Growing my hair out has been a real project. It's now been two years and counting. My plan was to get one more short haircut before Christmas in 2011 and let it grow all of 2012, before going full time. I got it cut right before Thanksgiving 2011 and the girl cut it so short that it was still short enough for Christmas.
So, my last short haircut was actually right before Thanksgiving two years ago. I wish I could find a picture from exactly 2 years ago and as some of you know, hair seems to grow painstakingly slow. I do think that my hair has gotten thicker and faster growing since I started estrogen.
I don't know how long I will let it get, but I am enjoying having long hair and I have enjoyed this project for 2 years. In the beginning, before I started hormones, just having my hair slowly grow out was a form of therapy for me. As 2012 rolled along and I was full of anxiety over the prospect of coming out to my parents, letting my hair get longer and longer was also a source of fear as they began to comment on it.
Sort of like getting my ears pierced in January, 2012, letting my hair get longer was also a source of personal growth and a way for me to excerpt my independence. It was also another manifestation of changes my parents (and others who I was not out to) could notice. All my life I had been cautioned and coached to keep my hair short, as if it was the only way possible for me. My dreams of having long, luxurious hair would seemingly never be realized.
Joan was instrumental in encouraging me to grow my hair out as she was in getting my ears pierced. She told me as early as 2010 that I should do it, but I think one reason was that she never liked seeing me in a wig. One of the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving is having a good, full, thick head of hair. I know a lot of people that transition at my age, and even many much younger, do not have that luxury. I am very thankful for all the support I have gotten along the way, especially from Mitchell and (early on) from Joan. I am really thankful and blessed to have the support and continuing love of my parents. I am also thankful that I finally had the strength live my life as myself. Believe me it does get better, so always maintain hope wherever you are in life. It is still getting better for me.
These two pictures are about 18 months apart. First is May 30, 2012 (2 weeks HRT and about 5 months of hair growth) and second is November 25, 2013 (last weekend)...
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| May 30, 2012...15 days HRT |
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| November 25, 2013...2 years of hair growth, 18 months HRT. |
Your hair looks great! Good going, girl!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I was fortunate enough to have a full head of hair when I began HRT. And like you, mine has definitely gotten thicker since then.
Oddly, it also seems to have gone into overdrive in terms of length the last few months (I just hit the two year mark on hormones). No idea why, but I am certainly grateful. :c)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hugs,
Cass