Long Hair Interviews

Below we present long hair interviews posted on the previous Long and Natural Hair website.

They were kindly provided by visitors who shared their thoughts and background on their hair.

If you would like to take part in the interview yourself, please click here to download a Word document file containing the questions for the interview.

Please place your answers in the space behind each question and then save the file and send as an attachment to this address:
longandnatural@hotmail.com

We will add your answers to the website within a few days of receiving them!

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Long Hair Interview Answers

Please scroll down to view all the posted long hair interview answers.
Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your answers are greatly appreciated!

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Posted by Emmy on May 3, 2002 

1)Your name or who you want to be known as?
Emmy.

2)What country do you live in?
Belgium.

3)A little about your way of life - perhaps your job or the main roles you have in life.
I am working in a call center.
My hobbies are going out, music and skiing.

4) Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
Just below mid-tigh length, dark brown colour (natural).

5) Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
I want to grow my hair a few inches below my knees, just like the Asian Lady on the Catwalk in the Xlength Section; of THLS.
If I still love the length, maybe even longer.
Ask me again in two years from now.

6) Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
I just started loving long hair more and more during the past years.

7) Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
No, I just go there for a trim.

8) Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
I have my hair trimmed once a year, but I also trim some of my hair with split ends myself in the period between the trims.

9) What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
I wash my hair twice a week, mostly in the evening hours.
I always let it dry naturally, which takes several hours.

10) With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
I am still using my old wooden brush.
I only use a comb to part my hair in the middle.

11) How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
Brushing only takes a few minutes in the morning and in the afternoon.
But washing and drying them takes hours and hours.

12) Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands.
I never counted them.

13) How fast do you think your hair is growing at the moment?
I guess approx. 7 per year, maybe .

14) Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
None.
If there would be a harmless product that really could accelerate the growth of hair, I maybe would try it.

15) What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
None, I always wear it down loose.

16) Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
No.

17) Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
No.

18) What is your hair history - has it always been long?
When I was a young girl, I always used to have short hair.
I had all kinds of different short hairstyles in various colors. Slowly I got enough from visiting the hairdresser salon every six weeks and spending half my Saturday morning there.
So I started to grow out my hair, because I thought that longer hair could reduce my hairdresser visit to maybe twice a year. After one year, all my hair was even at chin length, but I still didnt plan to become a long-haired at all. It just started growing out and I started liking and enjoying my longer growing hair. I also felt that it looked great on me and it made me feeling younger and more attractive.

19) Do you have to go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
Growing, of course.

20) Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many a scissor happy salons)?
No, I always warn the hairdresser in advance that he shouldnt use his scissors likes he wants to and that I only want to see a spoonfull of hair on the floor when I leave.

21) Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
Yes and no.
Most of my friends are short-haired. They don&t really like my long hair, but they are not pushing me to cut them. Its just a bit strange for them.
Sometimes people give me compliments on my hair.
Sometimes I meet people that I havent seen for a long time and only know me as a short-haired girl. Some of them dont recognise me, some of them ask me whether my hair are real, but all of them react very surprised.

22) Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
Yes, I am right in the middle of one.
I didnt made up my mind yet.

23) Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
I love my long hair, so I also love it on other women.
I am sorry Neil, but I dont like long hair on men.

24) If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
I don& know yet.
Maybe if I have to dye it, I would try a red colour.

25) What was your best hair experience so far?
That I had the courage to keep it growing.

26) What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
The time it consumes to wash and dry it.

27) How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
Very long hair attracts many eyes.

28) Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life?
Yes it did.
The longer my hair became, the hipper and trendier I started dressing.
As a short-haired girl, I never thought about wearing small hotpants, micrmini-skirts and short tank-tops. But now Ie got a feeling that my long hair covers my body a bit instead.

29) Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
Yes, I wished that in the business world, long hair hanging down loose would be acceptable.

30) Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
No, not at all.

31) Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
No, I just see it as a kind of hobby.

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What country do you live in? New Zealand

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life: homemaker

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
21.5 inches long, medium-thick, each hair is medium textured, dark brown
with some natural highlights

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
I'm aiming at mid-thigh length

Does your hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
I just think long hair on women is beautiful & feminine

Do you avoid hairdressing salons? Yes

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow? Ends dusted every 6 or more months

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
Shampoo scalp once every 8 days; condition wash scalp every 2nd day; condition wash length once a week; use Lush pre-wash conditioner & any gentle shampoo; let hair dry naturally; only use a bit of oil on frizzies if needed

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far? plastic comb with VERY wide teeth; boar bristle brush (but only if hair is full of scalp oil first, or it causes damage)

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair? 15 minutes - 30 minutes average

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
Quite a lot; about 40 - 50 hairs average

How fast do you think your hair grows? about 3/4 inch a month

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair? Yes; take royal jelly & EFAs; try to avoid sugar

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
Use a scrunchie, a big hair tie (no metal or exposed elastic). Usually
wear a bun or ponytail or half-ponytail or tucked up into a hat. Also, wear a
scarf when outdoors in the sun. Try not to wear it loose too often as I feel it
causes wear & tear & exposes the hair to bleaching by the sun & wind.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day? Like to have it loose for an indoor special occasion. Or for a formal
occasion, slicked back with scalp oil (not as gross as it sounds) into a bun held by a scrunchie.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep? I either do a high bun or a side ponytail.

What is your hair history - has it always been long? short-long-short-long-short-long You get the idea!

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
I've always given in to the urge to cut in the past (which is why my hair
is fairly short now) but from now on when those urges come I am going to carry
on regardless!

Boys at school cutting little sections off my hair & the teacher saying,
"I'm sure you can spare some" (it was about waist length or a bit longer).

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair? My fiance does (as long as I keep it healthy & it doesn't take too much of
my time); my parents think I'm a shade obsessed; others are either supportive or
think I'm a bit ODD. : )

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair? nope

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits? No offence meant, but i think long hair (below mid-back) only looks good on females.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes? I hope I will be strong enough not to dye at all, but if I did it would be with a natural dye (such as henna).

