El Rubio explains why you should not cut your hair

You Should Cut Your Hair

In Advocate by El Rubio236 Comments

It’s Just So Much Better!

I met a fellow from the Czech Republic at a bar in a mountainous town over a few cold ones. As often happens, the topic of long hair came up. After some light hair talk and telling him about The Longhairs, he looked at me directly across the table and flatly said, "you should cut your hair."

Dead serious.

Did you not hear that part about the hair ties, and the whole community for guys growing their hair?

I was a little stunned, like, that’s the most preposterous thing you could possibly say to me. But beyond the shocking absurdity of his recommendation, it wasn’t that he was trying to be a jerk. Rather he was interested in my well-being, and believed life would be better for me with a high & tight haircut.

He kept taking his hat off and showing me his super short hair, rubbing it to apparently demonstrate how nice it felt, how easy to deal with and how great it looked. So great, in fact, that I should cut mine off too.

Perhaps sensing I wasn’t fully on board with his proposal, he asked me, “why have long hair?”

Just as I prepared to launch into a full-blown dissertation, we were interrupted and pulled away. I eventually drifted to the other side of the saloon, we never resumed our little chat, and I never saw him again.

Having missed the opportunity in person, I've taken the liberty of organizing my thoughts on the matter.

So, friend, here is my response...to you and to everyone who says "you should cut your hair."

 

You Make A Good Point

Maybe I should. There are some compelling arguments for why you should cut your hair.

Long hair is a pain. You do learn to deal with it, after a while you almost forget about it, but there are regular reminders.

Like working out, playing sports, being outdoors, eating, sleeping, dressing for any occasion, riding roller coasters, making out, brushing your teeth and virtually every activity of daily life.

There’s having to shampoo and condition, blowdry, brush it, tie it up, and generally deal with it, rather than simply waking up and walking out the door.

Also it costs some money. Whether it’s shampoo or hair ties, you’re compelled to spend a little money on it which you wouldn’t have to spend otherwise.

Finally there’s all the shit you have to deal with from other people. Which has become meaningless to me, but it wasn't always.

I get it. The idea that you should cut your hair can sound appealing.

 

All Things Considered

Let’s pretend we weren’t operating a community based on the premise of long hair, and that my livelihood wasn’t literally connected to my long locks. Let’s say I was just a regular guy letting the long hair flag fly, and that I would entertain the notion of cutting my hair off.

Having considered the benefits of short hair, the answer to the question of “why grow it long,” falls into several categories.

 

Six Reasons You Should NOT Cut Your Hair

The Difference-Maker

Long hair is an instant differentiator. Walk into a room with a hundred guys, five or 10 at most are gonna have flow, depending on where you pull your sample.

Granted, it’s not always good to be different, but I think of it (ironically) like a job application: you immediately want to set yourself apart and be memorable. Like it or don’t like it, long hair does that.

And while there are plenty of other ways to be different, none are quite so obvious or instantaneous as a streaming mane cascading down your shoulders.

 

A Confident Man

Along with being different comes a certain required self-confidence. It takes a little bit of “I don’t care what other people think.” It’s not easy being different, and as we’ve seen more and more often, that’s especially apparent for little guys with long hair.

With confidence comes self-respect, self-esteem, and belief in your powers and abilities. If you ask me, those things are important. Maybe the most important.

That’s not to be confused with overconfidence or arrogance, because at the end of the day you gotta back it up. But if having long hair can help build and develop those self affirmations, then hell yes let it ride.

 
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Keep It Independent

For me long hair symbolizes independence. It means I’m not in a position where someone else decides how long my hair should be, and that’s good because I prefer being the person who decides.

This is mostly with regard to employment. There are a lot of excellent and highly respected jobs and careers where you’re compelled to keep it short, and with respect for those positions, they simply aren’t for me.

The idea of someone telling me I have to cut my hair to work for them, choosing between a job or these golden tresses, is ridiculous. And lucky me, not everyone has that luxury, but it basically means I’m the master of my own fate and I hope to keep it that way.

 

All Natural

Another reason I choose long hair is it’s all natural. It’s a sign of health, vigor and vitality. It’s a natural biological function, we only get short hair by augmenting that.

