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I've always dressed in the same way (bland or plain clothing) and always went with a regular old barber shop trim.
I have been getting these thoughts of trying some new things:
1) Go to a hair stylist and get a new hairstyle. Have them spike or maybe even add a streak of color in my hair (as one female acquaintance suggested).
2) Update my wardrobe : Buy some new buttoned shirts, fitted tees, start wearing khaki shorts instead of cargo shorts.
3) Start getting pedicures, buy some nice sandals, and start wearing them on a regular basis when wearing shorts. I enjoy wearing sandals but never felt comfortable wearing them outside of a beach or quick errand situation.
4) Get my ears pierced and start wearing a small stud in each ear. I know this is out of fashion but this is something I have been wanting to do for a long time for some reason.
Seems that some of this would be pushing gender norms but I wouldn't take it beyond that.
Should I go for it or would this come across as weird on a guy no longer in his 20s? If so, should this be a gradual process or should I do it all around the same time?
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Looking a different salons and might go for a high end place. Do they typically give advice? Normally when I go for a haircut, they ask exactly how I want it done.
Any suggestions on nice men's sandals? Someone told me that a nice leather flip flop can be dressed up or down, although I've always thought flip flops were the most casual sandals of them all.
I think the biggest hurdle will be the earrings. Not sure how family and co-workers would react but I know my family would be shocked as I've never mentioned anything about having my ears pierced. There is a place near me that offers a free consultation and I have signed up.
The Bravo TV Show Qu**r Eye for the Straight Guy premiered twenty years ago, using the premise that guys need make-overs in their clothing, their living quarters, and their social lives. AFAIK, it ran for 8 years, had international spin-offs, and got a Netflix reboot in 2018.
A guy looking for a make-over isn't weird at all, not in this day and age.
At most high end salons they will give advice and suggestions. They may even have some pictures of ideas. I would look online and bring in some pictures of men’s haircut and color that you like. Remember you have different hair and facial structure plus those are probably photoshopped perfect lighting pictures. Just got be realistic if that makes sense?
Personally I think it’s better to make small changes. Not do everything at once.
I had my ears pierced as a teen and they closed you could barely see they were pierced. I got them redone last year and even now when I change earrings it’s not that noticeable unless your close up. I never wear heavy earrings and went to a reputable place. I also only wear earrings for sensitive ears. I can’t guarantee it but if you decide you dislike them it shouldn’t be that noticeable
In terms of judgement in general this is something I have been working on. I have definitely gotten better but it’s ongoing. It’s easier said then done to say don’t care what others think. Only you know if it will upset you to get a comment or if you can say who cares.
I don’t think it’s weird to want to make some changes but it’s important to be realistic. It may give you a confidence boost or you may be trying to change the outside but there is deeper stuff within going on.
I've always dressed in the same way (bland or plain clothing) and always went with a regular old barber shop trim.
I have been getting these thoughts of trying some new things:
1) Go to a hair stylist and get a new hairstyle. Have them spike or maybe even add a streak of color in my hair (as one female acquaintance suggested).
2) Update my wardrobe : Buy some new buttoned shirts, fitted tees, start wearing khaki shorts instead of cargo shorts.
3) Start getting pedicures, buy some nice sandals, and start wearing them on a regular basis when wearing shorts. I enjoy wearing sandals but never felt comfortable wearing them outside of a beach or quick errand situation.
4) Get my ears pierced and start wearing a small stud in each ear. I know this is out of fashion but this is something I have been wanting to do for a long time for some reason.
Seems that some of this would be pushing gender norms but I wouldn't take it beyond that.
Should I go for it or would this come across as weird on a guy no longer in his 20s? If so, should this be a gradual process or should I do it all around the same time?
We are not our grandfather's generation. Take a chance and have fun. I'm in my 30s and still into current trends. The 90s grunge look is the move now and I shop at places like Abercrombie, Tommy Hilfiger, Asos, Hollister, etc. As long as you're in shape, you can rock anything and look good. And yes, get those earrings. Studs and small hoops add a sexiness and grit to your look when you're fit. Girls love it.
At most high end salons they will give advice and suggestions. They may even have some pictures of ideas. I would look online and bring in some pictures of men’s haircut and color that you like. Remember you have different hair and facial structure plus those are probably photoshopped perfect lighting pictures. Just got be realistic if that makes sense?
That makes sense. I tried getting advice at a salon awhile back but she still ended up asking what I wanted. It wasn't exactly a high end place but higher end than I'm used to. I will try a different place this time. That's a good idea to bring in some pictures.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaniellaG
Personally I think it’s better to make small changes. Not do everything at once.
That would probably be less nerve wracking when it comes to showing off my new look, a little at a time. Nerve wracking may be too strong of a word but it does feel weird to do something new.
I'll think I'll start with the shorts and sandals as that will be a big enough change to start with as I've never been one to wear sandals before outside of a beach situation and I rarely go to the beach.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaniellaG
I had my ears pierced as a teen and they closed you could barely see they were pierced. I got them redone last year and even now when I change earrings it’s not that noticeable unless your close up. I never wear heavy earrings and went to a reputable place. I also only wear earrings for sensitive ears. I can’t guarantee it but if you decide you dislike them it shouldn’t be that noticeable
That was a concern that the piercing holes would be noticeable if I were to change my mind. I am guessing there is a difference between removing them after a week vs. removing them after a year.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaniellaG
In terms of judgement in general this is something I have been working on. I have definitely gotten better but it’s ongoing. It’s easier said then done to say don’t care what others think. Only you know if it will upset you to get a comment or if you can say who cares.
Well said. It might be a good experience to learn how to better shrug off judgment from others.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaniellaG
I don’t think it’s weird to want to make some changes but it’s important to be realistic. It may give you a confidence boost or you may be trying to change the outside but there is deeper stuff within going on.
Good points. I think it would be uncomfortable at first but I could also see there being a confidence boost. That's not to say there isn't something deeper. I grew up with a parent that tends to be judgmental and worked in places that had strict dress codes so maybe that has something to do with it as well.
It's a great idea, all at once, but don't overdo it. Wait on the earrings. Go for the pedicure, H/C and clothes. Have someone, like a friend or the sales person to help you, to figure out what looks good for your build, shape, hair color etc.
The pedicure will give you a great boost in confidence.
Honestly I go back and forth on this. It's like I want to do it, but then again, I figure it might come across as try to hard.
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