Welcome to the world of hair blogging!  A word of warning.. if you happen to become addicted.. well, you'll be just like the rest of us!  Mwahahaha! 

to cut or not to cut; that is the question.

i have been contemplating a new experiment. i usually get my hair trimmed 1-2 times a year. however, i know that sets me back at least a 1/2 in everytime. i have an apponment in january for a trim. i think after that i may decide to execute my plan and not cut my hair for a year. just to see what it does.

does anyone have any tips for keeping hair healthy while not trimming?
what are your experiences with this?

i will still think about it until then and after i get my trim i will let you know my decision.

brunette85

I have a trim very seldom - 12 - 18 months apart.  Between times, I "dust" my hair, another term for this is "S&D" (search and destroy).  This involves trimming just the damaged ends from the hair so that the damage does not travel up the hair and/or cause more damage by encouraging tangles and knots.

It will also be important to keep the hair in good condition - regualr conditioning and oiling will help keep the hair moisturized which keeps it pliable and less prone to breaking.

Just remember - all the damage is not at the bottom of the length of your hair - it is at the end of the hair, which can be at any length - so don't forget to look for split and damaged ends all over your hair.

Good luck!

Never tried it myself,but keep us posted and let us know what you think!

as you have previously read i tried out a new deep conditioner and it was fabulous. well this morning when i woke up i was expecting the silky feeling to have faded from my hair against my pillows, but alas it feels GREAT! i think i really like this stuff. my ends feel amazing. well i gtg homework awaits...

Some days my hair looks several inches shorter which I find very annoying.  Comes with curly hair territory I guess, but it still bugs me.

To scent your hair, try rosewater.  You can find it at the health food store, and it comes in a convenient spray bottle.  I use it on my skin and hair-its great for reviving curls.  Just spray it on and scrunch!  I've tried mixing essential oils into a carrier oil and scrunching that into my damp hair, but it never smells very good to me.  I swear by rosewater!

One way to tell the difference, at least in my experience, is.. if the hair looks almost damp, or is sticking together in thin strands or clumps, its most likely greasy. if it's soft to the touch, but doesn't feel icky(not very descriptive, but it's the best word I could come up with), and it isn't sticking together, it's most likely just soft and shiny.

I hope that helps a little.

I suggest some deep conditioning.  Most of all, DRINK MORE WATER!  Also, sleeping with a humidifier should be a big help.  Sorry your hair is being bad.  I hope you find a solution soon!

today was my wash day. last night i put an ample amount of oil on my ends for an overnighter, and my static dissapeared. i may have to modify how much i oil my hair. i tried something new instead of using just jojoba oil i used jinseng oil as well. i dont know how my hair will react but thats the point of an experiment right?my hair is almost completely dry now. tomorrow i will be able to tell if my hair likes this change. well thats it for my hair. off to get Kasey to bed.

oh and thanks everyone for your opinions and suggestions. you guys are great! happy growing. 

well it has been a few week since i have written anything. this was due to the end of semester finals. finally, yesterday was the last day.  so now i have a break for about 5 weeks.

i have an appointment in three weeks for a trim. i noticed my ends are in desperate need for it. and like i said i will try to not cut my hair at all for an entire year. but if i need one sooner like 6 months then i will know i can only go so many months.

i would also like to incorperate more oils into my hair routine. the problem is finding them. now that i have some free time i want to also start my yogalates again. this will also help with the lower back pain ive been having.

all in all im pretty happy with my hair thus far. hopefully by january 1st i should be at my first goal, BSL.

