Hi. My name is Alexander and I have longhair. It's mid-back I guess you can say.
As was mentioned before, I'm seeing that most longhaired guys tend to have hair that is shoulder-length, or just a bit past shoulder-length.
I'm starting to think they have it that way because it may just look nicer? As well as less maintanence?
Even though I feel that longhair is part of my identity, I just think it can be too long that it stops looking good.
I mean, I've had girls who 'worship' longhair tell me I look hot and all, but I just feel that they worship longhair even if it looks bad. LOL
Basically I think I need a trim because I think my hair is too long and don't look good.
What do you guys think?
P.S. More pics can be found at the link below.
Hair that is in good condition looks good at any length. Your hair looks a bit dry. Some questions:
What is your routine?
Do you use conditioner every time you wash?
Do you brush/comb out lots of tangles?
Do you oil it - jojoba or other oil?
__________________________________________________________
Well, because my scalp tends to shed somewhat alot, aka dandruff, I shampoo every day, or every other day at best.
I tend to switch shampoos often. Now I'm using L'oreal Vive Anti-Dandruff shampoo for men. For the most part, I use anti-dandruff shampoos.
No. I guess I don't use conditioner each time I wash my hair. Sporadically yes, but not each time. Could that really be it?
I never use a blowdryer because it will only make it worse (dandruff), and I never put in moose/gel.
I do get tangles and I try to remove them first by using my fingers and running through it. Then I brush it.
I don't use any oil but I've been hearing a lot about this joboba oil thing. I may have to try it out.
I agree with Bruin, that you should wash less often. To remove skin build-up, massage your scalp while washing. Then, be sure to use a conditioner every time, and apply jojoba to the ends, a drop or so a day, til you get the hang of it.
It will make a big difference.
First, welcome to the board ATP!
Second, while I did see what you were talking about in the pic in your message, the other pics from your link were fantastic! I really like your natural waves.
To your topic question, I would say "yes" that longhair can look bad if it get's "too long", but really this is only because it's not being taken care of correctly. I notice a lot of the time when guys have it past their waste, the last 4 inches or so is very tapered and split. Not to fault them though, because I imagine it's a lot of maintenance!
_______________________________________________________
Thanks for the welcome :)
Yes indeed. The hair I have now is a lot of maintanence for sure. But I don't plan on growing it past mid-back really.
Actually I kinda like to keep it over my chest area.
I think I have a weird mentality because when I see pics of girls with hair over their bosom, I think it looks so hot, and for some reason I start thinking it'll look good on me as well. LOL.
Alexander the Poet. You're on the MSN board as well right? That site doesn't' get much traffic, this one's smokin'. The archives here have lots of answers. Anyway, I personally wouldn't be shampooing everyday. Every two to three days works for me and I always use conditioner when I wash. Other people don't seem to mind my *fairytales* but to be honest, I'm not thrilled about them. I braid my hair and that covers them up. Have you tried braiding? Being a longhair is part of my identity too. You have the will and that means you will find a way. Experiment a little before making any harsh decisions, your hair will thank you!
Bruin
_____________________________________________________
Yeah I'm on that board, and you're right, it is pretty dead.
Now I'm not talking from experience here, as my hair is only bottom lip length, but I see a lot of guys here, and in real life with shoulder length hair that looks fun, well cared for, and full of life. When hair grows longer, it loses the thickness, so it will probably look better at shoulder length, although if you want to grow it longer or keep the length you have, you should aim to condition after every wash.
Hey, I am personally aiming for alittle longer than shoulder length. I think it looks best there. I also love the pic of you with your hair tied with the full beard. Looks great there, I think you should go with that look. I like it.
Bejesus, you met *Gauge*!
Anywho, the others have the haircare advice sorted so I'll give my opinion on the image front. In my personal view there is no such thing that hair can be so long it starts to look bad. In many cases that I see, while really long hair does not particularly suit that person moreso than shoulder length hair, it definitely does not look worse. For some people REALLY long hair just 'exists' as opposed to complimenting their face/build; you on the other hand look like a tall fellow so your current length fits you well, and IMO are one of those who suit hair the longer it gets. Personally I couldn't imagine you with shoulder length hair, you look cooler with longer hair. Let us know if you reach any decision.
Matt
Hi Alexander, thanks for sharing your photo with us.
Your hair looks pretty cool as it is but I do believe that once it gets too long it starts to look less attractive. I think my favourite length, and what seems to work best for me is just below my shoulder blades. I tried growing longer but found that the ends got thinner and drier so it didn't look as nice and I had it trimmed.
Before you do cut though, what conditioning products, if any have you tried?
RM
Hi Alexander,
my opinion on image - same as what Decapitated_Vogg said.
Cool hair
I think too long for me would be long enough to sit on, but that's just my opinion. Some people have hair much longer than that and it doesn't bother them. I think waist length looks much better than shoulder length, though.
What is in fashion may be different from what I like, i.e. I know shoulder length is really in, but personally I couldn't care less. Yes, I am too old to care! However, bear in mind that hair takes a long time to grow, and that many different trends come and go in the time it takes to grow really long hair.
You just can't afford to wash long hair without using conditioner every single time, that's a very basic rule. Washing your hair less often may also help, but that depends on the individual. Some can get away with every day, but for others every two days, or three or four may work better.
You have to reassess these things as you hair gets longer. What works at shoulder length may be no good when it is really long. A higher parting also tends to be better with longer hair, although that's a very individual thing.
_______________________________________________________
What do you mean by, 'a higher parting'?
Parted closer to the middle of the head
I think alot of the reason for this is that these guys in most of the cases may be in the process of growing their hair out.
Could be for some............but who's to say?
I think it looks GREAT!!!!!!!!! But the important thing is that you have it right where you feel the most comfortable with it and can just be yourself.
Hi Alexander
I don't think long hair can be too long that it stops looking good, however the longer it becomes the harder it is to keep it looking good.
Sure a lot of women worship long hair, just because its long. But I wouldn't worry about that, keep your hair looking good and you'll appeal to these people just as much as to those that recognise the effort you've made.
The fact is, there is a lot of ignorance about hair, the people on this board are some of the most informed people outside of professional circles.
I think you should follow your gut instinct, but even if your hair is suffering from a little damage, there is no need to trim back to shoulder length, an inch or so will help clean up pretty much any damaged ends.
Sorted
Welcome to the board. I think your length looks fine. Your hair would definitely love more conditioning though. I don't know if anti-dandruf shampoos dry the hair more, but I would cut down on shampooing every day. Definitely use conditioner every day, with shampooing (& conditioner) every other day, to every two days, if you can. Cheers.
---
Splat