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I'm afraid my quest for terminal length has come to an end - at least for now. My active lifestyle just isn't that compatible with pampering my hair, especially with very long ends. I also have limited time in the morning and I'm not able to painstakingly detangle it before braiding it. I would hear snapping almost every time so I know I was inflicting damage.
I found that I could no longer fully enjoy my long hair because I rarely wore it loose. The last few inches would always tangle and just not look good most of the time.
The length itself was cool and if I had different genetics (coarse hair), it might be an entirely different story. My hair is super fine and very difficult to keep healthy after a certain point.
I had my wife cut 4 inches off. It was less than the dramatic 7.5 inch cut from May 2012 but still quite significant. I love how I can now run my hands through the ends and not hear snapping. Who knows, maybe I'll try again for terminal at some point but I'm starting to think I'd do better to maintain with regular trims.
I mght have written this post. Same name, nearly same hair color, and the same issues with hair longer than mid back. I am keeping my hair at similar length. Just beyond mid-back as I am most comfortable with that length. It is what I had in my younger incarnation and I love the feel and length today. My tail flairs nicely at this length as well.
I'm glad you found a length that feels comfortable and works for you. I'm curious, how often do you trim yours?
I'm glad you found a length that feels comfortable and works for you. I'm curious, how often do you trim yours?
No mopre often than every 3 months or so and then only enough to strighten the ends nicely. so my length my slightly increase over time/ Which is fine but i do like the half to 2'4 length down the back. and I have and a slight elipse is kept as well instead of a blunt cut. just appears more natural. Having a partner who owned a Scottsdale hair salon helps to insure no abuse is done. He only trims the minimum necessary to keep healthy hair.
As you know from our posts on RBR forum, but what others here may not know, is that I too am a cyclist.
I don't have the patience to segment or braid, and quite frankly, I like the way my tail blows in the slipstream behind me. The consequence is that when my tail gets about a foot long, I have to trim it back to about ten inches. Any longer and the tangles are ferocious. Of course, my hair is much finer than yours, so I'm not surprised you can get away with longer.
Cycling also dictates where I tail. It's somewhere between low-tail and high-tail. Too low and (this time of year) it gets in the way of the collar of my cycling jacket--especially troublesome since like you, I ride roadies. Tail too high, and I have to wear my helmet over my eyes.
Anyway, cycling is what keeps me both sane and healthy, so it's a sacrifice I gladly make.
It's supposed to get warmer during the week. By next weekend, maybe I can park the studded-tire commuter and on to the Litespeed.
As cyclists, we definitely face some adverse conditions for our hair. Most runners aren’t out in the elements as long as we are and are going at lower speeds so there would be less wind damage. I used to scuba dive as well and that constant salt water exposure also took a huge toll.
Braiding works quite well for me but that tassel is exposed. Coating it with coconut oil is a great tool but I rarely have the time or discipline to use it. It’s especially problematical in the winter because I have to wet the hair before applying it.
I’m so with you on the mental benefits of cycling. Keeping sane and high on endorphins is well worth the negative effects of the sport on one’s hair.
This has been quite a winter alright! I track the temperature of each ride and my number of below freezing rides is way more than the last two winters combined. The snow has forced me to alter my routes some, sticking to more main roads which are cleared better. Occasionally I still have to go through snowy sections and I manage even with my regular 23mm tires! I find that going straight with decent speed gets you through a lot. Spring will certainly feel glorious. I have to say though that there’s a certain quiet peace to cold weather riding and I absolutely refuse to use an indoor trainer.
Your hair looks beautiful, and it looks about the length I would like mine. I don't yet have your experience of looking after very long hair.
For very fine hair, you have done marvellously.
My own seems to be growing quickly. In only a month (4 months since my buzz cut), it has thickened a lot. I may be getting more than 1/2 inch a month. I'll send an update next month.
My blogThank you!
I’ve really enjoyed your participation here at MLHH. Your well thought out posts have been interesting to read. I’m looking forward to following your journey and seeing you document it.
