Hi, Ive been lurking around here for a while and I thought it was time I posted something.
I've been growing my hair since Jan 2003. I made the mistake of having a "trim" in Aug 2003 when the stylist took off about 2" when I said 1/2". I haven't had it cut since and it's now long enough to stay in a tail all day (apart from the side bits which are about 1/2" too short. I gel these back and secure them with hairgrips (bobby pins) which I make sure hold the shorter bits but disappear under the longer hair so they can't be seen. A couple of people know about these but I've had no problems with them.
I started growing my hair later in life than most. I'm now in my early 40's and have a professional job where I meet military types a lot. Apart from the usual "get your hair cut" comments which I either ignore or tell them where to go, I haven't had too many problems with other people. The worst are, of course, my mother (who still lives in the dark ages) and my daughter, who's always at e to get it cut. I guess I must be going through some mid-life crisis, but as someone famous once said frankly, I don't give a damn what other people think. My wife is cool with it although she says she prefers it shorter. I've also taken up learning the guitar again after about 20 years and it's great fun.
I've finally posted some pics that are linked from my yahoo profile.
http://uk.profiles.yahoo.com/monkeyhanger2003
The first is from the last time I had it cut. When it was taken, I was a bit under the influence from a few beers and I was roped into doing the vocals for "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. The other two were taken yesterday after, I guess, 14 or so months of growth (taking the "trim" into account. I hope you like them.
I'm aiming for around mid-back length so I guess I'm about 12 months or so away from my goal.
Take it easy and keep growing.
Dave aka monkeyhanger
Hi Monkeyhanger, welcome to the board
Great set of pics, we're at a very similiar stage, I've been growing since Janauary 2003 with several trims. Your hair looks great btw. Hope to see you around.
Sorted
Hair looks great! You'll reach your 12 month goal for sure but..............it is kind of funny for many of us, the "goal" that is. Once reached we want it longer.
I can well remember using the "Hairgrips" myself. This period seemed to last forever. But once they are not needed..........what a breeze from then on.
Good luck to you. The long hair seems to fit you perfectly.
I gave in to pressure and made the mistake of getting a trim too in December 2003 after growing my hair from a short length since May of 2003. I have not gotten it cut since or even considered it, and am very happy with what I am getting. It's wavy/curly so it doesn't look all that long.
Congratulations. It looks great. I am about the same age as you (44) and began my growing out in Oct. 2000. You know, I called it a mid-life crisis for a while, but I've decided that it's no crisis to finally get to a place in life when you choose to do what you want to do, what is right for you and make what other people think about it none of your business. Now, it may be a crisis for them, but it really is the best thing that we can do for ourselves.
I went today and got my ear pierced. Always wanted to. It was just time for me to do what I wanted to do--again!
Robert
Hi again.
Thanks guys for the comments. It's always great to have something you care about appreciated by others. Even my wife is getting in on the act. Until now she's been pretty non-committal about me growing my hair, but yesterday when I woke up, my hair was hanging over my face. She told me she admired my hair and she thought it was starting to look good. So, I guess I can finally wave goodbye to the awkward untidy stage - Yowza!!!
Dave aka Monkeyhanger
It looks great!!! Glad your wife supports you, must be awesome to have hair getting in the way on your face, I only get it on the eyes and below eyelids.
Hi, welcome to the men's long hair hyperboard. Don't let age stop you, I did not start growing my hair until 39 years of age. Now at the age of 51 my hair is almost knee length. Also continue to stand firm, don't let others choose what your hair length should be. Absalom