Part I: A Man and His Strands

A Man with Long Strands – I

Meet Nick, a resident of our own bhp forum.  He’s the witty and inquisitive male whom we often playfully pick on, but believe me it is not because of his hair.  He has long, beautiful, natural strands that most women (and some men) have only dreamed of growing.  Nick took the time out to sit down with us in a 2 part interview to discuss the perceptions, misconceptions, and dynamics of his hair.   Enjoy!

Where are you from?

I’m a southern boy…..born and raised in Baton Rouge, La

Where did/do you learn to take care of your hair?

Well I started growing my hair around late 2000/early 2001 and I actually didn’t know anything  about ‘proper’ hair care. I didn’t know anything about co washing, sealing, or bad ingredients in products. I didn’t even know anyone who had long hair or knew how to take care of hair. I had to do everything myself and I pretty much just did to my hair whatever felt right at the time – moisten it when it felt dry, combed it when it needed to be combed/detangled, styled it whatever way I felt looked decent, and washed it when it felt dirty. It grew to be long and somewhat thick *shrugs* lol

Around 2008, my hair was already about midback length, I began learning more about ‘proper’ hair care from a friend, whom I met the same year. She told me about different products, different treatments, ingredients to watch out for, and various styles. I sometimes refer to her as my official ‘hair consultant’ *laughs*

What reactions (negative and positive) do you get regarding your hair?

I mostly get positive reactions regarding my hair. All throughout middle and high school, girls complimented and liked to feel my hair. I often heard that taboo phrase ‘he got good hair’ when I was young. Others, older and younger, get surprised at how long it is. Almost like they never seen hair so long *laughs*

On the flip side, I sometimes get mistaken for a girl at first glance and sometimes other guys get sort of judgmental at the length. Some (usually guys) think I might have done something to my hair to get it more wavy/curly since it’s not as typical to see hair like mine on a guy. Also occasionally, I’ll get subjected to some envy or jealousy with my hair with some girls, but not too serious.

Is it tough being a guy with such long, beautiful hair?

I’d say it’s somewhat tough because a guy with long hair like mine usually comes with judgments, perceptions and misconceptions from others. Typically men with long hair either have it in cornrows or locs. Mine, on the other hand, being that it’s more loose curls/wavy, lying down, and as long as it is, is often looked at as feminine or he’s ‘too pretty’ or sometimes even flat out called gay or “suspect”. So it’s almost like a conditioning that men shouldn’t have long hair since it’s not seen much in society, especially for someone who is straight.

When it comes to girls and dating world, it’s almost like a double edge sword.
I always get compliments about my hair. They love my hair and its texture, but at the same time, most seem to dislike men with long hair being that it’s viewed as less masculine and they wouldn’t date a man with longer hair than them *laughs*  The common perceptions and misconceptions seems to often be that she will be fighting with the man over hair products and blow dryers or she cant have no man looking ‘prettier’ than her. *laughs*

Make sure you stay tuned for the second part of the interview!  Nick will be discussing the products he uses, protective styles, and growth techniques!

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