new thread
So it's been a really long time since I've posted here. I don't know if a lot of you even remember me. If not, I'll introduce myself. I've been growing my hair out for almost 8 years now. I run, coach track, and dabble in gymnastics. So a lot has changed since last time I was here. I'm now a high school physics teacher and am working on finishing up my master's degree. I also bought a house and am getting married in November. My hair's been about waist length for the last 3 years or so. I wear it tied back in a segmented ponytail about 95% of the time. I almost never wear it down. This has led me to start thinking about cutting my hair. I like it, but it really is becoming much of a hassle. I'm thinking about how much easier it would be to have short hair. I think a big part about it is that my hair has kind of become my identity for a lot of people. I still like long hair and how it looks, it's just that I can't ever seem to wear it down. It's either too hot, too windy, or just gets in the way while I'm moving around. I'd like to know what you guys think. I'm obviously not cutting it on a whim and have been thinking about this seriously for over a month already. My fiancé hasn't even known me with short hair and really likes my long hair, but thinks I should do whatever would make me happy. I just thought I'd put that out there so you don't think she's influencing me to get it cut. It's nice to see a lot of positive posts and good updates from both familiar faces and new faces.
Mark Shelton of Manilla Road and me with my hair tied back.
A recent shot of me with my hair down.
Hey, Garth,
I personally think your hair looks great. Cutting it? Not if it were me. Mine is about an inch or two shorter than yours and every time I think of cutting it, I'm reminded of how long it took to get to this point in the first place. Especially if your girl likes it--leave it alone!
Steve
Thanks. Like I mentioned, I'm not planning on doing anything really soon.
I think your hair looks great, it would be a shame to cut it.
But ultimately it is your hair and your decision.
Personally I would not cut my hair, after 49 years my long hair
is my identity.
I almost always wear my hair down and loose, the only time
I wear it in a pony tail/braid/pig tail/bun is to prevent damage
from wind/storms/or something it can get damaged from.
I guess you could say you're teaching the physics of growing your hair long.
Thanks. All the students know me as the teacher with long hair. I think they might not even recognize me if I cut it.
I know the last decision will be up to you , but please don't cut.
You have wonderful, healthy hair.
It suits great on you.
Your wife loves it.
It seems like you have no problems on having long hair & work .
Then why would you cut it ?
Please don't cut it.
I explained about the difficulty it presents and hassle. I have to wear it tied back so often, which makes all the hassle seem very pointless. I'm not doing anything right away, I've just been thinking about it. Thanks for your feedback.
Simply put Garth... Damn!,, you hair has gotten soooooo long man! It looks great!
Thanks!
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Your hair looks great, Garth. Don't cut it. Your hair looks perfect.
Scott
Thanks Scott. I like how it looks. It's just becoming more of a hassle than it's worth. I'm not going to do anything soon. It's just something that is in my thoughts for the future.
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Have you tried a segmented tail? For you hair length, about 7 or 8 hair ties should work, even in windy conditions.
Scott
When I tie my hair back, I always have my hair in a segmented pony tail. Otherwise it gets tangled.
Hey Garth,
As always, it's your hair. You are the one to ultimately decide hat to do. Since you asked for opinions, here's mine: Don't cut your hair! It looks great! Why not start wearing your hair down? So it blows in the wind; for me that's part of the joy of being a longhair. Put your hair in a ponytail and put it under the back of your shirt when you have to be out and about or in school. When you're at home or out in more informal settings let your hair go free.
Consider: eight (8) years ago you decided to become a longhair. You doubtless endured ribbing from people whom you knew as your hair grew longer. You felt a rush as you saw your hair grow longer and longer and passed various milestones. If being a longhair is part of your identity you will not be happy with short hair. If inconvenience is the issue there are ways to deal with your hair so that it will be less inconvenience but you will still have your hair.
Your onghaired bro,
Raymond
Thanks Raymond. I guess I'm lucky. I never got any sort of ribbing from anyone. Everyone's always been supportive of me.
The last time that I had long hair, back the in the early 90s, it rarely came out of the ponytail except at night. So this time, I swore that I would wear it down all the time. My hair's not quite waist length now.
I keep a tieback on my wrist and put it into a slip loop as needed. ie - start it like a ponytail, but only pull part way through on the last loop. It's basically an easy release knot. It eats up an amazing amount of length.
