Food For Thought

I've struggled with hair loss issues for a variety of reasons. Chemical damage, poor handling, dryness have all led to breakage, breakage, breakage. I've also have a small bald patch at the back of my head and a sparse hairline due to improper extension application. If you also suffer from hair loss, you may wonder about ways to help improve your condition. Reading a few blogs and site have led me to the conclusion that food is very important part in the promotion of healthy hair growth. While hair is quite capable of growing regardless of what you do, I believe the health and quality of your hair (strong, shiny, maximum rate vs sluggish and dry) will be influenced by the the types of food you eat. It is also the healthiest and "easiest" option for improving the look of your hair.

What are the top foods that promote hair growth?

When choosing food for hair growth, remember that hair is made of protein; therefore protein-rich foods should make up a high percentage of your diet. The second most important hair nutrient is iron. Each key nutrient below lists the foods that promote hair growth (Where possible always buy fresh organic/free-range dairy and produce):

Vegan/Vegetarians:

• Protein: eggs, bean, cottage cheese, yogurt, tofu.
• Iron: whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, raisins.
• B Vitamins: eggs.
• Essential Fatty Acids: walnuts, canola oil, soy.
• Vitamin E: avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil.
• Sulfur: nuts, legumes, garlic, onions.
• High Quality Multivitamin 

Non-vegetarians:

• Protein: liver, brewer's yeast, fish, eggs, beans, cottage cheese, yogurt, tofu
• Iron: liver, whole grain cereals, dark green leafy vegetables, eggs, dates, raisins.
• B Vitamins: eggs, meat, poultry.
• Essential Fatty Acids: walnuts, canola oil, fish, soy.
• Vitamin E: avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil.
• Sulfur: meats, fish, nuts, legumes, garlic, onions.

Green tea may help correct these problematic hormone imbalances; a low-fat diet may also be beneficial. (source)

As you make changes to your diet to help improve hair growth be aware that there are some culprits in our diets that can actually be detrimental to our hair:

• Caffeine
• Sugar
• Fat
• Carbonated drinks

For further information on hair loss and healther ways to promote hair growth please visit the following link http://www.quickcare.org/skin/foods-that-promote-hair-growth.html

                                 

Mini Hair Goals Revisited

I was reviewing a few of my older post while I was cleaning up some of the bugs on the blog and I came across a post that I posted at the beginning of my journey (when I was relaxed) and that it helped me a lot when I was trying to get over that hump from jaw length to shoulder length. I am currently stuck at SL at the moment and I really want to move on already! 

Anyway, the process requires me to sit down and really organize my thoughts . What am I trying to achieve? What are some of the issues I have with my hair right now? Basically, what I was trying to do was come up with some mini goals, so that in time I would be able to achieve my overall goal of beautiful healthy hair. 

This is what I came up with:

1. Increase moisture 
2. Retain length
3. Reduce single strain knots and breakage
4. Improve and maintain a healthy scalp condition

When broken down in this way, it really isn't that hard. So how do I achieve success with each goal? What products or tools will I use?

Increase Moisture

1. Drink more H20  (minimum 2 litres/day) 
2. Use a moisture balance shampoo, conditioner and deep conditioner at a pH of 5.0
3. Spritz hair with a specialize mix for porosity level every other day 
4. Apply a protein conditioner as needed (biweekly for high porosity; once a month for low porosity) to fill in gaps in hair shaft
5. Apply herbal oil treatment once a month
6. Use a moisturizer with a pH of 4.0 and seal with shea butter on high porosity areas 
7. Use a hooded dryer to assist in deep conditioning

Retain Length

1. Finger detangling. My hair is just too tightly coiled to comb through, even with a wide tooth comb.
2. Minimize manipulation by utilizing protective styles 100 of the time for longer periods of time (e.g. 2 weeks) for a period of 6 months.
3. Tie hair with scarf and sleep on silk pillowcase

Reduce Single Strain Knots and Breakage

1. Minimize manipulation by utilizing protective styles 100% of the time for longer periods of time (e.g. 2 weeks) over a period of 6 months.
2. Finger detangling.
3. Allow for enough time to do hair routine to avoid rushing

Improve and Maintain a Healthy Scalp Condition

1. Apply herbal growth every other day
2. Daily 1 min scalp massages

I'll keep you posted on my hair progress.

Happy Hair Growth!

Low/High Porosity Woes

A few days ago I posted information on hair porosity and how important it is to hair care and length retention. So what does this mean for your hair, especially if you are like me and have "spotty" or different porosity levels?

Well, there is some confusion regarding the way in which hair responds to moisture, manual manipulation and heat. To begin, many believe the cuticles can be easily opened and closed by simply applying particular products or heat to the hair, however it does take a lot more effort than that. While it is true, certain harsh chemicals have the ability to lift the cuticles, the the key word here is "harsh". You must remember, when this occurs your cuticles are being forcibly raised because the hair is out of balance. This is not something you would want to do to your hair on a consistent basis (e.g. weekly) . More importantly, forcing your cuticles to open on a consistent basis is not something you can do without severely damaging the hair over time. In other words, you can not "fix" your hair's porosity.

So what can you do? Although you can not "fix" the current state of your hair, you can minimize the damage that can happen because the cuticles are raised (high) or resistant (low) to absorbing moisture. Keep in mind, these practices are temporary and must be done on a regular basis and they only serve to help you retain the length you have as you grow in hair that is healthier and balanced (e.g. normal/medium porosity). This is why it is good to evaluate your hair every six months or and make adjustments as you continue on your hair journey. 

