new thread
Hey longhairs...gman here. Some of you may remember me from a year ago. It's been a while. I took a much needed internet hiatus last year but have been back online for a while now. Been lurking now and then and decided it was time to start participating again. I'm a busy father of two and self employed to boot, so my time has been limited. But, this board was incredibly important to me during my journey back to being a longhair and I'd like to give back...plus just hang out with some cool folks.
The end of this month will mark 3 years since I buzzed my hair off...still no trims. I've been through a bunch of stages during the journey, man: buzzed head, mullet head, flips, freak and finally long. I'm sure I'm leaving out a few others ;-). It's been quite a ride. If it wasn't for many of you here as well as my loving and supportive wife and kids who knows what my head would look like right now. Although I've had wonderful external support, what was really key growing it long again was my inner strength and determination. Sure, I've freaked out some family and friends along the way. You should see some of the looks I get out in public with my kids. I've felt societal pressures and my own passing negative thoughts. But, I just pushed on through, man, and kept my eye on the prize. Growing longhair really teaches you a lot about yourself, I think. Well, for me anyways. It's been an important process this time around. When I was younger, I grew my hair long to look 'cool'. It's much different now that I'm in my mid-30's. I just want to be true to myself.
So, here's my 'then and now' shots. My longest hairs hangs a few inches past my nipples now. I had contemplated getting a trim about a year ago but decided against it. I'm not just shooting for maximum length (although, I am set on waist/belt length). I just really enjoy the natural look and feel. I'm still using 'Natures Gate' hemp shampoo and conditioner and use both together every 2-3 days...just water on the off days. I switched to a boars hair brush for the days I feel the need. But, mostly I just let my hair hang dry without brushing afterward...not with fingers either. I basically always have my hair like the picture...unrestrained and flowing freely!
Well, thanks for reading friends. It feels good to be posting again. I want to say that I've seen some incredible updates from some you regulars that I used to hang with a year+ ago as well as some of you new guys and gals. Sorry I haven't commented but I do plan to as much as I can from now on. To all of you early in your journeys...best of luck! Keep on keeping on...it's so worth it! I'll be around to give support. So, I'll see you all around :-)
~gman
Great before and after shots. Fantastic looking hair and progress. Hope to see more soon.
Hey thanks, Quester! I appreciate the comments. I'll see ya around :-)
Good to see you back, Gman.
Look the gang here up if you ever follow I-80 towards the setting sun.
Bill
Thanks, Bill...it's good to be back! I have a client in the South Bay that I see every now and then. Plus, I just gotta get my surfing in when I can. I haven't been 'home' in a while with the gas prices being what they are. But, I should be out that way more often this summer. Would be great to get together with you all in the city at some point.
~gman
Hey! Good to know you're still alive and well, and your mane looks better than ever.
Mouse
Hi there, Mouse! Thanks for your kind words. Yes, I'm very much alive and kicking! Your hair is looking excellent! I'll see you around :-)
~gman
Great update! Your hair looks awesome and will only get better with time. Being newer on here I still would like to welcome you back and look forward to seeing your posts. You've definately made it to longhair status and your waist length goal will come before you know it!!
Take Care,
Tom
Nice to meet you, Tom! Thanks for the kind words. I figure I might hit waist length sometime next summer. I'm in no rush, though...just enjoying the ride. You've certainly got some long hair yourself...looks great, brother! Quite an inspiration for many of us. Welcome to the board! I'll see you around :-)
~gman
Hey Gman, wow, what a difference in your two pics, but the long hair is super...looks great on you. You have great quality hair. I hope to achieve that length or close to it in 12 months or so...I hope. Cheers on your great efforts...keep it going!
Cheers,
Max
Hey there, Max! Thanks for the kind words, brother. Like you, I had long hair in my earlier years and decided to grow it back out. Took me 10+ years to finally say 'screw it! It's growing back!" LOL! Your hair is looking great as well. Keep up the great work!
I'll see you around...
~gman
Hi gman and welcome back!Yes how could I forget you with that final post of you smashing your laptop.LOL.Actually I just returned home today after spending a weeks vacation in Half Moon Bay,CA and what an awesome place California is.I also had the opportunity to meet the bay area longhairs which I really wanted to do while I was out there.Anyway besides that your current hair update looks outstanding and I hope you decide to keep it that way for a long,long time.I know people change but you look great with the hair:)Take care buddy
Mark
Hey there, Mark! Yeah, that laptop smashing day was a good one. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a tremendous feeling of freedom. Everybody should do it at least once in their lives LOL!!
