Hello. I've visted here a couple times in the past, but now I want to get involved.
I've totally loved and wanted long hair on myself and other guys since I was about 13. I'm not sure exactly what started it, but it was around the time that Lord of the Rings premiered and Calvin Klein started publishing all those photos of Travis Fimmel on their underwear boxes. And even before that, I have vivid memories of 18th Century European engravings and lots of long-haired Apostles in my Bible story books. I spent most of high school cutting out magazine and advertisement photos of any guy with hair longer than ordinary. Unfortunately, my parents absolutely refused to indulge my obsession, citing Scriptural 'shame' on long locks. The tension was really exacerbated because my mom actually does the economy cuts for my family. I'd always hated haircut time every few weeks, but now it got unbearable -- I remember covering up mirrors so wouldn't have to see myself after the butchery. Am I getting too melodramatic? Well, I actually lived through high school without a blow-up. Then I only cut my hair twice my first year of college -- only when I was forced to in order to go home for Christmas and Summer break. The next year, I didn't cut my hair at all until I was obliged to in order to live at home for the Summer. However, last Summer I didn't recut it, and now I'm going on 7 months scissor-free, and my parents have somehow resigned or reconciled themselves. And I'm constantly content with my growing satisfaction!
The photo above is pretty recent. I've been dealing with awkward length and varying hair quality for the past few months. I've figured out a 2x/week washing schedule and have recently realized how imperative conditioner is. Right now, I can't tie my hair back yet and it looks really uneven from my last cut. I'm probably going to a professional salon soon to get a very minimal trim to put things back into proportion and freshen up some layers.
Anyhow, I think it's fabulous. People either pretend to ignore my hair or go out of their way to rave about it. I'm used to being mistaken for a female (bus drivers and cashiers are typically least observant) but that's just a sign of progress I figure. Abundantly Blonde may not really be The Look for 2009, but I'm loving it nevertheless!
Hey, Wakazed. Welcome to mlhh. I can understand your problems with your parents. I wore "sidewalls" all through high school.
I wish you the best in your goal for long hair. How long do you plan to let it grow? Anyway, keep it growin' and flowin', as I always say.
TLH
Welcome aboard! It's nice to hear that you're finally able to grow without parent-influenced interruptions, especially since you do have what looks to be very healthy and gorgeous hair. Best of luck, and I hope you decide to stick around the site. Keep it growing! =)
-James
And so do I. Great long hair you will have for sure.
Welcome!
Hi there,
Nothing wrong will blonde and the hair is coming along great and do keep it growing...:-)
It's nice to know that parents will really learn and let you grow your hair how you want it. Good they are coming around to it and glad you can get away from the "cheap" haircuts!
Cheers,
John.B
Hi Wakared,
Welcome to the hyperboard, and thank you for sharing your introduction with us! You are off to a fabulous start, and your hair is thick and healthy, and an exceelent type to grow long. We look forward to supporting you in your journey to long hair.
Welcome aboard,
David
Didn't you ever bring up the fact that Jesus had long hair? lol
Hi Wakazed,
I really hate when people use this verse (1st Corinthians 11:14) to justify their hatred of longhair. You can interpret that crap a bunch of ways.
Nobody seems to read any farther than that, Here's "1st Corinthians 11:16";
'But, if any one seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God'.
I interpret that as God has no rule about hair at all.
There's you some ammo for that argument. If God hated longhair so much there would not have been any Nazirites.
It seems a lot of us have wanted longhair since we were young. I wanted to grow mine since I was about 5. I also hated seeing myself in the mirror after a haircut.
Your hair looks great, I hope you grow it as long as it can get,
Paul
Thanks to everyone who wrote back. I do indeed look forward to sticking around this site, sharing photos and keeping up with the postings. Hair growing is definitely a time investment and I'm hooked! Looks like there's a lot of information between all of you, and it looks like you've had some good times (I've been reading the archives).
I most definitely want to experience my own hair past my shoulders, although I may not keep it there. I've just got to have that Standing on Top of a Windy Hill with Flying Tresses experience before I die. =) In the mean time, I'm enjoying every day of growing it out.
I did indeed show my parents every painting of Biblical themes, drawings of Luther and Calvin and the engraved edition of Pilgrim's Progress. But actually, hair is pretty important to my parents too -- my mom and my sister have never cut their hair. My sister's hair is well past her knees. Anyway, I did my Bible research and got a concordance to study the nuances of the verse (singular) mentioning men's hair, but I couldn't convince them. Like I said, its basically a state of resignation.
I'll bet that if you ever find that windy hill, you'll want more of the experience--*lots* more! ;-)
My Myspace page
That's all good to hear and good luck on your continued growth.
We look forward to seeing your future progress.
Kevin
Certainly glad you decided to post and tell us your story.Unfortunately that scenario has played out way too often from other board users as well.Fortunately, finally, you are being respected and not being forced into an unwanted haircut.
Based on your pic you look to be on your way to a fantastic mane but I thing avoiding maintainence trims would be better just so you don't get setback from your goal length.That's a trap many guys fall into as they never progress as fast as they would like.Anyway you look great my friend and thanks for telling us about yourself.
Mark
Welcome Wakazed.
Your hair looks great and I hope you will continue to grow it out. From what I have read, you are probably a born longhair. Born longhairs are not happy with short hair and often desire to have it long from early childhood.
I used to hate getting my hair cut short when I was a child. Back then, I wanted it to be maybe 8" long or about what your current length is, instead of having it buzzed.
Keep growing your hair for sure. It should look super by summer.
Scott
You're off to a good start. I would definitely recommend not having any trims whatsoever at this point until you have about a year's growth. Layers are especially not recommended.