Am I ever going to get to BSL?

[Blackbird77]

I am so frustrated. My hair is hovering to about 1-1.5 inches from BSL but acts like it doesn't want to go further. I don't have a digital camera yet so I could post pictures from last year this time so I don't know if it's doing anything. It definately SEEMED longer at the end last year after taking care of it but it seems like I should already be at BSL by now. I would hate to hope for MBL by June 2007 if it doesn't want to budge from the length it is now. Does this happen to everybody? I don't want to flat iron until December because if I'm not making the progress I want by now I'd probably be too dejected to care anymore.

 

[Softresses]

Hi, Blackbird,

You may have reached a slow point in your hair's growth cycle. As long as you are not getting breakage, and are retaining what you are growing it should eventually accumulate more length. Stress, diet, medications
and overall health all have a part to play in your hair growth.

Your hair growth can speed up growth and slow it down many times in a year. Keep doing the right things and it will pay off eventually when you hit another growth spurt.

The growth process is broken down into three phases, one is a resting phase, one is a growth phase, and the other is a shedding phase. All of the hairs on your head are one of these three phases all the time. There have been many good posts here about the phases, they can help you learn more about why these plateaus happen.


HTH

Softresses



Softresses

 

[seeminglysweet]

I am so frustrated. My hair is hovering to about 1-1.5 inches from BSL but acts like it doesn't want to go further. I don't have a digital camera yet so I could post pictures from last year this time so I don't know if it's doing anything. It definately SEEMED longer at the end last year after taking care of it but it seems like I should already be at BSL by now. I would hate to hope for MBL by June 2007 if it doesn't want to budge from the length it is now. Does this happen to everybody? I don't want to flat iron until December because if I'm not making the progress I want by now I'd probably be too dejected to care anymore.

I feel the same way. Just when I think I should have reached the official BSL I realize that I am still not there and I think how in the world am i ever going to get to mid-back at this rate.

 

[Denim And Leather]

Blackbird, do you take vitamins, MTG, or any of the other growth aids?

Softtresses, would taking these growth aids help in getting hair out of its resting phase?

 

[KiniKakes]

Softtresses, would taking these growth aids help in getting hair out of its resting phase?

This is a GREAT question, D&L, because ive heard about these different growth phases.... but Im not sure when mine occurs. For the past 14 months that Ive been growing my hair out, I have been getting consistent growth every month. Subsequently, when i take my progress pics every 3 months, my hair seems to have grown the same, by a couple of inches. So i wonder when my resting phase is, how long or short-lived it is, and if my MTG/M.N. might somehow be "tricking" my follicles into bypassing the resting phase? I know that doesnt make a lot of sense, but hopefully you know what i mean.

 

[MizaniMami]

Girl as long as you are retaining those ends you WILL get to BSL.

Try taking some Biotin.

 

[Tee]

You make it. Just hang in there and keep doing the 'right things for your hair.'
Also very important.............Drink your water.

I think the vitamins really help out alot. I will be waiting to see your post letting us know you made BSL. You can do it.

Kinikakes....I understand your post.

 

[caribeandiva]

you're almost BSL congrats! i'm trying for shoulder by December. as long as your hair isn't breaking then you'll be fine. good luck!

 

[Denim And Leather]

This is a GREAT question, D&L, because ive heard about these different growth phases.... but Im not sure when mine occurs. For the past 14 months that Ive been growing my hair out, I have been getting consistent growth every month. Subsequently, when i take my progress pics every 3 months, my hair seems to have grown the same, by a couple of inches. So i wonder when my resting phase is, how long or short-lived it is, and if my MTG/M.N. might somehow be "tricking" my follicles into bypassing the resting phase? I know that doesnt make a lot of sense, but hopefully you know what i mean.

I totally understand what you're saying, Kini.

Since starting this journey, I've often wondered when I will enter a rest phase, and for how long?
I hope these growth aids do "trick" the follicles into growing, because I'd really HATE to enter a rest phase while I'm trying to grow my hair to mid-back!

 

[determined_to_grow]

Girl don't worry your hair is growing!!!! Just make sure you do all of the necessary things- drink a lot of water, exercise, eat right and take your vitamins (if your not into vitamins take a multivitamin). Your going ot be a BSL at the end of the year...

 

[Blackbird77]

Thanks everyone! I'm not consistent in drinking water but I do take a liquid vitamin supplement everyday. I don't use MTG or any topical growth aids. I just keep my routine simple.

Is there anybody on the board who has natural hair like mine who, when stretching her hair it looks like it's close to BSL but when flat ironed actually is? Because I can't really tell right now without it being straight.

