new thread
A couple days ago I was waiting on the sidewalk for the light to change, and off to my left I hear "nice hair", and I turn to look and it's a woman who is at least 60. I said "thank-you" and she started telling me about her grandson who has long hair since he was in 5th grade (!) and people she knew from when she lived in France that had long hair, and how it's "their hair and if they want to grow it long it's their business". After the light changed and we crossed the street she was going in a different direction and left me with "so don't cut it, it's beautiful".
I got the impression that she had initially not liked her grandson's hair, and was "converted". She totally wasn't crazy or anything. She was nicely dressed and everything.
So, not all elderly people are going to stare at you and say "why don't you cut your hair and get a job" or some other such stuff. Some will randomly compliment you! She was so pleasant I wished we had been going in the same direction so I could tell her a little bit more about myself.
We tend to expect negativity about our longhair based on the past; however the times really are changing. I am noticing that in my part of the country (Southwest US), that many men, have or are growing longer hair (all occupations and all ages). It is become acceptable in just about all settings.
A couple of months ago while standing in line at a grocery store, there was a fellow in front of me who was obviously retired and he started talking about the good prices he had found and how important it was on a fixed income. He was a very happy animated black gentleman, sporting a large gold earring loop, and I complimented him on it. He answered “I’ve always wanted one, but waited until I was over sixty to get this”. I chuckled and flipped my ponytail around and said “Me too”. The cashier (a fiftyish women) chimed in “Well, you were both silly ! What did you wait for ??”.
Since then I’ve been making a point of starting conversations with a compliment on men’s long hair and usually those around will put in positive comments.
Try it !! When you see a fellow longhair, or a guy with a short ponytail, or in the awkward stage, tell him it is looking good…..you will be surprised how the conversation goes…..
White Tail,
Very helpful advice. I am 44 and a h.s. teacher. I have begun, this year, to let the guys I teach who have or who are growing out their hair that it looks good. Clearly, they are pleased to get an affirming word, and I live in the very conservative south.
Robert
