[Toni]

Hi Shampoostyler!

Maintaining long hair properly is certainly a challenge. And you're so right about how it can consume a lot of your time for not only the physical care, yet the thought process of anticipating working around all your activities with decisions involving your hair styles.

I admire your decision to go shorter to a medium length. Am sure you will find you still have lots of versatility, yet the stress will be reduced on your hair. As for its strength. The longer your hair is, the more likely you have thinning ends. These are stressed, split and stripped ends that start here on the ends and work their way up the hair shaft. Clipping these off improves your hair's strength right there. Your hair is pure protein called keratin and once it is damaged, it's damaged and nothing short of cutting the damage off will rid you of the weaker hair. Products claiming to cure split ends are only masking them.

Hair extensions are becoming more and more popular and while there is still some things to learn about their long term use, we do know that proper application and removal should not be a problem on your own natural hair if you find a stylist who is experienced and knowledgeable, one who shows care and concern for your hair. As long as your "events" are not often, there should not be any damage to be fearful of. In reality, any activity such as frequent brushing, styling, braiding, etc. that causes scalp stimulation and blood flow increase, actually s***ds up the growth of your hair. You will find that a few special events involving extensions over a period of time will find your hair quickly back to its initial length in no time. Unless you keep it cut of course. It's all part of the care and maintenance, no matter what the length, to do all it takes to care gingerly for your precious hair, each and every strand.

Good luck with your decision, whatever it is, I wish for it to be a happy one.