The Hair Cut Details

I posted last week about cutting my hair, but I didn't have a chance to break down the details. If you haven't been with this blog from the beginning, here are the details.

Back in October of 2011, I started this blog, Bye Bye Beehive. It was a 365-day journey to "stop doing" my hair. I stopped teasing, highlighting, hairspraying, using any heat tools, and any products other than shampoo and conditioner. Basically, I only shampooed, conditioned and air dried my hair every day for a year. It was in an effort to help grow the long hair I'd always wanted and had never had. I've been a blonde almost my whole life, and due to all the over-processing over the years, my hair never seemed to get longer than just past my shoulders. At the end of the year-long project, my hair ended up growing 6.5 inches and was so thick and healthy, I couldn't even believe it! (If you're looking to grow your hair, give my Bye Bye Beehive Challenge a try!)

In addition, after a year of "not doing" my hair and learning to love air-dried, natural hair, it was hard for me to want to go back to blow-drying and processing. So I didn't. I did make the jump and dyed my hair brunette back in March (and had it touched up in April), but since then, I hadn't touched it. It had been almost a year since Bye Bye Beehive ended and I was starting to crave a new style. My hair started seeming a little stringier (I'm sure a trim would have fixed that), and I know Daniel loves my hair when it's short, so I finally made the decision to change it up, and I knew if I was going to do it—I had to go big or go home. I took this photo the night before I cut my hair, showing the growth I had achieved over the almost two-year period (the left photo was Month 1 of Bye Bye Beehive, the middle was the end of Bye Bye Beehive, and the right photo was almost a year later after still not using heat tools).

Despite how much I had grown to love my long hair, it was so much longer than I was used to, and to be honest—if your husband gives you the googly eyes and says how cute you'd be with short hair... why not give it a shot? It's just hair, right? So I chopped off 14 inches, and donated 12 to Children With Hair Loss. I picked their charity because they take hair that has been highlighted & color processed, which many organizations do not accept.

And now here I am with this new shorty-short hair cut, and I'm having so much fun with it. I haven't worn it the same way yet, opting each day for waves, beach curls, a front braid, a ponytail, air-dried waves, pinned half back... seriously, the options are endless and since it's so much shorter, it just takes a minute or two to style. It's also just the right length to fit in a ponytail when I'm running so I don't have to worry about hair in my face or on my neck. And hey, if I decide I want to go long again, now I know how fast my hair grows, right? I could be back to longer locks in no time!

Have you ever donated your hair? Made a drastic change? Cut your hair because your husband thought it would be cute (and no, I didn't just cut it because he wanted me to—I love short hair, too!). I would love to hear your thoughts!

3-Month Hair Update

I'd like to preface this post with something that isn't related to it at all—today is my mom's Birthday, so I'd just like to say "HEY, MOM! HAPPY B-DAY TO YOU! Let's run another half (or full) marathon this year, OK? Love you!"

Now—I've gotten a lot of questions since the end of Bye Bye Beehive (3-months ago today) about what I'm doing with my hair these days. Am I blow drying? Teasing? Using products? Coloring? The questions keep coming... so here's a little rundown!

Since BBB finished, I have adjusted my hair routine—somewhat. I am still washing, conditioning and deep conditioning, and I rotate every couple of days between three hair-care systems (Yes To Cucumbers, Yes to Blueberries, and Joico).  I do not wash my hair daily. After the shower, I apply a deep conditioner. My favorite is this one. Usually, I just leave my hair to air-dry at that point, except for making sure my bangs are in place and giving them a light spritz of hairspray.

About once a week or less, I use the blow dryer. I have found (after a year of not using one), that I don't really like to blow dry my hair too often. Not only do I prefer my natural and almost straight hair, but I think that blow-drying was the biggest thing that was damaging it before. Sometimes, if I let my hair air-dry overnight, I'll wake up and curl the ends in the morning, but that's only for special occasions like parties or holidays. To be honest, I'm not really into processing my hair anymore. I still love the Friar Tuck method for curling my hair, and I do that often.

I do use a dry shampoo. I love Suave's Dry Shampoo, though my sister recently introduced me to a Paul Mitchell one and I think that will be my next purchase. I also tease my bangs, and occasionally tease the crown of my hair when I'm putting it up, though I'm trying to not do that as much these days. I use a hairspray almost daily, and again, I think my sister just convinced me to switch to a Chi hairspray versus the Lamaur one I have been using since I was in high school.