Tips for Low Porosity

1. Beware of and minimize your use of products that have a low pH or highly acidic (e.g. aloe vera juice, citric acid) because these substances work to keep the cuticles closed.
2. Use light to medium water based moisturizers and minimize products that are loaded with heavy oils or butters as these will simply sit on top of the hair. 
3. Use lighter oils (e.g. jojoba, argan or grape seed) to seal in the moisture you are using on the hair.
4. Use steam to help add moisture to the hair. 
5. Apply products to damp or slightly dry hair instead of wet hair.
6. Focus more on increasing moisture levels, while minimizing protein as this type of hair often retains protein quite well.
7. Stick to monthly protein treatments to avoid protein overload.

Tips for High Porosity

1. Use a moisturizing shampoo
2. Use products with a low pH or highly acidic (e.g. aloe vera juice, citric acid) because these substances work to keep the tighten the opened cuticles (it will not "close" them).
3. Use thicker butters and products with heavier oils as it will seal the cuticles and trap in the moisture you receive from the product.  
4. Use of protein (hydrolyzed wheat or silk) conditioners regularly (weekly to biweekly) to help fill in gaps and holes that are present in the hair shaft.

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What the pH?!

So now that I understand a little bit more about porosity and how important it is to hair growth, I have decided to make a few changes. Before I explain what those changes will be I wanted to highlight some information on pH balance, as porosity and pH balance go hand in hand. 

Without getting too technical, it is very important to understand how pH aids in maintaining optimal hair balance as this affects hair growth (length retention), its appearance (shine vs dull, frizz vs sleek, curl definition) and how your hair responds to products/ingredients (styling results). 

Healthy hair is naturally more acidic, falling between a pH of 4.0-5.5. Several environmental factors can negatively affect the pH balance of our hair, such as  chemicals, harsh shampoos, styling products and heat. When the hair is pH balanced, the cuticles remain slightly closed allowing it to remain strong and healthy and shiny. When the pH balance of the hair is too high the cuticles are raise and the cortex of the hair shaft is exposed, which can lead to tangles, frizz, knots making the hair more susceptible to damage and breakage. Similarly, when the scalp's pH is too high, you will experience various scalp disorders (e.g. dry, itchy, dandruff).

One way to create and maintain a healthy pH balance is by using products that is close to the appropriate pH range to help maintain (or restore) the hair's ideal pH levels when it is too high. The cuticles on curly hair tends to remain open as the curl pattern make it difficult for the cuticles to lie flat. Therefore, the products we use is very crucial. Learning this information has been a tremendous help to me as I try to get my hair back on track because similar to porosity, it has helped me understand why my hair is reacting to certain products in a negative way. 

Armed with my pH testing strips, I tested all of the products I currently use. I recommend that you do this as well since very few companies post the pH level of their products.Testing strips will come in handy for another reason as well, which I will explain below. I also included the ideal range for these products. 

Shampoo (6.0-5.0):

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo 7.0

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo 7.0

Conditioner (5.0-4.0):

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner 6.5

Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner 5.5

Cantu Shea Butter Mask 5.0

Aubrey Organics White Camellia Ultra-Smoothing Conditioner 4.0

Leave In Conditioner (4.5-4.0):

Knot Today Detangler 7.0

Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Hold & Shine Moisture Mist pH 6.5

Giovanni Direct Leave-in pH 6.0

Moisturizer (4.5-4.0):

Shea Moisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Style Milk pH 7.0

Qhemet Biologics Amla & Olive Heavy Cream 7.0

Qhemet Biologics Burdock Root Butter Cream 6.5

Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Volumizing Hair Milk 6.5

Oyin Handmade Honey Dew Lightweight Quenching Lotion pH 5.0

Stylers (4.5-4.0):

Komaza Care Califia Styling Pudding 7.0

Komaza Care Coconut Hair Pudding 7.0
Camilla Rose Naturals Almond Jai Twisting Butter 7.0

Entwine Coutour Jellé Styler 6.5

Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera Gelly 6.0

Eco Styler Gel (Olive Oil) 6.0

KCCC 4.5

As you can see a lot of the products I use do not fall within the appropriate pH range. Pair this information with the issues associated to high and low  porosity I can understand why I have been struggling with frizzy, brittle, dry hair for so long.  

So what does this mean for my hair? Well, I don't think it would be practical to run out and buy a slew of new products, but I do need to find a solution to address the issues I am having with my hair if I hope to retain my lengths. One solution would be to "create" pH balanced products that will work best on my hair. This best way to accomplish this is to simply add ingredients that test higher in acidity to my hair products in an effort to lower its alkalinity. This would include ingredients like:

Aloe Vera Juice 4.0

Vinegar 2.5

Lemon Juice 2.0

ACV 3.5

This is where those additional testing strips I discussed above will be helpful. Once you've added one of these ingredients to your products, retest it to make sure it falls within the appropriate range. For example, I add some distilled water and 1/4 tsp of lemon juice to approximately 4 oz of shampoo lowering it from a 7.0 pH to 5.5 pH. I've noticed a difference in how my hair feels after shampooing when I've done this over a period of time. 

If you are going to add anything to your products to lower its pH level, it is highly recommended that you separate a small amount of the product you would like to use and gradually add one of the ingredients listed above to ensure that you do not "spoil" the larger batch. 

I hope this helps you out as much as it has helped me.

HHG!

Hair Porosity...What's the Big Deal?

