Growing Pains-The Transition

     At one point or another, we have all gone through the agonizing process of growing out our hair; men included.  Whether it’s for length, volume, change of style or from a bad hair experience; it always seems to take forever.  Isn’t it funny how when you wear your hair short it tends to grow like weeds, causing you to get it cut every 3 weeks! But SOON as you want length, your hair turns its back on you.

   Well I can’t make it grow any faster, but what I can do is give some tips to get you through the process.  Although it may seem backwards, but continue to clip your ends to promote proper growth. Also, be sure to condition. These 2 things are the main hair requirements we must all live by (see previous entry on ends trimming).

From Layers to No Layers

  To grow out layers, please remember that hair needs to grow out from top to bottom. When getting your trims, take a bit more off of the bottom layer, than you would from the top. Eventually, the top will catch up (or grow down) to the bottom and you will be all one length and you can continue to grow long from that point. To those on the outside looking in, it may seem like you hair is at a standstill during this time. But trust me, this is the only way without chopping it all off and starting over completely. If by chance you choose NOT to cut more off of the bottom, then eventually you will end up with the same style that you have now, just a longer version of it. Don't get me wrong, thats not a bad thing, it just depends on what your ultimate goal is. But doing it the first way that I explained will be less traumatic instead of having to cut alot of length off at one time to achieve a blunt style.

Growing Out Your Current Style

    The type of style you are wearing now will determine the process here. For example, a short hairstyle, such as mine, would allow you to continuously taper the back, until the top reaches that area. At that point you will grow it all at once. On the other hand, to take your hair from one shape to a completely new one may require more drastic measures. (Or a whole lot more patience)! Example: A style that is layered shorter around the face would have a ways to go before it could be turned into something like an angled bob. The reason is because the length on the bob is on the front and the length on the layered style is on the back. Hope that makes sense. If not, see me after class :)

     In the meantime, a few other basic ideas would include  braids, roller sets, updo’s, or wigs. Also experiment with various style options like styling a different direction or adding flips or soft crimps (like waves, nothing like 1982).

     But if you are the type who still has no patience, then make an appointment for a few “follicle enhancements” -also known as weave or extensions. There are many types of extension services to fit every budget.

Like I always say…If you can’t grow it, SEW IT!