Wow! Shaving your head! I had many times thought about it when my hair was in poor condition, but never had the courage.

As for getting the black hair dye out naturally, I think that might be a problem. If it really bothers you, you could consider a hair dye remover that will only remove the haircolor and not strip your hair. 

For your dryness, I am sure you have read about oils. I know a lot of people like jojoba around here, I personally like olive oil...It really helps with keeping my hair soft.  Just washing and treating your hair gently could help some.

I don't really think there is anything to make your hair grow longer or faster...But a well balanced diet will definitely help. At the moment I am taking "Hair, Skin and Nails" from GNC...But have seen no real improvement after a few months, but you could give it a try!

Maybe you could try keeping your hair up out of reach to minimize the fondling...Or take up knitting to keep your hands busy while your bored! Just thought.

Good Luck!!!

Welcome!
Growing healthy hair takes patience.  The tips mentioned in the Ultimate Guide to Growing Long Hair on this site can give you a good starting point.  Eating a healthy diet will help hair to grow, adding a good multi-vitamin can help supplement your diet so that your hair can grow as quickly, and healthy as possible.

Conditioning and oiling damaged hair can help reduce the appearance of the damage and minimize the breakage that can occur. 

Hang around here a while and you will pick up lots of ideas for how to take care of yourself and your hair.

You said your hair is thinner and more brittle than ever. It could be from damage, malnutrition or an illness...I would start taking a multivitamin. It is just better for you anyway. Do you blow dry, curl, flat iron or any other styling like hair spray and gel? All those things will damage your hair. Get your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition (weekly or every other week in your hairs condition) Use good quality shampoos and conditioners. I love Nexxus personally. Therapy and humectrus are good. No over the counter products. Some shampoos are very harsh and strip hair of natural oils, making hair dry, brittle and eventually weak. What products do you use? How often do you shampoo your hair? Try to stop dying your hair! From blonde to black, that must be difficult to correct. Good Luck

I used to dye my hair, and it was a real mess at one time.  I also had an eating disorder, and that did not help at all.  My hair is much healthier now, because I am committed to taking good care of it.

I had to have my hair colored back to its original color.  I also had to have a deep conditioning treatment at that time.

I also had to have the ends trimmed regularly to get rid of the damaged ends.  My damaged ends were most of my hand width, so I had a little trimmed at a time every few months so I would not cut off inches of my hair at one time.

I also experimented until I found a shampoo that worked for me on a long term basis.  I started using Panteen Classic Clean on a more every day basis and the conditioner on the ends of my hair once a week.  I wash my scalp with the shampoo and let the suds rinse down, and I use the conditioner on the bottom few inches of my hair.   As needed I use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of build up.  Usually that is once a month, no more often than once a week.

I comb only the front of my hair when it is wet, and I usually use a wooden comb.  Combing the front of my hair (bangs) helps shape my hair back off of my face as it dries.  That way my hair doesn't fall into my face.  lol  When it is DAMP, not dry, I carefully comb it.  If I comb it dry, it hurts like hell since I am tenderheaded.  Combing it damp helps get the knots out easier for me. I take my time to comb through slowly with a wider tooth comb, and I never force knots. 

I loosely braid my hair at night to help keep it smooth, which you may not have to worry about yet.  I don't shampoo it every single day, because I am usually fine with every other day unless my hair feels yucky.  I don't usually use any style stuff on it, and I don't blow dry it.

I hope some of these tips help.  It is not easy to repair your hair when you have damaged it, and it takes time.  I use to have clumps of hair falling out and little balding patches.  Here I am now with hair to my tailbone, shiny and strong.  I must say that it was definately worth it, because I value my hair more now.  Best of luck to you!