Just to add to the bit about growth spurts! It grows in spurts in different areas. That is why I take from time to time, specific sections about 1 1/2-2" wide behind the ear, at the nape, at the crown, bangs, (like a spot check) and find that I am gaining growth even when I am not showing length. My hair really evens itself out eventially. Try this: and keep a record of specific "spot checks" and be pleasantly surprised every 3 months to find that you got an inch here, two there etc. For me it grows in stages. In the spot checks, then in the thickness, then in the length and keeps repeating the cycle. My hair is twice as thick as it was last year and three times as thick as it was two years ago. My shortest area that was 5" in 1999, always breaking and would never grow due to damage, shredding and pitiful, is now over 11 inches long. This is how it has happened for me: cruising the boards, writing, trying to get my Hair Journal tight. My hair is growing fine. Even though I do not relax or use chemicals, I really appreciate the tips and techniques I learn here. Right now, I am taking my hair through cycles. I am now in the lots of moisture, no brush, growing out layers phase. My growth update:February 1999, (seriously damaged & breaking!)4" bang and side temple area, 7" sides , 10" (top scattered areas longest strands). Back length of hair was at the MIDDLE of the neck. I began a series of Radical Recovery Treatments (personal copyrighted 1999-2000)) : With these treatments and a complete attitude change and hair regimen my hair went from that length to 8"(bangs) and starting at the hairline- 17" back to 20"- back (V) or (7 "below shoulders at the back August 1, 2001. I took photographs to visually map my progress. Then to 10" below shoulders at the back. 4" past shoulders at the sides, and past collar bone length from the temple area by December 31, 2001. Hair thickness has increased dramatically, color has deepened, ends are fantastic and the overall texture is phenominal. Measurements taken since: Full and precise measurements were taken according to layers on February 23, 2002, to give the most accurate reflection of the overall growth of my hair. Bangs: that were originally a problem area: 11"(now thick and good texture) last trimmed August 2000 approx. 1 "; Sides (temple) 11.5 "a major problem area, especially on the right side where measured, acquired major thickness.Top of head above the bangs: 11.4"Area previously most damaged for longest period of time (5") now 10" long and thriving. Back of ear 10.5 " stretches to armpit length when pulled to front and 4.5" past shoulders when pulled out to the side.Longest strands from bottom of neck measure 13". Starting at the front hairline to longest part (V) area in the back overall length 22.5". Major goal -grow out all layers. Grow into a curved "V" shape. Marks 3 years growth. Feb. 99-Feb.2002. Measurement: March 7-2002 the longest sections of hair at back touching top of bra strap when gently stretched. The area behind the right ear, section showed increase in growth of 3" this year. (front beauty spot-2-3/4" past spot) and touches the armpit crease in front. Random measurement. I have accumulated satisfactory growth in all areas. I intend to grow out my layers to one overall length of 35 inches. In the process of growing out sharply uneven layers of hair, I have accumulated to date (Feb.22-2002)- 7=4.5=5=4=6- total of 26.5 inches of growth. The AVERAGE OF GROWTH OVER 3 YEARS= 26.5/5=5.3" per year average. The rate of growth based on the actual current length measured from front of hairline to longest length of 22.5/3=6.8" growth per year. A little above average. That means I can hope to gain the average 6" per year. In one year that will add up to (22.5=6=28.5; in two year=34.5" total length. AMAZINGLY, the biggest challenge for me was to accumulate length from the middle of the neck to the shoulder (4"), to grow it past shoulder length to reach 13 " past the shoulder at its longest point! In 3 years that equals 17", which was an average of 17/3=5.6"per year.Of course I have had significan growth since then as well. I am not finding it necessary to trim at this point since my hair is wrapped 90% of the time and my ends are healthy and thick. All in all I really cannot complain. The intense therapy saved my hair and in spite of everything it grew about average. 5.3-5.6 vs 6"!Note: I started taking a multi vitamin, MSM, Biotin, L cysteine, Borage Oil caps in Jan 2002 to replace other supplements that I was taking sporadically. I plan to add Amla Cplus. I have others to use up but I will save them for emergency when I run short of the other items to carry me over until my shipments come in.HAIR TYPE 3B CURLY FINE TEXTURED, COTTONY AND POROUSGENETIC POTENTIAL: HAIR THAT YOU CAN SIT ON.( I may be 90 years old when this happens, but I like the challenge. LOLHope this encourages anyone who has really been challenged and had to overcome breakage, setbacks etc. I have been SO ENCOURAGED when I read similar reports and updates across the Black Hair care webs. Happy Growing. Love to see more success posts to spur me on to age 90! Hope this will encourage those growing out their layers! Bonjour. Mahalialee