I wish I could have been out that way during your vacation, man. But, I just couldn't swing it, unfortunately. Been too busy lately. I'm glad you were able to meet those guys and see a wonderful part of the country. I grew up in San Jose and lived in Santa Cruz a half dozen years before moving away a few years ago. We just couldn't justify the cost of living any longer. I miss it there...miss my folks, friends and the ocean. But, I'm so much more relaxed now it's not even funny. It's beautiful there, though, isn't it? I'm only 4-5 hours away so I still get to visit. I go and get my fix and then light on out of there. I currently live a half hour from beautiful Lake Tahoe as well. I really can't complain. Well, I hope you thoroghly enjoyed yourself out there. If you're ever back out that way I hope to meet up.
Thanks for the compliments, by the way. Yeah, the hair is here to stay, brother. I've had it long before...I've had it short. Long is where it's at for me. Why deny it, right? Your hair and kind words have always been an inspiration to me. So thanks for the support!
I'll see you around, my friend :-)
~gman
Hi gman thanks for the great response.You are so right about California being a beautiful place and if I could swing the cost of living thing I'd be out of NJ in a heartbeat.I'm not a techie as I work in the HVAC service industry and I have no idea what they get paid out there.My brother is so fortunate to be able to afford living in Half Moon Bay as I took some awesome pictures while out there which I will post later today.Even though you had to move away I'm sure where you are now is awesome as well in its own way.
Oh yes and you reposting those laptop pics just made me smile as I so vividly remember that post from so long ago almost like it could have been from last week.LOL.Well I'm glad you are back in the longhair family and look forward to future posts from you.Great hair on a great guy:)Be well my friend and catch you later.....
Mark
Welcome back, your hair is fantastic. Your hair looks a lot like Jason's. It is so good you decided to just let it grow. (I was concerned that you might have cut it.) Hopefully it will reach your waist in another year. Height has a lot to do with this. It takes about 1 year less time to reach your waist at 5'6" tall than at 6'6" tall. Best wishes, and welcome back.
Scott
Hey there, Scott! I don't remember being on the fence about keeping my hair or not, but thanks for the kind words! I embraced my long hair journey two years ago (before originally coming to the MLHH) and have always been determined to keep it growing. The hair is here to stay and will only get longer...er, so I hope anyway ;-) You've always been a major inspiration for me with that killer head of hair you have. Thanks for all your support while I've been on the board....means a lot.
See you around...
~gman
I think you were commenting on the fact that I almost got a trim last year, no? Yeah, I just couldn't do it, man. My heart wasn't into it. Not to say that I'll never get a trim in the future. If my hair grows past belt length I'm not sure if I'll continue growing it or trim it to where I want it. We'll see what happens. For now, I've got no need or desire to trim.
take care...
~gman
Hi gman,
Welcome back ! You've made a superb progress in your journey of growth. Best wishes.
Bye
Vivien
Thanks a million, Vivien...it's good to be back! I hope you're enjoying your journey as well!
See you around...
~gman
I think I remember you; you had to move from NorCal for a job or something. Well, I may make a similar move; but that's a topic for another thrad. Your hair looks great, and glad to see that you are able to hold out in a less tolerant and laid-back area of the country.
Hey there, Steve. Nah, I moved away from the Bay Area because of the outrageous cost of living...which I'm sure you can understand being a new resident and all. The 'honeymoon' phase wears off quick for transplants these days. Perhaps the same is happening to you. I've seen them come and seen them go. Finally, it was my turn. But, I was lucky to spend the first 32 years of my life there. I'd say I had a good run. I have much more appreciation for the area now that I don't have to try and live there anymore. We missed our real estate 'comfort' window by about 2 or 3 years (2001/2002). Came THIS close to buying a home in Santa Cruz while it was still affordable but we wanted to get married first. Within 3 years the prices tripled. Right. see ya! The transition was hard but looking back it was absolutely the right choice for us. Yeah, it's conservative here with nothing much to do. But, I've got little kids right now so it's not like I can just take off and do the things I want to do whenever anyway. In a couple years we'll be outta here and back to a different stretch of west coast (non Californian). It's much like growing long hair...gotta stick it out through the bummer zone for a while before you're rockin'. I've learned to be patient the past 3 years. Another couple will be a piece of cake.
Thanks for the hair compliment, man. Your hair is great as well! Good luck to you whatever you decide to do (living-wise).
See you around...
~gman
Hi Gman,
I am delighted to see you posting on the hyperboard, and what an awesome update! I always remembered you as having close to the fastest growing hair on the hyperboard, and among the best quality hair as well. I am amazed at how much your hair resembles Jason's hair. It is in excellent condition with lots of shine and is an inspiration to everyone.
Hopefully, we will see you around more often, and I will have the opportunity to meet you during next year's road trip. Also, all the best to your family.
