Not posting cuz you jealous?? that's me!!!

[mika vs sasha]

Just wondering if I'm the only person who checks this site everyday but don't engage in conversation because you're upset that your hair isn't growing. The past six months have been hard for me, I didn't any growth. I have such hair envy, right now! everyone on here is doing such a good job, I see so many inspirational ladies. I keeping thinking why them and not me, when is it going to be my turn? Maybe I'm just in a rut and I'm missing out by not being an active member.

 

[Kimberly]

Just wondering if I'm the only person who checks this site everyday but don't engage in conversation because you're upset that your hair isn't growing. The past six months have been hard for me, I didn't any growth. I have such hair envy, right now! everyone on here is doing such a good job, I see so many inspirational ladies. I keeping thinking why them and not me, when is it going to be my turn? Maybe I'm just in a rut and I'm missing out by not being an active member.

Oh...{{{hugs}}}...I know how you feel. I often find myself in that rut. But don't sit over there and suffer in silence. Jump in and join the convos. I'm sure it will help you feel better, not so isolated, and you'll know you are not alone. We are here to support each other.

 

[PacificPurinsesu]

Remember everyone started from somewhere! If everyone had healthy hair this board would not exsist! It takes time and of course alot of patience! Hang in there and you too will see the results of your hard work.
I spend alot of time in the archived topics and find alot of info! I do not post alot because I use the search feature and find alot of answers over there! Try it and if not, ask!
The ladies here are really sweet and please ask questions, maybe someone else will benefit from your question.
Take it one day at a time! Happy Growing!

 

[ohsosuzy]

Oh...{{{hugs}}}...I know how you feel. I often find myself in that rut. But don't sit over there and suffer in silence. Jump in and join the convos. I'm sure it will help you feel better, not so isolated, and you'll know you are not alone. We are here to support each other.

ITA.... I think we've all be at a point where we've been disappointed in our growth. I kinda felt how you felt and even though I've been a member for a while, it wasn't unitl I started participating in convos that I noticed a difference in my hair. I think participating made me take more notice of my hair forcing me to really take care of it if I really wanted to achieve my hair goals.

And since you've got our attention why don't you share so of your hair issues with us and maybe someone can help get your growth/retention jump started

 

[IMFOCSD]

Just wondering if I'm the only person who checks this site everyday but don't engage in conversation because you're upset that your hair isn't growing. The past six months have been hard for me, I didn't any growth. I have such hair envy, right now! everyone on here is doing such a good job, I see so many inspirational ladies. I keeping thinking why them and not me, when is it going to be my turn? Maybe I'm just in a rut and I'm missing out by not being an active member.

Aww, it will be okay. It will get better just be patient. I had to tell myself the same thing. I would come to this site everyday (for over a year) for hours researching different things. At that time my hair was a steaming hot mess and I would get so depressed because my hair was not getting any better. I had to learn the hard way that being patient is key. Whats the point in me getting upset everyday like that was going to speed things up. I had to realize that my hair is going to grow at the same rate whether I am anxious or patient... So I chose patience. Along with co-washing, baggying and bunning. Hold ya head up girly!

 

[sholly6]

welcome to the group why do you think your hair is not growing? also, what are you doing with your hair tell us your regimen so maybe we can help and walk you through?

 

[DivaRox]

Very interesting admission. I see you've got your big girl pants on and are not afraid to share some not so pretty feelings. But, even though you are not achieving the results you desire, go forward from this point and see what you can do differently. If you've tried this and that and others are seeing results from it but you're not, keep going and experimenting until you find what works for your hair, budget, schedule, etc. Quite frankly, I hadn't been posting because I am notorious for starting new ventures and losing interest. When I saw that finally something was holding my attention and was helpful, I decided to get more involved. I turned to the forum after seeing no growth for probably a good 4 months. This had never happened and was kinda nerve wracking. I learned about growth aids RIGHT HERE and they've been so good for my growth and got rid of my itchy, flaky scalp(bonus). SOOOOOOOOOOOO, don't give up missy! I'll be posting pics from using the mn on my braids and also from using the BT(just started) but I still love to see the other ladies pics because it just proves to me that all things (hair) are possible.

