Hip Length Challenge 2010
- Thread starter schipperchow1
- Start date
mariofmagdal
New Member
Candy828, your hair is cute.....I like the ponytails.
Candy828
New Member
Just another reminder.... not to cut your hair!!!!!! Interesting story....
Hair: The Power Of Physical Appearance
Jay House, Introduction by Karen Shelton (posted with permission)
Date: 3/13/2000
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip526.htm
Introduction
I met Jay (pictured to the left) last year while I was participating in a project for Cybergrrl Aliza Sherman. I felt a very special connection with Jay from the very first email that we exchanged. Jay and I found that we had lots of things in common and bonded during work on Aliza's project.
Once Aliza's project was finished Jay and I still corresponded on a regular basis. We emailed about a variety of topics and at one point I asked Jay her thoughts and feelings about her hair.
Although Jay has been growing her beautiful hair longer these days, she did go through a period where she had almost no hair. Jay noticed a major difference in how she was treated.
I asked Jay to share her experiences, insights and thoughts about how her hair or the lack of it played such a powerful part in how people reacted to her as a person.
The Hair Boutique is very honored to have Jay's first article about her experiences with her hair.
During The Late 80s............
When I was 17 years old I shaved off half of my hair. I was in the midst of a punk phase and wanted a complementary haircut. It was the late 80s, so this sort of thing was still in the air. About a year later, shortly after arriving at college, I shaved off the other half, leaving but a fringe of bangs in front. I discovered a lot of things when I did this. I found the removal of my hair to be an extraordinarily liberating experience, and I also saw first hand how we humans, every day "judge the book by its cover."
Soon after my date with the clippers, I went to the one and only frat party I would ever attend in my college years. I should also tell you that I was in an extremely vulnerable place in my life, having gone through a really rotten summer prior to starting school. I was not looking to make myself more attractive in the typical sense of the word. I was rather, looking to amplify the chip on my shoulder, and avoid dealing with guys as potential boyfriends. The haircut worked. The guys at this party hardly noticed me, at least not in the way that guys usually notice me. This was okay since I don't go for frat boys, especially at frat parties.
In some ways, this was really refreshing - it meant I was being regarded, not as a potential conquest, but instead as just another person. I especially liked that it weeded out the guys who would not be able to take a righteous, proud feminist like myself. This was really cool at first, because it was pretty different from what I was used to, and made life easier in some ways. Now people wanted to pat my head to feel the fuzzy sensation. They thought I was cute, almost like a little pet.
Eventually though, this started to annoy me. It really seemed ridiculous that I would be treated so differently just because of a few passes of the clippers. Men who didn't know better were often a bit nervous around me, almost as if they felt threatened by my masculine hairstyle. Women (not my friends) didn't know what to make of me either. It was as if I suddenly started speaking another language. Why would I want to make myself (in their opinions) LESS attractive? And even though I reveled in the freedom of it, I also started to miss the attention I was used to getting. Then I started to get mad. It seemed so unfair that I would be judged on such a mutable and surface-based factor. Of course I know that when we chose our mates, sexual attraction is a primary concern, but did they not see that I was just as sexy with my fuzzy, chia-pet head?
Conclusion
Even now, when I tell my head shaving story, there's always someone why can't believe I would have done such a strange thing. But I would not do it differently. It showed me the power of physical appearance in every aspect of our lives. Every day we make judgments, whether we intend to or not. Now, my hair is at its longest, and I find the opinions generated by this development to be just as fascinating.
Hair: The Power Of Physical Appearance
Jay House, Introduction by Karen Shelton (posted with permission)
Date: 3/13/2000
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip526.htm
Introduction
I met Jay (pictured to the left) last year while I was participating in a project for Cybergrrl Aliza Sherman. I felt a very special connection with Jay from the very first email that we exchanged. Jay and I found that we had lots of things in common and bonded during work on Aliza's project.
Once Aliza's project was finished Jay and I still corresponded on a regular basis. We emailed about a variety of topics and at one point I asked Jay her thoughts and feelings about her hair.
Although Jay has been growing her beautiful hair longer these days, she did go through a period where she had almost no hair. Jay noticed a major difference in how she was treated.
I asked Jay to share her experiences, insights and thoughts about how her hair or the lack of it played such a powerful part in how people reacted to her as a person.
The Hair Boutique is very honored to have Jay's first article about her experiences with her hair.
During The Late 80s............
