Length Retention or a facade?

Facade: a superficial appearance or illusion of something: They managed somehow to maintain a facade of wealth.(1)


They are so many "gurus" out there in the natural hair world and it can be easy to get swept up into the mesmerizing curls/kinks of the bloggers and vloggers of the natural hair world. During my first year reading the blogs, natural hair forums, and watching YouTube videos I found myself drowning in information. However, there was one thing in particular that contributed to a setback in the very beginning of my journey.


Most of us have that person (or persons) that we consider hair idols because they have reached that goal that we have in mind. So in the beginning of my journey I had my eyes set on the hair of an individual that appeared to have the hair care game down to a T. In actuality, that person's hair care practices dramatically impacted length retention and hair health. It took me a whole year of watching and following this person to realize that my hair did not appear to be getting longer and their hair also stayed at the same length. 


The first thing I did was ask this individual if they were cutting their hair to stay that length. No response to that question - or to any others that asked about cutting/trimming. After I started putting together my own regimen and techniques (learned from trial and error) I finally started getting the results I desired. To this day this individual is still very close to still being at the same length - it has been 3 yrs. Now, there is a chance that some hair cuts have occurred over this time period, I stopped watching. I am not assuming to know everything about this person's hair care practices. (I will not name this individual).


One of my favorite quotes is "you can't make all the mistakes yourself, so learn from someone else's." I am not sharing this to bash - but in hopes that it helps someone avoid the same setback I encountered.


When searching for a regimen that will work for you:
1. Examine the progress of the person raving about the regimen
2. Ask questions - if they go unanswered or don't sound quite right, think about your next move carefully.
3. Are all the comparison pics a fair comparison (pose, photoshop, same section measured, etc)?
4. Is this person paid to plug products or services?
5. Are hair care methods and alternative thoroughly explained and supported?


MANY individuals are using their precious time to offer help to others on their healthy hair journey - while some see this as an opportunity to cash in .  I started blogging for friends and people in my social circle that had questions. I couldn't keep so I had to put all the info in one place - I do this for the sole purpose of helping others. (I wish it could be my full-time job, lol).


1. Dictionary.com

Got something to add? Please comment below.

Style Search: TWA, BBA, and all lengths in between

In July 2010 I.M.I. held a giveaway that asked readers to suggest topics that they would like to see on the blog. The following topic was inspired by one of those suggestions:

When I am looking for a new style and I get stumped, I have found the that internet and a good ol' Google search can provide me with some inspirations. Recently, I have discovered Tumblr and the numerous natural hair photo blogs that are housed on that website. Here are a few that I like to browse regularly:

Natural Hair Rules!
le coil
Currently Obsessed With...
**** Yeah Natural Hair

Those will keep you busy for a few hours and if you start clicking around you will come across more photo blogs. Hairstyles will  not always fall into your lap, especially natural hair styles, so you must go looking for them. Happy Hairstyle Hunting.

Be sure to click the Suggested Topic label to see all the posts in this series.

Tip: Modifying your hat

                                                         

 

I love wearing hats and I think I have one in almost every color. Many of my hats resemble the ones pictured above. We all know that it's not in our hair's best interest to have something rough constantly rubbing against it. So to remedy this problem I have a little trick to keep my hair safe and still wear my hats regularly.

Before putting on a hat I style my hair (twists, braids, etc) and apply any product of my choosing and then I put on a black bonnet

After putting on the bonnet I then put on my hat. Since the bonnet is black it gives the illusion that I am actually wearing a lined hat. This method is easier, cheaper, and quicker than purchasing fabric to line all of your hats one by one.

Another benefit of this method is that your can set your hair under the bonnet for a style especially if you are not one to leave the house with braid or twist sets visible.

Happy hat wearing!!

Product Recommendation?

Can I get some advice from you?

I am currently on a product buying fast and I refuse to buy anymore shampoos or conditioners until I have used up what I have.

Earlier this year I went on a hair diet and I was very satisfied with the results of using sulfate free and 'cone free products. I am not eliminating sulfate and 'cone products completely but I am open to having the majority of my product stash to be sulfate-free and 'cone free products.

Any recommendations? Please let me know if the the product is a shampoo, conditioner, or deep conditioner and if it is a sulfate/'cone free product. Thanks in advance!

Coconut Oil Taught me a lesson

Lesson learned: Don't use coconut oil to twist my hair in the summer.

I washed and conditioned my hair, applied a leave-in conditioner, and applied coconut oil to each section of hair as I twisted. For 1.5 days coconut oil was dripping from my hair down my neck. I looked like I was sweating all day, LOL.

The "BC" and dryness

I have noticed that a lot of individuals that have BC'ed (Big Chopped) report dryness shortly after BCing. Is this something that comes with the territory or is it hit and miss kind of thing? Poll below:




Help a fellow natural: If you experienced dryness, how did you handle it?

Be a Money $aving Product Junkie

If you can't help but become a product junkie there are ways to go about it with a decreased feeling of guilt.

1. Don't jump on bandwagons! Seriously - a bandwagon almost ruined all my hard work. I have learned (the hard way) to let others experiment and then wait for the results.

