Is my hair healthy?

[Larki]

Hello!

I was wondering if you guys could give me your opinions on the health of my hair? It's virgin, never been dyed, but several years ago (7-8 years) I had a problem with stress-related hair pulling, and my hair's still recovering from it. I have lots of hairs that are much shorter than the rest. I want to grow my hair as long as possible, but obviously I want to be sure my hair is healthy to start! I don't think I have many split ends; I counted about 15-20 last time I checked. Apologies for the braid waves! I can upload my natural, straight hair later if it will be more useful.

http://i57.tinypic.com/s5wh8n.jpg

http://i62.tinypic.com/2u6zp1x.jpg

[NoRush]

It doesn't look damaged, though the ends are probably wonky because of the braid tie off but it's dfficult to tell from pics, I think the best one to judge that is you, how do the ends feel? smooth and soft or kinda velcroey? id the hair tangly? that sort of thing, sometimes hair can feel all tangly and it's just the last half inch of hair that is not smooth enough.

I'm an advocate for chopping back to all healthy/smooth for growing so if it were me I'd even out the hemline, but it's a very very personal choice. If the uneven hemline doesn't bother you and you don't feel comfortable chopping, so long as you don't have any major issues with splits I don't see why you can't grow it out from where you are at. :)

[Firefox7275]

Welcome! There is a issue with defining healthy and damaged, people have wildly different opinions on this.

The only way you will know for sure is to look at your hair under the microscope and test its behaviour/ properties. There are analysis services: Goosefootprints on Etsy and Komaza Care. Given your hair is long and the ends are therefore several years old, its highly likely the roots are healthier than the ends which do look to have some sun damage.

[Larki]

It doesn't look damaged, though the ends are probably wonky because of the braid tie off but it's dfficult to tell from pics, I think the best one to judge that is you, how do the ends feel? smooth and soft or kinda velcroey? id the hair tangly? that sort of thing, sometimes hair can feel all tangly and it's just the last half inch of hair that is not smooth enough.

I'm an advocate for chopping back to all healthy/smooth for growing so if it were me I'd even out the hemline, but it's a very very personal choice. If the uneven hemline doesn't bother you and you don't feel comfortable chopping, so long as you don't have any major issues with splits I don't see why you can't grow it out from where you are at. :)

The ends feel the same as the rest of the hair, sort of soft. And my hair isn't tangly, it actually rarely tangles and I leave it down most of the time.

Thanks!

[Larki]

Welcome! There is a issue with defining healthy and damaged, people have wildly different opinions on this.

The only way you will know for sure is to look at your hair under the microscope and test its behaviour/ properties. There are analysis services: Goosefootprints on Etsy and Komaza Care. Given your hair is long and the ends are therefore several years old, its highly likely the roots are healthier than the ends which do look to have some sun damage.
I've never heard of that kind of service, thanks for the tip!

[Bloom]

It looks healthy to me! Your color is amazing :D

[Larki]

It looks healthy to me! Your color is amazing :D

Thank you!! I actually sort of dislike the color, it looks almost gray to me under certain lights. :( My hair was platinum before I hit puberty, I miss it.

My normal hair:

http://i62.tinypic.com/2mdjtbt.jpg

http://i57.tinypic.com/f0u3de.jpg