new thread
Hi everybody!
Without putting too much into this, I would like to share with those interested the results of my backcombing.
I did consider for a while stopping writing here, seeing as how the several negative attitude comments towards my choice have really been off putting, but I choose to share this vlog in order to give those interested a chance to see what it looks like.
So, without further babbling, here we go:
Wow, Raul! So you've done it. I wasn't sure if it'd look nice comparing to a great hair you had(yeah, can't do anything with it - I love your hair texture) until now. But damn, now I can really say it would! It was a right decision to make thick dreads instead of those popular thin ones. They're going to look just AWESOME with greater length.
Looks like you've got a long road ahead of you. I wish you lots of patience as you're going to look simply awesome with longer dreads.
Good luck to you, Raul. And please, don't stop posting here. I always read your posts with great interest. And I don't think I'm the only one :)
Serge.
Hey Raul,
First off I'm sorry you had the feeling that some were negative towards you as I'm sure none of that was meant to be personal.People give honest opinion it does feel like negative energy.I did express caution about going the dreadlock route and actually thought you'd wait until your normal hair got longer before you'd embark on this journey.I have nothing against dreadlocks and feel they look great on some people and not so on others.For myself I'd be one of those they would not look great on I feel.I salute you for going through what sounds like some agony during the process but you succeeded.I do agree with you as the thicker dreads were the better way to go than those skinny ones which I have seen on some people so good choice there.I'll conclude with wishing you the best on this new journey as it sounds like you've done the research and know what to expect.By all means keep the updates going as this is great stuff for a board like this.After all it's a different take on the longhair experience.Cheers
Mârk
It should be emphasized that it is still long hair and the name of
this place is the Men's Long Hair Hyperboard. it's still long hair
just a different style.
Well, that's what I said so no argument here.....
Hi Raul,
I'm really impressed with how they turned out! I kind of thought dreadlocks just happen but I see now that they can be actually produced in a way that looks like they formed naturally over a long time.
I don't think anyone meant to disrespect your choice. We've seen in the past some choose undercuts or a very damaging dye and then only a short time later cut all their hair off because they don't like it and it can't be reversed. So I only think that some were urging caution before such a big decision. I know how meticulous you are about your hair and that you wouldn't embark on anything without giving it careful thought.
Dude, you're one of us! Don't go anywhere, this is home!
Jason
But the nice thing about hair is you can choose a whole bunch of different styles. And if you don't like the style you can cut it all off and it will grow back over time. Ultimately it will grow back but at 1/2" per month it takes time for it to grow back.
But ultimately if you want to try a particular style you'll never know if you like it until 1. grow it 2. put the hair
in that particular style. 3. live with it for a period of time. Only after you live with it good length of time
will you really know whether you like it.
Utilmately it is your hair and your choice. And I for one
fully respect and support your choice.
Suits you very well, it will be interesting to see how they will grow.
Good luck on your new dreadlock journey!
A question about dreadlocks, is it better to start them
at a short length or get the hair dreaded once you reach
your goal length? I have to admit I know very little about
dreading.
I think at this point it is important for me to state
that when I started growing my hair long in 1964 and I spent
many years battling the establishment (school teachers, school administrators, employers) for the right of me and other men
to do with their hair as they want.
That means if you want to grow it long, wear it in a mohawk,
wear it in a Fauxhawk, wear it with an undercut, wear it in
dreadlocks you, wear it in a mullet, or other styles you absolutly should have that right.
I've seen a number of men and women around this city who
wear dreadloks that are half way down their back, waist
length, or even butt length and I have to say it looks awesome.
I think if I had the guts to try it mine would be butt length.
But I don't have the guts to try it. I've got too many years invested in the long hair I have that my long hair is now
my trademark and i'm not about to change that. It will remain
my trademark until the day I die.
Ultimately when it comes to hair it is your hair and your choice
in how to wear it. I fully support and celebrate your choice of
hairstyle.
And as I keep saying life is much too short to not wear your
hair as you want.
If you don't like dreadlocks don't wear them, but we should
fully respect and support those who do choose that hair style.
Hear in the US of A it's called freedom.
I do have to say your hair looks awesome now that you've dreaded it. And it will look evcn more awesome when it gets longer. Please keep us posted on your progress.
Wow! I think your dreadlocks already look great at this length! Can't wait to see them once they are longer.
Sorry about hearing that you received negative comments on your new hair journey. Which I dont think is 100% new , since you're still going to be growing your hair out.