I loved every step of my growing out process. It was a celebration of sorts for me, an emerging from a chrysalis and becoming who I truly am. You have great hair and it will be wonderful to see you grow it to its potential.
Jason, I noticed that you do a lot of cycling and take precautions. I was out of my old velocipede yesterday (1st decent day after the storms) and enjoyed the wind in my hair, and feeling that I hair was alive for the first time in more than 30 years!
During the season, I sail on the sea. Do you have any suggestions for getting soaked in seawater (other than a good rinse-off under the shower)?
Agreed. This is quite an adventure, and my wife lives her version of it. As I mentioned elsewhere, she got used to me wearing my "thug outfit" hoodie, and now she's getting used to seeing and feeling more and more hair. I think she would have liked a more "conventional" city gentleman as a husband, but she's getting used to me being me.
I'm probably at the stage where I was as a teenager in the 1970's. Another 3 months should put me as I was when I was about 20 (1979) - then it's the journey into the "unknown".
Day by day - on my way to the Ponytail Club!
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My blogI like how you described your hair as now having life. It’s special to feel your hair moving freely and to feel the added weight to it. It’s kind of symbolic of the freedom having long hair represents.
I used to scuba dive and was doing it regularly during the first three years of my long hair journey. My best solution was to wet it ahead of time and slather it with coconut oil. Sometimes I even added a layer of jojoba oil on top of that as it forms more of a shield than the coconut oil which is more absorbent. Of course, I was being totally submerged in salt water so you may not need to be so vigilant but coconut oil is one of the best things you can use in your hair regardless.
I think there’s a good chance your wife will come to like your long hair particularly when you’re past the awkward stage. It does dramatically change one’s appearance and for someone who isn’t innately attracted to the look, I’m sure it’s a bit of a jolt. I met my wife online and posted pictures of myself with my long hair down. It’s actually one of the things that attracted her to me. She’s kind of a hippie at heart!
Yes, the halcyon days of seeing a change in one’s appearance every month! Enjoy and savor your journey. It’s a blast…
In actual fact, my wife has always known me as unconventional. I was already living in the country, and we moved together to a house, also in the country. That for me was not negotiable.
One thing I say to myself is that the growing process is so gradual that both she and I will see it at every stage, and not be surprised. That being said, I'm surprised how fast mine is growing! I don't have an accurate measurement, but I think I am getting more than half an inch per month. I must be one of the lucky ones - and to think I was buzz-cutting until last autumn!
It's another phase of my life with my particular experiences that formed me - as with all of us.
What a mid-life crisis!!!
Just a question. Do you dye your hair?
Anthony
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My blogYou're definitely fortunate to have that higher than average growth rate. Mine has pretty much been around the half inch per month. Though mine seems to grow a bit slower in winter and faster in summer.
It's true. It will be a gradual transition for you and your wife. Even if we could instantly have long hair, the journey is part of the fun and a learning experience too in more ways than one.
There is no dye in my hair. I've experimented with 28-wash temporary dyes in the past but haven't used one in a long time. Over the last couple of years I've noticed some gray in my beard but so far my hair has not been affected much.
Even if we could instantly have long hair, the journey is part of the fun and a learning experience too in more ways than one.
Nature always does things the best way. Imagine if hair grew instantly. It would horrify and shock other people and we would probably be rushing to the barber to get it chopped off! AT least the way I see it, the gradualness enables us to get used to something and integrate it into our lives. I am glad it grows slowly, and we learn both patience and the ability to avoid it becoming a "single issue" like many five-minute wonders in life.
Long hair is a symbol of freedom and independent thinking. It also reflects a quality of life that is diametrically opposed to the modern life where everything has to be instant, useful for its short lifespan and thrown away to add to the mountain of crap in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
I would hate it to grow too fast. I take my 300µg biotin pill each morning, but it does what it does (however much or little), and I am content for nature to do the rest.
