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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / lifestyle / hair + beauty / {let’s have a serious conversation.}

{let’s have a serious conversation.}

January 11, 2012 · 88 Comments
Filed Under: hair + beauty

dear hair,

oh, how you can drive me crazy. some days you are good to me and you look great, other days i question why you decided to not live up to your full potential? {still waiting for an answer to that one.} i love the idea growing you out long {a few inches past my shoulders} but you don’t seem to want that for me. so most days i accept that and simply lust after other girls long hair on pinterest and how pretty it looks on them and the hairstyles they can create and how great their unwashed hair looks the next morning. don’t read too far into this ~ i love the volume you birth and the curls you create! ;] you do treat me well in those areas. but, you’re really testing me here. long hair or medium hair? how am i supposed to pick? after about 1 month of trying to grow you out i simply give up. happens every time.

here’s what i think: i’m going to try it again — the length thing, and i want you to do your best to work with me. let’s be a team :] i promise to wash + condition you with pretty-smelling shampoo and then maybe add a ruffly headband to you {if you stick with me}.

deal? OK!

xo, gussy

PS. tips + advice can be left in the comments ;]

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88 Comments
Filed Under: hair + beauty

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Comments

  1. Colleen Coberley says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Use a daily leave in. The new Aveda Color Conserve daily protect ROCKS! Also, still get those baby trims to keep it healthy!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      leave in? really? tell me why ♥

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:14 pm

        It will help keep hair moisturized and soft. Less splits and breakage! You want long pretty hair not fuzzy wuzzy hair! ;)

        Reply
  2. Lindsay says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:50 am

    prenatal vitamins will help you grow your hair nice and long and healthy :)

    Reply
    • Skye @ Neathering Our Fest says

      January 11, 2012 at 3:25 pm

      You can take prenatal vitamins temporarily but they could have side effects of things like upset stomach and headaches. Keratin or vitamin e is a better vitamin to take. Your hair is actually made of keratin and taking a keratin pill will make it stronger and less prone to breakage and the vitamin e will help it stay healthy and flexible! :)

      Reply
      • Alys Hejl says

        January 11, 2012 at 5:38 pm

        Biotin is also a really good product. My hair is super unmanageable most of the time & drives me crazy, but I started taking biotin and it started growing. It has taken 4 years for my hair to grow to a close longish length. It has grown about the same length it did in those 4 years in the last year with me taking biotin. It also helped my nails grow and look super awesome! For my curls I use either a daily leave-in conditioner or a soft-mousse that isn’t made to hold like a hairspray so my curls aren’t crunchy. :)

        Reply
  3. Julie Ann says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:51 am

    Girl, the cause of this problem is the fact that your hair looks cute short!! I was able to grow my hair out long because it didn’t look good short. But yours is so cute! I can see how it would be easier to give in knowing that your hair will still look good if you cut it. :]

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:28 pm

      yes!!!! thank you! :) hah!

      that is exactly my problem — i have had long hair like 2 times in my life:
      * as a toddler
      * while we were engaged/first married

      i just don’t like it, probably mainly because it’s so new. and i don’t feel comfortable styling it. come over and help me?

      Reply
  4. Corrie says

    January 11, 2012 at 10:53 am

    Try switching up your shampoo. I have curly hair and if I use the same shampoo for more than 2-3 months at a time, my hair protests. I just started using Bed Head shampoo…it’s orange but I forget what it’s called and I have my sweet little 6 week old daughter sleeping in my lap or I’d check for you. The winter is killing my hair right now. Just push through the urge to cut it…do something different instead-highlights, try a new style-just to get you through this phase.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:33 pm

      you’re the second person to recommend changing my shampoo — thanks! :)

      Reply
  5. living with lindsay says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:05 am

    LOL We have the same type of hair, so I feel ya on this one! I let mine grow down a few inches past my shoulders, but I got so hot and it was so much hair, that I recently had it cut off to a little longer than chin length. I love it now, and it looks super cute with ruffly headbands. :)

    Have you tried the DevaCurl products on your hair? I am obsessed with them, and I only use them now. I can even do 2nd day hair and the curl is still in tact. Crazy! I actually get a “DevaCurl” cut, too, where the stylist cuts my hair dry, curl by curl. It’s amazing how much better it looks than trying to cut curly hair when it’s wet. The shape is gorgeous now.

