new thread
I have reason to believe that I've reached my own personal terminal length. For those who are unfamiliar with the term "terminal length", it simply means the maximum length that one can physically achieve (due to the combination of genetics and one's age -- younger people being able to grow their hair to longer lengths than us old geezers can).
I'll talk more about this topic later; but for now, I'd like to share some additional recent pics I took in front of a mirror that was large enough to fit me (LOL)!
This pic was taken just 2 days ago (as well as all other pics of me wearing this green shirt and standing in front of this big mirror). The photos that follow will include other shots of how my hair currently looks, as seen from other angles & different poses that best show what my maximum length is like...
- Ken
Same day, same hair, same old geezer showing off his hair...
A word of advise to the young wannabe longhairs:
If you're thinking of growing your hair out, but haven't yet because of self-imposed obstacles (yes, I do realize that unfortunately sometimes there are real obstacles in life), don't delay, start your hair-farming project NOW!!!!
As a kid my brothers and I were not allowed to grow long hair in my dad's house; but once I left home at age 18 and stated earning my own money and living in my own place, I immediately grew my hair to "long-ISH"... And yet I didn't have the inner strength to endure outside criticism of having truly long hair until I reached my 40th birthday -- when I finally allowed it to grow long enough to tie all back into a ponytail.
DON'T WAIT UNTIL YOU'RE 40!!! (or 50 or 60 or 70 or 80.....), Grow it NOW!!!!!
I'm 59 years old right now (actually due to have my 60th birthday next week!); but had I grown my hair out when I was much younger (as I wished I had), I know it would have been both much longer and much fuller back when I was in my 20s and 30s (one of my aunts on my mother's side of the family had knee-length hair, for example, until she cut it short after she turned 50).
You're never too old to grow your hair long; but to enjoy it long when you're young, you get to experience "the Whole Enchilada" (so-to-speak - LOL)!
Take care -- and thanks in advance to any and all who have taken the time to look at these pics and to read my little narratives.
Long Lox 4ever,
Ken in San Francisco
Your hair looks great. I love the grey hair (i'm biased on that since I have tons of grey hair.) I also love the length.
The echo your comments, if you want to want to grow your hair you
should do it today. Don't wait. You never know what tomorrow will bring. I just found out another friend from college
died of breast cancer. With her death that brings alot of friends
have died in the last few months. (She is the fourth one since
February.)
Thanks for your reply, Mr. Albany!
I'm so sorry to hear of you losing so many friends. I think it might be an age-group generational sort of thing, though, as I've also lost some long-time dance friends in the past 2 years -- and we are approximately the same age.
In any case, back to hair...
YES, as you say above, you never know what tomorrow may bring; so if there's something burning deep within your heart that you wish to do (like grow your hair out before you die), then for Heaven's sake, by all means do it now, don't delay another year or 2, because 10 years may sneak up on you and then you'll realize you wished you had followed through on it earlier!
Life is precious, and all too short; so pursue you dreams, whether big or small!!
- Ken
You're welcome.
Two of them were indivisuals that I knew from college (70s)
The other two i met shortly after college.
Absolutely.
Hi Ken and as always fabulous hair! I love your narratives as you just have a way with words my friend:) You hit the nail right on the head with your assessment as I can honestly say I did start growing my hair long in my early 20s and am thankful I did.What's more I never cut it short ever since so my hair has been in some long state over 25 years now.I look back with amazement that my mane survived the test of time and no one ever succeeded in prodding me to cut it short.They never would have because I'm sooooo stubborn I would have dug my heels in down all the way to China;) Thanks for posting you magnificent pics and as the saying goes.....Onward and Downward!!!!Cheers
Mârk
Hey Mark,
Thanks so much for your great reply!!
As far as being stubborn goes, when it comes to keeping one's hair long, then I say stubbornness is a GOOD thing!!!! (Go ahead, be stubborn -- I'm right there right alongside there with you!!)