2. Request samples. There are so many companies out there that will provide samples to potential customers that there is no need to go out and purchase full sized full priced products just to "try" them.

3. Shop the travel aisle. If a company does not provide samples try the travel aisle in your local retail/discount store. Those items are constantly changing so keep your eye on them to see if the product you are curious about makes the shelf.

4. Use coupons. The funniest thing to me is to be line behind a person that just paid full price for a product and then they hear my total being about 50% less...all because I used a coupon. Here is the trick: purchase the item only when on sale and use the coupon at the moment. Also, if the store has a VIP/MVP card, get one and use it.

5. Swap, Swap, Swap. When you RSVP "yes" to attend a meet-up, GO! (no one likes a slacker). Usually at meet ups there are product swaps and someone just might bring the product that you have been wanting.

Product Recommendations...

...are something that I shy away from. Why? Simply because I don't know anyone's hair well enough to tell them "This will work for you." or "This is what you should spend your hair earned money on."

I do get a lot of questions that revolve around "What products should I buy to XYZ?"

My answer: I don't know (seriously). What I can do is offer up a list of the products I use but the thing is, those products work for my hair. In order to determine what is best for your hair you need to assess your hair care needs. Basically, what issues are you looking to address?

Frizziness?

Dryness?

Split Ends?

Manageability?

Look for products that are designed to help with those issues.

It is going to take trial and error to discover the products that work for your hair so the one thing I can suggest is ways to save money while on the search. Some companies offer travel size products so instead of spending a lot on a full size item that you might not like, opt for the travel size version before investing. Visit the website of the product you are interested in and see if they provide free samples. If you don't see a link for free samples on their webpage - contact them, sometimes companies want consumers to do a little "work" for what things they desire. Plus this helps the company cut costs because so many people will not contact the company for samples and will just go buy the full size, full priced item.

You have not because you ask not.

Another option is to read product reviews. On a number of product websites there are links that customers use to provide feedback. Browse through a couple of sites and read some reviews. It just may help with your decision making.

Good luck on your product search!

Get it sleek...

To answer a frequently asked question...

First, do whatever it is that you do to pull your hair back in a pony tail. I typically create my ponytails in the shower under running water.

Second, mist hair lightly with the mist of your choice. Usually I just use plain ol' water.

Third, smooth back your hair with your hand or brush (if you use them). I use a 100% soft boar bristle brush.

Fourth, apply shea butter like you would if it were a gel. Smooth it on and in a backwards motion.

Fifth, smooth it again just you did in the third step. At this point you can determine if you need more shea butter or more misting.

Last, secure with a scarf until you are ready to walk out the door. I like to secure for a minimum of 15 mins - which is usually the drive time to my destination.

Note: the shea butter works great alone on my hair but some may find they they need something heavier like a gel or something lighter like coconut oil. Listen to your hair.

Building YOUR Regimen

Upon starting my healthy hair journey I never even thought once about developing and having a regimen. Now it is one of the first tips that I give someone when I am asked for advice. Why? Because I wish someone would have told me! I get the most true results from products when I use them on a regular schedule. I lost count of the number of times I tossed something in the trash because it didn't work the 1 or 2 times I used it-and used it inconsistently. While building my regimen I used the following layout and tips (based on my experience):

First decide your overall goals for your hair, assess your hair needs to get there, and research your options.

Once you decide on steps and products then decide how often you want to do those methods.

I found it easy to split my regimen into time frames - daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly.

Here is an example of one method from each time frame:

Daily: Moisturize

Weekly: Deep Condition

Monthly: Shampoo

Quarterly: Trim ends

Yearly: Henna

This is what works for me and some of the methods will change according to the season. Like with shampooing...I do that more frequently in the warmer months because I am outside a lot and there is chance of sweat :)

To help keep me organized I created a chart. I have a lot to do so this helps me keep track of what I am supposed to be doing and when.

Helpful links:
Learning to Build a Hair Regimen That Works

Black Hair Care Regimen

Healthy Hair Care on a Budget

I have noticed a lot of so-called "quality" hair care items can be on the pricey side. So what is a girl on a budget to do? Get creative and put those brain cells to use! Many products can be made right in your own kitchen. I know buying products is more of a convenience...but when you make your own, just make a lot-the amount you would pay for anyway. Additionally, you can make the product just like your hair likes it.

You want a good moisturizing quality shampoo...
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, because you have to dilute this soap-it lasts quite a while. Search the web for mixing/dilution options

You need a conditoner for cowashing...
VO5 & Suave are two brands that always affordable, sometimes less than $1

Deep conditioners are only good when then cost a lot....NOT!
Get a cholestoral conditioner (Lustrasilk, LeKair) and add some oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, etc) to it. I like to mix 1 cup of conditioner with almost 1/2 cup of olive oil and some essential oils.

Styling Aids....gotta have 'em
Organic Aloe Vera Gel....make it into a spritz, add it to a pomade, or use it to make a holding gel. The options are only limited by your creativity
Sweet Almond oil...a little goes a long way and gives awesome shine

So there you have it wallet friendly cleansing, conditioning, and styling. All it takes is a little research.

