My son, Parker, is six years old and has never had a true “boy haircut.” As I write this, I find myself turning to the internet in search of the typical “boy haircut.” These hairstyles range from various fades, undercut, a pompadour, slicked back, buzz cut, crewcut, side part, and short and spiky. My son’s hairstyle does not fall into any of these categories.
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Parker was a beautiful baby with bright, clear/hazel colored eyes, chubby thighs, and the most pinchable cheeks! My husband and I heard all that time that he was just too pretty to be a boy. He was constantly mistaken for a girl, and as his hair grew, it only got worse. I would brush it off most of the time, not finding it necessary to correct people. Since he had long hair, I made myself think that it was okay for people to naturally assume he was a girl.
Everyone seems to have an opinion
We have had our share of objections to our son’s long hair. Most of them were related to matching up with more traditional gender roles, where girls have long hair and boys have short hair.
When my husband and I do correct people, there are usually two responses. They become embarrassed and immediately start backpedaling, saying, “Oh he is just so handsome, he is going to be a heart-breaker when he gets older.” Or they laugh it off, saying, “You know that getting him a haircut would make him look like such a big boy.”
I’ve also had a few people tell me that his long is just so unruly. When I first heard this, I ignored it. It bothers me now though because I’ve found that a simple trim can give his hair shape without losing length and without it looking like a mess.
When are you going to give that boy a haircut?
We love our son’s “longer than normal for a boy” hairstyle. Since he is only six, I still get to make his hairstyle decision. I’m sure it won’t be long before he forms his own opinion and voices it. That is just a part of growing up!
Honestly, I don’t mind people making comments. It just amazes me how much our family, friends, and even strangers at the grocery store care about how long Parker’s hair is.
Those of you who have sons with longer hair, what are some interactions you have had with people over this decision?
