growing out hair

> I have had a short style for quite some time.> I want to grow it out, but everytime it reaches> a certain point I get frustrated at end up cutting> it all off again. The bangs are always the first> to go, followed by the rest...I would really like> to let it all grow out...any ideas anyone????thanks> for your help.I know just how you feel. I was at that stage for a good 4 years before I was able to really start growing it out. Now my hair is about shoulder length and it's just gotten through one of those awkward phases. (Thank god!) Here's some of my suggestions:1. Examine the reasons why you usually get frustrated with it and address those frustrations. For me it was 2 main things... One that my hair was in poor condition and tangled a lot when it was longer, so I started taking much better care of it. And two that my hair was unmanegable at certain lengths because it's very thick and unruly, however I came to realize that as it got longer the weight of hair would help balance it out and bring it under control. You may have other things that bug you about it... think about them and see if you can address them without cutting your hair.2. See if you can find a long hair specialist stylist. This made all the difference for me. A long hair specialist will cut VERY little off your hair, just enough to keep a clean line and eliminate splits. Because you're having just a teeny bit trimmed, your hair will seem to grow out faster which will get you through the awkward phases as quick as possible.3. If you're just bored with your hair just hanging there (hey, it happens) try some new styles. Or if you have the money go to a good salon and ask them to wash and style your hair without cutting it. That way you can get a fun new look and keep growing your hair. Just make sure the stylist understands that you don't want it cut and is willing to follow your request.4. Get some support and encouragement. Does your boyfriend like longer hair? Do your friends also want to grow their hair out but always get sidetracked? Ask them to help you stick to your guns. If you're getting frustrated post to this board, you'll get a lot of sympathy and support. Find some role models, women with hair similar to yours who have a length you admire. Remember them when you're ready to throw in the towel.5. Most importantly: Have patience. It takes time and sometimes you'll have to just wait out an awkward phase. Wait it out and I'm sure you'll be happy you did.Good luck.-jennifer

Tracy--Stick it out! As one friend advised me, "You just have to ignore your hair for a while."When your hair is at all different lengths and between styles, it's easy to look in the mirror and conclude that long hair just won't flatter you. In truth, though, you won't get a good idea of how your hair will look long until it's past your shoulders and fairly uniform in length.When you get the urge to cut, remind yourself that you'll have to relive all those bad hair days when you change your mind again. Remind yourself there's a /reason/ you keep starting to grow it out: Either you're not really happy with it short, or you really just want long hair!Buy a magazine with photos of long-haired models or celebs to inspire you. (I have the "Titanic" coffee table book, and every time I flip through the pictures of Kate Winslet with her gorgeous, waist-length hair, it reinforces my determination to grow mine out.) Also, take meticulous care of your hair so that you have to trim as little a possible, and so you don't have damage on top of the "choppy" effect.Finally, check out Valentine's "hair history" on her Web page. Most of us can relate!G'luck! Ally