 

[IMFOCSD]

Oh...{{{hugs}}}...I know how you feel. I often find myself in that rut. But don't sit over there and suffer in silence. Jump in and join the convos. I'm sure it will help you feel better, not so isolated, and you'll know you are not alone. We are here to support each other.

Yup, I totally agree!

 

[firecracker]

All Mika-vs-Sasha don't despair and don't covet. Try those hairaerobic vitamins. They sure made my sisters hair grow and thicken.

Does your screen name have anything to do with two people living inside you?

 

[Tee]

Alot of great tips and advice are listed above. Hop on in there.

*Remember: Your hair is growing. Retaining it is the tricky part. Once you figure out a regimen and learn what products agree with you hair, you will see a major change. Hang in there.

 

[HoneyDew]

Just wondering if I'm the only person who checks this site everyday but don't engage in conversation because you're upset that your hair isn't growing. The past six months have been hard for me, I didn't any growth. I have such hair envy, right now! everyone on here is doing such a good job, I see so many inspirational ladies. I keeping thinking why them and not me, when is it going to be my turn? Maybe I'm just in a rut and I'm missing out by not being an active member.

Well, at least you are posting now!

Honey, you are not alone. I see people with these extraordinary progress pics and it puts my pics to shame. But, I don't think you should feel jealous. We all make our own small steps, you know. Even if they are bad steps, they are things to learn from. I had to get huge sections of chewed up hair in order to learn that I needed to step away from the blowdryer.

Besides growth rentention, itself - have you made any other hair progress? For me, I am not seeing much growth because I cut about an inch every 2 months so that I can grow out layers. That's my #1 goal and I have gotten much more thickness, healthier hair and MUCH easier styling time as a result. That is good enough for me because I know that over time it will only get better.

Why don't you think you are retaining any length anyway? You know the ladies here can really help you.

 

[mika vs sasha]

Thanks ladies, this is place for me!!!
So, It's been six months and I've only be able to retain about an inch and half, if that! My ends keep breaking, it's just snap,snap, snap. I just bought some black castor oil so maybe that will help, only been using for two days. Also, my hair is so dry that it keep breaking. Any suggestions for a great leave in conditioner?

 

[HoneyDew]

Thanks ladies, this is place for me!!!
So, It's been six months and I've only be able to retain about an inch and half, if that! My ends keep breaking, it's just snap,snap, snap. I just bought some black castor oil so maybe that will help, only been using for two days. Also, my hair is so dry that it keep breaking. Any suggestions for a great leave in conditioner?

I use Sidr Tree Butter Balm as my leave in. I have been using Natural Oasis the seal in moisture and that has been great! Could it be that you need a protein treatment, as well. You may want to check out: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=84746

 

[DivaRox]

What about a protein treatment? I have color in my hair so between braids I have been deep conditioning. BUT, the other day I searched through the hair recipe board and googled some things and figured out that maybe my hair needed protein to protect it from breaking, etc. I whipped up some egg whites along with a brown egg, a couple of dashes of acv, a couple of spoons of all natural plain yogurt and (I know-mad scientist) some cholesterol conditioner(for smell really) and let it sit for about an hour. My hair was so soft and smooth, yet strong-my comb through left 0 strands in the comb.

 

[Isis]

I agree with HoneyDew and DivaRox about protein. Learning how to have a good protein/moisture balance with your hair is one of the keys to retaining length as it grows. Keeping your ends moisturized is very important.

 

[IMFOCSD]

Thanks ladies, this is place for me!!!
So, It's been six months and I've only be able to retain about an inch and half, if that! My ends keep breaking, it's just snap,snap, snap. I just bought some black castor oil so maybe that will help, only been using for two days. Also, my hair is so dry that it keep breaking. Any suggestions for a great leave in conditioner?

Hi,

Have you tried co-washing? I think co-washing is one of the best things you can do for your hair. I also need a good leave in conditioner .

 

[CAPlush]

If I were you I would go on the fotki's of some of the long hair icons on this board to get a model regimen. For the most part they have explained in great detail what the have done and what they have refrained from doing to retain length. The most important things are to lay off of the heat, rough combing, and frequent relaxers, and to get control of your protein/moisture balance by using protein treatments and moisture treatments regularly.

