Newbie pic

I finally took a photo and measured my hair - I hope I can figure out how to send this photo correctly! My hair is 17 3/4 inches long. I am happy that it is below shoulder length now, but wish it was longer and shinier! Baby steps I guess - I'm just learning how to take care of it. I have eliminated all drying and heat styling(!) and I'm doing all the vitamin, excercise and healthy eating tips, plus wearing it in braids most days.

Well done Kitty!

Thanks for letting us see your hair. Did you just have it in braids or is that natural wave? Is it all one length? It actually looks a little longer than 17 and 3/4 inches. It looks about the same length as mine (which is/was 19 and 3/4). I have a fair bit of curl though, so when I stretch it out it measures longer than it looks.

Good idea to eliminate all the heat from your hair routine. You will have long shiny hair before you know it! Hang in there

Thank you for the encouragement! My hair is all one length except for some bangs. I have natural wave, but my hair was in braids all day and I had just taken them out and combed it through. Without braids, the wave would go all the way to the top of my hair. I took the picture with a cell phone - the pic is actually of the bathroom mirror which was reflecting my hair....no one was home so I did it this way, which is why the pic is a little fuzzy. Cats and dogs aren't good photographers I guess. I appreciate the kind words and will keep you posted on my progress.

You're off to a great start, SpecialKitty!  I'm sure your hair will continue to look better and better as the weeks and months progress.

SpecialKitty wrote: I think my hair is similar to yours in some ways, so you are definitely an inspiration!

My hair is naturally straight ("1b"), but the waves in the pic are from braiding when wet.

Your hair is about the length mine was 12 years ago, only I had more layers.  It was to my waist 3 1/2 to 4 years later...