What was your best hair experience so far?
A chinese man telling me (when I had thigh length hair) that I looked a doll!

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair? Knowing what to do with it at night that is not uncomfortable or bad for my hair.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract? Men love it which I don't mind (wink); I've never had any problem with stalkers or real wierdos. Women either admire it or are jealous - some refused to acknowledge the fact that I had hair long enough to sit on!

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life? Probably but I'm not sure how!

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair? Amen!!

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority? Only briefly in passing. But not really. I think those with long hair are the smart ones!

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
Very much! I spend hours on the Net each week looking at hair sites! I'd like to think my hair is a lot healthier & more beautiful than it used to be!

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Your name or whom you are known as? Valerie

What country do you live in? USA

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life; I work full time, but nothing worth mentioning. My real intrests are
horses, pen & ink drawing, reading, being outside...

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that. My hair is tailbone length, naturally a very light brown with gold highlights, average thickness, STRAIGHT as can be. The individual strands are for the most part, fine. Currently, it's henna'd a copper color.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair? I would like to see how long my hair can go. After that, I will probably keep it at classic or tailbone- unless of course I like it longer when I get there! :o)

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)? It's very much a part of my identity. I wouldn't be happy at all without at least waist length hair- but now that even seems short to me.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons? YES! They smell terrible, the people are abnoxious, and if they dare come near me with scissors....

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow? I used to get my hair trimmed every 6 months or so. But I've learned how
to take better care of it now, so the trims aren't necessary. I believe I'll just "let it grow".

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)? I very rarely use shampoo. I tend to over do it on oils before I wash. I first use conditioner, then a weak apple cider vinegar rinse, then another round of conditioner, and finally some sort of herbal rinse. Fenugreek tea is
sooo nice!

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far? I use a Kent detangling comb mostly. I also have a Jean-Pierre Boar Bristle Brush. That one is nice, but I am only going to use it near the scalp to avoid stretching my strands.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair? Hehe, constantly. I love taking care of my hair. I usually keep it up in a bun, but am always using some sort of leave in or oil, checking for splits... probably about 40 minutes a day total. On average.

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands? I think I shed little. Maybe 30? Since my hair is up most of the time, I
can keep a pretty good estimate. I lose about 5 in the shower.

How fast do you think your hair grows? The ends are growing 1/2 inch a month. The newer, shorter hairs are growing faster- but I am not sure of the rate.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair? Yes! I take Nettles, MSM, Flax and Evening Primrose Oil, a multi vitamin, biotin, B- Complex, Calcium... a protein drink... the list goes on I am sure.

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose? Usually a bun or braided bun for work. A braid for weekends. Maybe 2
braids. Sometimes I'll do fancier styles for a special occasion, but very rarely loose.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day? For special events, if it's inside or not windy, I'd wear it loose.
Otherwise, I'd do something like "The Victorian".

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep? I do one single braid and throw it over my pillow.

What is your hair history - has it always been long I had it cut shoulder length when I was 4 and 11 years old. Both times I grew it out immediately.

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment? No, never. I don't like or look good with short hair.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)? Hmm, yes, kinda embarrasing (to me it is..). You know those horrid Velcro rollers? Don't EVER use them. I have a bunch of shorter hairs because of those stupid things.

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair? Yes. I can't remember anyone ever seriously telling me to cut it.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair? I don't think so. I just keep it up and out of sight. All the other women in here have men's cuts.

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits? Let it grow!

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes? I think grey can be stunning. If I went grey early, I would use henna.

What was your best hair experience so far? I appreciate every one of the compliments anyone has ever said about my hair.

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair? Wanting to wear it down and show it off, but knowing that would cause damage.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract? I think I only get positive attention from it. I don't flaunt, so women are accepting too.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life? It's affected EVERYthing!

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair? Nah, even if they did do long hair, I still wouldn't go. It makes my hair more special. (Was that mean or what?)

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority? No, I've got lots of great long haired friends online and 1 really good friend in real life that has beautiful BSL hair.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair? Yes, time wise. LoL. I've learned a great deal, and wouldn't have such healthy hair now if it weren't for all the great people online.

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Your name or whom you are known as? Holly Noelle

What country do you live in? USA

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life; I'm a Christian. I'm a college student studying English.

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that: My hair is a few inches shorter than classic length so that I can't quite sit on it. It is thick, coarse, and straight though it maintains a wave if I've kept it braided. It is several shades of blond -- lighter at the ends, darker at the top and underneath.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair? My first goal is classic length. From there I'd like to grow it as long as
I can maintain it.

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)? I love my long hair. It has become my trademark. It compliments my romantic nature.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons? I am wary of any hairdresser I don't know personally. I've recently moved, and I haven't been to a hairdressing salon here yet.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? I used to get a regular trim every summer when I went home. Now that I don't have a hairdresser I know, I haven't had it trimmed in about a year and a half.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)? I wash my hair twice a week or so. I experiment with different shampoos, but I believe Clairol Daily Defence is my favourite. Before I wash I oil my hair heavily with coconut oil and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Then I wash with diluted shampoo, rinse, then condition from my neck down. I have blowdried my hair once in the last two years. I usually let it dry naturally. I oil the ends after I wash and whenever they look dry.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far? I have one old plastic comb with smooth teeth. I also have a wooden comb from the body shop. I can't find a brush that I really like. Boar bristle brushes don't penetrate the thickness of my hair.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair? If I don't do anything special to it, it takes me about 10 minutes to comb and braid it (my usual style). It takes about 20 minutes to wash and an hour or two to dry. I like to try different styles, and that also takes time.

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands? I lose 7-20 strands a day, but the length makes it seem like more.

