Hair styles/toys for men.

[Fyral]

Not sure if this is the right place for this (if not feel free to move it)
But I've always been really envious of the sheer number of options that long haired women have for their hair than men do. most particularly when it comes to hair styles and updoos. but even when it comes to hair accessories. it seems like the only "acceptable" styles for men are either completely loose, braids, or pony tails (and even some of them seem kinda questionable)

it seems like if I want to do anything fancy or special with my hair the only options I really have are beads/decorative rings etc worked into braids. any other suggestions? (I tried chopsticks in a top knot once for a costume party and it just looked REALLY weird on my pale as a ghost complexion).

Really the only other things I can think of that could be decorative and still "masculine" are some more utalitarian things. (I've stored sewing needles in my hair before since I had no pockets but was pretty sure I would need it that night) and I've also woven small (necklace) knives into braids before because I needed a knife and... okay that was just pure boredom but it did look good.

So any other suggestions for hair styles I might be able to try out when I get my length back that could help mix things up a bit without just looking really odd on a big burly bearded male?

[Kiwiwi]

I hate this, too. Even though I am a woman.
There so little 'choice' for men. Hairstyles, clothing, everything. Men can't do fun, colouful, different things cos it's not... manly. *sigh*
I always say "Do what you want!". If you want to wear certain things because -you- think it's pretty then you should.
I'm pretty good at ignoring people's opinion and stares, etc. But I know many people are not.
Really, my advice is just to do what you want. Life is too short.

I know this is not what you asked for.. I'm sorry.

I love top buns on men! Not super, super high but pretty high up. I think it's sexy :-)

[Fyral]

yeah I don't generally care much about other peoples opinions either. I've been known to wear such "girly" styles as high pony tails, pig tails etc. I've even been known to rock what I call the "twist and stick" bun from time to time (I'm sure there is a proper name for it that I just don't know) when my hair is getting in the way and I don't have any ties on me... generally held together with a pen or even a literal stick :p.

still its really annoying with the lack of styles and accessories out there for men. Maybe I should try and come up with a line of "masculine" hair clips and combs. in the shape of like... trucks... and guns... and stuff... y'know UBER MANLY ****!!!

[browneyedsusan]

*snip* ... trucks... and guns... and stuff... y'know UBER MANLY ****!!!

I LOVE it!!!
A railroad spike hair stick would be super cool! (Super heavy, but super cool!)
I smell a Duck Dynasty endorsement. :)

[bte]

It is difficult - but I find that having longer hair than most men has already broken most of the "rules", so why not break a few more! As I pointed out in another thread a few days ago, male ponytails were almost unheard of in the 70s, so you can help widen the choice now. Good luck an happy growing.

[lydiajo]

I think some of it is getting used to seeing yourself in the mirror. Try simple buns with a colorful stick (colored pencil). Wear it like that at home and it will start feeling natural. Next thing you know you're at the store with your hair in a bun.

I'm sure the men on here will chime in as they get on their computers.

[Fyral]

I guess the one consolidation prize that men get for not having as many options when it comes to our hair is that we can also grow beards, and with those you have SO MANY style options. I actually find myself styling and decorating my beard far more often than I do my hair (and spending more time and care on maintenance as well now that I think about it) so we got that at least. my current favorite (with the length of beard that I have) is to start out with a twin braid from the far sides of my chin, I slip an iron ring over those then braid them together into a middle braid and slip this nice beaded ring I have on that before tying it off. looks awesome and "tidies" it up a little bit. :D

[hanne jensen]

Fyrel, I love your idea of making "uber manly" hairtoys. You would probably get a lot of customers. Hairsticks with carved toppers of trucks, machine guns, bullets or bucking broncos? A camouflage bun cover with carved onyx figures on it? If you figure out how to make hairsticks with tiny pistons as a topper, I'll buy it from you!

[crazycandigirl]

I think that spin pins (http://www.amazon.com/Goody-Simple-Styles-Assorted-Colors/dp/B003FVDNO6) would be a pretty gender neutral way to secure a bun. They hide in the hair when they are in and are fun to use. I've also seen leather cord (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105918437/2-ponytail-hair-extension-black-leather?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=leather&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade), classy leather hair barrettes (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105071725/leather-hair-barrette-slide-large-set-of?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=leather&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade), a Deer Antler Hair Stick (http://www.etsy.com/listing/110153504/deer-antler-hair-stick-hairpin-hair?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=mens&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade), or simple wood spike hair sticks (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105691616/wood-hair-sticks-hair-fork-hairpin-teak?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=mens&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade).