    Good luck, Gus!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:35 pm

      i’m afriad i’m going to have a mullet for a few weeks. if that happens, will you still be my friend and call me Gus? my stylist cuts a lot of layers in the back and it’s “stacked”, so the backside is going to be crazeeeeee for a bit. please reassure me i’ll make it through ;D

      checking out DevaCurl right now…!

      Reply
      • Gussy Sews says

        January 11, 2012 at 1:36 pm

        PS. which DevaCurl products do you use + like? xo

        Reply
  6. Mariah says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Prenatal vitamins. Sounds weird, I know, but they have certain vitamins in them that promote hair and nail growth. Might be worth a shot! Good luck, and I think your hair is cute either way!

    Reply
  7. Kasey M. says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:11 am

    I am so glad someone else talks to their hair! My hair has been long for a year (a record for me) and I’m dying to chop it off again. It behaves so much better when it’s shorter. I get good hair days more frequently…

    BUT I really do love that I can just pull my hair into a ponytail when my day is busy, I’m just going to be covered in apint anyway, or I’m feeling sick and can’t be bothered to pull out the hair dryer.

    PS Is you’re hair long enough to pull back? I’m thinking of compromising with mine and going with a “medium” do.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:39 pm

      i want to do cute things like messy buns. i think they are so cute! ponytails — not sure they are for me. but something cute + messy would be perfect :) that’s what i’m going for here. with shorter hair i feel like i HAVE to dry it every day. i’d love to not have to do that in the summer months…!

      right now i can pull it back but it’s a only 2″ nub ;)

      Reply
      • Leigh says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:10 pm

        You know you can take the top half of your hair and do messy buns in the back. You’ll still get to have fun without having to grow it out. And yes, I switch out my shampoo twice a year. My hair starts going into a depression after awhile. Plus a new colors always boosts it, although I know you’re no stranger to color! :) I LOVE your hair and the way it is.

        Reply
        • Gussy Sews says

          January 11, 2012 at 2:12 pm

          DIY hair color, baby ;D

          Reply
  8. Catherine says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:12 am

    Not tips & no advice…just a whole lot of sympathy! I love my curls, but if my hair gets past my shoulders, it becomes all sad and flat and thin looking. I, too, experience long hair envy…long, thick, straight, braidable hair….oh the lust!

    Reply
  9. Michelle Sharkey says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:18 am

    I just grew my hair out last year and it was a first for me. I never had long hair until now. What helped me was to air dry my hair, up the vitamins, stop coloring (I did this about every 6 weeks and I would drastically change the colors. Bleach was sometimes used too) and only wash it 4 days a week. My hair actually grew pretty well after I did that! Now the hard part is to not get bored with it and chop it like I used to do every other time I tried growing my hair. I hope you stay encouraged to keep growing it!!!….although I think your hairstyle now is really adorable. You pull off the mini bangs very very well girl!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:41 pm

      if i keep the mini bangs will that be nerdy? mullet-y? halp!

      PS. so only 4 days of washing? is that every other day? tell me your secrets ;) and thank you for the comment!!! xxoo

      Reply
  10. Lindsay says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:25 am

    I am addicted to hair cuts. I just get bored with one hair style so easily. Whenever I try to grow it out, I have to make myself accountable to somebody. I always tell my sister or my husband to stop me as soon as I start talking about chopping it off.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:41 pm

      want to know a little secret? i will cut my own hair, because that’s how much i love having shorter hair. salon appointment canceled? no problem ~ i can cut it myself secretly in the bathroom. HAHA!

