Need inspiration: F/i short-medium length hair

[Magalo]

Hi! My friend has very thin and fine hair and she could never grow it long even though she want it long so bad! It just break at chin-shoulder because she uses heat and chemicals. I'd like to show her that even with her hair type (she think it's a curse!), she can have beautiful hair if she takes great care of it! :)

So anyone with i/f hair between chin and BSL please post away! She has no hope but I know she can do it! :flower:

[xZx]

Your friend sounds like me when I was younger! I haven't been on the forum long, but I've been caring for my hair 'properly' now for a couple of years, and it's currently mid back length, even though it's superfine and I only just have a 2 inch ponytail.

Basically, just because of work I happened to have less time to wreck it with heat styling, and also had to have it in a bun a lot...and then one day I noticed how long it was getting and I was like, 'hey, fine hair will grow!'

It was kind of a surprise, but it works if you treat it right.

[lillielil]

I'm still not sure about my hairtype - somewhere between F and M, and right on the edge of i and ii, I think. I'm growing out years of chemical damage, but have already gotten to BSL.

[Annalouise]

Well, this would be me I guess.:D
It can be discouraging because people "assume" you are breaking your hair because it tapers and is very thin at the ends (due to not having thick hair to begin with, and the genetics of hair growth). But of course you can grow it to whatever length your gentics will let you. For me that is about the length it is now and is a couple inches short of waist. I would like to get to waist someday but I haven't ever been able to do that due to the taper and the fact I only would have about 10 hairs at waist.

Basically, she needs to use a gentle cleanser - NOT a drying shampoo!!!!!!!!!! Fine hair has no medula in the middle so it is much weaker by nature and it needs to be treated more delicately. You wouldn't wash a cashmere sweater in harsh detergent so also your hair has to be washed with something gentle. And conditioner is important to hold the moisture in the hair. And then wear it up or in a protective hairstyle and just wait for it to grow!

It's not so much about what she will do but what she will NOT do: hair dye, heat tools like hairdryers unless its on a cool setting, metal
hair clips are DANGER! Anything with metal on it should be avoided. You can buy nice all plastic barettes. Hair sticks are not that easy to use when your hair is really thin so I don't advice that so much.

And perhaps a leave in conditioner as well. And for detangling, a wide tooth comb, and/or possible a boar's bristle brush if she wants to learn how to brush her hair properly. (not to be used with wild abandon). But neither should a comb. It's common sense really. You just be nice to your hair and try not to break it. :p :knit:

Oh and, since she has thin hair perhaps some hair vitamins and omega 3 oils. Make sure she is eating a proper diet. And one can always go to the doctor and get their vitamin levels checked to rule out deficiencies. I take a vegan multi vit/min that contains iron, and iodine from kelp. Since taking these everyday, I have noticed less shedding.:beerchug:
(and of course BEER:D is very good for the hair...that is when you drink it):p

[Magalo]

Yes I'm strongly advising here to stop all heat tools and chemicals... I dyed her hair with henna yesterday! Told her all her hairbrushes were bad (ball tipped bristles)... She already uses sulfates free shampoo though. She was using a french clip type barrette and I told her to stop! I'll be slowly trimming and s&ding her hair this year just so all her hair can reach a nice, even collarbone.

Good cashmere analogy... I'll tell her!

Any photos? :)

[AspenSong]

I can see if I have some photos of my hair around that length....but long hair is doable with that type. That's pretty much my hair and I'm past knee now!

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I can see if I have some photos of my hair around that length....but long hair is doable with that type. That's pretty much my hair and I'm past knee now!

A current photo of your hair would prove that her hair type can be grown long and beautiful :)

[Magalo]

Of course, but for the moment she thinks it's completely out of her reach to get to a decent looking APL!! :lol: i know you have beautiful hair Aspensong, I'm sure she'll find them very inspiring at every length. :flower:

[Annalouise]

I can see if I have some photos of my hair around that length....but long hair is doable with that type. That's pretty much my hair and I'm past knee now!

Wow! :beerchug: Now your hair shocks me. What is your ponytail diameter at the nape of your neck if you don't mind me asking? And what is the ponytail diameter at bsl and waist?
I take it your hair genetics are pretty good because your hair doesn't taper. (short terminal length).

[Agnes Hannah]

I'm also a finey currently BCL. I was between APL and BSL when I joined LHC. My circumference is 2.25". I wear it up every day in a claw, stick, comb or ficcare mainly. At night I use a silk sleep cap and an English plait unfastened, with a silk pillow case as added insurance. I use mainly sulfate, paraben free shampoo, and condish twice, the WCC method that Lapushka uses. I only use combs now and have one specifically for detangling and another for doing my hair and smoothing down. Oils are good, I use argan or mineral oil, both work for me.