Scalp massages are something I'm also interested in.  Usually, on the days I don't shampoo my hair I just rinse it with warm water and massage my scalp.  I just rub it with my fingertips.  But I want to try doing scalp massages on dry hair on a daily basis...I'll let you know how it goes!

this weather is doing a number on my hair. i have soo many slpits now, goodthingi am hvaing a trim in a couple of weeks.

ive been tryingt o do some updos but i find that even though i may like the back i am not to happy with how the front looks. i guess it just takes practice.

oh yes, i was wondering, is there a difference between pure jojoba oil and organic jojoba oil?

thanks, i didnt even think to look at the ingredients. i also think that what you said the diferences are, are true. only because i took an environmental science class at the college.

thanks for eveyones help and opinions thus far. you are all amazing!

i had posted before about hair seeming shorter than it is. well at the begining of the month my hair was at 24" no growth since last month and i decided today i would messure to see if it was any closer to 25" and everytime i messured it said 23". maybe im not messuring right. i dont know what to do. its funny though, it seems to look longer than what it is messuring. Any ideas?

well, i hope everyone enjoyed thier christmas, i sure did! my son kasey had a ball opening up the presents and playing with the wrapping paper lol. i got some money so i can go shopping for clothes. thank god all my clothes are either too small, from having kasey, or falling apart, too old.

i have started exercising again, louise solomon's yogalates. this is a great program and i love yoga. i have been wanting to do bellydancing. ive always loved how beautiful it looks. does anyone know where i can find GOOD DVD's?

i think my hair has grown, but i cant be sure. it looks longer but i havnt measured. i wont until the first. then on the 5th i wil have a slight trim no more than a 1/2 inch if that. then  i will measure again.

i cant believe it my son will be 2 on the 2nd. hes so big. time goes by fast.

yesterday was a wash day. it felt so great. i decided to incorperate my oils when in the shower. my hair loves it and i feel its extra protection.

tonight im cooking hamburger helper for my son. somehting he likes, yippee it just so happens that his 2nd birthday is on the 2nd. hes gettng so big. hes having a party and everything. well gtg.

well it turns out that i only gained a 1/2 in of growth this month so i have set my counter for another month.

Hi all,

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy this site and all it has to offer

as i have said i had a trim on the 5th so now my plan is to not cut for a year. i will see where my ends are at in 6 months. i dont think i will grow to waist this year but im hoping to get to at leat 28".

Hair:
i have decided to do my deep conditioning treatments once a month. i was to see how my hair will react. also just a bit of growth.

Other:
i have started college again. i am taking a full load, 4 classes. ill be very busy but i think i can handle it. i am keeping on top of my work so i do not fall behind. i got a 100 on my math quiz and the HW. next wednesday we have a test, im sure ill do well. my other classes are great. all of them are in differnt areas so i get to be well rounded lol.

Hiar:
Well, I broke down and used my deep conditioning treatment. My hair was getting too dry and looked a bit unhealthy. The static did return, however, I found some conditoning spray in the back of my bathroom closet. I just misted the area with static and it helped.

Other:
It's vacation week, but I am still going in on wednesday for math tutoring. My math tutor is soo cute. I'll get help from him anytime.

Hair:
Today I was looking at my hair in the mirror and realized the ends were a little below the bottom of my brastrap. It's a thick strap too. The last time i knew my ends were just touching the top. So this means I have reached my first mini goal of BSL and I reached it last month. lol. Therefore, my goals have changes my an inch. So now I am on my way to Waist. I am so excited. Patience pays off.

Congratulations!!!  Keep up the good work. 

Hair:
Well, it has been a long while since I have posted here. I have been busy with school. The semester is almost over. Anyway, my hair in the meantime is doing well. I havn't had a chance to pick up my hot oil treatments due to a busy schedual. luckily I am on vacation and plan on picking some up tomorrow and use them in my next wash cycle. i just did a self trim. My ends were in bad shape. I went four months without trimming, but my hair didn't like that so I did trim. I took about an inch off and my ends feel great. I am still at BSL so I am not complaning. I feel with my hair that if there is no quality to my length then there is no room for length. In other words I want health just as much as length. I've still been doing my weekly deep conditioning treatments and my roots and length love it. I have been wearing my hair up more lately. I guess that just comes with having long hair.

As for my "new growth" I am officially calling them layers. They look like layers and others have refered to my hair as being "layered" so that is what they will be called from now on until my hair is all one length.

