Help with the shape of my hair

My mother says that my hair will never grow out long, only grow out as in get bigger! My hair is quite thick and wavy and sometiems puffy. It's not quite as big as it was when it was a little shorter or maybe I'm just using different shampoos.

MY hair has barely grown over the last few months.
What can I do?
Is there a chance it might not grow to about 4 or 5 inches below my shoulders?

Please help!

Hair does go through a "puffy" stage when you start growing it. If you leave it alone (i.e. don't cut it) it will eventually start flattening out from it's own weight. As for your hair growth, the average is 1/2 inch (1.3cm) per month. Some people grow more, some less. How is your health? Are you eating good food? Getting plenty of rest? Taking a break from stress? Anything that effects your general health will effect your hair growth.

Maybe my progress pictures will encourage you. At the bottom of the page is my "poofy" awkward stage. As you scroll up you will see that my hair got flatter as it got longer. Just hang in there and avoid getting your hair cut, it just makes it take longer.

Gollan

During some down time here at work, browsing thru our board, skimming for things I may have overlooked. Checked out your progressive pics..then took a gander at the side by side, before/after. Just wanted to let you know I really like the after...was interesting to see the change(s) as your growth progressed.

Thanks for sharing and cudos on the patience required to let hair grow!! I like looking at pics folks share...is refreshing to see a male take on things.

See ya

Thanks for the encouraging comments folks. While I'm certain that I know what I want for myself, like anyone going through a big hair change there are moments of self-doubt so the encouragement really helps.

Vineman, you are right people with curly hair spend a lot longer in the awkward stage before it starts to flaten but eventually it does. This link shows a bunch of men's hair progress pictures. Some of these guys have very curly/wavy hair. Maybe you'll see one that has similar hair to yours. The article On Being a Longhair has some good advice for dealing with the awkward stage. Good luck, it will get better with time.