Thanks for commenting.
Shawn
Wow Shawn, those curls are fantastic. I know the awkward stage lasts forever for guys with curly hair. Be patient, the curls will stretch out a bit with greater length. In the end you will have gorgeous hanging ringlets. Take a good look at Bodhi. When it gets really long I can predict reasonably well that your hair will look a lot like his. Hang in there, and keep growing those manlocks.
Scott
I do plan on it. Whereas two years may be the end of all awkward stages for a straight guy, I predict I'll need another two -to a total of four years - before it hangs the length I'd like - a length many straight folks'd get in less than two and a half.
Thank you for your comments and advice.
Your support has been very much appreciated.
Shawn
Great post! I love seeing the picture progression from start to present. I also use mulitple bands in my hair and that seems to help it grow as my hair stays "protected"! Lookin' good man, keep it growin'!!
Tom
I also use mulitple bands in my hair and that seems to help it grow as my hair stays "protected"! Lookin' good man, keep it growin'!!
Multiple bands are excellent, I can attest to that, Tom. I use 11 of them now. (See my avatar picture.)
Scott
I've seen your avatar pic so many times and thought you had a necklace on or something! Duh... I feel really smart now, and I've done that with my hair too..;-)) Anyhow.. I wear my hair in bands like that 90% of the time.. From 12 to 25 if I put them an inch apart! Do you have people ask if you band your hair yourself like it's hard or something? Women always ask me that and it doesn't make any sense.. lol
Tom
Do you have people ask if you band your hair yourself like it's hard or something? Women always ask me that and it doesn't make any sense.. lol
That has never happened, Tom. Some of the guys here at MLHH wonder why I keep my hair in a rope. My reply is that it protects my hair to allow maximum length to be achieved. If I kept it loose all the time, I would have to maintain it at shoulder blade length.
Scott
Thanks, Tom!
I like to put the progression, because it is still relatively close to the start of my journey (compared with some of our more experienced hair-keepers). It also may help still-short curly guys to see a possible 'what to expect' tour.
I appreciate your comments.
Shawn
Hey Shawn, wow, that is one of the BEST updates!!! You have such amazing hair that you can do so much with. Love those different styles you are experimenting with...and you look great in all of them. Who did you take lessons from to do all that??? Congrats man...your hair is super and keep it going. Thanks for the inspiration.
Cheers to you,
Max
Such a great series of compliments. Thanks, Max!
No lessons, I just look around at what I see others doing here with their hair and I experiment. Mostly, I am interested in showing length while keeping volume and frizz under control - these various styles have shown themselves capable of fitting the bill for me.
While a simple, one band pony works well for many straight guys, by the end of a day, the pony 'tail' would, on me, look like a pony 'bush' - and I am not too much into looking like I've attached a topiary to my head.
Thanks for your comments.
Shawn
I love the way you are doing lots of different things with your hair and trying new styles. For me that is half the fun of long hair. Short hair just comes in one style (or maybe two:clean and dirty LOL)but long hair can be put in a different way for each occasion. Yours looks great in all the styles you've shown us. I particularly like the poofy one - takes me back to the 1970s! :-)
Rose
LOL! Most people seem to think the 14month Afro as a comical pic. thanks for teh fresh perspective, Rose.
I agree: I have much more fun now, trying different styles, than I ever did with the short 'easy to manage' hair. (Using only three lego pieces to build something may be easier to do, too, but one has MUCH more fun and far greater options when using a larger number of legos.)
Thanks for your comments and compliment.
Shawn
Hi Shawn,
As always, it is such a pleasure to get an update from you! Your curls are looking amazing these days, and they are so perefectly formed and filled with shine. You are really getting the rewards of hanging in there, and imagine where you will be in another 2 years.
Alao, my best to all of your family, and I hope everyone os doing well.
Take care,
David
Thanks, David.
Your messages are always so encouraging and family-centric.
The family is doing well. My wife still dislikes my going long, but knows it is inevitable and is resigned to doing her own inner work to find peace about it. Holly is almost finished her JK year and is looking more and more like a chid and less like a toddler.
Of course I am the ever-doting father. (I've been up for 45 minutes already with her...and it is only just past 7AM as I write this.
For your reference, I've attached a pic.
Thanks for your continued support and constant presence here, Dave.
Shawn
HAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRR TWWWWWIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNN.
XD I believe that was stil necessary.
It looks good length wise, but it is a bit frizzy. Have you ever tried going cone free? I mean, it's hiny and such, but if your hair is like mine, it may love going the no-cone route.
And I bet you ca get away with just using conditioner. I can, and my hair is happy. xD But beyond that, YAY! We too can have long hair. : D
Great to have a hair twin. XD
I see so few people with hair like mine. There is one of my sisters and one of my sisters-in-law, but none of the men in my life have hair quite like mine (and yours).
Mine certainly is frizzy. To clarify, the 'less than ideal' frizzy pics ARE the conditioner only pics. (Perhaps it'd just take some time for the hair to start responding well to a lack of product?)