Life:
I am doing well in school and i just took a tour of the college I am going to transfer to. It is wonderful. I love thier seven story library. They even have a gym! Kasey, my son, is in the terrible two phase. He also has been using the potty! Go Kasey . I have been taking singing lessons and I plan to take piano lessons as well. I have two plans going for me. I will study to psychology to get my B.A. and in the meantime practice singing and piano playing so I can write melody to my songs and hopefull record a demo and see where that takes me. If one doesn't work out then i will have the other and vise-versa. I am very excited about my life at the moment I hope everything works out.

Hair:
As I have said, my hair now cantains layers and my new goal at this point, other than length, is trying to grow out my layers. I believe my shortest layer is approximately 10" so I have about 14" to grow for all my hair to be one length. I am also concentrating on my underneath. It has been growing out nicely. A bit slower than the rest of my hair, but growing nonetheless. I would still like to gain a little length, but I think at this point I will just maintain for a while. I havn't made up my mind completely yet. I was looking at my hair and decided to do a little self trim today. I had a lot of split ends so I trimmed the front. Instead of a sideways trim to frame my face, I trimmed straight across. This way my hair will end up with a blunt hair line.

-Does anyone have any experience and advise on growing out layers?

Life:
Well, this was my second time taking beginning algebra for school and this time I passed. Yay. On my way to college algebra 127. The difference between these courses is one you get credit for and the other you don't. So I am very happy that I get to go to the next step. Because I have taken almost all of the basic core classes needed for an A.A. degree, I had no choice but to take three online classes during the summer. I have already taken all the other classes they are offering. I have never taken online classes before, hope I can handle it.

I have also been taking singing and piano lessons so I can write songs. I have been pusing a music career on the side. I already have song lyrics written and my piano teacher wants me to bring them in so we can work on them together. I am so excited.

Hair:
Well my hair is too short just soething else. It has so many different layers I dont know what to do with it. Sadly, the shortest ones are too short for me to have it trimmed to that length. That's okay I don't really want to lose mych length anyway. I think I am going to tough it out and wait to trim until October. This was I can try to gain an inch. I think with all the new growth i got my hair didn't know how to react to it. Also I havn't been able to get to Sally Beauty Supply to get my deep conditioning and hot oil treatments. At least I'll have a girst card when I am able to go.

Life:
I am taking three online classes this summer. They last twelve weeks. That is the last week of August. Then the next week the fall semester starts. I have been busy. I have also been looking into doctoral programs in California. I just want to be prepared when it comes time to finally choose. I would prefere a school with a combined MA and Psy.D program in the San francisco Bay Area.

My cat Pepper died last month. he was eighteen. I miss him very much. I hope he is happy wherever he is. Now I am just down to my other cat Sox and My dog Roby.

Kasey is doing fantastic. He is two-and-a-half now and very tall. He is 39" and weighs 36lbs. I cannot believe how much he has grown.

I have been exercising for a month and I feel great. I don't even get on the sclae anymore. My philosophy is if you feel great and you are comfortable in your own skin and you can fit inot clothes you like, then it doesn't matter how much you weigh. I am starting to get abs. I can see some change in areas. I know that this isn't going to happen overnight, but if I keep at it eventually I will see and feel the results I desire.

I have already enrolled at USM for my B.A. in psychology. All I need to do now is meet with the trasnfer counselor in september and find out when I can sign up for classes for the Spring semester. Things are happening so fast. This will be my last semester at this college and I will recieve my diploma in May. Wow!

Hair:
Well, I was finally able, after all these months, to get down to Sally Beauty Supply and purchase my deep conditioning treatment and a bottle of jojoba oil. I got in the shower and did my routine. My hair loved it! It no longer looks as though it has been through the mill once or twice. My hair is soft, shiny, and healthy.

As I have stated I belived part of my hair dilemmas was the condition in which it was previously in. Now with this change I am considering waiting, like originally planned, to trim my hair in January. This is still being contemplated; nothing set in stone (the one year no trim idea was an experiment reserved to change at any time). I am just so excited about my hair I had to share!