Honestly wear what makes you feel good. I find that simple lines and earthy materials do well with adding a classy masculine vibe to things, if that's what you are going for. I'm very much a girly girl myself and would wear everything I listed (I like beautiful earthy things). Just throwing some options out there for you- good luck!

[Fyral]

Fyrel, I love your idea of making "uber manly" hairtoys. You would probably get a lot of customers. Hairsticks with carved toppers of trucks, machine guns, bullets or bucking broncos? A camouflage bun cover with carved onyx figures on it? If you figure out how to make hairsticks with tiny pistons as a topper, I'll buy it from you!

Honestly it started as a joke but the more I think about it the more I believe it could be an awesome idea, I should look into how I would go about getting that kind of thing produced.


I think that spin pins (http://www.amazon.com/Goody-Simple-Styles-Assorted-Colors/dp/B003FVDNO6) would be a pretty gender neutral way to secure a bun. They hide in the hair when they are in and are fun to use. I've also seen leather cord (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105918437/2-ponytail-hair-extension-black-leather?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=leather&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade), classy leather hair barrettes (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105071725/leather-hair-barrette-slide-large-set-of?ref=sr_gallery_18&ga_search_query=leather&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=8&ga_search_type=handmade), a Deer Antler Hair Stick (http://www.etsy.com/listing/110153504/deer-antler-hair-stick-hairpin-hair?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_query=mens&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade), or simple wood spike hair sticks (http://www.etsy.com/listing/105691616/wood-hair-sticks-hair-fork-hairpin-teak?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=mens&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade).

Honestly wear what makes you feel good. I find that simple lines and earthy materials do well with adding a classy masculine vibe to things, if that's what you are going for. I'm very much a girly girl myself and would wear everything I listed (I like beautiful earthy things). Just throwing some options out there for you- good luck!

I've always been a HUGE fan of leather cord. when braided into the hair it gives so many options for things you can add. I used to have a nice collection of ancient chinese coins that I would braid into my hair regularly, but over time they either got lost/stolen/broken.

[WaitingSoLong]

They make hair sticks in every shape...like swords and knives and things. There are leather hair slides that are quite manly. There are several men here and I know I have seen them wear flexi 8's and sticks and I don't think they look feminine at all. Still, I understand the dilemma. Something with chains may work. Maybe a chain-mail bun cage?

Some men's facial structure lends more to the feminine accusation. My oldest son had BSL hair (it's blonde like mine) and he has a fine bone structure and after about shoulder length he really started to get a feminine look about him. It didn't help he has NO facial hair basically (it is also blonde and not visible even when it is about an inch long). What he wore did not seem to matter.

Having lived through the 80's, I would say blonde men tend to get this issue more and that having facial hair goes a long way to making the whole look appear more masculine.

However I daresay that if women had significant facial hair we would have found a way to make it feminine, too. LOL

[Nedertane]

As I have said to my longhaired male friends IRL, "If Chris Hemsworth can wear buns, so can you" (the guy who played Thor, if you aren't familiar).

[Fyral]

As I have said to my longhaired male friends IRL, "If Chris Hemsworth can wear buns, so can you" (the guy who played Thor, if you aren't familiar).

Wait... that actually counts as a bun? hell I wear/wore that style all the time. I never thought of it as being a bun just a slightly different way of making a ponytail... obviously I have not spent nearly enough time on this forum as I should have over the years :p

[Nedertane]

Wait... that actually counts as a bun? hell I wear/wore that style all the time. I never thought of it as being a bun just a slightly different way of making a ponytail... obviously I have not spent nearly enough time on this forum as I should have over the years :p

If we're referring to the same style, then yes: http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/Np/chris-hemsworth-0512-mdn.jpg :)

I also just remembered that I've seen on different documentaries about Vikings and Barbarians and such that many of the male actors will wear high pony tales and half-ups as well, if that helps at all (I can try to find a picture, if you prefer).

[WaitingSoLong]

As I have said to my longhaired male friends IRL, "If Chris Hemsworth can wear buns, so can you" (the guy who played Thor, if you aren't familiar).

I tried to google a picture of this...I can't find one. Help?

