Honestly, Do you Think Some People Will Never...

[SpiritJunkie]

Success comes, especially with hair, when people aren’t falling for gimmicks or being unrealistic about what they can or cannot do. Most people don’t have an hour every day to do their hair so don’t pick up a routine that requires that amount of time. Also buying tons of products because poster ABC said it worked for their hair doesn’t mean it will have the same results for yours. I take the advice I receive on here with a grain of salt. A particular method might work for one person, and be totally disastrous for another. Many times people don’t take into account the person’s lifestyle, health, or, what else they are using on their hair.

i fully agree with you. Everyone gets different results from different products. Some positive results and some are negative.

In addition, my 2 kids have very different ways i dealing with their hair. One conditions/mositurizes etc etc on a regular and hair is midback (relaxed).

my other daugther..does nothing..uses the worst products no matter what i tell her and her hair continues to grow although it is a bit dry. natural apl strecthed.(sp)

I on the other hand following a regimen and my growth is 10's slower than them. my hair...neck..almost shoulder.

For me, just have faith, take care of you hair, eat right, excercise and hope for the best.

 

[SpiritJunkie]

II do not want to even post pictures, because I am really self consious about my hair. It does not look nice enough to post like everyone else. I must that however my hair is much more healther then it has ever been and has a little bit of body now

Don't be intimadated (sp) to show your pics. Not everyone can have long thick hair. Hair at any length is beautiful as long as it is healthy.

Congrats on it having body and post some pics!!!

I just don't have any 'cause I don't own a camera.

 

[bluediamond0829]

I believe that its attainable it just takes patience and a good regimen..like alot of us dont have..i know i dont have alot patience...but i think we are on the right track as long as we dont get frustrated since alot of us are learning from being members of LHCF and having all of you ladies as inspiration....I think like someone else said different products works differently for different people...in a way i think LHCF can be beneficial but in another way it can be kind of a downfall the pj comes out and we just go wild with products and trying to figure out what will work and not being consistent and giving products a chance....but yes i think anyone can have long hair or what their idea length of long hair would be to them...i think its just about having a good regimen and patience are the main factors and the keys to success...

 

[Ariana4000]

I feel that some people are predispositioned to EASILY achieve long hair. Some people can do all the wrong things and their hair will still be healthy and not break. I feel that some of us just have to work harder at it than others. Its a matter of just finding a regimen that keeps your hair healthy and being committed. I also believe a lot of black women will not reach their hair's potential because most of our community has bad hair care practices and we can't always do what everyone else can do heat, blowdryers, etc also. But I do believe anyone can grow long hair.

 

[MizaniMami]

Yes, I do think some people will never get to their desired length, but mainly based on how they treat their hair.

If you constantly wear your hair out, your ends are going to have the last word on what length you get to.

Weaves ARE NOT a protective style. In my not so humble opinion, if you want to retain the least amount of length, this is the route to go.

Diet and excercise are going to be more important than MTG or any other miracles in a bottle. (BTW - I've used MTG and it works, but hitting the gym worked better and I don't smell like burnt pig feet.)

If you're not consistent with your regimen, you're not going to get to your goal.

Genetics play a role in how fast your hair grows, but to me maintenance is a bigger issue.

I feel EXACTLY how you feel. Exactly!

 

[Ebonygurl00]

I think my answer to your question "do you think some people will never get to their desired lengths" is yes, I believe that.

For any number of reasons, not just terminal length or genetics, or whatever. Not every person is going to have waistlength hair, no matter how much they may want it, IMO. I think everyone can have healthy hair though.

I agree. I know I could, because my hair has grown past APL a couple years ago, and I wasn't even taking care of it! (using heat everyday, not washing, etc.). Everyone can have healthy hair, though.

 

[FlawedBeauty]

Me, too...and this is the longest my hair has ever been... Maybe I should just be happy with my two pieces that should make it to BSL by November?

me three! this thread is sorta depressing and makes me wonder if im wasting my time trying to grow my hair out...

 

[locabouthair]

I feel that some people are predispositioned to EASILY achieve long hair. Some people can do all the wrong things and their hair will still be healthy and not break. I feel that some of us just have to work harder at it than others. Its a matter of just finding a regimen that keeps your hair healthy and being committed. I also believe a lot of black women will not reach their hair's potential because most of our community has bad hair care practices and we can't always do what everyone else can do heat, blowdryers, etc also. But I do believe anyone can grow long hair.

i agree with everything. i think a lot of black women don't know how to take care of our hair. before i came to the LHCF i thought grease was a moisturizer. i didn't know half of what i know now.