I'm really looking forward to your visit out West here in September... Let's take some outdoor hair pics of each other, so we can torture MLHH with lots & lots of hairy photos!
Later, 'gator!
- Ken
Hi Ken, thanks for the pics your hair looks really good! I totally agree about don't wait till you are 40 or 50 etc. I am 50 ,and although I have had it longish before, only started growing my hair out 2 years ago with the intention of reaching a really good length. Wish I had done it years ago. Lance
Thanks for the nice reply, Lance!
Yes, easy to feel that regret that we wish we had grown the hair out when we were younger; but the good news is that at least we're growing it long NOW.... We can't change the past, but whatever we decide to do in the present moment to make us happier in the future, at least we're "on track" and finally doing what's right for us to be as individuals!
Have a great day, Lance, and thanks again for the reply!!
- Ken
Not quite butt-length (I'm unable to sit on my own hair, for example, much as I've tried to - LOL); but the longest strands do reach below my belt, including the bravest of these longest few that actually scrape the top part of my butt -- a new sensation for me whenever I take a shower nowadays!
A good way to tell if you think you might be nearing your own terminal length is if you notice a thinner /sparser amount of hair at the bottom (AKA "hem line"). Also if your growth rate appears to have noticeably slowed down or even stopped altogether, this is very tell-tale.
- Ken
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You may be able to tweak this a little with hair related vitamins, Ken. MSM, biotin, lecithin, to name a few. There are herbs that help too. Do look into those. You may be able to gain even more length.
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Thanks, Scott. Back in Y2K, right after my devastating short haircut, I took a few hair-related vitamins at the time; but truthfully, I'm OK with whatever Mother Nature dictates is my terminal length without any extra vitamins right now. I have so many other health issues I need to focus on instead (losing more weight being the primary one), that hair vitamins are just not a priority for me at the moment.
If and when I'm willing to reconsider my above statement, then of course I'll look into it; but I'm actually quite happy with my current length, although still just a tiny bit curious if I'll be able to eek out yet one more inch or 2 as the years continue to roll along...
Thanks again for your reply, Scott!!
- Ken
Where else but here at MLHH is it perfectly acceptable to look at an old geezer's butt in order to discuss the topic of HAIR? (LOL, and still be entirely G-rated about it, too!)
Anyway, here is the behind half of me, showing off my current belt-length / slightly longer-than-belt-length hair...
"...Where else but here at MLHH is it perfectly acceptable to look at an old geezer's butt..."
*********************************************
And a lovely butt it is ! giggle......seriously, it looks like you have lost weight. Congratulations.
Even if this is your terminal length, it is impressive....and the color just gets better and better with age.
Unfortunately for me, my terminal length is in the area that others call the awkward stage and my "hem-line" keeps creeping upward........but at 70, I am still a longhair !!
Thanks for sharing this great update, Ken
Keep Well
Walter
Thanks for the kind words, Walter (and also thanks for the giggles~)!
It might LOOK like I've lost some weight, but in reality I chose the pics that the mirror made it appear more flattering than it really is in "real-life"... So-far I've only lost about 11 pounds since around this same time last year -- a very UNimpressive amount of weight, sorry to say; but at least I haven't gained weight, right? (LOL)
I think it was Joao from Portugal who first used the term, "hemline" here at MLHH... I thought a hem line was only in reference to sewing clothes prior to him using that as a description for the bottom length of where one's hair stops; but hey, it works for me to call it that -- so, "Onward & Downward!" (or in both of our cases, "Onward & Backward!" - LOL) we go!
Walter, having met you in person whenever that was a couple of years ago. I'm amazed to find out you're 10 years older than me -- you look GREAT, and definitely have a spirit about you that is way younger than your calendar years!!
Occasionally someone will mention to me some stupid comment like, "You'd look so much younger and so much better with short hair!" My reply is usually something like this: "I don't want to look younger, I want to look like an old geezer instead -- and I've worked really hard to look this damn ugly; so I'll happily keep my long hair, thank you!"