I am going to be in the middle of my "awkward stage" in early May when I will be at my diocesan Synod. Fortunately my Bishop has a beard. If anyone makes a remark, I'll just tell them it will be neater when I join the Ponytail Club next winter!
Anthony
My blogHi Jason,
I think your cut went very well, and I like the thick ends, the colour, and the natural waves.
I hear you about not wanting to spend a lot of time "pampering" your hair. I actually have similar hair type to you, and will never have a long terminal length, and prefer to just wash and condition it a couple if times a week, which seems plenty for my hair type.
It would still be interesting, though, to see what your terminal length would be if you tried going for it again at some point in the future.
Take care,
David
Hi David,
It would have been fascinating to see what another year or two would have brought for my hair. I vacillated some over the last month but felt strongly that I needed to do this for the last couple of weeks. It’s just very hard to grow very fine hair to super lengths. That Ojon oil definitely helped but there’s only so much it could do.
The key is that we’re enjoying our hair. I’m sure we’d all love to see an update from you at some point!
Best,
Jason
Hi Jason,
I am sorry to hear of your situation! However, I am afraid I'm still jealous of your hair! But you certainly must do what makes sense. I would much rather have hair that I could enjoy along with living the lifestyle I choose.
I must say your wife did a wonderful job cutting your hair. It is nice to hear you are happy how it feels now. I do hope you try for terminal length again in the future. You just never know my friend how long it will ultimately grow!
I am thinking of having my wife trim some off the middle in the back only. I am getting a pointed hemline in the back which I don't really like. Probably need to take off ~3 inches to correct this. My side layers are trying to get past shoulder so will not touch those at all. Thanks for the very nice update and keep enjoying your hair!
Ted
Hi Ted,
Thanks! I do appreciate my wife doing the cutting for me. She has a good eye for it and I can relax that she won’t do something I don’t want to it.
I haven’t noticed such a point to your hemline that you would need 3 inches cut off to even it but you have the best vantage point to determine what it needs. I have found that just a straight cut across the back works best to keep my hemline even and blunt.
You my friend possess that wonderful coarse hair that I wish I had. The sky should be the limit for you as far as what length you wish to achieve while still having healthy ends. Color me jealous!
Jason
Hi Jason,
Yes, I am afraid I have that coarse hair you long for! Believe it or not, I have very few tangles and problems with it. We shall see how far I can get with the length. I am definitely thinking long and hard before any trimming! But it's kind of funny. I use shampoos and conditioners to try to make my hair similar to yours in texture!
You are very fortunate to be able to get your wife to trim your hair! You save money and get a great cut-can't beat that! And if you think I'm not jealous of your hair, you would be incorrect my friend! Eventually I would like to have a nice blunt hemline like yours. Need to get all layers to a good length first, though. Please keep your beautiful hair growing and flowing my friend!
Ted
Gotta add my comment to the others, Jason -
You always inspire me with your no nonsense approach to life. Your hair is marvelous. It looks great. I'm glad you have what you have and can enjoy it now. That's what is important.
Fitz
Thanks Fitz! I was torn to have to make this decision but you're right, having hair that we can enjoy the most is very important.
Hi Jason,
Have to admit I was a bit worried reading your subject line but the body of your message certainly quelled those fears! LOL.My hair,like yours, is very fine also so if I left it loose in a harsh environment there would be tangles galore.I cycle also but not at your level and mine is generally trail rides on a trail type bike.I put my hair up only under a ball cap just as I do for work so there is no tangling when I remove it after such activities.I don't wear helmets but likely would if I did road rides because of the higher speeds involved.However you have to weigh the pros and cons of longhair with your activities and it seems you struck the right balance.Having longhair, by no means, suggests it has to be any particular length as long as its at least below the shoulders.Your mane still looks great and I'm happy your satisfied with it:) Cheers
Mârk
Hi Mark,
Haha, I wondered if that title would raise some fears. I had a hard time calling a four inch cut a trim but I suppose with hair as long as mine was, it could still be considered that.
I’m glad tucking your hair under a hat works so well for you. I would be tough to do that under a helmet and I do really need to wear one considering the conditions I ride under.