      Reply
      • Leigh says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:13 pm

        OMG I do too. LOL I’m so glad to have a sister in the underground cutting my own hair because I can’t wait to get into the salon world. :) Well, now that my hair is super short I haven’t but it’s usually at ear length bob so I can trim or cut myself.

        Reply
  11. Mary says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:30 am

    What is wrong with your hair?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:42 pm

      nothing, just looking for a change ;D

      Reply
  12. Miranda B. says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    lol…this made my day…

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:43 pm

      MIRANDA! hehe — don’t you laugh at me ;D

      Reply
  13. christina says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    I am sure you have tried everything already but Ieave a pea sized amount of conditioner in my daughters hair…no rinsing and only at the tips…it helps a great deal :)

    funny thing is many ladies reading this would trade you hair just to get your curly locks :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:43 pm

      why didn’t i think of that?? such a great idea – and i’m sure it’ll help my hair look more moisturized :)

      thank you for the sweet compliment, too! xo

      Reply
  14. crystal says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:20 pm

    ovation, ovation, ovation!

    I am a curly haired girl and it has made a world of difference for me!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      this? http://ovationhair.com/

      why? :)

      Reply
      • crystal says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:22 pm

        Yup, that’s it! It has helped to reduce my frizz and increases growth. I’ve tried the whole system of 3 products, but really prefer the cell therepy on its own. I put it on, pop on a shower cap (yes, like a grandma) and let it sit for an hour or two, then rinse.
        I love it.
        The only byproduct is that if you color your hair, it makes it grow faster so you might need to color more often. I just went to a color that was more like my natural color so it hasn’t been as obvious.

        Reply
  15. Michelle says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Hi Gussy! I know it is super hard but the best thing you can do to help it grow out is to not wash it too often! I had the slanted bob type haircut for about 6 months until it drove me insane then I needed my long hair again. My sister is a hairdresser and said to wash it only every 3 or 4 days and it started growing fast! And now grows faster than I care for! Good luck!! :) xoxo

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      that is craziness – are you sure you’re being seriously? ;) and yes, i have a grown-out slanted bob and i’m so afraid it’ll be UGLY in a few more weeks. mmmm. hold me.

      Reply
      • Michelle says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:11 pm

        For real! As soon as I stopped washing it so much it started to grow like weeds! Ok and maybe I’m exaggerating a litttttle on the growing more than I care for…I do love getting my hair cut/styled ! But…a little annoyance about long hair…if you toss and turn at night like me, you get tangled in it! Or your puppy (who insists on sleeping in the bed) steps on it when he is trying to get under the covers!

        Growing out the slanted bob is difficult, but you can do it!! The awkward stage only lasts a little while, once its evened out, its easy-breezy! :)

        Reply
        • Gussy Sews says

          January 11, 2012 at 2:13 pm

          i haaaaate having my hair catch on things. it’s such a weird feeling and i think THAT is exactly what forces me to cut it off once it starts growing :)

          i can do this, i can do this, i can do this…

          [right?]

          Reply
          • Michelle says

            January 11, 2012 at 2:17 pm

            Heehee having it catch on things is annoying….but YOU CAN DO IT!!!! xoxo

            Reply
        • Leigh says

          January 11, 2012 at 2:18 pm

          LOL I know I have super short hair, but as a mom of young kids I often (on accident) don’t wash it but every 3 days and it looks FAB!!! it’s easier too….just shower and done. The hair dryer is my enemy!!

          Reply
          • Gussy Sews says

            January 11, 2012 at 3:30 pm

            do you get your hair wet while in the shower if you don’t wash it that day?

            Reply
            • Leigh says

              January 11, 2012 at 3:35 pm

              Nope I pull it back and keep it dry. But it’s a good idea to fluff it with the dryer for a boost after.

