while watching a movie the other night i fiddled around with my hair, and found that it's almost long enough for a short french braid. the sides are just an inch too short, in that they slip out of the braid easily. i did manage to do two little side braids with the rest of my hair down. for me-this is a huge step since my hair hasn't been long enough to braid in many years. i'm betting by spring it should be good for an actual french braid that stays put. granted, there won't be much length swishing around at the bottom...but that will come.    

That's fantastic!  Don't forget that if you can get your hair french braided, you can tuck the ends back up and under the braid.  This gives a very nice, professional, sophisticated look that is easy to do and it makes it look like your hair is longer than it really is.

Congratulations, RTG!  Its exciting!!  I suggest working on a Dutch braid (insideout French braid)-when my hair was on the short side, it would hold much better and longer for me than a French braid.

Keep up the good work!!