growing out hair

Joan, I'm in the same position you are. My hair is finally down to my shoulder blades, and my bangs are about an inch below my chin:-) It's very thick and curly/frizzy. You didn't say how long your hair was, but when I have a really bad hair day I like to wear a baseball cap to work. You may not be able to wear one to work though. I felt like an idiot at first, but now I like wearing one. I just pull my hair through the back of the hat and tuck my bangs up under it. And I've finally realized I have to experiment a lot with my hair to really figure out ways I can wear it. And when you wanna run get it cut, just remember that every day you let it grow, it's a day closer to looking the way you want it:-)Related Link:Worldwide Beauty Store

You sound just like my sister Sherri! She has the same kind of hair and is trying to grow it out. On bad hair days she barrets the front (from ear to ear) at the back of her head ( did that make sense? I wish I could draw a picture!) She also uses styling aids to tame it down. Since I am the only one she will trust to cut it she has been letting me keep the length shorter while the layers catch up. Each time I cut it I cut about one inch on the bottom and blend it into the shortest layers without taking more than 1/8th of an inch of the shortest layers. This has given her a styles that are easier to work with. I'd also recommend scalp massage. This stimulates the blood flow to the hair follicles.Good Luck, Angel O:)

> I was wondering if anyone had any helpful> suggestions on what to do with it and what to do when> I want to run out to the hair stylists and chop it> off.My best suggestion is to be involved here - I find the supportive atmosphere a big help when I am discouraged about my hair, and when I have a problem or a question, this is where I turn. (I'm about to post a question, actually, just now.) I can't say much as far as curly hair (mine won't curl even with help!), but I know how frustrating awkward stages can be. When I was growing my hair out, I didn't have anywhere like this to turn (I began growing from chin length a bit over 5 years ago), and it was hard.One thing I can suggest - learn how to French braid on yourself. Two French braids (one on each side of a center or side part) can do a lot to tame things on a bad hair day, and they look a little less childish than plain pigtails or braids. Hair doesn't even have to be terribly long to do them on the sides, and all the practice from doing those will help when your hair gets long enough to do one in back (where you can't see it without 2 mirrors).Good luck!Laura Janelswanson@sunflower.bio.indiana.edu