Had to cut the locks today...

[RobZilla]

Unfortunately, everyone in florida thinks any guy with long hair is a hippie. Or maybe it's the combination of the long hair and the piercings and the rasta hat with built in dreads :D anyway, i had to cut my hair to get a job as i was fired from my last one. So without further ado, some before and afters.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080609_190106.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080609_190106.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080609_190117.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080609_190117.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080609_190147.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080609_190147.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080609_191938.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080609_191938.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080609_192020.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080609_192020.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080609_192353.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080609_192353.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080610_004959.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080610_004959.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080610_055944.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080610_055944.jpg)http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080610_060008.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080610_060008.jpg)

[RobZilla]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080610_060054.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080610_060054.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080610_060120.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080610_060120.jpg)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/th_080610_060136.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/SlimXero/080610_060136.jpg)

I went from 26 inches to just over 1.5. Not very happy about that. I look like a d-bag with short hair. Maybe it's just my inability to take a picture with a straight face in short hair, idk. I kept all the hair that got cut off in a ziploc.

[RobZilla]

sorry for the trip post, but i can't edit my own posts yet, so just to let ya know the thumbnails are clickable.

[Toadstool]

So sorry you had to cut your hair against your will. Looks good though. Do you think your piercings make any difference? How is the job hunt going?

[RobZilla]

My biggest problem right now is this: i am willing to remove most of my piercings and i cut my hair...for a price. I'm not doing it for 7.50 an hour. I'm doing it for a bank job. Problem is they want me to remove my earrings as well, i don't think that's right considering all the women there wear earings. To me, that's discriminatory.

[rhubarbarin]

To me, this is all discriminatory! How different is it to dsicriminate against someone for their hair style or body jewelry, than for their skin color or religion?? Bleh.

I don't think you look like a douchebag with short hair! :)

I'm sorry you were forced to make this decision. Do you live anywhere where there are jobs that accept 'alternative' looking people? Piercings, tattoos, pink hair, etc. Tattoo parlors, certain chains (Hot Topic, etc), record stores, video game stores, art galleries or art supply stores all come to mind. I have a lot of friends with visible body art and facial piercings, I know how hard it can be.

[RobZilla]

To me, this is all discriminatory! How different is it to dsicriminate against someone for their hair style or body jewelry, than for their skin color or religion?? Bleh.

I don't think you look like a douchebag with short hair! :)

I'm sorry you were forced to make this decision. Do you live anywhere where there are jobs that accept 'alternative' looking people? Piercings, tattoos, pink hair, etc. Tattoo parlors, certain chains (Hot Topic, etc), record stores, video game stores, art galleries or art supply stores all come to mind. I have a lot of friends with visible body art and facial piercings, I know how hard it can be.

I agree with you, but unfortunately i usually shoot for jobs that require a certain professional appearance. I worked for a graphics shop in Orlando that had no problem with the piercings and whatnot, but here in Pensacola, it's a little harder to find places like that. Plus, most of those places you've listed pay min wage to 8/hr. I've had to remove my piercings for jobs before so it's not a huge deal for me. I just hope one day i'll be perceived as a human being like everybody else.


As for the short hair, i'm not in love with it. It's the first time i've ever done it this way tho, and i like it. It'll take some getting used to, but i think i'll end up enjoying it. Actually had all my hair black except the roots, cut it down to 2-3inches, bleached it, then evened it all out to around 1.5 inches. It bleached the roots and just barely lightened the dyed hair. Makes it look like i have naturally crazy blonde hair :P

[Xandergrammy]

I think your cut looks great. Maybe after you land a certain job, you'll be able to start growing again?

[bex487]

For what it's worth, I think short hair looks nice on you.

I can sympathize a bit, I had to take out my tragus piercing for a job and I only hope the hole doesn't close up.

[burns_erin]

It's really lousy you had to cut your hair for a job. Fortunately once you settle in one, the better they know you there, the more appearance wise you can get away with. I know the branch manager at my parent's bank started with really short hair, but by the time he had been there about 12 years, his hair was as long as my dad's, midback. And this is in SE Texas where haircuts for men are uber-conservative. He just had to keep it tied back and braided for work.

[Isilme]

I'm so sorry you had to cut your hair! As for the piercings, could you find some retainers? It would be a shame to let them close, I imagine you get scar tissue and having to repierce them all the time can't be good.

[lora410]

I personally think you look great with short hair!!!

[paper]

You sound like my son! He grew his hair long in college. Before going to an interview for his dream job he cut his hair short. In his words he said he looked like his grandpa lol. He got the job and everyone loves him there. There cool with him letting his hair grow, so thats what he's doing.

Btw, your hair looks good short. Good luck!

[RobZilla]

Thanks for the positive words everyone. Yes, i will be trying to grow my hair back out. Don't really have to worry about retainers, i've had most of my piercings long enough that having them out for 8 hours won't cause them to close up.

[Islandgrrl]

RobZilla...wow, I'm sorry you had to cut your hair. But I have to say, your new do looks very good. Seriously more mainstream, but good! Perhaps once you've landed the job you want you can start growing again.....good luck!

[Alun]

I have a friend who cut his hair after moving to Florida. I hear it's very conservative down there. Personally, I'd move somewhere else rather than cut my hair.