[Fyral]

If we're referring to the same style, then yes: http://www.esquire.com/cm/esquire/images/Np/chris-hemsworth-0512-mdn.jpg :)

I also just remembered that I've seen on different documentaries about Vikings and Barbarians and such that many of the male actors will wear high pony tales and half-ups as well, if that helps at all (I can try to find a picture, if you prefer).

I'm the Jarl of a local viking reproduction group, so i'm well acquainted with the common styles used by vikings and "modern vikings" one of my favorites is the "windbraid" style, again i'm sure there is probably a different term used for it here/normally, but thats the one i'm used to... pretty much a braid/french braid (dependin on length of hair) starting at the temples and drawn back around the back of the head and tied or braided secure.

[Nedertane]

I tried to google a picture of this...I can't find one. Help?

I pasted a link in my other reply. Or is it not working?

[Nedertane]

I'm the Jarl of a local viking reproduction group, so i'm well acquainted with the common styles used by vikings and "modern vikings" one of my favorites is the "windbraid" style, again i'm sure there is probably a different term used for it here/normally, but thats the one i'm used to... pretty much a braid/french braid (dependin on length of hair) starting at the temples and drawn back around the back of the head and tied or braided secure.

For real?! This may just be one of the best things I've seen on this board today. :p

[Fyral]

For real?! This may just be one of the best things I've seen on this board today. :p

yes for real, its also (on facebook at least) one of the larger viking groups in the world... it would be larger exept for the fact that I have a very strict stance against blatant racism and as a result have had to ban a couple hundred people for racist comments... yeah unfortunately the viking community has a lot of racist communities. most of us view them the same way that the christian church likely views westboro church, but that doesn't change the fact that they tend to be very vocal and create a bad reputation in general.

[Nedertane]

yes for real, its also (on facebook at least) one of the larger viking groups in the world... it would be larger exept for the fact that I have a very strict stance against blatant racism and as a result have had to ban a couple hundred people for racist comments... yeah unfortunately the viking community has a lot of racist communities. most of us view them the same way that the christian church likely views westboro church, but that doesn't change the fact that they tend to be very vocal and create a bad reputation in general.

I get where you're coming from. Almost anything related to Vikings that I might look up on the internet almost always leads to some race "discussion" (that is, Neonazi trolls spewing their pseudoscience). That really sucks that you have to deal with it on that level, too, though.

[Fyral]

I get where you're coming from. Almost anything related to Vikings that I might look up on the internet almost always leads to some race "discussion" (that is, Neonazi trolls spewing their pseudoscience). That really sucks that you have to deal with it on that level, too, though.

yeah, honestly its even more annoying then that because whenever I try and explain the fact that I keep my hair and beard long is for religious reasons and they ask "what religion" I end up having to get really specific with where I send them too, and that alone looks really suspicious. I wouldn't be surprised if thats why I've lost several job interviews the second it came up. and for some reason most of the population just doesn't seem to get the concept of the "vocal minority" especially when it comes to religion... for example, 99.9% of muslims are completely normal peace loving individuals and only .1% are "terrorists" well, "why don't we ever hear about the other ones...." "ummm... because they are completely normal and unextrordinary in any way and so the news has no reason to ever report on them?" "well I'd like to hear about them?" "so you would really pay for a newspaper that exclusively reported on the fact that mr xyz muslim down the street went grocery shopping that week?" "well no" "exactly" "i don't get it"

[Nedertane]

yeah, honestly its even more annoying then that because whenever I try and explain the fact that I keep my hair and beard long is for religious reasons and they ask "what religion" I end up having to get really specific with where I send them too, and that alone looks really suspicious. I wouldn't be surprised if thats why I've lost several job interviews the second it came up. and for some reason most of the population just doesn't seem to get the concept of the "vocal minority" especially when it comes to religion... for example, 99.9% of muslims are completely normal peace loving individuals and only .1% are "terrorists" well, "why don't we ever hear about the other ones...." "ummm... because they are completely normal and unextrordinary in any way and so the news has no reason to ever report on them?" "well I'd like to hear about them?" "so you would really pay for a newspaper that exclusively reported on the fact that mr xyz muslim down the street went grocery shopping that week?" "well no" "exactly" "i don't get it"

Ugh, so much of this ^. This is partly why I don't talk to many people outside of my closer friends about my interests in Vikings/paganism/related topics (of course, I also realize that many of them probably don't care, haha), though I myself don't identify religiously as a pagan/neo-pagan.

