Uncertain about trying different hair styles.

[gregh]

I'm a 40+ year old guy who has been growing out his hair for a little over 2 years. Always wanted to, finally did it. I have pretty much been wearing a ponytail every day for at least 5 months, more if you count the gel, bobby pin, hair tie concoction during the latter portion of the awkward stage. My initial goal was a ponytail and I have been very pleased with results to date. I hadn't really considered doing anything else with it. Probably just a guy mindset, after all a buzz cut is kind of a buzz cut no matter what, so my hair has been a ponytail or loose. However, recently as my hair has started to get some decent length and as I notice long hair on others more I have been tempted to branch out. Nothing too crazy. A bun or half up for now, when its longer maybe a braid. I guess the main problem is that I am quite apprehensive about it. It is out of my comfort zone and doesn't really fit the image I have of me with long hair. I suppose I am just looking for some tips of dealing with that or encouragement to get over that barrier. Thanks. Greg.

[meteor]

Welcome aboard! :cheer: I'm sure you'll find lots of great support here for growing out hair and styling it in various ways. :D I feel like almost all updos, braids, half-ups look unisex anyway, so I would just start checking out YouTube for various styling ideas or check out the Bun Progression List here (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=82713). That said, nothing's wrong with a simple pony or loose hair - it's definitely a gorgeous style on its own!

For something more complex, I'd definitely learn a few braids (they will be handy for updos and half-ups, too ;) ) and probably check out some videos by Silvousplaits: she has a good playlist with long hairstyles for men (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLHZvUpJ8tQdv5JGZzctwht98hY9V7aapv) inspired by shows like the Vikings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yboAEjuYf_g), Spartacus (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94QaXWEJBWE), Game of Thrones (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvqJfyD5nlY), Lord of the Rings (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c265LDf8Z5w)...

[lapis_lazuli]

Hi :) I was hesitant to try new styles for a long time, as well. I would say experiment and have some fun with your hair. Meteor has given you some great resources to check out. You may be surprised and find something you really like! :D

[Groovy Granny]

Your hair is gorgeous as is, but would look great in a lazy wrap or messy bun secured with a hair tie or primitive looking fork or stick
(or even a plain octopus claw).
It is trial and error ......and OWNING YOUR LOOK.
I speak as a 64 year old silver long hair in an area where us old birds usually keep it short to 'curl (it) up and dye' :wink:
It was a 3 year process, but I have come to 'rock my own look' and love it; I hope you can do the same :thumbsup:

[Agnes Hannah]

Some fellas have also used plain barrettes to secure a LWB. Or even a ficcare...

[Arctic]

Anything new can need a little getting used to: practice at home and when you are more confident, venture outdoors. We have many females (like Lapis in this thread) who have gone through the same thing: some of them have started to love the new styles, and some have decided they prefere their hair down. I bet many of the guys have also been where you are now.

I think there are lot of hairstyles (including buns and braids) that look great on men!

[Anje]

I see braids on guys pretty regularly. Heck, I'm seeing buns with some frequency now. I don't think either is likely to get a "that's an unusual style for a guy" reaction from the general public.

Certainly, though, do what you like. You're wearing your hair long for you, after all. If you want to wear ponytails (and don't get more damage that you want), do it. If you want to wear pink sparkly barrettes, do it! That said, I think it's important for everyone with long hair to know how to do at least one quick, comfortable, and secure bun; sometimes you just need your hair out of the way for practical or safety reasons!