Reassurance for those starting ultra-short

[DecafJane]

I have been reading all of the threads by people who are just starting out from ultra-short again, and remembered where I was one year ago, when it seemed that it would take FOREVER to even be able to do my hair in a ponytail again.

I wanted to post where I was one year ago (minus a few weeks), and where I am today, just to show you how fast you can grow by listening to all of the good advice here and not getting any trims.

January 5, 2008:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2630263634_e75f6410b5_m.jpg

Today:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3100336340_c6d0fae69b_m.jpg

I hope this wasn't too much of a self-indulgent thread! I just remembered that when I first started out here, I was scrambling everywhere throughout the albums trying to find out how much longer my hair could be in a year, just to get some hope that I wouldn't be in the awful growing-out phase forever. :)

If anybody else has some handy then-and-now pictures on hand, perhaps they could also share them in this thread, just to give our shorties some reassurance? :D

My favourite tips are: eat well, exercise, stay healthy, DON'T CUT, ignore it and tie it back the whole time, procure hair toys to inspire you, and find out what your hair likes and do it.
I have pretty hardy hair, so I can't quite work out what suits it, but I suspect that my hair may like cones because it needs help staying detangled. It also LOVES oils, and just slurps them up, as well as weekly deep treatments and regular scalp massages.

Edited on April 11th: My hair the other day:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3393960789_cc359fe2fb.jpg
It grows faster than I realised!

[girlcat36]

Great thread Jane! I don't think it is self-indulgent at all. It's good inspiration and advice for the ultra-shorties.
You have been wearing your hair up forever, and I was astounded when I realized how short it actually was. You did a great job of disguising that.
Maybe I'll post pics of my growing in under layer in this thread, since it stated out from bald.

[DecafJane]

You have been wearing your hair up forever, and I was astounded when I realized how short it actually was. You did a great job of disguising that.
Maybe I'll post pics of my growing in under layer in this thread, since it stated out from bald.
Thanks. :) I actually have had family members laugh at me when I took it down, as they thought it was longer - even though they had seen me sporting a buzz cut a couple of months earlier. :rolleyes:

That would also be a good idea for a thread or an article - disguising your short hair! Anything that hides the ends (particularly french twists) will do it. :) Bobbypins are your friends.

I'd like to see your pictures! You have been through a lot physically, too, so it is good to see that you can still get good growth through looking after yourself and your hair as much as you can.

[LutraLutra]

May 2007
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=1972&pictureid=23746

November 2008
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=1972&pictureid=25340

I trimmed a lot, as I grow an instant mullett. :D

DecafJane is right - in a year you can escape the Kingdom of the Pixie forever. :magic:

[HeatherMae]

:thud:
I can't even believe how fast your hair grows! I am beyond envious of your hair growing skills! Thanks bunches for sharing your pictures. :)

[lora410]

After the salon butchered all my hair (it was shorter then this.)


http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/loralie1981/Misc/100_0291-1.jpg

9 months later its hard to see but it’s shoulder length

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/loralie1981/Lilly/l_c6e08c6e1b53a49f8c9b6aea4d213ed41.jpg



And 9 months later when I first found LHC. And my now length 1yr later in my siggy

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/loralie1981/Misc/DSC_3836.jpg

[Arctic]

I started from a pixie too, but that was before LHC so I don't have progress pics. I've done the journey from pixie to bob to shoulders so numerous times during my life I can't even count them. My hair was about ear/neck length when I made a conscious decision to grow my hair long, and it was at shoulderlength when I found LHC. Before LHC I was a bit too scissor happy, always cutting more than I had planned and thus sabotaging my progress. But it did grow. You could say that instead of just letting the pixie grow out I went from cute style to another while it grew. Then one day I realised I have to start to cut less and less often and that's when I started to see progress, even with my slowly growing hair :D

[LawyerGirl]

Haha thanks guys! There is hope after all!

[mellie]

This is great! I was just starting to get down on myself too for cutting my hair!

I'll submit some pics too...not as impressive as those above but I'm slowly getting back to where I was before I cut! Yay!

August:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=423&pictureid=19858

November
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?albumid=1886&pictureid=25395

[AutumnLeaves]

September '07

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i131/AutumnLeaves1317/Sherry/DSC_0432.jpg

November '08

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i131/AutumnLeaves1317/Hair/DSC_0762-1.jpg

[Islandgrrl]

Great idea for a thread, Jane! :)

I also started from pixie - a very short one - 3 1/2 years ago. I only found LHC a year ago, though. Going from pixie to shoulder I had pretty frequent cuts to avoid the Mullet of Doom. Once I got past that point, I've just let it grow. I was a little shy of APL when I joined here, now I'm a little past BSL. I agree that one of the "secrets" is wearing it up and out of your way as much as possible.

Sherry.......:agape:

[tiggens]

Thanks Jane for your reassurance! Has the time felt long to you? Or now that you look back it seems to have gone quickly?

I feel like I've been at pixie stage forever (now it's around 3 inches). When I get frustrated I have to remind myself that just 6 months ago I had an 1/8 inch of hair!

I keep hemming and hawing about getting trims. I got one in late October that I regretted and I think I've decided not to trim unless I really, really cannot stand it. Even then I'd only trim to lessen the Mullet Factor.

Thanks again for the photos! Your hair looks lovely.

[Scrofula]

Thanks all for such inspiring pictures and stories, as another languishing in the special hell that is "early growing out" I'm reassured that if I just avoid scissors my hair will get there in its own sweet time.

[Arctic]

Oh, I must write again and say that claw clips were my best friend at the shorter stages :)

[suicides_eve]

love this thread we haven't had one of these for a while !

i think the first 9 months or so were the most miserable..
good luck to all..

here is my starting point
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/9995/54843266gm1vz5sc7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/54843266gm1vz5sc7.jpg/1/w240.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img201/54843266gm1vz5sc7.jpg/1/)



One year later august 2008 with a total of 3" in cuts to even out things
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3950/1003283gy1thud8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


December 2008
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8809/p00454uq5vw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/p00454uq5vw1.jpg/1/w240.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img201/p00454uq5vw1.jpg/1/)

[dreamhair]

I do not have pictures I can post unfortunately. But, I had a short pixie about 2 years ago. Over this time period I have grown out to a short bob that was at the bottom of my ears getting a trim near faithfully every 4 weeks. About 4 months ago, fiancee asked if I would grow it out for our wedding (already planned for Dec 2010 we have things going on) Anyway, It is now all one length and brushing my shoulders. I hope it will grow about 10 inches over the next 2 years to be around waist length. If I don't trim at all it may be longer :cheese:

[intothemist1999]

lora, you're so cute!! I can't believe how fast your hair has grown!!! :shocked:

I find mine grows only an inch a season...that's a drag, but it IS 4" a year, so that's not too bad.

[Alana2000]

Thanks for the thread... as a newbie myself, I am kind of going through an awkward stage right now, so this is good for me to see..

[serious]

November 2007
http://hotimg25.fotki.com/a/89_216/141_192/DSCF3877-vi.jpg (http://hotimg25.fotki.com/p/a/89_216/141_192/DSCF3877-vi.jpg)

November 2008http://hotimg20.fotki.com/a/89_216/141_192/novembarske001-vi.jpg (http://hotimg20.fotki.com/p/a/89_216/141_192/novembarske001-vi.jpg)

[redbark]

If you need reassurance for starting from hair that is ultra-short...you should read Igor's journal (if you can) :twocents:

[serious]

Sorry,my pictures came out too big!
I ll try to resize them.

[Darkhorse1]

This is AMAZING! Congrats to all of you! And yes, Igor's journal astonished me! But, these photos are also astonishing! Why does it feel as if hair grows at a snails pace? ;) I was a kid and kept in a barber shop pixie (ugh). I can't believe, looking back now, how fast my hair grew from that. I did have a horrid cut where two beloved inches were hacked off, slowing down my growth, but in 4 years, I had LONG hair. I mean, almost classic.

[wintersun99]

..............

[UP Lisa]

Six years ago my hair was a curly pixie. I didn't know if I would ever get to BSL, especially at my age. Well, I'm at hip now. It just takes patience!

