New...choosing between blonde hair and long hair

*Lyric · April 28th, 2010, 07:36 PM

Hi! I've posted here once before but my hair story is a bit different than when it was months ago when I first signed up.

I used to be bleach blonde, and my hair wasn't healthy. I thought I could grow it out, but it seemed like it just wouldn't grow. I got tired of seeing people with long, shiny, healthy hair and wishing it was mine, so I trimmed my dead ends off (about 3 inches!) and colored it close to natural again.

I plan on keeping my hair this color as I grow it out. I hope I can do it. I loved my blonde hair, but I chose to have long hair instead, and I know I'm not going to regret it.

**Rapunzal2Be** · April 28th, 2010, 08:41 PM

Welcome!

I made the same choice, a little over a year ago.

In my quest for beautiful blonde I actually spent a lot of time with less-than-beautiful hair. Finally, especially because of hard water that was brassing out my blonde within days of coloring, I went back to brunette. Then I decided that I wanted to commit to growing out my hair, as healthy as possible, and found this site.

Ultimately, I decided to give up blonde hair for (the very permanent choice of) henndigo brunette hair, while also giving up my flat iron, daily blow drying, daily washing, expensive products, and cutting.

It's been almost a year since my last trim, a year since I've used a flat iron, a year since I used chemical color, and now my favorite hair products are honey, aloe gel, Nizoral shampoo, Suave conditioner, coconut oil and MN.

My hair has never been so shiny, strong, or healthy. And it grew about six inches this past year. It's not phenomenal growth or anything, but I'm happy with it, and I also gained some thickness. Even without a trim for this past year, I have NO split ends.

Honestly, while I admire blonde hair a lot still, I haven't had the desire for it for myself. I'm really happy with the choice I made.

Good luck on your hair journey. Stick around here and do some reading, you will learn A LOT!! There is a wealth of information and a ton of things to try and experiment and have fun with.

**Oskimosa** · April 28th, 2010, 08:50 PM

Maybe check out this thread, although I know its large, there's alot of great info on it:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...=bottle+blonde

More than likely there's a way to get the color you want, take care of it and grow it long. Sometimes we get to have our cake and eat it too!

Good luck on your journey.

**justgreen** · April 28th, 2010, 08:51 PM

Hi and welcome to the boards.

*Lyric · April 28th, 2010, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by Rapunzal2Be

Welcome!
Finally, especially because of hard water that was brassing out my blonde within days of coloring, I went back to brunette.

My blonde went brassy fast too! Every time I went platinum, I was back to yellow within a week. I'm wondering if that was my problem too, I just learned 85% of homes have hard water.

*Lyric · April 28th, 2010, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by Oskimosa

Maybe check out this thread, although I know its large, there's alot of great info on it:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/...=bottle+blonde

More than likely there's a way to get the color you want, take care of it and grow it long. Sometimes we get to have our cake and eat it too!

Good luck on your journey.

Thank you! I will read that thread, I know of only one dye that I will use from now on, it's only semi-permanent and I don't plan on lightening anymore at all. I'm planning on using it around Halloween. I love your color by the way!

**spidermom** · April 28th, 2010, 09:24 PM

We have a few bleach blondes around this site who found that with gentle handling and deep conditioning treatments they are able to keep their blonde locks.

**justgreen** · April 28th, 2010, 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by spidermom

We have a few bleach blondes around this site who found that with gentle handling and deep conditioning treatments they are able to keep their blonde locks.

Yes we do.

I have hard well water....I do a final rinse with 12 ounces of distilled water, keeps my blonde from going brassy.

**Rapunzal2Be** · April 28th, 2010, 11:17 PM

Just wanted to add, that my choice was a personal one, and that I think the brunette suits me, so I am happy with it.

I completely believe that it is possible for people to have gorgeous blonde hair and grow it long and strong. In fact, I envy the blondes on this board.

For me, though, add in my fine and thin hair, and the uncertainty I found in trying to find the right shade of blonde for myself, I think a better (and easier) option for growing long was to give up the blonde.

But don't think it's your *only* option. I agree, if you really want to, you can have your cake and eat it, too!

**elina333** · April 29th, 2010, 02:12 AM

Oh I have been in your situation so many times! Choosing between long and blonde... :

After joining here in january I've learned that you can do both!

My hair is longer, thicker and healthier than ever, and I still highlight it! It used to be in TERRIBLE condition but now its great and Im even receiving compliments on it, for the first time in my life!

So if you truly love being a blonde, it is possible! Although Im sure its easier and might be less work to grow long without the blonde... But nothing comes for free, right?

Good luck and hally growing!