[Neneka]

I think buns with hair sticks look really cool on men. I have some simple sticks that are made of bone. I think they would look awesome in a manbun. :)

[teal]

I haven't seen too many hairtoy offerings that would be targeted at men specifically. That said I also don't spend any time on Etsy and the like. Are you looking for ornate in a manly way? If you're into simpler styles (I am) then you might check out some of the stuff from Quecraft. Here are three of my favourites:
http://www.quecraft.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A002602 (http://internal/iCabMobile_CallBack?openURLinTarget&target=_blank&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quecraft.com%2FProductDetails .asp%3FProductCode%3DA002602&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com %2Feditpost.php%3Fp%3D2387907%26do%3Deditpost)
http://www.quecraft.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A001149 (http://internal/iCabMobile_CallBack?openURLinTarget&target=_blank&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quecraft.com%2FProductDetails .asp%3FProductCode%3DA001149&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com %2Feditpost.php%3Fp%3D2387907%26do%3Deditpost)
http://www.quecraft.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=A001203 (http://internal/iCabMobile_CallBack?openURLinTarget&target=_blank&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.quecraft.com%2FProductDetails .asp%3FProductCode%3DA001203&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com %2Feditpost.php%3Fp%3D2387907%26do%3Deditpost)


A railroad spike hair stick would be super cool! (Super heavy, but super cool!)
I have a railway spike... you'd probably have to have a lot of hair (and probably no nerves in your scalp) to hold it up! ;)

[teal]

Also, I would love to see a pic of your wind braid in action! :)

I don't have much advice on additional styles, but as someone said earlier just rock the styles you like. I wish there were more men around me willing to grow their hair and put half the thought and attention into it that you do.

[DancingQueen]

I don't know if this will be quite your style, and it does involve braiding. But have you watched the hobbit? Some of the dwarves tend to braid portions of their hair, and they wear som (very masculine) clips in their hair.

Otther than that, I'm afraid Iv'e got nothing new. But fantasy movies actually fairly often show styles that can be worn by men. I will look for some examples, and post it later. :)

ETA: there is nothing wrong with a long, sexy braid! ;)

[browneyedsusan]

Also, I would love to see a pic of your wind braid in action! :)***snip***

So would I! please share!

[silverthread]

I don't know if anyone else has suggested this, or if you've already tried it, but I think a rope braid would look cool on a guy. I like dredlocks on guys, too, but they destroy the hair.

[Fyral]

So would I! please share!

Oh don't worry, as soon as my hair is long enough again for me to start doing things with there will be no shortage of pictures (I only wish I had thought to take more pictures before the big chop.) shouldn't be too much longer now, only about another month or two before I can start doing half ups and if I'm lucky in another 6 I can start braiding again.... I really miss braiding.

[humble_knight]

All this talk of vikings is reminding me of my favourite viking-y song :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsyPT3UnUBo


There's a place in the North, far far away,
Home for the wandering man.
Dreaming fields with skies so pale...
Calm is the glorious land.
Flames will send the sign to the sky...
That we have come to feast tonight.
The lakes are echoing with our song...
Shadows are dancing on the forest floor...
Shadows are dancing on the forest floor!

[trolleypup]

Men have exactly the same options for styling and adornment that women have.

Personal and societal preferences or requirements may limit the use of those options. What I might do in San Francisco might be unpopular or even dangerous in less liberal/accepting areas.

That said, places like Bronze Jewelers or Barrette Baron carry items that are fairly stereotypically masculine. Also, there is gear available for motorcycle culture that should be satisfactory.

The bottom line though is you have to choose to wear what you want...and so long as you are comfortable with it and hold yourself with confidence, most people (in some areas, some people) will be accepting or at least not negative...and eventually get used to your style.

Me? my standard style is a lazy bun secured with a single mid-length stainless steel chopstick.

[trolleypup]

I have a railway spike... you'd probably have to have a lot of hair (and probably no nerves in your scalp) to hold it up! ;)
Your best bet is to either beat some hollow extruded aluminum/brass (hobby or hardware store) into the shape of a RR tie or form/cast it out of lightweight plastic...and paint/distress the result.