 

[Radianthealth]

Isn't this website about disproving this belief??

 

[camellia]

Yes, I do think some people will never get to their desired length, but mainly based on how they treat their hair.

If you constantly wear your hair out, your ends are going to have the last word on what length you get to.

Weaves ARE NOT a protective style. In my not so humble opinion, if you want to retain the least amount of length, this is the route to go.

Diet and excercise are going to be more important than MTG or any other miracles in a bottle. (BTW - I've used MTG and it works, but hitting the gym worked better and I don't smell like burnt pig feet.)

If you're not consistent with your regimen, you're not going to get to your goal.

Genetics play a role in how fast your hair grows, but to me maintenance is a bigger issue.

I agree! Maintenance will be the determining factor. If my hair grows 6 inches per year but I'm buring off at least half an inch every month with my flat iron, curling iron, ect... I'm never going to show any progress.

 

[Armyqt]

think everyone can reach their goals with commitment, patience and the right regimen. I do agree that genetics do play a role. But I feel the gentics deals more with the pace rather than the "can they". Some ppl will make it faster based on gentics and other conditions. But I believe it's possible for all.

 

[Enchantmt]

We have hundreds of women here who had no hair as a child who now have hair flowing down their backs so YES, black women can grow hair and we can achieve long lengths. We have too many people ON THIS BOARD who have turned their hair around for me to believe otherwise. If anyone actually does, just visit so's comparison shot thread...if thats not enough inspiration for you, I don't know what to tell you. Remember not everyone who benefits from this board is a poster, and we have had lots of members who have moved on since attaining their goals.

I agree with the other posters who state care and maintenance factor equally if not more than genetics. I know personally, since going natural, my hair should be 8-10 inches longer than it is now, but I havent been taking consistent care of it. I dont think anyone can say definitively whether or not black women have the genes to grow hair or not. IMO, modern black women (americans in particular) have no clue what lengths our hair can grow to and wont until we reeducate ourselves about and consistently practice proper hair care. We have GENERATIONS of misinformation and abuse. Even in our own families in the year 2006 some of us struggle against myths and bad practices: Infrequent washing possibly leading to scalp fungus, using harsh detergents like joy, poor diet, inferior ingredients, misuse of heat, too frequent relaxing, too frequent trims, relaxing root to tip, too tight braids, improperly attached weaves, stylists or others who will sabotage your efforts, improper handing (ripping a comb or brush through it or not using proper tools: ie a comb with the teeth too fine), and an over all attitude that we should be doing more important things than being vain or delusional enough to want long hair and spend time taking care of it.

As has been mentioned before, if your hair wasnt growing, one relaxer would last you a lifetime. If its coming in at the roots, the effort should be to maintain the ends. The sooner we embrace our hair, relaxed or natural, as the crown of Glory God intented it to be, instead of seeing is as a symbol of shame, the sooner we will reach our goals. Once those under your circle of influence see your progress and then seek knowledge for themselves, then they too will make strides, influence and educate others and eventually long hair on a black woman will be a common occurrence and not the oddity it has been made out to be.

*disclaimer* I'm not addressing anyone in particular, its just MY thoughts on the subject.

 

[Tee]

think everyone can reach their goals with commitment, patience and the right regimen. I do agree that genetics do play a role. But I feel the genetics deals more with the pace rather than the "can they". Some ppl will make it faster based on genetics and other conditions. But I believe it's possible for all.

I agree. Guess I am just an optimist.

 

[Armyqt]

We have hundreds of women here who had no hair as a child who now have hair flowing down their backs so YES, black women can grow hair and we can achieve long lengths. We have too many people ON THIS BOARD who have turned their hair around for me to believe otherwise. If anyone actually does, just visit so's comparison shot thread...if thats not enough inspiration for you, I don't know what to tell you. Remember not everyone who benefits from this board is a poster, and we have had lots of members who have moved on since attaining their goals.