Last but not least, I haven't colored my hair since May of 2011. I don't plan on changing my color anytime soon, though I know Daniel would love for me to go darker, and my Nanny would cry tears of happiness if I put blonde streaks in. But for now, I'm just doing what's easy (and natural), and that's what makes me feel best!

I also wanted to include a little growth update, since I hit the post three-month mark today. For all the past monthly updates, click here. It's not a ton of growth, but I like what I see... now I just need to get a little trim to keep it healthy and I'll be good-to-go!

Did I miss any hair questions? Leave further Q's in the comments if you have any.

And again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM! I love you! Love ♥ Icy

THE FINALE

Over one-million pageviews.

 598 comments.

365-Days.
$330 donated.
($1,380 raised overall).
158-days until I almost quit.
130 posts.
100 bobby pins.
59 hairstyles.
25 braids.
20 buns.
12 monthly updates.
7 big-hair withdrawals.
5 rules.
4 trims.
4 hair measurements.
3-minutes to curl your hair without heat.
(And 3 of my own failed attempts to record my version of the Friar Tuck).
2 gray hairs.

 One mission.
One girl.
One entire year...
zero regret.

The BIG HAIR BEREAVEMENT is over.

 But don't worry, Bye Bye Beehive isn't going anywhere.
Neither are these hairstyles.
Plus, I just cut mini-bangs.
I have to show you how to style those, right?
Right.
♥

Day 365.

Photo: Taylor Love Studios // hair curled with this method

Day 365.

Today.

The. Last. Day.

I can't believe just one-year ago I was typing up my Day 1 post.
I was beginning an adventure and I had no idea where it would take me.
And yet, I'm still here.
I didn't die because I didn't have big, teased, helmet-hard hair.
In fact, these days I like my hair more than ever.

I'm getting my hair "done" today.
Done = measured, trimmed, washed and ... styled.
No color changes. No drastic cuts. No little face-framing highlights.
Nothing.
To be honest, I love my hair these days.
Maybe it's the more natural me, the more easy-going version, the true version.
It's just me.

I love it.

Come back tomorrow for measurements and the project wrap-up post.

And for a little smile... remember the counter in the bottom righthand corner that always said
"Days Til BBB End"?
 Check it now.
OMG. I. MADE. IT.

Virtual high-five.

Blonde-a-Bye.

When I began Bye Bye Beehive 350 days ago, I was a blonde.

Do doubt about it.

Now, my ombre hair is out in full-force.
Daniel, my fiancè, and I just had our engagement photos done.
It was really evident in the photo above that my natural color is no longer blonde.
Ash blonde? Maybe.
Warm brunette? Probably.
Weird.

I've been a blonde for about 24 of my 26 years of life.
This whole BBB thing has really made me re-evaluate everything when it comes to my hair.
I'm getting married in 66 days... and I'm considering not dyeing my hair for the wedding.
Just leaving it as-is.
EEK... too many decisions.

Still thinking about it, obviously.

What's your pick?

the lack of...

Necklace: c/o BrideBlu // Headband: c/o Coco and Cocoa

As the days trickle down to the end of this 365-day project,

(21 days left, to be exact),

you may be wondering,

"What is she going to do once it's up?"

I considered just keeping going with the whole BBB thing,

starting a no-shopping project,

starting a no candy or pop for a year kick,

and many other ideas.

But you know what?
I think I just want to be me.

No crazy projects,

no dilemmas, deadlines, have-to's.

Just me.

I know you've seen a slow lessening of posts over the last few months,

as this whole thing came into full-focus.

To be honest, it's hard to keep up a crazy hair schedule all the time.

I prefer to actually just let it do it's thing.

Shower & air-dry.

That's it. 

No brush, hair ties, bobby pins in sight.

 The important thing, to me, 

is that I will do it.

The whole thing.

No teasing. No blow drying. No frying. No dyeing.

(except for the two weddings (1, 2) I was a bridesmaid in).

I am going to finish it.

365 days.

Still going strong.

 

Month 11.

29 days left.

29 days until I can use a blow dryer.

29 days until I take my final measurements and figure out how much $$ I owe.
29 days until I can even think about what color I'd like my hair to be.
29 days until I go purchase some hairspray (yay!).
29 days until I can do whatever I want with my hair.
29 days until I can go, "Aaahhh, it's over."

29 days until I probably don't change anything at all...
except for an occasional blow-dry-sesh.

Month 10.