How fast do you think your hair grows? I don't know.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair? no

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose? My favorite hair accessories are scrunchies. I usually have my hair in one or two braids secured with scrunchies that won't break my hair. I have small no-metal hair elastics for making smaller braids or twists. I use small claw clips to pull the sides back and one big claw clip to put it into a sort of French twist.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day? I like to wear my hair down when I go out. For special events I like to make a twisted or rope crown around my head. I like pull-through styles because they keep my hair out of my face and still show off the length.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep? I wear it braided while I sleep.

What is your hair history - has it always been long? I had it to my waist when I was thirteen. I cut it to my shoulders and layered it at fourteen. I've been growing it, with a few significant trims, for the last six years.

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment? I am committed to growing my hair long. I have nightmares about having it cut, and I always wake up relieved to find that it is still long.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
When I got that shoulder length layered cut and was waiting my turn, a lady told me I had beautiful hair. When I sat for the hairdresser, the lady who had complimented me was sitting next to me. When the hairdresser had finished, I wasn't sure if I liked it. I was looking at my reflection when the lady next to me turned around and saw me. She said, "You cut off all your hair!" I cried. Another time, when my hair was much longer, I went walking on the beach with a friend wearing my hair loose. My hair was dry, gritty, and full of tangles afterward. It took me at least an hour to detangle it, and I cringed to hear the hair breaking as I detangled.

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair? My family used to nag me to cut my hair. My mother would be upset when I got only an inch trimmed. One sister told me my hair was unstylish and made my look younger. My younger sister was very rude about it. Now my family has become resigned to my long hair, and some seem to like it. My aunt told me never to cut it. My grandmother told me that long hair looks thin and straggly on others, but that mine is "glorious." The one sister has asked me to forgive her for trying to get me to change my hair and is trying to grow hers longer herself. But my younger sister still makes fun of my hair. Most of my friends think my hair is neat, but they think I'm slightly obsessed.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair? Other than one teacher who always calls attention to my hair, no

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
I like well-maintained long hair. I don't find unhealthy looking long hair attractive, and I think it gives long haired people a bad name. I prefer a blunt cut or a curved cut and thick, healthy ends.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes? I don't think I would dye my hair, but I haven't been tested yet.

What was your best hair experience so far? I thought it was interesting when my older sister decided to grow her hair, partly because her boyfriend would tell her, "I'll bet Holly hasn't cut her hair." She asks me for advice, a new thing in our relationship. I feel closer to her now that she values my advice. I also like the extra attention my hair attracts. I am shy and don't like to approach people, but my hair is sometimes a conversation starter.

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair? It takes a long time to put it up, even in a French braid.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract? I love the attention my hair attracts. But I don't like it when people try to touch it without my permission. Most guys are polite enough to ask first, but some aren't.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life? I've become more aware of how hair is used in literature.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair? People often judge based on appearance including hair, and these judgements are often faulty.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority? I have never felt any type of discrimination because of my hair, but I have heard horror stories from other people.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair? It has strengthened my resolve to grow my hair. I don't know that it would be this long without having found long hair societies online.

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Your name or whom you are known as? Elspeth

What country do you live in? USA

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life: Homeschooling Mother of 3

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that: My hair is currently about Classic length. About evenly mixed brown and blond (was very blond as a child and getting darker since then.) It is rather thick and wavy. I do not alter it.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair? I would love it to reach knee length!

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)? I am rather old-fashioned (not to say archaic!) so long hair suits the way I dress, speak, and live.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons? Yes, although if there were one that specialized in long hair anywhere near me it might be a fun treat.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow? I am trying to get in the habit of "dusting" the ends. Up until now I have just let it grow and have plenty of splits.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)? I wash once or twice a week, usually with Nature's Gate products, though I
have tried other herbal kinds as well. I wrap it in a towel for a few minutes
then let it air dry overnight. Sometimes I make a final herbal rinse, like
chamomile. I use Burt's Bees Avocado treatment when dampening with water before combing and have started to oil the ends.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far? I have a little wood comb that I love. I very seldom brush it, since it gets frizzy and seems to tear the hair no matter how slow and gentle I try to
be.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair? Between ten minutes (comb through and clip) to an hour (cleaning, dusting ends, elaborate braids.)

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands? I have been moulting less and less over time, maybe ten strands daily. After childbirth, though, it fell out by the brushful for a while.

How fast do you think your hair grows? Not sure. I just measured it and will check in a few months to see if it is growing or not and at what rate.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair? I take a multivitamin. I am thinking of taking Horsetail/Nettle as well. In the past I have used Evening Primrose Oil for other purposes, but it helps hair too. I am a vegetarian, which I think helps my overall health.

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose? I do many types of braids and am always trying to learn more. When I do not have the inspiration to do that, I will put it in a bun, use a headband, or clip it back with a large barrette.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day? If I have time, I love to braid it in old styles.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep? I just started doing this. Previously I would just flip it up over the
pillow.

What is your hair history - has it always been long? I wanted long hair as a child, being fascinated with fairy tales, but it was cut short for convenience when I needed to go to the hospital. I then grew it out until I was 14, but in a moment of insanity, I had it cut in the Farrah Faucet layered style. It took me seven years to grow that out. I did cut it one more time shortly after that and have not done so since.

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment? The thought occurs to me, but I do not think short hair suits me and I remember crying over that first dreadful cut, so I would never act on such a thought.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)? (See above.)

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair? Yes...especially my husband who also has long hair.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair? When I worked in a shop, my boss had long hair and hair accessories were
among the things we sold, so it was not a problem.

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits? I prefer it to be healthy, but other than that I have no limitations. I do wish more men would have long hair.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes? I am looking forward to having a long, long grey braid.

What was your best hair experience so far? Getting compliment and finally being able to sit on it. .

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair? Trying to prevent split ends.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract? It seems to make others treat me in a more 'old-fashioned' way. I am glad
of that.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life? I believe it helps me keep the values of my youth in mind by being a symbol... like a sort of armor.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair? Yes.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority? Quite the opposite actually...but I do see my husband deal with that.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair? I just discovered these sites last week while looking for braiding information, so I do not know yet.