I agree with the other posters who state care and maintenance factor equally if not more than genetics. I know personally, since going natural, my hair should be 8-10 inches longer than it is now, but I havent been taking consistent care of it. I dont think anyone can say definitively whether or not black women have the genes to grow hair or not. IMO, modern black women (americans in particular) have no clue what lengths our hair can grow to and wont until we reeducate ourselves about and consistently practice proper hair care. We have GENERATIONS of misinformation and abuse. Even in our own families in the year 2006 some of us struggle against myths and bad practices: Infrequent washing possibly leading to scalp fungus, using harsh detergents like joy, poor diet, inferior ingredients, misuse of heat, too frequent relaxing, too frequent trims, relaxing root to tip, too tight braids, improperly attached weaves, stylists or others who will sabotage your efforts, improper handing (ripping a comb or brush through it or not using proper tools: ie a comb with the teeth too fine), and an over all attitude that we should be doing more important things than being vain or delusional enough to want long hair and spend time taking care of it.

As has been mentioned before, if your hair wasnt growing, one relaxer would last you a lifetime. If its coming in at the roots, the effort should be to maintain the ends. The sooner we embrace our hair, relaxed or natural, as the crown of Glory God intented it to be, instead of seeing is as a symbol of shame, the sooner we will reach our goals. Once those under your circle of influence see your progress and then seek knowledge for themselves, then they too will make strides, influence and educate others and eventually long hair on a black woman will be a common occurrence and not the oddity it has been made out to be.

*disclaimer* I'm not addressing anyone in particular, its just MY thoughts on the subject.

Great post!! This brings to mind old oooooollllllddddddd picures of great grandmothers with long past waist length braided hair. In one or two braids. I think with wanting to get hair straight is when we started messing up. Most girls I knew with long hair growing up attributed it to grease and water.

 

[Mystic]

I don't think your question is catty...., it's great dialogue. I am not being negative about my hair growth potential but I am one of those women where my hair hasn't budged from neck length in over one year. It has gotten very thicker and stronger but no length. I no longer anticipate having long hair (28"+) but I am not going stop taking care of my hair because of this disappointment. I have come to terms with the fact that I might have short hair forever and I am OK with that - as long as it's healthy.

 

[Tee]

We have hundreds of women here who had no hair as a child who now have hair flowing down their backs so YES, black women can grow hair and we can achieve long lengths. We have too many people ON THIS BOARD who have turned their hair around for me to believe otherwise. If anyone actually does, just visit so's comparison shot thread...if thats not enough inspiration for you, I don't know what to tell you. Remember not everyone who benefits from this board is a poster, and we have had lots of members who have moved on since attaining their goals.

I agree with the other posters who state care and maintenance factor equally if not more than genetics. I know personally, since going natural, my hair should be 8-10 inches longer than it is now, but I havent been taking consistent care of it. I dont think anyone can say definitively whether or not black women have the genes to grow hair or not. IMO, modern black women (americans in particular) have no clue what lengths our hair can grow to and wont until we reeducate ourselves about and consistently practice proper hair care. We have GENERATIONS of misinformation and abuse. Even in our own families in the year 2006 some of us struggle against myths and bad practices: Infrequent washing possibly leading to scalp fungus, using harsh detergents like joy, poor diet, inferior ingredients, misuse of heat, too frequent relaxing, too frequent trims, relaxing root to tip, too tight braids, improperly attached weaves, stylists or others who will sabotage your efforts, improper handing (ripping a comb or brush through it or not using proper tools: ie a comb with the teeth too fine), and an over all attitude that we should be doing more important things than being vain or delusional enough to want long hair and spend time taking care of it.

As has been mentioned before, if your hair wasnt growing, one relaxer would last you a lifetime. If its coming in at the roots, the effort should be to maintain the ends. The sooner we embrace our hair, relaxed or natural, as the crown of Glory God intented it to be, instead of seeing is as a symbol of shame, the sooner we will reach our goals. Once those under your circle of influence see your progress and then seek knowledge for themselves, then they too will make strides, influence and educate others and eventually long hair on a black woman will be a common occurrence and not the oddity it has been made out to be.

*disclaimer* I'm not addressing anyone in particular, its just MY thoughts on the subject.

Very well said.

 

[Sistaslick]

me three! this thread is sorta depressing and makes me wonder if im wasting my time trying to grow my hair out...