              Reply
        • Lisa~The SweetTalk Shop says

          January 11, 2012 at 7:10 pm

          I agree about not washing every day. I went from slanted bob to long hair past my bra strap in about 7 months. You don’t want to stop washing like I did, (A little over 2 weeks stay in hospital with no hair washing. It was a grease pit), but after all was said and done I learned to wash my hair just every other day and it started growing like crazy. Also turned wavy instead of straight. Who knew?

          Reply
          • Gussy Sews says

            January 11, 2012 at 7:35 pm

            waaaait a sec — not washing your hair puts you in the hospital? or, because you were in the hospital you couldn’t wash your hair {i’m so confused!} ?

            Reply
            • Lisa~The SweetTalk Shop says

              January 11, 2012 at 8:35 pm

              Guess it did sound weird. I was in the hospital and wasn’t able to wash my hair. But believe me, if I didn’t wash my hair for 2 weeks now, someone would have me committed I’m sure. LOL

              Reply
  16. Pam says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    One of the best things I learned from my stylist was how to grow out hair (yep she does a few celebrity heads, it is LA, whatever) believe it or not you’ve got to keep it cut/shaped as it grows. She grew mine from 3″ to mid back with no frustration plus I have wavy hair.

    Reply
  17. Michelle says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    I forgot to mention I also have my hair cut alot and that does help it grow too!! :) Keepin’ it healthy!

    Reply
  18. Earl-Leigh Designs says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    You have to check out naturallycurly.com. Its an excellent resource for curly girls of every race and curl pattern. Just be sure to select your hair type at the top for information that’s more specific to you…I’m thinking that you are a “type 2” like Jennifer Nettles. Just to be sure though, select “find your hair type” under the “hair types” tab.

    Reply
  19. Lauren says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    I agree with the prenatal vitamins and also when you shampoo, massage your scalp for quite awhile – the extra blood flow is supposed to help it grow too. Don’t do extensions though – fakey. :(

    Reply
  20. kellye says

    January 11, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    if you could explain the issues you have when you grow out, you might get better advice!

    i always grow my hair out for years, cut/donate, repeat. i have thick, naturally curly hair (that i shampoo daily… bad, i know. i also use drugstore shampoo – herbal essences… bad, i know). i’ve never had any problems growing mine out, but then again, i don’t color it or blow dry it, and i maybe trim it 1x/year.

    spend the money on a good trim with someone who is super knowldgable about curly hair, and tell him/her the issues you usually face when growing out and ask him/her what he suggests

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:50 pm

      my hair stylist is an expert with curly hair, she does such a great job with my cuts and the curls are always super pretty.

      my issue with growing it out is i don’t like how it lays once it gets longer. when it’s short i can get away with layers/texturizing (which helps the curl) and it still looks thick, because it’s near my scalp. the longer i grow it the farther it is from my scalp and the thinner/finer it looks.

      i have fine hair but a lot of it. it’s also wavy, not super curly so shampooing (or at least wetting it in the shower) is necessary.

      maybe you’ll have more advice to share now that i’ve given more details? xoxo

      Reply
      • kellye says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:11 pm

        if your issue with long hair is that you don’t like “how it lays once it gets longer,” then i think either a good/different cut, or some different products, should fix that right up! i’d really talk to your stylist about these concerns – if she’s as good as you say she is, she should be able to point you in the right direction :) i’m under the impression long hair is doable for anyone! you can do it if you want to!

        Reply
        • Gussy Sews says

          January 11, 2012 at 2:14 pm

          ok – flatness! how do you avoid that with longer hair? probably stop washing it every day?

