My hair never seems to grow 1 inch past shoulders
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free skin care · Wed Jan 27, 2010 9:29 pm

I want long hair for once in my life. I am going to stay away from the chemical dyes and stick with henna (although I haven't bought this yet). I don't use heat styling on a daily basis, maybe 1-2 times a week. I have some Almond and Jojoba oil, also Rosemary EO. Can I put this in my hair to keep it healthy so that MAYBE I can have long hair? Should I try argan oil? I'm also taking Multivitamin, Vitamin C w/ Rosehips, Whole foods - Hair skin and nails with MSM.

My hair is fine so I'm gentle with it, and split ends have never been an issue since middle school.

Any ideas anyone?

free skin care · Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:10 pm

Gaining Hair Length

Q: I've been trying to grow my hair out for a long, long time. I get it trimmed regularly to keep it healthy and remove split ends, but it seems like I've reached a "dead end" as far as gaining any more length. Am I doing something wrong, or do I just need to keep letting it go (and letting it grow)?

A: The maximum length to which you can grow your hair is basically a matter of genetics. Some people can grow thick, lustrous tresses that tickle their toes (like 70's country music star, Crystal Gayle), while still others find that getting their hair to grow past their shoulders is a Herculean task.

       Human hair cycles through three stages:

       The anagen phase, or growth phase, is when all new hair growth occurs. During the anagen phase, hair grows at its normal rate (an average of one-half inch per month), and 90% of the hairs on your head will be in the anagen phase at any given time. Each specific hair can be in the anagen phase for an average of three to five years, but it can last as long as ten years in some cases.

       The catagen phase, a transitional phase that follows the anagen phase, signaling the end of the growth phase. During the catagen phase, the hair follicle contracts and detaches from the dermal papilla (where it gets its nutrients). The hair bulb disappears and the root end of the hair forms a rounded club. Less than 1% of the hair will be in the catagen phase at any given time, and this phase usually lasts one to two weeks.

       The telogen phase is also known as the resting phase and is the last phase in the hair's growth cycle. The telogen phase lasts until the fully grown hair is shed. Hair that is in the telogen phase is usually shed during this phase, or after the start of the next anagen phase when it gets pushed out of the follicle.

       10% of the hair of your head will be in the telogen phase, which can last from three to six months, usually. Once the telogen phase ends, the anagen phase of that follicle begins again. The whole cycle of hair growth - all three stages - repeat on an average of every four to five years.

       This means that if your hair averages a four-year anagen phase, and you have your hair trimmed one-half inch every three months, you can expect your hair to grow four inches each year, or a total of sixteen inches before it reaches the catagen phase. The hair can appear considerably shorter if it has more than a minimum of wave or curl. Your head size, shape and your height all can make your hair appear shorter by comparison to someone else whose hair length measures identical to your own.

       If you've been trying to grow your hair out for more than five years, you may have to consider that your hair just isn't predisposed to grow as long as you'd hoped. Otherwise, be patient for a while longer, and see if you can't get a few inches more.

http://www.hairfinder.com/hairquestions/grow_hair_out.htm

free skin care · Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:15 pm

Factors Affecting the Length of Hair Growth
Why Some People Can Grow Hair Longer Than Others
Mar 6, 2009 Sarah Tennant

Genetics, diet, vitamin supplements, hormones, hairstyles and haircare practices can all affect the terminal length of human hair and its rate of growth.

http://www.suite101.com/info.cfm/terms_conditions

[Admin: full copy of article removed due to copyright. Please check copyright before re-posting articles on EDS.]

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:00 pm

great thread! thanks DM for the info.

my hair is knee length but i want to keep it healthy and lush. i have found that with age, it is less lush and a bit stringy.

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:02 pm

In my teens I grew my hair below my waist. I cut off half an inch every other month which meant my hair grew six inches in one year. I had a friend who insisted she couldn't grow her hair long but she never trimmed it. It didn't look as healthy as mine even though hers was thicker. When I finally convinced her to have regular trims, the condition and length of her hair improved. Just anecdotal evidence.

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:05 pm

llina wrote:

my hair is knee length but i want to keep it healthy and lush. i have found that with age, it is less lush and a bit stringy.

Your hair is knee length? Is that hard to deal with?

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:15 pm

no not really hard....
you get used to it.

most of the time i twist around and around and use two large claws. my bangs and side hairs i keep wispy around my face.

i use a large toothed comb to comb out... and then use paddle brushes to massage my scalp (for treatment).

i use any shampoo... and use conditioners and leave it in... or use olive oil.

pple don't realize i have really long hair cuz i keep it up. only when i go out do i put it down.

when i'm at home it is down. when i sit i have to brush it to the side. when sleeping i place all of it at the top of my pillow. haven't strangled myself yet. its recommend for extremely long hair to braid it for sleep but i don't.

the only thing you have to worry about is getting it wrapped around your arm pits or laying down on the main shaft. then you got problems.

i'm just worried about when i get grey. how much product it'll take. Shock

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:18 pm

OMG knee length. I can't imagine. Mine is in the middle of my back and Riley is right I'm so ready to cut it off to cute bob length - it's imminent Laughing

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:24 pm

hey sis,
i've been growing since i was 20 or so. when in universiry i just got lazy to get it cut. studying for exams and deadline, i ended up cutting my bangs only. then once a year i would get mum to cut the length. it always stayed between hip or knee length. i found it helpful to bunch it around my neck during the winter... to lazy to carry a scarf around... and always lose them.

i thought of cutting it...but realized in a few more years, with older age and thinning, i won't have that option. so i'll keep till i can.

don't cut yours. i love long lush hair!