Don't be discouraged hon! Genes play a role in texture, length of growth cycle, and maximum growth rate, but everything else is really up to us! Because we have no way of knowing what is actually coded in our genes, all we can do is try. Don't give up! Start small and work your way up. Concentrate on building health first--- that is your foundation. Length will come from there. A mistake alot of us make starting out is wanting the length right away. When that doesn't happen with our vitamins/growth concoctions and products- some just give up. I also think many people tend to focus on the scalp's ability to produce, when growth truly happens at the ends of the hair. From what I've seen on the boards and in my own personal experience, length building is process that takes many months, and for those of us who are aiming for the lower lengths--years. Just look through hair albums-- many of them have progress that has spanned a year, or two, or three. Regimens may differ, but patience and time are the true common denominators for proven hair growers.

I agree with the posters who said some of us stand in the way of our own length potential. For many of us, it takes a total commitment to your hair. Half hearted attempts, consistently inconsistent attempts, or supremely overzealous ones will 9 times out of 10 work against you. You shouldn't have to spend every breathing second agonizing over hair- you just need to learn how to be intune with your hair. Sometimes you have to give your hair the chance to turn around before you begin chasing length. For the first few months to a year or so, you have to realize that you are going to be dealing with some damaged/traumatized hair- depending on your previous level of care. The only hair you can really, really count on is that fresh hair you are growing when you start your care plan. You may have a rocky start, while some can just hop into it and get going-- but you have to try! This is usually the stage where people start selling themselves short.

Then sometimes, some of us have to really sacrifice to get to where we are trying to go--and some of us are reluctant to let certain things go. For instance, (if you are relaxed or color treated) you may go through your hair journey and realize that your hair just does not like chemicals. Its not that you can't reach BSL or WSL, but for you-- reaching BSL or WSL with relaxed or bleached/colored hair isn't going to happen. Or the culprit for you might be heat use. You may be a prime genetic candidate for WSL length, but because you refuse to let go of some of the heat you think growing past APL with nice ends is impossible. Heat is one of the toughest ones to come to grips with. Some of us won't reach our goals (or reach them as fast as we would have) if we keep throwing uncontrolled amounts of heat at our hair. For me, my weakness is color. My hair can take alot, but I know that if I ever permanently color my hair again-- I might as well wrap it up and call it a day. I have to put in 148.87% effort behind this colored mess. My hair does well with relaxers, but does not like being double processed. I know in my life, I'll always need to choose-- relaxer, no color; color, no relaxer. I can't have it both ways, though many sistas here can.

It takes alot of committment to honor what YOUR hair desires. Some people may never reach their full potential -- not because genetics are against them, but because they aren't willing to give their hair the chance and they don't have the resources/knowledge. Being here is a start! Make small attainable goals and believe that you can accomplish them. None of us know what our genetics have to say about our hair so there is no harm in testing the waters. Some will always have it easier than others-- but thats no reason to hang up your satin scarfs and take it sitting down.

Be encouraged y'all.

 

[Miss*Tress]

Gentle, consistent care, and healthy diet are essential. So I never think somebody can't reach their goal, but perhaps they are not doing everything they can on a regular basis to reach it.

For those ladies stuck at a growth plateau, please don't be discouraged. Continue your routines and you will see results.

 

[Proudpiscean]

We have hundreds of women here who had no hair as a child who now have hair flowing down their backs so YES, black women can grow hair and we can achieve long lengths. We have too many people ON THIS BOARD who have turned their hair around for me to believe otherwise. If anyone actually does, just visit so's comparison shot thread...if thats not enough inspiration for you, I don't know what to tell you. Remember not everyone who benefits from this board is a poster, and we have had lots of members who have moved on since attaining their goals.

I agree with the other posters who state care and maintenance factor equally if not more than genetics. I know personally, since going natural, my hair should be 8-10 inches longer than it is now, but I havent been taking consistent care of it. I dont think anyone can say definitively whether or not black women have the genes to grow hair or not. IMO, modern black women (americans in particular) have no clue what lengths our hair can grow to and wont until we reeducate ourselves about and consistently practice proper hair care. We have GENERATIONS of misinformation and abuse. Even in our own families in the year 2006 some of us struggle against myths and bad practices: Infrequent washing possibly leading to scalp fungus, using harsh detergents like joy, poor diet, inferior ingredients, misuse of heat, too frequent relaxing, too frequent trims, relaxing root to tip, too tight braids, improperly attached weaves, stylists or others who will sabotage your efforts, improper handing (ripping a comb or brush through it or not using proper tools: ie a comb with the teeth too fine), and an over all attitude that we should be doing more important things than being vain or delusional enough to want long hair and spend time taking care of it.

