I think I accidentally rejected a cute guy who thought my hair was beautiful.

I feel so dumb and like I majorly fumbled. I (20f) work at a clothing store and was at the registers waiting to ring people up when this guy walked up to purchase an item. It was all normal at first. I asked him how he was doing and if he had an account with us, you know, customer service stuff. So he types his phone number into the keypad, but he then tells me that I have really beautiful hair, and asks how I got it that way.

For context, I have type 4, almost waist-length hair that's in a braid out from old mini braids. It's like day 4 so my hair has shrunk to right above my shoulders and is lookin pretty voluminous now, and my ends have shrunk enough to show my cute little tiny coils. I wear my hair out a lot and get some attention for it, but it's rare to meet someone interested in understanding how it works.

So I explain to him that I've been taking care of my hair and growing it out for years. He's a black man who has short hair that looks very similar to my hair texture and said he was trying to grow it out. We kinda moved into talking in-depth about hair. I told him what products I use, but also mentioned that routine helped my hair the most. He seemed really interested and actually asked more about my current style, and then we got into talking about oils. He asked for some recommendations, but already knew about Jamaican black castor oil and even asked me my thoughts on wild hair growth oil. This man started talking about Wild Hair Growth Oil. I haven't heard anyone talk about that oil in years. I feel like you really need to do research on hair growth to know that exists, or be a bit tapped into the natural hair community, right? I feel like that oil is kinda niche to the community's internet history like how everyone doing the rice water challenge was.

I was so surprised to meet a man who was this informed about our hair. And not that men can't know about hair, it's just kinda sad that he's the first black man I've met who was actually interested in my hair. He then complimented my hair again, saying it looked amazing, then said he thought I LOOK BEAUTIFUL, and then asked if he was allowed to give me his number as a customer. My. Dumb. Ass. Said, "I don't think so". I guess because I haven't dated anyone in almost a year, I got used to being with myself and rejecting some men while working. I also do like being single, and I'm a little scared to date in the current dating climate, so I guess I was a bit conflicted with this guy in the moment. He did tell me his name, and I told him mine. He said I was beautiful AGAIN and then said it was really nice to meet me, then he left the store. And after going to the bathroom, upon reflection, I realized I effed up.

Is there any chance that he might come back y'all? I was really smiley and open with him, so maybe he'll come back tomorrow? Maybe he'll come back for more hair advice? Maybe he'll realize I was just being professional and actually liked him? I mean, I didn't outright say no. I just said I wasn't allowed to give out my number, which I'm pretty sure technically isn't true. It's just an excuse I use for creepy men, but he was cute! And he was so sweet and actually interested in me and my hair and he was so respectful when I "rejected him". I mean, I told my manager I got asked out and didn't know how to feel (as small talk not for anything bad), but maybe I should tell them to keep an eye out for this guy? I have a pretty friendly relationship with my manager(s), so I feel like they actually would. I'm so cautious, I forgot some men could be nice and have the same interests as me. It's literally been a dream to date someone this interested in my hair!

I guess this isn't totally about hair, but do you guys think I've missed my chance? Any advice besides waiting it out and seeing if he shows up or is that wishful thinking? Otherwise, I just want to share this moment that happened.

Tl;Dr: Didn't give my number to a sweet guy who loved my hair despite actually liking him, I'm kinda crying in regret right now.