ETA: there is nothing wrong with a long, sexy braid! ;)
I had my hair down the other day, and after a session of attention, one of my students said "I never thought of hair as a chick magnet!", I just said, "You've never had long hair, huh?" Down, braid, pony tail, if it looks good, it will get attention...

I don't know if anyone else has suggested this, or if you've already tried it, but I think a rope braid would look cool on a guy. I like dredlocks on guys, too, but they destroy the hair.
I've seen some spectacular rope braids, and once a perfect TBL herringbone braid..."does he carry a stick when he goes out?"

[Seeshami]

A guy that works at one of my favorite restaurants wears a hair stick and a bun.

Wear what you feel comfortable wearing.

[Gumball]

I find it's all personal preference and how comfortable you are wearing certain things/styles. You definitely hit the nail on the head with "acceptable" in a social sense, but I also agree with trolleypup that it can be tempered to an extent given your bearing and location.

I wear a variety of styles, but primarily a bun, and rarely get any commentary. Whether that's good or bad, I'm not sure. I'd love to have more compliments or even comments in general, but I get what I can. :lol:

My style today? Braided cinnabun held with a stainless steel chopstick. (Thanks trolleypup)

[rowie]

Alright i'll give this my best shot. I posted this from the MLHH site or men's long hair hyperboard of the everyday products I use. As you can see I use a lot of hair sticks that I like to call "hair armory or hair artillery" - hair tools that can be used as a weapon and at the same time hold your bun. Depending on how long your hair is and how thick your hair is then these tools would work well for you. Especially if you have hairs that like to grip then you can get heavier toppers that have axes on them. These are all handmade and can be found at etsy. P.S I'm a guy and the only way you'll find which hair tool (i don't like to call them hairtoys since I don't play with them) or sticks you like, is to be an individual and go by your instincts and what aesthetically appeals to you. Taste is personal and only you can identify your own style and "flava." Just have fun finding your own niche and who cares what anyone thinks.


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j277/shyboyfriend/IMAGE_53C34BF4-F8B0-40C3-B4FF-32C809AB96EF_zps6b47d3bd.jpg

[EdG]

I think that having a beard has already made you appear unmistakeably male, regardless of how you wear your hair.

Years ago, I used to wear a ponytail. I've had a beard for a long time too.
Ed

[lindenblossom]

Alright i'll give this my best shot. I posted this from the MLHH site or men's long hair hyperboard of the everyday products I use. As you can see I use a lot of hair sticks that I like to call "hair armory or hair artillery" - hair tools that can be used as a weapon and at the same time hold your bun. Depending on how long your hair is and how thick your hair is then these tools would work well for you. Especially if you have hairs that like to grip then you can get heavier toppers that have axes on them. These are all handmade and can be found at etsy. P.S I'm a guy and the only way you'll find which hair tool (i don't like to call them hairtoys since I don't play with them) or sticks you like, is to be an individual and go by your instincts and what aesthetically appeals to you. Taste is personal and only you can identify your own style and "flava." Just have fun finding your own niche and who cares what anyone thinks.


Wow, rowie! Your collection looks very cool.

[rowie]

Wow, rowie! Your collection looks very cool.

aww thank you! :flower: I only showed him a small part of my collection, and just to warn him that once he gets into it, then it will be an addiction hard to give up. It took me almost a year of fighting my urges to not buy hair sticks from etsy, even to the point of blocking etsy link from my internet. :rollin: Although, I still get the urge to look at the hair aisle in every grocery or pharmacy store I go to. Now I finally understand why so many women would spend so much time at the hair aisle.

[torrilin]

The social climate issue is definitely there. What would be acceptable in LA or Madison would never pass muster in rural Pennsylvania. Even so, I think well kept long hair will fly more under the radar than you might expect. Unless I make a real point of doing a very decorated hairdo that accentuates my facial features, most people assume my hair is short. And society does expect women to wear updos, so it's not like I'm trying to be a stealth longhair.

I think it's also easier for guys who are pretty imposing to wear long hair. My partner is 6'2" and he never had trouble with being mistaken for a girl when he wore his hair long. Finding the right routine for psoriasis and 3a curls was a much bigger impediment.

[Pierre]

My standard updo is two braids folded into buns and held with Flexis. My avatar shows my beard braided into the bun, but usually I tuck it into my shirt. Flexis come in all sorts of styles; you'll probably find one you like.