As has been mentioned before, if your hair wasnt growing, one relaxer would last you a lifetime. If its coming in at the roots, the effort should be to maintain the ends. The sooner we embrace our hair, relaxed or natural, as the crown of Glory God intented it to be, instead of seeing is as a symbol of shame, the sooner we will reach our goals. Once those under your circle of influence see your progress and then seek knowledge for themselves, then they too will make strides, influence and educate others and eventually long hair on a black woman will be a common occurrence and not the oddity it has been made out to be.

*disclaimer* I'm not addressing anyone in particular, its just MY thoughts on the subject.

Wow, that was very well said!! :notworthy :notworthy
And I agree 100%

 

[Ebonygurl00]

Don't be discouraged hon! Genes play a role in texture, length of growth cycle, and maximum growth rate, but everything else is really up to us! Because we have no way of knowing what is actually coded in our genes, all we can do is try. Don't give up! Start small and work your way up. Concentrate on building health first--- that is your foundation. Length will come from there. A mistake alot of us make starting out is wanting the length right away. When that doesn't happen with our vitamins/growth concoctions and products- some just give up. I also think many people tend to focus on the scalp's ability to produce, when growth truly happens at the ends of the hair. From what I've seen on the boards and in my own personal experience, length building is process that takes many months, and for those of us who are aiming for the lower lengths--years. Just look through hair albums-- many of them have progress that has spanned a year, or two, or three. Regimens may differ, but patience and time are the true common denominators for proven hair growers.

I agree with the posters who said some of us stand in the way of our own length potential. For many of us, it takes a total commitment to your hair. Half hearted attempts, consistently inconsistent attempts, or supremely overzealous ones will 9 times out of 10 work against you. You shouldn't have to spend every breathing second agonizing over hair- you just need to learn how to be intune with your hair. Sometimes you have to give your hair the chance to turn around before you begin chasing length. For the first few months to a year or so, you have to realize that you are going to be dealing with some damaged/traumatized hair- depending on your previous level of care. The only hair you can really, really count on is that fresh hair you are growing when you start your care plan. You may have a rocky start, while some can just hop into it and get going-- but you have to try! This is usually the stage where people start selling themselves short.

Then sometimes, some of us have to really sacrifice to get to where we are trying to go--and some of us are reluctant to let certain things go. For instance, (if you are relaxed or color treated) you may go through your hair journey and realize that your hair just does not like chemicals. Its not that you can't reach BSL or WSL, but for you-- reaching BSL or WSL with relaxed or bleached/colored hair isn't going to happen. Or the culprit for you might be heat use. You may be a prime genetic candidate for WSL length, but because you refuse to let go of some of the heat you think growing past APL with nice ends is impossible. Heat is one of the toughest ones to come to grips with. Some of us won't reach our goals (or reach them as fast as we would have) if we keep throwing uncontrolled amounts of heat at our hair. For me, my weakness is color. My hair can take alot, but I know that if I ever permanently color my hair again-- I might as well wrap it up and call it a day. I have to put in 148.87% effort behind this colored mess. My hair does well with relaxers, but does not like being double processed. I know in my life, I'll always need to choose-- relaxer, no color; color, no relaxer. I can't have it both ways, though many sistas here can.

It takes alot of committment to honor what YOUR hair desires. Some people may never reach their full potential -- not because genetics are against them, but because they aren't willing to give their hair the chance and they don't have the resources/knowledge. Being here is a start! Make small attainable goals and believe that you can accomplish them. None of us know what our genetics have to say about our hair so there is no harm in testing the waters. Some will always have it easier than others-- but thats no reason to hang up your satin scarfs and take it sitting down.

Be encouraged y'all.

Great post!! I think that's what I should've said, genetics are important, but not the most important factor. Some people can take 1 year to grow BSL hair from their shoulders, and others can take 5 years for the same length. Thanks for the post!

