I guess this question goes here, in the 'appearance' category - but, I am talking about it more psychologically, I think. I finally just cut my own hair, recently (after commenting here, that I would really like a crew cut, except that it would be too extreme, for my hubby) - well, after realizing that my hair, wouldn't 'stand up' in a crew cut anyway, LOL, I just began cutting. Now, my hair is about 1-inch long, all over. It lays down pretty flat, although I can 'spike it' in the back, with a flat iron, if I want.
So, I finally feel like 'me', with regard to my hair (maybe I will post a pic soon) - then, I got to wondering - just how much (%, maybe), does our hair (or hairstyle?), contribute, to society's perceptions, of us, as a whole person? I mean, I know that our hair, doesn't provide a 'look into our soul' - although, maybe it actually does? Maybe you folks can figure out what I am trying to ask, here - I know in my head, but it isn't coming out right. Also, I looked briefly, at other posts - I realize, that this topic, may have already been discussed, ad nauseum, so I apologize, for the repetition. Thanks for listening, anyway! JinJan.
I recently tried to figure out exactly how I "gender" people. I.e. what do I look at first, what kind of people do I need a second look at, etc.
My conclusion was that I look at hair first and don't look at much else unless I see something incongruous.
So my answer to you is that hair is big part of the impression you made.
Congrats, JinJan for doing what you've wanted to do for a while. I hope you'll post a pic... 8)
AG - Thanks for your reply. Like you, I believe that, right or wrong, hair IS a very important 'determining factor', as to how we judge someone's gender. Having said that, it still really surprises me, that I cut my hair, the way that I did, recently. Not because it is even shorter, but because, of all my hairstyles, this is probably the 'blandest' style, I have ever had. But you know what - I finally, and really, don't care, anymore - it just feels like 'me' - and that is all I care about.
I tell you - the process, of getting to this final hair style, was brought about, via sheer 'compulsion', from somewhere deep, inside me. It took a while to get here, but I couldn't say 'no' to it - I just HAD to keep working toward this cut. I feel so relieved, and unburdened now, too - it is amazing. Thanks for listening. JinJan.
I am seen as a woman from behind a lot. Especially if I have 3" heels.
I am still quite male in appearance from the front, though. I'm changing a little.
A more androgyn look will get there in it's own time.
My hair is long, down the middle of my back, the avatar pic is current.
It's got to be. To cut it short would be traumatic.
I think hair style is very important to how you feel about yourself, regardless of who you are.
I absolutely love having a feminine appearance from behind.
Just sitting here, my hair falling forward as I learn forward towards my keyboard, curling as it dries...
I can't imagine it any other way.
Yep, it's very important for everyone, whether anyone wants to admit it or not.
Ativan
I think it counts for a lot. But then I started loosing mine at 14 so I have a thing about hair
Hair contributes massively. Men have short hair, women have long hair. It's not possible for men to have long hair, you know! It just doesn't... grow. And women with short hair are obviously lesbians.
Quote from: JoanneB on August 18, 2012, 05:28:51 PM
I think it counts for a lot. But then I started loosing mine at 14 so I have a thing about hair
That [insert expletive]ing sucks. I know a bit about early puberty and how things like that happen before their time, but my hair loss didn't start until seventeen, which thankfully did almost nothing because I happened to start HRT at seventeen.
It is a society thing. Currently in the U.S. males with long hair still seem to be judged immediately as more feminine or something. It wasn't always that way of course. I mean, even looking back through "western" history men wore their hair longer and it was no big thing, it was even the going style during times. And of course in other cultures it varies too. All that aside, I do think that people judge gender by hair and that it's one of the major factors.
I believe facial features are the most important factor in assessing others in society. For example, consider Jack from Mass Effect; http://puu.sh/12cbH (http://puu.sh/12cbH) Very feminine facial features; short hair. Andrej Pejic appears feminine, even with short hair; http://puu.sh/12cfg (http://puu.sh/12cfg)
Long hair is certainly associated with femininity; possibly could explain why many gay men and transpeople choose to express their femininity by growing out their hair.
Hi,
It has little meaning for me as i have none & nore do i wear a wig. i did wear a wig for 11 yars till id had enough headache's bad hair days , the only time ill wear my wig is for our Edwardian group as i wear long skirts tops & bonnits . so my peers like me to do that when we have our get togethers, ,
Other wise just my head wear of hats or scarves, of many different colours, & im well known by those. some 3.000 people plus others,
My avatar shows how people see me so that gives you an idear,
To me its not importaint to have hair & my many friends dont care, they know me for who i am .