Hope you keep on posting here on the board. If not, I will keep updated on YouTube :)
Let the dreadlocks journey begin !
Hey Raul
Fantastic video and the dreads look GREAT! I KNEW that you were doing the RIGHT thing. You were following what YOU wanted to do and take your OWN path in a long hair journey.
Great inspiration Raul and I look very much forward to your video updates in the future.
All the best and take care-
Justin~
ps: For the fun of it, the many hairstyles I have had. 1. Buzzcut. 2. Crewcut. 3. Beetles look. 4. Modified Quiff. 5. Long hair. 6. Asian anime style. 7. Undercut. 8. Bowlcut. 9. ??? because I don't know what to call it. and right now (10) my own do-it-yourself short on the sides and longer on the top haircut. So, since losing my very long hair to illness, I make up for things in life I could have sampled along the way. Hey, it's fun! (I do regret never having dreads.)
Hi Raul
I would like to say how great your dreads look, even now at a short length, they really suit you, I honestly think you are one of the few that can look amazing with dreads. Looking forward to watching your journey!
Cheers Dave
Hi Raul! Please don't stop posting here, we still love you even if you are off on a slightly different path. ;-) I think any negativity you got was more from concern about whether you understood just what you would be getting yourself into. Many of us have witnessed more bad examples of dreads than good so maybe you can understand our concerns. Ultimately it's your decision to make - good choices or bad. So far you're off to a good start, so here's to hoping in the coming months we'll see a spectacularly good example of dreading. :-)
Good Luck!
--Dale
Hi Raul,
Oh no! Please do not stop posting here my friend! I really enjoy your videos and personality! You definitely belong here! I think the dreads look totally awesome and will be right there in the passenger seat with you on your new journey! I thoroughly enjoyed the nice long video and look forward to each new one you make! I so look forward to seeing your long hair in dreadlocks!
Bottom line: Your hair, your decisions, your style! 'Nuff said! Rock on my brother!
Ted
Hi Raul,
Cheers to you for a job well done, your dreadlocks look good on you, and you are off to a great start. I am glad that you "stuck to your guns" in doing what YOU want to do, and did not listen to those hurtful comments, and I am genuinely sorry that there were those who made you feel unwelcome. Remember, you have contributed so much to our community, so please don't even think about leaving us. As Jason said already, "You are one of us."
Take care, and good luck with your future journey.
David
...and the long wait is over! Wow man, they turned out fantastic. I have watched a ton of videos the past few weeks and I have to say yours is the first day one video that looks awesome. As everyone else has already said, please don't go anywhere because your hair is still long so keep on keeping on here!
-Tommy
Raul,
Haters gonna hate. Don't let them deter you from doing what you want with your hair. It would be a huge loss if you stopped posting here. I know some here would disagree, but in my opinion, long-hair is very inclusive. It extends from the shaggy "Beatle" cut all the way to locks that drag the floor. Grow your dreads. Ignore the haters who think that long hair must be between X length and Y length, straight, and always worn the same way.
Tony
Hey Tony,
I beg to differ but no one here that I know of acted in a hateful manner towards Raul's decision to dread his hair. Sure some, me included, expressed concern that he was making the right decision to go forward with the dreads but it is his hair and decision to do what he wants with his hair.The mlhh is a very supportive community and we are not haters here. Just wanted to clear the air on that as your language was quite strong by suggesting that. Maybe we all need to take a chill pill at this time ;) Cheers
Mârk
Mark,
You are right. This is generally a very supportive place. My use of a modern slang phrase "haters gonna hate " was not directed at the board but more generally to help Raul. Certainly didn't mean to imply there are hatred here. I'm glad you brought this up and I hope I've clarified.
Tony
Hi Tony,
Sorry if I came off a bit harsh but just felt I had to speak up for the board just in case others,myself included,felt there are haters here based on your statement.Being this is an open community its always possible some outsider could come in and "drop bombs" and then depart leaving us here in a big argument.Fortunately this board is well moderated as we look for stuff like that and nip it in the bud.Of course people are entitled to their opinions whether its regarding hair or something else and nothing wrong with a good,honest discussion.Anyway thanks for writing back to clarify what you meant as that is what good dialog is about.Hoping you and everyone else are having a productive week.Cheers :)
Mârk
OK, I watched your video, Raul. This look really fits you. I like it alot and can't wait to see your dreads develop. Keep posting and growing, my friend!
