New here - been at a plateau for 4 long years!

[snowbear1005]

Hi everyone. My story is I had short layered hairstyles for many years when I decided to grow it out. The first two years were awful – letting bangs grow and many layers. At one point, I had it all cut into a chin length bob which I absolutely hated, but the layers were gone. Since then, it has grown to past my shoulders but not quite armpit length yet….and for one reason or another, it hasn’t progressed in 4 years. I do have a few layers now framing my face. I get trims about every 12 weeks and my hairdresser knows that I want to grow it longer. The one thing that annoys me is my hair likes to grow into a “v” which I always ask to have evened out into a “u” shape – maybe that’s where I’m losing length.

I wash and condition my hair twice a week. I do use some products to smooth the frizzies. I just bought TreSemme Keratin shampoo, conditioner, and heat style cream and I absolutely love it! I do blow dry and using a curling iron more often than a straightener.

My goal is get my hair to my bra line. At that point, I will decide if I want to keep the taper around my face or let it grow. But, I just don’t know how to get there! Suggestions are welcome.

p.s.: I will post pics later.

[lapushka]

Trims every 12 weeks, depending on what your stylist cuts off are way too much still. Maybe that's why you're at a standstill.

Welcome! :)

[Groovy Granny]

Welcome :)
Trim your own hair http://feyeselftrim.livejournal.com/
If you can't do a pony tail from the back...make a pony tail under your chin; then check each side as described [use a mirror]

[missrandie]

Welcome! I agree with the others.. you are probably losing your length at the hairdresser. you can either self trim, or be more firm on how much she takes off, or trim less often.. or all three!

[LauraAlaina]

I would stop getting your hair trimmed so much! Maybe only get it cut when you notice real bad split ends, instead of sticking to a schedule?

[snowbear1005]

Wow....I thought I was doing good. I got trims 6-8 weeks apart with shorter styles. It's been about a month since my last trim, so I'll see if I can get to just before Christmas. I'll be wearing a lot of buns so I don't have to look at the ends. When I was growing my bangs and layers out, I think I kept my hair up for a year straight!

I've been poking around the forums today....my word, you all have such beautiful hair!!

[Teazel]

Welcome to LHC!

I'm just wondering why you cut your hair at all if you want it to grow longer. It really shouldn't be necessary to trim so frequently. Do you have damage? Bad split ends? Or do you just prefer the look of freshly cut hair?

[snowbear1005]

No damage - my hair is in really good condition. I also get it colored and my eyebrows waxed when I go in. I've always liked my natural color (dark brown) and never messed with it until it started graying. It's not too noticeable when I wear it down, but very much so when it's pulled back.

Also, my hair tends to grow into a "v" shape, or fairytale as I've seen it described in these forums, and I really don't like that. I want to keep it at least in a "u" shape if not blunt all the way across the back.

[snowbear1005]

Today: I straightened it which I don't normally do


https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/11947464_10207855828301616_3533989707748008490_n.j pg?oh=a69fbcb8582ecd20ca564a4643191493&oe=566B517E


Summer 2012: using a large curling iron

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/11885320_10207847444852035_4681060438838721728_n.j pg?oh=4f1c3f6c6f6a0b14f3f05db8ede64b29&oe=567F97EE

[teddygirl]

1) get less trims
2) stop blow drying, curling, straightening

If you stop #2, you wont need #1 as much :) Welcome!

[Nixia]

Not sure this is the best idea, but I didnt have a hair cut for about 4 years. I just ignored it and it is now way past tailbone and very healthy. I just started cutting again and going for a major cut this Saturday (back to TB)!

[spidermom]

Both coloring and heat styling degrade the condition of your hair. I would recommend that you give up the curling iron/flat iron at least, then your hair might be able to handle the coloring. Blow dry only on the warm or cool setting. Test it by directing the blow dryer air about 1 inch from the skin of your neck. If it's too hot for your neck, it's too hot for your hair. You absolutely can grow your hair while getting trims (I did), but your stylist must cooperate and only trim 1/2 or less of your growth.

[snowbear1005]

Thanks so much for all your support and advice. I am going to try going longer between trims and see if I can get away with washing my hair only once a week. That way, I won't have to blow dry and straighten/curl/smooth it as much. I don't have wash & go or even wash/dry/go hair - I have to smooth it or else it's just a frizzy mess. It's naturally wavy (somewhat), but the waves & curls are not well defined or consistent or smooth.