A hair journal. I'm terrible with keeping up with journals, but maybe this will help me - keep me from cutting it all of when the going (growing?) gets tough.

I decided maybe two months ago I was going to once again try to grow my hair out. It's in a bob right now, dyed a flaming red (which I love) and, unfortunately is suffering from the ill effects of blow frying and dyeing.

My first goal is BSL, which I guesstimated I would reach May 22, 2008. Talk about being specific! My second and ultimate goal is waist-length, which I was figuring would happen on or around May 2009 (I may revise this date).

I am going Saturday to a new salon recommended by a friend of mine for a conditioning treatment and an evaluation. From talking to the stylist and my friend, the stylist is very hair-goal friendly, and will work with you to achieve your goals.

Ditto what Angel Spun said.

I hope the woman turns out to be a great stylist! I've heard some horror stories about domineering stylists, so it's great that she'll help with your hair goals.

   I think fiery long manes are to die for!  I have seen several women on the internet with brightly dyed RED hair to their knees , and it looks awesome.  Have you seen the movie X-Men 3 (The Last Stand)?  One of the central characters has long dyed RED hair to her butt, and it looks soooh beautiful.  Forget the fact that her hair is probably all extensions!  I'm all for your plans to grow your red mane long.

Jim

Welcome! 
I remember it wasn't so long ago that I could just barely make a ponytail.  Now I'm making buns!  Ah, it's a grand feeling, though, pulling your hair into those first ponytails.  Congrats!   

OK, yuck. I think I've cured myself of going without a washing for the time being. Yesterday's hair was a DISASTER (as it usually is when I don't wash). I think I'm going to have to wait until it's longer (past my shoulders) before I try that again. This morning was CWC - Suave Milk and Honey, Eufora Hydrating Shampoo and Eufora Urgent Repair Conditioner. I also blow fried with the usual results. I am going to make a committment to STOP using the blow fryer, starting tomorrow. I'll have to get up earlier to allow for air drying/styling (read: light BB brushing), but hopefully, it'll be worth it. Tomorrow's the big day, anyway - the hair consult....

I remeasured and my guesstimate dates are right.

When your scalp is used to daily washing, it will produce more oils to compensate for the losses during the shampooing.  It takes time for the scalp to re-acclimate to less frequent shampooings, and the resulting less production of oil.

One  to try might be to just rinse the hair, but not shampoo it.  This will help eliminate some of the dirt and oils.  Another trick is to dilute your shampoo so that it is less harsh on the scalp.

Of course, it does take time.  You might start with weekends of not washing, to help your scalp adjust.

I used to be a daily washer, now I can go 7 days.  Even on biking days when I get home all hot and sweaty, a quick rinse in the shower is usually all I need to freshen my hair.

Good luck!

Thanks for letting us know how the visit went. It sounds like you're going to have a good stylist.

I was a bad girl today. Instead of following the regimen the stylist gave me, I did a CWC.

It turned out eh - so-so. There's still damage in my hair, so I can't expect terrific results. I used Suave Milk & Honey for first condition, and my hair felt silky and great. I then used Goth Rosary shampoo and conditioner. Still OK. Then I sprayed it with the fortifier the stylist gave me, and that's when I noticed it feeling more straw-like.

I'm not sure what the problem is - I haven't had a problem with the spray prior to this (OK, I haven't been using it that long). Sigh. Sometimes I feel like I'll never get my hair to look shiny and pretty.