Since November last year I've trimmed of all my growth in an attempt to thicken my hemline. I have, so far, seen very little/no improvement. (The hemline might be slightly thicker but it could also just be my wishful thinking.) The thing is that I'm now starting to get bored by this length and I want it to get longer again. My final length goal is mid-thigh and I feel that it's such a long way to go and I want to get on with it. At least to see if it's even possible. At the same time I really dislike my hemline as it is and feel embarrassed of it the few times I wear my hair down. On the other hand I do wear it up 99.99% of the time...*Sigh*
So what would you do? Keep growing to terminal/mid-thigh (whatever comes first) and decide to trim or not then or continue to trim every month and stay at the same length? Or maybe just trim every second or third month?
What do you think about my hemline? If it where yours, would you feel comfortable wearing your hair down?
Note: I don't trim to get rid of damage (I have very little splits), just to thicken.
TIA
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38/50
Maintaining at tail bone (38") for 2009 trying to get a thicker hemline
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
You've expressed my exact thoughts lately! Our hair is so similar, thus our hemlines are too. As you can see in my siggy pic below, my hemline is getting sparse - much thinner than I like! I SO want to trim at least 3" off in order to thicken my hemline, but I almost to my goal of 44". (I am 44 yrs. old and I want my hair to be that long.) I've set aside my normal "health over length" to reach this goal and I am regretting it a bit. I, too, feel a little embarrassed when I wear my hair down with such a thin hemline.
I feel your pain - if that helps any! Here's my plan for my hemline: Once I reach my goal of 44", then I am going to trim 1" and see how that feels for one month. If I still don't like it, I am going to trim another inch. Wait one month. If I still don't like it, then one more inch. I don't want to go below 40". Hopefully at that point, I will be happy. Then I will do at least 1/2" trim every two months. That way, I will still gain length, yet keep my hemline thick. The growing will be very slow but I think it will be worth it to have a nice hemline.
This is the hemline I would like to maintain:
HTH a little! Hugs to you Maria!
Gentle Care for Healthy Hair! ~Kara
1aFii 24.5/43.5/44
Shampoo Wednesday and Sunday nights - my homemade formula or Suave Naturals
ACV rinse - infused with mint, basil, rosemary and sage w/ lemon EO after shampooing
Conditioner - Suave Naturals as a leave-in
Deep conditioning - every weekend - shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil &/or Africas Best Herbal oil usually left on from Saturday evening to my Sunday wash - Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera gel glossing and setting gel - Vidal Sasson BBB Revlon wide toothed comb
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." Eleanor Roosevelt
Life Verse:
Joyful in hope,
Patient in affliction,
Faithful in prayer.
Romans 12: 12
Oil on ends just before combing to help with snarls, 2x a day.
Shampoo every 5 days
Experimenting with ACV, coconut oil, and honey.
Started measuring August 06, at 36.5 inches
1cCii ~ Natural Silver
I am 53 year old and I've been married for 34 years!!
July 1st 07 - Reached 40 inches
July 14 07 - Cut back to 36.5
August 3rd 08 - Reached 40 inches again.
January 1 09 Reached 43 and classic achieved! Cut for a better hemline.
April thru June 40 still. sigh...
36.5/40/Classic
Faithful to barbers - they actually trim 1/8th of an inch!!
I'm sorry to hear that you have the same kind of problem. As you said, our hair is very similar (I see yours as a better version of mine) so I guess it's not very surprising that we have the same issues. Your plan sound good, maybe I'll make my own version of it and see how it goes.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
I'm so sorry you're feeling so frustrated! Trying to be patient with something as time consuming as growing out hair seems very difficult.
I think I'd go with Kara's strategy. In fact, I may actually end up doing it because my hemline is also getting a bit straggly these days, and I'd like to avoid any big cuts until I get closer to my goal.
Someone posted on here sometime ago that we will accomplish a complete shed over the period of seven years...or something to that effect. I wonder if by the time we get our hair down to around waist/hip that shed cycle may have something to do with having a thinner hemline, and we just need to give the new hairs a chance to grow in better? I hope that makes some sense - I didn't express my thoughts very well!
