JSFrodo's mini-survey got me thinking. I'm in my late 20's, have hair that hangs lower than my shoulders but higher than mid-back, and I've received a few positive comments, and no negative ones.
(At least, not directly: I've heard through the grapevine that my mom doesn't exactly approve. Then again, according to my friends, moms are never happy no matter what you do with your hair, short or long.)
The more interesting pattern I've observed is: all these positive comments I've received firsthand have been from *men* (young or old, long or short hair). I've heard *about* positive comments from women, but only indirectly. Apparently they actually say "he has nice hair!" to mutual friends after I leave. For some reason, when women like (or don't, in my mom's case) my hair, they never say anything to my face.
(When I had a shaved head, I even got compliments from men -- yes, even straight men! -- about that. Apparently I have an attractive skull shape for a bald head, too. Who knew?)
I wonder why that is. The (sitcom) stereotype is that men are less likely to express their feelings, but my experience has been exactly the opposite. What's the deal? Is it just me, or does this happen to other people, too?
Same here, although my hair is down to my waist, and for some reason most comments I get are compliments from black women. I think younger women are less likely to say anything because they think you will think they are hitting on you/chatting you up, whereas older ones don't care.
My comments below in italics. --Chris
You just described my mom. Last time I was visiting she called me "Mountain Man."
I have gotten some comments from men, but more from women, especially on the positive side. Especially friends that I hadn't seen in some time where the difference in my hair was obvious."
I think it depends. It is a stereotype. I do think that men are more likely to comment on something to a stranger, than women are.
I receive compliments from women, never from men; women are usually amazed by (and sometimes envious of) the length, that is quite unusual on a man (and in these days, in a woman too!).
Yep - Mothers can be your worst critics. The only negative commment that I received to my face about my hair was from my (short-haired)Mum and it wasn't nasty only saying that i looked better with shorter hair.
I have only got positive comments equally from both men and women - who know me to talk to, rarely from strangers in the street.
Probably the women that you met may not have wanted to give the wrong impression by being too intimate with you hence they didn't mention it to your face as something like hair is a very personal thing.
Duncan
I'm about ten years older than you and have about the same hair length. I always wear it in a low tail anymore, only loose late at nite before bed.
The only comment i rec'd was when i went in for a trim more than a year ago from one of workers there and that was regarding the color of it, not because of its length or anything. I don't receive any comments, good, bad or huhm. I guess that's good in a way, but a little validation never hurts.
the pic is almost a year old
Frank, dallas