Hi, everyone, I apologize for jumping in without introducing myself, but I just found the new members section.  Found your site in Lucky magazine and checked it out immediately.  Have been growing my hair out for 3 or 4 yrs, from a layered cut and my hairdresser recommends keeping the layers to encourage the natural curl.  The longest layer is just past my shoulderblades, and the top is just below my chin.  My natural color is anemic mouse brown with ash tones that look gray in certain lights and accentuate the sallow undertones in my complexion.  There isn't enough makeup in any store to make me look anything other than jaundiced, so I dye it dark brown with a Matrix permanent color.  I get color and mini-trim (about 1/8') every 4 wks, wash it once a week, alternating between Matrix Amplify and Garnier Fructis for curly hair, and deep condition every 2 wks.  I rinse it every morning in the shower and have begun squeezing it dry after reading the guidelines.  I never use any electric device on my hair.  I also take 10mg of Biotin every day.

During the week I wear it up under a Tony Pony.  (I have 4 and love them!)   I use Suave hairspray to tame the wispy ends and smooth the top.  I tried the aloe vera gel, but it didn't hold down the ends.  Whatever positon my hair dries in is the position it is going to be in until I wash it again.  It's very stubborn.

Right now my hair is the healthiest it has ever been, I think because I keep the ends covered most of the time and only use shampoo once a week.

Loved the Guidelines.  After reading them, I went thru all my hair doodads and threw away everything with sharp edges.  So am left with basic hairpins, covered elastics, 2 Scunci jaw clips that have the rubber bumps inside to keep them from slipping, several leather and woven hair buckles with the slide-thru sticks, 1 comb and 2 ECO paddle brushes with the ball-tipped nylon bristles that have been approved by my hairdresser.

I want to try the sulfate-free products and will do my first vinegar rinse tomorrow.  The water in my community is rusty and smells pretty bad when I run the hot water, so I know there are all kinds of stuff in it.  I have noticed that my hair is fuller and softer when I wash it any place else.

I would love to have hair down to my waist, but will just have to wait and see if that is possible.

You are doing a great job at educating us about the care and feeding of long hair.  I am so glad I found you.  Thank you.