 

[klb120475]

Very interesting admission. I see you've got your big girl pants on and are not afraid to share some not so pretty feelings. But, even though you are not achieving the results you desire, go forward from this point and see what you can do differently. If you've tried this and that and others are seeing results from it but you're not, keep going and experimenting until you find what works for your hair, budget, schedule, etc. Quite frankly, I hadn't been posting because I am notorious for starting new ventures and losing interest. When I saw that finally something was holding my attention and was helpful, I decided to get more involved. I turned to the forum after seeing no growth for probably a good 4 months. This had never happened and was kinda nerve wracking. I learned about growth aids RIGHT HERE and they've been so good for my growth and got rid of my itchy, flaky scalp(bonus). SOOOOOOOOOOOO, don't give up missy! I'll be posting pics from using the mn on my braids and also from using the BT(just started) but I still love to see the other ladies pics because it just proves to me that all things (hair) are possible.

Co-signing....when I look at the starting point of other ladies hair, then look at were they are now, it gives me hope that if I stay true to my haircare, one day my hair can be an inspiration to others.

 

[Hair Peace]

I am notorious for starting new ventures and losing interest.

The same is true for me to an extent. I'll be on it for a few days, if not weeks, and then fall off. Then I'll get back on track. I don't post that often b/c I don't have the kind of job where I can be on the computer (gotta teach the kids something ) so when I get on at night I mostly try to catch up on what's been going on.

 

[MzOptimistic]

Thanks ladies, this is place for me!!!
So, It's been six months and I've only be able to retain about an inch and half, if that! My ends keep breaking, it's just snap,snap, snap. I just bought some black castor oil so maybe that will help, only been using for two days. Also, my hair is so dry that it keep breaking. Any suggestions for a great leave in conditioner?

Aww, don't feel bad (((hugs))) as the ladies stated, you need to get your regimen on point and stick with it. I love Giovanni Direct Leave In and NTM silk touch. Maybe you should baggie your ends for a while, since it's breaking so much. What have you been doing to your hair? What's your regimen? Do you use protein? Do you deep condition? Don't worry we'll help you get your regimen on point, if you need help

ETA: What's your hair type?

 

[trulyurangel82]

aww *hugs*
I totally understand. I just had a big stepback and had to start all over. Not really liking my hair this short. Cant do much with it.
I check this site almost everyday because its so inspiring.
Hang in there.
Your hair will grow.
Believe me. My hair was even a hotter mess than it already is now before and this site really helped my hair grow back out.. What helped me was drinking water, taking vitamins, getting my hair relaxed professionally, deep conditioning and only putting heat on my hair once a week.

The biggest mistake I did was trying to self relax months ago that all my progress just went down the drain. I really regret it. Sometimes that happens I guess. it sucks and honestly I cried when I got my hair cut real short and saw how thinner it was but it was probably for the best to have it cut.

Good luck.

 

[trulyurangel82]

What about a protein treatment? I have color in my hair so between braids I have been deep conditioning. BUT, the other day I searched through the hair recipe board and googled some things and figured out that maybe my hair needed protein to protect it from breaking, etc. I whipped up some egg whites along with a brown egg, a couple of dashes of acv, a couple of spoons of all natural plain yogurt and (I know-mad scientist) some cholesterol conditioner(for smell really) and let it sit for about an hour. My hair was so soft and smooth, yet strong-my comb through left 0 strands in the comb.

I agree on the protien. My hair turned into a disastor when I was a freshman yrs ago in college. I was using heat on it everyday which is a big no no *shakes head*. It just kept breaking. Looked like someone chewed on my hair.
What stopped it was ors mayonaiise for damaged hair.

 

[CoCoEspresso]

Just wondering if I'm the only person who checks this site everyday but don't engage in conversation because you're upset that your hair isn't growing. The past six months have been hard for me, I didn't any growth. I have such hair envy, right now! everyone on here is doing such a good job, I see so many inspirational ladies. I keeping thinking why them and not me, when is it going to be my turn? Maybe I'm just in a rut and I'm missing out by not being an active member.