Today, when it was windy, I went to run errands. When I got to Target, I looped it, which takes maybe two seconds. The minute that I got inside, I pulled it free and gave it a shake and it's down again. Repeat to walk back to the car and then to go to the next store.
It doesn't really take any time, and it lets me keep my hair down most of time while keeping it safe from the weather or activity where I want it out of my face.
I generally wear it loose 90% of the time. I'll tie it in a pony
tail/braid/pig tail/bun when it is stormy or i'm doing something that could damage the hair. But it will only be restrained when
i'm outside. Once i get int the car/in the store/in the office/etc. I let my hair go loose. My hair is long and after 49 years I refuse to hide it unless absolutely necessary.
I almost always have a segmented pony tail because it gets tangled any other way. I have pretty fine hair and I have to be really careful with it. Thanks for the input Antinous.
Oh, your hair is just great! It looks beatiful, and it really suits you. It looks really as a part of your personality.
I don't think you should cut any inch of it. Although it's your hair and it's only you who can decide what makes you happy. I don't know how is it to handle long hair, as mine is just at the shoulder-blade length. And I wear it loose all the time, it doesn't bother me at all. If you decide to cut it, maybe you shouldn't come to a short side at once. Choose a shorter length, when the hair still remains long, but is easier to maintain.
Thanks.
Serge.
Thanks Serge. That's something I've thought about too. Cutting it to mid back so I don't have to segment the pony tail and could wear it down it I like. Right now, it goes everywhere if I have it down. That includes into food, my belt, my zipper, and I have to be very careful when lifting the seat on toilet. Those are the sorts of problems that really annoy me. Lately I've been wearing it tied back more and more. So I think it's a gradual thing that my hair just isn't as important to me as it used to be.
I have to disagree. After 49 years my long hair is as important to me today as it has ever been. (The late 60s probably would have been a close second. After 49 years i've never grown tired of it, and the extra work is well worth it.
We aren't the same person. I didn't say your hair isn't important to you. I said MY hair just isn't as important to ME as it used to be.
I wish I had hair like yours.
Long hair can be a hassle at times. Combing and washing can be a pain, but I can't complain about it getting in my way since there's several ways of securing it. If I really need it out of my way I will put it in a bun.
If you are dead-set on cutting then I would recommend just trimming an inch or two off to see how you feel about it. If you're like me you will regret it the next day. If it were my hair I would leave it as it is.
I frequently get trims of 2"-3" and I barely notice it. It just makes the ends feel a little nicer. I think I'd have to get 6 or more taken off for it to make any real difference. I am thinking about taking off 8" and see how that goes. Trim it back gradually instead of all at once. I'm not doing anything any time soon. These are just some thoughts I've been having.
For goodness sake don't go short. Long hair has too long been a part of your personality and you do not want to lose that.
If you must trying shortening slightly, go to no less than shoulder blade length, have a couple of intermediate stages to see what suits you. It should be more manageable without losing its essential quality.
We read too often of people being forced to cut because of job and other pressures, you have good job, house and are getting married - with your hair intact, don't throw that away.
Long hair is not a part of my personality. It is a part of my appearance or possibly how people identify me. If I cut my hair, I'm still the exact same person, just with shorter hair. I'm thinking of doing something shorter but still "long" by most standards. Maybe something mid back to see how it goes. I'm not doing anything soon, but the thoughts are in my mind. Thanks.
Hi Garth,
First of all, let me thank you for the update! It certainly sounds like you have been busy! I must say I am very impressed with everything you're doing! A long haired Physics teacher? I mean, how cool is that? And a Master's degree? Holy Sh*t! And certainly I congratulate you and your fiancee on your wedding plans! That is awesome man! And also buying a house? I am so happy to hear of all this good news!
Now to the hair! I must say that I absolutely love your hair! The color and straightness are just awesome my friend! I am very happy to hear your fiancee likes your hair long. I do suspect that she would also appreciate your hair if it was short. You would definitely look just fine with short hair! However, you must understand I am slightly biased towards long hair:) Of course, whatever you decide to do it's your hair. And it can always grow back if you wanted. I just can't wait to get to your length!
I hope you and your fiancee have a wonderful weekend! I always like when members post after a long absence. Please take of yourselves!
Ted
Thanks Ted. I really like it when I'm acknowledged as a person and not just a head of hair. It kind of bugs me when people react like I'm talking about suicide when I'm just talking about cutting off some of my hair. Having to wear my hair back all the time feels like having a sports car that's not street legal, so you can only use it a couple times a year. Thanks for the input!
