new thread
Hi all:
I used to post here on a semi-regular basis under (most recently) the user name JB but have mostly been lurking over the past 20 months or so. I thought it was time to reintroduce myself in case my experience of growing out for the second time can be of any help to a first-timer.
Back story: In 2002, I started growing my hair out from a short cut of about 1 inch on top, even shorter elsewhere. I went through the normal growing pains of dealing with the awkward stage and the frustration of having curly hair. (If curliness could be measured on a scale from 1 to 10 -- with 10 being tight spiral curls -- I'd say my hair's a 6 or 7.)
I persevered and ended up with hair below the shoulder blades, and I loved it. However, in December 2007, after several months of thought, I cut it all down to just 2 inches or so, mainly because I was ready for a change, and I never regretted it. I had regular trims for a year or so, then late last year/early this year decided to grow it out again.
The second time around I've actually enjoyed the process. I've finally embraced my curls, thanks in no small part to a stylist (and good friend) who has taught me how to deal with them. The first time I was growing, I straightened my hair with a flat iron on a regular basis, otherwise the curls would just go limp and unruly mid-day. This time, my friend taught me to use mousse to enhance the curls: In short, when your hair's still damp, rub some mousse between your hands and scrunch it starting from the ends, then let it air dry. Minimal effort is required, as if you scrunch too much it gets ratty. I get many more compliments on my hair now than when I was straightening it, and I think that in most cases, the natural look (be it straight or curly) suits the person better.
So here we are in August 2009 and the back is touching the collar. I recently realized I avoided the frustration of the awkward phase, mostly because I learned how to maximize what I had. I'm also taking better care of my hair this time around...no flat ironing and no harsh products (specifically, I use natural products such as Jason Thin-to-Thick shampoo and conditioner and Giovanni air-turbo charged mousse). My goal length is mid-back, and unlike last time, when I usually kept my hair in a tail (which flattens out the curls that are pulled back), I plan on going sans tail most of the time.
Hopefully this will be of some help to anyone growing out for the first time. Just remember that the experience can be fun if you know how to handle it, and the end result is definitely worth it.
Thanks for listening, and I look forward to being an active member of the board once again.
Cheers,
Jeremy
HI Jeremy,
You look fantastic. Thanks for the update, and the back story. I have "wavy" hair, which is a bit less curly, but I, too, got frustrated the "first time around". A couple of years ago, I cut off 15 inches, just "for a change". I did actually regret it, so I started growing it back immediately. I am at around 20 months, and am "embracing the curl" too. It is a heck of a lot easier, and the best advice I got here on the board was simply to comb it back when wet, then let it sort ITSELF out as it dries. I too, put in some curl enhancement on the ends at times, but it is not really necessary. It is a couple of inches past my shoulders now, but I am going for lots more length; at least another year. I basically discovered I was shampooing/conditioning it too much, and going a day with just a good water rinse works fine. Curly hair seems to be thirsty, and needs its own oils, so I try not to take um out every day.
Your curls look wonderful, and I am sure that you get lots of notice from the ladies who which theirs would do the same.
-daniel, glad to be doing the "second time around" too
Hi Jeremy,
It was wonderful to read you hair history story, --- and even more terrific to read your great attitude about it all!!
I also cut my long hair back to short at one time in my life, in the summer of Y2K (you can read the "juicy details" in the thread that I posted a few below this one....)... And, just like you, I enjoyed the second time of growing my mane out WAY more than the experience I had in growing it out the first time. But, either time, I learned a lot about myself (as well as my hair - LOL); and so, don't regret either experience (although I definitely regretted my Y2K cut at the time I was dealing with the emotional aftermath of the cut).
Also, before I forget to say it: WELCOME [BACK!] to MLHH, --- it's great to have you here!!!
- Ken in San Francisco
Hola, Jeremy!
It's good to see you back and to see that you are regrowing your hair. I agree about the curls -- just let them be and one is rewarded. It really is easy to just go with the flow as far as the natural tendency of one's hair.
It sounds like you have a good hair routine that is workable.
Again, great to see you back, and I look forward to your ongoing participation at our august site.
Matt B.
But the site is open year 'round.... :P
(Sorry, couldn't resist)
Hi guys:
Many thanks for your kind words and the warm welcome back. Hopefully with several of us saying how much we enjoyed the process the second time around, some first-timers will realize it really can be a fun experience.
Cheers,
Jeremy
Hi Jeremy, great to have you back, and thanks for filling us in on your story. Looking great by the way, the new look suits you very well.
See ya around
~ Dave