I'm told that my small-of-the-back length ponytail doesn't look "healthy" and that I should do something with it. I assume that there's a lot of damage, because I haven't had it trimmed it in two years, do you suppose that's what people talk about when they say that? It's certainly clean.

I want it to be long enough to tie back in a ponytail, but also to look good down.

Anyone know of an appropriate hairstyle?

Firstly, hello and welcome   :)  
As to the hair issue...do you take good care of your hair?  --Not only keeping it clean, but handling it with care, only using a comb, etc.  The first thing I'd do is check for split ends.  Since it's been two years, a trim may indeed be the thing to do.  Perhaps a braid would look smarter than just a ponytail?  

Secondly, how old are you and what business are you in?  In a perfect world these things wouldn't matter.  Yet we all know humans are biased creatures.  It's fine for women to have long hair, but often times men's long locks are still frowned upon.  *shrug*  

Good luck and let us know what actions you take.   8-)

Welcome realnamefakename :)  I agree with Trisha, get a trim. :)  My guy had just cut all his long silver grey hair off just before I met him, however he his growing it back - he is 43 and has his own business so he can pretty well do what he wants.  Conditoner is also very important for long hair, yet I know alot of men who do not use it.  I say give that a shot. :)  Good luck love! 8-)

Two years is a long time to not have your hair trimmed.  When a hair splits, the damage travels up the hairshaft if it isn't cut off.  The only remedy for split ends is to cut them off.  There is no product than can fix them.
Use a conditioner every time you wash, combing it through your hair with your fingers.  Avoid blowdrying your hair.
24 months of growth=approx. 12" of hair.  I don't know if the damage is that bad, you might need 6" cut off and you'll still have enough for a ponytail.

How often do you wash your hair?

First, hello and welcome.

Second, read this.

Third, I'm sorry, but you're going to have to cut every inch of damaged hair off.

Also, putting a hairtie in the same spot on your hair every single day causes serious breakage. Try braiding your hair or wearing it down, if you can get away with it.

Last, best of luck. :)

Assess the damage and start with a healthy foundation & then... just let it grow if you like!
It is counterproductive to try and grow your hair with 2 years of damage.

Wow, that was quick. A shame I forgot about my post. ;)

I'm sorry I gave so little detail in the OP. Here goes:

-I'm in IT and intend to start my own bookselling business, so it's probably okay as long as I can put it back and it looks "healthy," I decided.

-I wash my hair every other day and it seems to work. I don't use conditioner anymore because I never noticed a difference. The shampoo is one of those jason-natural ones that are marketed on the basis of having a couple of ingredients that happen to be organic.

I'm okay with cutting the damaged portions off, just as long as there's no breakage at the point at which I tie my hair. I hope not; I can't really see.

I'll be seeing my barber tomorrow and he should be able to figure something out.

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