new thread
Hi everyone. Been a lurker for a while. Thought I'd post an intro to introduce myself, and also "meet" people for support and good advice. I'm 45 years old and have been growing my hair from a buzzcut back in December 2014. Hair is not all that long yet, but I am fortunate to have about 1/2 to 3/4 of growth per month.
I grew my hair out back when I was about 27, and LOVED it. It was shoulder length all over and I could pull it all back to a low ponytail (I had "arrived"). Long story short, I cut it, and have hated it short ever since. When I grew it out I worked in a factory and wore a hat on the job, so I really didn't care wha it looked like and the awkward phase didn't really bother me.
Now I work in a professional environment and am expected to "look neat" because I have to testify during trials, etc. The court system is pretty rigid. This time around I'll have to probably use some product to tame the locks occasionally. My hair is pretty straight, but gets a slight wave when long. It gets greasy within about 12 hours of washing it, but I don't mind because it should keep it healthy while growing out. I currently wash it about 2 to 3 times per week with minimal shampoo and very cool water. I never, ever use conditioner since it's naturally oily/greasy. Maybe when my hair gets longer I might condition the ends if they get dry.
My hair growth regimen is pretty simple: I take a good multi-vitamin, and massage my scalp for 10 minutes every day.
So thanks for reading and I will try to post a pic or 2 along the way. I love reading everyone's journey and find it inspiring. I'm a Longhair at heart, even if it's not so long right now!
Nice intro, Mr. Skunk Ape! A lot of what you said sounded quite familiar -- it even SMELLED pretty familiar! (Apologies for making a corny comment in order to tease you about the "Skunk" in your handle - LOL)
Depending on how long you decide to grow your hair, you'll find aspects of your hair care routine and rituals most likely changing a bit over time (and length); but no worries, it's a gradual thing. Also, since everybody's hair is different, what works for one person may not necessarily work for another: so it's a "journey", as the saying goes...
"Onward & Downward!" -- and looking forward to seeing your pics!
- Ken in San Francisco
Thanks Ken in SF! I actually got labeled "Skunk Ape" by some buddies the last time I grew out my hair. I'm 6'7" and when I had long hair with long beard they (lovingly) called me "Sasquatch". Skunk Ape is another name for Sasquatch. It's also the name of the snowboard I ride.
Holy Shhhhh*!%#**&***T!!!
At 6'7", especially once you re-grow your long hair & beard, you might as well be named "Sasquatch!"
I love it!
Hi Skunk Ape,
Happy to see you come out of lurking! Sorry to hear you cut your hair though! Hopefully you can grow it out again even though you are working in a "professional" environment. I would just try to keep it in a tail or slicked back with some type of product. Please keep us updated on your progress and stay well my friend!
Ted