new thread
Hey, guys. I stumbled upon your community after a google search for hair inspirations. It's so cool you all are here. I'm 42 and I've been a lifeline fan of long hair, but have always had trouble growing it out--I start to feel self-conscious about it as soon as it gets about five inches long, thinking it looks too thin, stringy and greasy.
Then there are the comments. It's amazing how many people think it's OK to tell you they don't like your hair, that you should get a haircut, that you're too old for long hair. It gets to you! I'm glad I found you guys as a counterpoint to all that, because I really am happier with long hair.
So…this is me at work. I'll try to take a better pic at home later.
Thanks for the encouragement guys!
Welcome to MLHH! It's great to see you, I have been dealing with the same comments...but I don't care anymore...
Here you will find guys older and younger than us, (I'm 45,)
and are all about advice and encourgement...
Take Care and stop back.... The Spaf Man
Don't let the comments get to you.
Every time I got a negative comment I took it as an incentive
to grow my hair long.
Also at the age of 59 I gave up long ago caring what others think.
Besides if I din't have long hair they'd find something else to
complain about (I need a nose job, a face lift, etc. It never ends.)
Hi, Steve.
First: Your are never too old for long hair.
Second: If or rather when you learn to replay nimble-witted you'll love those comments.
Keep growing!
- Christian
Welcome!Remember, one needs much patience and perseverance and should not be too concerned about seeing immediate results.
Hang on there. As someone else said, quite a few of us are from the Boomer generation, and I'm a 55 year old grey hair beginner and future longhair (it's still less than 3 inches all over). It's not something we do on a whim, because it takes so long. We do it because it's what we really want.
People can be so damned negative about everything. Don't listen to them, and stick to your guns. I too have lived in situations that required short-hair conformity. No longer.
Be yourself and have a great life!
Anthony
* * *
My website
Welcome Steve. From the picture, your hair looks to be about 5 inches long right now. I hope you stick with it. I was at 5 inches about four months ago and it is awkward, but it's also striking what another inch or two can do in changing how it looks.
I get this too (i'm 47). The support here really helps in coping with that.
Chris
Hi Steve, welcome! Your hair does look quite long, how long has it been growing? I would guess 10-12 months based on the length! I've come to find out that negative comments are to be expected during the growing period. Just hang in there and know it will all be worth when you reach your goal! How long are you looking to go?
-Tommy
Hey, Tommy. Let's see…I think I've only been growing it for about five months? I was keeping it longer on top and shorter on the sides, so I had a good start.
I had no intention of growing it out this time, but when I went for a trim I told my new stylist that I liked to wear it long and he was like, well why don't you? He's an awesome guy, with waist length hair of his own. So he gave me a little trim that would grow out well and told me to use all-natural gel if I wanted some texture. I guess I just needed the encouragement.
Not sure how long I'll go. Just going to see how it grows out and what I like best. I'm thinking…shoulder length or a bit longer. Long enough to pull back!
Thats awesome! You've got a great start to that pulling back and shoulder length!
Welcome, thanks for sharing your story, awesome hair man!
first off, you look much younger than 42... that's a compliment.
second, your hair looks good - it takes a lot to push through the awkward stage, but you will love it if you can keep at it.
third, focus on what you want and not on negative comments of others - it is the "norm" for men to cut their hair when it starts getting scraggly and over the ears and collar -
When people started saying some things to me, I said "hey, I've always wanted to grow my hair long and now is the time for me>" or other variations of that conversation. I've only had one person tell me that I needed to get it cut - and I easily dismissed her.
I am older than you - but that doesn't matter... Good luck and do this for yourself... nobody else's opinion matters much.
Hey, thanks for all your replies!
You guys are awesome.
Hi Steve,
Welcome to the board! You have definitely found a great place to help you grow your hair! You look very good for 42 I must say! And you would look awesome with long hair! You might feel self-conscious about growing because you have always had short hair. You just have to let it grow through the awkward and uneven stages. Once the hair all becomes close to one length, everything looks so much better!
About the comments, you just have to let them roll off your back. When these idiots realize they aren't affecting you, then it's no longer fun for them to make rude comments. Also, once your hair reaches a certain length, people will realize you are serious. And you're never too old for long hair! I sure hope you do grow your hair as long as you want my friend! We are here to encourage you and answer questions! Please be well!
Ted
Hi Steve,
First of all, WELCOME to MLHH!!!
Secondly, I don't think your hair looks one bit stringy or greasy, to me it looks like a great head of hair to work with, one that over time will look better & better as it gradually gets looooooong!! (But I do admit to being a tad bit prejudiced when it comes to long hair - LOL)
No worries about your age -- I didn't successfully achieve ponytail length until I reached my 40th birthday (and believe me, I tried growing it out many many times before that).
Sadly, in the summer of Y2k after 9 years of having long hair, I impulsively cut it back to short; but the good news is that was almost 14 years ago, and I learned a valuable lesson from the experience: I believe I'm a life-long longhair, and now don't think I'll ever go back to short hair again.
In any case...
Again, WELCOME, I very much enjoyed reading your introduction post!
- Ken in San Francisco
It just takes time, so stick with it.
