Hi,
The problem with paying more attention to my hair is that I am noticing how long it takes to grow. For many of the other guys I know, long hair is a very accepted thing and something they are also working on. I stopped cutting my hair long after they did, so their progress is also much more spectacular. I am also finding that the first few times every day that I put a comb or my fingers through a bit of my hair, that there are a good number of loose hairs that come out. I know that this is normal but I can't help but think pessimistically about it. Also, this never happened before I stopped getting my hair cut, so I like to think that it is more than just a coincidence that this is happening now.
I'm going to keep waiting (and growing) since I certainly don't want to get my hair cut again. I don't want to be one to give up, but I am finding it much harder than I originally thought it to be. *sigh* When will I see a longhair in the mirror?
Rick
I also lose a lot of hair some times, but it's supposedly normal, and my hair isn't getting any thinner (not that I've noticed anyway) so don't worry about that.
How long have you been growing? Mine is at 10 months finally starting to look somewhat longish (not as much on the days where it curls much.)
The reason it is worrysome is that I notice a significant amount every day. Could this be explained by the fact that I don't do much with my hair in the shower most days except press it down and back. I'd imagine that doing things with it in the shower would cause the loose hairs to come out there and it would then be less noticible during the day. Is this what's happening? How do I tell what amount is "normal" before I need to worry about it?
I have only been growing my hair since December. I also had it cut in the back and slightly on the sides once between now and then. I think it's about 4.5 inches so far, but quite curly.
Well, if I don't do much in the shower (like you press down and back) I won't lose many then, but more during the day.
If I move my hands through my hair while shampooing, I lose a lot of hair.
So you should be safe, I'd say.
I know what you mean about hair taking forever to grow! It has taken just over 2 months for my hair to pass my nose, only just cleared it a few days ago, but oh boy did it feel like it took an age to get past! I don't know why two months or 60 odd days can pass so slowly! Your curly hair is gonna take longer to look long when down, but as soon as you can get it in a ponytail, nearly all your problems will be solved! Just hang in there mate.
The key item in this case is patience. Things like this you can't rush so take it easy. It was about 7 months into my growth that my hair looked "long". So during that period of time I didn't think about it much, so find something that will take your mind off of hair for awile.
Here's the positive to running your hands through your hair and finding loose hairs. That used to happen when your hair was short, but the hairs were so short that you didn't notice. The fact that you notice now means that your hair has really grown!
It's part of the ritual, this waiting thing!
Robert
That pretty much explains the existence of the Men's Longhair Hyperboard. Getting long hair takes patience and commitment over a very long period of time. When will you be a longhair in the mirror? Only you can answer that question for yourself. Losing hairs is normal. Since you're not getting haircuts your hairs are much longer and they now expire naturally in your environment. I work at home so I have enough of my hair laying around this place to practically knit a sweater. I've even found a few twelve-inch (30cm) hairs! It is all perfectly normal. Dogs shed like crazy but how many bald dogs do you see? Good luck with your hair goals!
I think Tonez had it right - try to keep your thoughts off your hair, and I'd add, get rid of your mirror. :-)
why do you want to see a longhair in the mirror
i'll say it again... stop looking at mirrors!!
-vincent
Think about it this way: if you give up and cut, it will take THAT MUCH LONGER before you see a longhair in the mirror.
Patience is what's needed.
JE
If you haven't already, check out the thread I started titled 'Another Question....'. There are some great replies that touch upon the topic of hair loss while washing hair, as well as general day to day loss.
I also used to worry very much about pulling loose hairs out. I decided that instead of feeling down about it, I would rather focus positively on keeping that hair as healthy as I could.
Matt.
Judging by your profile Picture I'd say your looking at 18-24 months from the date that photo was taken.
Bummer I know, but it does actually fly-by... At the end of this month I'll have been growing 18 months, I hardly seems like 18 weeks!
Sorted
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Patience - this is what you need when growing your hair. Lots of patience. But the reward is worth the wait. Just reaching the milestones - first time when you feel your hair on your shoulders, then on your back and arms, first ponytail, first braid and so on. And the sense of acomplishment when you reach the desired length - and maybe decide to go further.
Being a longhair means - in our society - placing yourself outside the "mainstream" and asserting your individuality and independence. With this comes a sense of fulfillment and happiness - you have broken out from the narrow constraints of the norm.
You will encounter all sorts of reactions from other people - ranging from contempt and hostility to being appreciated for your boldness, independence and individuality. With the time you will learn to ignore the ignorants and enjoy your existence as a longhair.
For all these reasons it is worth to wait patiently and watch your hair grow.
When you have short hair most loose hairs fall off and you don't notice them. When your hair gets longer the fallen hairs tend to remain stuck in your hair until you pick them with your comb or hand. And longer hairs are much more noticeable...
Well, patience... Be patient and you will be rewarded with the sight of a longhair in the mirror.
A Linux Longhair
Everytime I pass a milestone in growing my hair, like hair passing eyes, nose, etc, I'm on a constant high for days afterwards! Because it feels so good!
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I still remember passing those milestones even after many years - last time when I had to grow my hair from a short haircut was more than 15 years ago. Being able to tie it in a ponytail which would stay together was the best.
A Linux Longhair