Porosity seems to be on (almost) everybody's lips. Why? How does porosity effect the quality of our hair? Well, porosity refers to how well your hair absorbs and retain moisture. It is determined by the cuticle layers, which allows moisture to pass in and out of the hair. If the cuticles are tightly closed (also known as low porosity) it will be difficult to get moisture into the hair. If the cuticles are raised (also known as high porosity) then it will be easy to get moisture into the hair, however you will have difficulty retaining that moisture.In both situations, the lack of moisture will result is dry hair, which has an increase chance of breakage. Normal porosity is the optimum hair state we want to achieve (or maintain) because it allows moisture to enter the hair shaft, while preventing too much moisture from escaping. The result, is healthy, shiny hair that thrives and behave in a predictable way (e.g. maintains hair style, easy to manage and manipulate). 

Porosity levels may be determined by genetic factors, but it can, and is often affected by external factors such like the environment, heat treatment, chemical use and how you handle your hair. Understanding and identifying your hair's porosity is important because it will ensure you are using the right products to address your current hair condition and meet your hair goals. 

I emphasize "current" because hair porosity can change over time. A person can also have different porosity levels throughout their hair. I for one have both low and high porosity hair. After doing some research, this was how I figured it out:

How to Determine Your Hair Porosity 

Does it Float?
One way to determine your hair's porosity is the water method. The water method or the "float test" examines how the hair behaves in room temperature water. Take a few strains of hair from different sections of your head (e.g. back, left side, right side, crown and front). Place it on top of a glass of water and wait 1-2 minutes to see how it responds. Do not push or manipulate the hair while it sits on the water. If it floats, your hair has low porosity. If it sinks to the bottom of the glass then your hair is highly porous. 

There is some debate as to whether or not one can truly test hair porosity this way because of the hair's structure. For this reason, there are a few other ways you can use to help figure how how porous your hair is. 

How Fast Does It Dry?
After washing and conditioning your hair as you normally would, allow your hair to air dry without blotting it dry or adding any additional products. Do not dry off your body for this test. If you hair dries faster than your body does, your hair is highly porous. 

Is It Smooth?
Another way to test your hair is to take a few strains of hair and gently slide your hair up the shaft from the tip to the root. If you feel any resistance or it feels rough, your cuticles are not flat and therefore porous. While this test alone is not definitive, pair it with the other two test you did to help determine your hair's porosity.

It's best to use all three test to help determine where your hair falls. So, 

Low Porosity: hair floats, dries after your body, stains feels smooth to the touch.

Normal Porosity: only one of the three tests indicated you had high porosity.

High Porosity:  two or all three of the tests indicated you have high porosity


The above test is not an exact science. These test are only used to help gear you in the right directions to help you care for your hair more effectively. Unless you carry out very expensive lab base test, you will not be able to truly determine the porosity of their hair in a definitive way. However, what is clear is the fact that hair responds in very unique ways based on its porosity level. 

You have no idea how helpful this has been because I can now make better decisions when I treat and style my hair. Things made a lot more sense once I figured out what was going on with my hair and why certain DC treatments worked for a while then completely ruined my hair. For example, I have both low and high porosity level. Low porosity does not respond well to too much protein, while high porosity hair requires it to minimize breakage due to gaps and holes in the hair shaft. In the past I thought I was protein sensitive because sections of my hair would break easily and I was looking at my hair as a whole. As a result, I would only do mild protein treatments once a month. The problem is, the parts of my hair (side, front and crown) would suffer because it needed protein much more than that. I couldn't figure it out and got so frustrated because I wouldn't see any real progress in these areas (past posts will confirm this). The back of my hair, which loved the lack of protein and needed increase moisture thrived and still thrives.

With this new knowledge I have made adjustments to my regimen and I've noticed a difference in the feel and look of my hair. I just wish I knew this information before. 

So what does this mean for my hair? Stay tuned....

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The Benefit of Using Natural Products

There are hundred if not thousand of websites that provide recipes for natural and organic hair care, beauty products and remedies including shampoo, conditioner and hair color, that you can make using essential oils and ingredients found in your own kitchen and garden! If you have read and are not utilizing some of the ideas found in my article on Getting Creative with Homemade Recipes   then you will find that creating your own homemade products are easier than you think. Below I've created a list of ingredients to try when creating your own unique products

*Please use extreme caution when using any products for the first time, natural or not. If you are allergic to any of the listed ingredients then do not use it on your hair/scalp:

Almond Oil - This carrier oil is both nourishing and protective. It is high in linoleic acids, which account for its anti-inflammatory, acne reduction and moisture retention properties. Almond oil is a commonly used ingredient in beauty products as it treats and prevents dry, chapped and irritated skin (scalp). In addition to skin, Almond oil is great for hair. It helps condition, nourish, and soften hair while stimulating hair growth!

Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera improves the skin's ability to hydrate itself, aids in the removal of dead skin cells and encourages skin rejuvenation. Some have raved about its ability to encourage hair stimulation and hair growth! This product also has incredible moisturizing properties!

Avocado/Avocado Oil - This oil is rich in potassium, sulfur, vitamins A,D and E and fatty acids. It is very nourishing for dry hair and scalp as it replenishes oils lost through washing and coats the cuticles. It is especially valuable for those with eczema, dry scalp and other scalp ailments. It leaves the hair feeling smooth and soft.

Banana- The pulp is a great biodegradable moisturizer and lubricant, excellent for dry hair. It is an excellent humecant, locking in moisture and coating the hair shaft, leaving the hair smooth. The pulp is rich in potassium and vitamin A, B, C.

Calendula Oil - Moisturizes and conditions. Very good in soothing scalp and skin conditions like eczema. 

