READER MAIL!!! (w/ progress pics!!!)

LHDC,
 
I read your blog just about everyday.  I love the advice you give and your informative articles.
 
One article that inspires me is:

So, You Think You Wanna Grow Your Hair to its Longest Lengths????

I started my growth journey January 30, 2009.  That was the last time I went to the hair salon for a touch up and came out with a cut I didn't ask for.  My hair ended up being Neck Length.  I vowed to never go back to that stylist, or any stylist, since.  And I've stuck to my promise.

I started reading different articles and different blogs regarding growing my hair to its longest lengths and I've learned a great deal about what works for my hair.  I'm happy to say that I am currently on track to becoming full shoulder length by the end of this year!!

The reason why I read the above article nearly every day is because of all the negativity I seem to get from other women, mainly African-American women.  I currently wear my hair in a rollerset, as to minimize the use of direct heat.  And my hair is thriving from just that one thing.  It's not the cutest rollerset (I just take the rollers out and pull my hair back into a puff with a head band) but it's easy, it's no contact and no manipulation.  You wouldn't believe the comments I get from co-workers and from some friends.  They can't believe I only comb my hair on wash days only (Wed and Sun), they can't believe I don't relax my hair every 6 weeks (I stretch between 10 to 12 weeks), they can't believe I don't flat iron or blow dry anymore.  They don't understand how I can have nappy edges.  It's goes on and on.  And sometimes I fall into the negativity when I don't see my hair go from neck length to arm pit length within months.  And all this from women who have the worse weaves ever and terminal collar bone length hair because I believe hair must be relaxed at 4 to 6 weeks and trimmed religiously.

And then I read THE ARTICLE!!!  And then I realize that my hair is growing.  Then I'm ok with not looking "cute" every day.  Then I start to tune all of that nonsense out, knowing that by the end of the year, my hair will be at its longest length ever for me. 

Thanks for writing that article.  It's what keeps me going!!  I am sticking to my regimen, I am keeping it simple.  And I am using the products that are best for MY hair.  One day I hope to be spotlighted on your blog!!

May God continue to bless you!!

3 MONTHS OF PROGRESS!!!

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND THANK YOU FOR READING LHDC!!!!!

Comments

[Mrs. Education]

Wow, her hair looks great!! Very Healthy and shiny!! im new to this site just starting my journey and very excited. Just trying to find the products that my hair wants.. I also just self relaxed but i underprocessed so i am having some breakage. Im 12 weeks post and trying to just soften the new growth!!!! I love this site!!!

[BIA No Mo]

Dang you go girl! I am impressed. Keep up the grow work lol

PS I whipped up some leave in masterfulness today. My friends Mom brought me some Shea butter from Africa about three years ago and I finally whipped it up!

BIA No Mo

LHDC: Thanks, BIA! You are always so supportive and I appreciate that...it keeps a sista like me going :) there isn't much length difference between these pics but I clearly see a thickness difference, but that may just be that massive amoun of new growth LOL

[lina40]

DANG - her hair is really beautiful! Man, this is one of the few places where I ponder getting a relaxer.. but I'm not messing up my natural hair routine just to ponder :) Her hair is gorgeous! She ENCOURAGES ME to keep going!
LHDC: Girl, you bet'NOT relax that hair!!!

[Paula]

Thank you ladies for your wonderful comments. And thank you LHDC for spotlighting me! I am truly honored.

As far as my everyday hair, I've moved on from rollersets (to time consuming) to braid outs. Can I call them plait outs? Cause I cannot for the life of me braid my own hair!! Anyway, I just plait my hair up in about 12 to 15 plaits and use rollers on the ends. In the morning I take down the plaits, shake my hair out and go. I use different headbands to jazz it up a bit. The best part is that I use no heat and it's very little manipulation. I re-plait every other day and wash on Saturdays only now that I'm 11 weeks post. I'll be relaxing at 12 and would love to share the pictures with LHDC. I hope to be a little longer than the last progress pic. I think I may be a slow grower :(

Again, thanks for your kind words. It really motivates me to stick with my simple regimen and my long term goal of APL.

[LaQT/Ty]

Her hair is so healthy and gorgeous. I completely agree with her, everyday on a hhj is not going to be a supa flyy hair day, but you'll look your best and dress up those styles. Her hair looks so great and soon enough her nay-sayers will be coming for advice.

[Tiffany O'Neal]

Wow, her hair looks great and very healthy! I wish she could have included pic's of how she wears her hair because the style sounds really cute. Okay I am off to read that post of yours she mentioned. :) Thanks for posting this.

LHDC: Hey, Tiffany!!! This particular reader frequents and participates on the site regularly...I wonder if she wouldn't mind sharing how she wears her hair....and YES her hair is GAWJUS and I can't wait to see it when she reaches her goal length!