Hits and Misses for 2009

As the year comes to a close I am thinking about my future hair goals. I haven't had a lot of success this year in terms of hair growth, but here's hoping--or ensuring that this will change in the new year as I begin to get more serious about my hair by taking matters into my own hands. Here are a few products (and techniques) that created magic as well as a few disasters for my hair over the last year:

Hits
Aveda Dry Remedy Shampoo
Cream of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Formula (green label)
Aubrey Organics GPB
Aphogee 2 min Reconstructor
Henna Treatment
Aveda Elixer Leave in Conditioner
Protectiv Break Free Daily Leave in Strengthener
Jojoba Oil
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Protective styling (twist)
Sleeping with a satin scarf and satin pillowcase
Overnight oil and deep conditioning treatments

 Misses 
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Shampoo
Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Shampoo
Aphogee Balancing Moisturizer
Mizani Kerafuse Strengthening Treatment
Mizani Hydrafuse Moisturizing Treatment
Protectiv Healthy Ends Daily Leave in Strengthener
Protectiv Mega Growth Daily Leave in Strengthener
Shea Butter 
Safflower Oil
Washing hair upside down (in sink)
Not detangling properly BEFORE washing hair (you'd think I would know this huh?) 
Too much protein based products
Using the straightening iron once a week

Neither Hit nor Miss/Just There:
Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner
Giovanni leave in Conditioner
Avocado Oil
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Olive Oil
Using a filtered shower head

What I learned about my hair and products in general through this process:

• Oil based leave ins do not work on my hair, ends up making my hair feel dry and crunchy
• My hair would thrive right after a relaxer because I was using protein based products--duh this was obviously because the protein was being stripped from my hair. After it had it's fill it started to wreck havok on my hair!
• Only use medium strength proteins as needed after three weeks post relaxer rather than trying to use on a regular basis (e.g. weekly/biweekly)
• Read labels carefully to determine what is in fact a moisturizing product and strengthening (or protein) based product vs just believing what is stated on the front of the bottle (e.g. Relax and Naturals Moisturizing Creme--really?!) . Thanks again with that one
• Conditioner can not sit on my scalp--hair only!
• I need to base my own scalp and protect hair rather than trust that my hairdresser will do a sufficient enough job (still love you though M!)
• Natural products (or as natural as possible) works much better for my hair than most commercial products

Well that's me and my journey thus far. I want to send out a big "thank you" to all the ladies that helped me a long the way ...much luv!

Happy New Year to all my subbies...and may you achieve all your many hair goals in 2010!!!!!!