"Look at an old photo of yourself with short hair - do you want to look like that again? If not, then you are fundamentally a longhair in your mind's eye and should be one in reality."
He was advising Lewi071 on what he might try to help him decide wether HE actually wanted long hair or wether he was only growing it to not give into pressures from others to cut it. Those words really hit home with me. I couldn't tell you how many times I have looked at that picture on the wall in our living room (see pic above) where I have short spiky-ish hair and thought to myself, "Man, I am glad I am growing my hair long!" Long hair without a doubt is the best hair for me, because when my hair is short, it is nearly impossible to do anything with because it stands up to much and can't be controlled. I also remember in that post where Baldie the Eagle said that he may not be able to offer words of wisdom, but those words were very wise indeed for me. Peace!
I agree. In that same thread I mentioned the exact same thing.
When I look at my old photo's, I honestly believe I looked totally ridiculous...
Long hair is right for me, its great :)
Yes, thanks again for your input. I am studying my short hair pics as we speak. Tim
Thanks for your picture Treyn.
Now here's an odd thing. When I look at short-haired pictures of myself I actually think that I look younger* and that, to be honest, it suits me better than with long hair. BUT it FEELS all wrong when I have short hair. I don't feel happy with myself with short hair so that's why I've grown it. Does anyone else on the board have the same thoughts ?
On 30 November it'll be three years since my last cut. I didn't observe the two-week rule that day and had four years' growth cut off (BIG MISTAKE !!!)
*I've just realised that the reason I look younger in those pictures is because I WAS younger. Duh.
Wise Eagle indeed !! To add and wax on poetic
Longhair is not solely about appearance but also how you feel about yourself and others. Notice on this discussion board (a wonderful and well maintained board, Thank You Webmaster(s)!!) there seem to be three rough age groups: teens, upper 20s to mid 30s, and we old farts. The first group seem to experience considerable peer pressure and discrimination, which is unfortunate, but this is a maturing experience on how the individual responds to this pressure and develops his personal values. The second group seems to be comfortable with their appearance and confident with their associates. And the older group is being not only accepted, but applauded for breaking from the norm of thin, balding, white, gray, etc. From my own experience, while there are some occasions where my longer hair is more flattering than a short crop would be, mostly it is for my own enjoyment. Heaven knows I don't make my money on my looks ! HA! Learning to care for long hair, the touch/feel of it and sharing with others is an experience limited to folks like those who participate here. More importantly, I now view and appreciate others (both men and women) with long hair on a different level, almost as one with an experienced eye views art. Before this adventure in grooming I had no appreciation for the time, effort, expense, disappointments and rewards that came with long hair. To all those with doubts, the only question is Do I enjoy my own experience with long hair? Thanks all for being here.....Great Group !!
I was so overcome by the wisdom of your quotation (!!!) that I looked at some old photos of myself taken at least 20 years ago.
I don't think I look much younger, if at all, but I am definitely glad I don't look like that any more.