As most of you know I have been going back and forth between getting a trim in october and waiting until january. I have decided that I am going to go for a trim in october; I made the appointment today. I feel good about this. My hair is in such dire-straights that a couple of inches WILL do some good. I would love to wait it out, but I have to do what is best for my hair and at this point health outweighs length.

I recently went shopping and bought a new bra. I have to buy mine at a specialty store because of my size. This one fits really nice. Did you know that if the back strap of your bra is rising up than your bra is too big? I found that out when I went to get a new bra. She was measuring me and I mentioned it too her and she infomed me. I'm glad I know that now. Anyway back to my point. I now have a bra that fits correctly and I need to make a change in my hair length measurements. I checked twice and my BS length is 23.5" and my midback length is 26". So after I get my hair all one length I will re-examine my length in measuring. I will still post my monthy measurements for record purposes.

Finally, I tried this new method for my hair. I took all my oils and mixed them together along with a capfull of vanilla for the sent. I heated the mix and then put it on my hair dry. I let it sit for 3 hours then rinsed and conditoned. It's hard to tell right now how my hair will react, it is still drying. I will post an upddate to let all of you know how it turned out.

Hi all,

I found these viseos and thought I'd share.

This first video is of a man with very long hair. I say very long becuase I have never seen a man with this length hair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hPU9Gx5sRI&feature=related


This next video is of women from back in the day I am n ot sure of the year but I would say late 1800's to early-mid 1900's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndh24sJuUK4&feature=related



Also, I went to Sally today and I was picking up my usual deep conditioning treatment and hot oil and I decided to look on the rack that had hair accessories, and I found hair sticks. Granted they are plastic and were very cheap, but they are my first hairsticks and I am proud to own a few pair FINALLY! The pair on the right is brown if anyone cannot tell from this picture.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t66/longhairbeauty/DSC01121-1.jpg

Nice hairsticks!

Hair:

I have been in a dilemma for a while now with my hair. It is uneven and driving me crazy. Therefore, yesterday I did a self trim. I have not measured yet, but I probably took off about an inch maybe an inch and a half. My hair is still below my shoulders. I would never go above that point. I tried to be patient, but when one side is an icnch or so longer than the other along with annoying layers that are not quite as long as the rest, patience goes right out the window.

I will sacrifice length at this point to get my hair all one length. I know that I do not have the will to wait years upon years of growth and still have shorter hair. I want it all one length. Once this is a factor then I will continue to grow my hair long. So if my measurements are the same or go back an forth for a while you will know why.

I have had layers in my hair for 8 years. I feel this look is played out and boring. Not for others, for me. Everyone has layers now. Yes it looks pretty, but I'm bored with having the same look as everyone else. I want my own look and that look is all one length, blunt style.

I know I cannot possibly get my hair blunt without help. I do have a hairdresser that I trust which I have been with for 11 years. She does what I want and does not pressure me into anything. I would never let anyone come near my hair with a razor. That is a stupid idea, in my opinion, and should not be allowed in hair salons. I am still sorting out what I want to do. I may just keep my hair as is, with a U-shape, and let it grow a little longer, then get it cut straight across. We shall see...

I am so frustrated and disappointed with my hair. My ends are horrible. My ends are different lengths, tangle easily, and have split tremendously. I am going to lose a lot of length with this trim coming up at the end of the month. I am just going to have my hair cut straight across. I am thinking I will lose about 4 inches of hair. I wish I did not have to lose so much, but it is what my hair needs. I am hoping My ends will be thicker and I can grow the lose back out and have better luck with the ends.

I know it's not a comfort but I've decided focus on the health of my hair and not be so caught up in how long I'd ultimately like my hair to grow (and that's not set in stone) and I find it easier to accept that I need more frequent trims than I'd like.  Curlgirl's right on about the damage!

Don't think of it that you failed.  Think of it that you're experimenting with what your hair needs, and you've found out something new. 

