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My wife put about 15 braids in my hair the other night. I'm new to this long hair stuff!!! I have to say that was such a cool feel and look!
COOL! Were they braids or more like corn rows? How long is your hair and what kind of texture, straight, curly, etc? Would like to hear more.
Jon,
My hair is only about 7" all over. I'm in the process of growing it to shoulder length. It is straight and dark brown. It is just long enough that the braids hang nicely. I haven't worn them out of the house yet. I think I might get her to do one for me to wear in public. Don't want to over do it here in the conservative south.
Floyd
I understand your discretion. One or two braids at a time, over time sounds like a good approach. Growing your hair out occurs over a few months so people adjust more incrementally, but braiding can be done over night and can take some folks by real surprise. When I was growing my hair out people made a comment here and there, usually pretty positive, so it encouraged me to develop my curls, even though the day before I might have thought about cutting them back. My briads were at first, like they are for you now, a weekend thing that my girlfriend and I enjoyed. But we always took them out by Monday morning before heading into the office. Then one Sunday last Summer while we were at the beach she did a real thorough set of braids. We were relaxing and lost track of time so that it got late and we decided to stay over and just come straight back Monday morning. Monday morning when I looked in the mirror after our shower I panicked. We hadn't undone the braids and I had a business meeting in an less than two hours. My girlfriend encouraged me to just get over the self-consciousness stuff and realize that most folks would not have the guts to comment negatively and that any comments I got, therfore, would likely be positive. Finally, she reminded me that I am the owner of my firm (wallpaper wholesaler) and that at 49, I could call the shots as to my personal haircare. Talk about a baptism by fire! But she was absolutely right about the reactions! I just handled it non-chalantly and found that I was my biggest critic.
I know what you mean even though I may be a bit older than you. I just celebrated my 50th. I don't know why I waited so long to enjoy the pleasures of long hair and braids. It was actually my older daughter's boyfriend - at the time - who suggested I grow out my curly, but closely cropped hair. My hair is thick, jet black and graying with the contrasting salt and pepper look. As it grew out it just got longer and curlier. My ex-wife hated it, which is probably why I kept growing it. In the two years I've been growing it out it has developed into shoulder length (longer in the back)corkscrew curls. I'd love dreads, but I don't think I'd like black and white ones and I'm not ready to dye my hair.
Anyway, for my new, young girl friend my curls are a real turn on. She plays with them more than I do! She loves to braid my hair either into a bushy ponytail or into a few dozen braids. And you are quite right! There is this estatic sensation as she attentively and excitedly runs her fingers through my curls to braid my hair. Perhaps, for me it is the physical gratification and psychological comfort of knowing that all her energy and attention is focused solely on me and my long locks that makes the braiding of my hair so enjoyable.
So I wish you a hearty welcome to the long haired world of happily braided men.
This exactly what I have wanted to do with my hair! I don't have a wife,however, to do it to me. Can you tell me how it's done? My hair is kinda wavy and very dense. How do I group the areas to be braided, etc., etc., etc.? Any tips? How long should it take? Thanks for your advice!