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What country do you live in?
The United States of America, East Coast

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life;
I am a part time, by choice, kindergarten teacher. As much as I enjoy the work I do, leisure time during the school year and summers off are more valuable to me at this point in my life.

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
My tapered, slightly wavy hair ranges from a medium brown at the newest growth to a naturally aged light brown by the bottom lengths. I would guess that it is on the thinner side of medium thickness. Never having measured my hair, 1 can only describe the proportions on my five toot, tour inch height. The left side of hair reaches to my fingertips while the right side has the longest ends reaching mid-calf. See question 18 for the story behind that.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
Although there was never a goal in mind as I let my hair grow, I had recently thought I would eventually trim my hair to about ankle length when it reached the floor, It hasn▓t yet reached that far in 14 years of not trimming at all so 1 am pretty sure 1 have already hit my maximum length. Should more growth unexpectedly occur, I would now let it grow as long as it could just to see how far it would grow.

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
Well, I don▓t wear makeup, rarely have jewelry on, and when in long dresses I have often been taken for a religious conservative if my two lengths are concealed in a single braid. That always strikes me as funny how 1 can come across so completely opposite to my interests. Long hair seems to suit my relaxed personality. For many years I liked my hair purely for the shock value of the short and long sides more than anything else. Now, I would say, the other messages that can be implied by long hair are becoming of interest.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
Yes, but I have occasionally patronized hair braiders at renaissance festivals.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
Never trimmed for 14 years out of an interest in preserving the history of the ends. Recently I have learned to dust as I see split ends sticking out of braids. I am still rethinking the value of dusting though. The splits found after years of inattention never were more than a centimeter or so. Dusting seems to lead to more dusting as the newly cut end of a hair is free to split again.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
I have never been particular about brands. Once a week with the prettiest colored or best smelling shampoo and conditioner works for me, recently it has been Tom▓s of Maine almond scented. The shampoo is used from the neck upwards and rinses down the length followed by conditioner from the neck down only. Only rarely, if necessary, will I wash my scalp mid-week over the sink while holding the length out of the way. I am a reformed hair dryer user who now prefers to sun dry outside with a book. Oiling is relatively recent for me so I am still working on using a light touch to the ends and a spray bottle has helped with this. Now I can ensure that only one drop is in my hand to spread over my palms.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
I have never taken to combs, but then I have never tried a good, seamless comb. For my taste, I still use a plastic bristle brush for the stiffness of the bristles.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
Not long at all apart from the weekly wash and air dry. Barring the rare tangle, I have timed myself at 7-10 minutes a day to brush and make two simple braids if going to work. Even less when simply wearing my hair rolled up in a hat unsecured as 1 tend to when not at school.

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
I do not feel like I loose many hairs. A wild guess would be around 20 a day. Observing the strands left in the hairbrush I have noticed very few of the longest strands are lost, more often the hairs are much shorter ones that have apparently reached their individual maximum length. I am guessing that because the tips are pointy, never cut, and the scalp end has the white root dot, so these are not hairs that were not part of something longer. These short losses have held true for me as I began collecting molted hairs to make a skinny braid that I could color and clip in for variety. To my surprise, the bunch of saved hairs show the same overall taper effect as the hair on my head. Very few of the lost hairs are the really long ones.

How fast do you think your hair grows?
No clue on this one as I have never measured, I would assume the typical half inch a month.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
Never have to date and can▓t really see myself doing so. I am happy with what I have.

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
That is the most fun part of long hair, the things that can be stuck in it! The students love to see me wearing 100 items down my braids for the I 00th day of school, although that can feel heavy by the end of the day. In addition to numerous plastic clips, I have a few favorite ponytail holders sold in kids▓ departments. Worn on the end of my long braid the plastic (but so attractive, I really do have a weakness for colorful plastic accessories) heart or star beads clink with motion. The absolute best though, is the one with bells on strings that tinkle merrily as I walk and the braid picks up an undulating motion.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
Other than two braids for work and up in hats otherwise, I enjoy wearing my hair loose for renaissance festivals and Halloween witch costumes. Now that I have recently taken an interest in my hair, I am beginning to experiment with a variety of styles, but still at the early, mostly inept stage.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
After taking out the day▓s braid, and usually with no need to even brush, I put my hair up in a favourite red hat with a soft upturned brim as soon as I get home from school. It is so comfortable I just wear it to bed as it holds my hair wrapped up around my crown while sleeping.

What is your hair history - has it always been long?
My hairstyle began 14 years ago when I was in eighth grade. I began to cut my shoulder length hair from the left side and stopped at the back without continuing from the other side. To my 13-year-old mind this half and half hairstyle looked pretty neat so I had my mother finish cutting to about mid-ear level then shaving below while leaving the right side untouched. For about eight years I would periodically let the short side grow for a while, even to mid-back a few times, and then cut back up to the ear again. My long hair was always worn hidden up in a hat with only the short side out and showing. Not many people knew I had long hair and that was a fun secret for mc.

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
The half haircuts eased any need for style changes and now I am settled most comfortably into the look of long hair with naturally tapered ends. If ever I was seized by the inclination for short hair, I would play with a digital picture of myself to see the effect of less hair, maybe classic length, 1 doubt actual short hair would interest me. Even if I wanted a change upon seeing a shorter image of myself, I would still think it over at least a year before making any changes. Should I waver even once in my desire to cut, then I would have to start the year of wanting a haircut over again before taking any action.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
Fortunately, no. Before growing my hair longer, it was just haircuts at home anyway so there never was any desire to be tended to professionally,■ especially without an interest in trims.

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
Yes, unhesitatingly. I have never heard anyone make disparaging remarks about my hair, only kind thoughts and compliments.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
I can only say how positive an asset my hair has been as a teacher. Long hair exemplifies qualities of patience, deliberation, and dedication. I like to think my hair speaks well of me even before the parents of new students get to know me with time.