[DecafJane]

Thanks for posting all of your pictures and comments! It is great to see such growth. Documenting my length every month was very helpful to me, and if you haven't started doing it already, then I highly recommend it.
Yes, Igor's journey is inspirational, too! :)

[Anne~]

I love this!

You all have amazing change!

Serious, way to go! :cheese:

[Speckla]

August '07
http://images42.fotki.com/v1375/photos/1/1199357/5742622/000_0858-vi.jpg

Sept 08

http://images39.fotki.com/v1349/photos/1/1199357/5265638/000_1781-vi.jpg

It's longer than the picture if you pull it straight.
________
BUY EASY VAPE VAPORIZER (http://vaporizer.org/reviews/easy-vape)

[Sammybunny711]

Yes! THERE IS HOPE! I went from SUPER short pixie to BELOW shoulders in NINE months! My pictures are in my "Random Hair Pics" Album if you want to see proof! I then *stupidly* cut my hair to above chin in September, but thankfully it is growing out swiftly...TRUST ME...once you start...DON'T stop if you truly want long hair! I cut mine impulsively in a fit of insecurity and have regretted it ever since!

[Sammybunny711]

After the salon butchered all my hair (it was shorter then this.)


http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/loralie1981/Misc/100_0291-1.jpg

9 months later its hard to see but it’s shoulder length

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/loralie1981/Lilly/l_c6e08c6e1b53a49f8c9b6aea4d213ed41.jpg



And 9 months later when I first found LHC. And my now length 1yr later in my siggy

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f393/loralie1981/Misc/DSC_3836.jpg

I have SOOO much hope for my hair now, Lora! My hair is about as long as yours is in your first picture right now (I think yours is a wee bit longer) but I am so happy for your fast growth! Hopefully I'll have such good fortune, myself!:D

[jojo]

Heres the link to mine, my shortest hair being just short of 3 years ago. Hope this inspires some to continue. I worked out that I grow a stage every 12 months if thats any help. I know this time last year I was just getting to apl and this year I am just getting to BSL!
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=354

[suicides_eve]

oh i wanted to add a monthly photo really helps track your growth, no right way of doing it jst pick a way and try to be consistent. Also maybe a quick blurb how how your feeling about your hair progress each month.

i all the time look back on my hair journal and it amazes me how i was feeling over something that really didn't look that bad..

[NeilTheFuzz]

I think this is a really nice thread. I wouldnt say it was self indulgent at all. There are probably many people on this board in this situation. I remember the doubts I had when I started growing my hair from number one shaved head. It's well worth reassuring people who have just started growing out their hair. It's almost always worth the wait - so keep going guys and gals!!! :D

[lizzyjo]

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/5089/img0078awz0.jpg
My hair in 2004

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/685/hair002li0.jpg
My hair two months ago

[wintersun99]

Yes! THERE IS HOPE! I went from SUPER short pixie to BELOW shoulders in NINE months! My pictures are in my "Random Hair Pics" Album if you want to see proof! I then *stupidly* cut my hair to above chin in September, but thankfully it is growing out swiftly...TRUST ME...once you start...DON'T stop if you truly want long hair! I cut mine impulsively in a fit of insecurity and have regretted it ever since!

Really! 9 months? OMG, if my hair does that I will literally dance a jig downtown :D

Oh please let that happen for me... :xmas:

[longhairenvy]

What a great thread! I'm so happy to have found LHC. I've been so discouraged in the past about growing my hair; no patience and hate to have hair in my face but with all of the great hair care advice here, it's been so healthy and fun that it's been easy since past shoulders. I admit; growing TO shoulders stinks. I wore headbands alot to keep it out of my face. I'll post pics when I'm back at home.(work computer filter won't let me get onto photobucket:mad:)

also; get rid of your scissors!!

