I can be a bit of a hypochondriac. Even as a child, I studied the encyclopedia for diseases I might have. I was sure I had diabetes and pretty sure I would one day get multiple sclerosis. Don't ask me why. It's just easy for me to imagine that a routine ache or pain is something much, much worse. One time I went to the doctor with a bunch of silly complaints, and it turned out to be cancer! It's like the old joke about the tombstone that said, "See? I told you I was sick!"
As soon as it occurred to me that my hair wasn't growing fast enough, I initiated an IDQ. That stands for Internet Disease Quest. Hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, menopause, botulism. I mentioned the problem to my sister, exclaiming that even the hair on my legs doesn't grow like it used to. All she said was, "Wait. There's more." A general thinning out of hairy places, as it were. I know. TMI.
Nothing disease-wise was ringing true, so I started researching average hair growth. It turns out hair typically grows about 1/2 inch per month or about six inches per year. Unless you are Kate Gosselin. Then all it takes is a head full of extensions and a 20-hour makeover. Oh, and the useless ex-husband for inspiration. Priceless.
I looked up my post about last year's buzz cut. That was January 24. It has been about a year. Let's assume I started with about one to two inches of hair. I should have about six to seven inches of hair. I've had it trimmed about every six weeks, and we know how those stylists love scissors, so let's also assume I lost a little bit at the salon. It's kind of hard to hold a ruler and see how long the hair is, but it looks to me that I have ... hmmmm ... about six to seven inches of hair!
Miracle of miracles! My hair growth is right on target. The only thing slow is my brain. I am fine. Worried about that hair situation my sister mentioned. But really, it's time to just chill and be patient. To Martha, who is transitioning to gray hair, and to Michelle, who is growing out a short do, I send goodwill and patient vibes your way. Let's learn to enjoy the ride and not obsess over the destination.
We have plenty of time to get wherever we are going. And while I am on the subject, I would like to thank all my readers for patiently sticking by me as I have been writing about my journey on this blog. This was my 100th post! Who knew? I thought I had nothing to say, so I just went ahead and said it.
Happy 100th post! Keep them coming, as they are the only thing keeping me sane as I transition from color to silver (hopefully). If only my hair would grow faster. It's been five weeks and I have about 1/2 inch growth. Why did it seem to grow so fast when I was coloring every three weeks, but now, seems painfully slow? Obviously I'm right on track, but patience for hair issues has never been one of my virtues.
Posted by: Kathy | January 13, 2010 at 07:32 AM
Congratulations on your 100th! I always look forward to every new post.
It's funny that the impetus for my grow-out was exactly the same as yours: my trusted, brilliant stylist took me at my word when I told her to do whatever she felt like. And like you, I've been holding my hair in the air and trying to measure what 6 months' worth of growth should look like. If this is it, all I can say is, "Damn, it was SHORT!"
I wonder if you would consider doing a post sometime about bras and how to wear them. I'm developing a peeve about women who put on a bra and never, ever tighten the straps, leading to unattractive...droopage. A bra can do great things for your look but only if you work with the physics of the thing. Breasts will not stay afloat without some leverage. I'm sure there is more to say on this subject, and Donna, you are just the woman to do it.
Posted by: Michelle | January 13, 2010 at 08:51 AM
I just found your blog and love it. I've been growing my hair for the past 10 years because I absolutely love the look of long, grey hair. The grey's coming along bit by bit; not quite there yet so meantime I keep things a bit "coloured"; pink streaks and such. I'm pretty sure, though, that in the last year I've had almost no growth which I'm just attributing to another ravage of age. Never mind; I won't give up. I've been blogging about women entering retirement and haven't dealt with the transition to grey yet ... but you've definitely inspired me.
Posted by: Sylvia | January 13, 2010 at 05:32 PM
Kathy -- Thanks for visiting. I know the transition is tough, but you'll have the Jamie Lee in no time. And I can't tell you how fun it is to hold up hair by the roots and not see roots!
Sylvia -- Welcome. I'm with you on the no-growth being just another one of the ravages of age. Good thing we as cool as we are and can deal with it.
Michelle -- How tricky of you to set me up for a challenge. I see writing about bras in my future. I'm a bra snob, so this could be interesting.
Posted by: Donna Pekar | January 14, 2010 at 04:11 AM
Congratulations! You are awesome and inspiring!!!
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | January 15, 2010 at 02:05 PM