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Hey Guys,
I've really enjoyed checking in here often. I would like to say thanks to everyone, especially the long time posters here who offer so much encouragement, great advice, and fun postings for everyone to enjoy!
I've only posted here once before,last summer,in July or August, and as you can see, I'm still toughing it out through the awkward stage, my hair grows slowly. I've been growing my hair for 16 months, from a very short haircut, with one "trim" (mistake!), about a year into it. I went to a salon and the stylist took off almost 2 inches from the back and sides. even though I was very careful to tell her what I wanted. Needless to say, I won't ever trust a stylist again! My hair hasn't been this long since I was 17 years old. My goal length right now is mid back. It's still dark in color, with very little gray, even though I'm 49 years old! I have very fine baby like hair, which is tricky to care for. The wind really picks it up and blows it into a crazy mess all the time, so I wear it tied in a bun most of the time, and I like wearing it that way. I do a lot of painting and carpentry, so it's easier for work too.
My take on the man bun is to leave the hairs at the back of the neck natural, and maintain heavy sideburns, I only trim the neck hairs a bit now and then, never shaving them. I think it looks natural and masculine that way, not manicured or fussy. I leave some hair loose behind the ears too, as it doesn't all fit in my hair tie yet, but I like having some of it loose anyway. I always mess up my hair a little just before I walk out the door (I really don't like it to look too perfect!), and I hit it with a little non aerosol spray, only Where I need it to hold still. I hope when it gets longer I can skip the spray, but I need something to control it a bit right now, especially if I'm meeting someone about work, so I look a bit more pulled together. ha ha ha.
The last photo is me with my short hair 16 months ago. I liked that haircut too, but I'm so much happier with long hair. I feel it represents more about who I am in some way. I can't believe it took me all this time to finally grow my hair, at near 50 years old! You guys on this board have definitely been a big inspiration, and an important part of my hair journey!!
Thank you!
Hi Joey, I definitely think your hair looks much better this way than 16 months ago. In the before pic, you're more like "some generic guy" to me (no offence), whereas now you seem to have a lot more character. You look more interesting, somehow, and I can definitely see why you think this look is more "you".
Keep up the growing work, I'm curious to see it further down the line!
Hi Mick, thanks very much. It is interesting how growing long hair affects the way you feel about your image, as well as your inner self. If nothing else having long hair shows commitment, and dedication in a way - a great thing to put out there, in a culture where everything is expected to be so immediate and disposable.
Here's my somewhat delayed photo numero 2.
Joey
Joey,
Your hair looks fantastic It looks like you are well on your way to "shoulder length and longer". Nice color and texture!
peace, jonalbear
Thanks very much, jonalbear you have an awesome look, and it's been nice reading your posts here. You rock, dude!
Joey
Nice update, Joey! I think you look better with long hair as well and cool mustache to fit your look. :) Good to see you on the board!
Thanks Mark! I've had the moustache for about 5 years now, every once in a while I think about losing it, and I shave it off, but I'm so used to it now I think I look weird without it, and grow it right back! My moustache grows crazy fast. I've been shaving every day since I was 16 years old. If I ever want a big wild beard, I can probably bang it out in no time!! ha ha ha
Hello Joey! I can certainly relate to having baby fine hair. It can certainly be a challenge at times! While I love wearing mine down when possible, placing it in a bun is a necessity for work, so I know what that's like as well. I guess the upside to fine hair is that it's easy to bun, as there's not a lot of volume to put up a fight. ;-)
Sorry to hear about your unfortunate encounter with the stylist. They're not all bad, but it can be a challenge at times to find a good one. My stylist does exactly what I ask of her and always errs on the side of not taking enough off. I feel fortunate to have found her.
As many of in the 50+ club will tell you, you're never too old to start! Good luck on your growing!
--Dale
Hey Dale, Thank you for the encouragement! I know there are trustworthy stylists out there, but the person that chopped my hair off really was someone I trusted. Next time, I'll try the self trim route, as I've cut my own shorter hair styles over the years, or ask around carefully for a recommendation from other long haired guys in my area about where to go.
The bun is a big help to keep it safely tucked away while I'm working. I definitely don't want my hair falling in my eyes if I'm working with power tools!
I wrap my hair up now when I'm doing a big carpentry project or rolling paint onto ceilings. On one big recent project, I kept getting tons of sawdust all through my hair and washing it every day after work - what a chore! I started wrapping up my hair with a tank top or "wife beater" t-shirt, which worked great because the ribbed fabric helps grip it onto your head. It was a bit bulky, so I cut the sleeves off the shirt and cut it on the side, so make a long rectangle of the t -shirt material. It works really great to safely protect your hair on the job, and you can rock some cool urban turban looks with it, and work in style! Mine is navy blue. I used to use bandannas, but they always slip off, so I like my new idea better.
Excellent progress! I would never guess you are 50! Thanks for sharing your ideas with hairstyles. I especially like your idea of the "man bun."
Cheers,
rowie
Thanks rowie, I can't believe my own age either (It's 49 though, the big 50 isn't till next year!)
The man bun has served me well, I like it better than a ponytail for my hair length. My tail is only about 4 inches, so it looks better in a bun at this point. I like a good ponytail once there's some real length to it, especially when it's worn low at the base of the neck, with the hair a little bit slack, not pulled too snug.
Looking good Joey! Glad to have you with us.
- Oren
Thanks Oren, you are a real inspiration! This board has been a fun part of my hair journey, and it's been good to read your wise words here.
Joey