I can totally see where you are coming from. I discovered this site in August of last year, but I only joined in March. I continued to lurk until today, when I made my first post. I'm not really in a rut- well at least I don't think so, I'll see on Friday what kind of progress I have made after my touch up. Hair used to consume my thoughts. After years of frustration, about my hair, I finally made the decision to turn things around. I dropped many hard to break habits and I changed my m.o. Now that I've done that I've been kind of sitting here likeerplexed. It doesn't help either that I have been protective styling everyday and stretching for the past 16 weeks. In short, it's a necessary evil, but it still sucks. Although I didn't post, simply lurking, stalking fotkis and ready the amazing progress threads has slightly discouraged and encouraged me. However, I have learned that keeping it simple for me is the best way to combat this. I see raves everyday about a new product or technique and I would go crazy if I attempted them all. I just can't. I know that my hair has made leaps and bounds from a year ago. Consider what your indicator of progress is and try to change your mindset. Remember length doesn't equal health. Also, you can't use other people as a measuring guide to your success. We all have different starting points and different problems to correct.

 

[CoCoEspresso]

I just read the rest of the thread.
What is your regimen? What products do you use? I am sure we can pinpoint the problem. Do you have any harmful hair habits? If you do, then eliminating these will surely stop the breakage from compounding. After that, (as the previous ladies mentioned) you need to evaluate the hair's condition and assess its needs. Maybe you could try the simple water test in which you place a strand of hair in water to see if it needs protein or moisture.

 

[tapioca_pudding]

I dont post as often as I would like becuz I honestly think Im the only one here w/ a very short relaxed hair style (see avatar pic/fotki). So I feel like in terms of styling, etc, Im kinda on my own until my hair grows and ppl can give more suggestions. Im prolly WRONG but thats how I feel.

Now as far as health... Im so intrigued and anxious to learn all the things Ive been doing wrong w/ my hair (and, most importantly, CORRECT them) that Im more apt to post if I have specific concerns/needs. And whatever response I get Im super appreciative. Its such a wealth of information from the ladies on this board. And they are SO WILLING to help and assist however they can. Just keep posting....

 

[HoneyDew]

I can totally see where you are coming from. I discovered this site in August of last year, but I only joined in March. I continued to lurk until today, when I made my first post. I'm not really in a rut- well at least I don't think so, I'll see on Friday what kind of progress I have made after my touch up. Hair used to consume my thoughts. After years of frustration, about my hair, I finally made the decision to turn things around. I dropped many hard to break habits and I changed my m.o. Now that I've done that I've been kind of sitting here likeerplexed. It doesn't help either that I have been protective styling everyday and stretching for the past 16 weeks. In short, it's a necessary evil, but it still sucks. Although I didn't post, simply lurking, stalking fotkis and ready the amazing progress threads has slightly discouraged and encouraged me. However, I have learned that keeping it simple for me is the best way to combat this. I see raves everyday about a new product or technique and I would go crazy if I attempted them all. I just can't. I know that my hair has made leaps and bounds from a year ago. Consider what your indicator of progress is and try to change your mindset. Remember length doesn't equal health. Also, you can't use other people as a measuring guide to your success. We all have different starting points and different problems to correct.

I totally agree with this bolded part!! I feel this way about my hair and progress. If I used others as an indicator, I would be one discouraged sista. But I know that my hair has improved so much in the past year and many of the problems I had been dealing with are NO MORE. I was looking at my the picture on my security badge today. It is dated April 3rd, 2006. There is such a HUGE difference in my hair since then. I wish that I had that pic so I could post it as a comparison.

And kels823, you are not the only one girl!!

 

[br0wney3z]

Thanks ladies, this is place for me!!!
So, It's been six months and I've only be able to retain about an inch and half, if that! My ends keep breaking, it's just snap,snap, snap. I just bought some black castor oil so maybe that will help, only been using for two days. Also, my hair is so dry that it keep breaking. Any suggestions for a great leave in conditioner?

I recently joined the site, and I was going through the same thing you are. Mine was due more to impatience though. I started being more active in my hair care and wanted to see changes the very next day and have healthy hair ASAP. I am slowly, but surely realizing that its not going to work that way and instead I am focusing on what my hair likes and dislikes.

