The Challenge: 365 Days Later.

The day finally came! I'll be honest, the year flew by faster than I could have imagined, and despite my wildest fears I still have a full head of hair, and healthy hair at that!

The year was full of moments of weakness, wanting to cut or colour my hair. Wanting to grow it out and wanting to cut it all off. Wanting to see my natural colour and wanting fiery shades of red or warm chocolate browns or the whitest blonde you've ever seen. But, alas, I made it. (As a side note I have a friend who is a hair-chameleon, I'll just continue living vicariously through her).

The below photos are from the 365th day of my journey. My hair was lifeless, but i'd managed to get six solid inches of growth and was really happy with the colour - colour I haven't seen in 12 years!!

The inverted bob grew out surprisingly well. Leaving me with jagged, but mostly single length hair. The coloured portion of my hair had become extremely brassy, so I was definitely ready for some fresh ends and colour. 

My dear friend Becky from Beauty by Bexx was up for the task of fixing my overgrown jungle hair. So, one year later, she stepped up to the plate, and hit it out of the park! Becky has a super intimate home salon. She studied at John Casablancas Institute in Vancouver and has now been practicing for one year. 

Becky was floored at how healthy my hair was, despite the year off from proper hair care. She was excited to get some fresh colour in, adding some foils only to the hair that was previously coloured, bringing it up a few levels and then toning it to a beautiful ashy colour. 

I think it's safe to say the results were stunning! A friend even remarked "I'd pin that!"

I'm sure many are wondering, would I go a year without a hair cut or colour again? And the answer is, yes! I don't know that I will, but I most certainly would. It's not for everyone. If you use heat everyday, or express yourself through your hair, then I wouldn't recommend it. But for me, it worked! It's not probable that I will go that long again, but I also don't think I will be a regular salon visitor, not so long as I am sporting a hair style or colour that doesn't require constant maintenance. 

Now I'm left to find a new goal... any suggestions??

xo,

A 

The Challenge: Decisions, Decisions.

Last Friday I reached the ten month mark in my challenge to go one year with out cutting or dying my hair. It's made the frizzy, broken, dry hair that inhabits my head a little easier to bear, but it also came with a large dilemma. What do I do with my hair?

I've gone through some extremes during this journey. From wanting an incredibly vibrant red to convincing myself a pixie cut would look stunning... I've basically run the gauntlet. But now that the hour is nearly upon me, I just can't decide. So I'm asking for you help. Maybe you've read along from the beginning, maybe you've known me all my life, or maybe you've just started reading about my journey, but regardless you do have an opinion, and I want to hear it.

For this post I took some photos of my natural hair; unbrushed, air dried, natural. Have a look and then decide: what should I do with my hair? 

My hair has a lot of "attitude" - unruly waves and too much volume.

Leave me a comment here, or on Facebook. My next post will be after the cut: stay tuned!!
xo,
A

The Challenge: The Final Stretch.

If this hair journey was a baseball diamond, I would be just putting my foot down on third base. Tomorrow, my journey is officially three months from being over!

Things have changed a lot in the last couple of months; some for the good, some less so.

First, the bad. Not two days after my last check in I burnt my hair. I wanted to have a relaxing bath, complete with wine, body scrub and candle and ended up with a singed pony tail. Luckily, the damage was minimal and completely unnoticeable - but it did cross my mind that I was going to have to cut my hair. And I'd really like to cut my hair...

But of course I didn't. My hair is currently growing like a weed, the new growth so incredibly healthy and wonderful. I am completely amazed at the difference between the coloured portion of my hair and the new growth. I think it's safe to say my next goal will be growing out all the colour in my hair. In the mean time, I've been deep conditioning at home and am hoping to have a deep conditioning treatment done in a salon soon. That way I get some pampering, and I still keep my goals.

Now that my hair has gotten longer, I've been able to try some fun new styles. I still use braids a lot. I find that they tastefully clean up those pieces that just aren't long enough. The high point below involves a french braid at the back of the head. It's a super fun way to jazz up a pony!

I'm thrilled I've nearly made it to the end! I've enjoyed my journey so far, but am in desperate need of a trim and some pampering! With only three months left, I'm starting to think of ideas for style, cut, and colour - what do you think?! Leave your suggestions in the comments!

Until next time,

xo A.