did you ever realize... all my grandmothers, and other seniors all have they same hairdo... a big fluffy helmet? i'm keeping my hair till i get one of those. Very Happy

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:26 pm

I had mine down to my mid thigh from 13 until I cut it after my first child at about 1 month before I turned 27, my best friend couldn't get past waist length! We trimmed each others hair every month and did deep conditioning with heat caps weakly. Just our experience! She never could get as much length as I could. BTW we both used to put it up in a loose ponytail on the very top of our heads to sleep, it really made it easier than waking up tangled up in a ton of hair everywhere, including places I won't mention! Smile

DM

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:29 pm

llina wrote:

no not really hard....
you get used to it.

most of the time i twist around and around and use two large claws. my bangs and side hairs i keep wispy around my face.

i use a large toothed comb to comb out... and then use paddle brushes to massage my scalp (for treatment).

i use any shampoo... and use conditioners and leave it in... or use olive oil.

pple don't realize i have really long hair cuz i keep it up. only when i go out do i put it down.

when i'm at home it is down. when i sit i have to brush it to the side. when sleeping i place all of it at the top of my pillow. haven't strangled myself yet. its recommend for extremely long hair to braid it for sleep but i don't.

the only thing you have to worry about is getting it wrapped around your arm pits or laying down on the main shaft. then you got problems.

i'm just worried about when i get grey. how much product it'll take. Shock

That is so interesting, llina! That's cute about not getting it wrapped around your arm pits! Laughing

I would think it would be very heavy (especially keeping it up)? Silly question, but how much shampoo and conditioner do you go through?

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:34 pm

oh rileygirl,
i know i probably sound like a freak on EDS posting like a maniac... and all the product talk... but i do love EDS and love all this girly stuff. my life is mostly men, and being on a mostly women or woman related forum is a blessing and relief to me. really.

i have a huge cupboard near my bedroom that i keep filled with shampoo and shower related products. i go through alot of hair products...but i think this is also, that i'm a soap/bubble freak.

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:37 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

I had mine down to my mid thigh from 13 until I cut it after my first child at about 1 month before I turned 27, my best friend couldn't get past waist length! We trimmed each others hair every month and did deep conditioning with heat caps weakly. Just our experience! She never could get as much length as I could. BTW we both used to put it up in a loose ponytail on the very top of our heads to sleep, it really made it easier than waking up tangled up in a ton of hair everywhere, including places I won't mention! Smile

DM

its sooo true. Laughing

like after a shower. *sorry don't want to gross anyone out* you keep all your hair to the back to shampoo and rinse. i think it has a habit of wedging itself between *stuff* how the heck do you do your fancy artwork DM?

and once after a nice shower, i was having a romantic moment but had to pause... to jump around with my hands in my underwear trying to find hiding hair that was tickling me. Embarassed

oh god, not a sexy move!

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:46 pm

llina,
Been there done that! LOL
Just for you, keeping your hair out of here (_•_) ?

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:48 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

llina,
Been there done that! LOL
Just for you, keeping your hair out of here (_•_) ?

hahhaha ogigignsdng

oh god you kill me!
love ya! Very Happy

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:49 pm

god i can't stop looking at my bum. it looks so nice and rounded
hseheehwehehhahha

o god, can we get in trouble for this? Laughing

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:51 pm

Well Babydoll we are easily entertained! Smile

DM

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:51 pm

sorry sandra. we're turning this into a bum thread.

k, now i'm going to behave like a properly lady.

happy hair growing! good luck!

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 9:52 pm

DarkMoon wrote:

Well Babydoll we are easily entertained! Smile

DM

i know! i'm so juvenile! and you just indulge me.
k, naughty girl is going to bed.
*kisses*

free skin care · Thu Jan 28, 2010 11:29 pm

I always admire women with chic well-done hair - not the helmut stuff though Laughing

free skin care · Fri Jan 29, 2010 5:11 am

i agree, mum is 68 and she has a very edgy angular bob that is stunning on her. the woman still grows hair profusely and effortlessly.

DM, anyother other tips to grow thick healthy hair? any supplements or foods and such?

right now i'm getting good results with revitalash hair, paddle brushing and massaging my scalp each night, and with a use of a shiatsu massage pillow, but love to add to my routine. TIA!

free skin care · Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:34 am

llina wrote:

oh rileygirl,
i know i probably sound like a freak on EDS posting like a maniac

Nope, not a freak, but maybe a productho?? Laughing

(This is 99.9% of the people on EDS by the way!!)

free skin care · Fri Jan 29, 2010 7:35 am

DarkMoon wrote:

llina,
Been there done that! LOL
Just for you, keeping your hair out of here (_•_) ?

Hilarious! I think I will keep my hair above that area. Laughing

free skin care · Fri Jan 29, 2010 9:53 am

rileygirl wrote:

DarkMoon wrote:

llina,
Been there done that! LOL
Just for you, keeping your hair out of here (_•_) ?

Hilarious! I think I will keep my hair above that area. Laughing

You would be surprised at the places I found hair! Smile

As far as shampoo and conditioner that was always a major investment, you know how the conditioner always seems to run out before the shampoo, well I got in the habit of buying 2 conditioners for each shampoo!

DM

free skin care · Fri Jan 29, 2010 11:01 am

DarkMoon wrote:

You would be surprised at the places I found hair! Smile

As far as shampoo and conditioner that was always a major investment, you know how the conditioner always seems to run out before the shampoo, well I got in the habit of buying 2 conditioners for each shampoo!

DM

Too funny!

Yes, why is it that the conditioners always run out way before the shampoo? I guess we are using a ton more conditioner than I realize?

It certainly sounds as though it would be pretty expensive, depending on ones taste in shampoos and conditioners!

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