          Reply
          • Alys Hejl says

            January 11, 2012 at 5:43 pm

            you could always get choppy layers in your longer hair & then you’d still have the wavy stuff & not the flatness :) Plus you could get one of those wandless curling irons & touch up the top. My issue with longer hair is the top of my hair gets straight & there’s absolutely no wave & then I end up with a mushroom-ish looking hair do. If I touch up the top with a curling iron & put a little product in it stays curly :)

            Reply
  21. heather smith says

    January 11, 2012 at 1:45 pm

    oh maggie how I love this post! you should look in to gnc ultra nourish hair it doubles the rate of your growth! also try things like not wearing your hair down everyday.. say you wear it down day 1, then dont wash day 2 and wear it 1/2 up then use dry shampoo on day 3 and wear it all up then wash day 4.. first its good to not wash your hair everyday, second your mind sees things differently.. if you see it down everyday you may not notice growth, but if you only see it down maybe 2 times a week, then it will appear longer to you when you do wear it down! also remember when you challenged yourself to trying diff hairstyles? do that again! you won’t get bored plus you will see how long its getting when its flat ironed ;p

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:53 pm

      oh you’re my favorite! thank you for the reminder to challenge myself and also the tips with wearing it up a few days a week. so good! maybe i’ll tell myself i can’t paint my nails if i cut my hair? because i don’t know if you’ve noticed but i’m a little obsessed with nail polish ;)

      you’re so great! heart you! xo

      Reply
      • Leigh says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:24 pm

        Great tips! I always see your hair down, which looks great….but maybe try some new accessories and pull it up. Maybe try some messy styles. Casey W should have great tips for that!! You can do it, you can step outside your comfort zone!
        I agree that you give yourself a goal, if you can get it past your shoulders you get to buy 2 or 3 new nail colors! :)

        Reply
        • Gussy Sews says

          January 11, 2012 at 2:28 pm

          OH you’re totally speaking into my soul here ;D

          3 new polish colors? soooo enticing!

          yes — Casey — i need to have to do a hair post for me :)

          Reply
  22. Southern Gal says

    January 11, 2012 at 1:50 pm

    I so wish I had some advice for you. Mine is so curly it isn’t funny so none of that long silky straight stuff here.
    Any advice for me? Ha!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 1:55 pm

      LOL!

      hmm, well. can you wear it curly if it’s long? that is my ultimate hair desire. hah!

      Reply
    • kellye says

      January 11, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      find a good stylist!!! then anything is possible :)

      Reply
  23. ann @ my life as prose. says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    ok, so i have very curly hair and have been wanting to try it really long and also really short for basically my whole life, but i have this sweet spot zone (around it being short-middle length or middle-long length), and i never can seem to get out of that comfort zone.

    the solution for me is that i made a commitment to grow it out for locks of love. i know that i will let it get SUPER long if i have a really good reason for letting it grow. and on the flip side, when i cut it all off for the cancer kids, i’ll be *forced* to try something super short and daring (i may be asking you to hold me at that point).

    and so the brilliance of this plan is that i’m making myself try both super short and super long, and once it’s all over with, i’ll know whether i like either of those lengths, and i can either work on growing it back long, or maintaining my risky short cut, or just grow it back to my sweet spot in the middle. plus, it’s for a good cause.

    Reply
    • kellye says

      January 11, 2012 at 2:14 pm

      please do your research before donating. there are many other organizations out there, besides locks of love, that better serve populations in need.

      Reply
      • ann @ my life as prose. says

        January 11, 2012 at 2:16 pm

        it sounds like you know of some? care to share?

        Reply
        • kellye says

          January 16, 2012 at 12:24 am

          children with hairloss is my personal favorite. i’ve donated to them three times. pantene’s great lengths program is good too (partners with american cancer society). there are A LOT of organizations out there though (incl some who use the hair to clean up oil spills!), so i encourage you to google search and find the one that’s right for your heart. also, read their disclosure policies (where you will find the “not so good” parts of the org…)….

