People often mistake my sons for girls. When this happens, I gently correct them, using “he” or “him” instead of “she.” Strangers often look mortified, apologizing profusely, as if mistaking my sons for girls is some kind of offense. I usually brush it off, reassuring them, “No worries!” After all, when your boys have long hair, this kind of confusion comes with the territory.
I’ve always appreciated long hair on boys. In college, I would encourage my boyfriends to grow their hair out, and I spent years trying to persuade my husband to skip the barbershop. I just adore how long hair looks on little boys, so I knew that when I had sons, I would let their hair grow.
My first son almost derailed my plans—he was born completely bald and maintained that look for nearly a year. But soon enough, his hair started to grow, albeit in a unique way—think mini Einstein! My second son, however, was blessed with straight, shiny locks that cascade down past his shoulders, while my youngest is still in the early stages of developing his beachy curls. I love all their hairstyles.
Of course, not everyone shares my enthusiasm. My mother and in-laws prefer the more traditional short haircuts for boys. While my in-laws keep their opinions to themselves, my mom often expresses a desire to take the kids for a trim. These objections often stem from outdated gender norms where boys have short hair and girls have long hair. But I choose to ignore those views.
I have faced other criticisms as well. Once, a stranger told me my sons looked unkempt. While I chuckled at the time, I later realized that a little trim can help manage long hair without sacrificing length. I did cut my oldest son’s baby hair to help his real hair grow, even though it felt heart-wrenching at the time. He seems to like his shorter style and insists it will grow back long.
The important thing is that my sons enjoy their hair. My oldest is determined to grow it out, and my middle son, with his surfer-style locks, proudly declares that he’s aiming for hair down to his knees. As for the baby, he’s too young to voice his opinion yet, but when he’s ready, I’ll ask him. If he decides he wants a haircut, I’ll respect his choice—even if it means a few sniffles from me.
My middle son understands that long hair requires some upkeep. We have to watch out for things getting tangled in it. If that happens, he gets a bath, and we wash and condition it. Every morning, I brush his hair, and on some days, I even straighten it. He claims he enjoys it, and regardless, he knows to sit still.
Occasionally, other kids mistake them for girls, asking why the “girls” are wearing Star Wars shirts. We always correct them, and thankfully, they usually understand. So far, my boys haven’t encountered any mean kids who tease them about their hair—maybe because long-haired boys are becoming more common, or perhaps it’s just the circles we move in.
I love their long, silky hair. I love that they chose how they want to express themselves through their hairstyles, defying arbitrary norms. Most importantly, I cherish that their hair is a reflection of who they are—long, beautiful, and wonderfully unique.
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Summary:
In this article, Rebecca Hargrove discusses her decision to let her sons grow their hair long despite societal norms and family objections. She emphasizes the importance of allowing her children to express themselves through their hairstyles and highlights the joy and uniqueness of their long locks.