Hi, I am new. I am so glad I found this site. It's great! I have been lurking all day. I am multiracial (black, white, Indian) I have curly 3A natural hair. The crown area seems to be relatively course while the sides by my temples and the underneath area are more fine and silkier. Right now it is around BSL when wet or when dry and stretched. I got it cut to around collar bone length in September 2007. That cut got rid of the last of the relaxer (I think) I have been following the CurlyGirl routine since 2006 which is no sulfate shampoos, no cones, lots of moisture. I have also been treating with henna fairly regularly. I trim my ends myself and basically I think it is pretty healthy. I have only shampooed a handful of times since going CG when I mistakenly put something bad in there. Anyway so it looks pretty good. I really want LONG hair...I have since I was a little girl. And I don't like to wear it up I think there is nothing more beautiful than a women with beautiful long flowing hair, it makes me feel feminine and sexy. Any suggestions anyone has for me on how to reach my goal is greatly appreciated. It's about 26&1/2 right now and I want it low mid back almost hip which I think is about 30-31 inches.

I have been using Shea butter body butter (burt's bees) on my ends which works nicely and I usually just put some conditioner in there and a little home made spritz (aloe, honey and water) No heat, I air dry and I pineapple at night. I know "the rules" say no combing when wet, since I have curly hair that is the only time I can comb but I do try to only finger comb.

Sorry to be so long, I just want to know everything!

Oh yeah, here is a link to my fotki

http://public.fotki.com/curlygirl1978/

Hi, GoddessCurls, and welcome!  To me it sounds like you're on the right track.  It just takes time, and more time for us curlies 'cause of the spring factor.

I also have been following the CurlyGirl routine and for sure it has made my hair better!

My suggestion is to keep up the good work and be patient!

I try. CG has certainly helped my hair, I never used to be able to wear it curly before. It's really just starting to feel long again after I had the damage cut. I am even contemplating getting some hair sticks (don't know how to use them) but they look cool. I don't wear my hair up often but I would like more options than just a scrunchie when I do.

Hey there, GoddessCurls.  :)

You certainly have a lot of hair and it sounds as though you've been looking after it nicely. I'm a natural straightie, so the only recommendation I have is that you keep getting regular trims as your hair grows out.

Best of luck in reaching your goals and happy growing!

I have kinda been trimming myself. The only curly specialist in my city close to me charges like $45 for a cut, (even if it's a trim) if I am just barely getting split ends trimmed I can't see paying that. The other stylists wanna wash it and use cones, then they have the nerve to come at me with a fine toothed comb!lol I actually had to lend on my wide tooth. I haven't had a significant cut since September, about a week ago I trimmed a little off myself but mostly I have just been trying to treat it well. Like tonight, I have nothing to do so I mixed some carrot oil and olive oil with my suave conditioner and slathered it on from my ears down and put it in a scrunchie. I so love all you ladies with the really long hair, it's been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. My mom used to have it and I always wanted it. I think I might start measuring and listing it on the "measure up" page too.

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I think I might start measuring and listing it on the "measure up" page too.

That sounds like a great idea, GoddessCurls!
It's always nice to have another kindred spirit around.  :)