As for products, I usually choose a styling gel (cone free, I think) or I just use extra conditioner (Infusium23-Moisturology) as a leave-in. I've tried a couple silicone-based 'frizz ease' products, but they haven't been all I had hoped and leave my hair feeling dry by day's end.
And do you think that I am due for a trim (given especially the side shot of the frizzy, CO pic)?
Thanks for your comments.
Shawn
To be honest, it's kind of hard to tell if you need a trim from any sort of pictures. However, I THINK infusium has some sort of cones which can seal off moisture.
I have frizz; almost all people with hair as curly as ours will have it. It's unavoidable. But you can cut down on it. Oiling after showering has cut down a lot on mine, and deep treatments and such as well.
To be perfectly honest, I use some of the cheapest products. I make my own leave-ins from VO5, and I use suave and other cheapie conditioners. My hair only likes richer conditioners every month or so for a deep treatment. My hair has never been healthier. XD
And frizz serums are crap. Even people who use cones probably wouldn't touch them. xD They're just liquid silicone in their entirety.
Took me a while to realize that, but I, too think the anti-frizz serums, just coat and dry the hair. Not nice.
Thanks for the tips!
Shawn
Those curls are rude dude!!
You have come a loooong way and this update is really fantastic. To have hair like yours and grow it long takes amazing patience, but the results prove it is well worth it. You have some super looks going on there Shawn, but that last shot is killer, FAB!
Take care, Dave
Well thank you very much!
I like the way it hangs there - and it is AFTER a full day of teaching! (Not every day is as good a 'hair day', to be sure. I am glad when it all works out, though.)
Your comments are really appreciated.
Thanks!
Shawn
PS Thanks again for the Buff recommendation. I am wearing them to bed, I wear them when I need to go out without time to fix the hair. They are comfy and keep their shape. Thanks!
Hi Mr. Crow,
This a great set of pictures and so glad to see them. I'm so glad you've stuck out the journey and now to be rewarded with such a fantastical set of curls. I really like the "twist the temple hair into a half tail/ponytail" style. I hope your school year is progressing well too. I guess all the snow has now melted.
See you later, Matt B.
The snow in our prairies came down this week. But here in southern Ontario, the weather has been in the mid 20s (Celsius) (roughly the 70s F). VERY nice weather.
Thanks for the comments. I, too, enjoy the twisted, half-tail to pony, though it takes longer than just a simple pony, it holds some fly-aways a bit better with less (if any) product.
Thanks again!
Shawn
Shawn that update was beyond cool. I admire the different looks you manage to achieve as well as the thickness of your hair. I'm sure the ride has had it's down moments but I'm so glad you stuck it out.
You are our poster child for curly long hair. I particularly like
it when it's pulled back that can be a really cool look that not everyone can pull off well.
Wishing you the best on your continuing jounrey.
Kevin
Thanks, Kevin! It has been/is a bumpy ride, but I am starting to really get the joys of long hair. I will keep on keeping on.
Thanks for the support!
Shawn
Absolutely awesome, Shawn! In all honesty, if I had hair that curly I would have given up from frustration, but you've stuck it out and the results are marvelous. The curls look so healthy and shiny, and I love hte various styles you use to keep it under control, especially the halftail/tail combination. It looks very professional, though I like the "cool" factor of the bandana. :-)
Keep it spiraling!
Mouse
Thanks, Mouse. I use the various styles for the situations in which each would be more appropriate: Halftail/tail for dinners out and tie-wearing teaching, down for most day-to-day activities (when not too windy or hot - banded tail, otherwise). And Bandanas/Buffs for casual, 'cool' looks. Usually weekend wear.
I really appreciate your comments!
Your hair is looking great, too. Let's both keep on pressing on!
Shawn
Curls everywhere!!!
Congrats on hitting the two year mark, Shawn! I've always found that kind of curly hair quite unique on men. It fits you so well. Keep it growing, as you are gonna look remarkable in another year and then two. =)
-James
Well thank you, James!
I plan on continuing this journey for at least another year or two and then just maintaining.
You hair is just about at two years, too, and your is just gorgeous!
Cheers!
Shawn
Shawn:
What an incredible update!!
The purpose of this board is to offer inspiration and support to others going through the longhair journey. While it seems that the majority just stop getting haircuts and "suddenly" have long beautiful manes and ponytails, there are those of us with more "challenging" locks. Your generous sharing of your adventures (and great attitude) through the past two years has been a benefit to so many of us.
Thanks
Walter
Thanks, Walter, the encouragement here is what has made it possible for me to continue on through the 'challenge' of these locks.
I appreciate your comments.
Shawn
Hi Shawn,
You should not be sorry for the amount of pics. A truly amazing update and great to see how wondferful natural curly hair can look as it grows longer and the things you have done with it. I have to agree with the others and will look even more stunning in the coming months and years. Truly inspirational.
That's the joy of having longhair and keeping it growing...eh trimmers!
Cheers,
John.B
Thanks, John!
I do look forward to another year or two's worth of growth. I appreciate your comments.
Thanks!
Shawn
No need to apologize for all the great pics, Mr. Crow, --- if anything, I say, "More more MORE!!!"
If it's one thing that makes me insanely jealous, it's naturally curly hair! I would never want to perm my mane (any more than I'd ever want to straiten it); but, for a fleeting moment there, the idea just crossed my mind...
AMAZING pics, Mr. Crow, --- and even more amazing hair!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Oh Gosh... well thanks, Ken. I may, in fact, be blushing. Only your alter-ego would know for sure. ;)
I appreciate your support and comments.
Shawn
Fantastic update and you have great and unique long hair all of your own. Let this update serve as one of the best lessons of all as to why one should let their hair grow in the way it is suppose to. The results ALWAYS look the best that way as you have so well prooved. Thanks for posting this update of inspiration.
Thanks, Justin. Wild at times, I am still glad that I didn't tinker with the natural process too much - no straightening or bleaching. Just lots of conditioner and some gel when needed.
Thanks again.
Shawn
Just awesome!
Thank you very much!
Shawn
Fantastic update. I can see how curly hair could be a challenge. Keep it up.
It is a challenge because one can't depend on its behaviour and, unlike straight hair, I can't really re-comb and style it if the winds poofs it out unless I wet it and start over. (I, for one, don't have a portable shower kit.)
Thanks for the support.
Shawn
Hey Shawn, what a fantastic update. I know exactly what you mean when mentioning the troubles wind and humidity can impart on curly hair. Other than the occasional hassles, I really dig having curly hair and seeing curls on other guys. Keep up the growth, it seriously is coming along splendidly. I'll be posting an update relatively soon, so keep your eyes open if interested!
Peace,
Ryan
I am interested and will definitely be watching for your update.
Thanks for the support, fellow CurlyLocks™ Member.
I, too, enjoy my hair, though it does lend itself to the occassional bout of frustration.
Thanks for the support.
Shawn
You hair is spectacular! Those curls only get better and better! Keep it growing long!
Thanks!
I hope to get my bangs to sit on my collar bone when my hair has dried..probably another two years or more.
cheers!
Shawn
Hey
Geez you've come a long way!
I remember you told me you'd do this update soon and I'm very glad you did! And thanks for the pic time-line :)
Your hair's really looking good.
You look totally different with that low ponytail! lol.
But I'm happy you progressed so much :)
My hair kinda looks like yours at 14 months. Dry afro included! Sometimes... lol. I'm nearly at 10 (it's slightly less curly so it looks a bit longer).
Great update!!
You serve as an inspiration for curly haired guys, for sure :P
Keep it up dude.
Shawn
Good for you, Shawn, for sticking through this more challenging part of the journey. As your hair starts to get some more length, and thus weight, it will start hanging down more and more. What we make up for in apparent length, we make up for in volume. A liability while the bulk of the hair is still hovering around our heads, but once it gets long enough to hang past our shoulders, the volume won't look as poofy (I hope).
Being long enough to explore different styles makes it much easier to get past any poofy or frizzy stages. If I could only ever wear it down, I don't think I'd be able to keep it. Variety is teh spice of life. I can not imagine going short again where I am limited to two hairstyles: hat or no hat.
Thanks for the note of support!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Looking great, Mr. Crow! Your curls look awesome. You've come quite a long way on your journey, and I wish you continued growth.
Joshua
Thank you very much! I wish you growth, too!
Shawn
that is great Mr Crow! your hairs come a long ways my friend and 2 years is def a long time! looking great and keep it up!
Thanks!
I will keep on growing. You too!
Shawn
Wow, what an awesome update Shawn! It's so cool to see how with the added weight your curls and ringlets are stretching out. I'm also very impressed with how your ponytail looks.
I'm wearing such a pony right now, Jason. Thanks for the compliment. The ringlets -when behaving themselves- are fun, I admit. The journey is occasionally challenging, but it has been mostly rewarding. Thanks again.
Shawn
Mr Crow, Wonderful hair. Beautiful color and curl!
Thanks for sharing your hair history with us.
peace, jonalbear
You're welcome. Sharing milestones is a great part of this community. Thanks for the feedback!
Shawn
Wow, you have really amazing curls!
I always become a bit jealous when I see your hair, although my hair is very curly, too (but not that curly).
You take good care of it, keep it growing for sure!
Serj Tankian (SOAD), had similar hair to yours. Maybe yours will look like his hair as it gets longer - just a bit more curly.
All these styles work really well for you, but the best photo in my opinion is your new avatar. I's a really great photo.
I apreciate your beard-style aswell, I'm considering to get a similar beard if my bard gets thik enough one day (I'm 19 already but still only get thin facial hair).
If you want you can have a look at my update aswell.
Cheers, Herb2992
Thanks!
I've experimented with various styles of facial hair and this is the one to which I inevitably keep returning. I don't think it was until I was in my mid-twenties that I was growing facial hair that looked thick enough for my tastes. Each progresses at their own rate.
Thanks again for the support. I will be checking out your update, too.
Shawn
Wow what a great update, I really like all the different styles.
It must be very hard to grow your hair out when it is curly like yours, I have very much respect that your pulling that off.
The result is worth it, it will be nice to see the difference one year from now.
Thanks! I look forward to the passage of time, too.
Shawn