Hey Raul,
Don't let the naysayers put you off of being authentic OR continuing to participate as a member of the MLHH... you've been a great addition to this community, and it would be a shame to lose you due to the intolerance and/or hypocrisy of others. My eldest son, now 12, has had dreads for about a year now, and they are really starting to "mature." Here are a few pictures to illustrate how cool and fun well-maintained dreads can be.
Peace,
Val
GREAT pictures of your son, Val... His hair is great looking.
Thank you for the kind words, Fitzgarce. It's been fun to support and observe as my son grows from cool boy to impressive and authentic young man.
Cheers,
Val
Hey Validus,
Your son's hair looks absolutely beautiful! You must be very proud of him.
Is that his natural hair color?
Your long haired bro,
Raymond
Thank you, Raymond. My wife and I are proud of our eldest... he's a genuinely cool guy! This is his natural hair color. As a baby and young boy, his hair was virtually white, transitioning to platinum blonde, and then "pure" blonde by the time we put in his dreadlocks. Now that the dreads are about a year old, the color seems to have darkened a bit. He is an avid swimmer, and chlorinated pools tend to result in a slightly green tint after a while, which we remove with lemon juice and white vinegar. This is a picture of his hair right before we locked it up.
Cheers,
Val
Allow me to pick my jaw up off the floor! Val, I've seen some amazing photos of your sons' hair before but this one is incredible. This shows off his resplendent hair like no other. Though I think the dreadlocks are very cool looking, this before photo has to lead me to prefer his hair unlocked. Regardless of which choice he makes, it's wonderful that you and your wife give him total hair freedom and that he's been able to fully pursue that.
It would appear that your other son's hair will be similar to this as he gets older.
Thanks, Jason :)
Personally, I also preferred his hair unlocked, but he really seems to like not only the way his dreads look, but also the minimal daily maintenance (now that they're getting fairly well-established)... and I think it makes him feel a little like Capt. Jack Sparrow!
--Val
My jaw almost dropped at the sight of this glorious, godly mane.
Your son has the hair type that I desire to have (though I prefer my own hair color). It's a good thing that he does what he wants (And it's awesome that you let him do it and support him)anything with his hair, but I still prefer his hair this way.
Thank you, Michail! I do miss (and prefer) the way his hair used to look, but I like the dreadlocks, too.
Cheers,
Val
Raul,
you look happy with the results - good. You are a handsome young man and this style will offer a new chapter in your adventurous nature...
I hope you will share more in writing and on video as to how this is going for you.
From all the feedback you've received, you now know you belong to this group, no matter what you choose to do.
As I don't have time to answer to all the posts here personally, but I promise I will do that as soon as possible! :)
I did get the notion that SOME people here had the idea and way of thought that everything has to happen a certain way, that people need to "earn" their right to their own choices through rites of passage of sorts, and that anything that would go against the grain would be "sillyness that would result in regret and shaving of the head".
It's good to see and hear that people like me being part of this community, and I will definitely keep writing and posting here, since as Jason put it so well, this IS home in a way :)
As for a 2nd day update, I've got quite a few more loose hairs, a fact that I actually like! Dreads got some mixed reactions at work but that was exptected, and I am definitely loving them, even if it SURELY will take some time getting used to the picture I see in the mirror! ;)
Here's a pic from the backcombing day (saturday) for you guys to see how it looks like in a bit higher quality.
Way cool my man! Please press on and keep us updated!
Ted
Also Raul, I saw a police officer with either dreads or braids guarding the shooting area in Washington D.C. He looked like his hair was very long. You're in good company my friend!
Ted
Let me guess, you didn't even ask for anyone's opinion (at work) and they still thought they had the right to comment on it, as if someone actually cares, right?
Looks fantastic! I love it. Keep updating please and with more pictures!
I must have missed something here, in that I honestly don't remember anyone making negative replies to your choice of dreading your hair; but maybe I haven't been as thorough as I used to be about reading every single response to whenever you first mentioned wanting dreads.
My nephew had dreadlocks for over six years, definitely loved it -- and it suited him well, too!! He decided a few years ago to cut his hair short; but that's one of the joys of life, to have freedom of choice over what makes you happiest re. your own hair!
My best to you, Raul, and by all means continue to keep us posted on your progress... "Onward & Downward!"
- Ken in San Francisco
Hey Raul,
Awesome dreadlocks, dude! I love them!
Granted it's not a style which I would choose for myself but it works well for you, bro. I have one strong suggestion; grow your hair as long as you can. You'll look absolutely stunning.
You long haired bro,
Raymond