For a minute there I thought that was the great Klaus Meine from the Scorpions band! Kind of looks like him.
Ted
Dammit! I inserted the wrong pic! Please excuse my ignorance! @!*& *&%$## @#!^%!
Ted
I was thinking, "Aren't I a little young to look like him?"
so what's wrong with a ponytail? wear it down when you're home or in a casual setting, wear the ponytail when you're at work or active. if you can have that length for three year and still be athletic, you're doing something right. do you really want 3 years of growth to go away that quickly, knowing how well you've maintained it and how long it took to grow it?
If I wear it in a pony tail all the time, there's no reason for it to be waist length. My hair's really fragile, so I have to be really careful with it. That's mostly where the problem lies. It's a bit like having a car that's spotless and you're so worried about it getting a scratch that you never drive it. I'm not doing anything soon, but I've been thinking about it more and more.
Hi Garth,
Sure I remember you even though its been some time since you posted here.First off congratulations on all your achievements in life as that is fantastic!And a Physics teacher with long hair?I'd go to class just to see that every day:)
Now I have to comment on the sad part of your post about you know what:( You have phenominal long hair with "to die for" length:)It looks in fabulous condition which makes all those positives far outweigh the negatives.I hear ya about having to tie back the hair while outdoors as I'm in the same boat. Still I love it too much to contemplate going with short hair.Frankly I'm so used to dealing with the length its all second nature for me when I have to restrain it.I work outdoors a lot in the heat of the summer and cold of the winter and manage to survive those extremes with longhair.Please give it some hard thought as at the very least you could cut it back a bit shorter, but still have it long:)Anyway please keep us updated but hopefully you reconsider.Cheers my friend and good luck with your life as your on the right track.
Mârk
Thanks Mark. The heat is the worst. It's like a scarf and a winter cap when my hair's down. It's going to be a while before I do anything with it, but I've started thinking about it more and more.
Since you are a high school physics teacher, your hair is the perfect prop for:
centrifugal force
rotational inertia
inertia in general
static electricity
air pressure?
If you have had it that long for that long and could go through daily life like that, there really is no true inconvenience because you have already adapted your daily routine for caring for your hair.
I have adapted my schedule to accommodate driving through rush hour to get to class. That doesn't mean it's not an inconvenience. Thanks for the input. I actually did a problem using windmill head banging and tangential velocity.
For me long hair is now so much of my identity that the extra time
needed to take care of it is well worth it. Especially on a hot summer day when i'm walking around in cut off shorts, no shirt,
and my hair cascading down my back. I love having long hair even after all these years and enjoying that long hair makes the extra time very well worth it.
Cutting my hair would be like cutting off my left arm or right leg.
So for me at the ripe old age of 58 my hair will remain long until the day i die.
Hey Garth;
Great to see your post and update. You are looking fit and happy; and of course your hair is fantastic.
At some point most of us consider a change which is a good thing to do in life, but so very permanent with haircuts. Do not forget the "Two Week Rule", meaning, do not do anything for two weeks while you think and rethink the situation.
Glad you stopped by and please keep us updated on your situation.
Thanks for Sharing
Walter
Thanks Walter. I've been thinking about this already for more than a month. It's still going to be a while before I do anything. You don't have long hair for over 7 years and then just cut it off on a whim.
Congrats on your goals and to be married soon. :) Awesome hair brother, but instead of going short...what about a shorter length of long hair like to your shoulder blades or mid back? Would be easier to take care of and less hassle overall.
Thanks Mark. Yeah I'm starting to think that if I do anything it will be just taking a foot or so off. That way if I change my mind I'm still way past the awkward phase. I'm not going to do anything real soon, I've just really been thinking about it lately.
Hi Garth,
Welcome back to the hyperboard, of course I remember you, and congrats on all of the good things that have gone on in your life.
You have a wonderful head of straight and healthy hair, and of course what you choose is entirely up to you, but it would be a shame to cut such excellent hair. Hopefully, when you make any decison, you will think long and hard before doing anything that you may regret later.
Take care, and good luck,
David
Thanks David. I think the decision will probably take a really long tome to make. After having long hair for so long, cutting it isn't going to happen on a whim.
