Does anybody else get really anxious when going to the hairdressers? I usually try to see male hairdressers now and ask for a "bloke's haircut" because my experience in asking for something androgynous is that it usually means pixie cut to a lot of people. :(
Also wondering for some advice... What haircut would look good on me? This is my face shape and I tend to dress a bit punky:
http://k0.okccdn.com/php/load_okc_image.php/images/150x150/558x800/0x0/0x0/0/12232619297475504572.webp?v=2 (http://k0.okccdn.com/php/load_okc_image.php/images/150x150/558x800/0x0/0x0/0/12232619297475504572.webp?v=2)
http://k3.okccdn.com/php/load_okc_image.php/images/150x150/558x800/91x0/811x720/0/924095021378793705.webp?v=2 (http://k3.okccdn.com/php/load_okc_image.php/images/150x150/558x800/91x0/811x720/0/924095021378793705.webp?v=2)
*In my opinion* (other opinions are available), FtMs with a sticky-up fringe (as shown in the first photo) tend to get mistaken for lesbians. I pass pretty well, especially now that I have facial hair - but if I elevate the front of my hair like that it instantly reduces my ability to pass. I have a similar face shape, by the way.
Hudson's has an excellent resource on male hairstyles and how to ask for what you want from a barber. And that's my second recommendation; don't go to a bog-standard hairdresser - go to a barber instead. It's cheaper, and they specialise in male haircuts so you should get a more appropriate look than you would do from a hairdresser. If you go to an ordinary hairdresser, they're more likely to try to 'feminise' whatever style you ask for... hence those 'pixie cuts'. I had mine cut yesterday at my local barber's: it cost £8 and took about 10 minutes. And yes, I started using a barber before I started on T; I didn't pass for toffee but that didn't stop me from getting a proper male do. ;)
Here's Hudson's on what to ask for in a male hairstyle: http://www.ftmguide.org/haircuts.html
In my experience, the barber shop will ask which number you want on the clippers (in pic one, the side of the head looks like a number 7; if you wanted to go really short try a 5 first and then go down to a 4 or 3 if it isn't short enough) and how long you want the top (this is usually done with scissors). They'll ask if you want them to square off the back or have it tapered (Hudson's will talk you through what that means). As a general rule, having the back squared off tends to look more masculine.
And best of all: barbers don't tend to chat to you incessantly as usually happens at a unisex or women's hairdresser's. ;D
Quote from: FTMDiaries on August 13, 2014, 05:02:26 AM
*In my opinion* (other opinions are available), FtMs with a sticky-up fringe (as shown in the first photo) tend to get mistaken for lesbians.
I'm of the same opinion. Cis-guys tend not to have that sticky-up fringe in real life. I can't think of anyone I know who is older than the age of 12 and living outside Hollywood who rocks a style like that. The best punky styles that I have seen are done with haircuts that look perfectly normal 9-5 that can be spiked or styled after work if necessary. Having a punky style 24/7 is too much work for your average guy.
FTMDiaries is on the money with the advice on where to get your hair cut. A place that only does guys will virtually guarantee that you walk out with a standard male haircut. It's cheap too. It may take a few visits to figure out what length suits you, but really all they do in places like that is start chopping away and making it shorter on the back and sides than it is on top. There's really very little choice involved. Styling the hair is a matter of "do you want some gel/wax in it?", or just scruffing it up a bit before you walk out the door.
You look a bit like a young John Cusack -- you might go look at some old pictures of him for ideas....
Quote from: Brenda E on August 13, 2014, 08:13:25 AM
Cis-guys tend not to have that sticky-up fringe in real life.
Agreed. Cis guys who need extra elevation might go for a pompadour... but again, an FtM needs to pass reasonably well in order to rock a pompadour without being mistaken for a lesbian. Presuming, of course, that being mistaken for a lesbian is something that you'd prefer to avoid.
I've not gone with a raised fringe in the end. I'm kind of "trans-masculine" identified and I bind, wear clothes marketed at men and so on... I don't think I'd be able to pass as a man, at least not until I lose some weight/curves and take hormones (I'm on the gender clinic waiting list).
I had a bad time at the barbers though... Went to one and was ignored and got filthy looks from a guy sat next to me waiting. Then another guy (or somebody who would usually be gendered a man, I have no idea how they ID or if they're cis) walked in and got greeted. Wtf ::) Even if I was a "woman", why should I be excluded from using the service and passive-aggressively ignored?
I found another one who tried to give me information on a "ladies" hairdresser, but I explained I wanted to have a "masculine" cut and she apologised.