new thread
Hi all,
Still hanging around, some great updates lately!
I've been growing my hair for 41 months now, yikes!
Some possibly dissapointing news..but not dissapointing for me.
I am planning on getting a major trim very soon, for a few reasons.
More than half the length of my hair is becoming more and more unmanageable. Being so thick, fine and wavy, with the hours I work it is taking too much time to look after each day, I get up at 5 and it takes 15-20 minutes to detangle each day. I am finding myself on some occasions getting really frustrated and just forcing the detangling comb through, it's annoying me so much. This didn't happen a year or so ago. It's the older growth that is really the problem.
Washing is almost an all day project for me, I don't blow dry it, so even in summer it takes up nearly half my Saturday to continually finger comb it every half hour or so as it dries, to prevent tangles and make it look less "rough". I like my Saturdays for leisure not chores!
Also, there are now a lot of split/dry ends. I put this down to not treating it well initially a few years ago. I used to use lots of very strong gel daily for about the first 18 months. I can see the difference in the quality of the hair in the photos I take, the older hair is starting to look not nearly as good as the newer growth. Also when I look back on photos from 2 years ago, although it wasn't nearly as long the quaility of my hair was much better.
I also coloured it a few times. Although I like the colour I dyed it, I want all my hair to be it's natural colour from now on. The semi permanent colour never realy faded at all like I thought it would so now my hair is sort of two tone! Half natural, and half reddish looking. It's been 18 months since I coloured it.
I only wash once a week and always condition, so I've been doing all the right things by my hair for a couple of years now-except the frustrated comb forcing of late.
So while I have really enjoyed my hair being down my back for the last 2 years or more, and the joy it has bought me, I would now like the freedom to take it back to around just above shoulder length, possibly even a bit higher up (gasp). This would eliminate all the old dye colour,the damaged/split/broken ends, and make my daily routine a lot easier. I have thought about this for a few months now and have decided this is the best thing to do, for a time at least.
I will keep it all one length as I prefer to do, and if the mood fancies me I may just let it grow longer again. It grows very fast. Here is a pic of what I want again, from around 2 yrs ago, pic is almost a bob cut, I might leave it slightly longer that this but will see. I actually really like this length anyway, butt length isn't for everyone, especially with the reasons I have at this time in my life:
So sorry to dissapoint anyone, it will still be long by the "normal" standards, and I will be staying away from harsh gels and products as much as possible too. Also, I won't be going through the awkward stage for long as I will be having it at a point where I can do a ponytail still, or at least not far off it, so if I do decide to let it grow longer again It won't seem to take so long.
Most importantly for me, It will help make my life easier for a time and it is what I need right now. My partner has not been well and I myself have a few health issues I'm working on at since start of this year, (hypertension, anxiety, ongoing depression etc)
Again sorry if I dissapoint anyone, but I'm don't feel I'll have any regrets, I've thought about it for some time, my hair will still be long(ish),and the option is there for me to grow my hair back really long in not too much time, avoiding most of the awkward stage due to the sort trim I will be getting.
Thanks for all your support and good luck in YOUR journeys!
Take care all, I'll be around! Hope you can understand.
Here is the link to my YOUTUBE, which I will keep open.
You might need to copy/paste to your browser. No it's not a suspect link it's the real deal!
http://www.youtube.com/user/menshairfan?feature=mhee
I'm also on photobucket, just go via the photo links above to get there.
MattT
I know it can be disappointing for some people, but you're the one who has to do the daily maintenance. You've got very good reasons for cutting it shorter, and luckily hair grows back!
I know, thanks! It was much easier to look after at the length in the pic.
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Matt,
I was dismayed to wake up and see your post. First of all, let me send thoughts and prayers to you and your partner for good health and well being. As a person with kidney disease who goes to dialysis 3 times per week I think I understand. Not every day is going to be great.
As for your hair, I absolutely love everything about it! You have thickness that some people would love to have. However, that being said, you need to do what you want to do. If your hair is not as enjoyable to you at this length, you need to make it enjoyable again. Your hair will still look lovely at the length you propose! As long as you are happy, that is all that matters. Please take of yourselves and get well soon!
Ted
Thanks for the kind words Ted, planing on looking after myself a lot better now.
Merry Christmas,
Matt
Hi Matt,
You and yours have a very Christmas and Happy New Year!
Ted
Hi MattT,
Thanks for the comprehensive update which definately reveals the ups and downs you've had.In regards to your hair I fully understand your reasoning for the trim and like you mentioned growing it longer again is an option.You already have the baseline down so it shouldn't be a big deal.Likely the older hair is in bad shape from your earlier use of product and dying so in a way it will only benefit in the long run.So don't fret as I support your decision and also hope life in general improves for you my friend.Take care of yourself,enjoy the holidays,and by all means keep checking in from time to time:)
Mârk
Thanks Mark, yes I think this will be a good thing, while I sort my priorities out!
Tahke care and Merry Christmas,
MattT
Matt, a "follicle endowed" fellow like you are will always sport a great mane!
Best wishes to you and your partner in overcoming these issues.
- Oren
Cheers Oren, have a great Christmas too!
MattT
Hi Matt - I know my response is late, due to me being away on holidays ... I fully understand ALL your reasons for cutting your hair shorter: ( I am a cancer survivor myself ) - good luck with you & your partners health challenges ... the knots issue - it is a pain for me too - if u have not cut your hair already = may I suggest a large paddle brush instead of a wide-toothed comb: ( it is my de-tangler of choice ) + re your damaged ends & mid lengths - may I suggest a monthly coconut oil treatment & leave it in for 3 days if you can + try some up styles to minimize knots - just trying to help if I can, cheers CEM. :O)
