What do you think of older guys with pony tails?

Question

Ok, I have that sort of hair that I really just can't do anything with. So... about 15 or so years ago I gave up trying to style it and started putting it in a pony tail. I always vowd that if it ever began looking like a "combover" I would cut it off.

Well, here it is many years later and I am quite thankful that it doesn't look like a combover. However, I am beginning to wonder if it might be percieved as unbecomming for someone in their early 40's.

My wife and kids claim they like it. It hasn't seemed to hurt me professionally (I am a software engineer that has very little contact with external customers).

For what it's worth, I'm 5'8", 180, and fairly athletic.

Opinions?

Answer 1

I am the kind of friend who will tell you when you have spinach stuck in your teeth...etc.

Well I hate to say it but, "Your slip is showing"

Long hair is not flattering on many men to begin with, even when they are young (15-35) It still needs to be thick, well conditioned, and trimmed often (ever 8 weeks) to keep it from looking like stragely, burntout, 80's, rock star hair.

Any woman will tell you that longer hair is much more maintenance to keep it looking "nice" than short hair is. You just plain have "more" to take care of.

So the harsh truth is you wanted something less maintence, and instead got more of what you already had. That means the quality of you hair image started to go down basically from day one.

I'm guessing as your hair's texture and needs may have changed over the years you probably have not added into your routine to at least keep even with it's needs and so it has probably gone down hill. (For instance as you age your oil glands typically slow production and you need more moisture.)

I recomend biting the bullet and spending $50 on a NICE haircut at a salon, not a barber shop. They will be able to work with your hair's texture to give it the best shape and volume, while meeting your goals of it being "wash and wear".

*the best secret of having great hair is get a truly good haircut.

No amount of hair product and taiming will make a bad haircut "behave".

But if you have a great haircut, your hair will naturally fal into order with minimal coaxing.

I spend the extra money to get a nice hair cut because it saves me 30 minutes every morning. My time is worth that. It is a really simple equasion.

If you get your hair cut every 6 weeks, and a good hair cut saves you even just 5 minutes of fussing every morning that = 3.5 hours of time during that 6 weeks. If you time is worth at least $15.00 an hour you can afford a $50 hair cut and still break even.

I found a very nice salon that had trainees, people who were already done with beauty school, but were going through that particular salon's apprentice program. My haircut was as skillful as the $100 ones, but only cost $20. The whole first year. Every year they go up a couple bucks because her skills have advanced it is only up to $35. now. Best haircut I've had in my life in a large Metropolitan city.

Plus they can recomend good products, which you don't have to buy there, you can buy at a discount chain like ulta or ulta.com

In short, GO short. It will freshen your look and make you look 10x better.

Answer 2

I think older men look great with pony tails! Think of it this way -at least you have the ability to still grow hair! My dad is 60 and still has a pony tail and he was a teacher for 34 years!

Answer 3

Now do you want me to be totally honest? Or maybe you are hoping for a little flattery? Well honesty is what you will get! I think its time to do away with your pony tail! They look ridiculous, especially on an older guy.Go to a unisex hairdresser and ask for a complete restyle,something which suits your shape face and lifestyle.No need to go really short,but you may be surprised at how much more attractive you look, and probably years younger! Come on,take the plunge,go for it!!Go on,be a devil!

Answer 4

I really like guys with pony tails but without seeing it is hard to judge..used to love Mel Gibson but he is not now the best example!
I would think if your in your early forties it would look great! Don't like to see an older guy going grey, hair thining trying to preserve it etc.rather see a guy shaved head..wow need I say more!

Answer 5

depends on your over all look. Some folks can really look amazing in a pony tail even at 50 ..others stop looking as early as 25. its all relative.
what i think ? I think you probably look fine.. especially if your wife thinks so..however try rephrasing the question .. ask your wife and kids.." i was thinkingof getting a short hair cut...what do u think?" instead of .. "what do u think about my pony tail?"

or well take a risk ..surprise your wife/kids/everyone with a neat cut and all formal dressing.. the reaction will say it all!! if they dont like it .. no worries..it will grow back ! ..its only hair :)

Answer 6

I don't like long hair on a guy ever. Pony tails are no better. I'm sure if it's your style then keep it. Is your hair thinning on top though? balding ponytails remind me or dirty bellbottom wearing perverted men...
It ranks somewhere around a mullett

Answer 7

I'm guessing as your hair's texture and needs may have changed over the years you probably have not added into your routine to at least keep even with it's needs and so it has probably gone down hill. (For instance as you age your oil glands typically slow production and you need more moisture.)

I recomend biting the bullet and spending $50 on a NICE haircut at a salon, not a barber shop. They will be able to work with your hair's texture to give it the best shape and volume, while meeting your goals of it being "wash and wear".

*the best secret of having great hair is get a truly good haircut.

No amount of hair product and taiming will make a bad haircut "behave".

But if you have a great haircut, your hair will naturally fal into order with minimal coaxing.

Answer 8

Well Travis, I'm up on you by about 30 years and could never understand how any of you could stand wearing the long hair. Being your choice it never bothered me but speaking bluntly I think it looks ridiculous.
We had what were called "duck-tails" back in the 50's and I have to admit that they were some what stylish on the guys with black hair but with us blondes they looked totally foolish.
We also wore "waves" in our hair that believe it or not, I still have mine at 71 with a full head of hair yet..
Of course your family members accept your style of hair as they come become accustomed to it, the same as my family has done the same for me.
I never liked long hair and couldn't wear it anyway due to my career field working around equipment. I've have seen cases where some lost parts of their scalp getting it pulled off by power equipment. Not a pretty sight.
So generally the choice is up to you, but personally...... well I'll leave that thought up to you.

Answer 9

I think the younger people are the ones that are saying ewww, cut it off. I'm 36,I think you should keep it if you are comfortable with it and it isn't causing you any problems. Diffenately cut it if you ever start to thin out allot and just shave it off if you start to go bald, No comb overs. LOL If it ain't broke don't fix it. I learned the extreme hard way and my hair is now so screwed up and I'm a female.

Answer 10

I'm 49 and have had a pony tail for years. If I get the combover or go bald I'll get it cut. Until then I will let my freak flag fly.