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Hi :-)
I'm Peter from the UK. First time I've ever posted here but I've been enjoying all the recent topics....especially the "Awkward Stage" !
I definitely know what you all mean ! I was only too anxious to get past it too, but it also meant taking one helluvvvva deep breath when I went out first time with a 'tail ! Yet over the next month or two I think I only ever noticed two or three men (not women) taking a second look. And as that was about 18 months ago I've forgotten it's even there nowadays, unless it's windy when it's real nice to be reminded of it sometimes. It's unfortunately a bit thin in the usual places but about 15" all round now since the last proper cut in April '99.
I've also found personally that the longer it gets the less I genuinely and honestly care what people might or might not be thinking, though I confess I really used to. And I think most people notice that....sort of less defensive outwardly, more confident.... rather as if you become much more yourself or whole in some ways ?
The one obvious difference however is it's real easy to tell those ladies who like long hair on guys !!!! Big enjoyable change there most definitely from being the permanent faceless brick wall, but very very unsettling at first as I kept looking round to see who was behind :-)
I know it's real weird as it's only hair but it's by far the best fun thing I've ever ever done as it really feels comfortable, feels right and definitely feels good all at the same time ! Now I'm getting curious to see how long it grows providing it's always in good condition of course.. :-)
Peter
Anyone else from UK here ?
OK Peter, you are about 12 months ahead of me in the hairgrowth stakes. Yes, I too was very self conscious about going public with long hair in a ponytail for the first time [in my case 40 years]...although I was certainly relieved that I could now at least "do" something with my mop!.
Despite my early concerns I quickly became confident with my new "look", and judging from the lack of comment from anyone now [I had a few initially] everyone else [who matters] seems to be okay with it too.
My intention is to continue letting my hair grow...If it starts to look bad, split ends etc, I'll get it trimmed accordingly.
As for your last point...I also live in the UK, as do quite a few other contributors to this excellent board.
Cheers!
Hi Dave :-)
It’s also a real relief to have finally gone for it as well ! Although now in my forties too I did try to grow it in the ‘70’s though perhaps not for the same reasons as everyone else, but hadn’t a clue....simply not cutting it for a couple of years was never ever going to work ! It’s a real shame the net/ this site wasn’t around then as I definitely would have been on here learning all I could that’s for sure.
The hard part !
It all sounds great and I’m looking forward to joining in :-) Thanks for your reply and good growing – any idea how long ?
Peter
Hey man!
I'm from the UK, Wales to be exact. There is also another Weslh guy lurking around here, he goes by the name of "I Wish I Had A Beard".
I know what you mean about the ponytail. I am only 16 and I've just about got to the 'tail stage, but I have yet to pluck up the courage to go out with it like that. I suppose it takes time for people to get used to it.
Anyway, see ya!
Paddy B (not to be confused with "paddy" on this board)
Hey there !
Good to know you too.....been to Cwmbran and Pontypool sometimes :-) Ever tried wearing some form of headgear and/ or sunglasses first - see what complete stranger's reactions are beforehand perhaps ? Or a baseball cap pulled down low with it loose out the back ?
It's definitely worth the wait ! :-)
How did you feel the first time when you could wear a ponytail ?. I am waiting for that day
A good good feeling that at last it was long enough ! Also my first goal reached too as I think they’re highly essential things to have. Otherwise it was practical reasons mostly. Indoors round the home considerable relief that it stopped getting in the way especially during meals ! However as I've always had a side part it seemed just as if I'd had another haircut, I couldn't see anything in the mirror at all.
Outside I definitely chickened out and delayed opening day for a while also some of the front hairs weren't able to stay tied in place. In fact I remember I got around the original pre-ponytail awkward stages a lot of the time by wearing any form of headgear going. I'd never really worn anything before but it worked just fine covering all the loose shaggy looks. Then later on I would still go out wearing something on top with the tiny ponytail (plus the loose dead-giveaway flyaway bits at the base of the neck !) always well tucked-up underneath and out of sight ! I think the ‘tail was about an inch long before I finally plucked up courage and walked openly down some busy main street or other only to find that no-one was the slightest bit interested !! And that was the best bit of all. I felt I’d arrived at last, no more hats or caps, total literally heady freedom ! And if anyone stares at me now the last thing I ever think of is my ponytail....that’s why it's such a nice pleasant surprise to suddenly see it reflected in some shop window or mirror without warning ! :-)
How long will ‘that day’ be do you think ?