Short hair and no earrings just because you're a guy? That's pretty much the definition of discrimination, although most of the laws are written by fogeys (not necessarily old, but also young fogeys). Lots of old fogeys in FL, of course! Go to Florida and die, LOL!

Not into earrings/piercings myself, but I don't see why men shouldn't have them if they want to. My wife's brother has an earring.

[yogachic]

You look really different with the short hair. I like the new look, even though you had to do it against your will.

[feralnature]

Bummer man :(

[Lixie]

I'm sorry you had to cut you hair, that's a real downer. If it's any consolation, your new cut does suit you really well. :)

[DaveDecker]

My biggest problem right now is this: i am willing to remove most of my piercings and i cut my hair...for a price. I'm not doing it for 7.50 an hour. I'm doing it for a bank job. Problem is they want me to remove my earrings as well, i don't think that's right considering all the women there wear earings. To me, that's discriminatory.

Dude! I've got a bank job in Florida -- with mega-long hair (check the sig pic, man)! Although the hair is my only "unconventional" appearance factor (no tats, piercings, etc.). And admittedly, my bank job is in the back office, so I have no interactions with "real" customers. Sure, I got turned down for some jobs (when I was in the market) due to my hair, but not all jobs. I think the key to your employability is your professional credentials. Have them, and you expand your possibilities.



I have a friend who cut his hair after moving to Florida. I hear it's very conservative down there. Personally, I'd move somewhere else rather than cut my hair.

Short hair and no earrings just because you're a guy? That's pretty much the definition of discrimination, although most of the laws are written by fogeys (not necessarily old, but also young fogeys). Lots of old fogeys in FL, of course! Go to Florida and die, LOL!


In the south, the degree of conservatism seems to be somewhat related to the population density (large metropolitan areas being less conservative). However, as comfortable as I am hanging around my local area, when I was in Dallas last year I felt like a freak. :scared:

And yes Alun, I'm an old fogey who's gone to Florida to die! LOL :silly:

[RobZilla]

I've lived in florida since 89', since about the time i could walk and talk. So it's pretty much all i know. All my friends and family hide out here.


I think the key to your employability is your professional credentials.

Problem is, at my age, no one wants to give me a step up. It's a long story but basically boils down to this: everyone wants experience and no one wants to help you get it.

[Madam Librarian]

Good luck with the job hunt!

My husband used to have long hair, but felt the same pressure to cut it when he was job hunting. He worked a seasonal job delivering ice one summer, and was hassled several times about when he was going to cut his hair. Some areas of the country just aren't accepting of men with long hair.

Now he has to keep it short for safety reasons, but I think that that earlier experience has left him reluctant to grow it out again. I hope that you are able to grow your hair out again if you so choose.

[Deborah]

Your new haircut (and color) look great! I am not sure if it is the color or the cut, but your face coloring and features look nicer now to me. I hope you find a really great job very soon. :flower:

[DaveDecker]

Problem is, at my age, no one wants to give me a step up. It's a long story but basically boils down to this: everyone wants experience and no one wants to help you get it.

At 20, I was working jobs that paid minimum wage or maybe slightly more (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showpost.php?p=134750&postcount=124). But I was also in college working toward a bachelor's degree. You know what you want, but do you have a realistic plan for how to get there... and are you willing to do what it takes?

[psvzum]

I feel for you having to cut your hair. Especially for a job-doesn't seem right.... But, you look great with short hair! : )

[EdG]

Rob - good luck with the new job! If you ever read the men's board (MLHH), you'll see that your story happens to guys periodically. It's unfortunate. :(

Fortunately, you're young and have plenty of years and opportunities to re-grow your hair if you choose. :)
Ed

[redbark]

I can understand you must feel indignant!

For whatever my words are worth - you look cool with the new haircut too. Getting a new color was rather drastic...Lol..I can imagine you looking at yourself the next day in the mirror.... I get a wee trim and I feel like a new person is staring back at me.

[Blueneko]

Here are the pros:


You are young, so your opportunities to grow your hair are not lost
Money is good for bill paying, saving and fun spending
This experience could take you to another job where your personal expression is allowed to flourish


When I worked at Disney Studios men were not allowed to have facial hair. So... they HAD to shave, every day. But it was a company policy and they pay well, so people did it. If it is still in effect I do not find it fair, but when work says you wear a red hat, you wear it. Or you go work somewhere else.

I think a bank in Hollywood would still make you remove piercings. I would become a bartender when you hit 21. You get to chitchat all night and make mad tips.

[katiana]

I think you new hair cut looks pretty cool! I feel for you, but you can always grow out in the future.

[susiemw]

I'm sorry you had to cut your hair when you didn't want to but I'd have to say you look darn good with it short... good luck with the job hunt.

Susan

[Alun]

And yes Alun, I'm an old fogey who's gone to Florida to die! LOL :silly:

Well, I'm no spring chicken myself!

[RobZilla]

thanks for the positive reinforcement everyone. I appreciate it very much. As for work, i've got an apprenticeship with an AC technician lined up, so it'll be a decent paying job, it's commercial so the piercings are ok, and i'll walk away with a good skill to boot. Wouldn't have had to cut the hair, but being in the heat all day i'd've wanted to cut it after a few days anyway. Hopefully in the next few years i'll growing it out again.

And just because i cut it doesn't mean i'm leaving ;)