[Dorothy]

I suggest you venture into the self made hairtoys world of wonders. I made hairtoys for my exwife that were somewhat masculine, as she did the mowing and was the non purse carrying lesbian in our relationship. One was an antler- these are easy, just find the right one and cut it off so you have 2 tips, one long to go through your hair and one short for keeping it from sliding all the way through.

I also made her a set with tiny tools on the end, the checkout lines in hardware stores are good for finding these things, one was an LED flashlight and the other a key shaped knife/saw/screwdriver/etc. combo tool, only about two inches long. In fact, you can find everything you need at the hardware store - to make those toys, I bought dowels that fit inside brass tubes from the metal section, cut the dowels to length, cut off a metal tube 1 inch long, slid that on the dowel and glued it flush with the end with epoxy, put a screw eye into the end (metal tube prevents splitting) and hung the tool from the screw eye. I think you could hang a tiny pocket knife. I myself have a hairstick made out of a dowel and an inch long metal hammer head (a little heavy but SO COOL and my last name is Hammer.)

I also have used the dowel and tube method to mount a clock spring on the end of a hairstick - a lot of motion there, probably too much for some people, but I'm a more is more kinda gal. In jewelry class I made a double ended hairstick out of a brass tube, a brass rod that fit perfectly inside it, and two brass clock gears of identical size on either end. It's pretty fierce. You might just check out the metals section next time you're at the hardware store, it's pretty inspirational, there is copper, steel and brass in both solid rods and hollow rods, round and square, many sizes. Who could call you a girlyman with tools on your head?

Some tools are probably ready to use as hairtoys as is, maybe with a little sanding. My hammer hairtoy came extant from a thrift store, all I did was sharpen the end of the stick. Maybe it's a rock hammer? It's tiny, steel, and perfect. Recently I made some plain old hairpins out of small brass rods, they look similar to Quattro's basics, and were easy to make - file the ends to round them, sand them on a sanding sponge (MUCH easier than sandpaper) and then bend them into loops with smooth round needle nose pliers.

Cowboy up, man, and don't let the haters get you down.

[Seeshami]

Nice simple flexis:

http://www.flexi8.com/0858.html?id=WqInDXID
http://www.flexi8.com/1948.html?id=WqInDXID
http://www.flexi8.com/1153.html?id=WqInDXID

[SGBSteve]

I wish my hair was long enough to start doing things like buns and braids and stuff but right now I'm only just starting to play around with some different ponytail styles. Of course I've been thinking ahead about this kind of thing for when my hair does get long enough.

Obviously not all men think the same way so it all depends on how you feel would fit you personally. I know for me I like things to be more simple and natural looking so the idea of things like skulls and axes and stuff just seems weird to me. I've been looking around on etsy and these silver pins look like they'd be perfect for me http://www.etsy.com/listing/114859377/metal-hair-accessories-bun-stick-hair?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_includes%5B0%5D=tags&ga_noautofacet=1&ga_page=1&ga_search_query=metal+hair+sticks&ga_ref=related&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery Now I'm just wondering which would go better with my brown hair, silver or gold?

I like Dorothy's suggestion about looking for things at a hardware store. That actually sounds really fun and creative so I might give that a try when the time comes. I also really like the idea of finding some sticks out in the woods when I'm camping and carving them into hair pins. I think that would be really cool.

[rowie]

Nice simple flexis:

http://www.flexi8.com/0858.html?id=WqInDXID
http://www.flexi8.com/1948.html?id=WqInDXID
http://www.flexi8.com/1153.html?id=WqInDXID

Seeshami, I'm so diggin these! I especially like the skull. I can so do a pirate look with this with a low bun and a black bandanna! So cool, thanks for sharing these links. :flower:

[Natalia]

Not sure if this is the right place for this (if not feel free to move it)
But I've always been really envious of the sheer number of options that long haired women have for their hair than men do. most particularly when it comes to hair styles and updoos. but even when it comes to hair accessories. it seems like the only "acceptable" styles for men are either completely loose, braids, or pony tails (and even some of them seem kinda questionable)

it seems like if I want to do anything fancy or special with my hair the only options I really have are beads/decorative rings etc worked into braids. any other suggestions? (I tried chopsticks in a top knot once for a costume party and it just looked REALLY weird on my pale as a ghost complexion).

