Seriously considering chopping back to shoulder

[TheLuckyLurker]

There's something wrong with my left hand. I'm not sure what exactly (the ER doc said carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve contusion, but I'm not convinced; I have an appointment with my doctor later this week). It's been going on for weeks now. There's no pain, but the fingers have lost a lot of dexterity and most of their grip strength. Washing my hair is difficult, and I can barely put it in an english braid. Buns aren't much better. I'm sure part of the issue is that I've been trimming my hair into a long v shape, but the rest is my fingers not doing what I need them to do. My hair isn't that long now (only about apl), but I feel like shorter would be easier to care for. That brings up another issue: can I still cut my own hair with only one fully functional hand? I literally have nobody else to help with my mom rehabbing a broken leg in a nursing facility, so if not my only option would be going to a salon. I have no problem with salons, but gambling on contracting a deadly virus for a hair cut is not something I want to do. Not after quarantining myself for an entire year.

I don't even know why I'm posting this, except I have no one to talk to about it. I guess it's lucky that I'm no longer interested in growing my hair super long, and just focus on taking the best care of it I can. I can't imagine how much worse I'd feel if it was still at tailbone length and I was going through this.

[baanoo]

I’m so sorry you’re going through this! To my mind, if you can comb it out while your hand is recovering, your hair will be fine without a trim for the foreseeable future. It may not be ideal but if it will make you more sad to cut it than to just let it roam free while you’re recovering then... that’s what I would do. My best wishes for a speedy recovery. 💙

[bokeh]

I'm really sorry to hear what you are going through and hoping that you get good news from your doctor.

[Lady Stardust]

I’m sorry, that’s such a difficult thing to go through. I hope you get some answers and a plan of action soon.

Things might be a bit clearer in a few weeks, maybe you’ll have an idea about when you’ll get a vaccine, and when your mum will be home (and I hope your mum recovers soon). Does your hair get in the way too much to wear down in the meantime?

[lapushka]

I am so sorry to hear that. Hope they get to the bottom of the health issues, that is the most important part! Keep us posted if you want.

I do have to say your length now is an awkward length, and going shorter is going to make it even harder to take care of (unless you shave it).

For me either a shave or very long hair is easiest to deal with, that is gonna be different for everybody.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Sammich]

I’m so sorry. Big big hugs for you. I’m so glad you’re not too sad about growing long now but I’m very sorry for your troubles. :( I hope things improve for you soon.

[spidermom]

I'd get a treatment plan for your hand first. This may be very temporary. I remember one year I had my BSL hair cut short because it had been oppressively hot for days, and even pinned up, my hair felt too hot and heavy. 2-3 days after I got it cut, we had a thunderstorm, and that marked the end of the oppressive heat. I was so mad at myself!

[SleepyTangles]

So sorry for you and your mom, I hope your hand and her leg can heal fast!
The haircut for some reason doesn't sound like a good idea, unless you cut it really short (which requires frequent trims and much upkeep) you'd have to tie it anyway...
If you have a gentle detangling brush like the Tangle Teezer or the Wetbrush, maybe even just a ponytail May be enough for few weeks.
Would a snood or some kind of turban/headcover work for you? Some are lined in silk and super gentle.

[lapis_lazuli]

That's so tough. Would cutting with electric clippers be at all easier? I may be off since I've never tried it, just imagining what could be feasible with one hand, though probably still difficult. Hugs to you!

ETA: just found this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shUo7cEdUyA). to me it looks like she's pretty skilled and precise with it so I don't know how practical this really is :lol:

[TheLuckyLurker]

Thanks for all the kind words. For me shoulder is a pretty easy length because I can still get it in at least a ponytail. My hair now isn't really in the way if I wear it loose, but it tangles so easily it would be a constant battle to keep it from turning into a matted rat's nest. Unless I straighten it, which comes with its own problems.

I'm not upset about going shorter per se; it's more annoyance that I'm doing it out of necessity, instead of because I just wanted to go shorter like when I had it cut into a long bob a couple years ago. I do think I'll wait until after my appointment to decide, though; always better to have more information.

Sorry if I don't respond as often as I should; the ER doc recommended wearing braces, and it's hard for me to type with them (even though they specifically say they allow for typing with carpal tunnel :angry:).

[MusicalSpoons]

I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties; I hope you and your mum can recover soon. Would a peacock twist be feasible for keeping it a bit more contained than a ponytail? Not that it solves the washing problem, but if cutting it isn't a possibility, solving one problem would be better than solving none :) Ooh, or a ponytail pull-through bun?

[TheLuckyLurker]

During the day, probably, but not at night, and sleeping with loose hair is a recipe for disaster.

[veryhairyfairy]

During the day, probably, but not at night, and sleeping with loose hair is a recipe for disaster.

What about placing your hair in a satin sleep cap, like all the time? You could also heavily oil it to help prevent tangles.

Your struggles sound frustrating and also kind of scary, hope you're taking care of your mental health as best you can right now! Speedy recovery to you and your mom! :flower:

[ynne]

I hope you recover soon!

As for sleeping styles, what about a very high ponytail bun or the snood SleepyTangles mentioned? That may be easier than wrapping it in a scarf or stuffing it in a sleep cap.

[TheLuckyLurker]

So an update for anyone who's interested, I did it. Once I confirmed I can still cut my own hair, I used Feye's blunt method and put the second hairtie where I could just pull it over my shoulder and snipped. I spent some time making it more even and then decided to stop and leave it alone. I like it; I'm still a little irked at what made me think of cutting it short to begin with, but I'm happy with it being shorter. If I had the mental energy I would've taken off another half an inch, actually.

Still don't know what's going on with my hand, but I have a doctor appointment this week, so maybe I'll at least get a more detailed treatment plan than 'wear braces'. And my mom just had an appointment of her own and her leg is healing well.

[lapis_lazuli]

Totally understandable how that's frustrating. I'm sorry for the reasons you had to cut, but I'm glad you're happy with the result! I hope you get answers soon :flower:

[TheLuckyLurker]

Thanks! (plus ten characters)

[bokeh]

Thanks for keeping us updated TheLuckyLurker. I'm happy to hear that you like your cut and that your Mom is healing. Now hopefully your doctor will come up with a good treatment plan and your hand will soon heal. In the meantime enjoy your new look!

[MusicalSpoons]

Glad to hear you're okay with it; I hope your mum recovers well and that your doctor will be able to identify and treat the problem you're having :)