Black hair is so naturally beautiful! These pics have given me a bad case of hair envy...actually, that would be a good case. We are a gorgeous people and I wouldn't want to wear my hair any other way. These ladies are rocking some fierce hair, and I'm truly inspired to continue this journey, indefinitely! Thank God, I'm natural!

Today, Feb. 13, marks my 20th month natural. I straightened my hair to get a better glimpse of my progress since my BC. In the beginning, I was not focused on length, as much as, healthy hair and maintenance.

As I approach my 2nd year nappiversary (June 13), I'm shifting my focus to length retention and I'm truly tracking my hair growth more closely. Every six months I plan to take a length check.

Research shows us that our hair grows on average 0.5" a month. This equates to 6" per year. This is just an average. Our hair my grow faster or slower depending on several factors. In this album, I posted two charts that, in my opinion, are pretty close to accurate in tracking hair growth. Starting today, I will be maintaining my current regi (see Month 19) and setting my goal to reach full APL by August 2011 (six months).

Looking at the growth chart (ruler) my hair sits just below my shoulders at the two year mark. Judging from my hair today, I'm ahead of schedule. I will have about 1.5" - 2" of growth by June. I'll have a better comparison when the ends are not curled under as much on day 2 or 3. If my hair was bone straight, it would fall much lower at the shoulder length.

I'm excited to see where I'll be in the next six months to a year. By this time next year, I'd like to be close to bra strap length or at or about 18" from crown to tip.

Why the sudden focus on length? I want to grow my hair to its longest, fullest potential. Seeing my comparison pic of my BC to today has inspired and encouraged me. I've worked hard to keep it healthy and manageable. I'm proud of the results. Now I'm eager to see what happens next. I'll take measurements and post them and check in every six months to this album for updates.