new thread
I have about shoulder length hair (still growing) and have worn it either loose or in pony tails mostly. More recently I have tried some braids, but I am now getting more confident about trying new things and experimenting. I have read the previous posts about the use of some hair accessories by guys and would like to know how people have got on using these things and what the reaction of other people to this is like. In particular I would like to use them to either keep hair off my face, or putting the back up.
The types of things I am considering trying are barrettes, hair claws, side combs, hair clamps, pony rings, Alice bands and anything else anyone can suggest. Also can someone tell me whether guys with long hair generally use hair grips, bobby pins etc to keep hair secure and tidy for styling esp. when doing braids.
Pushing the envelope of fashion is always fun. ;)
and would like to know how people have got on using these things and what the reaction of other people to this is like.
So far, the only accesories I have and still use include a black ribbon (not the pre-fashioned bows, mind you. I'm referring to basic ribbons you tie into a bow, similar to how you would tie a shoelace), and a large, soft (cotton, I think), black scrunchie(?). I stopped using basic elastic bands (the kind with the metal connectors) when my hair reached a length that was allowing the band to rip hair out when I would pull it off. The biggest advantage, I've found, with using scrunchies is that they slide easily off of the pony tail and are extremely gentle on hair. I RARELY, if EVER find even one or two broken hairs after I've pulled the scrunchie out. Now, I realize they're more often worn by women, but, damn it, us men should have the luxury and comfort of wearing them, too. Besides, they look great. (grin)
A tad risque (I'd never wear one, myself), but if you don't give a damn what the public thinks, and you want to wear them, go for it.
Is this another term for a banana clip, or are hair claws those oversize variations on the clothespin designed to keep the top half of one's hair in a pony tail, and are fastened just at the top back half of the head? If they're either of what I'm thinking they are, see my response to the barrettes. :)
I have no idea what these two are.
Pony rings, I think, would look great. I know from a previous message that Victor (or was it someone else?) sometimes wears one, and I found some really nice ones on the internet last night.
Don't know what these are, either, unless they're those arch-shaped stiff place holders you slide onto the top of your head (vertically) to keep hair out of your face. If they are, I would recommend using a bandana for this purpose, as I've seen at least one man in my lifetime wear a bandana this way, and it actually looked good. I have yet to try it myself, but I can't see myself doing it anytime soon (although I have practiced wearing one at home at least once, kinda liked it, but haven't gotten up the nerve to try wearing it out in public).
What's a hair grip?
I've never seen a man wear a bobby pin.
The only item on your list that I have used is the Alice/head/hair band. Nyghtfall is right, these are stiff arched type hair accessories you can use to pull hair away from your face. I am currently growing my bangs out and started wearing one of these while I was playing in goal for soccer to keep the hair out of my eyes. I can tell you that you have to be good if you want to avoid too much fun being taken out of you, but it was not too bad.
Soon after I carried on wearing the bands off the field and now I wear one almost all day, at home or work. I have about 15 bands in total of different colors and designs. I have a dark grey, light grey, dark blue and black ones which go with my suit for work. I also have a crimson red one which is my favourite.
When I first started I tried wearing the very thin bands you can get (plastic ones generally with teeth) but found ironically that these are more feminine looking than going for a bolder much wider band. I now just wear the wider type only.
I have recieved some funny looks before, but no bad comments. The bands go well with my overall hair length, which is just past the collar - so not too long. As I have worn them more often, and matched the colours with the clothes I wear I have recieved more compliments.
I have not seen any other men wearing them, but plenty of women do and look good with them. I would be interested to know if any other guys do wear them.
It was an intersting comment about the bandana but this would not fit in too well at work for me so I will stick with my bands.
[ snip ]
Well, it looks like there are now two "Paul J" men here. I suppose
I'm forced to qualify my name further.
ObHair: My bangs are now just coming to the hanging-in-front-of-my-eyes stage. Only a couple of years to go.
(Sigh.) I wish there were a potion you could drink to get long hair
over night. :-)
- Paul
Avoiding name confusion is sufficient. However, since you mentioned it, yes, a potion would be nice. OTOH, if there were such a potion, long hair would not be such a prize; it would not represent such an investment in time and dedication.
Not entirely true. You'd still have to care for it and maintain it;
you'd also have to have the fortitude to put up with those who dislike
or discriminate against it.
So, even if *getting* long, sexy, butt-length or longer hair were
easy, *keeping* it wouldn't be.
- Paul