Not to say we should all grow out all the hair on our body, ok, but you get the idea. The hair grows for a reason. And there’s a lot of people who can’t grow it out, so why not take advantage of our follicle freedom while we have it?

 

It’s a Culture

There’s also a cultural aspect. Long hair in Native American culture, for example, is a spiritual artifact and for some tribes represents a connectedness with the earth.

I’m not Native American, but I can respect and appreciate their beliefs, and I do believe long hair creates a certain connectedness to our environment.

Beside the historical cultures of ancient tribes and people, long hair is a culture in itself.

We have a community, and beliefs and customs. We do #HairWhipWednesdays and celebrate our locks. Even guys who have never heard of The Longhairs know when they see other guys with long hair, it’s appropriate to respond with a subtle nod of understanding.

 

And We All Know

Lastly, it’s just badass. There are limitless long hairstyles to learn and experiment with. I can wear it with a hat or a beanie, tied up, straight or wavy.

Not to mention I can rip off a hailstorm of hair whips at any given moment, twist up a sick braid or choke someone out with it if needed. Hopefully it won’t come to that, but in any case the locks are just sick and I love having them.

 
 

With That Being Said

The bottom line is, long hair makes me different. It’s unconventional. It makes people guess, keep ‘em wondering, “is this guy some kind of loose cannon?” or make their own assumptions.

Deep down, it forces people to recognize it’s not a person’s outward appearance, but the quality of their character and depth of their purpose. Which in itself is a greater platform for equality for everyone who’s different.

 

To the Man Who Says, "You Should Cut Your Hair"

Thanks for the kind suggestion, but I’m going to keep lettin it ride.

I’m not going to insist you should grow your hair long, I think you should wear it however you like. But consider this: I had short hair for 30 years. I’m quite familiar with what it’s like, and so have the good fortune of experiencing both sides.

You didn’t mention if you’ve ever grown it out, but if you haven’t, maybe give it a try? Then you can fairly and objectively decide your preference.

And if that continues to be short, then you should cut your hair! In the meantime I'm going to keep lettin it ride.

Why You Should NOT Cut Your Hair

Did we miss anything? Any other reasons why we should cut it...or why we should keep lettin' it ride? Why not share in the comments?

 

Comments

  1. El Rubio….as always your eloquence about the Fraternity far exceeds the normalization of the simple mind we find throughout all walks of society today! The symbolism of ‘high and tight’ hair only represents the limits one can restrict the human mind too….unless of course the person is incapable of growing his main…then I believe we would embrace his since of passion as a true brother “IF” he don’s the ‘head-wraps’ and ‘lids’ presented to the Longhairs Fraternity of today!

    “Let It Ride”

    Novara

    1. Author

      Yes Novara! Thanks for the kind words and your thoughts my friend. We will continue to let it ride, and implore you to do the same.

      Fraternally,

  2. I’ll be 64 in July. When I was a teen I had shoulder length hair. fought my dad tooth and nail over it. I’m now a retired firefighter and all through my career I had a buzz cut. called it “the wash and wear cut”. Three years ago, out of the blue I told my wife I was letting my hair grow out, her reply, “its your hair”. So now its about 4 to 5 inches past my shoulders. Usually I keep it either in a braid or pony tail because it’s easier at the gym or in my wood working shop. Anyway, most of the guys I worked with can’t understand why I let it grow out. I still get quite a few looks in public but I’ve gotten used to it and besides I don’t really care what others think. the one person I have to worry about says she likes it and even braids it for me. She had short hair through out her work career and now she’s growing hers out. our kids think we’ve gone back to the “hippie” days. We’re just a couple of laid back retiree’s who now do what “we” want to instead of someone else telling us what we have to do. Bottom line is I grew my hair out because I wanted to. What others think is not important to me anymore. So, that’s my comment.

    1. Author

      Yo Thomas! Great reading your comment. I need to put you in touch w/ my dad, he’s a 25-year fireman approaching retirement. I can’t imagine him ever growing his hair out.