32" long, type 2b C iii
wash as necessary- various products
ACV rinses
oil nightly with coconut oil or shea butter
two braids for bed
23" as of Jun'07
23/30/36
First goal reached 03/09
Quote: Someone posted on here sometime ago that we will accomplish a complete shed over the period of seven years...or something to that effect. I wonder if by the time we get our hair down to around waist/hip that shed cycle may have something to do with having a thinner hemline, and we just need to give the new hairs a chance to grow in better?
I hope this is true because that would mean that the thinness could be a result of the daily heat styling I did before finding this board. *crossing my fingers*
Judging by your latest pic I don't think your hemline looks straggly at all-just nice and thick.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
Well, that one was from a few months ago...I've started getting the random bits that are much longer than some of the other pieces. I've actually done some micro trims over the past couple of weeks, so I think it's getting a little better!
32" long, type 2b C iii
wash as necessary- various products
ACV rinses
oil nightly with coconut oil or shea butter
two braids for bed
23" as of Jun'07
23/30/36
First goal reached 03/09
I understand what you and Kara are talking about. I wish I could have the hemline I had at BSL. I have cut back to BSL I believe twice now, regrow, doing all the right things. Good organic shampoos and conditioners, no blowdrying, wear it up almost 100 percent. I know for me, I think I just can't have that thick hem, no matter what I do? The trim method does not seem to help me either. After waist, it just gets thinner. I so want what a lot of ladies have on here, a thick hemline! I think about trimming, but my hair has pretty much stopped growing the last 4 or 5 months. So if I do a trim, will it even grow back? I got to a about 5 inches longer before I cut almost 2 years ago. I think for me,I can have BSL nice hem, or longer hair with a not so good hem. Before finding this board I was happy at about BSL, that was long to me. After finding this place, I wanted more length, when I saw all the pretty longer hair. I am hoping for some growth, will see tomorrow. I admire your hair Maria. No easy answers I guess.
1BFii
Hair: All natural dark brown and silver.
Washing: Twice a week, scalp wash, with letting shampoo run through length. Condition from ears on down. Cold as I can stand it final rinse.
Shampoo/Conditioner: I have switched to organic. Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo and Conditioner. Nature's Gate Organics Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner.
Comb, never brush.
Kind Regards,
lacemitts
This message has been edited by lacemitts on Jun 30, 2009 3:51 PM This message has been edited by lacemitts on Jun 30, 2009 3:23 PM
Lacemitts, just as you I would have been perfectly happy with BSL before I found this place. I thought BSL hair was really long but now it feels short at tailbone length. Funny thing is that although I'm struggeling for a thicker hemline myself I tend to prefer more tapered, thinner hemlines on others. Even though you might not think so yourself I prefer your hemline now compared to the thicker one you had at BSL.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
as someone who has fine hair that is nowhere near long yet, i can't tell how i feel when this happens to me but i can tell you how i think i'll feel...if you're not happy w/ you hemline now, you will never be happy with the hemline of mid-thigh length hair. decide what is more important to you, length or hemline...don't let the hair of anyone else sway your decision as you don't get to put their hair on your head. if you wear it up most of the time, mabye you want to opt for the length. it seems to me length is more impressive to the everyday perosn than hemline thickness. if i had your current hemline i would not be embarrassed @ all!
You do have a good point-there's a good chance that my hemline will only get thinner as the hair grows longer. Right now I just feel so bored with this length though that it might be worth it growing for a while. After all, cutting back isn't very hard...
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
I'm a once a year trimmer. I think if you want to grow it and you're tired of the length you're at, grow it. Consider how much joy and satisfaction you get from being a long hair. If there's no enjoyment in it, then it's time to rethink things. But here you are cutting frequently and not satisfied, so try stopping the cutting.