I am a bit bummed about having to do this cut but the poor condition of the last four inches of my hair was just annoying me. That silky feeling to my fresh blunt ends has its appeal.
Thanks for your comment,
Jason
Well Jason, your hair is still stunning !! I would hardly call that a "cut", more of a trim.
I have been doing great deal of outdoor work in the dusty desert winds of Death Valley and commuting to the East Coast humidity....and can truly relate to the frustration of maintenance.
This is why we have the support of the MLHH and the "two week rule".
Thanks for sharing your story.
Walter
Hi Walter,
I agree that an argument could be made for calling it a trim rather than a cut but, as I mentioned to Mark, four inches kind of seemed to fit the latter category.
It’s important to live life to its fullest and for those of us who enjoy being or have to be outside, a certain amount of wear and tear is inevitable. It’s a balancing act but well worth it!
Thanks,
Jason
Get rid of that fleece sweater that you are wearing! I have notice that when I wear fleece lined winter coats, hoodies or sweatshirts. I have a big increase of tangles. I notice that while detangling that the tangles where cause by some of the fibers from the fleece that I was wearing that day. Hope this helps.
Winter clothing probably does contribute some to the level of tangling.
Sorry you had to lose some length Jason, but still looks great and very healthy at mid back length! I'm due for a slight trim soon myself.
Thanks Mark.
Yeah, I am disappointed to lose the length but I gave it my best shot. Your hair has been looking very healthy after your big cut. It will probably only need slight trims for quite a while.
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4 inches seems like a lot. I would think 1/2 to 1 inch trimmed off would remove the damaged ends. Hopefully you will find a way to prevent end damage, enabling you grow it longer.
Scott
Sometimes damage to the ends is limited to the very end tip of the hair as in a split end. In my case, the very structure of the hair had been damaged for that whole four inch length. It amounts basically to the length of my braid tassel which suffers the most exposure.
Been there, done that.
I can understand where you're coming from.
In the 1980s I had knee length hair, it was constantly getting
caught in things and getting damaged. Between it getting caught
in varius bicycle parts, getting caught in trees and bushes when
mountain climbing, the ends were constantly getting damaged.
I absolutely hated the idea of hiding the hair under a hat/tucking
it inside a shirt/jacket/etc. I loved having hair that long but
I never could find a way to prevent damage while at the same
time avoiding hiding the hair. I had not heard of the two week
rule back then so after about six months of mulling it over I
got the hair cut back to waist length. I hated to do it but I hated the damage too.
Right now my hair is about five inches from belt length and
so far i've been able to avoid any further damage to the hair.
I'll see how far I can let the hair grow and still avoid any
damage. I want to keep the hair at least waist length with no
damage.
But after 49 years I flatly refuse to cut the hair short or to
get rid of the grey hair.
Do you ever tie your hair back (ponytail, bun, etc.) for your sporting activities or (for example) operating woodworking machinery?
I haven't yet had the experience of long hair, but my present goal is about the length of Jason's after his recent trim, something like between the shoulder blades. Perhaps I might want to go further when I get to that point...
Good luck with your magnificent mane.
Anthony
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My blogI don't do woodworking but I do tie in a pony tail/braid/bun/pig tails to avoid hair damage.
Thank you.
It's remarkable that you were able to grow to knee-length, damaged or not. As I mentioned in my original post, I'd frequently hear snapping as I'd work with my hair so I know parts were breaking off. Is your hair texure fine, medium or coarse?
I have no idea. At 59 years old I havea no idea if my hair
is fine, medium, or coarse. How do I determine that?
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A magnificent mane before and a magnificent mane after.
Your still feeds my jealousy.
-Christian
You still have great hair, as I desire to have your length, and fullness....
Hopefully you can maintain this length without any trouble...
.... and many thanks for being an inspiration...
The Spaf Man
Thank you. Instead of letting very long periods go by with no trims, I might try trimming every 3 months or so - perhaps a 1/2 inch - and seeing where that leads me.