My Christmas Gift

For some of friends that have gone natural the one thing that has been constant is "I don't know what to do with my hair." Well, I never transitioned so I was almost clueless on suggestions and not always available when someone needed help. In an attempt to make this process a little easier for them, I created hair journals. I only provided very basic information, no product referrals, and no "you must do this" instructions. Instead, I created a space and provide background information that allows them to track their process and determine with products they want to try.

It's about 20 pages long and provides tables and charts to serve as guides throughout the journey. Compiling this information took a lot of research but it's the most meaningful gift that I have ever given...so it was worth it.

Length Retention Tips

I thought about titling the post "Tips for growing" but then I read Hair Growth Myths and personally, I agree with the post. Many times I have read that product xyz caused a great amount of growth. However, there is no control (minimize the unintended influence of other variables on the same system) and the claim is usually not compared against the same time frame. Plus, when using these "miracle products" you are also paying more attention to your hair (ie moisturizing the ends, protective styling) in ways that retain length.

So these are some ways that I retained length between the months of Aug-Nov:

1. Deep Condition at least once a week for a minimum of 30 mins

2. Wear protective styles as much as possible

3. Dust ends regularly to reduce the needs for trimming more length

4. Moisturize ends before styling and whenever they are exposed

5. Keep hair protected when sleeping (bonnet or satin pillowcase)

6. Trim/file your nails before working with your hair

7. Eat a proper diet....that includes water

8. When washing, focus on cleaning your scalp.

1 Corinthians 11:15

But if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.

Growing beyond shoulder length

I dyed my hair a few months ago and I can tell by the roots how much my hair has grown since then but I can't tell by the length of my hair. My hair seems to reach just past shoulder length and then stops. I realized that I am not maintaining length. So of course I had to do some research and here is what I found:

Avoid rubber bands and styling your hair in tight updos.

When styling in updos be careful with hair pins because rough handling can cause you to rip your hair out.

Use a water based moisturizer on your ends and then seal them with a natural oil of your choice (be sure to use an oil that means your hair care needs).

Trim your ends every few months to eliminate spit ends.

If you use heat, try to use it less often.

Deep Treat/Condition your hair at least once a month.

Wear styles that keep your hair up off your clothes and shoulders, friction causes breakage.

References:

Grow Hair Past Shoulder Length

How to grow your hair to shoulder length

Hair FAQ! Stuck At Shoulder Length

Options for updos:
Buns

Twists pinned up

Bantu knots

and anything your creative mind can think up

Question and Answer: Frizz and Sleeping

Q: "I was wondering do you know of a good hair care product that helps keep the hair from frizzing up so fast?"

A: I haven't found "a" product but what seems to work for me is keeping my hair moisturized on those humid NC days. Before I do my cornrows I do a deep condition treatment with Suave tropical coconut mixed with some Olive Oil and peppermint oil. Another thing I started doing is not using shampoo as much but instead co-washing with a moisturizing conditioner. So, I guess moisture is the key. :)

Another thing I try is a recipe for frizz control. Conditioner, Olive Oil, and honey. It really works to hold the style, the only thing I don't like about it is that it can make your hair hard to the touch.

Q: "Okay, here is a question I have been dying to ask, how do I wrap my TWA @ nite?????"

A: Well, I never had a TWA so this one is kinda of hard for me. I can say what works for me and maybe that will help some. I have a satin pillow case for those nights that I am dead tired and my nightly routine is just not going to happen. I sleep in a satin night cap and for those days I want to wear a 'fro I do about 4-5 huge twist all over and fluff them out in the morning. No matter how I prep my hair before bed I try very hard to never let my head rest on cotton. Even when I am "resting" on the couch...I get my satin housecoat and drape it over the coat where my head will lay.

Also, My college roommate had a TWA and while it was short she would wet it in the shower every morning to refresh the flatness that occurred overnight.

In The News: Healthy hair for young girls

August 31, 2009 Chicago Tribune article about hair and young girls.

Stylist preaches healthy hair and lifestyle to Chicago schoolgirls

Here are some of the key points from the article:

• For the last 10 years, Frances Simmons has been going into Chicago public schools on a mission to educate young African-American girls on the importance of healthy hair and a healthy lifestyle, and how the two can be interwoven into an even healthier self-esteem.
• For blacks, hair travails are deeply rooted in a sad history that too often has defined beauty by a white standard and divided locks into two camps: "good hair" or "bad hair"
• "You've got some mothers who are getting their kindergartners hair weaves or hair pieces," Simmons said. "It breaks your heart. All that weight on those tiny heads."
• In Illinois, stylists who braid aren't required to be licensed so training can be a crapshoot.
• We've been taught not to love our hair and not to love ourselves. Part of having healthy hair is accepting who we are and what we have."

What I really like about this article is that the information is coming from a stylist. Many times we try to share advice or tips we have learned, through reading and research, with our friends and family and the look at us like we don't know what we are talking about. So maybe the same information coming from a professional will open their eyes and ears.