[jdoerrer]

Hello, I am a long time lurker lol. I just wanted to comment on the bad hair salons. My wife has long hair and wanted to get about 4 inches trimmed off since it had been like 2yrs. Well I went with her and our 4yr old. To make a long story short, the guy goes, well 4inches is right about here but u should go all the way up here and I said nope this is what she wants. So I felt like an idoit but I watched like a hawk and in the end it turned out fine. Just what she wanted. So yes I can hear you on the scissor happy people. This was fantastic sams here in ST. Louis mo! So shout to all you missourians. I must say she has read the boards but not much a poster either. Who knows maybe that will change. I also wanted to comment on the changes and the growth some of you have done in a short amount of time ;) Welp hope to chat some more but gots to do some stuff! Take care and Merry christmas and happy new year all!:cheese:

[Alana2000]

What amazes me the most about the befores and afters is that the afters look very healthy and very well cared for! You guys are doing awesome.. I am going to take Suicides Eve's suggestion and start a little blog and take a monthly picture..

[ecologystudent]

It is nice to see the difference after a year! Right now, I'm just trying not to get too obsessed with having long hair again, because it will be a year until I can pony tail it, most likely.

[rapunzhell13]

I've been growing mine out the same way as DecafJane, that is not trimming the bottom. I know people go on about avoiding a mullet, but seriously, mine does NOT look anything like a mullet and neither does hers! Trust me, you will reach the ponytail stage that-much-sooner if you don't. Once it's there you can put it up to protect it and then gradually trim the bottom if you're going for a blunt hemline. Another thing to remember is that even if your hair looks crap now, it really won't last forever unless you keep sabotaging yourself! So please, ditch the scissors and push through this awkward stage. Health issues aside, you can CHOOSE to never have hair shorter than it is today. For me that is an encouraging thought. :)

[joyfulmom4]

Wow Jane, your hair looks great. Your progress is amazing. I admire those who are growing out from short lengths. I always feel like a bit of a cheat b/c I arrived at LHC with already long hair. I feel like I should have had to work for my membership here or something. At least you've got a chance to grow it really healthy from the start. :) And yours looks very healthy and shiny. Nice.

[ecologystudent]

Health issues aside, you can CHOOSE to never have hair shorter than it is today. For me that is an encouraging thought. :)

That is an encouraging thought! :D Thank you for sharing that.

[rapunzhell13]

That is an encouraging thought! :D Thank you for sharing that.

You're very welcome. :)

[DecafJane]

Wow Jane, your hair looks great. Your progress is amazing. I admire those who are growing out from short lengths. I always feel like a bit of a cheat b/c I arrived at LHC with already long hair. I feel like I should have had to work for my membership here or something. At least you've got a chance to grow it really healthy from the start. :) And yours looks very healthy and shiny. Nice.

Thanks! Believe me, I could have had it your way, I would. Being in that no-man's land between short and ponytail length is really painful. I faked ponytails using headbands, bobbypins and neat little hairties, but there wasn't a day that went by when I didn't regret chopping it all off to start with. ;)

[longhairenvy]

It is nice to see the difference after a year! Right now, I'm just trying not to get too obsessed with having long hair again, because it will be a year until I can pony tail it, most likely.

The pic in my avatar is just a year and a half from a much shorter cut than yours.......take some good vitamins and massage and you'll be back at long before you know it. I found NOT looking in the mirror all the time helped, too.

Good luck!

[willowcandra]

wow decafjane what results! :cheese: thanks for sharing.:)

It is amazing how fast a year can pass and just how much length can be gained.

[Chrissy]

Aw thanks Decaf Jane!!! What a sweetie you are. Yeah my goal right now is to be able to do a pony stub. I can do a half up that looks half a$$ed!! No not really. It's ok. I was known to my friends by my very long pony tail. So I miss that!!!

I appreciate your pics. As you can see by mine I used to be pretty long. So yeah you helped encourage me. Not self indulgent at all!!!

[Lamb]

That's an awesome thread. Thank you, DecafJane, for starting it, congrats to everyone on their fast escape from the pixie!
I hope to be able to post such pics myself in a year. My hair is a curly bob atm (again... :rolleyes:), but it is getting longer.
What I find helpful are:
- conditioner, CO or CWC washing
- using a leave-in (fine, curly hair prone to dryness)
- vitamins (my growth is much faster thanks to them)
- the patience of Job (working on it...)

My goal is at least BSL (curly), so this will take a while.