      Enjoyed reading about you and your wife growing it out. It’s great. We hope you will both consider joining us for The Great Cut on 3/9/19.

      Until then…keep lettin it ride!

  3. Great article. At age 60 decided to let it grow. Now almost 4 years later still enjoying the ride

  4. I was seventeen in a catholic high school and my curly black hair was growing beyond what was considered acceptable. The principal asked me if I was planning to have it long after graduation and I said yes, not because I really intended to but just to see his reaction. Then he answered: go for it then when you become a ”serious” man cut it short like a grownup. That day I became a convert and never looked back

    1. Author

      We can’t expect others to understand. That’s why we’re here.

      Keep lettin it ride hombre.

  5. I’ve had my hair in a lot of different styles, from a short, normal cut to below my shoulders, natural(curly) and, sorry for that big mistake, chemically straightened(don’t do that, you may never be able to stop). The thing is, it is much harder to take care of curly hair and make it looks good.
    So, to all my long-haired friends, i’m sorry but, for once in my life, even if i love my long hair, i will try the buzz cut style and, who knows, let my beautiful brown mane grow naturally in the future.

    1. Author

      Tiago! Thanks for the comment.

      If you decide to cut it, we hope you will considering waiting and joining us for The Great Cut on March 9, 2019.

      Either way, we’ll be here! Thanks for being part of our community.

  6. I’m 58 and my hair is down to my chest. This is the 3rd time I’ve let it flow. The first time was due to a mid-life crisis. As soon as I cut it, I was like, “WTF….why did I do that?” Then I got divorced and cut it again because I thought it would help me with the ladies. Once again, WTF…. so I let it grow again. It takes a lot of balls to grow your hair long in your 50s. Proud to say my 57 year old brother is also a long hair and we have nothing in common but I think he looks cool with it. Saw you on Shark Tank. Enjoyed the article and totally relate with it. Cheers.

    1. Author

      Thanks Chris! Glad to have you here in the community, keep lettin it ride!

  7. Been growing mine out for about 2 1/2 years got 18 inches it’s the longest iv ever gone.And I plan on letting it go for another 2 years.

  8. good for you guys that growing long hair is acceptable in your society.
    here in the phililppines iy is acceptable
    but not supported,
    out of the 10 colleges near our city only 2 would allow long hairs
    (the two were private and two of the most expensive in our region),
    and during high school if we grow our hair longer than the normal students cut,
    our school discipline officer will line us up and cut out a patch of our hair higher forcing us to cut it short or clean at the sides, “clean cut” as they would say.
    you would look like its as if you are in a fuckin maritime academy.
    before enroling they would let you sign a waiver to allow this,
    you got no choice but to sign
    it or else choose another high school a bit far away
    (oh, all the high schools here dont allow long hairs)

    even in college,
    i studied at a state college,
    started to grow my hair long again
    (putting pins to hide it at the back
    before entering school)
    one time i forgot to redo the pins
    inside..
    long strands started to be visible,
    another disciplene officer
    got me in his office,
    gave me a haircut,
    yeah he cuts hair like a pro,
    clean and good,
    but also bid farewell to my long hair.

    this is how long hair is fucked
    in the philppines public schools.

    1. Author

      Wow JAM, thank you for sharing so we have a better understanding. We are grateful for our freedom to grow our hair, even if some people give us grief for it. Wishing you strength and success in your journey to let it ride, please keep us posted!

  9. Ah mate i’d look like a complete muppet headbanging with short hair at a Metallica or PowerWolf gig xD

  10. The negative comments for me motivate me the most to keep growing! 15 months strong! And of course the head bands and hair ties are helping my journey!

  11. I originally grew mine out because i was made fun of when was younger by a clown and called dumbo. Now i have had it long for about 11 years had to cut short twice during elementary school because of head lice and I did not enjoy it short. Long hair became a part of me. I had various other comments about me making fun of me but with it I cared less about what people though of me. It helped shape me to who I am today.

    1. if you grow your hair for what others think , is that not the same and cutting it to appease society ?

    2. Why did you have to cut it short because of lice? You just go through the treatment. I remember at least 2 longhairs getting lice in elementary school & not having to get haircuts because of the lice.

