COLORARDO SPRINGS, CO -- Calling it a moment that reflected the sign of the times for Steve’s naturally curly hair, Steve bought a package of pony tail holders this week at a local store.

Garufi, who made a commitment to growing his hair long since January 2000, says he is very excited that his dark black locks are approaching the length where he can put it in a pony tail.

"I am so excited. I see girls with beautiful long hair and I don’t even lust after them. I’m just jealous. Well that’s changing now. More and more I’m getting compliments about my long curls.” said an elated Steve in his office.

Steve did not specify a date for the first time that he would put his hair in a ponytail, but spoke of a possible party that would recognize, honor and celebrate his one year anniversary of growing his hair long.

“Maybe I’ll have some kind of party and we’ll have a ponytail ceremony and I’ll have my hair consultant there and then I’ll have a great speech reflecting on my long hair and I'll call it a 'State of the Hair' address. Hey, maybe I’ll have it in my tipi!” Steve said excitedly.

Steve’s commitment to growing his naturally curly hair long has not gone without fierce and strident opposition.

The very first voting poll on his web site posed the question of what type of hair length does one prefer for Steve. Among the three choices, ‘Long Hair’ narrowly defeated ‘Short Hair’ by one vote, 52 to 51. The third option “Don’t Care,” garnered 16 votes which many believe took votes away from “Short Hair.”

“I think ‘don’t care’ definitely had the Nader factor there.” Steve espoused.

Steve has courageously overcome other worldly pressures with his hair. He defied and challenged a 'short hair policy' for men with a local employer, who recently changed their policies to accommodate Garufi and other men with long hair. He has also been adamant about his hair not being an issue with counseling internships and other endeavors.

“Lord knows, I’ve paid a price for growing it out long, but I’m so glad I am.” said Steve.

Garufi allowed the publishing of an article about his position on hair gel and also created a message board completely focus on his hair.

The feedback from his fans, he claims, is mostly positive.

“Your hair is kinda dark and spirally and that’s kinda cool. You got a mountain look, kind of like a surfer or hiker.” said Julie Taylor of Colorado Springs.