Your friend can definitely grow further than she is at present, I am living proof of that (unless her genetics say different).

[Annalouise]

I'm also a finey currently BCL. I was between APL and BSL when I joined LHC. My circumference is 2.25". I wear it up every day in a claw, stick, comb or ficcare mainly. At night I use a silk sleep cap and an English plait unfastened, with a silk pillow case as added insurance. I use mainly sulfate, paraben free shampoo, and condish twice, the WCC method that Lapushka uses. I only use combs now and have one specifically for detangling and another for doing my hair and smoothing down. Oils are good, I use argan or mineral oil, both work for me.

Your friend can definitely grow further than she is at present, I am living proof of that (unless her genetics say different).

Hi:) I too have found the WCC method to be quite good at getting an extra bit of moisture in there. Thanks Lapushka!
I wanted to tell you that if your ponytail diameter is 2.25" then you are actually a ii which is considered 'normal'.
Thin hair is under 2". (Or it was last time I checked the rules :p. maybe they changed it.)

[Annalouise]

Hi:) I too have found the WCC method to be quite good at getting an extra bit of moisture in there. Thanks Lapushka!
I wanted to tell you that if your ponytail diameter is 2.25" then you are actually a ii which is considered 'normal'.
Thin hair is under 2". (Or it was last time I checked the rules :p. maybe they changed it.)

I was wrong. :patrol: It is 2 inches 5 centimeters! :p Awww heck, my hair must be soooo thin. :(
Sorry Agnes Hannah:blossom:

[AspenSong]

Wow! :beerchug: Now your hair shocks me. What is your ponytail diameter at the nape of your neck if you don't mind me asking? And what is the ponytail diameter at bsl and waist?
I take it your hair genetics are pretty good because your hair doesn't taper. (short terminal length).

My ponytail at my nape right now is a bit over 2". It's weird, it depends on the day. Some days my hair is just more compact and I get a measurement of a bit over 2" and some days it's more plump feeling and it's close to 2.5". But I'm in that general area all the time. At BSL, it's probably a bit under 2" and waist I'm sure it's tapering more and is like 1.5".
I don't feel I have THAT good of genetics. lol. My hair is definitely tapering. It's smaller than a pencil at my ends. But I've been growing for 7 years and I kind of expect it. Other than a few trims to tidy the ends a bit, I haven't done a lot of trimming the last few years either. So there's that too.

Here's a few pics - I apologize for the most recent length shot, this was in August and I didn't realize I'd slightly over oiled my hair the night before so it's kind of clumpy and ick looking. I haven't even thought to get an updated length shot lately, but I need to. My hair looks better and slightly fuller when it's not all oily, obviously. =P

Only real shot of length I have from early 2009 - I was petting sting rays. haha
http://i64.tinypic.com/2z8xget.jpg

Here's my hair in late 09-Jan of 10' and Jan of 11' about....I think I'm off a couple months on dates, or I just had some STELLAR growth that year!! But I cut all that bleach damage off and had just done my first cassia glaze. This is really the first real length shot I have, it didn't occur to me before to take hair pics. lol. But this is a good example of a change in hair care. No more bleach. No more even occasional heat styling. And I found a hair routine that my hair liked, that for me included oiling my hair and changing to no sulfates and cones. That just worked for me personally.
http://i66.tinypic.com/2evrfuq.jpg

Jan 15'
http://i65.tinypic.com/nlplav.jpg

Here's my sad oily recent length, in August. I'm past knee as of last measuring. I think my growth is slowing.
http://i63.tinypic.com/34j7h37.jpg

[Annalouise]

Yes I'm strongly advising here to stop all heat tools and chemicals... I dyed her hair with henna yesterday! Told her all her hairbrushes were bad (ball tipped bristles)... She already uses sulfates free shampoo though. She was using a french clip type barrette and I told her to stop! I'll be slowly trimming and s&ding her hair this year just so all her hair can reach a nice, even collarbone.

Good cashmere analogy... I'll tell her!

Any photos? :)

I guess I can post a picture but please.... people, do not pity party me. That sort of thing makes me want to :pins:
I'd rather have people tell me my hair sucks, then to say...ohh poor wittle woo, soo sowry for woo...:justy:

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k614/Leisa777/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg (http://s1118.photobucket.com/user/Leisa777/media/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg.html)

[slynr]

I guess I can post a picture but please.... people, do not pity party me. That sort of thing makes me want to :pins:
I'd rather have people tell me my hair sucks, then to say...ohh poor wittle woo, soo sowry for woo...:justy:

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k614/Leisa777/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg (http://s1118.photobucket.com/user/Leisa777/media/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg.html)

Oh...your curls are fabulous. I love it!!!!

