I tend not to get caught up in the length measuring- it can totally get obsessive (I see you with the ruler and tape- put it down!!)
While, I definitely would love longer lengths- I’m not letting that fact be my driving force behind hair care- that’s how you get caught up in pj-ism, changing your reggie all the time, and doing regrettable trims and styles. It’s a journey, I accept that, and I’m trying to enjoy it!
That said, checking my length periodically (without straightening my hair)- allows me to be sure that I am protective styling enough, and retaining length (though, checking your shed hair should provide these answers too).
Here’s the update:
14 months natural
4a texture
90% protective styling
BC after 2 month transition
Big Chop- Nov 2011
One Year Nappiversary- Nov 2012
Today- January 9, 2012 (note: I am wearing a wig. and just pulled one of my twists down from under it to measure.)
I’m always shocked when I look at my BC pictures, and where I am now. Kinky hair does grow! Hopefully, I can continue to have success in growing healthy long, natural hair!
-N.
Do you use length checks to measure progress, Naturalista?
Looking good, lady. It’s funny, I wish I would’ve catalogued my progress when I did my first big chop back in 2003, and then in 2011—it’s very encouraging to do so…
These days, I just take out my braids, do my hair and while I’m combing or twisting I think, “Dang. my hair is actually pretty long.” It’s amazing how fast it grows in its natural state so don’t feel conceited about saying so.
Congrats, you look great, boo!
Thank you SO much, Mennlay for your kind words. I started the blog because I didn’t ‘trust’ that going natural would actually work! I needed to track what would work- and what didn’t work. I was natural for about 3 or 4 months before all the inquiries made me go public. It took a lot of strength to post the pic of my ‘big chop-sans edges.’ It’s pretty embarrassing to think that I did that to myself. But now, I look back on it- and it’s a source of pride- knowing I also grew my hair back- myself.
You’ve always done the braid thing- and I do recall that you always had pretty nice hair- it’s nice to know that you’re keeping it up, and still look gorgeous.
Thank you for the support, and for coming by the page!
Been a fan from day one! Hope all is well in Bmore, maybe you, Carly, and I will have a reunion one of these days now that I’m back East for good…xo
I didn’t know you were back east! I’ll drop you a line on Facebook- we have to hang! (btw, thanks for being such a good friend and supporter!)