Really the only other things I can think of that could be decorative and still "masculine" are some more utalitarian things. (I've stored sewing needles in my hair before since I had no pockets but was pretty sure I would need it that night) and I've also woven small (necklace) knives into braids before because I needed a knife and... okay that was just pure boredom but it did look good.

So any other suggestions for hair styles I might be able to try out when I get my length back that could help mix things up a bit without just looking really odd on a big burly bearded male?

I think metal looks great on men. metal sticks (especially twisted), swords/weponry, pony wraps/spirals. Nothing wrong about men with buns to me just like women you have to find a bun and location that works for your face shape. Off the top of my head a nautilus is a great unisex bun. Low nape buns tend to be considered more male than the up high "ballerina" kind. My brother has had many lengthss of longer than average for a dude hair and he rocks it.

[Seeshami]

Seeshami, I'm so diggin these! I especially like the skull. I can so do a pirate look with this with a low bun and a black bandanna! So cool, thanks for sharing these links. :flower:

No problem. Long hair on guys is so awesome it needs to be encouraged, embraced and enabled!

My Mom wanted to try flexis but didnt like how colorful and attention grabbing mine are so we got her the bronze plain ones so they blended with her hair and she loves them.

[spirals]

I wear a variety of styles, but primarily a bun, and rarely get any commentary. Whether that's good or bad, I'm not sure. I'd love to have more compliments or even comments in general, but I get what I can. :lol: OK, here's one: I've seen a picture of your curly bun and I like it. I don't think it looks unmanly, and even if it did, who cares?

steve, it looks like you have golden brown hair. I think we are haircolor twins, and I'd go with gold.

[Humbug454]

I was originally worried about bunning / braiding my hair, but now I really don't mind what others think and I almost ALWAYS wear my hair up now.

In fact I've received more compliments when I braid my hair than I have negative remarks. And the only 'negative' remarks I get when I bun my hair is that I should "wear it down more often"!

If you want to see some "manly" ways to wear hair then look up HairFreaky on YouTube or Facebook, he's got amazingly long hair and shows some interesting ways for guys to wear hair!

[Lyv]

I'm sure as you try more styles/hair toys you'll find more and more that will suit what ever your taste is and it'll open up even more options as you go along. If you can't find exactly the right things you want you could take a few ideas and make your own. I've never really thought of long hair/braids/buns etc as more feminine on anyone they can be made to look masculine or feminine I think. I mean look at Jason Momoa he's rocked a million different ways to wear longer hair and I dare you to say he looks feminine lol.

[Fyral]

*snip* I mean look at Jason Momoa he's rocked a million different ways to wear longer hair and I dare you to say he looks feminine lol.

well... he is a little bit girly, I mean he's just SOOO pretty.

Edit: Okay I was thinking of someone else entirely... dear gods is that man sexy... if you will excuse me I think I need to go and re-evaluate my sexual orientation.

[Dorothy]

You're a cool guy, Fyral.

[SGBSteve]

steve, it looks like you have golden brown hair. I think we are haircolor twins, and I'd go with gold.

Yeah my hair does have a gold-ish tint to it. I'll try the gold ones out when the time comes (though they're so cheap I'll probably just get the silvers too).

So anyway, how long does my (really thick) hair need to be before I can start doing buns and hairpins and stuff? SL? APL?

[SnowWhite]

Okay, I have a weak spot for long hair on men. I just find it incredibly sexy and masculin.
I love buns on men.
This (https://www.google.nl/search?q=head+band&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=nl&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=mQMcUYnBFsKJ0AWEyYHQAw&biw=1366&bih=624&sei=mwMcUcTRG8K40QXV1IGYCw#um=1&hl=nl&tbo=d&tbm=isch&spell=1&q=headband+man&sa=X&ei=tQMcUZTVLKmK0AXZqIG4Cg&ved=0CEwQBSgA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42452523,bs.1,d.d2k&fp=6ee24906c824943f&biw=1366&bih=624&imgrc=pLr7ogoU_S2pIM%3A%3BCQPf8zefa5KL_M%3Bhttp%25 3A%252F%252Fwww.visualphotos.com%252Fphoto%252F2x1 973083%252Fsenior_man_with_long_hair_and_headband_ 1777454.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.visualphotos. com%252Fimage%252F2x1973083%252Fsenior_man_with_lo ng_hair_and_headband%3B700%3B472)rope headband is amazing and very easy to make yourself.

