Hello everyone!

I found this forum after typing in a "grow out hair" search on the Internet. I am really inspired by the members here, so I decided to join.

Here's my story.
I have dark, coarse Turkish hair that I have been dying for more than a decade now.

I'm getting married next year and am determined to grow out my hair (my own natural color!) back to my waistline, where it was when I was a young girl. I just dyed my hair back to my natural dark brown so I will not be tempted to go over the roots.

I had "Bettie Page" bangs for many years and am trying my best to grow them out, as well. It's not easy - I have a high natural hairline so it takes me longer than most. It's currently swept back over my eyes, but it still looks funny, falls over my line of vision and just overall bugs me. But I'm determined. I have about six months to a year before the sweep will reach my chin. :(

Oh, and right now I look like a mushroom head! In December of last year, I was getting frustrated with my hair, and decided to get a layered cut, but nothing too drastic. I just wanted a small change, to add some volume to my shoulder-length hair. I even showed her a picture of a model that had what I was thinking of, but the communication still fell flat I guess. My intention was to leave the back of my hair long. Instead, she gave me a modified A-line. It's absolutely atrocious. I indeed have layers around my crown, but a short back (it's just now reaching below my neck), and 'dog ears' that touch my collarbones. Because my hair is shortened up top, the dog ears are thin and straggly. I hate it. I feel so frumpy. To add insult to injury, she cut my growing out bangs without my consent, leaving me with an even longer growing out process.

UGH! I just can't wait to have long, medieval-esque hair. I'm staying away from the salon's chair and just snipping split ends at home. I'm so scared of getting my hair cut by somebody else...it's like I can't trust anybody!

Anyway, I got a little more wordy there than intended....to wrap things up, pleasure to meet you all, and I will definitely be updating my progress on my journey to achieve healthy, long, natural hair. :)

Welcome to LongLocks!

I'm so sorry to hear about your haircut disaster.  I've had quite a few myself.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

I suggest you keep an eye out and if you see someone who's hair looks great to you, ask them where they go.  Personally, I found this to be the best choice and got great care and service when I did go in for trims.

Bangs and layers require a lot of patience on your part and support from ours here at LL.

Hang in there, and good luck!!!

Hi and welcome!
Sorry about your "nightmare" with that stylist!  I,too, can only relate to a horrible cut!!!  Only I had to be reminded of it for a few years because at the time my driver's license showed the really bad cut!!!!!
I look forward to reading your journal and getting to know you better.

Hi and Welcome!

Sorry to hear about your hair cut! :P  I know it's hard to grow out layers, but hang in there girl!  Use chips to keep your bangs out of your eyes or maybe a headband.  Congrats on the up coming wedding! 8-)

Greetings and welcome, Astraea (love your screen name!  :D)

Stylists, eh?  ::)  This is why most of us don't trust them. I seek them out only on the rare occasion where I need a complex, formal updo and can't do it myself. I never have my hair cut to style it - only minor trims every 3 months.

Do you happen to know anyone who went to beauty school or anyone who's particularly handy with scissors? Often, they will trim your hair for a very small price, or sometimes no price at all.

In any case, I agree with your decision to avoid salons. Just get regular trims as your hair grows out.

Also, as your bangs grow out, you could try a side part or holding them back with a headband. I also have a high forehead and grew out my bangs over a decade ago. When they finally got long enough to be in my eyes all the time and totally annoying, I just flipped them straight back, sometimes using a little water to hold them there. The good thing is that they tend to grow out pretty fast.

Anyway, it's nice to have you along with us. Happy growing!  :)

Hello and welcome!   :)

A belated welcome, Astraea!  My long hair journey also came as a result of bad hair experiences.  Hang in there - you will eventually have your long beautiful hair.