I cut my hair in the past, for other jobs. But now that I work from home and am getting back to music much more in my spare time, I let it grow. And I keep the facial hair tidy. I personally wouldn't cut mine again(short hair is just not me) but I am happy to pull it back and even ditch the facial hair altogether, if asked.
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I have long hair.
- Thread starter Dr Improbable
- Start date
Boy, this thread won't die!
I've been doubting myself lately, thinking my "do it my way" approach may be faulty (a few real life setbacks will do that). But I've realized that there are certain things it's best not to compromise on. The hair stays. It was on my "bucket list" to have really long har (got a long way too go). Thanks for the advice and support TBers.
I've been doubting myself lately, thinking my "do it my way" approach may be faulty (a few real life setbacks will do that). But I've realized that there are certain things it's best not to compromise on. The hair stays. It was on my "bucket list" to have really long har (got a long way too go). Thanks for the advice and support TBers.
I remember a guy in a local shop who had really long hair, down to his waist. Always clean and tidy though - this is key - with a bunch of hair bands down his back. I have to say I was quite envious of that hair and I bet a lot of the "get a haircut" people secretly are too. I could never pull it off though, my hairline started to retreat quite early. Nowadays I'm envious of just about any kind of hairstyle. 
- Oct 18, 2012
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Hair doesn't matter as long as you can play. One thing that drives me crazy is people who are in local cover bands and keep their hair long to try to portray a "rock star" image. Then you here them and realize that they cannot play.
I am 46 and have had short hair for 2 years now. Long hair never kept me from landing a music gig, but it certainly can close some doors in the workplace. Most people don't care one way or another as long as you perform (in music and business). I cut my hair because it began to get too thin; the ever-growing forehead syndrom. And massively grey. Sigh.
I can't really speak to your question as to whether your hair length is costing you gigs, but my guess is that it is not.
You did say blues-rock. When I think blues-rock, I think ZZ Top, and those were some hairy dudes!
I can't imagine that your hair is too long for you to get work in blues-rock. If it was only one guy who said that I would disregard it and keep growing!
You did say blues-rock. When I think blues-rock, I think ZZ Top, and those were some hairy dudes!
I can't imagine that your hair is too long for you to get work in blues-rock. If it was only one guy who said that I would disregard it and keep growing!
My hair is half-way down my back, usually in a ponytail. My moustache is long. My goatee is down to the bottom of my neck. It hasn't kept me from playing in beach (yuppie) bands at high-profile venues (including the Greenbriar Hotel in West Virginia), playing jazz gigs in a tux, in a symphony orchestra, or regular blues, rock, or country gigs. It must be because I'm a decent player, reliable, and well-known in the area, have been for decades (at least I hope that's why). But, I also decided a long time ago that my hair is my business. No one is complaining about it.
Long hair is always cool as long as you take care of it. It is not easy but if you do, you can look like a rock god!!! So keep clean,(greasy hair is just terrible), trim it a bit every now and then. Plus, if you ever decide to cut it you have so much more options.
That said, I also used to have long hair, which I kind of regret cutting. When I was a teenager, I did not have that much facial hair, I look a lot like my mom and my voice hasn't really got that deep so a lot of people used to think I was a girl at first look. That pissed me off so much.
I would actually love to grow my hair long but it won't work anymore. For some reason the hair on my head decided to start migrating on my chest for some reason. Go figure...
That said, I also used to have long hair, which I kind of regret cutting. When I was a teenager, I did not have that much facial hair, I look a lot like my mom and my voice hasn't really got that deep so a lot of people used to think I was a girl at first look. That pissed me off so much.
I would actually love to grow my hair long but it won't work anymore. For some reason the hair on my head decided to start migrating on my chest for some reason. Go figure...
Keep the facial scrub, pull back the locks into a ponytail and
jump into a suit.
Then you're golden.
^^^ That's what I do. For more casual gigs, dress semi-casual, loose-fitting button up shirt and baggy comfy, but respectable-looking trousers...
but you gotta do what's right for you and still be flexible enough that you don't break the situation.
jump into a suit.
Then you're golden.
^^^ That's what I do. For more casual gigs, dress semi-casual, loose-fitting button up shirt and baggy comfy, but respectable-looking trousers...
but you gotta do what's right for you and still be flexible enough that you don't break the situation.
Maybe next somebody can get a "I'm 45, is that too young to rock?" thread going.
Heh, heh.
+1
That's what I do. That and long sleeves. Some hiring managers are put off by ink. I'm 40, and I've had long hair since I was 22.
I have had long hair for the past couple years since I started
playing in a new band. See pic. (pic is like 6 months old)
Link Removed
I cut it last week because of the heat and because my wife
couldn't stand it anymore. Since I have cut it the misses has
been all over me (nice!) and I get a lot of looks on the subway
(also nice).
As far as trying to be "cool" or look like I am in a band I will
be ok realizing that I AM in a band and don't need to look the
part (or what I think the part should look like). I will let my
playing rather than my looks speak for itself.
I kinda miss but I donated it to Locks for Love.
playing in a new band. See pic. (pic is like 6 months old)
Link Removed
I cut it last week because of the heat and because my wife
couldn't stand it anymore. Since I have cut it the misses has
been all over me (nice!) and I get a lot of looks on the subway
(also nice).
As far as trying to be "cool" or look like I am in a band I will
be ok realizing that I AM in a band and don't need to look the
part (or what I think the part should look like). I will let my
playing rather than my looks speak for itself.
I kinda miss but I donated it to Locks for Love.
Your hair looks pretty well taken care of. Wearing it in a pony tail that is subtle might help (not one of those "I'm 50 and this was cool and rebellious when I was 15" tails, but kept so that someone has to see you from the back to know you have it,) but I don't see how having long hair would hurt you being in a band.
But, more importantly, if they don't want you, screw 'em. There are other bands out there.
But, more importantly, if they don't want you, screw 'em. There are other bands out there.
I'm fifty, and I work in annuities.
I've been talked to about my hair at every job I've ever had, and I have never listened. I work with a guy who has short hair, does everything right on every level; makes the right connections; does it all. He is not moving up the ladder any quicker than me.
Here is how I dress for work:
Link Removed
I've been talked to about my hair at every job I've ever had, and I have never listened. I work with a guy who has short hair, does everything right on every level; makes the right connections; does it all. He is not moving up the ladder any quicker than me.
Here is how I dress for work:
Link Removed