Carrot Seed Oil - This oil is a true powerhouse in the hair growth category! Carrot Seed oil is rich in Vitamins A, B, C, D and E. As you know Vitamin A, B and E are excellent for hair growth as it improve moisture for increased elasticity, conditions hair and stimulates growth.

Chamomille (Roman) Oil - This essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and is very calming to the skin. It is both emollient and healing and thus is a wonderful addition to any skin care product!

Clary Sage - Astringent, stimulates  growth, kills bacteria. It is also believed to darken gray hair. 

Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is an amazing carrier oil! This is a great oil for general moisturizing and serves as a protective layer, helping to retain the moisture in your hair. Coconut oil does not clog pores (which can inhibit hair growth--and even kill hair follicles), making it great for the hair. It stimulates hair growth, softens the hair and conditions the scalp. It also can also help eliminate dandruff!

Evening Primrose Oil - Moisturizes and conditions the hair.

Glycerine - Natural emollient, pulls moisture into the hair.

Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) - Henna is believed to help provide stronger, smoother and shinier hair when used regularly. The dye is believed to penetrates the hair shaft, binding with the keratin in the hair while coating the hair, filling in rough spots on a frayed cuticle. This adds a second layer of strength and makes hair stronger. With its ability to smooth over rough cuticles, damage during combing and manipulation is reduced a great deal.

Honey - is a natural wonder full of properties beneficial to the hair. It is a natural humectants - meaning it attracts moisture and holds it in.

Jojoba Oil - The structure of Jojoba oil closely resembles that of your own skin oil (sebum). Jojoba is readily absorbed into the skin, is non-pore clogging and helps balance production of your natural sebum. Jojoba is moisturizing and helps prevent dry scalp. It contains linoleic acid and myristic acid, which account for its anti-inflammatory and moisture retention properties. It adds moisture and gives your hair extra protection, shine and body. It also cleanses and is revitalizing to hair and scalp!

Lavender Oil - This essential oil has multiple properties that make it important for overall general health and well-being. In hair care, Lavender is used as a scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice!

Lemon Oil - Besides having a refreshing and clean aroma, Lemon oil helps balance cell fluids and sebum and increases circulation. In hair care, Lemon oil helps control oily hair and gives golden highlights. It is also helpful in controlling lice.

Neem Oil - Neem oil has amazing healing properties and has long been used in Indian and Ayurvedic medicine. It moisturizes and protects skin. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving activity make Neem potentially useful against eczema on the scalp.

Olive Oil - Olive oil has been used for generations in natural soap products. It attracts external moisture to the skin yet allows the skin to "cleanse" and release sweat, sebum and shed dead skin. Olive oil is high in the antioxidants Vitamins A and E providing anti-aging properties and it has disinfectant properties, is moisturizing, soothing and healing. Simply a wonderful and gentle component in skin care!This oil stimulates cell regeneration, increases elasticity and decreases wrinkles. Pomegranate oil is a savior for mature, irritated, and dry, cracked skin!

Rosemary Oil - This is a well-known remedy for improving hair growth.It stimulates growth and has antiseptic properties. Rosemary also increases the circulation to the scalp therefore promoting hair growth and imparting shine to dark hair. Additionally, it helps control oily hair as well as dandruff.

Shea Nut Oil - This oil glides on the hair and scalp smoothly and helps heal and repair dry, damaged hair. It also creates a protective moisture barrier against the dry, harsh elements! (see shea butter for more information on properties).

Sweet Almond Oil - Contains Vitamin E and F, great properties for itchy scalp. It is mild and easily absorbed.

Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil has so many beneficial properties that it is a must for all medicine cabinets! This oil soothes irritated, inflamed skin and stimulates healing while minimizes scarring. It is a natural antiseptic, antifungal and anti-microbial and treats dandruff.

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) - As an anti-oxidant, Vitamin E prevents free radical damage from the sun and environment (yes your hair need UV protection too!). It improves moisture and helps soften the hair. Vitamin E also helps maintain the integrity (preventing rancidity) of product formulations.

Play around with different products. Remember what works for one person may not work for you. Have fun!

The Secrets of Emu Oil

Yesterday I was catching up on some of my subscriptions on You Tube and I was quite impressed with a natural hair diva's progress on growing in her edges with the support of JBCO and Emu Oil. As you know my edges have been a problem area for me for some time so I've decided to add  this area to my hair new growth challenge (starting August 28). Before I take on this challenge I wanted to do some research to ensure I am using the most effective product on this area to get the best results. Now I already know about the various benefits of JBCO and I've posted the results I've received the first time I used it. However, I have never heard about Emu Oil. So I went to work....

To my surprise Emu Oil has gained significant attention in the natural community for sometime, said to provide great benefits for the skin and hair. Sourced in Australia, Aborigines have been using it for years to help alleviate achy muscles and joints and as a salve to heal cuts and burns. Emu's Oil's biggest claims however, lie in its ability to cause cellular regeneration in the skin--sounds good so far. So what does any of this have to do with hair?

As it turns out, hair can also benefit greatly from regular use of Emu Oil treatments. Its regenerative capabilities it said to have nearly three times the normal cellular activity on the scalp helping hair look and grow in more healthier and become more resilient to environmental and hormonal stresses. As well, Emu Oil has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, which help to break down undesirable buildup and residue at the scalp and roots, thereby increasing volume and manageability. 

Now, Emu Oil does not have the ability to regrow hair if the hair follicle has died. So if damaged follicles is the cause of your thinning hairline, it probably will not help much there (some argue otherwise). However, if the hair is simply weakened by environmental or hormonal stress, then Emu Oil has been said to help the skin (or scalp in this case) become alive again.   