& any way our cancer people allso know me as well & iv had inqireys about head wear & people will come up to me so that tells you something about us.
...noeleena...
Hair is probably the first clue. In my teens it was my saving feature because I could pass with it.
Hair is nothing but stacks of dead cell on the head, but society has always placed huge significance to it. In pretty much every culture it accompanies clothing in creating defining gender. I suspect it became increasingly important as a gender symbol as people started covering their gender defining parts with clothing.
From your original post, though, JinJan, you seem more concerned how the social significance of hair affects your attitude about yourself. That's certainly due to living your life surrounded by men with short hair and women with longer hair. The most important thing is that you feel better with yourself with your hair this way. One great thing about the hair and it's psycho/social influence is that it can be easily and even temporarily changed. I think anything that can harmlessly increase good feelings is a great thing.
~ Lyric ~
I've noticed that my hair definitely affects how I get gendered. When I have a more conventional pixie cut, I get ma'am'd, and the shorter the sides and back are, the more I get sir'd.
I don't know if it's more about specific hairstyles being gendered, or if it's something to do with the way your haircut interacts with the shape of your face and other aspects of your presentation. My current haircut is more typical of a queer woman than of a man, but combined with my simple men's glasses I think it looks my face look more angular and my chin stronger, leading me to get gendered male.
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on August 17, 2012, 12:37:36 PM
I think hair style is very important to how you feel about yourself, regardless of who you are.
This. I felt so much more like me when I cut my waist-length hair off.
Quote from: insideontheoutside on September 02, 2012, 04:21:20 PM
It is a society thing. Currently in the U.S. males with long hair still seem to be judged immediately as more feminine or something. It wasn't always that way of course.
Really? I've noticed that short hair is associated with masculinity in men (and androgyny/masculinity in women), and long hair with femininity in women, but I've not noticed the same thing with long hair on men. Long-haired men would probably get called "unkempt" or "hippie" (even if they're
not) long before they would be read as feminine. (There is a certain crucial length, between the chin and shoulders, that is seen as a bit more feminine though).
I've just not noticed a lot of men with long hair presenting particularly "femme", and I can even think of a few masculine archetypes associated with long hair (ie bikers).
But you're definitely right, the association is very specific to the modern West, and hasn't always been made even here. Ask any periwigged gentleman from the 16-1700's! ;D
For me it is a big deal. I am bald on top and I have no normal hair line.
For me, it's definitely that very first impression. It's not something I actively think about obviously but there are several factors that play into determining ones' gender. Hair definitely plays a large part in that impression, but that isn't the only thing in my opinion. I also see what type of clothing the person is wearing and whether it's a typical male/female article of clothing as well as the style if their is an obvious one. With that, I definitely notice their face and whether it leans more feminine or masculine, and use that as a partial reference. Things like earrings and makeup can also be helpful in determining but not always. How the person moves and walks is a big one for me and obviously their voice if they speak right away or something. I'm sure there are other ways, but that's all I could think of, but hair is a huge part along with the face.
Quote from: Brightest After Dawn on February 25, 2013, 08:49:32 PM
Really? I've noticed that short hair is associated with masculinity in men (and androgyny/masculinity in women), and long hair with femininity in women, but I've not noticed the same thing with long hair on men. Long-haired men would probably get called "unkempt" or "hippie" (even if they're not) long before they would be read as feminine. (There is a certain crucial length, between the chin and shoulders, that is seen as a bit more feminine though).
I've just not noticed a lot of men with long hair presenting particularly "femme", and I can even think of a few masculine archetypes associated with long hair (ie bikers).
But you're definitely right, the association is very specific to the modern West, and hasn't always been made even here. Ask any periwigged gentleman from the 16-1700's! ;D
Oh there's definitely other factors that influence it so I shouldn't just say "immediately". One of the main things is the difference between actually styling vs the wild, unkempt biker look. If you style it at all, you seem to be deemed to be more "femme". Also, what clothes are you rocking with the long hair? Fashionable, people seem to think femme, or "pretty boy", or something along those lines.
And lastly, there's what area do you live in ... metropolitan or rural? Plenty of guys with nice, styled long hair and fashionable clothes in L.A. ... a small town in rural Texas, not so much.
Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 25, 2013, 10:12:35 PM
Oh there's definitely other factors that influence it so I should just say "immediately". One of the main things is the difference between actually styling vs the wild, unkempt biker look. If you style it at all, you seem to be deemed to be more "femme". Also, what clothes are you rocking with the long hair? Fashionable, people seem to think femme, or "pretty boy", or something along those lines.