 

[zzirvingj]

Thanks everyone! I'm not consistent in drinking water but I do take a liquid vitamin supplement everyday. I don't use MTG or any topical growth aids. I just keep my routine simple.

Is there anybody on the board who has natural hair like mine who, when stretching her hair it looks like it's close to BSL but when flat ironed actually is? Because I can't really tell right now without it being straight.

My hair is natural and it ALWAYS surprises me when I get it pressed. I haven't pressed it since Jan of this year and I keep saying to myself..my hair doesn't look like it's growing! But when I wash it in the shower I can "feel" that it is "heavier" and so I know it's growing. I just practice patience, positive thinking, and know that when I do press it that is when I will see the real length.

So long story short, keep doing good things to your hair, try minimal manipulation, and keep your ends "in tact". Like one of the other posters said...you WILL make bra strap!

 

[chica_canella]

This is a GREAT question, D&L, because ive heard about these different growth phases.... but Im not sure when mine occurs. For the past 14 months that Ive been growing my hair out, I have been getting consistent growth every month. Subsequently, when i take my progress pics every 3 months, my hair seems to have grown the same, by a couple of inches. So i wonder when my resting phase is, how long or short-lived it is, and if my MTG/M.N. might somehow be "tricking" my follicles into bypassing the resting phase? I know that doesnt make a lot of sense, but hopefully you know what i mean.

I believe only a very small percentage of your hair rests and a small percentage falls out but the majority or your hair is in the growing stage like 90%. Which kinda explains why people have so many different lengths because one section is resting while the rest are growing.

 

[Denim And Leather]

I believe only a very small percentage of your hair rests and a small percentage falls out but the majority or your hair is in the growing stage like 90%. Which kinda explains why people have so many different lengths because one section is resting while the rest are growing.

That would make sense, because if a person's hair shed all over at the same time, then that person would be bald!

 

[Softresses]

Denim and Leather,

Sorry I was away again and did not see your post. There are some aids that do work, Biotin, MTG, and MSM are a few good ones. These may not speed your growth up tremendously but they will help to improve the strength, thickness and quality of your hair.

Omega Fatty Acids are very important, your multivitamin is very important. Protein is extremely important.

Many ladies here use the Bargello vitamin regimen, it has helped a lot of people. If you want it I have it saved in my journal.

I have learned that none of the extras are really necessary. Your hair will keep growing and as long as you treat it well and retain what you grow, no matter how you choose to do this, Protective styles, roller sets, braids, weaves, etc., you will get there if you are patient.

Softresses

 

[Denim And Leather]

Denim and Leather,

Sorry I was away again and did not see your post. There are some aids that do work, Biotin, MTG, and MSM are a few good ones. These may not speed your growth up tremendously but they will help to improve the strength, thickness and quality of your hair.

Omega Fatty Acids are very important, your multivitamin is very important. Protein is extremely important.

Many ladies here use the Bargello vitamin regimen, it has helped a lot of people. If you want it I have it saved in my journal.

I have learned that none of the extras are really necessary. Your hair will keep growing and as long as you treat it well and retain what you grow, no matter how you choose to do this, Protective styles, roller sets, braids, weaves, etc., you will get there if you are patient.

Softresses

Hello, Softtresses!

I am currently on MTG (just started the other day) and take Nioxin, Futurebiotics Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins, as well as my regular multi-vitamin, calcium pill, flax seed and vitamin C. Since I just started the MTG, I cannot tell how much it's helping, but definitely with the vitamins, I have been gaining about an inch (or close to an inch) of ng a month. Not to mention how long and strong my nails have grown, so I have to disagee, the supplements do help.

My hair cannot handle strong protein, so I incorporate products in my regimen that contains light protein and every several weeks, will use the Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor. And I wear protective styles every day and only use heat when I get my hair done.

 

[Softresses]

I am glad they are working for you Denim, many people get good results with it.

I think you have misunderstood me, because of this statement;

"cannot tell how much it's helping, but definitely with the vitamins, I have been gaining about an inch (or close to an inch) of ng a month. Not to mention how long and strong my nails have grown, so I have to disagee, the supplements do help."


I did not say that it would not work, I said "may not." The reason that I say "may not" is because to say that it will may disappoint someone for whom it does not work, especially if they were really counting on it working and have spent a lot of money on it. A lot of women take the advise on this board and go use the product.

Advising people to take medications or supplements can be very serious, we do not know how these things will effect other people.

Also not everyone gets the same results. I feel that it is important to realize not everything works for everyone, not to hang your hopes to heavily on what works for others until you've tried it for yourself.

Softresses