I cut my hair February 22nd, 2007 for Gram's funeral. I posted a small tribute to her.

Honestly, though... I was ready for it.

I have always said that when it started to get too gray, I would cut it off because I never want to look like Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. It was always in my mouth and eyes and camera.... It was time.

Besides... no matter what year it is or will be, the perception of a man with long hair is not a good one. It may be a cool movie line to scream "don't judge me on my looks," but the reality of it is that our first impression is the beginning of what we have to say.

After all, in a business environment, your appearance is a small reflection of your decision making process and ability. If you have chosen to look like a mess....

A middle aged man with long, graying hair tends to put forth the "vibe" of rebellion and unacceptance at a time in his life when he should have gotten that all out of his system. A man with long hair in general does not appear to be willing to welcome people. Whether it's true of not doesn't matter. In this case, perception is reality and the perception is one of seperation from those around who appear and have accepted "normal."

And finally... No. I did not donate it. It was too gray. Gray hair tends to act weird and not dye evenly. Sorry. I know that would have been cool, but that's the way it works.