How long do you have to grow your hair out until you are able to make a ponytail?
A fair proportion of your hair will need to be at least long enough to pass through a tie at the back of your head. Of course, the "tail" at this stage will be small, and the front and sides of your hair probably won't yet be long enough to reach the tie, and may need to be held in place..Gel, Pins etc.
Laying a piece of string, or a cloth tape measure over your scalp as a gauge, will give you an idea of what sort of length you will need. Timescale can be estimated on the basis that average human hair grows at approximatly 1/2" per month...which is so frustratingly slow,it makes watching paint dry seem fun in comparison!
From my experience, I started to grow my own hair from a conventional short mens haircut done with a No 4 clipper comb. It took me the best part of 2 years, WITH NO TRIMS , to get it long enough to tie into a mini tail.
Many people [myself included] found that their hair was very difficult to live with during the lenghty transition from short to long. This is aptly referred to as "The Awkward Stage".
Are you ready for this?
Well the best thing of growing out hair is that you´re able to cut it whenever you want, so let´s wait until i´m in that situation but i want to have long hair so much that i will survive this stage (i guess).
Yes, you are right, cutting your hair will always be an option....Not doing so though will prove to be the hard part, as many a would-be long hair could testify.
Good luck in your quest.