Hi Garth! :)
First off, congrats on all the blessings in your life recently... Life sure seems to be smiling to you, my friend... And that you deserve :)
As for your hair... My god, I love it! And just like Ted, I might not be the most subjective when it comes to hair, but hey... I totally understand that it gets in the way when being active with sports, so instead of cutting it all off, why not take the middle road, and cut it shoulder length? In the worst case scenario, you are still annoyed by it, and cut it all off later on :)
Give it some more thought, buddy! That is one awesome mane you are considering chopping off!
Thanks Raul. Haven't seen you before. Welcome to the board. I'm thinking if I do cut it, that's the route I'll go. If I regret it and want my hair back, it won't take that long to grow back and I won't have to go through the awkward phase again.
Hello Garth! While I think your hair looks amazing, I can understand why you may be thinking of going to something shorter, perhaps shoulder to mid-back length. If you have fine or easily damaged hair, day-to-day life can be a real bitch at times. Long hair looks best when worn loose, but if your situation precludes wearing it that way most of the time, then why bother having it so long? Hopefully something a bit shorter but still long by most people's standards would get you back to where you can enjoy it more.
Thanks for the update, and please let us know what you ultimately decide.
--Dale
Dale's Facebook Page
Thanks Dale. It's good to hear people understanding my complaints. My hair is quite thin and gets easily damaged and tangled. I'm also really careful about keeping my hair looking really nice so it does make it really difficult to wear down. I'm thinking at least cutting it back so it's more manageable, but still long. It's still tough to do, just because I've had it so long for such a long period of time.
I think your hair looks awesome worn straight down or pulled back. I sure never had a teacher who looked like you! You're a good looking man. Boy, I understand what you're saying, but I would be hesitant to cut it too much. Congratulations, by the way, for all the good things that are going on in your life.
Thanks!
Lookin' terrific there, Garth, thanks so much for the update on how you're doing, including your insightful comments!
Here's a thought re. what I consider to be an ideal solution to your hair length dilemma, including how to more or less arrive at a feeling of "compromise":
Try your hair in a bun during the daytime (whether at work, during exercising, or just having fun on a day off). For me, it gives me the sense of freedom, containment, & control that I used to have back in the day of when my hair was shorter; yet whenever I'm in the mood to wear it down, braid it, or put it into a segmented ponytail to better show it off than a bun does, it's a joy to suddenly have all that length instantly back on my head again...
Seriously, once I learned how to master making a bun, I found it to be such a quick & easy thing to do in the morning. There are even several different ways to "style" it -- although I find the quickest and least bizarre-looking to be just to twist the hair around & around like a tornado, followed by coiling it all together with the help of a hair-tie.
Locating the final wrap spot, -- where to place the bun precisely on your own head during the beginning stages of learning how to do a bun that looks decent -- my personal opinion is that the lower in back that a bun is placed (within reason), the more masculine-looking it appears on a man.
Women (as well as ancient civilizations depicting men) for years have relied on the practicality, ease, and comfort of wearing their hair in a bun whenever needing to go about their daily business. In my own experience also I've found it gives me both freedom when I need it, and the luxury of long locks when I want it -- in other words, so-to-speak, "the best of both worlds!"
I hope the above suggestion helps you decide in favor of keeping your beautiful long hair!
- Ken in San Francisco
I generally wear my hair down and loose 90% of the time. I'll
pony tail it/braid it/bun it/pig tail it when it is very windy/
storming/or doing something that could potentially damage the hair.
I hate haveng it tied up/restained, I enjoy it much more with
it loose and down.
I know exactly how you feel. My hair's a few inches longer than yours and I tend to wear it in a either a braid or a bun most of the time and hardly ever seem to get the chance to wear it loose any more.
I've recently moved home and have joined two new badminton clubs and also get out on my bike more often, so I find I'm having to wash my hair more often and that's a bit of a pain. The new season starts up in a few weeks' time, and with any luck, I'll be playing a couple of matches a week on top of the club nights, which isn't ideal in terms of haircare when your hair reaches halfway to your knees, so I'll probably have to make a decision on whether or not to have a trim soon too.
Thanks. It's good hearing other people understand my complaints. This hot humid summer makes it impossible to wear my hair down. Best of luck in your matches.
Thanks, Garth. I'm having to compete for a team place against players who are less than half my age - in fact, I have a racquet that's older than one of the current team members! Still, someone has to keep the young whippersnappers on their toes.