BGD's 4 Year LHC Anniversary!

[blackgothicdoll]

Right?! I joined LHC back in 2018 according to my profile. Who would've thunk it. Now in 4 years having started from SL, I should be butt length by now... or something. But my journey involved growing out hair dye and very, very heat damaged hair, then getting my hair to a shape in which I could actually enjoy my natural hair. I used to straighten (blowdry AND flat iron) every two weeks, then dye (lift AND deposit) every over month to maintain jet black hair.

2018
Here is what my hair looked like straightened:

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47733&d=1664759674

And here is what heat damage on textured hair looks like:

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=40673&d=1584593151

(large photo): https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=40670&d=1584593103

2019

I'd committed to reduce heat to only once every three months or less, as well as grow out dye. Here's what the grow out looked like on stretched hair and then on wet hair - look at those stringy ends!

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47734&d=1664759914




https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47739&d=1664760078

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=40675&d=1584593168

2020

I got very, very close to my long term goal of BSL, and then....

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47740&d=1664760164

I whacked the heat damage! The end hair style, I was not a fan of, and I spent the rest of 2020 growing and cutting to get rid of the drastic layers.



https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=40773&d=1585590123
https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47741&d=1664760720

To be continued.....

[blackgothicdoll]

2021

I learned to enjoy my hair. I can't remember the exact range, but at some point I went around 500 days with no heat. I was still not super comfortable with my braid outs, but slowly entered society with natural hairstyles and realized that they might even suit me better!

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47738&d=1664760029

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=45283&d=1621273954

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=46108&d=1634337121

Growing back....


https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47737&d=1664760025

2022

At some point ( don't remember when ) I gave up on growing as I was constantly cutting knots out of my ends and just not making any progress. During that time, I straightened my hair a few times, using absolute caution and as a result, not getting any heat damage. I had fun with my hair down, being the longest and healthiest it had ever been (I figure most people don't like heat styled hair so I'll spare ya'll the pics.)

Two weeks ago I snipped a few inches off of my longest back layers, and now I finally have a hair shape that I think I can live with. I know the knots and splits are just what my hair does, but I'm back to seeing if I can at least get it to BSL, then to Waist, and I'd be over the moon if I can get to my original goal of hip - but perfectly fine if I can't!

Today, I'm 127 days since my last heat styling. I'm not as against heat styling as I was before, but I still only plan to do it once or twice a year on special occasions, and possibly not even then if I can master my styling technique. So here I am today!

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47742&d=1664761225


Sorry for the long post! To make this thread interesting, here's some conversation topics:

What percentage of shrinkage do you think I have?

What would you call my natural hair color?

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

[illicitlizard]

Oh wow congratulations on 4 years, that's one hell of a journey! :blossom: Your hair looks so unbelievably healthy now, and wonderfully springy! I like the idea of heat styling in moderation, I do mine like twice a year and I find the damage minimal, means I don't have to swear off all heat forever :)
Based on that last pic it looks like your length is about double what it looks curled - but it's so hard to tell!

[rosenester]

So much progress!! Your natural texture is so beautiful, congrats on keeping away from heat styling for so long, it’s paying off! :inlove:

[tuanyiji]

That's such an amazing process. I'm so glad to see natural textured hair representation here. Wish you enjoy even more long luxurious locks in the future.

[Lesley8]

Congratulations! What fantastic progress, your hair looks beautiful.

[Ada-banana]

Beautiful hair!!!

It was a true journey, with ups and downs, inspiring!

[ExpectoPatronum]

Your hair texture is gorgeous. You have such pretty curls.

You're not alone with the shrinkage, it can be frustrating to grow when your hair only really shows length gains when pulled straight.

You're making some great length gains even with the couple trims you did - sometimes those ends really just need to go.

[lapis_lazuli]

Happy 4th Anniversary! :cake::joy: You've come a long way in that time! Your hemline shape looks great and your curls shiny and vibrant :)

What percentage of shrinkage do you think I have? Really guessing here, but maybe 50%? You seem to about double your length when stretched!

