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Would I be cruel to make my boys get a haircut?

28 replies

MrsSnape · 24/03/2008 11:34

Last year my two boys (7 and 9) decided that they were going to grow their hair long. Mostly because of the music they like.

I let them get on with it but DS2s hair has not been cut since last summer holidays and it looks a complete mess. He has thin, blonde hair but it sticks up everywhere, it's in his eyes, all sticks out around the ears and TBH he looks "neglected" and unkept. He has a thin face and a thin body so his clothes never fit properly either and along with the hair he just looks so scruffy.

All my family keep going on about it, saying they don't know how I dare send him to school like that, his dad hates it and says he looks scruffy, his dads girlfriend says he looks like he's been dragged through a hedge backwards and I hate it too. I have two photos, one of when he last got his hair cut when it was short and smart and one taken last week and he looks like a different child (and not in a good way!).

He's adament that he doesn't want it cut but I'm close to just getting it done anyway and at the same time taking along DS1 who's hair doesn't look "as bad" but still doesn't suit him at all.

So, should the kids have a say in whether they get their hair cut or not? should I just tell them they're getting it cut for when they go back to school after easter?

OP posts:
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charliecat · 24/03/2008 11:39

Can we get a nose at the pics?

edam · 24/03/2008 11:40

You could have ds2's cut but keep it long - no need to go for a short back and sides. Explain it will look much better without all the split ends.

LazyLinePainterJane · 24/03/2008 11:41

I had a forced haircut (home done as well) when I was about that age and it sounds silly, but I have never forgotten it, or how awful it made me feel.

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LazyLinePainterJane · 24/03/2008 11:42

Trims are different though....it needs to be in good condition, regardless of length

MrsSnape · 24/03/2008 11:43

Yes good idea, you can choose which looks best for me

I'm just uploading them now...

OP posts:
FranSanDisco · 24/03/2008 11:43

I'm all for giving them a say in things but if they are looking like cat weasel then parental guidance is required The problem with hiar is you get stuck in a rut and can't see how unflattering it is to you. As someone who had long hair from 5 yo to 35 yo it was such a big deal to have my hair cut when it really shouldn't have been. Will ds kick up a fuss at the barbers?

Niecie · 24/03/2008 11:45

I would have it tidied up but not really short. Sounds like DS2 doesn't have the hair yet to grow it long. Certainly having it trimmed would make it look thicker as well as tidier.

I personally don't think that they should have that much of a say when they still young but you have given them this freedom and it will be difficult to take it away.

Good luck getting them into the hairdresser!

MrsSnape · 24/03/2008 11:46

This is the long hair:

i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/Smileybones/019.jpg

And this is last Summer holidays after a haircut

i118.photobucket.com/albums/o103/Smileybones/Ibiza023.jpg

OP posts:
themoon66 · 24/03/2008 11:48

TBH I like him with the longer fringe.

Blu · 24/03/2008 11:50

From your description, I was ready to say well, my 6. year old has whatever heair length I say, and goes for a haircut when I say...but when I looked at the pics, I prefer the long hair!

Long hair doesn't mean you don't get it cut - get it tidied up and shaped - it can still be long.

Jennylee · 24/03/2008 11:55

I think it would look nicer with a tidy up trim, and less traumatic, and then if you still hate it you could get it cut short or not.

Buda · 24/03/2008 12:01

I think longer is better on him tbh. Esp the longer fringe. I would get it tidied up though.

charliecat · 24/03/2008 12:51

Longer definetly

ChickenSoupDragon · 24/03/2008 13:04

Just needs tidying up.

KatieScarlett2833 · 24/03/2008 13:08

Went through something similar with my DS last year. DH was totally against DS growing his hair and for a while (the in-between stage) it looked bad. Now, it's really nice, DS looks so funky and cool and even DH reluctantly admits it really suits him.

All the little boys in DS's football team are now trying to grow their hair, like DS. I bet their mothers just love me!

schneebly · 24/03/2008 13:13

I like his long hai - just get it trimmed

MrsSnape · 24/03/2008 13:36

No no no....you're all supposed to agree with me!!! what happened to united mothers? LOL

I suppose it does look quite cool, I will get it trimmed though I suppose I'm just the traditional type that likes short hair on boys.

OP posts:
beaniesteve · 24/03/2008 13:40

TBH I think it looks fine long. and not messy.

Niecie · 24/03/2008 13:43

He looks OK at the moment he could just do with a tidy up. It suits him longer doesn't it. He'll look like a surf dude in a few years with that lovely blonde hair.

When you said it was long I was thinking of DH's 10 yo nephew how has it a lot longer than that and one of those awful floppy fringes - not a good look.

I think the fringe is the key - have that under control and the rest will look good too.

filthymindedlurker · 24/03/2008 13:48

I am in the same boat. Exacly ame boat, only m1ne are 10 and 7. I am threatening a trip to the hairdressers later this week. The eldest is adamant. It's so long he is constantly blinking. I have even promised an expensive 'styling' with the length kept but he is a total refusnik. I will be taking him anyway...just for a tidy up.

DeeRiguer · 24/03/2008 14:19

its nice for anyone to have bit of control over how they look..its important
but, theni like long hair on boys too
just keep it out of the eyes and trimmed reg

lazyline..re childhood trauma over hair, my db notme, it was truly awful squint fringe n'all and pics are funny now but the barber said (when they eventually took him) WHO has been doing THIS..

DeeRiguer · 24/03/2008 14:20

at story about football team
good on ya, missus..

KatieScarlett2833 · 24/03/2008 22:01

Can't wait to see this years team photo....

horsish · 24/03/2008 22:05

LOVE little boys with long hair

Yes it would be cruel. Sorry!

Dynamicnanny · 24/03/2008 22:09

Maybe just a trim

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