          Reply
  24. Annie says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    gussy! my best suggestion is biotin vitamins. you can take 1000 or 5000mcg a day. i take 1000 2 times a day. i chopped mine in october and have regretted it ever since…so the grow out continues. also, i’m with the other girls. don’t wash every day. when mine was longer, chin-shoulder length, i washed it on day one and flat ironed. day 2 i’d reflat. day 3 i’d fix wavy and day 4 would be re-wavy—all this with the flat iron. and seriously…grew like a weed. with this short hair that’s harder, but i’m trying. i’m day 2 today. i have dry hair so this isn’t hard for me. however, you can use dry shampoo…i like suave dry shampoo, ultra cheap, at target. also, osis has stuff called dust it and you can put that at your roots. helps give volume too. there’s another hair powder out there…power play i think…it’s awesome too. it can be done. i love dirty hair. clean hair for me is totally unmanageable! good luck growing out. maybe we should have a linky party. who all is growing their hair and post weekly updates! i’m NOT cutting mine short anymore. OVER IT!

    xoxoxo

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 3:34 pm

      yeah — i love the texture of my hair on day 2, but usually i wash it because the curl has gotten CRAZY flat or kinky.

      do you wet your hair in the shower on the days you don’t shampoo? i feel like i would need to do that. then do you condition it on days you don’t shampoo? my hair has gotten a lot drier so i’ll need to figure something out for that, too. XO

      Reply
      • annie says

        January 11, 2012 at 8:31 pm

        Hey! No, I do not wet again after day 1. I’d say if your curl is lifeless maybe use less product on day one. Revamp your curl with a flat iron. Hold the flat iron up and down and curl back away from the face sliding down the hair as you go. You can get some serious volume at your root this way. And…dry shampoo will be your best friend. And that hair powder. Baby powder works in a pinch too. But i would almost guarentee, the less you wash it the faster it will grow. And the healthier it will be. If your hair is dry that’s even better…washing it dries it out so this will solve that too!

        Here’s to growing it out! GOOD LUCK! Even though you’re adorable no matter what!

        Reply
  25. rouge & whimsy says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    my secret for not washing often… baby powder or corn starch at the roots. if you’re worried about it making your hair look “gray” do it at night– it’ll degrease overnight while you sleep.

    also, aveda smooth infusion has changed my life. a little dollop in damp hair and my style lasts longer, less frizz, etc. best part is that’s light-weight and doesn’t weigh my hair down! (full disclosure: my hair is wavy– not curly or pin straight.)

    best of luck! growing out is hard

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 11, 2012 at 3:34 pm

      good stuff — thanks SO much for commenting! ♥

      Reply
  26. Tiffanie says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    A lot of great advice! I’ve always had long hair except for three times and it’s always hard for me to be patient as it grows out because I personally don’t like my hair short. Definitely try different styles, it will actually benefit you later as well. Trim it regularly, every 4-6 weeks, even though, at first, it will frustrate you to take away length, because it really does help it grow. Because you’ve colored your hair, especially bleached, it will be slower in growing, but it will finally get over that. My sister-in-law used to always bleach her hair and when she finally stopped, it took a while, but now grows wonderfully! It’s true the curls aren’t as tight when your hair is longer, but maybe you could use some gel to help redefine the curls on non-showering days? Between that and trying new styles, maybe you can find something you like. I know it’s hard, but you can do it!! : >

    Reply
  27. Lauren says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    I cut my own too! :D

    Reply
  28. Kirtley A. says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    I know its kind of weird but don’t wash your hair to often like every other day. Take either prenatal vitamins or hair and nail vitamins and it will help your hair grow. Make sure to always use conditioner ( I have curly hair and can’t use leave in because my hair gets to oily) and try to use a deep conditioner or hot oil treatment weekly. And change your shampoo every few months.

    Reply
  29. Tara says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    I have really curly hair and have finally found what works for me. Most of the is info can be found in a book called Curly Girl. I use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner. I run my fingers thru my hair in the shower and then use a 100% cotton t-shirt to dry it while my head is upside down. Don’t rub it just scrunch it a bit. Next apply a gel for curly hair again while your head is upside down. That’s it! Good luck!

    Reply
  30. Kassie says

    January 11, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I’m trying to grow my hair out too! Its so hard though because it takes so much time to do wants it gets to a certain stage. I’ve read some of these comments…. and only wash it 3-4 times a week. Oh, goodness…but my hair gets so greasy! :S Good luck!