  12. Long hair gives you magic powers. Powers to not give two shits about what close minded people think. Powers to rock out at any music festival. There’s tons you could list, overall, long hair is just magical.

  13. I’m about 6 months into a 9 1/2 month Barber School. Been growing my hair for about 4 months now. I am constantly bombarded with “You should get a haircut!” To which I say you “it’s the first time in 30 years that I’ve been able to grow my hair out.” I was in the Marines for 4 years and then in management positions and other jobs where long hair was frowned upon. Barbering is my ticket to self-employment and growing my hair is one outward sign of me being my own boss. My instructor has been barbering for over 50 years and he thinks it’s cool that at my age, I’ll be 49 on the 27th, that I’m growing my mostly silver locks long. Thanks for the inspiration and for what you all do for those that are and those aspiring to be longhairs.

    1. Author

      Hell yes Fog-McCobb! First thanks for your service. Second congratulations on running your own business, and expressing it as such. And finally, WELCOME TO THE TEAM man! Glad to read your story, and to have you here. Cheers and keep lettin it ride!

  14. It’s funny but I made a conscious decision a few days ago while I was on holidays on Mykonos where I can truly be myself and give a flying fuck about what everyone else thinks of my appearance; I’m going to grow my hair back. My hair was long and wavy and black until the early 90’s when I finally cut it off and wore it in my version of a pompadour. Now this hair is very much salt & pepper. I’ve just turned 67 (ugh) and so over trying to find a good barber at a reasonable cost; I’ve got one now and it’s $30 a pop every month. Wish me luck! Lawrence

    1. You’re in it to win it Lawrence. Perfect age to let it ride! Keep checkin in here, let us know how your journey is going.

  15. I’m going back to school in about a month. I am having a hard time deciding whether to cut it or not. It is like 3 inches below my shoulders. It takes 2 years to grow 5ish inches. (Slow) My mom has always had short hair since I was born except for one year when it was at her shoulder. She looks awesome with short hair. But my hair is curly and a big Afro, so there are many good reasons to cut it short. I’ve wanted to for months. I think short is the way to go, no matter what people think. Long hair isn’t the bomb, really. Everyone has it and it gets really boring. You stand out with short hair. Depends on what’s person you are- short, long, somewhere in between. But long hair is not really cool. Short hair comes with confidence and total swagger for many. I think it’s lit. I’ve had both and short hair is the perfect choice for athletic people. Got nothing to worry about whether it’s in your face or falling out of a ponytail.

    1. Author

      Finally we’re hearing from the other side! You make some profound observations, Yellowfang_101. Sounds like short hair is the ticket for you. C’YA!

  16. How about this for an answer?

    I can cut my hair any time but you’ll always be stupid.

  17. El Rubio,

    This is my first time writing in. I’ve been following The Longhairs on YouTube for a few months now. You guys are awesome and I truly commend you for the work that you’re doing.

    I’m on my 2nd grow out. I had the locks down to my shoulders (finally out of the awkward stage) after three years of growing it in high school. I kept it for a year after graduating but cut it because I thought it was holding me back from getting a job. A few years later I joined the USAF so I had to keep it short. Now that I’m a civilian again, I can let it ride… once I’m back out of the awkward stage.

    I feel like this article speaks to a lot of men out there who have or aspire to have long hair. It certainly spoke to me. Thanks!

  18. Agreed! I have had my doubts too especially when I graduated college and started applying to jobs, but I landed one at Coca-Cola in ATL and they are very corporate. It goes to show that if you have a nice highball or lowball in my case then people will respect you and won’t thing you’re just a stoner.

    P.S. found you guys from How I Built This on NPR – ROCK ON!

    1. Well said Kyle. Stoked you checked us out and thanks for stoppin by. We’ll for sure check out your Funkadelic project.

    2. Author

      Yo Kyle, hella stoked you found us from the podcast! Welcome to the community, keep it live down there in the ATL.

