Funny Hah Hah?

It's funny what a haircut and color change can do. As I was leaving the gym today, I ran into my favorite Russian who I haven't seen at L'Usine in months. He looked amazing with his hair a bit longer and his European five day scruff (and as a result now overtakes Sebastien as my number one gym hottie) . But apparently, he didn't recognize me. With my long blonde hair gone and replaced with a short brown doo, he glanced at me then continued walking. What's a guy to do? I could have tried to explain to him in French who I was (as I've done with others in the past), but the moment slipped by all too quick. Is it possible to grow my hair 8 inches and dye it blonde before our next encounter?