[Chrissy]

Hello, I am a long time lurker lol. I just wanted to comment on the bad hair salons. My wife has long hair and wanted to get about 4 inches trimmed off since it had been like 2yrs. Well I went with her and our 4yr old. To make a long story short, the guy goes, well 4inches is right about here but u should go all the way up here and I said nope this is what she wants. So I felt like an idoit but I watched like a hawk and in the end it turned out fine. Just what she wanted. So yes I can hear you on the scissor happy people. This was fantastic sams here in ST. Louis mo! So shout to all you missourians. I must say she has read the boards but not much a poster either. Who knows maybe that will change. I also wanted to comment on the changes and the growth some of you have done in a short amount of time ;) Welp hope to chat some more but gots to do some stuff! Take care and Merry christmas and happy new year all!:cheese:



Welcome!! I hope you post more often. Also tell your wife to come on down. I'm glad you looked after the stylist. You can't be too careful. Again welcome to LHC!!

[Lamb]

Hello, I am a long time lurker lol. I just wanted to comment on the bad hair salons. My wife has long hair and wanted to get about 4 inches trimmed off since it had been like 2yrs. Well I went with her and our 4yr old. To make a long story short, the guy goes, well 4inches is right about here but u should go all the way up here and I said nope this is what she wants. So I felt like an idoit but I watched like a hawk and in the end it turned out fine. Just what she wanted. So yes I can hear you on the scissor happy people. This was fantastic sams here in ST. Louis mo! So shout to all you missourians. I must say she has read the boards but not much a poster either. Who knows maybe that will change. I also wanted to comment on the changes and the growth some of you have done in a short amount of time ;) Welp hope to chat some more but gots to do some stuff! Take care and Merry christmas and happy new year all!:cheese:
So, did this salon experience inspire you to grow your hair? Tell us a bit about yourself.

[Elichan]

For all of you starting with very short hair... this is me 3 years ago:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33272044@N08/3102537888/sizes/o/
the next year:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33272044@N08/3102541124/sizes/l/
And today :):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/33272044@N08/3102538078/sizes/l/in/photostream/

And I can say that, without doubt, LHC helped me all this time to grow my hair healthy and strong, and encouraged me to reach my actual lenght even though i started with such a short hair! plus dyed, hairdryer everyday... oh scary old times ;)... so... it's a reality... IF YOU WANT YOU CAN!!!!!!!!!! :):)

[Elichan]

mmmm, I've seen my post does'nt show the photos, just the links... :( there are the photos: OMG they are so big... sorry :( I don't know how to make them smaller!!!
Three years ago:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3102537888_a9ff0683e1_o.jpg

1 year later:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/3102541124_2c5372eea7_b.jpg

And today :)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/3102538078_b0d4440813_b.jpg
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/33272044@N08/3102537888/%22%20title=%22flickr2%20por%20peq_guerrera,%20en% 20Flickr%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/3102537888_a9ff0683e1_o.jpg%22%20width=%22640%22%2 0height=%22480%22%20alt=%22flickr2%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E

[DecafJane]

We can't see the photos - you may have to change the Flickr settings to Public rather than Private. :)

[Lucky]

Great thread! Everyone here is such an inspiration! Congratulations on the fabulous growth!

[Demetrue]

Thanks for sharing! after I posted my whiny thread last week or so, my hair suddenly seemed to grow 3/4 of an inch and the back layer is definitely shoulder length now. Someone with long hair at work commented that my hair was getting much longer - YAY!!! It helps to realize that it took one year to go from pixie to longest layers touching shoulder, and realistically, it will probably take another year to get to APL, 6 months to BSL and another year to waist. I have sworn off any more trims or boxed dyes about 3 weeks ago, so I am eager to see what happens next (like seeing my REAL hair color for the first time in 30 years, grays, silvers, whites and all!).

[fairydust]

What a great thread! I'm starting over myself - as you can see, I'm a new member. I had long hair up until about 7 months ago, when I decided to get it cut for numerous reasons which all seem a bit ridiculous now. I had been growing since Jan 2003, and it was getting really long. I was at 30" at its longest, but I had it trimmed around April to about 25". And then I finally went a little too scissor-happy and had it cut into a bob...and then, my scissor-happiness reached an all-time high when I had it cut (yikes!) into a pixie about a month ago. And here I am, growing it again. The good thing is that I don't really bad about the whole thing or anything, and since I've successfully grown my hair long from a pixie cut once before, I'm pretty sure I can do it again. But encouragement and kind words from fellow growers help, of course :)

[viking_quest]

I agree with everybody else this is a great thread. I started out in a super short pixie cut (think Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby) and my hair would be APL/very close to BSL if I hadn't cut off the mullet length back in March so now it's only can I call this collarbone length. I was thinking about cutting off the rest of my layers, but then I'd be chin length in all one length and that wouldn't look very good on me, so I'll be growing out a very tapered U-shaped hemline.