I think the only big benefit of Month 10 is that I finally learned how to properly braid my hair. 

Though it always seems to be hit and miss.

I've been getting the question a lot lately:

"So what will you do in 2 months when BBB is over?"

My answer right now?
Nothing.

My Nanny wants me to highlight it and be really blonde.

Daniel wants me to chop it short and dye it brunette.
And I think I just may like it the way it is.

So I guess we'll see!
2 months (58 days) left!

Month 9.

9 months.

3/4 of the way there.

This is the home stretch.

Thank goodness!

This month I see quite a bit of growth. 

As you may remember, at quarterly intervals, I'm supposed to go have my hair measured and trimmed.

The reason June's hair looks similar in length to May's is because of the trim I got 1 day after taking May's photo.

The same thing happened with March and February's lengths.

So this month? I just decided to skip it.

I'll do the final trim and measure in the end.

And I'm expecting it'll give some good results!

Also, since it's the 9-month mark... I get to make my third quarterly $50 donation to St. Luke's. My donation is going directly to cancer patient assistance, which helps patients in need who can't afford important basics such as temporary housing, meal vouchers, medications, gasoline and transportation vouchers to travel to and from the hospital, help with utility bills, and food. I still can't believe that through this project, my friends, co-workers, family and I are helping raise over $1,500 for this program!

Want to join me with this incredible project? Make a difference, donate to St. Luke's cancer patients now and join my Pledge for Patients. Help out people who are truly in need. 

If you're still following along with Bye Bye Beehive... thanks for staying true. 

Maybe these last 3 months will give me the gusto I need to try some new and fun hairstyles.

To be honest... when I made this commitment, I don't think I really anticipated a year would feel like this long.

Next time I'm giving up... sugar or something.

Um—just kidding.

That would be even harder than BBB.

91 days left. Easy.

Month 8.

This month makes 8 MONTHS that I've been doing Bye Bye Beehive. Whoopee! Only 4 more months to go. I can totally do it. I see a slight difference in my hair growth from last month to this month, but not much. In fact, I even had two people ask me if I've had a haircut in the last two weeks. Um... no. I think it's because I've been wearing it straight (instead of in beach waves) so you can see the choppy layers a bit more.  

Either way, growth is growth. I'm excited! 121 days left!

Month 7.

Month 1. Month 2. Month 3.

Month 4. Month 5. Month 6.

Month 7.

7 things about my 7 months so far:

1. I have seen substantial hair growth. Awesome.
2. I used hairspray and product and have blow dried, teased and curled my hair ONCE. Yes. I did. It was this last Friday, May 11th (on my exact 7-month mark) and it was for my best friend's wedding in Oklahoma. A hairstylist came and did it because: (1) I was a bridesmaid and was not about to embarrass myself by friar-tucking it on Ashton's wedding day. (2) We all had our hair done and (3) I refused to do my own hair... If I was going to make an exception to my rules, someone else was going to do it for me! I said I would make one exception, for my sister's wedding in September, but this one was not taken into account when I made my rules in October because she hadn't been engaged yet! Oh... and yes I do plan on posting some photos from that day as soon as I see some from her photographer!
3. When measuring hair growth, it's imperative to use a white t-shirt. Black does not work.
4. It would have been helpful if I'd have measured my hair next to a ruler each time. Or if I'd have made notches on the wall with a pencil, like a child's growth chart. Lesson learned.
5. A year is a really, really long time.
6. Daniel basically begs me to give this whole thing up every day. I almost give in each time.
7. Apparently, I switch cell phone covers every 3 months.

Month 6.

 

6 months.
SIIIIIX MONTHS.
I made it half way.
Whoa.

I took my last hair measurements in January. Now at the 6-month mark, my hair, from the top of my scalp to the bottom layer going down my back, measures 19.5 inches. It also currently has 5.5 inches of grow out. That's an overall growth of  3 inches from October!

 

Since I got it trimmed at the 3-month mark, Lindsey took off a little bit of the overall growth, so that's why it hasn't changed too much. It has grown 3/4 of an inch since January. If I hadn't have gotten it trimmed, I bet it would have been about 1.5 inches of change!

Also, since it's the 6-month mark... I get to make my second quarterly $50 donation to St. Luke's. My donation is going directly to cancer patient assistance, which helps patients in need who can't afford important basics such as temporary housing, meal vouchers, medications, gasoline and transportation vouchers to travel to and from the hospital, help with utility bills, and food. I still can't believe that through this project, my friends, co-workers, family and I are helping raise over $1,500 for this program!