 

[Ebonygurl00]

me three! this thread is sorta depressing and makes me wonder if im wasting my time trying to grow my hair out...

Please don't be discouraged!!!

 

[gymfreak336]

Don't be discouraged hon! Genes play a role in texture, length of growth cycle, and maximum growth rate, but everything else is really up to us! Because we have no way of knowing what is actually coded in our genes, all we can do is try. Don't give up! Start small and work your way up. Concentrate on building health first--- that is your foundation. Length will come from there. A mistake alot of us make starting out is wanting the length right away. When that doesn't happen with our vitamins/growth concoctions and products- some just give up. I also think many people tend to focus on the scalp's ability to produce, when growth truly happens at the ends of the hair. From what I've seen on the boards and in my own personal experience, length building is process that takes many months, and for those of us who are aiming for the lower lengths--years. Just look through hair albums-- many of them have progress that has spanned a year, or two, or three. Regimens may differ, but patience and time are the true common denominators for proven hair growers. I agree with the posters who said some of us stand in the way of our own length potential. For many of us, it takes a total commitment to your hair. Half hearted attempts, consistently inconsistent attempts, or supremely overzealous ones will 9 times out of 10 work against you. You shouldn't have to spend every breathing second agonizing over hair- you just need to learn how to be intune with your hair. Sometimes you have to give your hair the chance to turn around before you begin chasing length. For the first few months to a year or so, you have to realize that you are going to be dealing with some damaged/traumatized hair- depending on your previous level of care. The only hair you can really, really count on is that fresh hair you are growing when you start your care plan. You may have a rocky start, while some can just hop into it and get going-- but you have to try! This is usually the stage where people start selling themselves short.

Then sometimes, some of us have to really sacrifice to get to where we are trying to go--and some of us are reluctant to let certain things go. For instance, (if you are relaxed or color treated) you may go through your hair journey and realize that your hair just does not like chemicals. Its not that you can't reach BSL or WSL, but for you-- reaching BSL or WSL with relaxed or bleached/colored hair isn't going to happen. Or the culprit for you might be heat use. You may be a prime genetic candidate for WSL length, but because you refuse to let go of some of the heat you think growing past APL with nice ends is impossible. Heat is one of the toughest ones to come to grips with. Some of us won't reach our goals (or reach them as fast as we would have) if we keep throwing uncontrolled amounts of heat at our hair. For me, my weakness is color. My hair can take alot, but I know that if I ever permanently color my hair again-- I might as well wrap it up and call it a day. I have to put in 148.87% effort behind this colored mess. My hair does well with relaxers, but does not like being double processed. I know in my life, I'll always need to choose-- relaxer, no color; color, no relaxer. I can't have it both ways, though many sistas here can.

It takes alot of committment to honor what YOUR hair desires. Some people may never reach their full potential -- not because genetics are against them, but because they aren't willing to give their hair the chance and they don't have the resources/knowledge. Being here is a start! Make small attainable goals and believe that you can accomplish them. None of us know what our genetics have to say about our hair so there is no harm in testing the waters. Some will always have it easier than others-- but thats no reason to hang up your satin scarfs and take it sitting down.

Be encouraged y'all.

Thanks for posting this. Excellent advice and a much needed pep talk for me atleast

 

[caribeandiva]

i believe everyone can get to waist length if they want to. hey as black women we aren't supposed to have apl hair that isn't weave yet you can do it with healthy hair. then why not bsl or longer?

 

[Proudpiscean]

Don't be discouraged hon! Genes play a role in texture, length of growth cycle, and maximum growth rate, but everything else is really up to us! Because we have no way of knowing what is actually coded in our genes, all we can do is try. Don't give up! Start small and work your way up. Concentrate on building health first--- that is your foundation. Length will come from there. A mistake alot of us make starting out is wanting the length right away. When that doesn't happen with our vitamins/growth concoctions and products- some just give up. I also think many people tend to focus on the scalp's ability to produce, when growth truly happens at the ends of the hair. From what I've seen on the boards and in my own personal experience, length building is process that takes many months, and for those of us who are aiming for the lower lengths--years. Just look through hair albums-- many of them have progress that has spanned a year, or two, or three. Regimens may differ, but patience and time are the true common denominators for proven hair growers.