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
For me, long hair looks attractive on anyone who is happy in it but I have no particular bias toward or against it on any particular person. I take people as I find them.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
Actually, I am looking forward to getting grey hair in time. I will enjoy watching the change as the proportion of grey hairs increases looking at my length from the ends upward. Fond as I am of an untouched look, depending on the shade of my hair when it has fully changed with age, 1 might want to get it chemically altered just once to make it snowy white for the beauty of it.

What was your best hair experience so far?
Nothing in particular comes to mind, only a general sense of fun and positive thoughts about having long hair.

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
I would easily say the lack of knowledge about how hair grows and general care has been my difficulty in the past.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
The depth to which people can be affected by long hair continues to surprise me.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life?
Originally I would have said no, but the more I get to know people with long hair the more I am struck by similarities among us. Gentleness is one of the most readily apparent common traits. Also, having never considered the philosophical and natural implications of uncut hair until recently, I am now just taking an interest in other naturalistic ideals.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
I am happy to let others do as they will. I do however, feel it is unfortunate that some people can be badgered by others to get a haircut against their own judgment.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
Life has been very good for me so, um, no. I can understand how it happens to others though.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
Very much so. To find a virtual community of long haired people, with a wealth of knowledge to share, has been the best thing ever to happen to me in the hair care sense.

---

Posted by Melinda on September 22, 2002, 4:00 pm

What country do you live in?
usa

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life;
a single working mom with 2 boys

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
i have medium to short hair, kinda thick but not real thick and i have a
little natural curl to may hair and its a little cousrse and my hair is a light
brown

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
i would like for it to be about 4 to 5 inches passed my shoulders or longer

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
i just want longer hair so i can do more with it

Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
i only go there to get my hair trimmed

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
yes maybe every 6 to 8 weeks it depends on how dry it is

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
i wash my hair daily and i use termasilk shampoo and conditioner

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
i use a round brush

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
about 15 to 20 minutes

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
a little

How fast do you think your hair grows?
very slowly

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
no

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
always wear it loose..not really long enough to do anything with it

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
i would love to wear it different but right now its not long enough to do
anything with it

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
no

What is your hair history - has it always been long?
its has been to my shoulders before but not really alot of lenght i have
had

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
urges to cut cause i get disgusted with my hair the way it looks

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
have gotten a perm a long time ago and it was way to curly and have had my
hair cut to short a nightmare

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
yes

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
no

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
i guess it depends on the person..on how its taken care of and so on

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
yes

What was your best hair experience so far?
really i havent ever had a best hair experience before..i can never seem to
get my hair the way i want it

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
i cant never get it to grow longer and its always the same hair stlye i
have for the last 15 years i need a change

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
some people tells me i have pretty hair because of the natrual wave to
it...but theres not really alot of wave in my hair or at least i dont think so

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life?
if i could get my hair longer i feel like i would feel better my self

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
yes i do

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
no

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
yes it makes me want my hair longer even more

 

Thanks Melinda

---

Your name or whom you are known as?
Sara

What country do you live in?
US of A

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life;
My main role in life is wife to my wonderful husband. I also write poetry, which is my main avocation, one I *hope* to make a living of someday. I have a bachelor's degree in both Literature and Art History.

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
My hair is currently 42 inches when measured from my front hairline.
That's about two inches shy of classic length on me. It's medium thickness, very fine, straight and shiny in texture, and medium to dark brown in color with blond and red highlights.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
My first goal is classic length. After that, I plan on growing my hair as
long as I enjoy maintaining it and can wear it down without *too* much worry. I
imagine myself stopping somewhere between mid-thigh and knee-length.

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
I think long, healthy hair is the most beautiful asset a woman can have to
accentuate her beauty. I am very much interested in the art and literature that
reflects this ideal of beauty, and I thnk that is the most "me" thing about my
hair.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
Yes! Unless I am getting shampoo from them, which isn't very often.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
Up until about a year ago I was having my hair trimmed about once every
four months or so, usually about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. I stopped that and
decided to keep my ends healthy and trim only when I felt like my hair really
needed it. I waited eight months and then got an inch trimmed off four months
ago. My ends are getting the 'natural' look--tapered, not blunt, and so far I
think I like it. I do dust the ends, about once a month.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
I wash and condition my hair about once a week. If I notice my scalp
looking dirty in the interim, then I'll do a scalp-only wash. I give myself a
protein treatment about once every three weeks. I tend to lean toward hair
products that are natural and I cycle through the same few brands over and over
again, most of the time. Right now I'm using Tom's of Maine's Honeysuckle baby
shampoo, Avalon Organic Botanical's Lavender Conditioner, and Kiehl's Deep
Conditioning Protein Pak. Between washings, if my ends feel dry I use jojoba or
monoi oil. I was using olive but I think it started to make my hair brittle.
Before I wash I coat the wet lenght of my hair with Burt's Bees Avocado Butter
Hair Treatment. I let my hair dry naturally. I haven't blown it dry in about ten
years.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
I find that combing works best for my hair. I *do* own a couple hairbrushes
that I use when creating updos and smoothing back ponytails or braids. I also
use a BBB to distribute oil down the length of my hair when it's fresh dried.
I also use another brush first thing in the morning to brush my hair out after I
take out my braid.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
Only about 15 minutes, provided it's not wash day.

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
I used to shed about 20-30 hairs a day, but now that I've been taking MSM
and GNC's Ultra Nourishair vitamins, I only lose about 5-10 hairs a day.

How fast do you think your hair grows?
I think my hair's growing about 1/2 inch a month at the moment.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
I do take MSM, hair vitamins, flax seed oil, and biotin for my hair. I also
try to maintain a healthy diet supplemented by exercise.