And lastly, there's what area do you live in ... metropolitan or rural? Plenty of guys with nice, styled long hair and fashionable clothes in L.A. ... a small town in rural Texas, not so much.
For sure...a lot of men seem to not style their hair so well...I remember in high school, even though long hair on men was fashionable at the time, it was actually seen as unmanly to comb it! lol
I don't know, I know a lot of cisgender men with some really amazing long hair. Even if it's not as clean as I prefer, they can grow some really good thick long hair.
Quote from: insideontheoutside on February 25, 2013, 10:12:35 PM
Oh there's definitely other factors that influence it so I should just say "immediately". One of the main things is the difference between actually styling vs the wild, unkempt biker look. If you style it at all, you seem to be deemed to be more "femme". Also, what clothes are you rocking with the long hair? Fashionable, people seem to think femme, or "pretty boy", or something along those lines.
And lastly, there's what area do you live in ... metropolitan or rural? Plenty of guys with nice, styled long hair and fashionable clothes in L.A. ... a small town in rural Texas, not so much.
Yeah, that's me in the Avatar pic from last August or September.
I had a friend take photos from front to back, pants to skirt. Some passer by's in the park had as much fun as I did.
I live in a rural district that has it's own hate group by SPLC, and elected one of the worst members of congress when it comes to TGLB people.
Is the skirt to femme? Since I don't actually style my hair, is it that wild, unkempt biker look?
LOL, I get mistaken for a female from behind, but never from the front.
Doesn't seem to matter what the clothes are. Snug femme clothes to tight t-shirt and camo pants and combat boots.
The reaction is generally the same where ever I go. From the small town down the road to the big city.
My body language is pretty neutral in a sense, although there is a mix of strong fem and masculine.
Works for me. :)
Ativan
*Edit 2/27/13: changed Avatar (again) :)
this is an old topic I want to post anyway.
I think hair is pretty big point in our look and how other view us.
I wish hair wouldnt be much of a big deal but it seams as hair is connected to alot of identety or boxes you can put on other.
if you ex see someone with pink hair and someone with casual hair you would probably think diffrent about those people on what theyre interest might be or what they would like or not.
however I also think its a cultural question, the hair change in many cultures and by times.
ex in asia where almost everyone have black hair they dont look as much on your hair when they try to reconize you from another as we do in europa because in europa people have many diffrent hair colours and eye colours.
For *some* people it apparently is a primary factor - I know I got taken for female sometimes just because I've worn my hair very long since high school. I have other male friends who were mistaken for women based on hair despite having bushy beards, and female friends who were presumed male if they had very short hair and big breasts/curves. :) Some people just don't pay enough attention, I guess!
Quote from: insideontheoutside on September 02, 2012, 04:21:20 PM
It is a society thing. Currently in the U.S. males with long hair still seem to be judged immediately as more feminine or something. It wasn't always that way of course. I mean, even looking back through "western" history men wore their hair longer and it was no big thing, it was even the going style during times. And of course in other cultures it varies too. All that aside, I do think that people judge gender by hair and that it's one of the major factors.
Yeah, what on bloody Earth is with people these days? Back in the day, it wasn't just "no big thing," it was the norm... EVERYWHERE! Plenty of cultures have viewed long hair as a sign of higher status or freedom, with shaven or short hair signifying servitude or poverty.
But then... I guess that answers the question. These days one is supposed to be in servitude to everything around them... I guess it's always been a bit that way, but it seems stuffier now somehow.
Quote from: Kelly J. P. on August 19, 2012, 02:16:29 AM
It's not possible for men to have long hair, you know! It just doesn't... grow.
You've clearly never been to a metal concert
Very good points!
It's also the texture of the hair that's important and a gender indicator, just like skin textures.
Female hair tends to be smoother, shiner and silkier and this is especially evident when long. Men's hair (especially as most men reach their thirties) tends to go brittle and coarse, though they still might be able to grow it long.
A hilarious thing I noticed a while back when I worked in London - apparently putting bobby pins in your hair when you are gendered as male by the public, really confuses them! I decided to pin my hair up (sort of like the Edwardian female look but comparatively plain). It was a functional do as it was a windy day, however the "controversial" aspect was that it looked "prettier". And when a man crosses the line and does something that looks pretty, then it becomes an issue. ;D
So if you want to have fun with confused looks and even the odd surprising compliment, use a bobby-pin, it is mightier than the.... sword? :P
Quote from: theirrationaldress on August 10, 2013, 08:41:13 AM
Female hair tends to be smoother, shiner and silkier and this is especially evident when long. Men's hair (especially as most men reach their thirties) tends to go brittle and coarse, though they still might be able to grow it long.
