Winter season hair styles and color

It's getting cold and you know what that means...it's not only time to bring out the winter clothes, it's important we protect our hair from the colder climate. Currently, I am wearing my hair in flat twist that are styled up in a bun. I had some dark brown streaks added around this time last year, but no color change since than. Not only does this style free me from using heating tools and having to handle my hair, but its a style that I can keep my hair moisturized and protected from the colder climate. As I stated before, I am in the process of growing my hair out so I am researching styles that would achieve that goal. I have found that braids, up-do's, and some weaves are good for the winter months...if you maintain them properly. Here is a link I found that gives some good hair care tips for the winter months. http://www.haircareguide.com/winter.htm.

What hair styles and color will you be rocking this fall/winter season?

...On my journey of growth (October 2007)

So....I want this website to be a way to achieve growth in many aspects. One of the areas which my not be as essential is the growth of my hair. As woman (African-American) it sometimes seems as if achieving maximum growth is impossible...or not what we want it to be. About a year and a half ago, my hair was the longest it had every been; a little below the shoulder. It was long and healthy. Due to the change in weather because of my change of location (moved from South Carolina to Oklahoma) as well as a hair boo-boo, my hair is not where is use to be. The biggest change is that I don't go to a stylist frequently like I did during that time. I know some of you can understand how hard it is to find a good stylist who actually listens to what you want and cares enough to tell you when they aren't capable of achieving that goal. Since I've been in Oklahoma, I haven't been able to find a stylist that really meets my needs, which I think are sooooo basic. I would like to achieve a head of healthy hair at it's maximum length. I usually wear wraps (roller, doobie, or flat), straw sets, and sometimes braids. Lately I have been wearing weaves to try to give my natural hair a rest, but I really would like to continue to wear wraps and such because I like to wear my natural (relaxed) hair. Sooo...I have said all of that to say, I am on a mission to have long healthy hair and will welcome any suggestions or tips. Currently, trying a growth regimen I found at http://www.growafrohairlong.com/. If anyone reading this has ideas, stories, or is growing their hair as well, please share. If you have pictures...feel free to post them so we can celebrate your progress as well.