As with all products, natural or otherwise, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do your research before attempting to use it. Although Emu Oil is an all natural product, the benefits outlined here are only available if the product has been processed correctly. Unlike EVCO or shea butter for example, this product must be refined to free it of any hormonal contaminants, blood, meat residue or any extraction solvents that may be used while processing the product. The best oils, whether it be Emu Oil or vegetable based oils are made WITHOUT solvent extractors to prevent unwanted tran fatty acids from being produced. As well, pure Emu Oil will  not have any synthetic anti-oxidants or preservatives added to it. One way you can tell the difference between refined and unrefined Emu Oil will be the colour and odour. Apparently refined Emu Oil is a very light (almost white) cream in colour with no odour, while unrefined Emu Oil has a strong odour and is a yellowish cream in colour.

Given the many benefits am I going to jump on the Emu Oil bandwagon? I don't know yet....I don't know if I like the idea of using a animal by product on my skin/scalp with even the smallest risk of contacting some nasty disease/bacteria, especially since I've decided to stop eating meat for that very reason. Refined or not, abstinence is the only guarantee I can get from contracting something, regardless of FDA standards or company promises. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but contaminated products slip by testing machines all the time--can we say food recall. I will stick to my simple JBCO for now and continue to look into it....I just thought this was worth sharing.

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Hair Faux Pas: How to Get That Hair Growing...Finally

For the last little while I have been a little less motivated to continue with my journey. I think its something we all go through, but I think a lot of my frustration has been more about the fact that I have seen less than desirable results. The fact that I suffered a small set back hasn't helped the situation at all.

In an effort to keep myself motivated I have been doing my usual round on the internet. Reading this and that, which I enjoy doing because I can often find women that have similar hair textures and/or hair issues as my own. Hearing their story is always inspiring and it helps me push on. Seeing their progress gives me hope, but leads me to ask: why am I not seeing progress? I know the basic stuff I should be doing--or do I? Am I causing the issues with my hair?

Ladies, it goes without saying that hair grows, no matter what you do; it will grow. It also goes without saying that 99% of the upkeep and maintenance of my hair fall solely on my shoulders (pardon the pun). I only go to the salon once every 9-10 weeks for my relaxer touch up (self-relaxing was a disaster), and I have no plans to alter that relationship. So if these two things-- continued hair growth and personal maintenance--are indisputable, then I can only conclude that any hair breakage or damage I experience is the result of something I am doing or not doing to my hair, right?

Now I am not saying any of this to be hard on myself. I believe I have come a loooong way since the beginning of my hair journey in terms of knowledge and the general care of my hair. However, I am not seeing the results that I would like to see, plain and simple. Again, I am not being hard on myself or even unrealistic; I am not expecting to go from SL to APL in two months or anything like that. However, I am expecting to at least see a few inches of progress from one relaxer touch up to the next. Instead, I am seeing breakage on a consistent basis, that is not normal. My hair has also been hovering at SL for the last 4-5 months (taking setback into account), and that is not normal either. So clearly there are things I can be doing better, I just need to figure it out, which brings me to a beautiful hair diva's channel on YouTube.

Let me tell you, this woman Shlinda is funny, sassy, but more importantly, she points out the many hair faux pas that women are doing to their hair that leads to ongoing hair issues, information that may not be new, but helpful none the less. She points out the simple things that make me just shake my head thinking--"Really, how simple is that?! Why haven't I been doing that?" The following tips are some things that Shlinda has suggested on her channel and a few of the things are my own tips that are sure to get that hair growing.

1. Re-evaluate how you HANDLE your hair.

I personally can be VERY rough with my hair. When I M & S, when I detangle and when I style, I AM rough, plain and simple. I never really stopped to think about how hard I was being on my hair, but I have always been quick to tell my hairdresser or my BF, "oh no, you need to be careful" whenever they handled it too roughly. Well, as the saying goes "what is good for the goose, is good for the gander"--I need to start doing what I am instructing other people to do.

2. Maintaining a DAILY journal.

I typically don't do this. I make note of what I have tried/use whenever I wash my hair or use a new product. I also update my blog with any new discoveries, but a daily log is a different thing entirely. For many women this won't be necessary, but for newbies (I consider myself a sophomore) this is a good idea. Record what you are doing to your hair everyday.  How does it feel after using each product? How does it feel at the end of the day? At the end of the week? This will tell you if the product is a keeper or should be trashed. You will also recognize when something isn't going well with you hair sooner than later because you are forcing yourself to be more aware on a daily basis vs. weekly or monthly basis.

3. THROW AWAY products that simply don't work for your hair.

I've already said this and follow this practice, but I've slipped a few times. Now this is a tricky "rule" as some products need adjusting to work effectively on your hair. Not to mention no one is made of money and I know I don't have the luxury of buying and simply throwing out products because they don't work the first time around. But don't feel you must commit to a product simply because "everyone" else swears by it. Products do not work the same way on every person. You know when something is working for your hair or not. My rule of thumb is to let my hair be the true judge. If my hair is generally soft, supple, etc and I use a product that makes it feel like straw, I will not play around with that product to see if I can "make it work". It's simple not for me. Now if a product makes my hair feel "okay" then I will play with oils or combine it with other products to see if it works better. Over the last year or so I have learned more about my hair and I can make these decisions a lot quicker than in the past. Unfortunately, when I've waited too long to throw away a product this has been disastrous for my hair.