  19. Long hair acts as a filter for people who are judgmental and helps me decide who is worth taking to. Why waste your time on folks who judge you by the length of your hair? Actually, I find more interesting people are willing to engage a badass with long hair. I do want to find a way to manage it better now that it’s mid back and I’m 6’2″. Wash it everyday and I need efficienct method to tie it up and keep moisture from wetting my dress shirts. I’m an Engineer and expected to look professional. But to be honest, long hair tied back right looks a lot better than most of the half ass facial hair men war today.

    1. Author

      Well said John! Thanks for writing in amigo. We need more 6’2″ longhairs out there!

  20. In 2011 I was lucky enough to have survived a brutal car accident. After two years of multiple surgeries (6 to be exact) and other personal setbacks I knew it was time to start living a more fulfilling life. I quit smoking and my kids said I should mark that day with some sort of special occasion. I came up with the idea that if I failed at quitting the dags, I would buzz my hair. So I let it grow. Let it flow!

    After 4+ years, I’m happy to say my pelt is now in the 18″ range. Over the first year or so, there were scores of folks (friends, family and strangers alike) that asked, WHY the long locks…and at YOUR AGE? At which point I shared my storied reasoning with pride and self respect. Needless to say, most walked away with a completely different perspective. Touché’

    Found your website a few weeks ago. I membered up, ordered a couple packs of hair ties and the calling cards as well (brilliant marketing idea). In a sense, my hair IS my calling card? I will support your products and direct other longhairs to your site. IF/when I get out to San Diego, let’s go have a few ‘Daddy Pops’.

    1. Author

      Yo TF! Man, thanks for telling your story, that’s remarkable! Shot to the heart.

      Thrilled you found us. Thanks for ordering hair ties and cards, hope you have fun handing them out, I know we do.

      Absolutely get in touch if you make it to SD! We’re always down for a few oat sodas.

      Stoked to have you write in, thanks again amigo and keep it long and strong!

  21. In high school I always wanted to have long hair. Being that I attended a strict private Christian school, they had some wierd rule that Christian men can’t have long hair. I remember trying to cheat the system by using massive amounts of hair gel and spray to form only medium length hair in a hideous form that would make it look like I had short hair. When I got home, I would clean my hair and then let what was really nothing that long ride free! One day during school photos, I tried letting my hair down naturally and my headmaster actually pulled me aside and gave me a stern talking. He combed my hair back for me and made me retake my picture. When I got home, I was ordered to have my hair cut real short. The moment I graduated I immediately started growing it out again. I’m in my third year of college and now my hair is a long dirty-blond wavy dream. Nothing beats the feeling I get when random girls come up to me saying how much they wish they had my hair. I’m at a Christian university now and I guess they realize that in the big scheme of things, hair length doesn’t change what kind of man you are.

  22. You forgot to mention the fact that all your strength and super natural abilities ride on you not cutting your hair…. just saying…

    My son tells people he is growing his hair out so that he can whip the moon one day.
    That’s right, he is going to “hair whip” the moon.

  23. Thanks for sharing that! I really enjoyed reading about you staying true to yourself.
    I’ve been growing my hair out for about 14 months now, and I’ve had to defend my reasons for doing it so many times. It’s forced me to be ok with being different, and not care so much about what others think of me. Ironically, I’ve become more confident in myself because of the haters. I love the long hair! Let it ride boys!

    1. Author

      Kenneth, you know it man! Glad to have you on the team!

  24. Right to the point. Excellent. Who does this guy think he is? I say every guy should try long hair a least once. If they don’t like, they should shit the hell up. I love growing my hair out and don’t want to go back to the short hair. I’ve been told different times I should cut it. But now no one seems to say anything. Guess there use to the idea. I hope they keep it that way. But if they don’t it goes in one ear and out the other.

  25. It has always made me mad that schools or work places force man to cut their hair, no job has ever demanded me (I’m a girl) to cut my hair ? sooo… I think you need one more reason for you’re long locks like for example; FREEDOM AND EQUALITY. Why should girls have long hair? They are free to cut and decorate their hair but not boys o no no no. Boys should be boys ?

    1. Author

      Thank you Sai! As you’ve pointed out, we’re simply advocates for equality, with long hair as our platform. Thank you for supporting!

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