What would you call my natural hair color? Somewhere between a cool dark brown, as it looks in the first picture, and black. Whatever it is, the colour variation is very pretty!

Is a hotdog a sandwich? NO! :p Only if it's between two pieces of bread!

[Ylva]

Happy hairiversary, BGD! It's always nice to see you around here. :) I'm a big fan of your hair, it's one of my personal favourites here!

[blackgothicdoll]

Oh wow congratulations on 4 years, that's one hell of a journey! :blossom: Your hair looks so unbelievably healthy now, and wonderfully springy! I like the idea of heat styling in moderation, I do mine like twice a year and I find the damage minimal, means I don't have to swear off all heat forever :)
Based on that last pic it looks like your length is about double what it looks curled - but it's so hard to tell!

Thanks! Most of these pictures are actually already semi-stretched using braid outs. I do braid outs to stretch my hair because I have curls like the spring inside of a pen. It shrinks even more if I were to wash and air dry, which I just won't do or I'd never get the knots out.

And yes, the moderate heat at least allows me to enjoy my length and see my progress, which is half of the fun!!


So much progress!! Your natural texture is so beautiful, congrats on keeping away from heat styling for so long, it’s paying off! :inlove:


That's such an amazing process. I'm so glad to see natural textured hair representation here. Wish you enjoy even more long luxurious locks in the future.


Congratulations! What fantastic progress, your hair looks beautiful.


Beautiful hair!!!

It was a true journey, with ups and downs, inspiring!

Thank you all!!


Happy 4th Anniversary! :cake::joy: You've come a long way in that time! Your hemline shape looks great and your curls shiny and vibrant :)

What percentage of shrinkage do you think I have? Really guessing here, but maybe 50%? You seem to about double your length when stretched!

What would you call my natural hair color? Somewhere between a cool dark brown, as it looks in the first picture, and black. Whatever it is, the colour variation is very pretty!

Is a hotdog a sandwich? NO! :p Only if it's between two pieces of bread!

Teehee.... it's funny that I spent years dying my hair jet black. I think the last straw was the Bigen permanent black that I put on there. It's only when the sun hits it that I see other variation, but in normal light, I'm sure most people couldn't see a difference. Still, I do love jet black hair, but now I admire it on other people. :o


Happy hairiversary, BGD! It's always nice to see you around here. :) I'm a big fan of your hair, it's one of my personal favourites here!

Thank you!! That's so kind :o

[lapushka]

2021

I learned to enjoy my hair. I can't remember the exact range, but at some point I went around 500 days with no heat. I was still not super comfortable with my braid outs, but slowly entered society with natural hairstyles and realized that they might even suit me better!

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47738&d=1664760029

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=45283&d=1621273954

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=46108&d=1634337121

Growing back....


https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47737&d=1664760025

2022

At some point ( don't remember when ) I gave up on growing as I was constantly cutting knots out of my ends and just not making any progress. During that time, I straightened my hair a few times, using absolute caution and as a result, not getting any heat damage. I had fun with my hair down, being the longest and healthiest it had ever been (I figure most people don't like heat styled hair so I'll spare ya'll the pics.)

Two weeks ago I snipped a few inches off of my longest back layers, and now I finally have a hair shape that I think I can live with. I know the knots and splits are just what my hair does, but I'm back to seeing if I can at least get it to BSL, then to Waist, and I'd be over the moon if I can get to my original goal of hip - but perfectly fine if I can't!

Today, I'm 127 days since my last heat styling. I'm not as against heat styling as I was before, but I still only plan to do it once or twice a year on special occasions, and possibly not even then if I can master my styling technique. So here I am today!

https://forums.longhaircommunity.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=47742&d=1664761225


Sorry for the long post! To make this thread interesting, here's some conversation topics:

What percentage of shrinkage do you think I have?

