Growing your own hair out

[Guest Kayla Grace]

Hi All,

My own hair is starting to get a bit longer to the point where I can actually grab and hold onto it. I've never grown my hair out before, so any suggestions would be appreciatied. If you need a picture, you need only, and I can post one.

When to trim the split ends? How much to cut? How often to wash? Don't be shy please

God Bless

Kayla <3

[Guest]

Well I'm still learning...all I can say is there's a lot to learn.

Definitely if it doesn't make you nervous you should go to a stylist or something to help you through the process and to keep it trimmed. I have major anxiety around that point and as such it sort of has looked like crap at certain points cause it's frizzy and vastly different lengths in places. Definitely suggest getting professional help.

Also conditioner is a new thing I was introduced to and it really does make a big difference.

Another thing you'll find is that your hair has its own default style which may not be straight. An that even simple styles like a ponytail are actually pretty complicated to do.

Also if you don't have a hairdryer you might want to invest in one. I still haven't figured out how to use one properly now - but waiting for longer hair to dry on its own takes forever. And the feeling of wet hair on your neck is not one I've found pleasant.

Any specific questions I'd be glad to try and answer - unfortunately I'm still trying to figure out most for myself. It's way more complicated than it looks.

[Guest]

My hair was dow. To below my butt and I stupidly cut it A few years ago. I used to have women walk up to me with everything from compliments to 'I hate you'. LOL

Let it grow trim the ends every month ot two just to remove the split ends. Use a good shampoo and conditioner and try not to blow dry or use chemicals.

[tracy_j]

I am a little bit where you are Kayla so look forward to replies but I have found that, for me, it is better not to wash my hair too often so usually wash it twice a week. I have found though that some cis women either wash their hair daily or wet it and dry /style hence clearing the overnight tangle. I don't know how general this is though but women do care about their looks!

I have a hairdryer and tend to use the diffuser on it. I was advised by a hairdresser to bend over so that my hair hangs down over my face when drying which I find works. She also advised that scrunching it up when drying helped to style depending on what you want rather than straight (can make it appear thicker and wavy). I have recently started using firm hold styling gel (after drying with the hairdryer) which enables easy styling such as curled under / inwards at the ends. I will admit that my lack of experience means that I am not able to advise well.

My hair is now of a length to decide on a restyle style but I have not decided on how yet!

I would agree with Kira that professional help is good. My hairdresser has been very helpful but I am not sure of her feelings regarding trans issues as she seems rather too set on 'male' for me. I either need to change or bite the bullet but as there is usually a salon full of old ladies when I visit I'm not too sure. If I could decide on a style I could walk in and say but the decision would be difficult if she is not readily acceptive. That is the thing about a using small salon rather than high (main) street but it is friendly.

Tracy

[Guest]

I hear so many people talk about not washing daily. That depends on the person. In 24 hours my hair is so oily it is out of control

[Guest Kayla Grace]

hmm, ok. So it seems I'll have to go to a professional and see what they say.

Thanks everyone

God Bless

Kayla <3

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

It's going to take a while. I think it took me about 2 years to grow my hair out. During the awkward hair phase, I pretty much just washed it every day (to get any gunk or styling products out), and got a trim every now and then, just to trim off any split ends. When it was short, it was easy to take care of: just wash, style and go! Once it started to get longer, I would say approaching shoulder length, then I began using conditioner along with shampoo in the shower. I think I used to get a trim (not a cut, a trim) every 2 months or so just to keep my hair healthy.

Be careful with blow dryers because too hot can damage your hair and lead to breakage when it gets longer. I used to have one with a diffuser but now I just flip my hair over, put in some styling products (curl-enhancing mousse in my case), and then flip my hair back over and let it air dry.

[Guest Ripley]

One thing I'd recommend based on personal experience, is taking a women's formula multivitamin/mineral supplement or anything else with Biotin/B-7. I have very fine hair that tends to break easily, and taking a vitamin with extra biotin noticeably strengthens my hair. I've also never had a good relationship with a blow dryer. Any attempt tends to lead to frizz city. I stick to shampoo/conditioner every day (oily hair) and just towel/air dry and shake out/style it after it's no longer damp. Only problem is it can take awhile to dry now that my hair is down to my mid back, but what can you do?