    Reply
  31. Rikki says

    January 11, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    I have hair like yours, growing curly hair feels like it takes forever cause it feels like it is just growing bigger rather then longer! It took me awhile to grow it past my shoulders, all you need is patience, teeny tiny trims every few months, and some more patience!

    Reply
  32. Amanda says

    January 11, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    I’m growing my hair out. Not sure why, other than my husband likes it. I’m starting to remember that long hair makes my neck and head hurt. I just end up sticking it in a ponytail anyway. What’s the point of it all?

    Reply
  33. Wendy says

    January 11, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    I have used the deva curl products for over a year now, and I love them! I recently got my first deva curl cut, which I also recommend. The stylist cuts it dry to help her see the shape of the curls and the curl pattern. The great thing about going to a stylist who is trained with their products was that she showed me exactly how to use them. The new videos on the devacurl site are actually pretty helpful for this, and I would recommend watching them.

    I use the no poo cleanse (shampoo), one condition, and anGEL or sometimes Heaven in Hair instead of the gel. After the washing process, I put the gel or conditioner in my hair and gently squeeze the curls with a microfiber towel (they sell those, too). I put clips in to add some height while my hair dries. The hardest thing has been putting the hair dryer down. I didn’t want to give it up, but it looks so much better when it air dries. It took awhile to break the habit, but I’ve done it. Now I can wash my hair every two or three days if I want. I use the deva curl Mister Right to rejuvenate second day curls.

    Hope this helps!

    Reply
  34. Katie B says

    January 11, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    use Moroccan oil, I just started using it and it makes my hair feel awesome! its really fluffy but not curly. my hair is also kinda long but i have been growing it out for ever now. When you go to the salon to have it colored just have them trim it every other time. and prenatal vitamins are awesome. baby or no baby!

    Reply
  35. Anita says

    January 11, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    Leave in is the way to go! It is the first thing I do to my hair every time I get out of the shower. I love Bumble + bumble Leave in, rinse out, and Bed Head’s Ego Boost. Also, get a trim every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows. My stylist told me that the proper term for what you’ll want is a “dusting”. Good luck!
    xo, Anita

    Reply
  36. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    January 12, 2012 at 8:46 am

    My hair is shorter than it’s ever been {a little past my chin, but not to my shoulder}, and I like it. :) I only get my hair cut about every 6 months, and it always starts to annoy me when it gets long. Mainly because It’s more work to take care of, I have to use a ton of product to keep if from going crazy. But it does look pretty. ;)

    As to the hair washing…I wash my hair every few days. I use a shampoo that is sulfate free. The days that I don’t wash, I still get it wet & massage my scalp, use a little conditioner to keep it moisturized. It takes some time to get used to it, but it keeps my hair well moisturized & less frizzy.

    This link might help explain the process:
    http://livecurlylivefree.com/curl%20care.htm
    {from the girl who cuts my hair}

    Sorry to ramble on so much!!

    Reply
  37. Ashley says

    January 12, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    I’m having the same exact problem. It’s SO frustrating!

    I decided that once and for all I would grow my hair out to the longer length I wanted (5ish inches past my shoulders) and if I hated it, cut it. And then remind myself over and over again that I hated it long when I wanted to grow it out only months later.

    I bought a more expensive curling iron and straightener that have helped me get through the awkward growing out stages along with a heat protect spray. So far, so good!

    Reply
  38. Christina says

    January 13, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    Hi Gussy I just saw this post and wanted to comment!

    I know exactly where you’re at with your hair. From what you’ve described, I think we may have pretty much the same hair texture/type. I LOVE having short hair for just the reasons you said – it has more volume, the curls look nicer, it doesn’t look so FLAT. But… my husband has requested that I have long hair and frowns whenever I mention how much I want to cut it… Right now I’m at a stage where I really want to just do something different with it where I feel refreshed, but also keep my husband happy by not going too short.

