1.5 year anniversary! (pic heavy)

[mellie89]

Just wanted to post some progress pictures!


I've been a member here for over two years, but it wasn't until March 2009 that I decided to really commit to growing my hair. It was a mess. I had dyed it and flat ironed it to within an inch of its life:


Trust me, that hair is straw. I had white dots on almost every strand, and my hair was breaking off faster than I could grow it.

So I put down the flat iron, the box dye, and the blowdryer and started to integrate some LHC knowledge into my haircare routine. My "holy grails" are cassia, jojoba oil, and my Body Shop wooden quill brush. I don't use cones, but I do use sulfates.


By July 2009, my hair was already looking and feeling better. Here's my first official length shot:



By December 2009, I had reached APL:

I decided to maintain at APL and slowly trim away the worst of the damage. It turned out to be a good decision, even though it was frustrating to be stuck at such a short length for nearly a year.


My one-year anniversary in March 2010 (the red is some fading Manic Panic):



And my last salon cut, in July 2010. I'm not sure about the bangs; right now I'm letting them grow, but I may cut them in again.



And here is my hair today:


In the last 18 months, I have trimmed about 6 inches. I plan on self-trimming a half-inch every 3 months from now on. I'm still a little bit two-toned and I have some funky layers going on, but I'm ready to start gaining some length.

My goal is to reach waist-length with, or about 31 inches, with 100% virgin hair. I hope to get there in summer 2012.

My hair is in the best shape it's ever been in! Thank you, LHC, for all the wonderful advice and inspiration.

[dropinthebucket]

Great progress, mellie! And some very fast growth there. Growing out hair dye is quite the commitment, but your hair already shows the great results.

[jeno]

What a difference! Beautiful hair!

[mali]

You have really beautiful hair and very nice eyes.Great progress!

[little_acorn]

WOW thats some fast growth! Your hair looks amazingly healthy now, I'm sure you're going to reach your goal before you know it

[spidermom]

Congratulations on making such awesome progress.

[DavidN]

Oh, my goodness, Mellie89, what outstanding growth, and I love the shine and colour!

[Joliebaby]

Great progress, growth- and healthwise!! Your hair is looking great!

[redneckprincess]

looks absoutly amazing!!!

[Pumpkin]

Looks great!! Keep up the good work!!