Hello, Brothers...
Thanks to all of you for the inspiration, mutual encouragement and helpful tips and this board.
I've been growing my hair out gradually over five years, since I retired from the US Air Force. I've cut or trimmed from time to time but it's always, inexorably growing longer. My hair seems to grow fast and thick.
I'm 56 years old; I'm an American living and professionally employed in Gold Coast, Australia.
My hair isn't always as 'poufy' as it looks in the photo; the effect is exaggerated because I washed it this morning and it's been raining here all day, so humidity is 90-something percent.
I colour my hair regularly; the colour you see is not far from my original hair colour, a bit lighter. I've been contemplating lightening the colour considerably to avoid that marked contrast in the regrowth a few weeks after colouring.
To keep my hair from getting too dry, I try not to wash more than twice a week and I seldom blow-dry. I occasionally condition between shampoos. I use Argan Oil near-daily.
My immediate hair growth goal is a little ambiguous. I don't have a specific length in mind, only that I want it long enough that I can tie it back (as I often do at work, or to keep my hair out of the way when bicycling or boating) without pulling it tightly. I don't mind tying it back at times. But because when I do I have to pull it back tightly, when I release it it's lost its natural curliness (until the next washing). I'd like to be able to tie it back loosely to avoid that syndrome, and I'm guessing it will take a few more inches of length, probably a bit beyond shoulder length before I can do it.
ANyway, best wishes to all of you here; again thanks for the community you provide.
Don
Welcome to the MLHH !!
You will find this to be a friendly group of folks offering advice and encouragement. Glad you found us.
I always love seeing ex military guys (I was USAF also) enjoying the longhair journey.
Thanks for joining us and Thanks for Sharing
WWT (Walter White Tail)
Dear Ted and Walter,
Thanks for the welcome and the encouragement! Point taken on the colour. I started three years or so back because I knew I would be looking for work in the my mid-fifties and wanted to appear more youthful. If I had it to do again, I probably wouldn't. But now that I've been colouring, in order to stop (and not look REALLY bad) I would have to submit to a very short haircut. And I'm enjoying the long hair, so...will keep colouring for now! (Lessons learnt.) At least I have a very good, professional hairdresser who is knowledgable about colour and its dangers and whom I trust to advise me! When I started going to her a few months back and told her of my hair growth goals, she was very encouraging, unlike others who just wanted to start snipping away. Oy!
Nu, a restful weekend to all, and thanks again...
Don
Hi Don,
Welcome to the board! Your hair is looking great! I know what you mean about the poufiness. My favorite day is a few days after washing. Coloring is a personal preference. I don't do it. However, if you color I would recommend researching the products to prevent damage. Your color looks great though. Your wash schedule sounds good to me.
Your length goal sounds good to me. You may even want to grow it longer. I think maybe your goal would put you between shoulder and mid-back length. Please keep your hair growing and flowing! I look forward to your future updates and hope you have a great week my friend!
Ted