Hi all! I started growing out my hair about 10 months ago, my goal is at least shoulder length, but due to some unfortunate circumstances (long story short: I trusted a now ex-gf of mine who is a hair stylist and my hair growing was delayed by needless trims). Above is a pic of me at my current hair length, which as you all can see is quite a mess. Does anyone have any suggestions of a way to neaten it up without losing length and avoiding a trim? Also, how does my progress look after growing it out for as long as I have? Thanks in advance, I look forward to talking with you all!
Looks fine to me the way it is. Keep it growing without gf cuts and it should reach your shoulders quite well in 6 months or less I would think.
Thanks Justin, much appreciated! I'll make sure to avoid stylists all together.
My first impression was it wasn't a mess. I like that look. Maybe a hairstylist wouldn't. Maybe some of your ex gfs' beliefs have gotten into you.
Thanks John. She never was a big fan of me growing my hair out (heck her hair is shorter than mine is now). I wouldn't say her beliefs have gotten into me, I'd just like to have my hair as presentable as possible while it grows out.
Best way to get it to shoulder length?
Don't touch it with scissors! :)
Seriously though, the longer you can go between trims, the better. If they cut off 1/2 inch (MINIMUM) at each trim, and you get a few trims a year, in a few years you would cut off a year of grow! If you are concerned with how you look, remember that there are many "awkward stages" as your hair grows and matches up with your particular facial geometry. Often too, it is easy to look in the mirror and think it looks goofy or ugly, or simply is not the way we want our avatar to look. That's part of growing it out; consider it training on letting go. I'm almost 2.5 years in, finally reaching the point where I'm reaching stability with my relation to my hair, that I love it, that it suits me, feelings that are beyond simply "does it look good or not?" I don't cycle as much, though it still happens on a smaller scale.
Other than that, you have to try everything as it comes to you: gel, mousse, hair spray, different shampoos, ties (a great mile stone when it gets long enough!). Just pay attention to what you think it needs to look good, and for you to feel confident in who you are. That will lead you to ways in which to manage it.
For example, pretty soon it's going to start getting in your eyes. You might need to try various products in your hair to control it; or perhaps, your hair will naturally part in ways that are effective. Either way, do what must be done.
Thanks so much Polynikes!
It actually is at that point now (at least the front part) where it gets in my eyes on a regular basis. I normally part my hair in the middle so the hair at the front is on either side, but sometimes that doesn't even help. I'm really looking forward to when I can pull my hair back and not have to worry about it.
I think part of it is that I'm discovering that I have wavy/curly hair. I've never had my hair this long, and at every other length I've had it it's been straight and not an issue. I think if it was straight hair (and not nearly as thick) it would be more managable but oh well.
Right now I wash my hair every other day, and I use Tresemme Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner (separate) and its funny to see how much hair I lose in the shower. It still seems like a lot, but I guess thats the price I pay for having thick hair.
It looks fine to me and I'll just let it grow. I've not used a stylist in years. I've missed my 12 week standing appointment for so long.
Keep it growing mate.
Cheers,
John.B
Thanks John!
Yeah that's the plan just to let it grow. I wouldn't mind so much if my hair wasn't so darn curly/wavy haha.