Last week I was so upset b/c it seemed like my ends just would not stop breaking, I posted my problems, got some feedback and decided to look at the products I was using. A lot of them contained some form of 'cone' or another, so I decided to scrap all that and buy products with no cones. I finally stumbled on Giovanni products, I used the leave-in yesterday after a co-wash, tied my scarf on and went to bed. I woke up this morning and not only did my hair feel wonderfully soft and moisturized, I saw a noticeably less breakage. So I am singing the praises of these products all over the board today b/c I am so excited that I found something that works for me. You may want to try that, its worth a shot. HTH.

 

[gymfreak336]

I totally agree with this bolded part!! I feel this way about my hair and progress. If I used others as an indicator, I would be one discouraged sista. But I know that my hair has improved so much in the past year and many of the problems I had been dealing with are NO MORE. I was looking at my the picture on my security badge today. It is dated April 3rd, 2006. There is such a HUGE difference in my hair since then. I wish that I had that pic so I could post it as a comparison.

And kels823, you are not the only one girl!!

Yeah, what she said. Honeydew is right, you can't compare your hair to others. I have been bouncing back and forth from ear length to almost shoulder length for almost 2 years but my hair is sooo much better. My boyfriends mom told me that my hair pics look like I was wearing a wig because my hair is soo shiney. The quality of the hair on my head now it completely different now. I do sometimes get a pang of green eyed envy when I see all the long flowy locks here but I know that if I keep learning and keep up my healthy hair habits, then one day I will be able to start a "Just got to bra-strap" thread and the ladies will show their excitement for me just as I have for them. Everytime some one here reaches their goals, it makes it easier for everyone else because we just gained another resource and living proof that with patience and a whole lot of conditioning, you can get there.

 

[CoCoEspresso]

I have been bouncing back and forth from ear length to almost shoulder length for almost 2 years but my hair is sooo much better. My boyfriends mom told me that my hair pics look like I was wearing a wig because my hair is soo shiney. The quality of the hair on my head now it completely different now. I do sometimes get a pang of green eyed envy when I see all the long flowy locks here but I know that if I keep learning and keep up my healthy hair habits, then one day I will be able to start a "Just got to bra-strap" thread and the ladies will show their excitement for me just as I have for them.

ITA. I remember just a year ago, my hair was hovering above shoulder length and it was falling out. I mean I didn't have to touch it or anything. There were literally strands all over my shirt and people would always comment on it. I know that a combination of stress and unhealthy hair habits produced this. Now I have made changes and my hair has thrived. I might not be at BSL, but I know where my hair has been and thus I am appreciative of where it is now. I remember when I got my first "wig" comment, I was like. That's when I realized what progress I had made. To have people compliment and ask what products I use though my hair isn't flowing down my back. I have really calmed down with the negative thoughts. Rather than focus on what my hair is not, I focus on what my hair is. All in all, though I spend a lot of time on this site, I don't think too much about my hair. Protective styling and a simple regimen will do this. It literally takes me 30 seconds to do my hair in the morning. I know that worrying about it won't give me anymore growth. When I put my hair on the backburner, I looked up and it was night and day.

 

[gymfreak336]

ITA. I remember just a year ago, my hair was hovering above shoulder length and it was falling out. I mean I didn't have to touch it or anything. There were literally strands all over my shirt and people would always comment on it. I know that a combination of stress and unhealthy hair habits produced this. Now I have made changes and my hair has thrived. I might not be at BSL, but I know where my hair has been and thus I am appreciative of where it is now. I remember when I got my first "wig" comment, I was like. That's when I realized what progress I had made. To have people compliment and ask what products I use though my hair isn't flowing down my back. I have really calmed down with the negative thoughts. Rather than focus on what my hair is not, I focus on what my hair is. All in all, though I spend a lot of time on this site, I don't think too much about my hair. Protective styling and a simple regimen will do this. It literally takes me 30 seconds to do my hair in the morning. I know that worrying about it won't give me anymore growth. When I put my hair on the backburner, I looked up and it was night and day.

You are soo right. When I stopped obessing, my hair started doing better and it did get easier.