4. MAKE TIME for your hair

Now this is not what you think it means. As you know I take time out to do my hair on a weekly basis. What I am talking about is giving yourself the time required to do your hair with the least amount of damage as possible. These are two different things. Sure, I would deep condition my hair every week, M&S everyday, co-wash weekly (sometimes ), but I use to whip through this process. Sometime I did this because I did not have enough time to do these things, so I would rush through it. However, there were times when I just didn't want to do the things I had to do to maintain my hair, so I would just do a quick job to "get it over with".  I would quickly M&S for example just ripping through my hair so I could get to bed or out the door (which highlights tip #1), yet be confused when I saw broken pieces in my hand. I think taking the time to slowly do these things will make a huge difference in your hair. Small changes like waking up earlier, M&Sing as soon as you get home before you get too tired, washing or co-washing on days when you have more time to slow the process down can all be helpful in this area.

See these are all such simple things, but I've been sleeping on it I tell you. It's so simple and doesn't require any effort at all. Rather, it requires you relax on how much "effort" you're putting into your hair.

HHG!

Great Lessons from Natural Divas

I enjoy learning new things about hair regardless of the teacher because I think the more you know, the more equipped you are to properly take care of your hair. I know there are some women that have relaxed hair that will only listen to information from other women with relaxed hair. While I see the merit in this approach, I think there are some limitations (which I will get to later). 


I have learned so much from fellow hair divas on YouTube (e.g. JustThisGirl1, KISSseventyseven, ninapruitt, sexymami1001, chinablk, ulovemegz just to name a few) in terms of technique, product review and basic hair care information. These women have shown me it is possible to achieve and maintain long relaxed hair as long as you have the right education. Even more, they know what I am struggling with and can make suggestions that will help me out as I bump around figuring this hair stuff out. Similarly, I have found that my natural hair divas have also been immensely helpful in terms of knowledge, product and technique as well. Now I know your probably thinking, how can someone with natural hair help me out with knowledge, hair care products or technique to use on relaxed hair? Well this is how:


1. Knowledge
When someone makes the decision to wear their hair natural they ultimately become much more knowledgeable about their natural hair structure and the elements that improve the quality of their hair. Depending on the state of your hair prior to the decision to go natural you may notice changes with your scalp, hair moisture levels and protein tolerance, things that will help you understand the way you hair should be in the first place. For some of us, we have been relaxed for so long that we are completely unaware of our hair's baseline or natural state and what looks/feels normal. Something I have learned from my natural hair sisters is the fact that many hair products meant to help our hair actually disturbs the pH balance of our hair and scalp, which leads to the many issues we have (e.g. tangles, knots, breakage, dryness). As you know the process of relaxing the hair already disturbs the pH level of the hair and scalp. Our goal then is to try to help return it to normal pH levels, which we achieve by neutralizing the relaxer. From that point on we then have to work to achieve and maintain a normal protein-moisture balance in our hair to further protect it from damage, which we do with regular conditioning and deep treatments. Knowledge of what our hair should look and feel like only helps with these goal because it will give you something to aim for.

Growing up I believed dandruff was a "natural" condition that every black woman had to deal with. And what do you do with dandruff? If you grew up in my house you scratch the living day lights out of it to "lift" the dandruff so it could be brushed away, not knowing that this act was more harmful than beneficial for the scalp. Now my lack of knowledge of what a healthy scalp should look and feel like made it hard for me to address the issue effectively. Instead, I would use products that were masking the issue or making the situation worse. Effectively stopping our hair "ills" usually only requires that we look more closely at the products we are using on our hair because your hair/scalp is clearly telling you something about that product. Point and case, for years I have been using CON thinking it was the best shampoo for my hair, based on advice and lack of adequate knowledge about my hair. I also had the driest, itchiest scalp imaginable-- it drove me crazy. So I decided to tackle it. I kept using CON and my situation never improved. It was frustrating and I couldn't understand what the problem was. Eventually I stopped using CON (not because I thought this was the problem at the time) and began using more natural products, which began my hair journey. I also began using natural oils and  EO on my scalp, which slowly began to improve the situation. With time and determination my scalp stopped itching completely and it was not longer flaking; my scalp had achieve a more "balanced" state. In comes CON. In an effort to use up the last few bottles I had, I brought it back into my regimen. Within weeks my dry itchy scalp returned. Given the fact that CON was the only thing that I had changed to my product line up I had to conclude that it was the CON causing my irritated scalp.

The point I am trying to make has nothing to do with CON itself as a product--it works wonderfully for some women. It is more about the fact that my scalp was not healthy because it had been taken far off it pH levels (by relaxing) and never returned as it should. The product I was using simply was not doing what my hair was saying it needed it to do, bring it back into balance.


2. Hair Products
While it is not always the case, most women that have decided to grow their hair naturally tend to use natural products to take care of their hair. There are a number of reasons that they do this, but the one reason that stands out is the fact that natural products can produce great results. If you have been following my blog for a while then you know I am on a mission to use all natural products on my hair despite the fact that I am relaxed. I am not going to get into my decision to relax and use natural products here, but I will say that I believe there are a lot of benefits to using natural products on the hair/scalp. A lot of companies, in an effort to save cost and raise profits, use cheap ingredients in their products, which can damage  the hair with continued use. Now this is not the case for some women. They seem to have great results with products that use mineral oil, petrolatum, and sulfates; I have not. It wasn't until I began using natural products that I began seeing results with my hair. Now I know technique has a lot to do with our ability to maintain our hair lengths, but the products we choose to use has just as much, if not more to do with hair retention. If something is coating my hair and preventing it from getting the moisture it needs and requires there is a strong possibility it will break off.