I started to use oil treatments. Currently Fructis 'Sleek and Shine'.
Really gets rid of the brittleness in a hurry.
Yep, shinier and silkier.
Makes brushing my 60 yr old MAAB hair a lot easier.
It's down to my waist, by the way.
Ativan
Quote from: Miss Bungle on August 11, 2013, 12:39:08 PM
Honestly, I don't think it's as big a deal as some people are making it out to be. I think a lot of people are just looking at it from the perspective of transchicks. I see a LOT of dudes with long hair and there is NO WAY I would think they were women because they sure don't look like women.
Really?
The Avatar pic is a year old, and my hair is a few inches longer and my hips are a little bigger now.
That was an interesting day back then, even with a tight T-shirt on.
I was with a friend in a park full of trails.
The look of disappointment on faces as they walked faster to overtake us on the trail was priceless.
Did have a few fun conversations that day.
It was on the 3rd of August, last year.
I should go have a couple pics taken to update.
Ativan
Mine is to my waist too. I rarely get misgendered as a female (I'm a guy) but I'm certain its due to my build and my square, manly head. That, plus I don't curl or style my hair in a feminine 'do. Oh, sure, it happens, particularly if they see me just from behind, or if I dress up.
I think most see me as a long-haired rocker dude.
Its funny, though. I knew a young lady who also had thick, brown straight hair to her waist. Like mine, parted in the middle. No bangs. She used to get called "Sir" all the time! She was a big girl with a rather "mannish" face; I'm certain she could pass as a guy if she wanted to, long hair or not. She's lesbian, not trans, at least not as far as I know; its been several years since I've seen her.
Yes, usually long hair doesn't automatically single you out as female, especially if you have a middle parting (which is what long haired guys tend to have usually). As mentioned before, its usually as soon as you wear something in your hair, put it into an "up do", or dress it in some way - then you've crossed the gender line and people assume your hair is of feminine presentation.
Ativan Prescribed - you are sixty years of age? If so, awesome sauce!! You certainly have retained your figure, and have amazing hair.
Oil treatments get rid of the brittleness?? My hair has suddenly gone from smooth, strong and thick, to thin, flyaway and brittle in a very short space of time. Not sure if its monilethrix or just standard male hair-loss that's the cause . Do you think oil treatments may help anyway?
I get misgendered as female when seen from behind, sometimes, and occasionally people get confused, but my face clears up the confusion.... unless its dark. In which-case my large eyes and high-cheek bones tend to confuse them for a few seconds more before they notice my masculine sunken cheeks and shoddy skin.
Try it, I think you'll like it. It has really stopped the breakage and it feels thicker. Brush glides right through.
I don't wash my hair everyday, more like once or twice a week. If it's dirty, I used a conditioner to loosen the dirt.
The natural oils from your scalp shouldn't be washed out of your hair, so when you do use shampoo, keep it to a minimum.
Your cleaning the outside of your hair, not stripping away the natural oils.
Long hair, no shirt and a short skirt, and tall chunky heels out on trails in the woods will get you noticed and gendered pretty fast.
Even woman seemed to be disappointed that I didn't have boobs.
But i do notice that a lot of people come up from behind and look me in the face and suddenly get this bewildered expression.
I don't think they were expecting that Sam Elliot look I have.
It would be fun to have him gender me female only to catch up and see me from the front.
Even in cold weather, I usually wear a long coat that's a little below my calfs and I wear knee high boots with 3" chunky heels.
Same thing, gendered from behind as a woman. I'm told some of it is my movements.
They tend to be fluid and I got rid of that male swagger for the most part.
But the damage from Testosterone overdose has ravaged my looks.
I may try a more full dose HRT regime sometime. I'm kinda leaning that way lately.
I just don't know. I have never had a problem with my looks and most people like it the way it is.
Fluidity is a strange thing sometimes.
Ativan.
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on August 11, 2013, 12:21:18 PM
I started to use oil treatments. Currently Fructis 'Sleek and Shine'.
Really gets rid of the brittleness in a hurry.
Is that the one that comes in a little pump bottle? Apply to hair damp or dry and gently comb through? (IE, not a shampoo or "wet" conditioner?) I must give it a try.
