new thread
Hi all. I'm going to go ahead and give a 5 month update, but will probably only do updates every two or three months from here on out. I'm going to keep a picture journal month by month of my progress though. I've really found this place to be such an inspiration. I can remember a few years back when I was growing out my beard, I went in for a haircut and told the lady I wanted to grow my hair long. I could tell she didn't like the beard and seemed opposed to the idea of me growing out my hair. She said it would never work, that it would look horrible. For some reason, I let that keep me from growing it out, but now I am on a mission. This is the longest my hair has been since I was very young. My wife is very supportive. She actually likes the idea. Anyway, thank you all for the inspiration. I can only hope to achieve a fraction of the success many of you have achieved. Thanks for any and all support.
Beardedpiper,
You need to remember the difference between *fact* and *opinion* ~ "your hair won't look good long" was one hairdresser's opinion. Don't let that stop you. If you want to grow your hair long, then GO FOR IT!!! It looks healthy and thick and has a nice color. Remember to take proper care of it, or else you will end up with damaged hair and split ends ~ and then you may have to have the ends trimmed and lose all that hair length and growing time. You are off to a very good start, and it's wonderful that your wife is supportive! :) Keep growing!
Magnificent beard, great texture and color. Together with your hair, as it grows, you will acquire a truly stunning look.
Awesome beard, I will probably grow my beard long once in my life.
Congratz on archieving a new lenght record with your hair. I'm sure it will turn out as nice as your beard. For you it will be easier to grow out your hair because you're already used to reactions from other people. A lot of people will tell you it won't work or they don't like it, part of growing your hair is doing what you want without caring what other people thing about it. Good luck and looking forward to your updates.
Hello Beardedpiper,
I think Laura is right. I think many people on this forum have probably been told that growing their hair and/or beard long wouldn't look great. Personally, there were a few people who thought me growing my hair was a bad idea, some pretty close to me, who wouldn't have me any other way now. It's all about self exploration. You'll never know how it'll turn out unless you have a go. Do whatever you feel is good for you. You're very lucky to have a wife who encourages you! Keep us posted on how you do.
Take care,
Neil
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Your beard is really nice. Long hair will go perfect with that beard. You should totally ignore what the woman at the salon said. In my honest opinion, she is nuts. Keep both of them growing.
Scott
A great update, and I'm astounded to think that ANYone would ever try to tell you that long hair would never look right for you; but leave it to a hair stylist to say a statement like that!
Funny, but I look at YOU as a source of encouragement and inspiration to someday grow out my beard long. You, Oren, Bill, and others have inspired me to open my mind to the possibility someday being just as hairy on my face as I am on top of my head (LOL).... I am taking baby steps to do so, in fact; but am ashamed to admit to having a tougher time of growing out my beard during the "awkward stages" than I did during my awkward hair times.
In any case, you certainly have my full support and encouragement to continue with your long hair journey without any second thoughts whatsoever -- and how wonderful to hear how supportive your wife is, it's about time we heard a positive story like that!
Keep on growing, beardedpiper, you have an awesome mane to work with!
"Onward & Downward!"
- Ken in San Francisco
Your hair's beautiful!!!! A readhead almost can't go wrong growing it out. ;p Well, good, actually, that you got an insult from someone first thing, as you can now lose no more time getting used to going against opinions that are in opposition to your own desires. If you're not meant to follow your desires I don't know what they're there for. The stylist didn't seem to realize you're a free individual and your ideas really aren't her business. I can't see you getting much opposition though. I think I remember now, some people saying the same thing to me, that my hair wouldn't look good long, before I grew it, I think because they can't imagine very well what isn't there yet. And yes, it did comfuse and repress me for a time too. Your desires don't go away though. They just haunt you more. People's opinions, or the people themselves, go away sometimes though. Hehe.
Nicely put-Great advice John C...I had the stupid excuses from people and family as to why my hair won't look good long...Dumb excuses like my hair will fall-out if I try to let it grow--and that hair only grows if you trim it often...The list is endless-however, I have proven everyone wrong and now with my hair and facial hair I look like Jesus or one of the apostles lol...And actually when someone says something negative I respond with Didn't all the men have long hair and beards in Bible times? ((This site was very inspirational when I had my moments of cutting off my hair-thanks John C. and all who kept me on track to keep growing my hair)
Beardedpiper, your hair will look awesome long, especially with that wicked beard - I absolutely guarantee you are doing the right thing buddy. Keep it growing, you will not regret it.
cheers Dave
Looking fabulous!!
The whole longhair/beard/moustache combo looks great.
- Oren
I'll join the ranks and say that I think the long hair will really suit you with your beard that way. Like you, I have a wife who is really encouraging to me, as well. What's really cool is that she might not even like all the hair, but she loves me more. When she really realized how much it meant to me, she was all for me going for the whole package. Can't even tell you how much that kind of selfless love and support means. Sounds like you've got a lady who is just about the same way, and that's great.
So, go for it and enjoy the journey!
Steve