When I was 17 years old I shaved off half of my hair. I was in the midst of a punk phase and wanted a complementary haircut. It was the late 80s, so this sort of thing was still in the air. About a year later, shortly after arriving at college, I shaved off the other half, leaving but a fringe of bangs in front. I discovered a lot of things when I did this. I found the removal of my hair to be an extraordinarily liberating experience, and I also saw first hand how we humans, every day "judge the book by its cover."
Soon after my date with the clippers, I went to the one and only frat party I would ever attend in my college years. I should also tell you that I was in an extremely vulnerable place in my life, having gone through a really rotten summer prior to starting school. I was not looking to make myself more attractive in the typical sense of the word. I was rather, looking to amplify the chip on my shoulder, and avoid dealing with guys as potential boyfriends. The haircut worked. The guys at this party hardly noticed me, at least not in the way that guys usually notice me. This was okay since I don't go for frat boys, especially at frat parties.
In some ways, this was really refreshing - it meant I was being regarded, not as a potential conquest, but instead as just another person. I especially liked that it weeded out the guys who would not be able to take a righteous, proud feminist like myself. This was really cool at first, because it was pretty different from what I was used to, and made life easier in some ways. Now people wanted to pat my head to feel the fuzzy sensation. They thought I was cute, almost like a little pet.
Eventually though, this started to annoy me. It really seemed ridiculous that I would be treated so differently just because of a few passes of the clippers. Men who didn't know better were often a bit nervous around me, almost as if they felt threatened by my masculine hairstyle. Women (not my friends) didn't know what to make of me either. It was as if I suddenly started speaking another language. Why would I want to make myself (in their opinions) LESS attractive? And even though I reveled in the freedom of it, I also started to miss the attention I was used to getting. Then I started to get mad. It seemed so unfair that I would be judged on such a mutable and surface-based factor. Of course I know that when we chose our mates, sexual attraction is a primary concern, but did they not see that I was just as sexy with my fuzzy, chia-pet head?
Conclusion
Even now, when I tell my head shaving story, there's always someone why can't believe I would have done such a strange thing. But I would not do it differently. It showed me the power of physical appearance in every aspect of our lives. Every day we make judgments, whether we intend to or not. Now, my hair is at its longest, and I find the opinions generated by this development to be just as fascinating.
Your hair looks as if it might already be touching hip length! You might need to come over to the tailbone challenge thread,
. But I think we need a few more pictures, not in ponytails, so we can get a better look. 
schipperchow1
New Member
Is the sign up for this challenge closed 'cause even though I don't say much these days doesn't stop me from lurking in threads. Love looking at you ladies' pics!! Anyhow - I really think I can pull off making a solid HL this year maybe even with some room to spare. A little company would be cool just have to let you know I'm a quiet one
LynnieB. I love your hair
. Even though I'm not adding more names to the list (challenge started Dec 21, last add on date was Jan 14), as I've mentioned to a few other late comers, we are here to encourage all ladies who are growing to HL & beyond. So, please post what works for you, tips, concerns, etc. Check in dates are on the solstices.schipperchow1
New Member
- How is your hair getting difficult to manage?
- Is it getting tangled more?
- Taking too much time?
- When you say wear hair all out natural, do you mean in its natural texture or if your hair is natural?
If I wear it out in its natural texture, I either leave conditioner on the hair or a combo of Curls products.
Either way, I put my hair up in a bun or 2 or 1 or 2 2-strand twists at night to prevent tangles.
BTW: Your hair is
!mariofmagdal
New Member
Candy828
New Member
Your hair looks as if it might already be touching hip length! You might need to come over to the tailbone challenge thread,
Yamilee21, My hair actually is hip length now, but not full hip length. So I am staying with the hip length challenge until I obtain full hip length. But I will post some more pictures in my next length check update!
Lucia
Well-Known Member
check out this easy beautiful and quick bun, I love the relaxing music too
see now I have to buy some pretty hairsticks and a Ficcare-another excuse to shop
she's a genius, I'm "special" for DIY updo's and they're so easy even I can't mess them up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrJYzX4cbXU
http://www.youtube.com/user/IsabelleNaturelle
see now I have to buy some pretty hairsticks and a Ficcare-another excuse to shop
she's a genius, I'm "special" for DIY updo's and they're so easy even I can't mess them up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrJYzX4cbXU
http://www.youtube.com/user/IsabelleNaturelle
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LadyPaniolo
New Member
Wow! 