I'm currently liking Aussie "3 Minute Moisturizer" which contains Jojaba oil. Its keeping my hair healthy but I get more frizz than I'd like.
It comes in a little orange bottle. It isn't expensive. It may be in a pump bottle, now.
Seems like I saw it that way the other day shopping.
A little goes a long way. 'Sleek & Shine, Moroccan sleek.'
It says Moroccan Argan Oil.
For Frizzy,Dry, Unmanageable Hair.
It absorbs really well, I've even used Hairspray for a scrunched look within an hour of using a lot of it.
I just drizzle a line on my brush and start at the bottom 4", brush it through and then work back 4" at a time.
I used just a ton of it one day to see how long it would take to soak in. In an hour, you couldn't feel it in my hair.
Argan Oil is really good for your skin, also.
So a little or a lot, it works well enough that I'm definitely going to be buying more.
I must have 15 bottles of conditioner and detangler stuff that are half full that I will probably end up giving away.
I will keep the the Dove hair conditioner that I use between washings, though. It uses the same oil.
When I wash it, I generally just use my body wash, Olay extra moisture with Shea butter. Another good product.
I use less body lotion than before.
I also use Olay Total effects 7 in one advanced anti-aging body lotion to wash my face with,
unless it is really dirty and greasy (still work on greasy engines and stuff).
The natural moisture oils in your skin work best, so why wash then out of your skin with harsh soaps?
I do use exfoliant little towelettes to wipe my face down a few times a week.
But I think just towel drying your face does the same thing.
Since I started LDHRT, my pores are all but gone. Damn big ass nose still has some.
Ativan
Depends on the person. People are too concerned with how a woman/man should look anymore and are labeled automatically cause it. So cruel
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on August 11, 2013, 09:49:01 PM
It comes in a little orange bottle.
Ahhhh I found it! I rushed out to Target during lunch and bought a bottle. Thanks for mentioning the orange bottle; they had a whole shelf of
green Fructis products but then I spotted the little orange bottle.
I combed some in back here at the office. It smells nice! Too soon to see how fast it dries (or soaks in) but its sure soft at least right now. As an unexpected bonus, its straightened-out the waves in my hair, although I'm sure that's just temporary, just like when its wet. It feels like I've gained a few inches of length. As long as it helps keep my hair free of tangles when I go outside (so I can comb it without pulling out hairs!), its a plus. Thanks again for the tip!
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on August 11, 2013, 08:04:53 PM
Long hair, no shirt and a short skirt, and tall chunky heels out on trails in the woods will get you noticed and gendered pretty fast.
Even woman seemed to be disappointed that I didn't have boobs.
But i do notice that a lot of people come up from behind and look me in the face and suddenly get this bewildered expression.
I don't think they were expecting that Sam Elliot look I have.
It would be fun to have him gender me female only to catch up and see me from the front.
Ativan.
A carload of guys driving down a country road sees a gal up ahead walking along the side of the road, her back to them. Beautiful long hair, nice legs, shapely ass and feminine walk, all heads turn as they pass her only to see a flat chest and manly face. The reaction is a riot, it would be interesting to get instant facial expressions on film!
It would be fun to have a collection of the looks I have seen.
I used to, before I had knee surgery, walk the dirt roads out here where I live.
It's an area that is more far right wing in politics/religion and also has a hate group that is not that far away.
What is nice though, as compared to the negativity of some here, is the conversations I occasionally have.
Most are people who live along the roads. There are some truly nice people I have met.
A documentary of those conversations would have been pretty uplifting for many.
I tend to try and keep them open minded, and people do respond in kind for the most part.
I find it interesting that they will comment on ideas that they have had.
Only to realise that meeting an actual person who represents some things they have always had negative views on, are after all, just another person.
We find common ground, even if it is a MN standard of discussing the weather.
I do draw the line at discussing Tater Tot Hot Dish recipes, another staple of MN conversations.... ;D
Ativan
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on August 13, 2013, 12:27:08 PM
It would be fun to have a collection of the looks I have seen.
I used to, before I had knee surgery, walk the dirt roads out here where I live.
It's an area that is more far right wing in politics/religion and also has a hate group that is not that far away.
What is nice though, as compared to the negativity of some here, is the conversations I occasionally have.
Most are people who live along the roads. There are some truly nice people I have met.
A documentary of those conversations would have been pretty uplifting for many.
I tend to try and keep them open minded, and people do respond in kind for the most part.