Want to join me with this incredible project? Make a difference, donate to St. Luke's cancer patients now and join my Pledge for Patients. Help out people who are truly in need.

YAY for halfway! Keep rooting for me... only 6 more months...

...only? Sheesh.

Guest Hairstyle: Kasey's Halo Braid Tutorial

Hello Beehivers!!

I'm proud to report that it's day 174 (5 1/2 months) of doing BBB and I'm still going strong.

To think... I almost quit.

HA!

Take that bad hair days!

Recently, I've been emailing back and forth with an awesome girl named Kasey.

She has awesome, shorter red hair, and she just did a video tutorial on how to do the halo braid.
I've done 3 halo styles, a regular plait, a reverse/dutch/cornrow style, and a modified boho side braided version.

I love that she tried this, because her hair isn't quite long enough to tuck up inside the braids to hide the ends. 

She made a slight modification to the style to fit her hair length, and I love it! 

To celebrate the continuation of BBB,

I thought I'd bring Kasey on over so she could tell you about the style

and show you her tutorial.
Oh, any by the way, she rocks it in 3 minutes.
Now THAT'S a quick and easy hairstyle!

Enjoy!

*****************************************

I absolutely loved the boho side braid Annelise did.  And I seriously had some long hair envy, but mine is getting there. (I tell of my previous hair saga here).  This video tutorial is inspired by Annelise's style but is more feasible for my shorter locks. 

Don't be intimidated by braids!  I was able to do this style in about 3 minutes, and trust me I'm not a pro by any means.  Click below to watch the video, if you're a subscriber click this link.

I'd love for you to visit me at http://www.lessonsfromivy.com, and if you love the hair bling from the video you can get it here.

Ty-Over.

 
Is anyone else a HUGE fan of America's Next Top Model? My brother and I are basically obsessed with that show. We get together and watch it every week. Last year, for the ANTM Cycle 16 Finale, my brother even let me dress him up as Miss J. My brother is 18. I would post a picture of him modeling his Miss J. makeup and attire... but I'm fairly sure he would kill me...

... In fact, when I teased him that I was going to post this picture, he texted me right back and said, "I would be HONORED!" So clearly, I had to post it. See, that's what I mean. We are huge fans of ANTM. HUGE.

When I began BBB, a few people kept suggesting that I donate my hair after the year-long challenge is over as another way to give back to the community. At first, I thought it was a great idea... but I would be far too nervous to do it. I just don't know if I could put in all that work for a whole year (or more) just to give it away.

Then the idea hit me. What if I could get a Ty-Over? I know it's a long shot, but that would totally make chopping my hair off worth it. If you're not familiar with Ty-Overs, they're basically a make-over by Tyra. Some of the girls love them and embrace their new hair-do's, whereas others cry and throw hissy fits at losing a couple inches of hair. It's very comical, and Tyra and her team always make the BEST decisions when it comes to the make-over choices. It's like they just know what a person's best look will be. Now, there have been exceptions, like Molly's blonde weave on Cycle 16. But overall, Tyra knows what's up. She is fierce, people.

So I decided to reach out to Tyra via Twitter... the all-powerful resource. I tweeted a simple message. It read:

If Bye Bye Beehive #365project is successful, I want a @tyrabanks Ty-Over in the end! How cool would that be? I'd donate my hair for that!

I didn't think much of it at the time... but I'm serious now. Heck, who wouldn't do anything for a Ty-Over? It would be my dream-come-true. The perks are as follows:

1. I would get to meet Tyra. Banks. Oh. My. Goodness. She's my idol.
2. I would get a sweet Ty-Over.
3. My hair would be donated to Locks of Love.
4. Did I mention I would get to meet Tyra? Seriously. Dream. Come. True.

Tyra—I need this Ty-Over. It would be the coolest experience of my life. A chance to meet THE Tyra Banks, get a one-of-a-kind make-over, and the opportunity to make one person's dream a reality by donating my hair so it could be made into a wig.

In all seriousness, I know I'm a dork. It won't happen. But it sure is fun to pretend. And dream. And be a silly goof ball. 

PS>> YOU could possibly help! Tweet Tyra @tyrabanks and tell her how cool this would be!! Please!

The Indecisive One.

 Well, this is embarrassing.

As you remember from Wednesday,

I considered doing away with my 365-day project.