[Annalouise]

My ponytail at my nape right now is a bit over 2". It's weird, it depends on the day. Some days my hair is just more compact and I get a measurement of a bit over 2" and some days it's more plump feeling and it's close to 2.5". But I'm in that general area all the time. At BSL, it's probably a bit under 2" and waist I'm sure it's tapering more and is like 1.5".
I don't feel I have THAT good of genetics. lol. My hair is definitely tapering. It's smaller than a pencil at my ends. But I've been growing for 7 years and I kind of expect it. Other than a few trims to tidy the ends a bit, I haven't done a lot of trimming the last few years either. So there's that too.

Here's a few pics - I apologize for the most recent length shot, this was in August and I didn't realize I'd slightly over oiled my hair the night before so it's kind of clumpy and ick looking. I haven't even thought to get an updated length shot lately, but I need to. My hair looks better and slightly fuller when it's not all oily, obviously. =P

Only real shot of length I have from early 2009 - I was petting sting rays. haha
http://i64.tinypic.com/2z8xget.jpg

Here's my hair in late 09-Jan of 10' and Jan of 11' about....I think I'm off a couple months on dates, or I just had some STELLAR growth that year!! But I cut all that bleach damage off and had just done my first cassia glaze. This is really the first real length shot I have, it didn't occur to me before to take hair pics. lol. But this is a good example of a change in hair care. No more bleach. No more even occasional heat styling. And I found a hair routine that my hair liked, that for me included oiling my hair and changing to no sulfates and cones. That just worked for me personally.
http://i66.tinypic.com/2evrfuq.jpg

Jan 15'
http://i65.tinypic.com/nlplav.jpg

Here's my sad oily recent length, in August. I'm past knee as of last measuring. I think my growth is slowing.
http://i63.tinypic.com/34j7h37.jpg


Ohh MY BLANKING GOD!!!!!!!!! Woman! Your hair is amazing!!!!!!! YES, you do have good hair genetics! :p :cheer:
Your hair is a bit thicker than mine, but still you give me HOPE! I should be able to get to waist!!! Someday......
:beerchug: Cheers! You are my hair idol now by the way.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

I guess I can post a picture but please.... people, do not pity party me. That sort of thing makes me want to :pins:
I'd rather have people tell me my hair sucks, then to say...ohh poor wittle woo, soo sowry for woo...:justy:

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k614/Leisa777/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg (http://s1118.photobucket.com/user/Leisa777/media/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg.html)

Oh, your hair is so pretty - those waves! Ooohh......

[slynr]

The picture quality is horrid but my hair type is the same as your friends
http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y535/slynr/2016-01-14%2014.28.31_zpsiopfvfyp.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/slynr/media/2016-01-14%2014.28.31_zpsiopfvfyp.jpg.html)

[slynr]

Early in my bleach grow out...http://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y535/slynr/xNRuaXrrg3ZcwoN0qqCPv9vzswdVflRxfBhH1QocrqI_zpsvug rpfpy.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/slynr/media/xNRuaXrrg3ZcwoN0qqCPv9vzswdVflRxfBhH1QocrqI_zpsvug rpfpy.jpg.html)

[slynr]

And one more during bleach growouthttp://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y535/slynr/IMG_20140614_182546_zpsxy680m3a.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/slynr/media/IMG_20140614_182546_zpsxy680m3a.jpg.html)

[AspenSong]

Ohh MY BLANKING GOD!!!!!!!!! Woman! Your hair is amazing!!!!!!! YES, you do have good hair genetics! :p :cheer:
Your hair is a bit thicker than mine, but still you give me HOPE! I should be able to get to waist!!! Someday......
:beerchug: Cheers! You are my hair idol now by the way.

Haha, you are exceedingly sweet! Thank you. See, I'm super self conscious about mine personally. I know my hair is a bit oily in that last pic, but ALL I can see is those see through ends and it messes with my head and makes me want to cut it at times.
Personally I think your hair is beautiful! I love the color and texture. I'm always jealous of curlies because of the texture!!

[Annalouise]

Oh...your curls are fabulous. I love it!!!!

Aww shucks, shanks...:heart:


Just in case anyone wants to know, my ponytail diameter at the nape of my neck is 2".
And my ponytail diameter at bsl is so tiny I can't even measure it. Just a pinch of hair.:rolleyes:

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Aww shucks, shanks...:heart:


Just in case anyone wants to know, my ponytail diameter at the nape of my neck is 2".
And my ponytail diameter at bsl is so tiny I can't even measure it. Just a pinch of hair.:rolleyes:

That doesn't mean you can't have gorgeous hair. :) Honestly, it doesn't.

