Right, been a while since I posted here. Probably a few months, don't remember.
Anyhow, It's been a great 5.5 years. Long hair through high-school and college. A childhood I will surely remember!
However, it's my time for call of duty, and I'm not talking about the video game. Living in Israel, I have to serve in the military like every other proper citizen. I still have my long hair, though, but not for long. My recruitment is in May and lots of shampoo will be squeezed until then, but I'll have to cut eventually... now I hope I don't sound sad or anything, I'm sure the change will be refreshing and I really like the guys from my unit. Hair is hair. Can be cut, can be regrown. Anyway, I'll be doing hi-tech technology related work I can't rally talk about, since my health profile doesn't allow anything beyond that. So a lot of time will be spent near the computer, programming and whatnot. It will be fun though, I'm sure, because I do like that stuff, it's interesting.
I'm also thinking about taking some Propecia, since my MPB is really starting to show... I'm afraid of the side effects though, I heard it can... erm... make some things... err.. not work for a guy, you know. I've been to a dermatologist, and she recommended that treatment. So, if you have more info on that or you're taking Propecia for many years and it's working OR not working, let me know!
Now, for some good news. I'm back from vacation. Actually I was still relaxing on the beach several hours ago and only few hundred miles away from my home. It has been raining in many parts of the country for the last few days, but there's a place where cold is afraid to go, it's called Eilat (google it).
So I have a few photos from there...
On the beach, watching scuba divers (did that once, but it was too pricey this time): http://i45.tinypic.com/295u993.jpg
On another beach, after a long swim (watched cool fish!):
http://i45.tinypic.com/2zfv7kw.jpg
Same beach, relaxing (you can see the baldness clearly there):
http://i45.tinypic.com/ohl0ci.jpg
The city (picture taken from a boat):
http://i49.tinypic.com/2qwflgi.jpg
A cool old fashioned ship passed by while I was on the beach:
http://i46.tinypic.com/21opil0.jpg
My third visit there, so yeah, wasn't that exciting, but still nice to have such a place nearby to travel to and relax from time to time.
Right, so this isn't my last post here. However, my next posts will be of me with no long hair... I hope I'll have more time on my hands to actually write those, because I was neck-deep into studying and other commitments, and hopefully I'll have more time during service. I might show up and throw an advice or two.
For instance, I started using this new shampoo recently, from Frulatte. It's based on Oblepicha oil and Saw palmetto.
http://www.beauty-center.co.il/image/users/114070/detail/small/1441167.jpg
Helping a lot with shedding - much much less now. It or anything similar will probably cost you more than the generic shampoo from any popular hair products company, but totally worth the money. Probably anything with those two ingredients will work for most people.
Anyway, thanks for your replies on my previous posts! Otherwise I wouldn't be here today writing this.
Always good to hear back from you people.
Keep it real and keep supporting others to think outside the box!
Next post will probably be after my recruitment.
See ya' and wish me luck !
Hi Stas,
Well what can I say as you gotta do what you gotta do.I'm well aware that Israel requires all males to be in the military so its not like you have a choice.There was another longhair on this board who had the same requirement and I believe that was Rafael.Fortunately you are young and will be able to regrow if you inspired to do so in the future.This will be a real test to see if you are really a born longhair.Anyway good luck with your service and play safe my friend.Cheers
Mark
Yeah, I'm planning to grow it out again, if my balding won't progress much...
Women must serve as well. They don't have to be in combat units, but neither do guys with health problems or incomplete family. You'll be surprised how many girls do want to fight. Israel even has women as jet-fighter pilots!
Women serve only two yeas generally, men do three. I'll be serving four years however, because of my pre-recruitment studies in college.
Hey Stas,
Thanks for that perspective on military service in your country as I was unaware women also were required to put in time.Interesting that many women want to fight in combat.Hmmmmm.
I've never had to serve because we had no draft when I was of age and we still don't.All volunteer force which may be better since they want to do it.
Well I certainly hope your hair will still be full for you should you grow it out when done with service.Since you really won't be in combat I'm surprised they won't let you keep your hair but guess that's the military for you.Good luck my friend
Mark
I joined the US Army in '81, with longhair. I didn't so much as trim it before I went to basic training.
When I got out in '84 I immediately started growing it back out.
You're not going to share any "after" pics are you? God I hope not.
Good luck and don't get shot!
Paul
Well, Stas, it's a shame you'll have to cut, but a salute to you for serving your country. Best of luck during your service, hope everything goes well.
Jim (Avionics Technician First Class, US Navy, Retired)
I could understand if you were in combat, then cutting the hair is necessary.
But if you're not, I don't see why you'd have too.
But I guess there are codes and you have to respect them.
Well, best of luck and it is a noble deed you are doing.
I'm sure it won't be the end of the world. (re:cutting the hair)
Just lots of guys on this board who tend to make it seem so. LOL
Yeah, that's army policy for you, heh.
They allow you to have long hair only if you have a serious medical condition with the skin or something that must be covered with lots of hair. The religion excuse doesn't work.
Well, I don't see that changing any time soon, and it's understandable from military point of view that a haircut is part of the uniform etc...
Problem is that girls can do whatever they want with makeup and hair - it's ridiculous. They should be at least limited to a certain length and hairstyle, like a ponytail or something with limited makeup or none at all (and then... why men shouldn't??). Well, that's how it is I guess. Would be cool to see that kind of change in the military...
See now that is what's wrong with this picture.If short hair is part of the uniform then what the heck kind of uniforms do the women wear where they can keep their hair.That is why I would have a problem with this policy because, in short, it's not fair.Hey if women want to fight in the military them "GET A HAIRCUT" like the guys have to.Glad I was fortunate not to have to put up with this.
Mark
I wish you luck and offer my respect for serving your country. I know that's a bigger deal in Isreal than it is in the US. In isreal your fathers and grandfathers fought for your survival and you fight to maintain it. Over here we fight in other countries but lets not go into that now.
I actually knew where Eilat was and that it was a seaside holiday destination. You need to work on your tan a bit....LOL
Do pop in and say hi during your term of service and hopefully you can re grow after your time is done. If not you still have your experiences to share and inspire others with.
Take care
Kevin
Some of us believe that they fight in another country too. No doubt I'll be flamed for that, or worse, but I have my principles to stand up for.
Very true we all have our principles. In my case I have the
luxury of being able to delete posts, although I seldom do no
matter how tempting.
Light the fuse someone!
Sounds like you've got a good as well as critical position to fill. You have my utmost respect for your service. I too had my hair cut for military service...I'm growing it back for the first time after many years.
Semper Fi
USMC 86-93