My first 'real' anniversary: one year's progress (pics)

[Loviatar]

Those who've been here a while will know that since I joined in November 2005 I've constantly dyed, bleached, cut and generally trashed my hair. I took life's frustrations out on it, let it become the focus for my obsession during depression (the depression was about non hair things!) tried to bleach out indigo (fail!) twice! and treated it like cr@p for a long time. I changed my wash routine more often than I changed my socks. I never used high heat or nasty tools, that's my only saving grace.

So a year ago yesterday I cut the whole lot off to the shortest pixie I have ever had (a la Emma Watson) and made a vow that I would go one whole year (at least) without bleach, chemical dyes, henna, indigo or big chops.

March 4th 2013:
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j47/Kate_Blacksmith/52edf082-1092-4da9-9c54-3d8ff87800de_zps4e0df255.jpg (http://s77.photobucket.com/user/Kate_Blacksmith/media/52edf082-1092-4da9-9c54-3d8ff87800de_zps4e0df255.jpg.html)

Over the past year I have transitioned successfully to Chagrin Valley shampoo bars, with the occasional CO wash. I've used cassia once without depositing colour (last year some time) and liked the results. I've had two half-inch trims since the pixie cut.

And this is my hair today. The ends are flicky but they always are when I'm growing out layers from a pixie. It could be thicker for my preference (that's my diet) but the condition, shine and thickness are already better than they've ever been.

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j47/Kate_Blacksmith/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3d10b135.jpg (http://s77.photobucket.com/user/Kate_Blacksmith/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3d10b135.jpg.html)

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j47/Kate_Blacksmith/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps05b3641b.jpg (http://s77.photobucket.com/user/Kate_Blacksmith/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps05b3641b.jpg.html)

next goal: shoulder length blunt cut. I think a bit of micro trimming is needed to even up the ends as the layers grow out.

[Auburndreaming]

Great progress! Your hair looks lovely and I really like the colour :)

[jeanniet]

Wow. Your natural hair is really gorgeous--shiny, and the color is really pretty. I know a lot of people with that color think it's mousy, or blah, or whatever (which I guess maybe is why you colored so much in the past lol), but I've always loved it. It's so subtle, but there's a lot of variation in there. Lovely!

[slynr]

You have made amazing progress. You have incredible color and shine. Congratulations on braking your bad hair habits. The change really shows!

[browneyedsusan]

Slow clap for Loviatar! :applause

I know growing out a teensy pixie is tough. Been there, done that!
VERY nice job! :thumbsup:

[BrendaLoan]

Amazing growth loviatar! You have beautiful hair. Congrats

[MeowScat]

Wow, I wasn't expecting it to be that long! I love your "flicky" ends (great word!) and I hope you keep growing it. I'd love to see you reach your hair goal, you have such beautiful hair. Congratulations! :)

[woodswanderer]

Nice work! I like the natural color too.

[Carolyn]

You've made amazing progress in a year. The hard growing out is done and now you are on your way to much longer hair. Good to see you around again.

[bunzfan]

Wow you've made such progress I remember you chopping it looks so healthy now well done you.. It's beautiful :thumbsup: did you find once the damaged bits were gone it grew quicker as I have a bit of damage on the ends and I'm wondering if it'll grow more once it's gone.

[ErinLeigh]

Your hair is very beautiful. It is smooth, shiny and wonderful.
I am envious :)

[momschicklets]

These are my favorite kinds of threads! I think your hair looks just fantastic :o Must not have been easy to cut your hair that short but your patience has really paid off!

[ravenheather]

Great job. Can't wait to see it next year. The really hard part is over.

[swearnsue]

You have very beautiful, soft, lovely hair! OMG! I like the flippy parts too!

[Rio040113]

Awesome growth Lovi! :D Can't wait to see more pictures at your next milestone, you'll be there in no time :)

[Ambystoma]

Wow your natural colour is really pretty! It looks so nice and smooth too - happy growing :) If you don't like the flicky look while your layers grow out you can try setting the bottom on some large rollers as it dries, rolling them so that they encourage the hair to curl under a little instead.

[Kelli Kat]

Great progress, its really pretty. Congrats.

[LanaBanana]

It looks so soft! Great job achieving your goal for the year! I love your natural color :)

[jacqueline101]

It's come along ways and looks healthy. I'm glad it's growing so well.

[untothehills]

Congratulations on making it a year!! Your results are encouraging, so shiny!! :D

[kme81]

Your hair is so soft and pretty! Congrats on achieving your one-year goal!!! :joy:

[Addy]

Great job! Your hair looks wonderful! On to shoulder! (I'm right behind you!) lol

[Tini'sNewHair]

Your hair looks amazing!!! Happy growing :)

[lovehair10]

Looks fabulous! Great lovely colour and looks so soft :) Congrats!

[red-again]

Ding-dong woman, that is the beginning of some most gorgeous hair!

[mysticmanic]

Whoa! A lot of progress :) keep at it. it looks so healthy. <3