Would I wear my hair down if I were you? Surely, yes, sometimes. But you can't force a good hair down day and a woman's hair is most peculiar thing in that it definitely has its good days and bad days. So, look at it and if it's a good hair day wear it down! Otherwise UP in an UPdo it goes! My ends are not thick either. I get compliments on its color and health. I have virtually never had anyone say I have lovely thick hair. Nevertheless!
I say go for mid-thigh and trim once a year.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because
people who mind don't matter and people who
matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss
Rockin' age 49 as best she can.
1b M ii
24"/43.5"/Cruising toward crook-of-the-knee length --> 51" on me
Current fave oil: Monoi Tiare Tahiti (coconut oil w/ Gardenia)
Shampoo: Nature's Gate Herbal Daily Cleansing Shampoo
Conditioner: Nature's Gate
Madora comb and a BBB
Wash about every third day
Lil's blog:
http://alittlegrace.blogspot.com/
Progress pic. You can even see that in 2004 I finally lost my baby weight. Had last baby in 1997. Only took, um, seven years to lose it.
This message has been edited by lilianaliliana on Jul 1, 2009 2:10 AM
Thank you for your advice. I really enjoy being a long hair and I'm not sure if my frustration right now comes from my hair or my general situation in life. (I'm still suffering from some resulting effects from my cancer treatment.) But since I can't seem to do something about the rest of the things maybe growing again will at least lessen some frustration. I think I'll give it a try at least and if I end up not liking it I can always cut back.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
I've dedicated this year tot rying to thicken out my hemline so I really feel for you! I think if you have fine hair a "thick" hemline is never really going to happen and it's harder to be happy with it if your after a hemline like some of the lovely ladies here.
Personally I think yours, Lacemitts and Kara's hair look fab as they are, not thin or anything to be embarassed about!! I would love to have hair half as fab as any of you ladies.
xXx
Click on the frog for jewelery and hair ornaments
21/26/classic (44 inches on me)
2aNii
27 years old
Recently decided to wash my hair when I feel it needs it/I can be bothered, rather than the set routine I had. Currently using soapnuts and the occasional bicarbe rinse. I also ACV rinse after most washes.
I only comb my hair with a wooden comb or boar bristle brush
Trying to grow out my hair back to it's natural colour. Looking at getting my hair thicker this year and much healthier!
Thank you Affienia. I guess I'm affected by all the beautiful thicker hairs here and want something I can never get.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
Second, I understand only too well. I have been wanting for a classic length for what seems to be a decade. I don't seem any further along after the 3 years since joining. Sigh... But I can't give up my dream (and neither should you) of having that magic length.
I do understand about boredom though. Beware! There is a danger of cutting when we get bored. Watch out for the urge and impose the 2 week rule for anything more than two inches.
We are here for you what ever you decide to do.
Christmas 08 April 09
Close up of my gray hair.
My new mantra: 2009 for hair that's divine!
Oil on ends just before combing to help with snarls, 2x a day.
Shampoo every 5 days
Experimenting with ACV, coconut oil, and honey.
Started measuring August 06, at 36.5 inches
1cCii ~ Natural Silver
I am 53 year old and I've been married for 34 years!!
July 1st 07 - Reached 40 inches
July 14 07 - Cut back to 36.5
August 3rd 08 - Reached 40 inches again.
January 1 09 Reached 43 and classic achieved! Cut for a better hemline.
April thru June 40 still. sigh...
36.5/40/Classic
Faithful to barbers - they actually trim 1/8th of an inch!!
Thank you Miriam. I think I will join you in dreaming for magical length. I'm not ready to give up just yet
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
your hair looks great. You have fine hair. The hemline is only going to get so thick. And that's OKAY! There is nothing wrong with having hair without super blunt ends. In fact, some people prefer it. As someone else said, you just have to determine which is more important... thicker ends or longer lengths. Many of us fineys just can't have both.
So true. I just have to learn to be content with what I have. After all, my hair is the way it is and even when I had a short cut I never had thick, blunt ends.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
I think it looks lovely. Perhaps if you wait a couple of months and then trim things may work out with a fuller hemline for you by following this type of pattern. Good Luck!
