I am 43 years old and AGAIN I am letting my hair grow. I have quiet a few layers as well. I think this must be the 10th time that I am going thru this. Once upon a time my hair was down to my hipbone, when I went to the beauty shop and got it chopped off. It was then maybe 2 inches long. Since then I had it back below the bra strapes with layers, to my shoulders without layers, with perm and without, tried to get my hair RebaMcEntire-red,....a lot. Now I've been surfing thru the net to find some ideas on what to do with my hair. I am working in a big office, go to a lot of meetings, and I am "expected" to have my hair "done". I am seriously considering a perm to help me get over the in-between stage. (My hair can take a lot) But I've been reading all these "not-to-do's" and now I am wondering.....I look like a rag doll if I am not using at least a curling iron. Maybe I should mention that I have very little perm left in my hair, absolutely nothing anymore on top of my head, but like 3-4 inches down it still curls up. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I want my hair long (again)

I still have some foam curlers somewhere from the last time ...thanks!

I never used one of these chat rooms before. This is pretty cool. All this info  wow

When you guys talk about all these different products, I have to say that I swear by DOVE now. My hair tends to be pretty dry, but that stuff is really good.
I also try to wash my hair only every 2 days. Sometimes I go 3, but then I really wish I would have a big rock to climb under. Luckily I did find a beauty shop where they only trim my hair like half a centimeter every time I go (every 6 weeks or so)
When we go to the beach I like to put baby oil in my hair. Is that good , bad or indifferent? Any idea?

Welcome Moonchild!!

Is your hair styled like Reba McEntire's also? I had my hair like that, and grew it out!!!

Hello and Welcome!! I understand how difficult it is not to do bad things to your hair such as perm and color...At the moment I am growing out black hairdye. Ick! But the more time and effort I put into my hair, the less I want to treat it poorly.

Again, welcome and I look forward to reading your posts. 

Hi and Welcome 

Oh how I remember the growing out pains.  And oh how I remember the perms.  It can be done but it'll be so much more pleasant for you, in even three months, if you don't. 

It sounds like you have enough length to do at least partial updo's - much easier on ya and it gives nice waves when you take it down...good luck and keep growing with us ...g

Hi and Welcome.
Good luck trying to find out what your hair likes best. Trial and error is the key. 
Meg

I just turned 43 on Sunday,  I also use Dove but, I only condition wash.  I am using acv rinses to help prevent build up.  good luck to you!

Thank you all so much! I guess I have to relook all the "good" DOVE stuff........you are all so nice and friendly.....I LIKE THIS PLACE 

And no, I am not wearing my hair REBA style, I just liked the color, now I am trying to go back to my natural color - darkbrown - but it seems like my hair don't want to. I discussed the perm-subject with my hubby this morning, his comment: I love your hair just the way it is. You can do anything to it, just don't cut it. He gets paranoid when I mention trimming split ends. Just gotta love him.

I had no idea that these sticks are available for hair dos. They are so pretty.
Some of my friends are laughing at me that I want to let my hair grow again "at my age"

My biggest problem is the top layer close to my face. It seems like that this part is more brittle and prone to break than the rest of them. And the way the hairdresser cut them the last time is weird too. I feel like I have to puppy ears hanging there.

Thanks again for the warm welcome! Thanks Bikerbraid for the advice with the oil and stuff. I guess, I have been doing a bunch of stuff totally wrong, when I thought I did something good.

Good night everybody. It's already almost 11 :00 here. So, definately bedtime.