Dapper or Crapper: Hairstyle Edition
Published by Alex January 16th, 2007 in Grooming, Hair. Share ThisThis submission came in last week, but we held on to it to keep the sender in suspense. Or maybe it’s just cos I was slackin’. Either way, read on, with images following the jump. Josh writes:
“Saw this week’s theme and thought I would throw my hat (or lack thereof in this case) into the ring. The last couple years or so I have been getting my hair cut 4 to 6 times a year. Part of this is because I’m horribly cheap and I don’t like paying for haircuts or tipping the people who do so (especially when they want to charge me extra for a shampoo). I’ve also wanted to have longer hair since I’ve gotten more into the rock and roll playing thing. However as my college graduation approached and prospects of job interviews loomed on the horizon I decided to curtail my hair growth project. So my hair is pretty short again, pretty much the same as it was when I first started college. I’m curious to see which haircut people think fits me better, I realize that in both sets of pictures I need to shave, and could probably use some skincare tips, but lets stay focused. Also I notice my hair thinning, is 26 too young to start using Rogaine or something similar?
[Don’t let the handsome grin distract you, it’s all about the hair, folks - Alex]
[Don’t let the deer-in-the-headlights thing distract you, everyone looks better in pictures if they’re smiling. - Alex]
First off, Josh, thanks very much for putting yourself out on the line for us to dissect, dish, and deride. Clearly your reasons for cleaning up are sensible, no matter what job market you’re looking to pursue. You don’t want the interviewer to pay any attention to your hair one way or the other, you want them to be focused on your skill set and what you can offer the company; a sloppy or even a really snappy hairstyle will detract to some degree. You want to appear as conservative and reliable as possible, I reckon. Keep their attention to your eyes, they’ll say more about your character than anything else. Once your foot gets past the gate, you’re free to let the hair go a little bit more, depending on the workplace, of course. But do wear some smart shoes, they say almost as much about you as anything else.
This all said, once can tell that you felt more relaxed and attractive with a bit more on top. Thinning hair at an early age is a bitch, but the direction you’re headed at the moment is just fine with that. If and when it really starts to go, you might consider taking it all really short; really short hair draws the attention to your face, where it’s easier to look youthful than if you’re clearly fighting a losing battle with a brushed-forward thing or the notorious combover. Shudder!
Today’s man isn’t afraid or ashamed of baldness the way we once were; there are dozens of examples of guys who are follicularly challenged and they’re pulling it off quite well, playing off of their stronger assets. Besides, it’s now common knowledge that men lose their hair as a result of high levels of testosterone, which potential mates have come to widely recognize as a boon.
I’m lucky in that I don’t need Rogaine yet, and I can’t offer you any advice about that. I’d consult a doctor as well as the company to ask about when is the best age to start using it. Though again, all those hair restoration methods are just prolonging the inevitable. Don’t fight nature, flow with it, I say. Besides, you’ve got about seven to ten years before it really becomes an issue, and that’s around the age that it’s sexier to look distinguished rather than eternally youthful.
I agree with Alex about making sure that you appear conservative and that they remember your skills and personality, rather than your hair, in an interview. Once you’re in you can relax a little and let the hair down (or out in my case) and have some fun with it. Personally I have longish hair and a beard right now but if I start interviewing I will shave and get a more conservative cut.
Additionally, no, 26 is not too young for rogain or whatever you can do to prevent hair loss if you see that being an issue. But please don’t go the way of the comb-over or toupee if you do start balding. I would recommend the extremely short cut. Think Jason Statham from Crank, the Transporter, Snatch and Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels, proving that balding guys can be badasses.
I had the same problem with the hair thinning in the front and from what I hear there isn’t a product that will help with a “receding hairline”, yet. Rogaine only works for the bald spot on top. Alex is right about cutting your hair much shorter when you start losing it. It was hard to do at first (menatlly), but I got tons of compliments. Women seem to like a guy that shows some confidence.
I think the short haircut looks much better, especially if you are looking for a job. You’d be surprised how many employers’ first impression is your physical appearance. If you hair is thinning, keep it short. Short hair will camoflauge the thinness and nothing looks worse than a comb-over. If the thinness issue only exists in the front, you might be able to style your hair differently by pulling the hair forward rather than brushing backward. You’ll need a quality stylist to cut the hair right so it doesn’t look out of place.
Also, the short hair cut will also prevent as much oil collecting on your face and forehead, which in turn will decrease blemishs. Just be sure not to use product that is oil-based or at least apply lightly. Yes, with short hair, you should use product (i.e. texture creme, pomade). It will make your hair healthier and give it shine, hold, and texture.
One last piece of advice, get a haircut every couple weeks rather than every 2-3 months. While your hair may not be outrageously long in that period, you will trim and cleancut which shows you care about your appearance. This will impress business associates, girls/guys, family, your mom, and just people in general. Not to mention, no one is impressed by seeing neck hair no matter how short your hair is on top. If you are like most guys, you can get a cut for around $10-$12 at a chain. While I can understand your reluctance for paying for a shampoo, it is pretty relaxing..just think of it as a really cheap massage. If you’re lucky and want short hair, you’ll find a friend skilled with some clippers.
Good luck.
I’ve got to echo the short hair thing. It seems like it should be the other way, that longer hair would cover up the fact that you’re losing hair more effectively, but your hair actually will look thicker if it’s cropped shorter. Go figure.
And also, it’s never too early to start losing hair, unfortunately. I’d talk to your doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist. You may be able to get on something like Propecia, which is just a pill you take, and to me seems easier than putting potions and lotions on your head and letting them sit there and soak in a few times a week. Also, another thing they don’t tell you is that once you start using Rogaine, YOU CAN’T STOP, or you’ll lose the hair you’ve gained in the process of using it. I don’t know what the deal with Propecia is, if you have to take that forever, but I’d say it’s worth looking into if you’re concerned about it.
I think that if you’re losing your hair you should work with it. Don’t try to cover it up or pump your poor body full of chemicals so dangerous that women shouldn’t handle them because they can cause birth defects. Just cut it short, thank whatever ghost in the sky you prefer for the time you had with it, and be done with it. I know it’s easier said than done, but maven2K is right, us girls are more impressed by confidence than by the hair on your head.
Thanks for the comments everyone. That the shorter haircut is better is pretty much the reaction I get from all my peers. Joflow, thanks for the tip about the rogain and whatnot needing to be taken constantly after the starting of it’s use. I hadn’t realized that. It isn’t like I’m balding now, it’s just starting to get thin and looking at were my genes have come from it probably is something I’ll face eventually.
I think the reason I wasn’t smiling in the bottom set of pictures is was that I was getting a little upset at the camera for the continuous missing of the self portraits I was trying to take.
I am considering the extremely short hair like the Snatch and Lock Stock guy that Maven2k was talking about, but I do have a free haircut to use and I’m not sure I want to go that far before winter is over. But then a trustworthy friend with clippers would probably to do the job as webonics said.
Thanks again everyone for your opinions.