To start my thru already looking like Grizzly Adams?

[wesleygalles]

I'm starting my thru in June-July and I already have really long hair, and by that time my beard will probably be down past my neck. I hear mixed reviews on people saying shave it all or just be a hippie and go. I'm a bit of a hippie, so of course I like the latter of the two. Give me your opinions!

[barf_jay]

I vote for be a hippy and go.....

[BirdBrain]

HYOH. Shaving has the advantage of finding ticks easier. I will be shaving. I always have a goatee, but tick defense comes 1st in my book.

[Tundra]

I would have two concerns. June and July will be pretty hot. A big beard might make that worse. Also, some people might not be as willing to pick you up hitching to a town. However, people that live near the trail see plenty of "long haired, hippy-looking freaky people" so it might not matter. Happy trails.

[RedBeerd]

Be a hippy and go!!!

[Slo-go'en]

Shortish hair and a trim beard is a lot easier to keep clean and will be cooler. I let my hair grow out in the winter and trim it short for the summer. Shaving is a PITA, so I just keep my beard trimmed short.

[SCRUB HIKER]

My trail buddy 4-Beards was on Day 120 or so of his beard when he started the AT. He looked like a Civil War general by the end. That's him in the blue third from left in this picture. 298891_10100364958626902_1427737204_n.jpg

I say, heartily, go for it.

[SCRUB HIKER]

Also, for what it's worth, on the Trail you will NEVER hear someone telling you to shave your beard. People will actively dissuade you from it. The fact that two people have suggested it already shows the sometimes gaping disconnect between WhiteBlaze and reality.

[Tree Nerd]

I typically have short hair and a trimmed beard. I havent cut my hair or my beard since the middle of december and I keep telling myself I wont cut it till I finish my Thru.....I start July and wont be done till december.....I cant wait to see how pissed off my sister in law is going to be during my brother and hers wedding in September.

[Almost There]

Find a girl to hitch into town and you'll be fine! Let it grow!

[max patch]

It don't matter what you do.

[Lone Wolf]

I'm starting my thru in June-July and I already have really long hair, and by that time my beard will probably be down past my neck. I hear mixed reviews on people saying shave it all or just be a hippie and go. I'm a bit of a hippie, so of course I like the latter of the two. Give me your opinions!

why would you shave or get a haircut? i never did

[Rasty]

why would you shave or get a haircut? i never did

I would shave only to save myself the embarrassment of a crappy beard.

[Sman]

joke.jpg No problem

[Slo-go'en]

joke.jpg No problem

Couldn't afford both a hair cut and a shave, so had 1/2 of each done...

[DCinMO]

I'm 52 and haven't gotten a haircut in probably 10 years and haven't shaved since I was in high school ( I do keep my beard semi trimmed ) . I like the hippie/mountainman/biker look. Then again that sums me up. Be who you want to be.dc

[BuckeyeBill]

Couldn't afford both a hair cut and a shave, so had 1/2 of each done...

Very Nice LOL

[JAK]

Be prepared to keep yourself well groomed on the trail, daily ablutions etc, but only do it if you want to.

[Blackbeard30]

Let it grow

[wesleygalles]

Call me easy to persuade, but I'm sold. Going hairy and ending hairy!