I've been thinking about this for a while - even toying with the idea of going back to BSL. I'm just one of those people who value a thick healthy hemline over length - although I'd love both. I tried just maintaining and waiting for the thickness to catch up, but it got to the stage I was too ashamed to wear my hair down anywhere and made me even hate my hair. So I rang the salon this morning and they had a space so I went and had a few inches cut off.
This is the salon I usually go to and with good reason. The stylist asked me how much I wanted off and when I told her she said, "Now you show me how much you think that is because everyone has different ideas of what a few inches looks like." I then talked to her about my shedding and asked what she thought and she showed me how much she thought needed to come off and since it was about what I was thinking, I agreed.
After cutting my length, she then talked to me about my likes and dislikes regarding my fringe/bangs before cutting it. She did use the thinning shears and I know that is kind of frowned upon but it makes my fringe sit so much better and I figure that a fringe can take more abuse than the rest of the hair. If it makes me feel just a little bit attractive, I can turn a blind eye to the damage it's causing.
I'm not sure what length I'm at now. Perhaps just below waist? I haven't checked since I got home. I imagine that when I wash it tomorrow I'll feel that it's really short. At the moment it's in a Dutch braid and it still comes to waist or thereabouts and it looks so much thicker. So I'm happy.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
hair but only if it's thick and healthy, especially now that I'm gaining more and more silvers. I think if I'm going to have silver hair then it has to be as healhty as possible so that I can't be accused of letting myself go. Even though I wear it up a lot, I still want to know that I can wear it down and that it will look good.
The stylist tried to put my hair back up with the Ficcare that I'd worn into the salon and after several attempts asked me to do it. Then she said, "And you said your hair was thinning! Yeah, right!" That made me smile.
Sometimes I wish we had tipping here in NZ because that stylist deserved it today.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
Can we have a new length shot and a number on your length? Congrats, and you ARE pretty!
April 2012
October 2011
August 2011
1BFii
Hair: All natural dark brown and silver.
Washing: Once or twice a week. Condition from ears on down. Cold as I can stand it final rinse. Shampoo/Conditioner:Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo and Conditioner. Nature's Gate Organics Biotin Shampoo and Conditioner.
Wide tooth comb.
Kind Regards,
lacemitts
This message has been edited by lacemitts on Jul 26, 2012 10:36 PM
around 32 or 33". Could be shorter but it does look to be a few inches below waist and I think waist on me was about 30" from memory. It still looks long so I'm not going to worry too much about the number. I'll grow back out to tailbone again now that it's looking as if most of the thinning has been removed. For the moment, I'm loving my thicker ends.
I'll see if I can get a length photo after I've washed tomorrow. DH should be home then (he doesn't know about the cut yet) and it won't be all wavy from being in a braid all day.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
I yet to get to waist let alone know the trials you have had in deciding what to do over the years with thinning hem etc... But I certainly can sense that you are happier and I can imagine the ends look and feel healthy and that has to be something to smile about YAY.
I agree that you need to be enjoying your hair and it would be wrong to be ashamed of it- like being held captive. I know that I am aiming for a length (tailbone) but I dont know if that is something my hair will do well. I tend to be of your persuasion, a healthy hemline over length. I truly hope that this new length and condition of hemline will bring you a new sense of peace with your hair- and I really hope you will wear it down with great liberty and joy.
-oh and I thin my fringe too with a razor :O ( when I am not growing it out!)
Look forward to hearing how it all goes after the first wash.
2BMiii
Committing to growth, starting at 23.5"- Jan 1, 2011
that's an interesting way of describing it. But it's probably true. I stopped enjoying my hair a long time ago and I look at old photos with longing. I didn't want to go back to waist but for me it's preferable to having the hemline I had.
Jules, from the tone of your post, I can see that your are happy, or at least content, with the cut. And I think that's great! I know it distresses you to have a not so thick hemline... so if the cut gave you a boost in self-confidence, then I'm all for it
I will look forward to the picture! I'm really interested in how your hair looks.
Hair type: 2b/M/C/iii
Current length: classic
Primary goal: thickening the ends
Routine:
- NW/SO on the scalp, with periodical length
washes (Alverde birke-salbei shampoo for the length)
- brushing, scritching, preening and massaging daily
- occasional S&D trims
- trimming the ends whenever they start looking funny
the progress you've made in thickening your hemline and I kept telling myself that I could do the same. But I lack patience. I wanted it to look better now.