    I would recommend first of all to not cut your hair. Like others have said, push through this awkward phase. Your headbands are so adorable, make good use of them and do different funky things with your hair (try the short stub ponytail but wear a headband) … Use glittery pins on the sides, etc. Don’t worry about the mullet thing. It will grow.

    Later on as it gets longer, you might try a product that I have found really works for me in regards to the flatness (I have a 1 year old so really don’t feel like spending much time on my hair most days) … Paul Mitchell’s ExtraBody Sculpting Foam. I LOVE it. I buy it at Ulta. After I shower (I use Pantene, nothing expensive), I blot my hair with a towel and wrap it up for a little bit and then while it’s still pretty wet (I mean I don’t wait until my frizzies are starting to pop up everywhere), I put a few palmfulls in my hair and scrunch, and let it air dry. My hair turns out nice and even nicer when I take the time to blast it with a blow dryer for just a few minutes. My hair naturally is a little more flat on top just because of the length and curl weighing it down.

    One other product I would recommend with the flatness of longer hair, is Aveda’s Volumizing Tonic. Though a little too expensive for me right now on a budget(price per ounce), it’s seriously amazing stuff!!

    Hope this advice helps!! {Love your products by the way!} :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      January 13, 2012 at 3:05 pm

      oh my goodness you are my hair question fairy!

      ok – when you say no haircuts, you still mean little dusting trims, right?! i also want to ask my stylist about cutting my hair in preparation for growing it out. since right now it’s definitely cut for a stacked bob.

      yes – time to embrace headbands, bobby pins and the stubby pony tail ;D

      THANK YOU so much for taking the time to comment! xxoo

      Reply
      • Christina says

        January 14, 2012 at 4:19 pm

        Hi Gussy, yes definitely still get trims but most importantly… convey to your stylist what your goal is for your hair, so she/he best knows how to cut it to get you to your goal. Hopefully the transition won’t be too painful. :) Again, dont give in to the urge to cut it. I took a lot of EFAs (essential fatty acids) a number of years back, because I too wanted my similarly stacked bob to grow out fast… The EFAs really helped. I don’t believe in luck so I’ll say Godspeed to your hair growth! I’m sure it will be adorable. :)

        Reply
  39. Sarah-Anne says

    January 14, 2012 at 5:10 pm

    Oh you will look beautiful I know!!

    Reply
  40. Holly Jones says

    April 12, 2012 at 9:08 am

    Well, I’m a little late to this party, but I had a BAD incident in my life and all my hair started falling out and it got super thin. I had to cut it off short and get rid of my layers (such a must with curls!) but then I started taking B6. Hair vitamins to me are scary, as are prenatals. They have so much in them that I don’t know what’s going to counteract with what I have to take prescription wise. But vitamin B6 has helped me a lot, now my hair is longer than I’ve had it in like six years and thicker too! I haven’t even had a trim in a while and it still looks great. B6 is not a quick fix, but over time it really helps your hair be healthier overall, need fewer trims (split end-wise), be shinier, thicker, longer (I thought my hair wouldn’t look good this long but it looks awesome!), stronger. Plus it’s good for your whole body, gives you more energy, etc. I have no layers still, btw, and curly hair tends to look lifeless if it gets too long, or so I thought. I’ve learned some things from all these comments, leave-in conditioner is something I’ve never tried. Now that you’ve had three months or so to experiment, how is your hair doing? What have you tried that’s worked?

    Reply
  41. http://www.getjealous.com/vulgargrange2342 says

    May 16, 2013 at 9:20 pm

    Awesome article.

    Reply

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  1. {7 pretty things on Sunday + linky party!} says:
    January 22, 2012 at 6:01 am

    […] photo is photo #3! I’m inspired by nearly everything you see: the girls beautiful brown hair {remember how I’m growing mine out?}, the darling poof skirt, the tights, the old beautiful door behind her, and of course her […]

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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