@ Candy828's pics!!! Are you relaxed? Or are those pics of your hair after flat ironing? It's gorgeous.
I'm a bit concerned about wearing my hair out as well. I think I may go with air dried braidouts that I can style in various up-do's.
Here are pics of a braidout I did last week. I had DC'd and used aloe vera gel and avocado butter
which I 
while I was braiding it up. It felt really soft and light when I took it down. I was feeling so pretty that night, lol!
@ Candy828's pics!!! Are you relaxed? Or are those pics of your hair after flat ironing? It's gorgeous. I'm a bit concerned about wearing my hair out as well. I think I may go with air dried braidouts that I can style in various up-do's.
Here are pics of a braidout I did last week. I had DC'd and used aloe vera gel and avocado butter
which I while I was braiding it up. It felt really soft and light when I took it down. I was feeling so pretty that night, lol! Attachments
Lucia
Well-Known Member
Wow!
I'm a bit concerned about wearing my hair out as well. I think I may go with air dried braidouts that I can style in various up-do's.
Here are pics of a braidout I did last week. I had DC'd and used aloe vera gel and avocado butter
Nice texture, how many days does this last you? TIA
LadyPaniolo
New Member
Thanks, Lucia! I didn't even try to wear it out... I had to indigo that night as there were some patches I missed on my first go round. I already had my henna and indigo mixed, prepped and ready to go when I discovered my pretty braidout! 
I keep my hair cornrowed up under a wig all the time, pretty much.
I keep my hair cornrowed up under a wig all the time, pretty much.
Mz.MoMo5235
Well-Known Member
so i flat ironed yesterday and took a pic. i was quite dissapointed as i dont see any progress compared to my previous pix.
i truly thought i was much closer to wl thus putting my closer to hl. but i appear to still be stuck at mbl.
sad
i truly thought i was much closer to wl thus putting my closer to hl. but i appear to still be stuck at mbl.
sad
LadyPaniolo
New Member
Hun, your hair is fab! Growth takes time and sometimes we don't see it if we do length checks too often. You WILL get there! Watching the pot is an exercise in frustration.
testimony777
New Member
Lucia
Well-Known Member
WHat styles ill you be rockin from now until June?
Lucia
Well-Known Member
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LadyPaniolo
New Member
Well, I was supposed to install a sew-in today... but the hair is pretty
looking and I know I'll just get damage from it. (I never learn 
) so I'm hoping to continue in my wigs till June, at which point I will do my length check.I have some pretty hectic stuff going on... was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, have 2 toddlers underfoot and I'm starting a full course load in April... my baby is due may 1st
So after I do my length check in June I will likely just keep on wigging it till September when I'm due to graduate (finally!) and will be looking for a part-time job. I may start wearing my own hair during the job hunt.
Lucia
Well-Known Member
Well, I was supposed to install a sew-in today... but the hair is pretty
I have some pretty hectic stuff going on... was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, have 2 toddlers underfoot and I'm starting a full course load in April... my baby is due may 1st
Wow, that's very hectic. I know the installs are tempting but I'm sure wigging it will be better cause you're already @ WSL, and over spring/summer you'll get some mad growth too.
That's exactly why I recently stopped doing installs, they were helping me, before WSL but now they're doing more harm than good. So I've ditched them for good. It's mostly PS, buns, ponytails, moisturizing and oiling my ends daily or 2x/day if I need too. I even changed my reggie a little to step my game up.
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Candy828
New Member
Wow!
I'm a bit concerned about wearing my hair out as well. I think I may go with air dried braidouts that I can style in various up-do's.
Here are pics of a braidout I did last week. I had DC'd and used aloe vera gel and avocado butter
LadyPaniolo - Thanks! I have been natural for 3 years now... but the pics are with my hair flat ironed lightly. The more I keep up with S&D, the more healthier it looks.
I think your hair is coming along nicely!
Mz.MoMo5235
Well-Known Member
Mz.MoMo5235
Well-Known Member
co wash 1x per wk
poo wash 1x per month
try to remember to dc on every wash
homemade spritz(water,infusium,anti-snap,cond)
HE HH cond as leave in
seal w/evoo
air dry then bun
that's all i've been doing for a while now. i always tweak my reggie here and there but it rarely changes that much. usually just a different brand rather than a different reggie lol
schipperchow1
New Member
Well, I was supposed to install a sew-in today... but the hair is pretty
I have some pretty hectic stuff going on... was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, have 2 toddlers underfoot and I'm starting a full course load in April... my baby is due may 1st
Take care of yourself. I'm tired just thinking about everything you have on your plate!
schipperchow1
New Member
Hope you ladies are enjoying your hair growing journey. It sounds like most of you are protective styling? I am making sure I oil or condition my ends before I put it in a bun to minimize some of the breakage that I've experienced with the cold weather.