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
I usually wear my hair in a high bun with hairsticks. If not that, then a
braid.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
I usually wear my hair loose when going out, unless it's particularly hot
or I'm going somewhere that will be really crowded and smoky, like a bar. I
also wear my hair down in the mornings, while I sit in my bathrobe and read the paper and have coffee.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
Yes, I braid my hair in a loose side braid before sleeping.

What is your hair history - has it always been long?
I've had hair below BSL for nearly ten years now, and I'm 25, so I've had long hair all of my adult life.

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
No, I never really have to fight an urge to cut my hair.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
Once (before I discovered TLHS and discovered it was the totally *wrong* thing to do) I had my husband trim my hair while it was wet. He did a good job getting it even, but because my hair was wet it was like he'd cut three inches off instead of one when my hair dried. Lesson learned!!

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
My husband and father do; most of my friends just accept long hair as 'me'--my mother thinks I have beautiful hair, but that it's too long. Both my sisters think my hair is much too long and one sister even referred to it as "silly vanity" or something like that. Hmmmppph!

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
When I waited tables I had to keep my hair up; a braid or ponytail had a tendency to get in the food and get in my way while I was working. I can imagine if I do get another job I'll wear it up then just like I always do, so no, I don't think any work related issues would affect my hair.

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
The only limitation to my appreciation for long hair is that it be healthy and well-maintained. I would rather see a short, healthy, glossy bob than long, scraggly, desperate-for-attention hair.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
No, I think I would let my hair go grey naturally.

What was your best hair experience so far?
I went to a day spa once and got a full massage which included my scalp.
The ladies there just oohed and aahed over my hair, then gave me a shampoo and
conditioning treatment. I need some more of that... ;o)

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
Learning to manage it as it got longer and longer; mainly, learning styles
and updos that will keep it out of the way and keep it from getting damaged.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
I never thought of my hair as having any 'effect' on others. I notice that people (read men) tend to notice me more when I'm wearing it down. I get more compliments from men than from women as a rule.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life?
Growing my hair has taught me patience more than anything. That good things come with time. I think that's an important lesson to learn, no matter how you learn it.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
Yes! I think people should learn to appreciate the love and care it takes to grow long hair more! And if they can't appreciate it, then they need to learn
to hush up about their opinions!!

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
No, not really.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
Yes, definitely. My hair is much healthier and happier thanks to my 'hair friends' as my husband calls them. It's nice to feel like you're part of a group of people who share your love for something, be it hair or what have you.
I am very thankful for the support I've received. :o)

---

What country do you live in?
USA

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life;
I'm a college student working part-time in a bank.

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
I have waist length hair, which I'm growing to at least classic length.
It's very thick, coarse, wavy medium brown hair with natural copper highlights.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
I don't know what my final goal will be but right now growing to classic
length.

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
No, I just really love long hair. I've had it long most of my life.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
No, I go once a month for scalp massage and deep conditioning treatment.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
I trim every 12 weeks with a dusting. Once a year a get between 1 to 2 inches off, usually in January to start the year off right.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
I always let my hair dry naturally. I oil my ends every evening after misting it with distilled water. I use mostly natural products. I wash my hair twice a week and follow with a conditioner. Once a week I do a conditioner only
wash.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
I comb with a seamless comb and I like my Denman brush.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
Not as long as someone with short hair who has to fuss to style it everyday.

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
I'd say about 50 hair aday.

How fast do you think your hair grows?
I get about 3/4 of an inch growth every month all year round

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
Yes, I take GNC Ultra Hair and protein shakes

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
I either wear it in a bun or a frenchbraid. I wear it down if I'm going out for the night.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
see above

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
I sleep on a silk pillowcase and wear my hair up.

What is your hair history - has it always been long?
I've had long hair all my life except twice. When I was 9 my mom cut it in a pixie cut because I was twirling my hair all the time. I grew it out right away(with the promise that I wouldn't twirl my hair any more). Then when I was
a freshman in college my room-mate said I'd look more mature and less like a "little girl" if I cut it to my shoulders. So I did, I hated it.

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
No, trimming but no major cutting for me.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
Last year while getting my hair trimmed, the hairdresser put 4 inch angles in the sides. I didn't realize what she was doing until after one side had already been done. It was the hairdresser I'd been going to for years, I was
so upset. I switched salons but I'm still dealing with it.

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
My sister does but my friends don't. They're all into totally layered blow dried, curled hair.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
No, when I'm at work I wear my hair up always. Customer always give me compliments when I do my frenchbraid (usually once or twice a week).

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
No, as long as the hair is healthy looking I love to see long hair on others. I hate ratty looking ends.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
When I go grey I'll probably use synthtis until my hair is mostly grey then let it be natural. I think people who have all silver hair are beautiful.

What was your best hair experience so far?

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
Nothing

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
I love attracting attention.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life?
You learn great things come to people who are willing to wait for it. Growing long hair takes patience.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
Lot's of people think we should be cookie cutter images of each other. Anything they perceive as different is somehow wrong.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
I think we are a minority but not oppressed.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
Certain sites and people have given me great tips.

Thanks Sheryl!

---

Your name or whom you are known as?
Rainbow

What country do you live in?
I live in the United States.

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life;
I am a friend, a law student, a canoeist, a tree-hugger, a poet, a film enthusiast, a photographer without a camera, and a "mother" to my long hair.

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that. My hair is a smooth slender river of dark chocolate flowing to just past my waist.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
To infinity and beyond! Actually, my long-term goal is ankle-floor length.

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
Honestly, I just plain enjoy having long hair. I do feel that it requires patience, loyalty, dedication, and stubborness!

Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
I did not go to a salon for over 10 years. I think long hair salons are wonderful.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
I plan to trim my hair about 1/2 inch every six months, and I have a
trusted friend who will kindly do this for me. Once my ends are all even, I may just let them grow and see if I develop any split ends. Right now I do not have any splits, and I think gentle care really helps in this regard. I have dusted in the past, but, like Elizabeth, I felt the dusting just required more dusting along the line, so I don't plan to dust in the future.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
I wash my hair once a week, shampooing with the George Michael Blue shampoo from the neck up and conditioning with Nature's Gate original herbal conditioner from the neck down. I deep condition with the George Micheal 12minute conditioner about once a month. I comb my hair immediately after showering and let it dry naturally. I do not use oil since my hair seems oily already, and the
oil seemed to make my hair tangle.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
Seamless tortoise shell combs are the best. My hair's health greatly
improved when I started using them. I also use a boar bristle brush.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
It does not take long at all; however I sometimes play with different styles for fun for a long time!

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
I lose around 10-20 per day. I think saw palmetto and better circulation has helped in this regard.

How fast do you think your hair grows?
I measure my hair all the time. I believe it is growing half and inch a month, perhaps a teensy bit more.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
Well, here goes! I take 2 GNC UltraNourishHair, 1000mg MSM, 5mg biotin, 3250mg gelatin, 50mg zinc, and 950mg saw palmetto. I am a vegetarian, and I like the health benefits of that choice, but I do eat a can of tuna almost every day to get enough protein and EFA's to feed my hair.

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
I think my hair looks best loose, and this feels natural for me. When spending any time in the sun or wind, I protect my hair by putting it in a crocheted snood (1940's look) covered by a silky scarf. This is not the most attractive style in the world, but protecting my hair is of great importance to
me. When I get where I am going, I set my hair free! I like this "updo" because it does not place strain on the scalp. For working out, I wear my hair in a single braid.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
I like to wear my hair down, and if I ever have the opportunity to venture to a special event, I would like to wear a flower in my hair.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
I used to when my hair was very long. This help incredibly to reduce the tangling. Now I sleep with a satin pillowcase and let my hair drape down the back of the bed. I think this helps increase circulation, and it is not tangled when I rise.

What is your hair history - has it always been long?
My hair was usually between shoulder and mid-back length as a child. I had a short perm at age 5, grew it long, then had a chin length bob at age 11. That bob got lots of compliments, but I wanted my long hair! So I started growing.
Then when my hair was shoulder length at 13, I stopped getting it trimmed. I waited, and thirteen years later I had calf length hair! Due to a sad accident I lost three feet of my hair nine months ago, but I am determined to grow my hair longer than ever, and I'm already on my way there!

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
I can't stand to get my hair "cut." Trims are ok but still a little frightening. The longer it grows, the more I like it. I once considered cutting my hair a few years ago but didn't. My hair brings me great joy, and its growth is a testament of the years of my life, both of stress and of plenty. I am determined to have floor length hair eventually.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
Any negative salon outcomes were due to miscommunication or bad decision-making on my part. My horror story is very bad tangling (mentioned above). Tip: No matter how tired you are, detangle your hair every single night before you go to sleep.

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
I have met a wonderful community of online hair friends who are extraordinarily encouraging and supportive. My non-hair friends respect and encourage my hair growth goals also. My family doesn't really understand, but they respect my choice and never give me negativity about my hair.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
My clients at a former job remembered me as "the lady with the long hair." In law school there are many women with beautiful long healthy hair.

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
I would like for any person who wants long hair to feel free to grow it. I am not a long hair evangelist because I think it is a very individual choice. I also admire the glorious manes of the males.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
I do not intend to go gray. I hope to grow floor length hair before it starts to gray, but if I do gray, I will not dye it dark. I don't look forward to the transition period, but I do not think I would mind having all silver or white hair. I always wanted to be a blonde as a child, so perhaps that will satisfy that dream. It will be great to have floor-length hair either dark or light!

What was your best hair experience so far?
Meeting the wonderful community of hair friends. Also I treasured the time I spent caring for my hair. It is relaxing and rejuvenating.

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
The grief of losing a substantial portion of it, but it grows anew each day. Also, I would be sad when other people didn't understand my hair.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
I admit that I love the compliments, but I would grow long hair even if no one else could see it.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life? It teaches me that the first days are the hardest days of any journey that anything truly worthwhile is accomplished over time.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
I think people would be much happier if they felt they could have the hair they wanted. Ideally, the salon industry could be composed of professionals who help us learn to care for our hair and respect our individual goals, more like hair coaches that assist us as our hair grows.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
Yes. It's not on the same level of oppression as being poor, or disabled, or a woman, but sometimes people do not treat us with respect because they simply do not understand how much love and effort it takes to grow our hair. It's one of those things you almost have to do yourself to fully understand. On the other hand, I see those that want long hair but don't feel free to grow it as the ones who are oppressed.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
I am truly blessed to have met some dear friends. I do think about my hair more, and learning the tips here has greatly increased the health of my hair.

Thanks Rainbow

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Your name or whom you are known as?
Teresa

What country do you live in?
USA

A little about your way of life, perhaps a job or the main roles you have in life;
I work in the offices of a Computer Company. It's very nice, but is just a job to support the rest of my life really. I adore music, my cats, and spending time with my friends, oh, and cooking.

Please say everything you can to describe your hair - Its length, thickness, natural texture and colour or anything that has been altered from that.
It's a sort of light brown or very dark blonde with brassy or coppery natural higlights. It is very straight and perhaps just a bit more than medium thickness. Currently it reaches to just below the bottom curve of my calves.

Do you aim at a length or are you just growing your hair?
For many years my goal was knee-length. Then I spent a couple of years just working on getting it healthier. Now I'm rather curious to see if it will ever get to my ankles.

Does you hair say something in terms of your culture or what you believe or is there something that is very much you about it (as well as it being naturally attached)?
I mostly just think it is a part of who I am. To me, long hair is very natural. Years ago I stopped fighting with my hair and trying to get it to behave against it's nature. Now I just let it grow and take care of it.

Do you avoid hairdressing salons?
I go to a GM salon about three or four times a year for a small trim and a deep conditioning treatment.

Do you have your hair trimmed and how often? Do you dust the ends? Or do you just let it grow?
I usually have about half an inch trimmed three or four times a year now. I find it does better when I get small trims more often than just leaving it for years.