Thank you! I've nearly made up my mind now to continue to grow and decide if I want to trim back later instead.
cross made of my own and my mothers hair
1a/bFi/ii
16/38.2/50
Routine:
Daily scalp wash with CV bars followed by ACV since.
Treatment with coconut oil, aloe vera gel and deep conditioner once or twice per week.
Oiling with coconut oil when needed.
You do have beautiful hair. You asked, so I will say this... I don't think hemlines need to be thick to be beautiful. I love wispy ends and terminal lengths usually bring the wispies with it. Faerie lengths, it's all so magical.
I am sure you can obtain what it is you truly want, but again... your hair is so lovely as it is. It truly is. All that said, yes I would wear it down.
I also think the idea of growing it for a long time then trimming it back helps, from what I have seen here over the years. But as we all know that can be the hardest thing to do.
I am trying to do that very thing right now myself.
Blessings!
~~elvea rose~~
1b/F/i 20/24/33
What's another inch?
All said and done it's two months' waiting!
My menders...
~pure life soap co chamomile s+c
~solana gold apple cider vinegar
~honey from the wild bees
~desert essence of jojoba oil
~grape seed oil for winter care
~mama bee's body oil blend
~aloe vera gel, pure and natural
~german made bbb
~sierra legacy che-chen comb ('88)
~artistree cocobolo combs ('05)
~a basket full of essential oils
If you don't have splits I think I would stop trimming for a bit. When you want to wear your hair down, if you are not happy with the way your ends look, just put in a roller or two on the lower length only. It will curl some hair under and create a fuller look. It's my only "trick" for the same situation I have. Only I have splits to deal with as well, so trimming currently is more of a have to, than a want to. Hope this helps in some way! Oh yes... let me also say I don't think your hair looks bad as it is, but I struggle with thin ends and thought this might help you to feel better about yours while allowing your length to grow on.
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, they will become your character. Develop your character for it becomes your destiny." -John MacArthur
"Love makes you beautiful" - quote from my nephew at age 7
Products Used:
Ida's Shampoo Bars
Aubrey Organics S&C
Nature's Gate Conditioners
Vinegar/herbal rinses
Oils: Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Virgin Oil de Coco Creme, Monoi, Castor, Meadowfoam Seed & essential oils
Shea Butter (from which I make my own leave-in)
MP Popular Mix Brush and Pure BB brush
Wood and Horn combs
Vitamins/Minerals/Herbal supplements
a lot of good advice already. It sounds as if you're not happy with now so it's time to try something different. Since you don't have splits (lucky you!) I say stop trimming and let it grow. You can always change your mind several months down the track. You might discover (and I've noticed this on other ladies with fine hair) that if you let it grow for 6-12 months then trim say a few inches, you will have a thicker hemline than if you trim every month. It's worth trying anyway.
And if it helps any, there are days I'm embarassed to wear my hair down too. It just doesn't behave and I think it looks too frizzy/thin/wavy/ugly/etc.
Progress from June 2006 - October 2008
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length 25"/62.5cm
Current length 35"/89cm
Goal 36"/90cm
Current routine: (Trying to keep it as simple as possible): WC on the weekend following medium oiling; scalp washes every second day; oiling 2-3 nights per week; mid-week conditioning with honey and ACV in water; S&D when I think of it; and dusting every 8-12 weeks.
Shampoo: Organic Instincts diluted with herbal tea (rosemary and chamomile).
Conditioners: A'Kin Protein or Moisturising Conditioner mixed with honey (1 tablespoon of each).
Oils: Favourite is almond oil. Occasionally will use a blend of coconut, almond, olive in the ratio 2:1:1 in summer or as a deep oiling treatment.
Other: ACV infused with herbs (depending upon availability I use a selection of lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, sage, and thyme); BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; pure aloe vera gel for smoothing flyaways and fixing hair in place.
'Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfailing beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.' 1 Peter 3:3-4
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