I've worn my hair a few inches past my shoulders for several years ...but constantly went through phases of neglect such that I had to cut and grow out again and again -- or my hair just broke off due to lack of conditioning, heat, etc. So stupid of me to take growth for granted.
Well, in October I took a good look and noticed how horribly damaged my hair was and that it was much shorter than the year before and that I had a few sections where hair had broken off just above the shoulder
and my hair was barely at my shoulder. Don't even mention short pieces at the top.
Horrified, I searched the web for help, found this site, and vowed to stop taking my hair for granted. So, it's been six months for me. I just relaxed today and am grazing armpit length (but I still have the front sides at shoulder). And my hair is not not as thick as I want. I had damage at the crown and need to still grow that out to add to thickness.
My goal is for my entire head of hair to be thick, healthy brastrap length (hopefully by the end of summer or early fall).
I almost like the way my hair looks now, although I miss my thickness of old. I used to be able to grow without care, but now I see those days are over and I need lots of care.
When I think about how I carelessly neglected my hair I want to cry.
But I believe by this October (a year's time) I'll be pretty satisfied. Then hopefully, I'll have lost all my weight too and have the nerve to post some pictures!