What is your hair washing routine and if you use a shampoo or conditioner - what are the usual kinds you go for? Do you let your hair dry naturally? Do you give any extra conditioning between washes (Such as oiling the ends)?
I usually wash my hair twice a week. I tried to go to only once a week, but my scalp is much too oily. I use a variety of products, the most frequent being : GM cream shampoo, GM blue shampoo, GM cream rinse, Nature's Gate herbal shampoo and conditioner. Sometimes after washing I will use Beauty Without Cruelty leave-in conditioner. And sometimes the day before washing I will apply a bit of jojoba oil to the length focusing on the ends. I always let my hair air dry.

With your hair what kind of brushes and combs are the best that you have tried so far?
The handmade cellulose combs, wide-toothed for detangling and finer-toothed for styling, seem to work best. I also have a fantastic paddle brush that I got at my GM salon. It's the only one I'll use. It has a rubber base with thick plastic bristles individually mounted. The bristles are very smooth and do not have the little balls on the ends that so many brushes do.

How long does it usually take you each day to maintain your hair?
On a daily basis I spend maybe ten to fifteen minutes detangling and
stlying. Then twice a week I spend about another fifteen minutes washing it.

Do you moult a lot of hair each day or very little, perhaps you can say roughly how many strands?
I shed a fair amount of hair each day. I've never counted the strands, but I would guess more than twenty.

How fast do you think your hair grows?
It's in a bit of a slow cycle at the moment. It generally grows a bit more than half an inch a month when it's in a growing phase. But sometimes it hardly seems to grow longer at all. There seems to be about a four or five year cycle of growing followed by a one to two year cycle of resting.

Do you have extra vitamins or slightly alter your diet for the sake of your hair?
When I can remember to I take Ultra Hair Plus, but I usually forget.

What hair accessories do you use and how do you usually arrange your hair or do you nearly always wear it loose?
My two most common styles are a simple three strand braid fastened by one of the clear ouchless elastics and a twisted bun fastened with a pair of hairsticks.

Do you like to wear your hair in particular ways (or let it out loose) for special events or at specific times of day?
Various types of braids are my favorite hairstyles. They can be so versatile and are usually quite comfortable. For special events I usually put it all up and put some type of hair jewelry in it.

Do you braid or arrange you hair to avoid tangles while you're asleep?
I leave it loose at night. I gather it all together and put it up over my pillow and then across the other side of the bed. It's heavy enough that it stays there pretty well, and I don't get many tangles.

What is your hair history - has it always been long?
I've had major cuts only three times. When I was four I got my hair cut into a pixie. From there I let it grow to the bottoms of my jean pockets when I was twelve. At that point, I had it cut to shoulder-length with layers and a perm. I hated it and started letting it grow right away. When I was eighteen I let some college friends talk me into getting it cut from finger-tip length to my waist with some short bangs. I tried to work with the bangs for about a year, but never liked them. Since then I've let it all grow with just trims. (Sometimes major trims of six inches, but never a styled cut.)

Do you ever go through temporary urges to cut or is growing it a straightforward commitment?
I never have an urge to have short hair. I don't tend to think of it as a commitment, it's just a decision that I have made.

Do you have any hair horror stories to tell (such as the kind of thing that can happen on a visit to one of the many scissor happy salons)?
No. My mother was a liscensed stylist and so always did my hair as I requested when I was growing up. I've only been to salons a few times, though I look forward to continuing to visit my nearest GM salon for some time to come.

Do others around you support your choice to have or grow long hair?
My friends all love my hair. Some of them would be quite sad if I ever cut it. My family doesn't care one way or the other; as long as I'm happy, they are happy for me.

Is there ever any work related issues that might ever affect your hair?
No, I work in a high tech industry in a very liberal city. And I work in an office environment, so no safety concerns.

Do you think long hair is good to see on all those who want to grow it, or does your appreciation of it on others have any limits?
I enjoy seeing all long hair that has been well cared for. I do not enjoy it as much if it is damaged-looking. When I see someone who looks like they've had one too many chemical treatments done on their hair I just want to sit them down and share some of the wonderful tips I've learned for having healthy hair.

If you have or if you ever do go naturally grey, would you dye your hair and if so would you use herbs such as henna instead of synthetic dyes?
I do not have any grey yet, and don't expect to for many years if I follow the rest of my family. I think grey hair is quite attractive and don't plan to cover mine with any type of dye.

What was your best hair experience so far?
I would have to say the way that it's helped me to meet some wonderful people with common interests, both in person and online.

What has been most the difficult thing about having your hair?
Taking the time to be patient and careful with it even when I'm in a hurry or don't feel like dealing with it.

How about the effect of it on others and the attention it may attract?
I think having long hair definitely attracts attention. Sometimes that's a good thing, and sometimes it's not. Usually it's a nice converstation starter, but occasionally it's annoying to get asked lots of questions when I'm in a hurry.

Has growing your hair affected other aspects of your life or your way of looking at other sides to life?
I think it has helped me to maintain a more open-minded view of others and the choices they make concerning their apperance and lifestyles. Though this is more through talking with others who have long hair than it is specifically about having long hair. I find that much of the long-hair community tends to be very supportive and accepting.

Do you think society in general (and hairdressing) should be more balanced towards the appreciation and acceptance of long / very long hair?
I think it would be very nice if society accepted all hairstyles equally. Many people today do not understand long hair and may have misconceptions or prejudices against it.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as part of an oppressed long-haired minority?
I have never thought of myself in this way. I do often think of myself as a part of a sub-culture instead of the mainstream. My long hair is just one outwardly visible aspect of how I am different than the average.

Has linking with the interest in long hair on the net affected your life or/and your hair?
Yes, definitely. Finding TLHS five years ago has definitely improved the health of my hair. From there I have discovered many other interesting websites and some wonderful people.

Thanks everyone for doing the interview!

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