[Annalouise]

Haha, you are exceedingly sweet! Thank you. See, I'm super self conscious about mine personally. I know my hair is a bit oily in that last pic, but ALL I can see is those see through ends and it messes with my head and makes me want to cut it at times.
Personally I think your hair is beautiful! I love the color and texture. I'm always jealous of curlies because of the texture!!

I know what you mean about see through ends. My hair looks see through when I brush it on the bottom half.
I don't think you should cut off your ends though. It looks nice to me. And soooo long. One like me can only dream of that length.:D
Thanks for the compliment. :toast: and thanks for giving me your ponytail diameter at different lengths.

[Annalouise]

Oh, your hair is so pretty - those waves! Ooohh......

Aww shucks thanks m'lady! :toast:


And one more during bleach growouthttp://i1279.photobucket.com/albums/y535/slynr/IMG_20140614_182546_zpsxy680m3a.jpg (http://s1279.photobucket.com/user/slynr/media/IMG_20140614_182546_zpsxy680m3a.jpg.html)

Well now you have ii hair so you're not in the same category darlin, :wail: Your hair looks a tad thick to be considered 'thin'.
But with that said, gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! Well done! What is your ponytail diameter at nape and bls?

[slynr]

I haven't measured since I began my growout. I'll do that when I get home to a tape measure...

Eta: I do know I was i when growout began. I had lost so much hair from years and years of bleaching aND heat styling. So, if friend has also done the same for many years there is a chance it would thicken some if the abuse was stopped.

Etaa: 7cm nape, 4 cm bsl.

[lapushka]

My mom has i maaaybe i/ii hair, and she's about APL. Usually she cuts back to between shoulder and APL each time she colors her hair (which is every 3 to 4 months or so). She used to have hair around BSL in her 40s, dyed a fiery red (now she dyes it blonde), and always wore her "signature" bee-butt bun on the top of her head. Loved that.

It can grow longer, but heat is a major culprit. And I don't mean a blowdryer, I mean direct heat from hot tools.

[missrandie]

I guess I can post a picture but please.... people, do not pity party me. That sort of thing makes me want to :pins:
I'd rather have people tell me my hair sucks, then to say...ohh poor wittle woo, soo sowry for woo...:justy:

http://i1118.photobucket.com/albums/k614/Leisa777/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg (http://s1118.photobucket.com/user/Leisa777/media/IMGP3328_zps1ad7c387.jpg.html)

Look at those pretty whirly wavies!

[Annalouise]

Thanks missrandie :blossom: 7 to be exact!!:D

[Annalouise]

I haven't measured since I began my growout. I'll do that when I get home to a tape measure...

Eta: I do know I was i when growout began. I had lost so much hair from years and years of bleaching aND heat styling. So, if friend has also done the same for many years there is a chance it would thicken some if the abuse was stopped.

Etaa: 7cm nape, 4 cm bsl.

I'm going to start a thread on taper now that I think about it because this subject fascinates me. You've got quite a bit of taper
as you lost almost 50% in that distance. That is sortof how I predict terminal length is how fast one's hair tapers. But then Aspensong
comes along and BAM! Seems to avoid the whole taper issue until past knee so I'm really fascinated.:magic: And somewhat perplexed.:bigeyes:

[Agnes Hannah]

I was wrong. :patrol: It is 2 inches 5 centimeters! :p Awww heck, my hair must be soooo thin. :(
Sorry Agnes Hannah:blossom:

Hi Annalouise, thats ok!

[slynr]

I'm going to start a thread on taper now that I think about it because this subject fascinates me. You've got quite a bit of taper
as you lost almost 50% in that distance. That is sortof how I predict terminal length is how fast one's hair tapers. But then Aspensong
comes along and BAM! Seems to avoid the whole taper issue until past knee so I'm really fascinated.:magic: And somewhat perplexed.:bigeyes:

In my case I think I got a lot of hair growing back in after years of significant abuse from hot styling tools and chemicals. I'm not sure if it will bare out but I think some of the thickness will travel down. At least I hope so:)

[Anje]

Would a literary inspiration work? In the fantasy books by Patrick Rothfuss, there's this mysterious and complex woman, Auri. Her hair is fine and drifts and swirls about her on the slightest air currents, and creates halo effects in the moonlight. She's featured in a novella, The Slow Regard of Silent Things, but I fear the reader would be lost having not read the novels.