[smilinjenn71]

Thank you for this encouraging... not self indulgent... thread! I'm also a pixie growing out. I'm not really sure why the pics are lining up that way.... sowwy! ----NEVERMIND! LOL

This is where I started in July '08.
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?pictureid=24052&albumid=1999&dl=1227405375&thumb=1 (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=1999&pictureid=24052)
[/URL]



I *am* getting trims every 8-12 weeks because if I don't, I tend to have a mullet....EEKS!







This is early Dec. '08.
[URL="http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=2035&pictureid=26846"]http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?pictureid=26846&albumid=2035&dl=1229096166&thumb=1 (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=1999&pictureid=24053) http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/picture.php?pictureid=26845&albumid=2035&dl=1229096184&thumb=1 (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=2035&pictureid=26845)

[suicides_eve]

Heres the link to mine, my shortest hair being just short of 3 years ago. Hope this inspires some to continue. I worked out that I grow a stage every 12 months if thats any help. I know this time last year I was just getting to apl and this year I am just getting to BSL!
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/album.php?albumid=354


i agree a year seem to be about right for each stage.

[RocketDog]

Here's my timeline!

June 2006 - a fresh start
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/DSC02447.jpg

November 2006 - brushed straight
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/DSC03245.jpg

April 2007 - caved and dyed my virgin hair BLACK
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/DSC06792.jpg

August 2007 - cut my never-trimmed hair into a bob, lost about 4" from the back
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/DSC08802.jpg

October 2007 - bleached my black hair TWICE and dyed it cherry red, all in the SAME DAY
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/DSC09407.jpg
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/DSC09312.jpg

January 2008 - dyed my hair a medium brown
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/2007_1230vaniteh0022.jpg

April 2008 - last dyejob and major cut - 2" off
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/2008_0213haircut0010.jpg

August 2008 - last trim
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/2008_0805newhair0004.jpg

TODAY
http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t154/littlereptilian/2008_1212dec120008.jpg

I'm guessing I would have hit BSL by now had I not trimmed or abused my hair with dye/flatironing all through 2007. But still, admirable improvement, eh?

[LutraLutra]

Yowza! Rocketdog, that's some impressive growth you've got :) I love seeing all these growth pics, great progress everyone.

[longhairdream]

I have been reading all of the threads by people who are just starting out from ultra-short again, and remembered where I was one year ago, when it seemed that it would take FOREVER to even be able to do my hair in a ponytail again.

I wanted to post where I was one year ago (minus a few weeks), and where I am today, just to show you how fast you can grow by listening to all of the good advice here and not getting any trims.

January 5, 2008:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/2630263634_e75f6410b5_m.jpg

Today:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3100336340_c6d0fae69b_m.jpg

I hope this wasn't too much of a self-indulgent thread! I just remembered that when I first started out here, I was scrambling everywhere throughout the albums trying to find out how much longer my hair could be in a year, just to get some hope that I wouldn't be in the awful growing-out phase forever. :)

If anybody else has some handy then-and-now pictures on hand, perhaps they could also share them in this thread, just to give our shorties some reassurance? :D

My favourite tips are: eat well, exercise, stay healthy, DON'T CUT, ignore it and tie it back the whole time, procure hair toys to inspire you, and find out what your hair likes and do it.
I have pretty hardy hair, so I can't quite work out what suits it, but I suspect that my hair may like cones because it needs help staying detangled. It also LOVES oils, and just slurps them up, as well as weekly deep treatments and regular scalp massages.
Hey nice progress !.... certainly inspired me, coz i had the same hair length when i started growing it out !