Now my hair seems to be a real snob when it comes to hair products, which is why I named her "Diva!"; she likes what she likes and doesn't apologize for it. The unfortunate thing is many women that have relaxed hair do not use 100% natural products on their hair (not including oils of course!), which has not been that helpful to me when I am searching for products to use on my hair. Much of what I have learned about natural products has come from my natural hair divas and research. I think there is this belief that if you have relaxed hair you must use products that are "tailored" for relaxed hair. Similar things have been said about using "white" hair products on "black" hair. Both of these statements are myths. Hair is hair regardless of its texture, and it has the same needs--moisture, protein and balance.

3. Technique
No one would argue that relaxed hair is fragile. Improper use of combs, brushes or heat can cause damage leading to breakage. So it may come as a surprise that many believe that curly/ coiled natural hair is equally as fragile due to its structure. It took me a while to wrap my head around this argument, but as I learned more about my hair structure I understood why this is the case. Without getting into the mechanics of hair, tightly coiled hair has its share of limitations in terms of its ability to get adequate moisture and tangles. I have three close friends that have natural hair and only one of the three has been able to achieve very long length in her natural state. The only difference between this long loced diva and my other girlfriends is the dedication and time she puts into washing, deep conditioning and moisturizing her hair on a regular basis. The other two experience breakage, dandruff and tangles and have no idea why. Now before you ask the question, I am not one to "educate" other women on their hair when I am not ask for my opinion. I think it can come off as arrogant and truthfully I am not a qualified to give anyone direction. I can share my knowledge and that's it. And as I mentioned earlier, there are women that strongly believe that relaxed women can only educate other relaxed women about hair; not naturals. But I digress....

The care and dedication I see my natural divas use when moisturizing their hair (separating it into sections, gently combing with their fingers, combing from the ends to the root) are all very reminiscent of women with relaxed hair. In fact, there are more similarities than difference between relaxed and natural hair women in term of technique. 

So there you have it. There is a lot of knowledge you can garner from a natural hair sister, so I say get as much info as you can. Knowledge is knowledge, no matter who it comes from.

Hair Challenges Following a Vegetarian/Vegan Diet

The other day I had a meeting with my doctor so I could get the results of my yearly check-up. I was happy to hear that all thing looked good, minus a few issues with my hemoglobin levels due to iron deficiency. My iron levels have always been an issue for me, especially now that I am a vegetarian (I was actually a vegan for about a year, but it became such a challenge to find recipes that I liked so I gave it up). As a result, I have encountered a lot of challenges with my hair, which sadly, comes with the territory of a vegetarian diet--but this doesn't have to be the case (which I will get to later).

In an effort to improve my overall health (and of course my hair, I hit the computer to research the different types of plant-based foods I should be including in my diet to ensure I am getting the required vitamins, minerals and protein/amino acids for optimal hair health. This is something I probably should have done before I changed my diet, but that's okay; you live and learn.

If you are thinking about changing to a plant-based diet there are some things you will need to be aware of as the change this type of diet may bring about several changes for your hair*:

1) Dryness. This can occur for several reasons in a typical diet, but is mainly due to poor water consumption. In a vegetarian diet however, this may indicate that you are not be getting enough essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids have been attributed to improving the texture of hair.The best whole food sources of healthy fats in a vegetarian diet are nuts, seeds, avocados and, soybeans, soy products, olives and flaxseed oil. Flaxseed oil is a pure vegetable fat and, like all fats, should be used in moderation (about 1 tablespoon per day). Flaxseed oil should never be heated or used to cook with. It is best drizzled over foods (such as salads, vegetables, or baked potatoes) or used in salad dressing or smoothies. Flax oil must be stored in the refrigerator (or freezer, to extend its life) and should be used up by the expiration date on the bottle. You should aim for a healthy balance of omega 3 and omega 6. 

2) Shedding and Thinning Hair. When changing to a plant-based diet there will be a drop in your calorie intake. This is expected as the increase in fiber through fruits and vegetables is so filling that you may not be eating enough calories. Unfortunately, this sudden drop in weight loss can lead to thin, brittle hair and temporary hair loss (shedding). As your body adjust to this change the shedding will subside. To minimize this condition, be sure to get plenty of all four food groups: whole grains, legumes (beans, nuts, seeds), fruits, and vegetables in your diet.  If your hair is thinning, assess your diet to be sure it's well balanced, and make adjustments to ensure you're not malnourished.

3) Slow Hair Growth. By restricting all animal products, you limit your access to protein, iron, amino acids and certain vitamins that are typically obtained from meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. A well planned vegetarian or vegan diet should provide you with all the nourishment your body needs. However, sometimes vegetarian and vegan diets are not as varied or nutrient rich as we think they are, which can lead to poor body (and hair development:

Protein is important for the growth of strong hair among many other things. When people consume enough calories in their diet, protein deficiency is essential nonexistent. Nearly all foods contain protein including grains, beans, legumes (pea and lentils), nuts, seeds and vegetables. Therefore, if you are eating sufficient qualities of these foods, protein should not be a concern. The challenge however is eating a variety of these foods in order to get all of the essential amino acids required for proper body development. I recently incorporated quinoa into my diet as it is one of the best plant based sources of protein because it contains all the essential amino acids required for healthy growth and development. Quinoa is also a great source of B vitamins, potassium, riboflavin, zinc, copper, and manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin E.