Hair:

Well, I am certainly on a long journey. I had to post-pone my appointment for my trim in late August to early September. All together, my hair lost 3 inches. So now, I am at 18 inches. This is one inch shorter then when I started growing my hair long in 2006. I have added a new picture. As you can see, my ends are much fuller and much healthier. I plan to go back for another trim in December. I want to keep trimming until all of my hair is one length. Once I reach this goal, I will decide what I will do from that point. I have a long way to go, but it is well worth the wait and experience. I know that without maximum health I will never reach my full potential in length. I am glad I made this decision. Now I can relax a bit and enjoy my new ends.

Life:

I am back in college again for another semester. This is my second semester at the University, (I am a junior, and I transferred from a two-year community college). I am not as intimidated as I was last semester.

I was seeing someone, but he turned out to be a complete jerk. Now I am just enjoying life, my son, and school. I am so excited that we are approaching autumn. This is my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change; I love the smell, raking the leaves, and especially Halloween! There is something magical about this season and I just love it!

I am so excited. I recently embraced my natural curls. I have always wanted to wear my hair this way, but I had no idea how to manage or even care for curly hair. Fortunately, someone on the LHL found this website. www.biracialhair.org and it has helped me tremendously. I still have some damages ends, which I am taking care of in December when I go for my next trim. I am going to discuss with my stylist how I should have my curly hair cut. I have read many articles, which all say that curly hair should have long layers so as not to bulk too much at the ends. I am no expert so I want a second opinion. I have also stopped relaxing and using my ionic flat iron. I think my hair will be all the more healthy for this small act. There are still a few inches of damage so I plan on going in every three months and having no more than an inch trim until my hair is completely, curly virgin hair.

My new routine is this. I cover my hair in a hot oil treatment and let it sit then I do my regular scalp shampoo, my conditioner, and then my deep conditioner. I then let it sit I put more conditioner in and let it stay in. I get out of the shower and separate the curls how they want to curl combing any knots out of the ends then I let it air dry. After my hair is completely dry, I put it in two braids and keep it like that overnight. The next morning I have beautiful curls that stay in place and look like curls instead of the frizz. I just apply a small amount of conditioner mixed with water over the top and the bottom and I am good to go for the day. I still only wash once a week.

I have only used her technique once and so far, I like it. Her advice has worked for my hair so far. There is my news. I will post a new picture next month and my hair will be curly.

We'll look forward to seeing that new picture!   I hope you have a hairdresser who's well informed on your hair type.

I guess it has paid off, finally giving into my curls. I have received nine compliments! I cannot believe it. I do feel great about my hair. It does not look as dry and damaged. I am sure my trim on the third will just increase my hairs overall health. It is nice to know people do notice

That's great!  I would love to see a recent picture of your hair while using that curly hair system.

Life:

Well the past few weeks have been horrible. I got the H1N1 Virus and on top of that developed pneumonia. I have very sick, and boy, am I sore. I did not realize how taxing coughing from pneumonia is on the body. My lower back is in so much pain. Moreover, it did not help that I could not go to the chiropractor for two weeks because I was contagious. Nevertheless, I am starting to feel better but as I said, I am sore. I am still on medication and I go back to the doctor on Thursday to see how things are progressing toward full recovery.

Since I was so sick, I missed two weeks of classes. Thankfully, my professors are willing to work with me to finish out the semester. I do not have that much to do but this is the last week I can do it because this is finals week. 

Hair:

Oh my goodness, my hair is having a fit. Because of all the medication I need to take, it has taken a toll on my hair. My hair is usually dry during the winter, but this is twice as dry. My hair feels like straw. I think I may have to deep condition twice a week for a while until my hair calms down and I finish out my prescriptions.

I did not get as much growth as I expected but that is probably because I have been sick and that causes stress. I did get growth so I know I am ok. The front of my hair is almost to my collarbone, which is exciting. I did have a hair appointment for the 3rd, for a trim but I had to cancel because I was sick so I made another and the next available spot was next month on the 14th. I would not mind so much except I was experimenting trims every 3 months. Oh well, such as life.