[squiggyflop]

well i went from this (4 inches all over)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/kidmol/try2sept2006.jpg
(september 2006) it looked like a mullet as it grew out..
to this
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg69/squiggyflop/hair.jpg
(september 2007)

====somewhere between these 2 i trimmed like 6-7 inches off=====

to this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/kidmol/novemberprogress.jpg
november 2008=== 30 inches

[paper]

Great idea for a thread. You ALL are a great inspiration. I'd like to share my progress pics. I spent the last yr. growing and trimming off layers. My layers are almost gone, so now I'm looking forward to gaining some length.


I had my hair cut short like this Sept. 07....

http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd17/paper1962/shorthair.jpg


Dec. 08....


http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd17/paper1962/lengthshot.jpg

[Pegasus Marsters]

May 2007:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/pegasusmarsters/Picture002-2.jpg

This week:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v668/pegasusmarsters/P2060468.jpg

Make sure you're getting all the right vitamins and minerals. That will speed up the growth. ^.^

[suicides_eve]

well i went from this (4 inches all over)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/kidmol/try2sept2006.jpg
(september 2006) it looked like a mullet as it grew out..
to this
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg69/squiggyflop/hair.jpg
(september 2007)

====somewhere between these 2 i trimmed like 6-7 inches off=====

to this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v512/kidmol/novemberprogress.jpg
november 2008=== 30 inches


geez does your hair grow like 5 " a month or something:p??

[sahiba]

:thumbsup: If that is not progress ,tell me what is. I'm so happy for all of you and your pretty hair.:beerchug:

[tiggens]

Rocketdog-- I think I am leading your future-parallel life! I shaved my head in June of this year and my hair a month ago looks about your November 2006 length. It's really interesting to see your photos as I go through those same stages. The short bob you were sporting is awesome on you and a length I like for myself as well so I really can't wait for a few more months to pass!

It's funny though. Right now I'm dying for some length, laboring through pixieatory thinking I look unpretty, but just the other day someone who hadn't seen me since I shaved my bsl hair paid my pixie such a nice compliment! Made me realize it really isn't so bad and that I should enjoy the ride on the groovy grow-out train to lengthtown. I need to stop thinking I'll only feel good about myself once I get there.

[speakyword]

Bear with me, this is my first time trying to post a picture *crosses fingers*
http://%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/speakyword/me1file:///C:/Users/user01/Desktop/me1.jpgfile:///C:/Users/user01/Desktop/me1.jpg
this is me around april last year. I had just combed cut my dreads short and combed out some hair for a short haircut. The perm gives the illusion of volume, when really I lost a lot of hair in the process... the perm also totally fried it and some of my dreads had actually broken off an inch or so from the tip, so I had very little hair, and most of it was in really bad shape. I hennaed it which helped strengthen the hair so I could trim it out moth by month.
http://%5BIMG%5Dhttp://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/speakyword/me
This is me today, so in about 9 months I managed to cut out several inches of the perm fried hair, and still gain some lenth... I am juuuust about able to put all of my hair into a pony. About 1 1/2 inches before the shortest layers (minus the bangs obviously) can go in

[speakyword]

maybe this will work. Sorry for the noobishness

Anyways, here is the first picture from april
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/speakyword/me1.jpg

and here is the seccond from today
http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/speakyword/me2.jpg

[dolcevita]

Wow this thread is full of inspiration! Exactly what I needed right now..! Thanks so much everyone :)

[squiggyflop]

geez does your hair grow like 5 " a month or something:p??
lol no.. my hair did grow rather fast earlier in the year when i was taking hair vitamins.. it was growing like 2 inches a month during that time.. but they raised the price of the vitamins i was taking from 6$ to 12$ so i cant get them anymore.. they were gross anyway.. between my first 2 pics i had hardly any growth because i was bleaching and dyeing it pink/blue/fire engine red etc. all the time.. it was so damaged and dry that it just broke off at the shoulders.. then i started using henna and it began to grow again..

hmm it never really seemed very fast to me..

[dolcevita]

lol no.. my hair did grow rather fast earlier in the year when i was taking hair vitamins.. it was growing like 2 inches a month during that time.. but they raised the price of the vitamins i was taking from 6$ to 12$ so i cant get them anymore.. they were gross anyway.. between my first 2 pics i had hardly any growth because i was bleaching and dyeing it pink/blue/fire engine red etc. all the time.. it was so damaged and dry that it just broke off at the shoulders.. then i started using henna and it began to grow again..

hmm it never really seemed very fast to me..

