I've been growing my hair out for a little while now, but I believe I'm still in the "awkward phase." I was hoping some of you fine folks could give me some advice on how to better take care of or style my hair.
you ought wear your hair behind the ears and use little trims to maintain the actual lenght on your neck until you can wear an pony tail
a few monthes, and your growth will be good
I think your hair looks pretty awesome, actually Z. You can try different styles - comb it back off your face, tuck it behind your ears- just let it go wild and free - but, the thing is to wear it in a way that you feel comfortable. I would not trim it or cut it in any way for awhile. It's called "awkward" for a reason - not only is your hair doing things you aren't used to, but you are getting used to the idea of looking different and your friends/family are also getting used to it, too. So, let it go - give yourself time - don't cut it... enjoy!
I agree with the comments made by fitzgarce (and also confirmed by Justin); but decided to add a few more comments as well. Here goes...
1) if you feel you are unable to totally avoid a trim, at least DELAY it as long as possible
2) if you do eventually go in for a trim, go to the very best hair stylist that money can buy, preferably someone who specializes in long hair (ask a long-haired woman if you don't know any longhaired guys in your town) -- do NOT go to a barber shop or any of those cheap "Super Cuts" kind of places, they will butcher you!!
3) once you find a trustworthy hair stylist (assuming the day comes that you may want to have a small trim), ask for as little amount taken off as possible -- no more than one inch, for example.
As far as styling your hair goes, just have fun experimenting with that! Many longhaired guys have said that they eventually get to a point in time when parting the hair down the middle is the easiest to deal with; but I have seen some guys who like side parts, even when very looooooong -- so it's really an individual preference thing.
I hope my comments have helped -- and by the way, WELCOME to MLHH!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Welcome! I agree with Fitz, don't cut it now as it will just delay the awkward stage. Your going to be here for awhile, so just experiment a bit and see what you like. I've found for myself that the look I like the best ends up being extremely annoying because the hair falls in my face all the time.
-Tommy
Welcome to the Awkward Stage Club! You and I seem to be at the same stage - 6 months from a short haircut. You have great hair.
I would say no differently from the others. No cutting! You can't do much about the curls. Just keep your hair clean and conditioned, and wait out the awkward stage. You are not alone. Live it day by day and don't worry about what others say or think.
You can wear a head band for sports and other occasions. You can "gunk" it, but I don't do that to mine. We all go through it! Grow it or cut it - and if you're here, I don't think you'll be cutting it!
Good luck, keep going and bon courage,
Anthony
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Welcome to MLHH! I agree with the others...
Just stay the course and and eventually you will get there...
Thanks for posting! All the best.. The Spaf Man
Welcome to the MLHH! Based on the photo, I'd say you are currently approaching the end of what many regard as the worst part of the awkward phase. In my opinion, "awkward" is more descriptive of a mindset than it is of a hairstyle. If you simply keep your hair clean, conditioned, and brushed, let it do its own thing, and carry yourself with confidence, your hair will look great at every stage of the growing-out process. Stick around, and do keep us posted!
Cheers,
Val