Neglected-haired

Describing someone or something, typically a person, whose hair exhibits a lack of care, attention, or regular grooming. This often manifests as unkempt, tangled, matted, dirty, or generally disorderly hair. It suggests a disregard for personal appearance regarding hair maintenance, implying a possible lack of time, resources, or inclination to engage in the usual hair care routines. The state of the hair serves as a visual indicator of neglect, possibly reflecting an emotional state, a challenging living situation, or a deliberate stylistic choice emphasizing a casual or even rebellious aesthetic. It suggests that the hair has been left largely to its own devices, allowed to grow without regular trimming, washing, or styling, leading to a noticeable and often pronounced visual difference compared to well-maintained hair.

Neglected-haired meaning with examples

• The shipwreck survivor, weeks at sea and ravaged by sun and salt, arrived ashore with neglected-haired appearance, his once-vibrant locks now a tangled mass of seaweed and grit, barely recognizable as human hair.
• She portrays the character of a struggling artist in her film, and the director specifically instructed the makeup artist to create a neglected-haired look, reflecting her character's chaotic lifestyle.
• He couldn't afford a haircut for months, and when we saw him again, his neglected-haired silhouette was barely discernable in the low light of the tavern. It was easy to tell things were hard.
• The stray dog huddled in the alley had neglected-haired fur, caked with mud and debris, hinting at a harsh life spent foraging for food and shelter on the streets. It was clear he needed someone.
• The old scarecrow standing alone in the field has a neglected-haired head. Rain and wind have done their work on it, and now the straw protrudes from the hat like a mane in the wind.