I find it interesting that they will comment on ideas that they have had.
Only to realise that meeting an actual person who represents some things they have always had negative views on, are after all, just another person.
Attitude and personality can overcome a lot of pre-conceived negativity!
Quote from: Ativan Prescribed on August 13, 2013, 12:27:08 PM
We find common ground, even if it is a MN standard of discussing the weather.
I do draw the line at discussing Tater Tot Hot Dish recipes, another staple of MN conversations.... ;D
Ativan
That's a riot! ;D :laugh:
You know this "long hair-woman, short hair-man" is extremely funny, because in a lot of ancient warrior cultures men were growing their hair and were proudly showing it. I believe the current trend is more related to the "military style" with all of its consequences (crew cut, buzz cut etc).
i have a brother who's too lazy to get a haircut. i don't think anyone would mistake him for a woman though.
and i just look cute with short hair.
but wearing a hairdo which is very stereotypical for the gender one wishes to be taken for does help if the rest still isn't close enough, if accompanied by the right clothes as well.
personally i prefer long hair on others. my own hair looks horrible when it grows long, so i ended up cutting it short just so i won't have to braid it every day just to look fairly presentable. a bun would also work.
but they're both too feminine on an already feminine body, i wouldn't like to go back to that.
Quote from: Taka on August 14, 2013, 09:02:42 AM
i have a brother who's too lazy to get a haircut. i don't think anyone would mistake him for a woman though.
and i just look cute with short hair.
but wearing a hairdo which is very stereotypical for the gender one wishes to be taken for does help if the rest still isn't close enough, if accompanied by the right clothes as well.
personally i prefer long hair on others. my own hair looks horrible when it grows long, so i ended up cutting it short just so i won't have to braid it every day just to look fairly presentable. a bun would also work.
but they're both too feminine on an already feminine body, i wouldn't like to go back to that.
I've seen your photo and you look good in androgynous mode with short hair, I prefer a low maintenance look myself as well and so what? We have to satisfy ourselves rather than live for the pleasure of others.
it's all about what i'm most comfortable with. i love long hair on others and it makes me sad when they cut it (gender is irrelevant to this), but i wouldn't disrespect their choice by telling them they looked better with long hair unless that's actually the truth (i can't remember that having happened yet).
low maintenance is great, but i sure do envy people who look good in their long hair just by brushing it. i looked more like hermione the way she was portrayed in the books, the movies didn't do our kind of chaotic witch hair justice.
Quote from: Taka on August 15, 2013, 09:40:38 AM
it's all about what i'm most comfortable with. i love long hair on others and it makes me sad when they cut it (gender is irrelevant to this), but i wouldn't disrespect their choice by telling them they looked better with long hair unless that's actually the truth (i can't remember that having happened yet).
low maintenance is great, but i sure do envy people who look good in their long hair just by brushing it. i looked more like hermione the way she was portrayed in the books, the movies didn't do our kind of chaotic witch hair justice.
I deal with what I have so low maintenance and shorter style is in for me, but in the back of my brain I would probably kill for Hermione's hair. My granddaughter has it and hates it but her girlfriends with totally straight hair would trade with her in a heartbeat. Funny how we humans are! We are never happy with ourselves, always wanting to look like someone else.
My hair looks the way it does, flat on the top, curly after that, from always wearing it in a ponytail.
In the Avatar pic, it's brushed out and shaken a little. It's actually much curlier.
The curl goes pretty much to the top, only the weight straightens it out, if at all.
Maintenance is brushing it, using some stuff to keep it soft and then tying it back until the next day.
Pretty low maintenance. Cut to any shorter length and it goes everywhere.
I used to wear it like that, it's always pretty wild.
Wash it and towel dry it only enough so it isn't dripping wet.
Never ever used a hair dryer, except for once. It looked ridiculous.
Best just to let it do what it wants to.
I have it long and stopped trying to deal with it a few years back.
This is just one of several times I've done that.
I consider it to be low maintenance when all I really need to do is tie it back and forget it.
Ativan
*Changed Avatar pic.
when i tied my not quite long enough hair back, i got a nice poofball in my neck. hairdryers didn't work either. cutting it short was probably the right choice for me since i don't feel like spending years hoping that my hair will grow long enough to look good.
It does take a long time.
For just as long of times, I've had a poof ball of hair on my head.
This last time is about 5 or 6 years of growing.
Poofy is a look all of it's own.
People who can't do that without a lot of work are jealous.
They can never quite get the look right.
Ativan