10 Years (and counting)

[lapis_lazuli]

This month marks TEN years that I've been on my hair growth journey, and it made me want to reflect.
This is where I am today:



And this is where I was ten years ago:



In October 2011, my hair was BSL, and the ends were badly splitting from all the bleach and heat damage I'd inflicted on it in years prior. I was only just realizing the extent of it and spent many hours in class examining the consequences up close and pulling the broken hairs apart.

I was unhappy with what I saw. I decided I had to grow out the mess I had made and ditched the heat tools completely. As this was pre-LHC, I had no other ideas, but that was the beginning of a decade-long commitment to nurturing and restoring my hair.

I was set on improving the quality and growing even longer than it'd been before the bad decisions (past waist). So I wasn't interested in chopping anything; I would get the damage trimmed out slowly but surely. With that conviction, I turned around and took my first ever length shot to see what I was working with. Even with the Photo Booth quality, I knew it wasn't great. But it was mine, and I had an endless imagination for the possibilities.

Ten years on, as my hair hovers just above my ankles, I don't think I ever really believed I'd get this far, even if I entertained the idea for how unrealistic it seemed. But it happened, all beginning from that snap decision to reclaim my hair and make it something I could be proud of again.

My roots in 2011 have grown down to become my ends in 2021, carrying with them the bleached highlights that started me down this path in the first place. So I'm reminded all the time of where I came from They won't last much longer as I carry on in my quest to reach floor length and then maintain until my hair is all virgin again. I hope to say I've reached that first goal by this time next year, as I'm so looking forward to break from growing and simply ~be~ a length for a while.

And of course, where would I be without LHC? I became a member about halfway through this journey, and it's made a world of difference. I'm here all the time, mostly reading, occasionally posting. After all these years, I'm just so grateful for everyone who remains active here keeping this community alive. I would not have a fraction of the resolve or confidence to go this far without the support I've received through my entire time at LHC.

[lapushka]

Such a neat collage of your growth. Congrats on 10 years, and counting.

It looks amazing.

[lunalocks]

Just, wow. I applaud your commitment!

[Potauvert]

Congrats and what a success is this hairjourney ! You have beautiful hair

[Shorty89]

Wow! What an amazing journey. Your hair is gorgeous.

[Finda]

Also WOW! Inspiring and awesome Congrats on your anniversary

[Starbunny]

Congratulations on a great journey!!

[baanoo]

Lapis, happy anniversary my friend!

Thank you for sharing your story and heart with us. I’m delighted and inspired by your beautiful hair and journey from bsl towards floor.

[Sarahlabyrinth]

Awesome - and congrats on 10 years, that' some achievement!

[foreveryours]

Congratulations on your decision and 10 year followthru. That's some commitment!



How tall are you?