What would you call my natural hair color?

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

I love your natural hair, it is a soft black, IMO. My mom and dad both had that type of black hair, and IMHO it's very pretty. Wouldn't change a thing about it!

As far as the shrinkage goes, I'd say that's... a lot! And the hot dog, well, I'm no expert on that. ;) :p

You came a long way, BGD! I think it's such a thrilling and amazing journey that you are in fact still on! It can only get better and better the longer you grow. And you are well on your way. Loved the 2021 pictures. But I know knots can be tiresome! I myself maintain classic, and for good reason. If I dare go longer I get much more knotty hair as well. I can always tell when I need my trim.

[embee]

BGD, your hair looks good! I love the naturalness of it, soft and springy, so tired of seeing flat-ironed hair that should be something else. It always reminds me of when I got a perm, so very much the wrong look for my hair! Sorry you have such an issue with those little knots, that must be frustrating.

[Traceylouise226]

Happy anniversary! :o it's very inspiring to see your hair catch up length wise after you cut the damage/unwanted shape. My big goal with my hair apart from letting it grow is to just embrace my natural texture and let it be. It's really encouraging to see your progress as I can relate so much. I love how everyone has unique hair (straight, curly, wavy, silky, puffy etc) and yet I'm so self conscious about wearing my own hair natural, I try to force it to look straighter and silkier or just bun it.
Controversial question! I think a hot dog is a type of sandwich! Though it's a technicality. I'm nearly sure burgers can be called sandwiches in some places and that's in the same league as a hotdog. But I do think it's a specific type of sandwich. For example, saying 'sandwich' doesn't imply hot dog, but saying 'hot dog' implies sandwich. I would say your hair colour is dark brown and I think your shrinkage is at 40% or 50%.

[shelomit]

Your hair is looking gorgeous these days! And I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with it. Congratulations on the hard work/thought work/patience paying off <3

[DropStitches]

Happy anniversary! Your natural texture is so beautiful - and you've come so far in four years! I'd say your natural colour is a deep brown-black - and I am firmly of the opinion that a hotdog is not a sandwich! But then, maybe U.K. ideas of sandwiches are slightly different to U.S. ones?

[foreveryours]

The answer to the question most definitely depends upon jurisdiction (Minnesota Law Review (https://minnesotalawreview.org/2019/02/22/constructing-the-sandwich/)). Here we just call it a hot dog and don't stray too deeply into symantics, ok? Happy anniversity BGD!

[Shorty89]

Your natural curls are gorgeous! Congrats on your journey so far.

[lapushka]

Yes those curls are awesome! Congratulations!!!

[blackgothicdoll]

I love your natural hair, it is a soft black, IMO. My mom and dad both had that type of black hair, and IMHO it's very pretty. Wouldn't change a thing about it!

As far as the shrinkage goes, I'd say that's... a lot! And the hot dog, well, I'm no expert on that. ;) :p

You came a long way, BGD! I think it's such a thrilling and amazing journey that you are in fact still on! It can only get better and better the longer you grow. And you are well on your way. Loved the 2021 pictures. But I know knots can be tiresome! I myself maintain classic, and for good reason. If I dare go longer I get much more knotty hair as well. I can always tell when I need my trim.


BGD, your hair looks good! I love the naturalness of it, soft and springy, so tired of seeing flat-ironed hair that should be something else. It always reminds me of when I got a perm, so very much the wrong look for my hair! Sorry you have such an issue with those little knots, that must be frustrating.

Thank you all!! Perms and relaxers (I used to get the latter too, stopped in 2010) always amuse me. People with straight hair get perms, people with curly hair get relaxers. The beauty industry thrives on making people feel like what they're born with isn't good.

Yes, the fairy knots really upset me, and they tend to be paired with split ends. I still s&d but try not to focus too much on it. I'm sure this issue will effect my terminal length, but I'd like to see how far I can get.


