Hello! I'm trying to be a Curly Rapunzel

[Katarina981]

Hey there! I've recently found this forum and I'm so glad I did. I've always stood in my own way with hair growth. I was the woman that cut her hair when she was going through high stress after mismanaging her hair . I cut my hair last year August and by keeping my hair in a wig for a few months, I've grown almost 8 inches so far. I don't want to use wigs anymore because it was very fussy for me and it's too tempting to mess up my hair line LOL.

The longest my hair has ever been is bra strap length in 2021. I want to learn more about keeping my hair healthy and helping it grow long while it is loose (no protective styling).

Here are my hair stats:

Curl pattern: 3c/4a
Hair Color: Dark Brown/Black (1b)
Density: Medium
Hair Texture: Medium/Fine
Current length: 16 inches
Ultimate Goal Length: 34 inches (hip length stretched with long layers)

[ETJ CURLS]

Welcome! You can do it.

I would think you can still incorporate protective styling (I find I tend to get WAY more split ends and SSKs when my curls are out and about unless they've been set into a WnG with tonnes of gel . . . and I really don't like using gel), but just use your own hair. There are so many cool bun and braid styles to try out on this site.

There's also a two week rule thread, so if you ever get the urge to cut again, post there and let yourself be talked out of it so you can keep growing those beautiful curls!

[Lady Winchester]

Welcome!

I never wear my hair loose (always back in a ponytail, secured at the nape of my neck with either a covered elastic or big barrette) and don't take out my stresses on my hair (since I would end up regretting it). When I lost my grandmother last October, my hair length stayed the same and I searched on Etsy for a memorial with a photo to give to all of my cousins (I'm the oldest, and I bought one for myself as well). I realized later that I messed up the date when I looked on my Mom's calendar (only by a day, since I thought it was on the 9th instead of the 10th), but it's the thought that counts. My grandmother almost lived as long as her mother (97), but died about a month and five days before her 97th birthday. On the plus side, my youngest cousin's daughter, Zoey (who will be turning three this year), was born in the same month (November), on my mother's anniversary to my stepfather (so hopefully, that will be a date she doesn't forget).

Here's my own hair stats:

Curl pattern: 2b
Hair Color: Medium Golden Brown (natural, not dyed, darkened from strawberry blonde to red)
Density: Medium
Hair Texture: Medium
Current length: MBL
Ultimate Goal Length: WL

I measure mine by milestones, not inches.

[Katarina981]

I never wear my hair loose (always back in a ponytail, secured at the nape of my neck with either a covered elastic or big barrette) and don't take out my stresses on my hair (since I would end up regretting it). When I lost my grandmother last October, my hair length stayed the same and I searched on Etsy for a memorial with a photo to give to all of my cousins (I'm the oldest, and I bought one for myself as well). I realized later that I messed up the date when I looked on my Mom's calendar (only by a day, since I thought it was on the 9th instead of the 10th), but it's the thought that counts. My grandmother almost lived as long as her mother (97), but died about a month and five days before her 97th birthday. On the plus side, my youngest cousin's daughter, Zoey (who will be turning three this year), was born in the same month (November), on my mother's anniversary to my stepfather (so hopefully, that will be a date she doesn't forget).

Here's my own hair stats:

Curl pattern: 2b
Hair Color: Medium Golden Brown (natural, not dyed, darkened from strawberry blonde to red)
Density: Medium
Hair Texture: Medium
Current length: MBL
Ultimate Goal Length: WL

I measure mine by milestones, not inches.

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a gift that she was able to live for so long.

I get what you mean about keeping your hair up and away. Right now I'm APL, so I think it would do me good to explore some relaxed updos that won't cause too much tension.

[Katarina981]

Welcome! You can do it.

I would think you can still incorporate protective styling (I find I tend to get WAY more split ends and SSKs when my curls are out and about unless they've been set into a WnG with tonnes of gel . . . and I really don't like using gel), but just use your own hair. There are so many cool bun and braid styles to try out on this site.

There's also a two week rule thread, so if you ever get the urge to cut again, post there and let yourself be talked out of it so you can keep growing those beautiful curls!

Thank you so much! I'm going to have that bookmark'd just incase I get a case of itchy scissors again.

[maborosi]

Welcome! There are lots of Curly Rapunzels here, so I think you will fit right in!

[TatsuOni]

Welcome!

[shelomit]

Howdy, good to meet you! Post on here if you get an itchy scissor finger again--we'll help provide moral support ( ;

[luxurioushair]

Hello and welcome!

[KinkyRapunzel]

Welcome to the community! I have a little advice to give on the subject of “no protective styles”, I did this for about two years and it was not bad at all. leave-in conditioner, deep conditioning every wash, and hair oils (olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, even coconut oil (is best before washing), and sunflower seed oil) will be your best friend. Also keeping your hair in stretched styles will help with split ends/fairy knots, if you keep it curly just twist the ends to keep the hair from tangling at night and use a bonnet or satin pillowcase (I’m sure you know, lol). I personally grew tired of this after two years but my hair grew like a weed, I went from barely APL to full BSL. So, best of luck on your journey!




Curl pattern: 3c/4a
Hair Color: Dark Brown/Black (1b)
Density: Medium
Hair Texture: Medium/Fine
Current length: 34 inches (hairline to ends)
Ultimate Goal Length: 60 inches (full knee length)