I like buns on men... I recommend you to look for historical movies. You know.. Like Chinese history movies.
Or this (https://www.google.nl/search?q=wentai&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=nl&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=ngEcUf31MrOk0AXs7IHAAQ&biw=1366&bih=624&sei=oAEcUYLFLai20QXF7oGYDA#um=1&hl=nl&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=chinese+men+long+hair&oq=chinese+men+long+hair&gs_l=img.3..0i19.2441.4979.4.5080.18.7.2.9.9.0.81. 444.7.7.0...0.0...1c.1.2.img.qn_MW-4kbao&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42261806,d.d2k&fp=6ee24906c824943f&biw=1366&bih=624&imgrc=KVxFHqzgvYF8IM%3A%3BNC6h93hXaB-EkM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fimage2.sina.com.cn%252Fen t%252Fv%252F2004-12-07%252FU102P28T3D591585F326DT20041207105843.jpg%3B http%253A%252F%252Fwww.chinese-tools.com%252Fforum%252Fread.html%253Fq%253D18%252 52C707%3B590%3B885) half updo.
This look (https://www.google.nl/search?q=head+band&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=nl&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=mQMcUYnBFsKJ0AWEyYHQAw&biw=1366&bih=624&sei=mwMcUcTRG8K40QXV1IGYCw#um=1&hl=nl&tbo=d&tbm=isch&spell=1&q=samurai+hairstyle&sa=X&ei=NgQcUfaDDsqI0AWt7YCwCQ&ved=0CEwQvwUoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42452523,bs.1,d.d2k&fp=6ee24906c824943f&biw=1366&bih=624&imgrc=at6c_ZKaIj1HhM%3A%3BSXMPuQLZC-hO-M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hji.co.uk%252Fhjimages% 252Fimages%252Fqhs31741%252Fhji%252Fmedium%252F201 1-mens-samurai-long.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.hji.co.uk%252Fim age%252F2011-mens-samurai-long-qhs31741.html%3B402%3B503) is just WOW
Viking (https://www.google.nl/search?q=viking+hair&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=nl&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=TAYcUfbhHe6Y0QXgwoDIDg&biw=1366&bih=624&sei=TgYcUfWrJo_K0AXPjoCYCA#um=1&hl=nl&tbo=d&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=viking+hairstyle&oq=viking+hairstyle&gs_l=img.3..0i19l2.25751.26139.0.26241.5.1.0.4.4.0 .76.76.1.1.0...0.0...1c.1.3.img.YDr8GGdmo-M&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.42452523,d.d2k&fp=6ee24906c824943f&biw=1366&bih=624&imgrc=Ch7wLeg6-_Po-M%3A%3BOsJ2Bok12hke6M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fa4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com%252Fimages02%252F71%252Fe8f4 b69081d74a25af9a43acf2cd5900%252Fl.jpg%3Bhttp%253A %252F%252Fwww.myspace.com%252Ftsirk%252Fphotos%252 F53774354%3B600%3B763)style with leather.

I do think a braid can also nice. Depends on the person though...
Cornrows, then join all the strands in a loose low ponytail...

And then I think about rough wooden hairsticks, or something with celtic knots! Think of warrior-like things and styles

[Lyv]

well... he is a little bit girly, I mean he's just SOOO pretty.

Edit: Okay I was thinking of someone else entirely... dear gods is that man sexy... if you will excuse me I think I need to go and re-evaluate my sexual orientation.
Haha I wondered how you came to "pretty" as a description for him! I thought maybe you looked at his short haired bay watch days, I suppose he could have been considered pretty back then.

[ravenheather]

I like the antler wishbones from Grahtoe for either men or women. A nautilus bun is pretty basic and not too feminine in my opinion.
Also what about these:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/123332121/tribal-wooden-hair-claw-spike-quilted?

[spirals]

So anyway, how long does my (really thick) hair need to be before I can start doing buns and hairpins and stuff? SL? APL?I'm an iii 3a. I don't know about SL or APL; at those lengths I wore it down as to show my curls. I was more about curl than length then. When I joined LHC I was at BSL. I could do a few buns, braids, half-ups.
Now I can do them (at waist) if I do sections. My hair is too thick to swirl up into say, a figure-eight or orchid bun, or even cinnabun. Half of my hair takes a 5- or 6-inch stick.