I am happy with my hair. It is by far the healthiest it has ever been since I stopped using hot tolls and chemicals on my hair. I have grown to love my curls. I cannot wait to see how my hair looks as it grows. This is such a fun journey.

Happy Growing
Happy Holidays!

January 1, 2010

Well it is a whole new year and I am on a steady path to successful health and growth. I think this year will be promising and very different from the past 3 years.

I am anxious to see what my hair looks like, as it grows curly. Now that I have more information on how to care for my hair properly, I can beg to see improvement. 

In the past, my hair was dry and frizzy. I did not have the tools and the knowhow I do today and because of that, my hair suffered.

Since my last cut have been contemplating what I want to do about my ends. My ends do not really have a shape or at least a shape I am comfortable with at this point. I think my ends would look better with a U-shaped hemline. I have had this shape in the past and always liked it on myself. I have an appointment on the 14th for a 1/2-inch trim; I think I will have her trim in a soft U-shape.

After that, I am not sure that my plans are. I know I want to gain length. I know that constant trimming will not achieve this goal. I may just get this trim and then not trim until I think my ends need it or I may go back in three months for another ½-inch trim. I suppose it depends on my hair.

Happy New Year!

That is fantastic!  Hold on to that hairdresser!  She sounds like she's a rare find.

I've heard about Moroccan oil for hair and body that should be good.  She sounds like a good hairdresser and I know they're hard to come by these days.

Yay!  We're following the same growth pattern!

Quote:


I know; I type too fast.

February 11, 2010

Hi all, in the past few months I noticed my hair was dryer than usual. I have been oiling and deep conditioning and leaving the conditioner in my hair after I showered and still my hair just did not seem moisturized enough to the point of satisfaction. So last week when I went to Sally Beauty Supply to pick up more oil I noticed a moisturizing treatment made by the same company as my Cholesterol deep treatment. I decided to try it and see how my hair liked the change and the added moisture. My hair loved it. It feels really smooth and conditioned. I can now feel the difference between what was dry hair and was is my coarse wiry hairs. I am still going to use my other treatment, I think I will alternate weeks and see how my hair does, or I may just use both at the same time. We shall see. I just wanted to share my experience with all of you lovely folk.

Oh yes, the name of this product is “Silk Elements MegaSilk Moisturizing Treatment”.

March 20, 2010

Well, I have been pondering a while about how I should measure my hair. At first, I was measuring curly because when I measured my hair, it was the same wet and dry.

However, I have been watching my hair and have concluded that I should start measuring my hair either wet or pulled so I get an accurate measurement. My hair is starting show me that when it dries it curls up. This is no big deal. I know I have said otherwise in previous posts, but things change and this is one of those changes.

kittennoodlesoup wrote on Mar 25^th, 2010 at 10:17pm:


I have found this to be true as well. I can see, now that it is a little longer, how much it actually curls up when dry.

April 29, 2010

I was scheduled for a trim today; however, I am unable to afford it. I have no idea when I will be able to afford it again. This is good news because my hair will have no choice but to grow!

I did experiment a little with my wash routine. Instead of oiling my hair in the shower before I washed it, I oiled it when it was dry and then washed. I also used more deep conditioner and less regular conditioner. I do like the results, but the front is a bit dry. I suppose I can oil the front and top and leave the rest. We shall see.

May 20, 2010

Over a month ago I was supposed to have a trim, however that did not work out and I cannot afford one at this time. So it has been about four months since my last trim and my ends can only tolerate a three-month span before the ends split and tangle. I decided that I would do a self-trim and see how it worked out. I have curly hair so I chose to trim it dry. What I did was find all the hairs that were frayed, dry, brittle, and split at the ends and trimmed them to the rest of the length. I am happy with the results because I did not lose much length and my ends feel great. I do not think I will be doing this for the long term, but when it is my only option and my hair really needs it, I think that it is okay. I am not very good at trimming my own hair and I know that I will eventually muck it up so the next time will be with my hairdresser. Anyway, I just wanted to share my good news.