new thread
Hey guys,
A few months ago I posted about wanting to let my hair grow out. I had every intention of posting pics but things have been so busy for me these past few months I've had little time to even spend on the computer. I finally have a few pics, albeit not so great ones, of my progress. My last haircut was towards the end of January. I have come very close to throwing in the towel and cutting it off, but I'm glad I've stuck it out. This is the longest I've had my hair since I was a young child. I'm surprised that it's not as "poofy" as it used to be. Perhaps it will be in time. Anyway, I'm going to post a before pic and then a few pics of where I'm at right now. I'm open to any suggestions on what I can do to help my hair. My goal is to get it long enough to pull it back in a ponytail. If I reach that goal, I'm sure I'll keep it growing.
Thanks guys and sorry to ramble.
before (my last haircut)
Current:
You've got great, thick hair, perfect for growing long! Strong hold gel was my friend during my awkward stage. I just used to slick my hair straight back with the gel and it worked very well. Just stick with it and after about 18 months of growing, you'll be at the ponytail stage.
Long hair will look especially good on you as it will compliment your long beard very well. Keep growing, man!
Thanks for the reply Jason. About how long did the awkward stage last? I'm curious as I don't know how long work will let this fly. In about a month I'll have almost two months off (actually be working from home during this time). I'm hoping it buys me some time to get through a part of the awkward stage. I really want to meet my goal this time. Also, is the brand name of the gel called Strong Hold or do most brands sell a strong hold gel? Sorry for the newbie question. Anyway, thanks again.
Well, if your last haircut was in January, you probably have another 14 months to reach a ponytail tie length which is usually considered the end of the awkward stage. I got trims of the back during my growing out period but others eschew all trims.
I used Loreal's mega mega hold gel (that's the name of it) during the final stages of the awkward stage. During the first stages you could use a gel with a less strong hold and avoid a hair helmet look. I like Loreal's Melting Gel for this. I still use it occasionally to tame flyaways.
You'd be amazed how much gel can conceal the length particularly if you brush your hair straight back. It's not a look I would particularly choose but it definitely serves a purpose of keeping things in place in a work environment. When you're not at work, you could use bandannas and hats and skip using product on those days.
Looking good! As Jason has already pointed out it will be awhile before you start getting past the awkward stage, and it will probably get worse before it gets better, but I guess that's all part of it. I've been growing for about 2 years I think and I'm just now getting to the point where the front bangs can almost reach a low ponytail (when brushed straight back over the top of my head). It can all reach into a slightly higher ponytail at this point but not really what I'm looking for. If you finally get past the puffy stage where you can't tie it back you'll probably not want to ever cut it shorter, even if just to avoid dealing with growing it out again. Seems like it gets easier once you have some length to work with because it will start to lay down better on its own without gels and because it'll be long enough to just tie back on "bad hair days".
Anyway, best wishes to you. Also, that is one rocking beard! :)
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Welcome, beardedpiper. Your hair seems to be growing very well. I am so totally distracted by your incredible beard, that I hardly noticed the hair on your head. It ranks a 10 on my scale. (I am a beard guy too.) Long hair and a long beard are a perfect combination. Don't give up on your hair. In due time, it will reach ponytail length.
Scott
Well howdy stranger! Your rambles are welcome here in these parts (pun intended).
Looks like you're off to a great start. A long flowing mane will surely compliment that wonderful red beard. Like growing out the beard, there will be awkward intervals - give it a couple of years.
- Oren (from the BeardCommunity)
Good to hear from you Oren. You're going to be my inspiration, as I love your long hair and beard. I just hope I can pull this off without taking too much grief from work.
Take care.
beardedpiper,
Awesome beard and nice start on the hair.
"As long as God can grow it!".
Wonderful color btw.
peace, jonalbear
That's an amazing beard you got. Looks to be well maintained too. The "head" hair will come in time :)
Wow! You have to grow that hair long dude, as with your beard it will be killer. One only needs to look at the mighty Oren to see how great it can look. Keep the faith and stay away from trims, long hair and beards are the perfect companions!
Oh, and welcome :))
Dave
Thank you Dave for the kind words. Yes, Oren has been an inspiration of mine for awhile, since I first met him on a beard forum. I hope to one day have hair as long as his.
Be well!!
Brian (beardedpiper)
Outstanding beard, and a great start towards long hair. I'm curious... why would your employer be okay with you having such a long beard, only to balk at long cranial hair? Either way, I hope you decide to keep 'em both growing.
Best regards,
Val
Hi Val,
Thanks for the kind words. Most people at work aren't real crazy about the beard, but so far they haven't made a big deal about it. I imagine at some point they are going to say something about having to look "professional". Until then, I'm going to let it grow.
Be well!!