Let's grow old and ugly together here at MLHH, Walter, it's an honor to be considered as one of the old longhaired geezers with you!!
- Ken
That is still goood. As they told me when I was loosing weight
a few yesrs ago "you didn't put all the weight on at once, it won't come off all at once."
11 pounds is not bad, they say you shouldn't loose more than
about 3 pounds a month. (Anymore and you'll loose muscle. your
heart is a muscle.)
At the age of 58 I don't want to look younger. Younger men
are treated like crap. i'm 58 and want to look my age.
Not the best photo, but I never was any good at taking pictures at a mirror!
In any case, at least you get some idea of how my hair looks loose when viewing it flowing down my back...
"Onward & Downward!"
Hey there, Hair, I said: "Downward, boy, DOWNWARD!"
(It has a mind of its own, I guess - LOL)
- Ken
Hi Ken,
I enjoyed your musings and the photos. Your hair appears to be more medium in texture than fine like mine is. I think this helps you as your ends look to be in very good condition. The color is really nice. I like how the gray is mixed in with various other shades.
If this is truly your terminal length, it's a mane to be proud of at any age and particularly 60!
I'm still wrestling with my hair. I posted an update in April and things looked pretty good but the sun, wind and general wear take their toll on the last six inches in particular. I'd really like to stick with my all-out attempt to find my terminal length like you have but I'm not liking the damage. I plan to weigh things carefully over the next couple of months and then decide what to do.
Great update!
Jason
Thanks so much for the kind words, Jason, I really appreciate all your comments!
I credit three things with helping me reach this much length without too much damage at the ends:
1) applying beneficial oil (most recently predominately olive oil) to the lower half of my mane as a preventative to getting many split ends;
2) using the "Search & Destroy" method of chasing after individual split or damaged ends, snipping them above the damaged area...
3) and last but not least, Buns & Braids -- without restraining my hair as a regular habit, I'd probably have a lot more damage to deal with!
In essence, regarding issue #2, it's as if I give myself "mini-trims" pretty much every week I have time to do the Search & Destroy (usually on one of my days off when the sun is at a helpful angle coming through a window in the morning)... a good half-hour spent chasing and snipping those evil splits gives me smoother and better maintained hair without having to go into a professional salon to take away the lower few inches).
I agree with you that the sun, wind, and general wear are rather rough on hair as long as ours tends to be. It's a mental struggle sometimes for me, too, as I occasional wonder if I'd be happier (and maintenance might be easier) if I trimmed my mane back up to shoulder-blade length; but for now I'm choosing to still keep it this long. But again, were it not for buns & braids (and also segmented ponytails work well, too), I can't imagine having my hair this long and loose all of the time.
Thanks again for your reply, Jason, always a pleasure hearing from you!!
- Ken
Ken, you've got great hair - I appreciate seeing the pics. Since I am just now starting out at age 57, it will be an interesting process... My hair is thinning on top and is pretty fine, but it stays in place without products, so I am happy. Its only been since December since my last haircut, so I am still a baby learning to grow... I do notice long hairs all the time, now, at the store or around town - I hesitate to say anything to them, but I will when I get the chance and engage in conversations - but, this site has been fun to read and look at pictures of you veterans who encourage me to go for what I've always wanted to do... A few years ago when Brad Pitt started growing his hair out, it caught my attention - I didn't think it would last for him - but so far, he is sticking with it, and my 24 year old son is growing his out - and you guys all inspire me to follow my life long dream...
Thank you for the kind comments, Mr. Fitzgarce! And I did get a chance to see your nice pic of you with your 2 sons when I was catching up with the posts here on the board; but because your post is waaaaay down the page now, I decided not to reply there.
I think it's so cool to see a father with his sons, one of which is growing his hair out along with his dad! The fact that your other son likes his hair short is also good to see -- encouraging freedom of choice and individuality I believe is key to happier families and human relationships in general, so I definitely admire your approach!
