new thread
So I've been growing my hair for about 3 years now... and I'm at a crossroads. Now that Summer is looming, I am seriously thinking of cutting off my hair. It's long, thick, and heavy. Part of the joy I had in growing it was changing styles, and seeing it progress over time. Now it's longer than I've ever had it before, (about to my nipples) and I'm bored with it always looking the same and taking forever to wash/dry.
Am I alone in that the journey towards having longer hair has been more exciting than actually having the long hair?
Even though this board is dedicated to men growing their hair long, ultimately it is you hair. So it is your decision to whether to cut it or not. Personally I will keep my long hair long during the summer. Even though it is hot I love having long hair in the summer, I love the sensation of wearing cut off shorts, no shirt, and having my long hair cascading down my back. So for me the long hair will remain long no matter how hot the summer is.
Yes, you are alone in that. I loved the journey to having long hair. I started growing my hair long in 1964, today in 2015 I still love having long hair.
The journey's not over yet.... Mine's down to my waist and I'm always looking forward to the next "landmark" as it gets longer. The fun never ends!
Don't cut it! If it's down to your nipples, you must be able to rock an awesome man-bun. I WISH my hair was that long already!
You sound bored, get in the game my friend start taking care of it like you mean it. Find exciting ways to wear it differently, braid it don't just let it hang there have some fun with it you have arrived.
You sound tired of your long hair...I wonder why....Many people on this board would love to get their hair as long as yours. Try different hairstyle, give yourself achievable short term goals and you'll love them again.
A.D.
Wow, only 3 years.... I wish mine grew that fast...
You might regret cutting it, but I wish you well either way...
I only wish I was at that length....
The Spaf Man
Part of why I like it long is because i can change styles and wear a ponytail or braid or bun depending on what I want to do. Plus that makes it so its not as hot in the summer.
Obviously, you are free to do what you want in life. You grew your hair and you are free to cut it, style it or shave it all off. It's no skin off my nose.
You say that you are at a "crossroads". You haven't made up your mind. You can get your haircut and the hair will be on the barber's floor in ten minutes. It will take three years to grow back, going through the "awkward stage" we first-timers had to face. Imagine how you will feel, not on emerging from the barber shop, but the morning after with stubble on the back of your neck instead of long flowing hair.
There are the disadvantages. It takes work and maintenance. It gets hot in summer. Those disadavantages are the test of our motivation and abilty to carry through what we decide to do in life. Long, thick and heavy? Many of us have to struggle with thinner and finer hair. I wonder if you have tried all the styles made possible by real length. With mine at 20 months, I have a nice ponytail or a Japanese style bun at a pinch, but not enough to braid or do a really nice stick bun. That will probably take me more than a total of 3 years. Maybe for you, your hair isn't yet long enough to do something really interesting. Even at 3 years, it's still growing and going somewhere.
Are you married? Perhaps your wife could do you some nice women's styles - in private - and take some photos.
Yes, long hair does take a few hours to dry out. I had very short hair 2 years ago, and it dried very quickly. However, I didn't look after it or my scalp. Long hair has cured me of dandruff and psoriasis on the scalp.
You can always decide when it's long enough, and you get trims to keep it at that length.
It's up to you. Just think: all off in 10 minutes, 3 years to grow it back.
Anthony
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Yeah, I remember that "ho-hum" feeling towards my hair, back in Y2K; so I impulsively cut off my waist-length hair on the first day of summer, 2000 -- and then I deeply (and I do mean, DEEPLY) regretted it... Not everyone reacts the same though; so go ahead, buzz it all off, see if I care -- it's your hair, not mine! Just prepare yourself for a river of tears you never thought could happen, just because you suddenly realize that you no longer have all of that beautiful long hair still attached to your head, and the fact that it will take YEARS to grow it all back...
- Ken, the grumpy old longhaired geezer from San Francisco (LOL)
Been there done that and it was a painful experience. I am in my second year of recovery, and it is a long haul. If its easier for you how about remembering it is easier to keep long hair... short hair requires attention and fussing about. Comb out you long locks , tie them back. Done. nuff said,, Onslow
3 years of hair growing, 3 years of your life taking care, spending more time in a front of a mirror to get your hair a nice good looking, all of that can go to waste in 10 or less minutes (depending on the skill of the barber, those guys from the army shave your hair in 3 minutes or less with a bare blade #0, just like scalping your hair).
Think of it, 3 years going to waste in a couple of minutes but, it's your call, if you want to shave all your hair, then go for it and remember, there's no turning back after sitting in the barber's chair and hearing the sound of the clippers going up through your neck and if you regret it, you going to take 3 more years of your life just to get a nice good looking mane and remember, we don't live forever and we only live once.
I hope you make the best decision for you.
Take care!