I wouldn't say it's effeminate personally but I get your point, that's just how some people have their hair grow on the sides I think. My hair on the sides gets annoying because often when I dry it both sides are nowhere near even. One side will be normal and the other one will be puffy or curly or some other dogstuff that drives me insane.
Once it gets even longer, I might just part it all behind my ears (might have to do this anyway if I wear my glasses) and just rock a samurai ponytail or something, or just wear a hat, or do nothing. This is the longest it's ever been so I'm not sure how it will look, guess we'll see in a few months.
Maybe I'll do this: