Chill Out, Man
Once upon a time I was a super hard-ass, max testosterone at all times sort of guy and I wasn’t super pleasant to be around. I hadn’t started my life-long journey of mastering The Subtle Art of Being a Good Dude.
A lot has changed since my last short hair cut. I got married, most people had never heard of a global pandemic, and I started working for The Longhairs, to name a few.
Most importantly I learned how to frickin chill out.
I’m Cutting My Hair After 6 Years
These days I like to think I’m a pretty laid back dude.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you growing long hair made all the difference, but it was certainly a part of it. As I started to better myself and become the guy I actually wanted to be, I decided to let my hair grow.
Growing long hair taught me how to be patient. It was a big challenge for the person I was, but it helped me see that I can change—and that’s not a bad thing. Growing my hair was a vehicle for learning how to Let It Ride…but after six years, it’s time to cut my hair.
So Why Cut It?
Before I was a member of the staff, I was a customer. Like many others, I had never had long hair, and The Longhairs offered the guide I was looking for. I loved everything about this brand and the message they were putting out.
What blew me away more than anything was this huge event they pulled off. These guys were different from the soulless companies you see and hear about, leaving no doubt about it. How many brands are willing to convince thousands of people to donate the one thing by which the company makes its revenue??
Enter The Great Cut
The event I’m referring to is The Great Cut. In 2019, The Longhairs broke the Guinness World Records title for most hair donated to charity in 24 hours.
The sheer audacity of these guys to pull this off impressed me and made me a devout follower. It was the catalyst for me to seek them out, get involved, and become a full-time member of the team in 2021.
Now it’s 2024 and my hair is sittin’ pretty at 24 inches. I’ve committed to cutting my hair after six years of growth and I couldn’t be more excited. What makes it extra special for me is not just participating, but playing an integral role in making The Great Cut happen.
Will I Still Be The Same Dude?
I’m not sure if I’ll recognize myself once I’ve cut my hair. A lot has changed since I was a short-hair. It’s definitely something I’ve given a lot of thought to.
One thing is certain: cutting my hair after six years of growing will be bitter-sweet. My long hair has become a part of me, down to my mental image of myself. I’ll be sad to see it go. That said, I hope it’ll bring a child with hair loss as much joy as it brought me.
I’m happy about the man I became during my hair journey. I think I’m even more excited to see who I can become the next time around.
Comments
Your hair will grow back, just takes time.
Cancer patients can wear wigs made from synthetic hair.They are the preferred wigs now.
Nothing beats real hair homie
You will regret it. I did. But go ahead. Go through that process. Just takes 5-6 years to get it back.
I went short for 15 years. Never felt right. Regretted it every day. Now after 6 years regrowth I feel like me again.
We’ll all be back fast. Growing is what we do!
Don’t do it Bro
We are ALL doing it!
You do know that cancer patients can wear synthetic wigs?
Sure but why when these kids can get real hair prosthetic for free from an amazing organization like Children With Hair Loss
You don’t have to come to the US Navy Cup; with your length you can make a correct donation, staying bobbed ( ear length, or chin length) to avoid another awkward stage or a very, very long time layered cut before tying…( cf El Moreno regrowth after 2019 Great Cut)
for those who want donate a few more, you can go to a middle part cut
but, effectively, it will be a shock returning to a short cut !!!
Sad for your sacrifice, but glad you’re doing it for needy children. My mother donated her long hair to a similar charity years ago. My long hair started in the pandemic and has continued ever since. Maybe one day I’ll do this too. Thanks for sharing your story!
Great story. Good for u brother. Also thanks for keeping us safe while u served in the marines. I hope u grow it back. Cause that is one bad ass looking head of hair
Six years is all? I haven’t had a haircut since 1995!
I think what you described above is what a lot of Marines go through during their transition out of our Corps (quite possibly any branch but I can only speak from my experience). Growing my hair certainly helped me to relax after 20 years. I already cut my hair because making it to SD from Northern Eastern IN isn’t going to be possible for me. I’m enjoying the ease of short hair for a short amount of time, then the growing journey begins again for me. I’m looking forward to doing it again, this time armed with way more knowledge than the first time. Semper Fidelis brother