new thread
Well, it's about that time. Some people *coughTedcough* have been hinting that I should do another update so I figured that now is as good a time as any. It was roughly a year ago when last shears touched my head. I don't remember the exact date because another momentous occasion occurred in close proximity, my release from the Navy. I count July 12th as the day when I was freed and my hair was truly safe, but it was around this time that the last cut was perpetrated. I've had a lot of fun since then, not to mention a few frustrations, but all in all it's been good.
I've learned a lot about hair, more than I wanted to know, perhaps. I actually know what conditioner does now, and why you shouldn't use a blow drier. I notice things about hair more often now, like when actresses are clearly wearing wigs in movies, or when someone's hair is physically impossible in cartoons and the like.
My little brother decided to join me about six months in. I didn't even talk to him about it, he just decided that he wasn't getting a hair cut with the rest of the family.
I got a job building truck bed covers and no one even mentioned my hair. I've also seen a few other longhairs around the factory floor, including a fellow with a pencil thin tail past his shoulders that utilizes only the hair on the top of his head, everything else being shaved. I haven't the heart to ask him about it...
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Without this board I don't think I would have had such a good time on this journey.
Anyway, the top row is my hair after two days of benign neglect. The middle row is what it looks like after I've been at work all day. The bottom row is a "straight out of the shower" shoot, for showing length.
Hi Septet,
Thanks so much for this update! I really love your curly hair and the rich color! Your beard is awesome as well! You certainly have been doing something right! I was so happy to get on the computer this morning to see your update! I am glad to hear your brother is joining the ranks of longhaired guys-and without persuasion from you! Awesome!
I must say you remind me of the late Brad Delp-the bad ass singer of my favorite band Boston! Here is a pic of him.
Hope you have a wonderful week my friend! Please stay well and keep that beautiful mane growing!
Ted
Thanks Ted, you're not looking too bad yourself!
I must say, I didn't expect a Boston reference today. Well done. I'm going to have to get downright esoteric the next time I compare you to someone.
Hi Septet,
I much appreciate your kind remarks my friend! I thought you would get a kick out of that photo! I sure hope there isn't anyone out there that looks like me! I feel sorry for them! You go with your esoteric self! Hehe.
Great week to you bud! Take care!
Ted
What a great update and really fun (and enlightening!) read, thanks for sharing all of the details, not to also mention the terrific pics!
AH, the Navy...
My dad was in the US Navy during WW2, stationed over in the Pacific (New Guinea and the Philippines). When I came of age to possibly join, I definitely thought about it; but because my dad had insisted upon me and my brothers having military-style haircuts all during our childhood and into our teen years, I voted not to go that route as an adult (even though I understand the Navy's reasoning behind short haircuts). I have great admiration for anyone who has served in the military, though; so I hope you can visualize my virtual salute to you!!
Again, thanks for sharing your pics and your story, I really enjoyed your post!
- Ken in San Francisco
My dad always wanted to get into the Navy, but he had a heart murmur so it was a no go. Oddly enough, he never made me get my hair cut when I was younger. That would be my mother, who always insisted we look "nice", whatever that means.
I didn't really suit the Navy, or it didn't suit me, however you want to see it. I'm not sorry I went in, but I'm not sorry I got out, either. I always feel uncomfortable when people thank me for serving. I don't feel like I did anything worth comment, let alone praise.
In any case, thank you for the compliments.
I have to disagree. The bottom line is you did serve in the navy and for that we should thank you for your service.
And yes you can look nice with long hair.
Great update! It's cool to see your hair in its various states. Your hair has such character to it with its curls that will become more wavy as it gains length and weight.
Good to hear that your job isn't presenting any problems either. I feel like as a society progess is being made. I saw a commercial last night featuring guy with hair touching his shoulders. This would have been almost unheard of 20 years ago.
Thank you! It always seems like my hair isn't growing, until I get it wet and it suddenly doubles in length. Once it dries it climbs back up my neck and huddles there. It sure has a lot of life for something that's technically dead!
I know what you mean about commercials. I saw a car commercial that had both a longhair and a guy with visible tattoos! You NEVER see that, except in ads for tattoo parlors. (And ads for laser tattoo removal, I guess...)
Congratulations on reaching 1 year(ish). I have a supreme amount of respect for you...it seems to me that growing out curly hair must be the hardest because of how unruly it is during the awkward stage, plus to actually see progress it takes so much longer!
I grew my goatee out for 9 months a couple years ago but I don't think it was anywhere near your beard length, that is impressive!
-Tommy
It is frustrating at times. My brother has much straighter hair, and he's always jibing me about it. About five minutes ago he came into my room and we had the following "conversation":
Brother: "Hey! Guess what?"
Me: "What?"
Brother: *points at his head* "Straight hair!" *runs off giggling*
Beards are strange creatures, even moreso than manes. They're quite coarse, even with proper care. Mine isn't quite as old as my mane, I think I started it about nine months ago. It's the mustache that bothers me the most. I used to shave it above the lip so it wouldn't get in my mouth, but I decided that I wanted to try a Fu Manchu. It probably won't look too good on me, I have rather Nordic features, but you never know until you try! As soon as the mustache gets long enough, I'll shave off the sides of the goatee and see how it looks.
Cool hair and awesome beard. The on top of the head thing is really cool. If I tried that I'd look like Pebbles from The Flintstones (not a good thing for a grown man). It looks great on you!
Thank you for the kind words.
Properly wearing a topknot is all about placement. You don't want it on the very top of your head, that will make you look like Cyndi-Lou Who. (Who is no more than two.) You want to put it on the forward-most edge of your crown. The crown is the part of your head where the top slopes down and becomes the back, if you didn't know. You should try it, it's quite an impressive style. I got hooked on it from watching a lot of samurai films. I almost have enough length to do a proper topknot, instead of the extremely high ponytail I've been doing. Soon...
Looking super!! Congrats
- Oren
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I especially like the way your hair looks in the top 3 images. At this stage, slicking it down does not look all that good. Curly hair is a real challenge to grow out.
Scott
Hi Septet,
You are blessed with the most wonderful head of thick, curly hair. Although curly hair can be frustrating to grow, it can look awesome if grown super long, and I hope that you keep up the good work with the growing! Also, good luck to your brother wih his hair as well.
Keep it growing,
David
Your hair is looking great ! Can't wait for your hair to grow longer . Long curly hair is awesome and will look great on you.
Keep on growin'