Chapter 1: The Hair Dilemma

I've encountered many people who grapple with the decision of whether or not to cut their hair. Trust me, I understand.

For a while, I've been wrestling with what to do about my hair. It's been 2.5 years since Covid-19 disrupted my regular barber visits. Thankfully, my barber Mike is alive and well; I’d hate to think something had happened to him. He probably thinks I’ve vanished, considering he hasn’t seen me in over two years.

I’m getting there, Mike. This pandemic has been no walk in the park. Fortunately, today is better with some new medication and much-needed rest. There were some rough patches, despite having had two vaccinations. Perhaps a third would have made this journey less challenging.

It’s hard to fathom that it’s been 2.5 years since my last haircut. I was once meticulous about scheduling them every three and a half to four weeks. Delaying for five weeks was already pushing it. I always felt a sense of relief after getting my hair tidied up. You probably wouldn’t recognize me given my previous grooming habits. But life has a way of changing things.

So, what’s kept me from getting a haircut for all this time? What did I look like back in March 2020, when I last had a trim? I actually have some photographic evidence from that day—both the before and after shots bring a smile to my face.

That before picture seems SO SHORT by my current standards. What I once considered long now appears quite different.

After months of isolation due to Covid, I grew weary of my unkempt hair. This wasn’t my usual style. So, I resorted to something I’d normally never consider. I let my wife use the dog clippers on me. Yes, the same ones we use to groom our dog. Surprisingly, she did a decent job! At least I felt cooler afterward, though she might need to work on blending techniques.

The sides and back in that "before" shot were just unacceptable. I had to at least have some semblance of a clean look.

This temporary solution made me feel better, especially while working on carpet cleaning jobs. Initially, I only took on vacant homes during the early days of Covid, wearing a mask and avoiding contact with others. No one got to see my mismatched hair during that time.

I began contemplating my hair’s future. I’ve always wanted to grow it out, but my first attempt at age 19 ended with a regrettable mullet. My parents mockingly called me “Duck-Butt” because the back flipped up like a duck’s tail—accurate, but a bit harsh.

At this point, I thought I might see how long I could grow the top while keeping the sides and back shaved for a cooler look. Here are some early snapshots from this journey:

Here’s a moment from a beach vacation in Oregon—felt like my first great hair day.

Eventually, my hair grew so long that I started feeling overheated while working. I experimented with headbands for a while—something I’d never done before—but it surprisingly helped keep me cool.

Now that I’m revisiting these photos from the past two and a half years, I think I’ll share them. Some are downright amusing!

Now that we’ve shared some laughs (and I certainly did), here’s my pressing question: How do you know when it’s time to finally cut your hair?

I never imagined my hair would grow this long. Initially, it was a result of Covid restrictions, but I’ve discovered a newfound preference for longer hair, particularly on top. I enjoy shaving the sides and back, allowing for a polished look when I want it, and letting it flow when I’m in a more relaxed mood.

Years ago, I read articles discussing the emotional struggles women face when deciding to cut their hair. These pieces suggested that many people develop a strong attachment to their hair over time. That seems to be my current predicament.

I realize a cut would likely enhance my appearance. I don’t envision going back to my former short hair days. The length in my profile picture on this site and Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs feels just right. Yet, I still find myself hesitating.

A couple of weeks ago, I almost went for it. However, my daughter was too anxious about making the cut straight, fearing it wouldn’t be perfect. I appreciate her concern. I considered having my wife assist me, but then I started thinking about donating to Locks of Love and wondered if I should wait to learn more about their guidelines.

For instance, what’s the minimum length required for donation? Must it be cut by a professional, and what does the process entail? Perhaps I’m just stalling.

Part of me is eager to donate the excess and trim it to my desired length, but another part wonders if I should let it grow even longer. I realize that could become cumbersome and uncomfortable for my neck and back.

So, I’m reaching out for advice. How do you determine when to cut long hair? It’s currently about 18 inches long and reaches the middle of my back when down. Given its wavy and curly nature, it might even be longer.

Can grey hair be donated to Locks of Love? Does anyone know how they handle donations? Or are there better organizations than Locks? I could probably find this information online if I could shake off this lingering Covid fog.

Before I dive into research, I’d love to hear your suggestions first—especially from those who have been in my shoes, contemplating whether or not to cut long hair and dealing with mixed feelings. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to your insights!

Chapter 2: Exploring Video Insights

Before making a decision about haircuts, it’s essential to explore various perspectives. This video titled "Watch This BEFORE You Cut Your Hair!" provides valuable insights to consider.

After much contemplation, my journey culminated in finally cutting my hair after three years. This video reflects my experience and the emotions tied to this significant change.