Hi everyone! I'm starting my hair journal today in an effort to grow my hair from this short cut (a layered bob at the chin) to the beautiful classic length that I really admire. I know it's going to take a really long time, and I know I'll need patience. I'm so glad I found this website, since before I had to just fight my urge to cut it on my own. Now I have buddies in the growing out process. I also love seeing everyone's pictures of their long locks-so beautiful and inspiring.
To be honest, growing out my hair means more to me than just having a beautiful long length. I haven't had long hair in several years, I have always given in and cut it to some "cute" look that people at the salon, or friends tell me is perfect for me. I've also thought that since I have a fairly round face, I needed to have some short cut with a lot of height on top (quote from a stylist).  So I'll be growing a backbone about my own image, at the same time as growing out my hair. The other reason I used to cut my hair was to change it when I was bored or stressed.

One other detail of what's going on in my life-I'm finishing up a Master's degree and job-searching for a position in my new field-education. I'm hoping I can stick with growing out my hair, in the midst of job-hunting stress, and avoid cutting it just for a change-like I used to do.

I also think it's a step for me away from unnatural concepts of beauty and femininity, to a more classic, natural and personal look. To get my hair healthy and long, I'll have to stop coloring it, and curling it and just enjoy my natural texture and color. Hopefuly it will be more me, and I'll learn more patience and self-confidence in this area of my life.

Right now my hair is about 6-8 inch layers. It's somewhat wavy, fairly thick, and back to it's natural color-a medium brunette. It's pretty healthy and shiny-just too short. Here I go!

Thanks for your support! I look forward to reading your journals too.

Thanks bikerbraid! I'll posta picture  soon (assuming I figure it out, heh.heh)

I was wondering...how do I start one of those countdowns to shoulder length hair which show up at the bottom of others comments?

Also...I tried using some olive oil on my hair this afternoon. Mixed it in with the conditioner, and sat back for a nice soak in the tub. Over the Rhine is my favorite band, and I sang along with their "Ohio" album and read parts of "Out of Africa", which for the record is very different from the movie. I personally love both versions.

My cat tried to lick the olive oil out of my hair, as she sat on the side of the tub. So even if it doesn't help my hair...the olive oil conditioner combo tastes good apparently.


Anyway, now I've started rambling.   -rtg

Congrats on beginning your journal!  I wanted to let you know that I also started out with VERY short hair.  That was a year and a half ago, and now my length is close to reaching my first goal of BSL (bra strap length).  Yes, growing long and healthy hair takes time and patience but, boy, is it worth the effort.  So never give up, never surrender, and let us know if you need help with anything!   

Yeah! I just had my interview this morning, and they offered me the position! So I'll be teaching in this great district not far from my house. I'm so excited. What a relief...I've been applying for jobs all summer and I'm done now. Just waiting on the paperwork to go through.


On the hair front:
Woke up early enough this morning so my hair could air dry-no blow fryer before the interview. It was still kind of flat and not the right shape though, which I'll just have to put up with since I want to let it grow a  few months before my next trim. Can't wait for the long hair. I think I'll buy some Burt's Bees Shampoo this weekend and give it a shot. I've been happy with some of their skincare, so maybe the hair care is good too. Any opinions on that?

BTW, I'm liking this website so much. Thank you for setting it up, LL people. I know  I can finally do the long hair thing with friends! (fade in the music: We are family, I got all my sisters with me...)

Ok, better go tackle some laundry. I have folks coming into town tomorrow, so I need to have at least one clean towel to offer them.

Congrats on the new job!  Also sounds as if you're discovering new found patience with your hair--hang in there.   

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Hi roomtogrow!  Congrats on the new job... 

As per the Burt's Bees shampoo... I've been using their grapefruit and sugarbeet champoo and conditioner for about 2 weeks now and REALLY like it!  The shampoo is sulfate-free, and the conditioner is cone-free, so.. what more is a girl to ask for?

The ridiculously awesome SMELL of oranges, grapefruit and lemon!    I can personally say I love this stuff!

Hey ladies, thanks for the encouragement about the new job. NF, I think I SHALL try some of the Burt's Bees shampoo. Sounds wonderful. I love great smells, and it's even better if they are all natural.
Ok, so tonight DH took me out for dinner to celebrate ...a very nice time out at a little pub. Afterwards, we sauntered down the street to a used-book store and I bought a nice old edition of "Wind in the Willows". It seemed to suit the mood of the blue dress I was wearing and the light rain outside the shop.  (He bought Arthur C. Clark-classic sci-fi which I've lately begun to appreciate-but only the vintage books.)
Now we've just assembled a bookshelf from IKEA, because we have so many books that our first one was old and tired and sagging beneath the weight of our combined libraries. Also, it was impossible to find anything specific on it.
Of course with the added shelf space, now I'll have an excuse to buy more used books, and then another book shelf will be needed-at which point we'll have to get rid of the kitchen table or something to make room.
But when it comes to great books, especially used ones with strangers' notes, scribbles, and underlined sections, I just can't pass them up. Especially when they are sold in little used book stores when it's raining outside-ahh, the evil marketing genius of making it rain poetically outside a bookstore. 
Ok, better finish up here and head off to bed.
-RTG