I haven't cut my hair for four years now. I'm 63 and for some reason, it's still blond and I have very little graying. My recent thought is whether I should grow facial hair. I've been clean shaving for years, mostly because my employment required occasional wearing of a respirator. Now hat it doesn't I am considering a beard. Every time I start one it gets annoying, though. Am I in the minority being both long-haired and clean shaven?
Jeff,
I wear long side burns but do not have a beard. Recently, I also grew a soul patch under my lip. I had a moustache for years and years and then a goatee for many years. But, as I grew older, my whiskers started to get more gray and white, so about 4 years ago I shaved it all off... I've been growing my hair long for about 20 months now. My hair has only a couple greys mixed in red, which has grown darker over the years - So, at 58 I am not growing a beard. And I am not into dying my beard for this purpose of looking younger - not worth the effort for me - some guys are proud of their white whiskers - when my head goes grey then maybe I'll grow my beard. I'll be interested to hear what you decide.
Fitz
I'm not sure about percentages, but there are some clean-shaven guys here.
It takes some time to get used to a beard. When I first started growing mine it was almost painful at some times. Like with everything you eventually get used to it. The last time I shaved it off I couldn't stand it.
Well you're not the only one! I tried a goatee for a little while...but got tired of it. I"m 56, shave everyday and love the combination of having long clean healthy hair/no beard.
A.D.
You could conduct a survey by looking at the Users' Directory on the site here.
Some time ago this topic was brought up, and we found the percentage of longhairs with facial hair was higher on gaylonghair.com than on here. We weren't sure why.
Some longhairs feel they get confused for being a girl without having facial hair, and that causes a small percentage of us to grow facial hair. I'd say that is a minor factor, though. Each longhair has gone through his battle to "look like he wants", so we are likely to have facial hair, or not, because of what WE want.
Bill
Hi Jeff,
Welcome to the board! Your hair is looking just awesome for four years' growth! I think you should grow a beard and see what it looks like on you. My guess is it will look just fine with your long hair. I can't even grow a decent moustache, let alone a beard! So, I don't grow either one. Looking forward to your future updates! Please stay well my friend!
Ted
I don't know about minority, but you're in good company.
Actually, I see more beards on longhairs here than I do In Real Life.
Hi Jeff, Welcome to MLHH...
Your hair is amazing!
If you are not graying in your facial hair, then by all means.. grow it..
I, on the other hand am graying, but I hate shaving, and now I am "growing out 'till it falls out," there is no stopping me now..
Of course it's up to you, you will look good either way..
All the best.... The Spaf Man
Hi Jeff,
Congrats on an excellent update, you have great hair to work with, and it is always good to see more of us with a few more years on the clock growing their hair long. I turned 61 on Wednesday, and have no desire to cut mine.
The wish as to whether to have facial hair is always up to you, and good luck to you in whatever you decide, and your future hour growing journey.
Keep it growing,
David
Great progress. I think not cutting your hair helps it to stay grey free for longer. Your beard might well be grey, so might then make you look older. No beard here, so join the club.
Hi Jeff,
Great introduction, and before I forget to say it: WELCOME to MLHH!!!
No worries about whether you decide to add facial hair to your new longhaired look, or not -- it's really all up to you.
For me personally, however, I think of it this way: it's kind of like how salt & pepper goes well together on the dining room table -- or cream & sugar in coffee, peanut butter & jam on toast, chips & dip, or salsa & guacamole with Mexican food... you get the picture! Long hair and a beard (or at least a mustache) are so compatible, it's just fun to have them both!
Take care -- and again, WELCOME!
- Ken in San Francisco
I would add a beard and/or mustache will help when someone sees your long hair and mistakes you for a woman. Their reaction when they discover the truth is priceless.