Hi Jason, I'm sorry to hear your quest for new length didn't work out as you'd hoped. Rest assured they your hair does look great at that length! The more I look at it, the more I'm thinking that I may set that length as a target for myself...
-Tommy
Hi Tommy,
Thanks! My hair definitely still feels like it's long and, honestly, I'm already enjoying it a lot more. Braiding in the morning is much easier as there are almost no tangles now. Your hair, already looking great, will look absolutely fantastic as you continue on to my current length.
Jason
Jason, I think you made a very wise and healthy choice!
An active lifestyle is by far the more important thing to stay focussed on than gaining a few more inches of hair -- and I speak from experience, in that I'm guilty of gradually NOT being as physically active as I used to be back during my 30s (or even into my 40s)...
It is so much easier to STAY active than it is to try to "regain" physical fitness after a significant lapse, and as much as I enjoy and encourage others to grow their hair out as long as they can and wish to, a healthy lifestyle is more important than a particular hair-length style.
Also, even though I'm still enjoying my own hair being at terminal length, I find myself getting oddly jealous at times whenever I see a nice-looking medium length hairstyle that allows the hair to be loose (instead of always being tied back, braided, or in a bun as I currently tend to feel I have to do). Just yesterday, for example, at Trader Joe's I saw this guy with great looking shoulder-length hair, loose but styled very nicely, while unloading his shopping cart, tossing his hair back -- it looked downright AWESOME!! Meanwhile, although my mane is easily 3X the length of his, I had my hair all tied back into the ever-practical "man-bun"... so much for any tossing, in my case!
Anyway, just thought I'd contribute my $.02 into the replies here, for what it's worth. Honestly, I can completely understand and fully support your decision to ask you wife to trim off the 4 inches that she did, it's a decision that I also might someday myself make in that same direction as well; but for now, haven't yet....
My best to you!
- Ken
Hi Ken,
Thanks for your insightful thoughts.
For those of us who have had long hair for a long time, it can be a balancing act. We miss the excitement of getting new length every month, so many of us crave to have something different and therefore keep pushing for terminal. In my situation that quest came down to more of a curiosity thing rather than having my hair look its best.
Perhaps if my schedule was less busy, I'd still give it a go but I just don't have the time to fuss with the protective steps that would be necessary to keep those last few inches of very long hair reasonably healthy. Physical activity is very important to me for various reasons so I'm not going to alter my lifestyle.
I also am quite fond of the blunt, fresh-end look and feel. I'm now thinking this is a new area I can explore and see what regular trimming will do for those ends.
I also hear you about the versatility of shorter lengths. I confess that as I look at some of my older pictures, I kind of like some of those lengths where I had it just below the shoulders and up to the length I have now. Even if just for a variety's sake, I might change things up a bit while of course remaining a longhair!
Jason
I think your wife did a marvelous job, your hair looks great.
I have the same hair type, only thinner on top (old age) and I find that I have the same detangling issues every morn.
For now I'm not cutting but I might follow the same path as you and enjoy mid back long hair.
Bruce
Thanks Bruce.
It's worth thinking about if you are finding considerable annoyance with those last few inches like I was. It may be that you'd enjoy your long hair more with fresh ends and a little bit shorter. It's been ages since we've seen an update from you - perhaps you could share a photo so we could see where you're at.
Best,
Jason
I found that I could no longer fully enjoy my long hair because I rarely wore it loose. The last few inches would always tangle and just not look good most of the time.
... lookin' great there Jason ... I can relate fully with the burden & hassle factor of long hair with a busy, active life ... this is why men, over time have kept their hair short for practical reasons, as they were out fighting battles to save the village & country & draggin' the wooly mammoth back to the cave ... I have no intention to cut or trim but must be honest re: negative points of long hair = it gets in the way + pulls at the scalp ... having hairs plucked from the head via misadventure is my pet-peeve = akin to a live chook having its feathers plucked !!! ... + don't start me on knots !!! lol cheers bud CEM. :))
