"I'm growing my hair out so that I can pull it up."

There are many, many times in the course of a typical work week that terms, phrases and general beliefs are presented to me by my clients, old and new.

One very common, but still prevalent question is, "Will trimming my hair regularly make it grow faster?" Now, most stylists would quickly answer, "No." However, in short, I would say, "Yes." Why? A regular trim removes the split ends, thus not allowing further breakage. As a result you will see growth.

Another popular question: "Will coloring or highlighting my hair damage it?" My answer: Yes, of course it will! Blow drying, brushing, and even excessive shampooing can and will damage your hair. So, any time a chemical process is performed on your hair it does in fact compromise the integrity of your mane. At any rate, your hairstylist knows this and should know exactly what your hair can and will endure. Further, this is why they make specific shampoos, conditions, and treatments for color treated hair.

Now, my personal favorite (Sorry B, I had to include this) isn't even a question. In fact, it's a simple statement that I hear so often. "I need to leave it long so that I can pull it up." Sometimes it comes in the form of, "I'm growing my hair out so that I can wear it up," or "I need it cut, but make sure I can still wear it in a ponytail."

Ok, now let's ponder this: You're letting it grow or leaving it long, so that you can "pull it up?" No one will ever know how long your hair actually is because you always have it pulled up. Ask these individuals how often they wear it up, and most will say nearly 85 percent of the time their hair is pulled back or worn up. Now, those who claim it's easier...really? You have to wash it, blow dry it (Don't tell me you pull your hair up wet...have you heard the term, "Mildew?"), and then put it up. Now, I realize some of you may think- "She has short hair, she loves short hair, of course she'd say wear short hair!" Truth is, I wore long hair (Note from B: Incredibly long, can you say 80s?) for years, and I loved it too. However, be honest, and make it easy on yourself. Claiming to keep long hair so that you can pull it up is like saying "I need to buy a steak, so I can grind it up to make a hamburger."

Ha- B warned you about my metaphors.

Until next time...

Missi

(Another note from B: Ma...I request a part II of this post. What about, "I think my natural hair color is becoming darker now that we started highlighting my hair," or "Ever since we started coloring my hair it has been growing so much faster!" Come on, I know you have so many more. P.S.- I get to leave personal notes on her posts because she actually makes me TYPE all of her posts. Yes, Ladies & 'Gents: She hand writes these blogs and then makes me type them. Love you, Ma! )