I'm planning on growing back out to tailbone - shouldn't take me too long - but I'm going to try and enjoy my hair at whatever length it's at - even today when I no longer feel so pretty.
It sounds like you are really happy with your hair now...that is fantastic!!! And with your fringe, too! I bet it feels really thick now. I am happy for you and you are BEAUTIFUL no matter what your hair length is!!!!
Gentle Care for Healthy Hair!
1aFii 24.5"/40"/classic (44")
February 2012 - 38.5"
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
One night and I no longer feel as happy with the cut and the fringe. Well, I'm okay with the thickness, just not in the fact that it was thinning and that several inches had to go. And the fringe today, well I guess I just realised it wasn't the wonderful transformation I was hoping for.
It definitely sounds like you made the right decision, Jules. You sound very happy with the results
I share your hair goal, which is healthy hair with a neat hemline. Though I have seen some lovely heads of hair with fairy tale ends! I don't currently have a length goal because I'm afraid I might become obsessed and forget to enjoy the hair on my head as it is now.
I microtrim every month or two and so it has taken me much longer to get to my wee length of mid-neck. But I know that this is the right path for me because I like my hair so much better at this length now than in previous attempts to grow it out.
Congrats on doing what you wanted! I can imagine that length was hard earned and probably not easy to part with.
Some look wonderful with fairy tale ends. I'm just not one of them. I like a thick blunt hemline and I can't seem to be happy with anything else. That's just me. And as I mentioned in an earlier reply, with getting older and having more and more silvers taking over, I feel that I need to keep my hair looking as healthy as possible. And for me that means a thick hemline.
I'm thinking of going back to the stylist in a few months time and having another trim. I know that they're quite good in this salon about only taking off what you ask for, so if I asked them to just take a centimetre or two they would. I'm hoping that by doing this I'll be able to maintain my thick hemline but also be able to grow back out to tailbone.
You sound so happy with the cut - that's wonderful. But please do post a photo soon so we can see your lovely hair. I'm sure it looks amazing.
My hair journal:http://www.network54.com/Forum/496746/
1bnii Hair Type - Length:45 1/4" Goal: 48" Products - Currently Using:
Suave Scalp Solution Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Nourishing Coconut and Shea Butter alternated with CV & Lush Shampoo Bars Monoi or Virgin de Coco Creme on ends daily
Shea Butter Creamy Souffle as pre-wash conditioner. Wash 1-2 times a week. Wide tooth wood & bakelite combs. TT on wet hair. BBB 20-30 strokes daily. Braid before bed and oil ends.
have struggled with thinning too, but if my hair had still looked as good as yours did despite thinning, I wouldn't have cut. But mine was getting almost see-through in places and it needed to go.
BTW, someone has been busy posting spam on your journal since you last posted. So sad that people have to do that.
Thanks for letting me know. This makes me just want to delete the whole thing. Not what I needed today. I changed my posting priveleges to moderated for Network 54 users, but do you have any idea how to delete the existing messages? I couldn't find any way to do it. Sad, indeed.
My hair journal:http://www.network54.com/Forum/496746/
1bnii Hair Type - Length:45 1/4" Goal: 48" Products - Currently Using:
Suave Scalp Solution Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Nourishing Coconut and Shea Butter alternated with CV & Lush Shampoo Bars Monoi or Virgin de Coco Creme on ends daily
Shea Butter Creamy Souffle as pre-wash conditioner. Wash 1-2 times a week. Wide tooth wood & bakelite combs. TT on wet hair. BBB 20-30 strokes daily. Braid before bed and oil ends.
that for deleting messages on you board, you have to go to your account, and then find the "Message Editor" under your journal's name in "Forums". I haven't deleted anything in my journal yet, but I think that should do the trick.
Hair type: 2b/M/C/iii
Current length: classic
Primary goal: thickening the ends
Routine:
- NW/SO on the scalp, with periodical length
washes (Alverde birke-salbei shampoo for the length)
- brushing, scritching, preening and massaging daily
- occasional S&D trims
- trimming the ends whenever they start looking funny
this and it brings up every message except the ones I want to delete. Sooooo frustrating
My hair journal:http://www.network54.com/Forum/496746/
1bnii Hair Type - Length:45 1/4" Goal: 48" Products - Currently Using:
Suave Scalp Solution Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Nourishing Coconut and Shea Butter alternated with CV & Lush Shampoo Bars Monoi or Virgin de Coco Creme on ends daily
Shea Butter Creamy Souffle as pre-wash conditioner. Wash 1-2 times a week. Wide tooth wood & bakelite combs. TT on wet hair. BBB 20-30 strokes daily. Braid before bed and oil ends.
