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I was standing in line for an ATM machine in one of the more conservative San Francisco neighborhoods (West Portal / St. Francis Woods area, for those who know SF), when I couldn't help but notice that the 2 guys in front of me already at the 2 outdoor machines both had shoulder-length hair. The guy on the left was young, my guess being in his early 20s, w/ thick reddish-brown hair that was loose under a work cap; the guy on the right was definitely old, my guess being maybe even in his 70s, with snow-white hair pulled back into a neatly-tied tail. Then of all things to happen before I stepped up to the ATM machine, yet ANOTHER longhair got behind me in line, too!!!!
There was no opportunity to say anything to any of these people; but the older guy ahead of me did smile and nod as he looked at me when he finished using the machine and walked by (yes, as in, THAT kind of nod -- the kind of nod that silently says, "I know that you know that you see I'm a longhair as well as I see you're a longhair, too!"
I mean, what is that "longhair nod" all about?? I admit, though: I totally love the fact that this habit tends to happen between 2 total strangers who both notice each other as a longhair; yet it cracks me up, as well as puzzles me a bit, that it usually happens pretty much universally...
In any case, it was great to see that many longhairs just going about their normal banking business in a neighborhood that's usually filled with a much shorter-haired look on the men.... I hope this trend continues to grow!
- Ken in San Francisco
I hope the trend continues too. The commeraderie extends into most visual trends. For instance, while I'm on my motorcycle, it's a common practice for bikers going in opposite directions to extend their arms in a sort of salute to each other. I've gotten and returned the longhair nod as well. I wonder what other walks of life show this kind of mutual acknowledgment?
I get the nod all the time from (Depends) Biker types, Hippie Types and Rocker types sometimes from others who identify as long haired.
Truthfully though it happens less than it did, cause I think younger people are gorwing it long, and although it's good, its not the stigma.
I posted about the Canadian Artical I heard. So yeah.
Oh, not to bring up the Christian thing cause I dont have an issue, but it tends to be certain Evangelical Christian groups that mention a certain "A shame unto man who covers their head" or what not.
You are right, some Christia groups have issues with long haired mane and some others don't. But my question is thia? Why do some liberals have problems with long hair??
Birdman
To be honest, and to be fair, I have not encountered Liberal or Conservative hatred of my long hair. I have only encountered religious elderly people who have had issues with it.
As the leader of Brazil said. "Canadians are lucky to live in a nation where politics don't matter" (I thought that was funny when he made that statement.) And in truth he is right as our politics are so un sexy.
I mean, I wear my hair loose, grow my beard long, and the only people who complain are old people.
On a funny note though, a kid on the subway...who was about 5 or 6, called me Jesus. His mom thought it was funny, and so did the other passengers. I laughed as well. I am a celebrity look a like :)
I too have noticed an increase in longairs...working at the renaissance festivals there's a dready and/or longair dude anywhere you throw a stick, and in Oregon I'm hanging out with mostly native Americans, and I can't think of more than 2 men with short hair there.
Glad to hear it's going on in SF too!
Yes in San Fran even the conservatives wear long hair, but then again it is SF.
Kevin
That's awesome to hear, Ken. I hope the trend continues as well.
I just started college this week and there are a few longhairs I spotted! There's a guy with blonde dreads in one of my classes. Pretty cool.
The silent, non-verbal mutual acknowledgement. It's basic human psychology. If you see someone that has a similar appearance to you or resembles belonging to some sort of 'group'(e.g. bikers, goths, musos,etc) you will more than likely exchange glances or nod. Obviously it involves stereotyping the individual or atleast making face value assumptions about their character, which everyone makes subconsciously in daily life. The diversity of male long hair makes it hard to identify a stereotype on hair alone, but merely the presence of a long mane on a man is enough to warrant a universal acknowledgement amongst 'members'.
I look forward to partaking in this activity, when I become a 'Gold member'.
Nice story Ken! I always get a thrill seeing other longhair at the supermarket, although there is rarely "the nod". It just feels great that long hair can be common place... finally!
Bruce
High!
Here in Germany, long hair on (especially younger) men, is not uncommon enough for receiving "longhair nods" - instead, as sporting a massive beard most time during the last years, I rather noticed some appreciation from fellow longbeards!
See you in Khyberspace!
Yadgar
Hi Ken,
I have certainly noticed more longhaired guys in my nexk of the woods as well, and it is a good trend to see. I admit that I haven't given the "longhair nod" yet, just too shy, I guess!
Take care,
David
Hi Guys,
I enjoyed reading all of your comments (and hope that you don't mind if I respond in this group manner, rather than individually), and just wanted to say: thanks!
Yes, I actually do feel that long hair on men is gradually becoming more and more of a NON issue in many parts of the world, and in Western Society in general (the state of Texas being one example which excludes itself from seeing and understanding much about the wheels of progress - LOL).
The truth of the matter is: long hair on a man should NEVER be a social "issue"; but, sadly, this has certainly not always been historically the case.
Thanks again!
- Ken
Cool. I don't see a lot of the "longhaired nod" down here except when I initiate it.
Nice turn of phrase Ken.
Paul
Hello Ken,
I too have noticed in the last 12 months more and more long-haired guys around the place. In Canberra, the Australian nation's capital long hair is everywhere! About half the young guys here are growing out their hair and their are plenty of older men who have long hair too. I know that I have inspired at least 6 guys to grow their hair long who told me that they wanted long hair being inspired by mine. Perhaps it could also partly be attributed to the recent movies like Woodstock, retro 1970's themed Hollywood films and popular delightful TV shows like LOST where a lot of the male cast have longish hair so the mainstream culture is giving it's nod to long hair too. It is interesting that long hair is now becoming noticeable more and more since a lot of the right-wing leaning conservative governments have been voted out of office. (and no I don't want to start any political war between conservatives and liberals) In Australia our major conservative party is called the Liberal party and is anything but liberal LOL!) I have yet to really experience the long hair nod as long hair here is very common here and not that unusual - though I do often see guys in the awkward phrase checking me along with other longer haired fellows. That's good news for Canada and hopefully the USA and I do hope that this trend continues.
Duncan
Hey, My wife and I was a wallmart yesterday and while she was shopping and I was sitting at the subway part of the store I saw a longhaired man emplyee working at the store!
Birman
Hi Ken,
That is a great story of longhairs in SF at the bank as its cool to hear that more and more guys are choosing to grow their hair.I can honestly say noticing more guys with longer hair by me as well in various settings but never gave the nod since I fit into that shy category.This is NJ you know!LOL.You never know how such a gesture might be taken.
Mark
Ken,
What a great post. I'm glad that you are starting to see fellow long hairs in, dare I say, the conservative part of S.F. It is always good to hear these things.
~Angel
Does everything have to be politically charged nowadays????
My Word. I can't go anywhere without seeing a simple discussion become a political debate. However, I must admit that I do it sometimes....
Does it matter if it's a liberal or a conservative blathing about guys having long hair? The person who talks smack about a guy with long hair apparently has a problem with his/herself somewhere.
While on the subject... I'm a conservative, listen to talk radio, read conservative news/blogs, etc. etc., but I'm very libertarian. People are free to express themselves however they wish. I cannot control what they do. I try not to judge the person's heart. I do try to get to church whenever I can. However, I am growing my hair to past the shoulders, and I just bought a 2009 Subaru Outback. Those two things are certainly NOT part of the conservative stereotype.
My $.02