Combovers; how far down is too far down?

  • Thread starter Thread starter BoulderHead
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the peculiarities of hairstyles among balding individuals, particularly the phenomenon of comb-overs. Participants express fascination with the mental processes behind choosing such hairstyles, questioning why some opt for comb-overs instead of embracing baldness or shaving their heads. There is a consensus that buzz cuts are more appealing than comb-overs, with some humorously suggesting that if one has enough hair to comb over, they might as well consider other areas like ear hair. The conversation also touches on the gradual nature of hair loss and how it can lead to increasingly exaggerated comb-overs over time. Additionally, there are musings about hair restoration treatments and the cultural perceptions of aging, including the appropriateness of certain styles for older individuals. The thread highlights a blend of humor and curiosity about societal norms regarding hair and aging.
BoulderHead
I hope nobody is too offended by this, but here goes;

I saw a really old buzzard nearly my age in a coffee shop about two years ago. The part in his hair began at the top of the right ear and the 10-inch long strip was combed over the top of his bald head. It wasn't enough to do any real good, in fact I think it only drew attention to his baldness. I find the mental processes behind such a unique and queer looking hairstyle to be at least as fascinating as the hairdo itself and wonder why some people do it. The baseball cap trick isn't much better, but I still think it's an improvement. Men with bald tops and pony tails put both to shame, imho.
Another thing, all of the young men I've seen who were balding prematurely chose to shave their heads rather than do a comb over, assuming they did anything at all, why?

Check this out;
http://www.combovers.co.uk/gallery2/1a.jpg

Some questions;

1. What goes through an individual's mind while practicing this 'art'?

2. Exactly how far down the side of the head can the part be made without inviting stares?

3. If the hair in your ear is long enough, should it be combed over too?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
I agree it's a little strange seeing comb overs. I have always thought if I was going to go bald I'd get my head buzzed. I think it looks better buzzed than bald and some hair. It makes me think they accept their fate.


BoulderHead are you going bald?
 
Originally posted by BoulderHead
[B
3. If the hair in your ear is long enough, should it be combed over too? [/B]

at least one can try...
what about the nose?
 
A funny example of how people can rationalize away anything (like looking worse) in order to resist change (not accepting a receding hairline). Hair loss is usually a slow process...so little by little the length of the combover grows until it reaches outrageous proportions.

That's my hypothesis, anyway.
 
Originally posted by Greg Bernhardt
BoulderHead are you going bald?
Well, let's just say I use a #2 comb on a Barber's Clipper to keep the entire dome trimmed.

I like your hypothesis, Phobos.

I'm looking around to see if anyone grows one sideburn long, then combs this over too.
 
I'm with Greg. I'd much rather see a buzz job than a combover. Bald is sexy. (except on Telly Savalis - yecht! )
 
Originally posted by BoulderHead
I like your hypothesis, Phobos.

I have a side-part...guess I'm in the danger zone already.
 
Originally posted by Phobos
I have a side-part...guess I'm in the danger zone already.
You may be a perfect candidate for answering a couple of questions, if you care to, that is;

1) Did your side-part begin where it is now or did it start out higher up?

2) Do you feel that it will fall closer and closer to ear level, or is it likely to stay at the present level?

3) I have heard of so many things that could be taken to restore hair (propecia, and I forget the others) and I wonder if they work, any idea? Maybe these things just cost too much, but I'm certain I have read actor Bruce Willis saying that going bald was very humbling, and you would think that he would have had the money to try anything and everything available.
 
I don't know about combing over ear-hair, but i wonder if bald people with big bushy eyebrows may get some ideas from this thread as well. Old people with baseball caps is wrong, they are much better off with cloth flat-caps (eg in Last of the Summer Wine) because that is more respective of their times. Its like old people listenin to pop music... lol
 
  • #10
Originally posted by jimmy p
I don't know about combing over ear-hair, but i wonder if bald people with big bushy eyebrows may get some ideas from this thread as well. Old people with baseball caps is wrong, they are much better off with cloth flat-caps (eg in Last of the Summer Wine) because that is more respective of their times. Its like old people listenin to pop music... lol
Granted, seeing a 70 y/o listening to Guns and Roses or Catatonia might seem a little strange, but I see no reason why appreciation of any kind of music should be relagated to a certain age group. I know a lot of teenagers who like classical music as well as old Doors and Pink Floyd stuff. Music is music. If you like it, listen to it!
 
Last edited:
  • #11
i suppose you are right. The difference i suppose nowadays is that kids today have a wider variety to listen to than old peeps so can choose what they like whereas old people had limited things to listen to. Anyway back to hair questions. I've also noticed that old men with long hair (eg throwbacks from the 70's and 80's) don't seem to go bald whereas men who have always had shorter hair go bald. I am sure the men with shorter hair would have been able to keep it in better condition but are as bald as a coot around 50s-60s. Weird no? Anyone want to hazard a guess why?
 
Back
Top