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
I was just having a bad day already and then that on top of it, you know? But Fox is trying to help me sort it out. I put a lot of work into it, so I would't want to lose all that time it took to set it up.
My hair journal:http://www.network54.com/Forum/496746/
1bnii Hair Type - Length:45 1/2" Goal: 48" Products - Currently Using:
Suave Scalp Solution Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, Nourishing Coconut and Shea Butter alternated with CV & Lush Shampoo Bars Monoi or Virgin de Coco Creme on ends daily
Shea Butter Creamy Souffle as pre-wash conditioner. Wash 1-2 times a week. Wide tooth wood & bakelite combs. TT on wet hair. BBB 20-30 strokes daily. Braid before bed and oil ends.
I'm sorry you felt you had to cut. Sometimes we are more critical of our own hair than others. I only see beauty. Long, lovely, well cared for hair. No matter it's length, it will be your CrowningGlory.
Christmas 08 April 09
Close up of my gray hair.
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 54 year old and I've been married for 35 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...
March 2010 Classic!!!
36.5/42.5/Classic
Faithful to barbers - they actually trim 1/8th of an inch!!
Yesterday I wore my hair down and enjoyed it so much - not getting caught or in the way - that I started having thoughts about going shorter. Perhaps BSL. Today, I realised anew while I like tailbone length. My hair just wouldn't stay up in a bun with one stick.
I probably am quite critical of my hair - as I am with everything else about myself - but I am enjoying being able to wear my hair down and not feel that it's looking absolutely awful due to thinning.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
have to wait until next weekend now. By the time we got home on Sunday the light had all gone and I must have natural light for a length shot. lol I don't like how dark my hair looks in artificial light but love how the sun brings out the natural highlights. So, maybe this weekend.
Hope you're happy with your cut.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
It sounds like you did what you had to do to thicken your hemline. I'm sure it was really hard though . I keep thinking about chopping, but know that once I do, I may not like it at all. You mentioned that you can't do single stick styles right now. That is one thing that keeps me from chopping. I cut back about a year and a half ago to just past bsl, and was shocked at how few styles I could do compared to when it was longer. Do you think you will grow back to tailbone? I'm sure the thickness looks fabulous, and that your hair looks beautiful .
thicker as not so thin. "Thickness" is what I'd love to have again but I don't yet.
I hadn't realised that you'd cut so much off. Your hair is looking gorgeous again - as always.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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
I would love to see a picture of your trim! You have always had beautiful hair, and I always thought it looked very thick. I know you went through the shed time, which had to have been very hard. I went through that once before during a time of extreme stress, and it was horrible. I hope you are able to achieve the thickness and length that you want!
Sometimes we're only happier when we trim off the ends that make us unhappy. It's one of those things... I have had to do the same things, a lot the last few years. I feel like I make no progress length-wise, but until I get past whatever phase on in (probably just stress/lack of sleep related issues) I'm in, then I have to trim back. Your hair always looks so pretty to me no matter what length you're wearing it at, so I do hope you will be happier with it now. I hope you will see it like we do... beautiful, beautiful hair!
"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
and two steps back - that's how it feels at times. I really loved my hair at 38" - the length and the feel of it but then I shed so much and felt as if I had to cut and I'm still recovering from that. I want the recovery to be swift but since my hair doesn't grow more than the average, I'm going to have to be patient. Hopefully one day I can get back to the length and hair that I want. As you say, sometimes we're only happy - or happier - when we get rid of the ends that are making us unhappy.
Progress from June 2006 - January 2011
2a/M/ii
Mid-Dark brown with natural red and silver highlights; fringe/bangs.
Starting length: 25"/62.5cm (BSL)
Current length: 33.5" (Cut back from 38.5" February 2011 following a massive shed.)
New Goal: Healthy hair that I'm happy with!
Current routine: Scalp wash every second to third day using Chagrin Valley shampoo bars. Finish with acidic rinse (1 tsp ACV or lime juice to 1 to 2 cups of water or herbal tea). Full wash once a week using A'kin conditioner or an egg wash to cleanse the length and shampoo bars or A'kin shampoo on the scalp.
Other: Oiling when required with avocado and almond oil or shea butter; regular micro-trims; BBB; wooden comb; Mason Pearson comb; hair sticks, Flexi-8's, Ficcare, and other hair friendly toys.
'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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