Take care,
David
Hi there, David! As always, thanks so much for your kind words! I see your hair is gaining length as well! Looks great, my friend! My hair does seem to grow pretty quickly...always has. My son's hair is the same way, too. My ends aren't even close to being as in good condition as Jason's. Plus, I've got some natural layering due to growing out from a buzz with no trims along the way. So, our hair style and condition is different but similar in that they're both long and and full I guess. We're both pretty darn lucky in that regard especially for being mid-30 somethings ;-)
Well, it's good to be back and I look forward to participating more. It would be excellent to see you during your trip next year. If you plan to visit the Bay Area then I'm sure we'll get to meet. I look forward to it.
See you around the board :-)
~gman
Hi gman,
I am feeling a bite jealous now :-) wonderful hair!
Take care
Nah...no need to feel jealous at all: Your hair is FANTASTIC! Thanks for the compliment, though. I appreciate it :-)
I'll see you around...
~gman
Hey gman,
Lookin' better than ever, my friend! Your mane is longer than ever, and looks hands-down SUPERB!!!
Glad to see you back! I lurk more nowadays than I post; but, every once in awhile I jump out (like now - lol) to say a longhaired word of encouragement or two; then jump back into my little gopher hole underground again...
Take care, --- and again, nice to see you return!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Hey there, Ken! Thanks so much for taking time out to post. I appreciate your kind comments :-)
I hear ya about the lurking. I've been a lurker myself lately. I've never been much of a forum participator anyway. I try to avoid typing too much as I still have pain in my wrists from all my years of computer use. The MLHH has been the exception in recent years. There's just something about long hair camaraderie that draws one in. Since I received such warm support here during my journey back to longhairdom I felt compelled to return and offer support to others and hang out with good people such as yourself. I've always dug reading your insightful posts and generally feeling your good vibe around these parts. You truly are an asset to the board. And here's to never experiencing the buzzcut EVER AGAIN!!
I hope you're doing well there in San Francisco, my friend. I'll see you around the board :-)
~gman
gman, Awesome. Quite the transformation for the better!
peace, jonalbear
picture...unrestrained and flowing freely!
Hey, thanks Jonalbear! Your hair is fantastic! Keep up the great work!!
See you around...
~gman
Welcome back Gman! It's good to see you around.
You're supporting my belief that "once a longhair, always a longhair!"
Ed
Hey there, Ed. Thanks for posting! Yes, it's hard to deny ones own destiny to be a longhair. It's great to have my hair back after all these years. It's great to be back on the board as well. Your hair is an inspiration for sure.
I'll see you around :-)
~gman
Just superb, there's no other word! Your amazing transformation is certainly an inspiration for all of us.
Hey there, Jason! 2007 in general was an incredible year of transformation for me in so many ways. "Dropping out" of mainstream society for a summer and really focusing on my inner being was very rewarding and very much needed. Hitting the mid-30's point was a great time for me to stop in my tracks, look backwards and forwards with wide open eyes and really try to make sense of my place in this life and reassess my goals. So much good has come as a result of taking that time out to ponder, to reconnect with nature and to smell the roses of life, if you will. I fully embraced my long hair last summer as well. I don't even think about what current life would be like without longhair anymore. It's who I am.
Thanks for your kind words. Your website and contributions to this board have always been very inspiring to me especially since we are of the same age. Your hair continues to amaze me. Keep up the great work, brother!
I'll see you around :-)
~gman
Hey Garthie-Babes,
Great to see you back 'n posting, its been a long time brother!! Those before and after shots just show what a difference long hair can make to a guys appearance - for the better!! Looking awesome buddy, see you around.
~ Dave
Davey-dude!
Yes, been a while. It's good to be back. Your hair is still ROCKIN', brother! Here's to the natural grow out!! Thanks for your kinds words. I'll definitely see you around!
Take care,
~gman
Your hair looks fantastic bro! I'm so jealous!
Hey thanks for the compliment, GALDOR! I appreciate it :-)
See you around...
~gman
Glad to see you back from your hiatus hope it was theraputic and we missed your contributions here.
Been some changes since your break but over all it's the same.
Kevin
Thanks, Kevin. Yeah, I see that you are the newly appointed President of the MLHH. Congratulations, sir!
Yes, the internet break was much needed. I need to use it now with my business but I've learned to manage my time better so I'm not just sitting in front of it all day and night.
See you around...
~gman
Hola Garth,
Glad to see you back and the internet break was probably just what you needed at the time. I'd guess a lot of the "looks" you describe hetting are more of envy than anything else!
As always, your hair looks great and I hope your family is well.
MB
Hey there, Matt! Good to see you and thanks for the compliment. It's good to be back. I hope you've been enjoying your longhair journey as well. I look forward to your next update!
I'll see you around...
~gman
Hi GMan,
Great to see your posting and I hope the hiatus has helped and good to see you back posting.
Cheers,
John.B
Hey John...it did me lots of good, thank you. It's good to be back :-)
see you around...
~gman