new thread
Hi there, came across this site while googling for info on mens long hair. Had a look through a lot of the pics and most are way beyond what I have or am planning, ideally I'm going for shoulder length maybe not even that. I grew my hair to chin length when I was a teen but been short back and sides until Nov 2008 when I let it grow and haven't cut it since.
The problem is that around the back it's curly, whispy and sticks out, curls around ears etc just looks a mess and has done for months, while i'm not that bothered what people think i've had several people pass comment and say my hair looks bad because it's not been cut or styled properly and they say it with such confidence in their opinion and is probably damaged (they've only seen the pic i'm posting here). I'm not convinced cutting it will do anything other than force me to repeat this stage.
Another problem I have is my hair is very thick, if I wash, condition and blow or towel dry it then comb it back it dries and goes really big and wavy and looks stupid, if I part it while damp it looks horrendous when dry. The only product that seems to work is brylcreem and I have to slick it back until the cream is bone dry (annoying as this means 3-4hours in morning) and then part it and it's fairly straight except the back. Mousse, gel all make the hair go crispy and horrible is there some magic solution, hair straightners, another product?
Sorry for the long post, appreciate replies.
Hi and Welcome;
I am glad you found us...all of the symptoms that you describe are what we refer to around here as "the awkward stage". It is normal and sort of a rite of passage to true "longhairdom".
Don't cut it, don't trim it, don't style it, don't straighten it and don't let the naysayers get to you. Soon, with length and weight, it will behave. Your hair is thick with great texture and color....and in my opinion looks pretty good now.
I look forward to following your progress.
Thanks for Sharing
WWT (Walter White Tail)
Hello,
As Walter said, you are just in the awkward stage.
Don't worry, it's just a bad stage, and as your hair will grow out it will diseapear.
My awkward stage was really a pain, but i resisted cutting my hair and now i'm really happy with my hair.
As you are new in the longhair world, i would recommend you to read the Bill's article about longhair, and other articles you can find on the link page.
Have a good day, and welcome.
François
Hiya, and welcome.
As the other guys have said, you're in the awkward stage, but going by your photo, you don't have too much longer to go before it will begin to behave or you'll be able to tie it back.
Don't cut it. That will just prolong the awkward stage. If you chop off the curly bits at the ends, you'll find that within days, you'll still have curly bits, just with shorter hair. I'd avoid using anything like straighteners, because there's a good chance that they will damage your currently healthy hair. You're doing about all you can do for now with the Brylcreem. One plus point of that is it's actually pretty good for your hair.
Just grit your teeth and wait for spring.
All the best.
Hi Kio and welcome to the mlhh!Glad you found us and its a pleasure to have you here:)You pic looks fabulous as you have great quality hair that will look tremendous as it grows longer.Not much more I can add that others haven't already said other than patience is your best friend.Whatever your ultimate goal is I always suggest at least waist length:)Sort of like what I have.Thanks for posting mt friend.Cheers
Mark
Hey man, your hair looks very good and healthy in this picutre. I think that the issues you are having are due to the normal growing process. I'd suggest that you be patient and let it grow for a few more months before even considering a trim to even it up. I do think that shoulder or a bit pass them will be a good and manageable length. Good luck and keep posting.
VJ
Hi Kio, I feel if you have the flips now you'll still have waves and flips when it gets to your shoulders. I'm around 3 yrs. into my growth and my waves turned to curls at the ends. Try some Coconut or Jojoba oil in your hair while it's wet to tame it down abit. Take it easy on your self and don't fret, it may not every turn out perfect but learn to like what you have.
Just my 2 cents.
Frank
Hi, thanks for the replies, I suppose when hardly anybody grows their hair long it's hard to find people that have good things to say or accurate advise as they've never been there.
Hairball, I'll stop at shoulder length if I even get that far, any longer will just be too much hassle and not the look i'm going for. Plan is to give it until next April and see how it looks then, if it's just not working it'll probably have to come off, I like shorter hair I just like it long too as it's a bit more individual and says something about people when they're prepared to go against the grain.
I'll read the link to long hair Angel posted, and that's good news on Brylcreem being good for hair, glad I can get the stuff for £1 a tub, I go through quite a lot.
From someone who also has thick hair, it's your awkward stage. Try no to sweat it too much, it's natural. I'm glad I didn't give in to the hassle when my hair was your length. I think yours will look great if you hang in with it. The other thing I do is condition, condition, condition. Look for leave in conditioners. I found a knock-off brand of Paul Mitchell The Conditioner that works great. So does PM, but it is a bit pricey. Good luck.
Charlie
Just let your hair grow
That is the best advice i can give you
Birdman
Nothing is wrong with your hair. What you are experiencing is called the "Awkward" stage. If you wait until it gets longer the flippy,curled, "ratty" hair will straighten itself out and will grow down instead of sideways.
My advice is patience. 8 months isn't much growth at all.