The so-called "Fashion Police" (those self-appointed people who claim they know what's best for others to do and look like) might disapprove of you growing your hair out at your current age of 57 (just as they would disapprove of me keeping my hair this long at a week away from turning 60); but I just smile whenever I see a raised eyebrow looking in my direction. If people are so shallow as to judge me just by what I look like on the outside, they are missing getting to know the person I really am on the inside -- their loss, not mine!
No worries about the little "imperfections" you might find as you continue on your hair growing journey. I almost didn't succeed at growing my own mane out myself, because I used to obsess about the fact that I have a receding hairline (some photos don't reveal it as much as others; but believe me, my hairline of my youth was much better looking and fuller than it is now). As I gradually let my own self-imposed self consciousness go, I became mentally freer-thinking about becoming the longhair that I always wanted to be.
Anyway, again, thanks so much for your reply and sharing your comments, I much appreciate it!
Take care -- and as the saying goes, "Onward & Downward!" And yes, please do continue pursuing your lifelong dream of growing that hair of your out. I didn't achieve ponytail length until my 40th birthday myself; so I can definitely relate to what you are going through as a first-time grower. But I'm very glad I did grow it -- and you will be, too; so keep on with the hair-farming progress (for BOTH you and your boys)!
- Ken
From my observations over the years, I reckon that many of us "old geezers" have a terminal length between lower shoulder length and belt length. You could well have reached your terminal length, but the quick answer is that only time will tell. If in a year's time you can post pics of below belt length then that's one answer, if not (assuming no trims) then that's the other answer.
But congratulations on a great heasd of very impressive hair.
Thanks so much, bte, I greatly appreciate your reply!!
As I mentioned to Jason in my thank you reply to his reply, the only trimming ZI do is to use the "Search & Destroy" method of chasing after individual split ends, snipping them off above the damaged area. This ritual spares me from having to go into a hair salon for professional trims that remove at least an inch or 2 every year (or as in some people's cases, even more frequently than yearly)...
I haven't had anyone professionally trim the bottom area of my hair in over 3 years, I think -- and yet in the past 3 years, my hair has only grown a sparse few 3 or 4 inches longer, maybe a total of 5 inches max. That's not a whole heck of a lot of growth for three full years!
This past year alone I saw only maybe one extra inch of growth... So this is the reason I believe I'm at my own terminal length.
In any case, I am indeed very grateful for whatever I do still happen to have still attached to my head, as well as am proud & happy to encourage other longhaired geezers like me to also grow and keep their hair looooong. It's a joy to have it, just as much as it's a joy to see it on others!
Thanks again for your kind comments, bte!!
- Ken
Even if this is your terminal length, it's still very impressive, considering that most people your age are less fortunate when it comes to hair growth.
I hope my hair will be just as awesome as yours when I've reached your age.
Thanks so much, Michail!
Yes, I have a lot of friends my age who have decided to just shave their head, due to their hair loss from MPB (Male Pattern Baldness) and the aging process.
Thanks again for your kind comments!
- Ken
Hi Ken,
I should say that your mane looks absoutely fantastic (love the colour as well), and even if you are at, or very near terminal length, you should be proud of what you have accomplished over the years.
Coincidentally, you and I are almost exactly the same age, and I just happen to be your "junior" by a week or so, with my 60th birthday arriving during the first week in August. Also, like you, I suspect I am at terminal length, since I have seen very little growth the past year or so (it is a few inches shorter than yours as well) However, I DO know that I should give it a bit more TLC, and some sort of trim to improve the ends might help me to achieve more length. I just havent had the courage to do that yet.
Take care, Happy Birthday in advance, and keep it all growing!
David
Thanks so much for the kind words, David, I really appreciate it!