Good luck - hope this helps ? :-)
Petronius
Scotland. By far the best country in the UK.
Alba Gu Brath
Glad to know you :-)
Uh huh....the way things are these days down here aye you've got a good point ! ;-)
('cept for the 6 Nations that is - grin !)
as well so it could get confusing ? Just finished a book on Roman History so Petronius will do instead - lol ! ;-)
Hey, I'm from north-west England, trying to grow my hair for first time ever, last cut was in October last year, so entering awkward stage! I'm hoping that by next September when I go to uni that will look a damn sight better than it does now, not planning on any cuts/trims until the front is way down past my chin, but we'll see how that goes =p
Hi JR !
Nice to hear from you :-)
It's really great reading how everyone is so keen - it's still hard to believe others feel the same as me too, that I'm not just some isolated male nut case !! I'm sure if I hadn't been so busy and preoccupied when I first decided to grow mine properly it would have been much harder to stay the course.
And honestly it's just so amazing to read and realise all this, to take it all in !! :-) I'm trying to imagine Blair with waist length hair....and Duncan-Smith and all Parliament....and the BBC.....and President Bush and Dick Cheyney....all publicly trimming their split ends....white towels piled high on heads....where can it all end ?
Very best of luck in your long term goals of course !
Peter
HI! Yeah. im from the UK, mail me if you want.
Yep, from the UK as well! I started growing my hair about 8yrs ago, and untill recently had it down past my arse, but now it is 2/3 -> 3/4 down my back again...
I don't really remember having that growing out stage too well, but the first time I could put it in a pony tail it was like "cool!". But I prefer it down.
This board is quite cool!
Hi !
Like your handle ! It reminds me of a place in Kent, Sevenoaks after that big hurricane in '88 or so. No connection in any way ?
Gee that's my next goal but I want to be able at least to sit on it if I can !! Were you able to ? Just talking about it makes me more determined !! Such a great feeling it must be ? Any reason for growing it that long or is it just "why not, I'm curious" etc. ? Or the girl friend ?
but now it is 2/3 -> 3/4 down my back again...
Gee again ! Mine's never been as long as this in my life so I've got some real catching up to do ! By next Xmas I'm hoping it'll be a co
Hi !
Like your handle ! It reminds me of a place in Kent, Sevenoaks after that big hurricane in '88 or so. No connection in any way ?
Gee that's my next goal but I want to be able at least to sit on it if I can !! Were you able to ? Just talking about it makes me more determined !! Such a great feeling it must be ? Any reason for growing it that long or is it just "why not, I'm curious" etc. ? Or the girl friend ?
but now it is 2/3 -> 3/4 down my back again...
Gee again ! Mine's never been as long as this in my life so I've got some real catching up to do ! By next Xmas I'm hoping it'll be a co
Hi !
Like your handle ! It reminds me of a place in Kent, Sevenoaks after that big hurricane in '88 or so. No connection in any way ?
Gee that's my next goal but I want to be able at least to sit on it if I can !! Were you able to ? Just talking about it makes me more determined !! Such a great feeling it must be ? Any reason for growing it that long or is it just "why not, I'm curious" etc. ? Or the girl friend ?
but now it is 2/3 -> 3/4 down my back again...
Gee again ! Mine's never been as long as this in my life so I've got some real catching up to do ! By next Xmas I'm hoping it'll be a co
Hi !
Like your handle ! It reminds me of a place in Kent, Sevenoaks after that big hurricane in '88 or so. No connection in any way ?
Gee that's my next goal but I want to be able at least to sit on it if I can !! Were you able to ? Just talking about it makes me more determined !! Such a great feeling it must be ? Any reason for growing it that long or is it just "why not, I'm curious" etc. ? Or the girl friend ?
but now it is 2/3 -> 3/4 down my back again...
Gee again ! Mine's never been as long as this in my life so I've got some real catching up to do ! By next Xmas I'm hoping it'll be a couple of inches short of my hips ! Heck just the thought of it all is so vwry kewl ! ;-)
Guess you've got used to it by now ? That's what I'm after - it's all totally second nature "so what's the big deal ?" stuff :-)
Man leaving mine down and free is definitely for me too....!! Do you wear it loose in public or just around the home ? And tangles ? Family pro or anti ?
....I definitely go along with that......icy cool ! :-)
Local server problems - sorry folks !