In fact, I was so gung-ho about ending the project,
I went to my dad's house to retrieve my blow dryer, straightener and curling iron.
(I kept them at a different house so I wouldn't be tempted!)
I even went to Sally's Beauty Supply and stocked up on a couple products:
hairspray, dry shampoo, texture gel and a hair mask.

Then, I got home, reorganized my bathroom to include all my new little friends,

and hopped in the shower.

When I got out, I pulled out the blow dryer.

And that's when I began to sweat.

I've gone 5 months without using any product, heat or damaging my hair.

I was about to end that streak.

You guys. I couldn't do it.

I could NOT bring myself to use that incredibly wonderful blow dryer.

I told myself, "If I can go 5 months, I can go one more day."
Plus, why would I blow dry my hair just to go to bed?
Pointless. I want it to be worth it!

So I decided, I'm really NOT sure what I am going to do...

but I'm going to play it as I go.

This morning, I did use dry shampoo.

(I have been using baby powder for the last 5 months, but that causes icky buildup...
and smells like baby's bum).

Now, if you consider that I failed my project because of that...

that's a bummer.

I don't consider dry shampoo a damaging product, so you know what? 

I'm going to use it.

That texture gel?

I'll probably use that, too.

And who knows, those two little products may just be enough to get me through the next 7 months.

Maybe all I needed was a little pick-me-up.

To be quite honest— I have no idea.

I've always been known for my indecisiveness.

So I'm not necessarily going to say WHAT I'm going to do.

But either way, it's an adventure!
I hope you'll continue to ride on this roller coaster with me.
♥

BYE BYE Bye Bye Beehive?

Ready for some honesty?

No?

Sorry, folks, but you're going to get it anyways.

Here's the deal.

Last October, I began Bye Bye Beehive as a journey to achieve the long, beautiful, healthy hair I've always desired.

Now, 5 months later, I'm ready to move on...

I think it may be time to say "bye bye" to Bye Bye Beehive.

When I began BBB, it was about ME.

My hair, my project, my thing I wanted to do.

Now I feel like it's more about YOU, and trying to just scramble to come up with anything to talk about.

My heart's just not in it.

And here's the thing...

though I have come up with some pretty amazing hairstyles,

I have lost confidence in myself.

I don't enjoy doing my hair the way I used to.

Trust me, when my hair was being processed all the time, I came up with some really cool styles.

I am just not motivated lately to try any more.

My hair just seems to have no life left in it.

I don't look at this as "failing."

It was definitely a learning experience.

I learned that I don't have to have crazy-big hair all the time.

I learned that I can still be beautiful without hairspray.

I learned that I've got some darn-awesome dedication...

5-months is a long time!

I've learned that LIFE IS TOO SHORT.

If your heart's not in it and you're not doing it for you,

then don't even bother.

Why would I waste one more moment of this incredible life

thinking about how I'm not having the best possible experience and doing what I really want to do?

On that note,

I know that life is not all about hair.

Heck, it's such a minor thing that really-- no one cares.

So honestly, I know that you won't HATE me because I couldn't go the whole year.

Even if I did go the whole year, who cares if I'm the "girl who went a year without doing her hair."

I mean, is that supposed to be cool?

To me, it's really not.

I want to enjoy my time, enjoy doing my hair, and enjoy the projects that I take on.

And this very moment... I'm not enjoying myself.

Now... I HAVE NOT decided which route I'm going to take.

But here me on this... it's definitely being considered.

And I'll tell you this... if I do decide to end this project now,

I will most likely be posting sweet hairstyles a lot more often,

only blow-drying my hair once in a while,

and I'll probably continue rockin' the ombre I've currently got going on.

I rather enjoy the whole hippy look I've come to adopt, and I don't plan on changing that anytime soon.

P.S. If you're interesting in following my daily journey through life, head
straight over to AUNIE SAUCE, my little blog about life, style and all things ME!

Month 5.

Month 1.                                        Month 2.                                       Month 3.

Month 4.                                                                    Month 5.

Womp. I find I'm slightly frustrated with this month's progress.

It doesn't seem like my hair has grown at all.

Goodness gracious.

 

However, if you check out the pieces of hair that are sticking out of the braid,

you will notice that the layers are longer than they were before.

Can you see it?

Is it just me?

I also decided to start taking the monthly progress pictures in a white shirt.

The last couple months, it's been hard to differentiate the growth because of the hair 

contrast against the black shirt.

So, voila, I solved our problems by subbing in my trusty white T-shirt.

I'm a GENIUS.