Hi, just a bit about me
Ok, I used to try and be normal, I used to try and listen to popular music, I used to try and look vaguely fashionable.
About a year ago, I realised that this just wasn't me, now, I listen to heavy metal, dress mainly in black and am growing my hair.
It's gone from under 2 inches total to enough to make maybe a 6 inch pony tail, not that I keep it in a tail yet. (My camera has flat batteries, so no pics for now)
Problems I'm having:
1) I attend a conservative church, and while agree with 99% of what I hear there, the chief minister when asked once did say that he thought long hair on a man was inappropriate, (I of course disagree, e.g. Sampson and Elijah) but anyway...)
2) Some people have said I look girly, can anyone suggest a way to make slightly wavy middle length hair not look girly?
3) It gets in the way when doing martial arts, a pony tail is not sufficient, as my fringe always ends up slipping out of the tie as it's not quite long enough yet, any suggestions?
1. Tell him Jesus had long hair.
2. Grow a beard. A middle part also tends to look more masculine than a side part.
3. Try a high half tail. That worked for me until my hair was long enough to stay in a tail at the base of my neck.
If I end up in an argument Sampson or ELijah would be better examples, as the bible actuaqlly says they have long hair, whereas thinking of Jesus with long hair is a tradition only. I was just wondering if anyone else has struggled with this one I guess.
An 18 year old with a beard, I'll try, but it may take a while, as for a parting, my hair tends to change parting many times a day, and the main problem with not looking manly I think is from behind.
I'll try a high tail, thanks for the advice.
1 He needs to re-read 1st Corinthians 11:14 to 11:16.
The first verse says "nature teaches" not God.
The next verse says women shouldn't cut it so are there any short haired women in your church?
The next verse says "But, if any one seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God'. So God has no rule on hair.
2 Sorry, can't help on that one.
3 When I took karate, I kept mine in a tail. The tendrils that hang down I just used a little gel to keep them in place. May not work with jujitsu.
BTW, I quit because my teacher said I have to get a hair cut to be an instructor.
Hope this helps,
Paul
Grow a beard.
Damn, Quester, could that be why I never get "girl" comments?
Bill
How about "Dumbledore" comments?
I've had the same problem, being a teenaged Christian and a member of a conservative Southern Baptist church. I recommend the following article and video to help you formulate arguments in the defense of your long hair:
Article Link: http://www.elite.net/~ebedyah/PastorsSite/otherareas/longhair.htm
Video Link:
I don't how to help you there man, a number of people tell me that too. The thing is though, most of those people thought I had feminine facial features back when my hair was short anyway, so I don't know if there's much I can personally do about that afterall. I do agree that a middle part tends to look more masculine than a side part - but for me right now, at the stage my hair's in, I prefer the side part. It just works better for me right now. A little bit of facial hair does go a long way though; you don't even need a beard, just a rugged-looking stubble helps a ton in distinguishing you as a guy.
Woah, a fellow martial artist, I didn't know there were any on MLHH. I myself study mixed martial arts along with parkour/acrobatics, and I used to fight and perform competitively. So I know what you mean. I tend to wear a beanie to hold my hair back, but I realize some training centers don't allow this. Other options might be hair bands holding your hair back, gel, and maybe even bobby pins. I've never tried the last idea but hey, I would imagine it'd work.
Hey Richard:
I sympathize with your position.
1) Don't worry about what your minister says...the bible is loaded with contradictory statements on a huge number of things, including long hair and there are always versus that are interpreted differently from one denomination to another. Read your bible...you will see what I mean.
2) You tried to be ABNORMAL it sounds like to me...and now you are acting normal for YOU...so don't sweat it...be proud of it.
3) If YOU think you look girly...well then perhaps use some of the suggestions you have been given. If not...don't sweat it.
Time will take care of the awkward phase...you just have to be strong and get through it and be happy that you are being yourself. I wish you success in your journey.
Cheers,
Max
Thanks for all the responses, I disagree with the idea that the bible is full of contradictions, I often argue people who try to claim such into the ground. I think my minister has misunderstood the comment Paul makes about long hair, but I don't want to mkae a fuss, he hasn't spoken to me about it so for now I'm just ignoring the whole thing.
I'm going to try and grow a beard, it may take a while though....
I'll tyr and post some pics so you can comment on my hair some time soon. Need to charge batteries for my camera.
~Richard
do YOU think it looks girly? i can't see how long hair makes anyone look girly really. just ignore them, it's rubbish.
maybe wear a cloth headband, like sportsmen do? roger federer, carlos tevez - look them up if you don't know what i mean. looks good too if u ask me.