Very Slow Progress - What to think when you have less than average growth :(?

[Aronomy]

Hey everyone!

So while I am tracking my progress, I try not to be obsessive:

I don't measure, I don't take weekly pictures, I don't stress about hair....

BUT, I can't help notice I don't even get the average growth per year. I take monthly pictures and they are getting depressing, looking even shorter than prior months when I haven't cut.

How do you stay positive when you have less than average growth and you see all of the beautiful hair here that grows soooo fast?!

[MsBubbles]

First of all, I've seen your photos and you, yourself, have been one of those whose hair progress I have envied!

Second of all, over time I have finally somehow learned not to wish I had somebody else's hair (texture, color, length, etc.), or somebody else's narrow hips, flat ears, small nose, etc. And a few months after I became a frequent visitor here (i.e. hooked), I had to take myself aside and give myself a good talking to because I found myself getting depressed that my hair looked so ratty at the back, and not like other, thicker-haired ladies'.

I hope that helps some. Your hair is beautiful, by the way!

[girlcat36]

It's an exercise in patience.
And I think you've had more progress than me!

[Akiko]

I like trying new updos and new hairtoys. It keeps me occupied enough that I don't really think how short my hair is. In fact, I am little worried that I may not be able to do my favorite updos (French twist, Gibson tuck) if it gets longer. In fact, I had my hair cut quite a bit a year ago because I could not do these updos.

You have beautiful hair. It's long enough to do all sorts of updos now. Why not enjoy your hair now?

[Ponytale]

Oh my--I just posted above about the same problem! Then I saw your post. I know your pain!

[Speckla]

Slow or not - you've gained length and your hair look lovely and very healthy! I say job well done!
________
Honda Sonic specifications

[Chromis]

There is no point in worrying over it, it won't help it grow any quicker. In fact increased stress might be more likely to make you shed more. Learn some new syles, try on some pretty hair toys, enjoy the length you have!

[ChloeDharma]

I'd say you have very decent growth there.
It's very easy to sit here comparing our hair to other members and just getting progressively more down on ourselves about it, but it's quite pointless as we have what we have and have to learn to view it with a bit more leniancy i think. Also i think we tend to see all the positives in other peoples hair and all the negatives of our own.
I think the thing to do is just focus on your own progress and take time to look for the things we like about our hair (this goes for the rest of ourselves too). If you appreciate it in the now, get a new hairtoy now and then, play around with DT's and focus on all that's good today, then tomorrow and the longer lengths will seem to follow much quicker with less chance of what i call pessamistic chops.

[sneakybea]

I don't really have any advice but I agree with what the others have said: don't worry about how long it takes you to make progress; you'll get there eventually! I've been growing since I was about eleven or so, but I was stuck at mid back for ages! When my mother, who didn't cut her hair until she was twelve, told me she never reached waist, I thought I'd never get there. But eventually I did, and I'm sure you'll reach your desired length as well. Just hang in there!

[Golden21]

I also have slow growth. Monistat has helped me. The way I look at it, it has to grow a little bit, so in the long run it will get long! Have you tried vitamins or monistat?