I agree with the posters who said some of us stand in the way of our own length potential. For many of us, it takes a total commitment to your hair. Half hearted attempts, consistently inconsistent attempts, or supremely overzealous ones will 9 times out of 10 work against you. You shouldn't have to spend every breathing second agonizing over hair- you just need to learn how to be intune with your hair. Sometimes you have to give your hair the chance to turn around before you begin chasing length. For the first few months to a year or so, you have to realize that you are going to be dealing with some damaged/traumatized hair- depending on your previous level of care. The only hair you can really, really count on is that fresh hair you are growing when you start your care plan. You may have a rocky start, while some can just hop into it and get going-- but you have to try! This is usually the stage where people start selling themselves short.

Then sometimes, some of us have to really sacrifice to get to where we are trying to go--and some of us are reluctant to let certain things go. For instance, (if you are relaxed or color treated) you may go through your hair journey and realize that your hair just does not like chemicals. Its not that you can't reach BSL or WSL, but for you-- reaching BSL or WSL with relaxed or bleached/colored hair isn't going to happen. Or the culprit for you might be heat use. You may be a prime genetic candidate for WSL length, but because you refuse to let go of some of the heat you think growing past APL with nice ends is impossible. Heat is one of the toughest ones to come to grips with. Some of us won't reach our goals (or reach them as fast as we would have) if we keep throwing uncontrolled amounts of heat at our hair. For me, my weakness is color. My hair can take alot, but I know that if I ever permanently color my hair again-- I might as well wrap it up and call it a day. I have to put in 148.87% effort behind this colored mess. My hair does well with relaxers, but does not like being double processed. I know in my life, I'll always need to choose-- relaxer, no color; color, no relaxer. I can't have it both ways, though many sistas here can.

It takes alot of committment to honor what YOUR hair desires. Some people may never reach their full potential -- not because genetics are against them, but because they aren't willing to give their hair the chance and they don't have the resources/knowledge. Being here is a start! Make small attainable goals and believe that you can accomplish them. None of us know what our genetics have to say about our hair so there is no harm in testing the waters. Some will always have it easier than others-- but thats no reason to hang up your satin scarfs and take it sitting down.

Be encouraged y'all.

Thanks soo much for those encouraging words! I'm sure you've inspired many.

 

[natstar]

Mizani-thank you soooo much for raising this question. I have been thinking about this for a while. I see ladies on this board w/ BSL or heck even shoulder length and it seems that my hair will never grow. I have read through all the answers and they seem to make sense. By reading this thread I have some encouragement that whatever I do consistency, patience and overall health is key. If my hair stays short but remains healthy I will have to accept it and stop comparing my progress to others cause everyone's journey is different.

 

[MizaniMami]

Please don't be discouraged!!!

Please don't. I didn't make the thread to make anyone feel bad/discouraged. Maybe I shouldn't have asked it just yet, I dunno...

 

[MonaLisa]

Great post!! I think that's what I should've said, genetics are important, but not the most important factor. Some people can take 1 year to grow BSL hair from their shoulders, and others can take 5 years for the same length. Thanks for the post!

Yup. That would be me...
Why you gotta be talkin about me in the thread Ebony?

 

[sylver2]

me three! this thread is sorta depressing and makes me wonder if im wasting my time trying to grow my hair out...

No u are not wasting your time, please dont get discouraged. This board can be discouraging and encouraging at the same time.
Seeing sooo many beautiful heads of hair apl, wl, brastrap can make u wanna lose patience with yourself and want to see results right away. Therefore u gettin frustrated... but..also seein these heads and wonderful progresses like Sistaslick, Mizani, Dsylla can also motivate u because u know they werent always like that. They started from somewhere too.
I use to cry about my hair. My hair was all cut off, uneven, broken off and was taking forever to grow. U just know where u wanna get to and gotta have the patience and keep tryin different regimens. U have an advantage. This board. I wish this board was around when I was growing my hair out. Would have made things so much easier. The tips, progress, albums & advice here are priceless

 

[Ebonygurl00]

Yup. That would be me...
Why you gotta be talkin about me in the thread Ebony?

Your hair grows faster than mine, it'll probably take me 11 years to be shoulder length natural.

 

[MonaLisa]

Your hair grows faster than mine, it'll probably take me 11 years to be shoulder length natural.

....SHCF....

The Slow Hair Care Forum...

We need our own ish!!!