Yes, I couldn't help but notice while reading some of your past comments in your previous posts that you & I are very close in age.... As your elder, however, I believe I have more grey hairs than you do -- so that must mean I probably win the grey-haired old longhaired geezer award (LOL)! (Too bad they don't give out cash prizes for that "accomplishment" - LOL)
No worries about the courage to trim off your ends, as I haven't done so myself in over 3 years (more details about that topic are in my reply to Jason below, where I discuss the "Search & Destroy" approach to chasing after individual split ends). When and if you do decide to have a professional hairstylist do the trimming, my recommendation is to find yourself the very best hair stylist that money can buy -- even better, to find out about one through word-of-mouth someone who specializes in long hair. A long-haired female friend of mine recommended her stylist back several years ago, and I'm happy to report that the experience was a very positive one. But still, nowadays I prefer taking care of the individual split ends on my own.
Thanks again for replying here, David, it's always a pleasure hearing from you!!
- Ken
Terminally handsome, Ken!
- Oren
Oh Oren, you just made my day!! I am one grateful old geezer who's blushing like a teenage school girl -- oops! I-I-I mean, school BOY!!!!
Hi Ken,
Thanks a bunch for these wonderful pics of you and your hair! You are looking very handsome with your beautiful hair my friend! I sure hope you haven't hit terminal yet! I would just let it keep growing and see for sure.
And I agree with jonalbear-you are terminally handsome! So stop with the worrying and onward and downward! Have a great week my friend!
Ted
Thanks for the kind words, Ted! And yes, I do intend on just letting my hair keep on growing. This past year I only witnessed about an inch of growth at the very most in the downward direction; so I'm not going to hold my breath that I'll get much more length out of my mane. But, be that as it may, I am still basically quite happy and grateful to have as much hair still attached to my head as I do have!
Thanks again for your nice reply, Ted, you are always such a kind & thoughtful person, a true gentleman -- a refreshing rarity in today's world!!
"Onward & Downward!" (or at least "onward" - LOL!),
- Ken
Hi Ken,
Your compliments are truly appreciated! And as Ellen DeGeneres always says "I send them back to ya!"
Ted
I'm in pretty much the same position.
My hair just barely reaches my 'true' waist (i.e. NOT my trouser belt, but somewhere short of that) and even then, only bits of it are that long.
Hi Alun,
Im house-sitting for a friend of mine, am on her computer; so hopefully my reply will show...
I got a kick out of your waist comment -- yes, I realize some folks view the trouser belt to be the waist; but anatomy classes were not a strong point for many Americans, so we'll just leave it at that (LOL)!!
Since you have had long hair for a long time, I have a brief question:
Have you noticed your own terminal length to have gradually gotten short over the years? I realize of course that you are only in your late 20s [wink]; but let's say, what was your terminal length like in your much EARLIER 20s?
I've heard some long-term longhairs say that when they were younger their hair grew to much longer lengths, but now appears to have "shrunk" -- ust wondering what your experience has been...
Always great to hear from you, and thanks in advance if you have the opportunity to reply to the above question!
Long Lox 4ever,
Ken
I think when I was younger I always used to get my hair trimmed, even if it was only perhaps annually or every couple of years. It is only more recently that I have given up on trimming it. This makes it bit hard to tell, but I suspect my terminal length may well be shorter.
The main limitation for me is probably hair breakage. My hair has always broken off at less than the length it might have grown to.
I think I about the same age as you, so of course we are only in our twenties, LOL!
Ken
If that is your terminal length, you have much to be proud of. I hope that I can reach the length you have, someday. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Mr. beardedpiper! And may I also add that you are one of the people here that have inspired me to seriously consider growing a long beard as well!
Onward & Hairy-ward!
- Ken
Hey Ken,
Simply put... Your hair is awesome.. Terminal - Well fine... Just keep letting it grow..
John in Denver.
That's a very respectable terminal length.
Although it's always cool to have even more hair you should be very happy with such a nice head of hair. I really like the grey with blonde mixed in it, gives it a really cool unique look.