Happy anniversary! :o it's very inspiring to see your hair catch up length wise after you cut the damage/unwanted shape. My big goal with my hair apart from letting it grow is to just embrace my natural texture and let it be. It's really encouraging to see your progress as I can relate so much. I love how everyone has unique hair (straight, curly, wavy, silky, puffy etc) and yet I'm so self conscious about wearing my own hair natural, I try to force it to look straighter and silkier or just bun it.
Controversial question! I think a hot dog is a type of sandwich! Though it's a technicality. I'm nearly sure burgers can be called sandwiches in some places and that's in the same league as a hotdog. But I do think it's a specific type of sandwich. For example, saying 'sandwich' doesn't imply hot dog, but saying 'hot dog' implies sandwich. I would say your hair colour is dark brown and I think your shrinkage is at 40% or 50%.

Thank you!! :o Texture embracing was certainly the most difficult part of my journey. I stopped getting relaxers back in 2010, but continued straightening my hair... so it took around 11 years of having natural hair for me to actually be ok with my natural hair.


Your hair is looking gorgeous these days! And I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with it. Congratulations on the hard work/thought work/patience paying off <3


Happy anniversary! Your natural texture is so beautiful - and you've come so far in four years! I'd say your natural colour is a deep brown-black - and I am firmly of the opinion that a hotdog is not a sandwich! But then, maybe U.K. ideas of sandwiches are slightly different to U.S. ones?


The answer to the question most definitely depends upon jurisdiction (Minnesota Law Review (https://minnesotalawreview.org/2019/02/22/constructing-the-sandwich/)). Here we just call it a hot dog and don't stray too deeply into symantics, ok? Happy anniversity BGD!



Your natural curls are gorgeous! Congrats on your journey so far.


Yes those curls are awesome! Congratulations!!!

Thank you all!!

A hotdog is served in a single piece of bread sliced open, like a sub. When you order food at a restaurant, don't you find subs in the sandwich portion of the menu? ;)

[Entangled]

I love your hair! Your natural texture is lovely, and I’m sure it’s also lovely while heat-styled as well!

Hot dog is only a sandwich when the bun tears. Otherwise it’s a taco.

[SparrowWings]

A hotdog is served in a single piece of bread sliced open, like a sub. When you order food at a restaurant, don't you find subs in the sandwich portion of the menu? ;)
I was thinking about bringing up "submarine sandwiches" :D


Hot dog is only a sandwich when the bun tears. Otherwise it’s a taco.
:rolling:

BGD, I can't believe it's "only" been four years that you've been here! Your hair is definitely showing the time and care and effort you've put into it, though, and I love how much it's come into its own! It always amazes me how much volume "just hair" can have, with only differences in texture as the cause.

[MusicalSpoons]

Wow, happy hairiversary and how far you've come is amazing!! Your ends are noticeably so much springier and happier after cutting the damage off. Really cool to hear you are going to keep growing now, I hope you enjoy yourself along the way :D

Um, hotdog is in the same family as taco because sandwich bread is horizontal not vertical.
I have no idea how shrinkage is measured (from stretched to unstretched, or vice versa?) but it really does look like stretching it doubles the visual length - but if that's already from stretched, maybe from full shrinkage stretching would quadruple the length?
And hair colour … in most of your 2021 onwards photos it looks black, although when the light hits it differently it looks more brown. I think a lot of us experience colour change depending on the light so it can be difficult to pin down what colour it 'really' is. But from your photos I think if I saw you in person it's much more likely your hair would look black to me than dark brown.

[Dark40]

Happy 4th Anniversary! Wow! You have come a long way! Continued happy growing! :)

[lunalocks]

What a beautiful head of hair you have! I LOVE your curls. And your hair looks so healthy.

[baanoo]

Happy anniversary! I have loved your hair as long as I’ve been here and am so excited for your journey. :o

[TatsuOni]

Happy anniversary! :cheer: Your hair is so beautiful! :)