Hi Everyone...My Update!

Welcome back, Longbraidz You've got the nerves for it, woman! I can hear you roar from all the way over here. Your commitment is inspiring... growing out from a G.I. Jane  (LOVE that movie)

Anais

Hi AnaisSatin and Grace912,

Thank You for the wonderful compliment's AnaisSatin. Grace912, I picked up hair clippers on March 12th, 2004 and did as Demi Moore did...the total buzz cut.  It really took alot of courage for me to do that. I honestly had no choice at the time because my hair was so damaged and beyond repair. I now can actually smile and even laugh about it. I'am sure Demi got paid ALOT of money to do what she did but I was also compensated in the form of new found knowledge...and that is priceless to me. I have learned so much about better hair care since then and everyone here at the site is so encouraging! My hair grows in spurts. I sometimes get 3/4 of an inch monthly growth and sometimes even a whole inch a month. It has been 1 year and 5 months since my buzz cut. I will probably celebrate my 2 year growth with a good trim but NEVER a complete haircut and NEVER anything short!!!! My short term hair growth goal is to my bra strap...my next hair growth goal is to my butt...and my long term hair growth goal is to the back of my knees. These are just life's little hurdles to me and I can only jump them one at a time with the help of motivation, commitment, and patience. Avoiding chemicals and scissors also makes it a bit easier.

Edited by LongBraidz

Thank You Longhairdreams,

You had a shaved head too...wasn't it wild?! A shaved head definantly has it benefits:

1. I found that my scull was round and not lumpy.

2. I had no scalp scars.

3. I saved on shampoo and conditioners.

4. No use for combs, brushes, hair clips, ponytail holders etc...

5. People paid more attention to my face.

the list goes on and on but I'am not trying to "sell" the idea that a shaved head is best. I prefer long hair and always have. I shaved my head at a VERY bad time in my life. I was recovering from a hysterectomy so I had alot of feminity issues after my surgery. To make myself feel more "girlish" I focused on my hair. I chemically processed my hair twice and with those two combinations and unstable hormones my hair got completely fried so I did the buzz cut clear to the scalp. Afterwards I cried. I didn't feel liberated but oddly enough...stronger. I learned something from that part of my life that I will carry with me always and that is simply that a uterus and long hair dosen't make a woman complete. It's what is in a womans heart and soul is what makes her unique.

 

Hi Longbraidz, and welcome back!  So good to hear you upbeat and positive (and making great progress toward your hair goals, too).

Great to see you, LongBraidz, and what an inspiration you are! I´m so happy that you are happy with your growth, and confident enough to get through formal occassions without rushing to the hair dresser!

Bob S wrote: The "empowerment" issue that *you* discuss, LHD, is a very sad commentary, in my view. So many women struggle with beauty issues. I wish young women would simply accept themselves as fully valued human beings, and enjoy being themselves. Hair has zero to do with a person's worth. *sigh* Blessings, Bob

You are so right, Bob, unfortunately. Many women never get to this point however, and never experience the liberation from the beauty-angst. I wish everyone would. That´s what "girl power" should be all about...

I totally admire you for your strength.  I also envy your ability to be comfortable in any hair style . 
What's funny is that for as long as I can remember, I have HATED my hair.  It wasn't the wash-n-go type, and I remember SPECIFICALLY coming home in 1st grade numerous times crying to my mother about being the only one in class with curly hair aside from a boy in my class.  LOL, it was devastating to me to be "different." 
I'd say it wasn't until about my freshman year of college (which was 2 years ago) that I really started to love my curls.  I'd leave it down rather than ALWAYS put it up, and I actually LIKED looking different from all of the girls who flat-ironed their hair.  However, it took me a long time to get used to the feeling of hair on my neck as I had always worn it up.  At times I was uncomfortable of how voluminous it was, or how much attention it may have been attracting, so I always carried an extra elastic with me, lol. 
My point is, I probably would not be comfortable ever shaving my head...not that I wouldn't like to empower myself, but somehow I feel that growing my hair out long would do just that.  I have never ever had hair longer than an inch or two past my shoulders, lol.  My hair is just so heavy and wavy that I always cut it or something to get it off my neck.  But I am gonna do it this time.  Not necessarily to be more feminine but to resist indulging in my every urge to change my appearance. 
I commend you!