Very impressive! I think I'm starting to be brave enough to try Henna (or is it Cassia - the clear gloss one??).

What kind of vitamins were you taking that caused the amazing growth??:)

[squiggyflop]

Very impressive! I think I'm starting to be brave enough to try Henna (or is it Cassia - the clear gloss one??).

What kind of vitamins were you taking that caused the amazing growth??:)
i use real henna.. i love the red it gives me.. my natural color is auburn so the red looks more natural on me than alot of other people.. photoshop a pic of yourself before you take the plunge..

i was taking natrol skin hair nails vitamins.. they are the most disgusting things ever.. the smell is so awful that i would gag when i opened the bottle.. sure they made my hair grow faster but i would have to take 2 of those horrible things every night.. if you do buy them be sure to eat after taking them or drink milk.. and dont lay down right after taking them or you will get awful heartburn..

i was also taking a centrum every day but that by itself doesnt do anything for my hair

[saoriiroas]

I cut my hair very short in 12/2003, a very short pixie with long, bleached bangs. After 2 years I was a solid, blunt cut shoulder length and started layering. I have been evening out layers since 2006. I do not really know how to insert pics yet so put on your thinking caps friends. Also, I do not have any pics of my last pixi, but I had a pixi since I was 12 and I could use any of those pics.
If you are growing out from a pixi, good luck! And do not get layers... :)

[Nutty]

What a great thread. It shows what you can do if you put your mind to it. I am hoping for long BSL Healthy hair! My longest layers are just past my shoulders.

[MountainGypsy]

Here is some of my hair history:

March 2006:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/MountainGypsy/test.jpg


November 2006 (when I joined LHC)

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/MountainGypsy/november-1.jpg

Both of those are pre-henna.

One year later, November 2007

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/MountainGypsy/IMG_4947.jpg


April 2008

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/MountainGypsy/april08.jpg

May 2008:

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/MountainGypsy/IMG_5443.jpg

Then I had a 6" trim in August 2008. I went from a couple of inches below BSL to APL (1st real trim since I started growing out pixie in 2006). But I don't have a photo uploaded right now.



Finally December 2008 - growing back from big chop!

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o317/MountainGypsy/IMG_1452.jpg

[relizabeth]

I'm with you, Nutty. My hair is about 1.5 inches long and my goal is BSL and healthy, with no layers. I'm just impatient! This thread is really a goldmine for me.

[MountainGypsy]

I forgot to mention that from March of 2006 until August of 2008 I never set foot in a salon. I knew that if I kept going in to "even up" I would only end up back in pixie. And yes, I had a mullet for a while! :D

[suicides_eve]

MountainGypsy your hair is stunning!i can only hope my hair will grow crazy fast like yours!

[Silver Strands]

Here is mine after cutting off henna in May 2007.


http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6642/shortcutmay272007kq0.jpg (http://img101.imageshack.us/my.php?image=shortcutmay272007kq0.jpg)


I let it get to collarbone then started trimming out layers using my collarbone as a guide.
Last trim was in Sept. 2008.
Now I am letting it grow.
Avatar was taken Jan. 5, 2009

[FallenAngel]

THANK YOU ALL for sharing!

Now I think that there is hope for me.

[onelife]

Thanks for the pictures...this definitely gives me hope! :D

[MountainGypsy]

Thank you suicides_eve :flower:

[DecafJane]

Mountain gypsy, you did the same thing that I am doing now! Was it hard to go in for the big chop and lose the length to even it up?
Your hair is gorgeous!

[MountainGypsy]

Mountain gypsy, you did the same thing that I am doing now! Was it hard to go in for the big chop and lose the length to even it up?
Your hair is gorgeous!


At the time, no, the difference in layers had gotten too awkward and I also had some splits/damage that was nice to get rid of. It is actually harder now, several months later, because I am getting impatient for the length :p! But my hair is in better condition and has a much better shape to keep growing out so it's ok. ;)