I've had a problem with my kitchen area for a long time. From almost the top of my ears downwards was pretty much about armpit length even when my hair was waist length.
After stumbling upon this forum I decided to experiment and not perm that area. To my surprise that hair was softer than the rest of my head and didn't need to be permed at all. So I stopped perming it, cut it to about my shoulders and showed it a little TLC!
I also started perming in sections. we were taught by hairdressers to perm from the nape going up and that was damaging my hair because the perm would be left on there the longest.
Now that section of hair is healthy and growing fine. Thanks to you ladies.
Even though it runs in the family to have that section of hair shorter than the rest, it's healthier and retaining length. I doubt it will ever be as long as the rest but I'll try!