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Here's my latest, representing a little over 10 months growth.
My apologies for the poor consistancy in progress pictures, I just realized I changed sides for the side shots. There's an obvious difference in texture from the May to July pics. The May shots were completely natural, as dried from the shower. The only difference in the July shot was I used some Infusium leave-in, which left it looking a bit wet and less shiny. Much of the difference in texture is the normal, day to day variation I've been seeing (you gotta love the awkward stage!)
I'm usually happy with it's natural look as of late, as seen in the pictures. Unfortunately, having a corporate job I just started keeping it gelled back all day at work, it gets rather unprofessional to constantly be pushing your bangs out of your eyes, plus I'm around enough machinery it could become a safety risk soon.
I was seriously considering trimming the back soon to get rid of the thin, whispy layers at the bottom, but have decided I don't want to lose that much length just yet, I figure I need to wait at least another 6 months (I know that's been a popular topic recently).
Thanks again to the regulars on the board for advice, mentoring, and simple support/encouragement. I've never let the top get this long before, I always stopped when the awkward stage got too bad, this site has been a big help.
Comments, suggestions?
Spodman I think you're doing really well. Your hair is taking on a really good look, even during the awkward stage its looking pretty neat.
I dunno if you experienced this, but there's a stage when you begin to grow your hair out when your hair sort of seems to say - "I know...I haven't had time to go the barbers" then suddenly you get past that first 'wall' of the awkward stage, when your hair takes on a certain determination and a more of a kick-ass look and attitude. Its starts to say something more like: - "You know what? I ain't getting a harcut."
Your hair has certainly arrived at this stage. I guess you can sort of equate this to point when you are so far past time you usually get a hair cut that other people start to realise what you're 'up to'. Anyway... I'm rambling - Your hair looks great!
Sorted
Thanks, Sorted. I know exactly what you mean. As for the perceptions of others, instead of being asked "Isn't it about time for a haircut", I am now asked "How long are you gonna let your hair grow?" As for my own perception, instead of thinking "I can survive this stage, awkward doesn't last forever", I can actually start to enjoy the look and feel of it, thinking more like "Yep, it's gonna be long and kick-ass again!"
That's exactly what I'm talking about! Its a big difference, because the latter, "How long are you gonna let your hair grow?" can be taken as a positive inquiry and its nice to know others are taking an interest rather than hounding you to get a haircut.
Sorted.
My experience is that at first they say "how long are you going to grow it?"
Then, after it's a decent length, it's "when are you due for a haircut?"
It seems like the first reaction is damage assessment and the second is damage control. : )
Good progress. Looks great for ten months. I like the profile shot of May, 2004...it reminded of the popular hairstyle of the 70's...with bangs covering the eyebrows...over the ears on the sides and just over the collar in the back....brought back some wonderful memories.
Thanks. I heard the 70.s comparison a lot. If you find anyone wanting that look, you can tell them to get it buzzed with a #1 on the side, #2 on the top, then wait 8 or 9 months!
hey great progress man! And the beard looks great too! Definately keep that look.
Looks good. It seems like your weight has been fluctuating pretty significantly. Is that on purpose? Just wondering...
ToddB
Yeah, it has. I've been into weightlifting off and on for about ten years. In the April pic, I was pretty lean, about 175 lb, 15 % body fat (I'm 5'10"). I had just started a heavy mass building phase, lifting heavy, eating about 3500 calories a day, not I'm up to about 200 lb, slightly overweight, so I'm definately gonna cut back again, about 180/185 is a good weight for me.
I think I did also distort the proportions some when editing that first picture, because I don't think I ever really looked that thin!
from picture to picture! Amazing how one can change
so dramatically by just changing the hair a bit this way & that!
Great looking progress!
And Gordie and Sydney look good too!
Forget the trim. It is amazing what a mere 3 months have added. Awesume progress man. You are definately a natural for Long Hair.
Let it grow.........................