Here's a little hair growing fairy dust
as we grow 
Here's a little hair growing fairy dust
as we grow
Candy828
New Member
Hope you ladies are enjoying your hair growing journey. It sounds like most of you are protective styling? I am making sure I oil or condition my ends before I put it in a bun to minimize some of the breakage that I've experienced with the cold weather.
Here's a little hair growing fairy dust
Do you oil and rebun your ends daily? I am finding with the winter weather, that if I oil and rebun daily, I don't get any breakage on the ends. Also this winter weather tends to dry out my scalp. So I'll oil my scalp as needed. I wash my hair once a weak normally. On occassion I'll will wash twice a week.
schipperchow1
New Member
Yes, I oil every day or every other day depending on how they feel & rebun. Sometimes I'll use a creamy leave-in or conditioner on the ends then oil if they feel especially dry. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I noticed some split hairs & did a protein treatment. I do hot oil treatments on my scalp but for now my focus is babying these ends throughout the cold winter months b/w washes by smothering my ends in oils (coconut, olive, castor) so I don't have to cut off too much this Spring.
winnettag
New Member
Hope you ladies are enjoying your hair growing journey. It sounds like most of you are protective styling? I am making sure I oil or condition my ends before I put it in a bun to minimize some of the breakage that I've experienced with the cold weather.
Here's a little hair growing fairy dust
Yep, I cross wrap my cornrows when I have my wig on and when I get home I moisturize, seal my ends with castor oil and bun.
I'm going to put in box braids soon because the pot doesn't seem to be boiling.
Thanks for the fairy dust!
LadyPaniolo
New Member
I'm going to DC today... for some reason my hair just isn't retaining moisture. When I cornrowed it up this week I applied the Kenra MC and sealed with avocado butter, but for some odd reason my hair feels like straw right about now 
So I'll do a DC and hope it helps... sigh.
I'm really feeling some trepidation about what my terminal length might be. My DD is 4.5 years old and she's been stuck at TBL for like 6 months now. Her hair just doesn't seem to be growing. If she's at TBL, and terminal length is inherited, then maybe I won't be able to get past TBL either I had hoped for classic length since that's the length my mom had as a little girl... but I'm afraid I won't ever get there
I guess I just need to relax and focus on the journey. Right now, I'm heading full steam ahead for HL... whatever happens next remains to be seen.
What final goal length are you ladies shooting for?
So I'll do a DC and hope it helps... sigh. I'm really feeling some trepidation about what my terminal length might be. My DD is 4.5 years old and she's been stuck at TBL for like 6 months now. Her hair just doesn't seem to be growing. If she's at TBL, and terminal length is inherited, then maybe I won't be able to get past TBL either
I had hoped for classic length since that's the length my mom had as a little girl... but I'm afraid I won't ever get there I guess I just need to relax and focus on the journey. Right now, I'm heading full steam ahead for HL... whatever happens next remains to be seen.
What final goal length are you ladies shooting for?
winnettag
New Member
I'm going to DC today... for some reason my hair just isn't retaining moisture. When I cornrowed it up this week I applied the Kenra MC and sealed with avocado butter, but for some odd reason my hair feels like straw right about now
I'm really feeling some trepidation about what my terminal length might be. My DD is 4.5 years old and she's been stuck at TBL for like 6 months now. Her hair just doesn't seem to be growing. If she's at TBL, and terminal length is inherited, then maybe I won't be able to get past TBL either
I guess I just need to relax and focus on the journey. Right now, I'm heading full steam ahead for HL... whatever happens next remains to be seen.
What final goal length are you ladies shooting for?
I'm sorry LadyP, but I'd be quite pleased with a terminal length of TBL
. And remember classic on a little girl is different than on an adult. Just keep doing what your doing because it's working well for you, and whatever length you end up at will be gorgeous, healthy and super long.Meanwhile, I'm just hoping my terminal length isn't MBL.
Enjoy your DC session. I'm sure your hair will feel much better after.
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