Bad hair days

[octobersun79]

Hi All

So my question is this. Should Buddhists shave all of the hair off, or have it trimmed into a more practical way?

Thanks

Caroline

[perkele]

So my question is this. Should Buddhists shave all of the hair off, or have it trimmed into a more practical way?

Buddhist, like everyone else, should wear their hair the way they like it, the way it suits them, the way it is practical or whatever other way it makes sense for them.

Seriously, what kind of question is that? As long as you are not a nun there are no regulations coming from Buddhism.

My personal, totally unfounded and uninformed advice to you is: Cut it all off.

[Jhana4]

Hi Caroline, I enjoyed reading your post as it pulled the rug out from under some assumptions I was standing on while reading it.

I just assumed you were a guy. I was getting ready to tell you how I had super duper long hair and similar experiences, then how cutting it was no big deal. Then you signed your name .

Outside of a Buddhist context I think some women look fantastic with short hair. Some women, but not all. It is a bit like a man getting a crew cut. It works for those with the shape of head and facial structure for it. In my opinion, women, even with grey hair look better with it long. Most women look neutered with short hair.

In a Buddhist context the only way I can see hair length mattering is convenience and then only for monks or very dedicated meditators. A shaved head cuts down on grooming time and the number of possessions you need to own.

I don't think hair length makes much of a difference for a lay person. I had hair down to my shoulder blades for over 5 years at least. I've had a typical short man's hair cut since then. I don't get that much more practical utility out of short hair. Pulling my hair back into a pony tail or a bun worked out just find. I do spend less time on grooming it. I haven't turned my hair dryer on in years. However, I find it to be nuisance to have to go to the barber at least once a month. With short hair, it grows out enough to look messy fast. Haircuts, at least good once aren't cheap anymore, so that is the other down side with short hair.

[Justsit]

Long hair on a woman sends one of those very subtle subliminal messages, that the woman is fertile and would make a good mate. Polls have repeatedly shown 9 out of 10 men prefer women with long hair, so the message apparently works. It also makes a very good place to hide.

If you are intent on pleasing a man, leave it long. If you want to please yourself, do what you'd like; you can always grow it back if you feel insecure without it. At some point, most women decide it's more trouble than it's worth and cut it. My hair was waist length for many years; cutting it off was very freeing, as I literally didn't have to carry the past around with me any more. Also, strays quit sniffing around...

[seanpdx]

Chicks with shaved heads are hot. 'nuff said.

(or, for a more serious answer, see perkele's reply. there are no rules for non-ordained buddhists.)

[andre9999]

Chicks with shaved heads are hot. 'nuff said.

(or, for a more serious answer, see perkele's reply. there are no rules for non-ordained buddhists.)

Your'e just saying that because you like punk rock girls. (I learned this from the other thread.)

[Monkey Mind]

If other Buddhists refuse to wear the t-shirt I sent them, the least they could do is shave their heads. how else can we recognize each other when we are at the grocery store or coffee shop?

[cooran]

Maybe I worked in hospitals too long ¬ but when I see a shaved head on someone not in the robes of a bhikkhu/bhikkhuni, I assume they're Chemotherapy patients.

[daverupa]

I had a girlfriend once who hated my shaved head for just such a reason, but I never understood why the presence of my eyebrows didn't alter that view.

[Jhana4]

Maybe I worked in hospitals too long ¬ but when I see a shaved head on someone not in the robes of a bhikkhu/bhikkhuni, I assume they're Chemotherapy patients.

That isn't too bad. My reflex is to think they are skinheads. If they are smiling, my reflex is to think they are nuts ( i.e. the guy who shot Congresswoman Giffords ).

[seanpdx]

Chicks with shaved heads are hot. 'nuff said.

(or, for a more serious answer, see perkele's reply. there are no rules for non-ordained buddhists.)

Your'e just saying that because you like punk rock girls. (I learned this from the other thread.)

And I see nothing wrong with that. Hehe! =D

[seanpdx]

If other Buddhists refuse to wear the t-shirt I sent them, the least they could do is shave their heads. how else can we recognize each other when we are at the grocery store or coffee shop?

I never got my t-shirt. =(

[Monkey Mind]

I never got my t-shirt. =(

Are you registered? Are you a card-carrying Buddhist?

[andre9999]

I never got my t-shirt. =(

Don't cling to the Buddhist t-shirt... it'll only cause suffering.

[daverupa]

I never got my t-shirt. =(

Don't cling to the Buddhist t-shirt... it'll only cause suffering.

Don't cling, use the eightfold dryer sheet?

[Pacific]

Maybe I worked in hospitals too long ¬ but when I see a shaved head on someone not in the robes of a bhikkhu/bhikkhuni, I assume they're Chemotherapy patients.

... so many people with cancer on the train this morning

[Jhana4]

I never got my t-shirt. =(

Don't cling to the Buddhist t-shirt... it'll only cause suffering.

Don't cling, use the eightfold dryer sheet?

+1

[seanpdx]

I never got my t-shirt. =(

Are you registered? Are you a card-carrying Buddhist?

Wait... there's a card, too?! I never got my t-shirt OR my card!
Aaaugh! I feel so... hindered. *ahem*

[octobersun79]

Not sure what all the t-shirt comments are about, but i didnt get one either..

Thanks for the positive comments

[pedro1985]

Why not go the middle way... Instead of completely bald you can shave your hair down to about 1 centimeter. Its convienent, never have to spend time doing your hair, because its still to short to groom it, you dont look bald, and you never have to spend money at the barberer. Buy an eletronic shaver for 10 euros and you're done. =)

Since 3 months have maintained my hair at this length now. I can tell you it's a great haircut.