Iron Plant-based iron has always been considered to be an inferior source of iron, which means vegetarians and vegans must pay a bit more attention to their diets to ensure proper intake. While heme iron (iron from animal sources) gets absorbed into the body at the rate of 25%-35% of the intake, non-heme is absorbed only at the rate of 2%-10%. The main reason for the low absorption rate is the presence of substances that bind with it and carry it outside the body. Therefore, iron from plant sources is best absorbed by the body when it is taken with vitamin C rich foods or drinks. Vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C include red and green bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, mustard greens and kale, citrus fruitsberries, papaya, cantaloupe and grapefruit. It is important for vegetarian and vegans to include a source of vitamin C with every meal. Nutrition specialist also recommend soaking and sprouting of beans, grains and seeds to enhance absorption of iron from these sources.

Foods high in iron include: dried apricots, avocados, currants, raisins, dates, figs and prunes, potatoes with their skin, bok choy, spinach, kale, watercress, broccoli, savoy cabbage, peas, turnip greens, mung bean sprouts, tomato juice, aked beans, adzuki beans, black beans, chick peas (garbanzo beans), kidney beans, lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans, whole grain bread or brown rice, black treacle, fortified breads, cereals and grains. Even though whole grains and legumes are poor sources of iron, taking them with vitamin C rich foods will help in increased assimilation of iron from these sources.

Source

Healthy hair need optimal amounts of all nutrients. Be sure you're getting plenty of whole foods; they're the best source of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. If you're having trouble eating enough food, take a multi vitamin-mineral supplement. Vegan in particular should include vitamin B12 and vitamin D and omega-3 supplements as these are harder to get through their diet.

*Please note: I am not a licensed dietitian, therefore the information I am providing is not based on my "medical experience". This is simply information I have gathered from various books and sources on the internet for my personal use. I do not recommend anyone make changes to their diet without first discussing it with their doctor.

HHG!

Biotin: The Magic Pill for Faster Hair Growth?

If you have been following my blog for a while you will know that I do not believe that there is anything that can "make your hair grow". Throughout my journey I have come across various products that women have used, some that I have even tried myself, to see if in fact these products actually enhance hair growth and have not been too impressed with the results. I will admit some of these things, namely JBCO and EVCO have definitely improved the quality of my hair. Despite my recent mishap, my hair is much softer, appears to be thicker and a lot shiner since I have incorporated these oils into my hair regimen. My hair breakage has also reduced significantly and my itchy scalp is a thing of the past, but I can not say whole heartly that these products, or any of the products I've tried have "made my hair grow" any faster. Now by definition when I say "make my hair grow" I mean a product that accelerates my general 1/4 inch per month to 1/2-1 inch per month. Hell I would even settle for 1/8 inch more per month, because it would be more than what I am currently experiencing, but nada I haven't seen it. Despite my reservations about growth aids, I have an open mind, and continue to look for information to incorporate into my hair routine and share, which leads me to my post. 

I recently came across a post calling women to join a "Biotin Hair Challenge" on one of the various hair networking sites that I am a part of--and no, it is not a challenge I will be joining, but I am interested in exploring the merit of this particular vitamin. Some women swear by biotin, reporting significant hair growth within 1-2 months of taking it. Research demonstrates that sufficient amounts of biotin can increase the elasticity of the hair's cortex, minimizing the chance of breakage and can increase the thickness and strength of the hair.  Some resources suggests biotin has no effect on hair at all. Unfortunately, some women taking biotin specifically for hair growth have reported unpleasant side effects as well, which include: acne and excessive shedding. Studies also indicate that constant overdoses of biotin (e.g. exceeding the daily recommended amount), over a longer period of time, may cause skin rashes or high blood sugar levels.

Apparently, the daily recommended amount of biotin (Vitamin B7) for adult women age 19 and older is only 30 mcg. Doses up 2,500 mcg can be used safely to treat hair conditions, however if you are eating a balance diet  that includes red meat, green vegetables, eggs and dairy, you are probably getting more than enough biotin to achieve healthy hair growth.  Additional dietary sources of biotin include brewer's yeast, liver, cauliflower, salmon, bananas, carrots, sardines, legumes and mushrooms. Because biotin is a water soluble vitamin it is very hard to "overdose" because any excess of the vitamin will get flushed from the body through the urine (if you drink sufficient amounts of water), which leads me to wonder how much you can really absorb when you take a supplement in excess of 2,500 mcg in once shot. Your body will only absorb what it need...

While doing my homework on the subject I also came across this post on You Tube:

So it seems the verdicts is still out on the power of biotin, but it seems to work for quite a few people. I'm not sure if I will be adding this supplement to my current round of vitamins simply because I currently take a multivitamin and a vitamin B complex, which already provides me with 800 mcg every day. I am definitely not knocking anyone taking biotin because I think biotin is a much better option than some of the other "growth aid" products I've heard about, for the simple fact that it is natural. I am all about healthy alernatives to achieving beautiful hair --emphasis on words "healthy alternatives"--don't over do it.  I strongly recommend that you always do your homework before jumping on any bandwagon. Vitamins can have a positive, but equally detrimental effect on your health if taken incorrectly. Check with your doctor before you start using biotin or any supplement for that matter. Some antibiotics and various medications interact with biotin supplements and cause side effects. I personally don't think hair is worth all of that. It grows all by itself without any help, you just need to learn how to keep it on your head!

Protecting your Hair During the Winter

As you know I have been under some stress because my hair has been breaking. I am happy to say that I have manage to get it under control and all is right with the world once again . Since I've been using the AOWC my hair has improved a great deal, so it will definitely become a staple in my regimen. However, I still need to figure out what went wrong with my hair; why did my hair take such a horrible turn.

When I first noticed my hair "trauma" I immediately went into recovery mode. I also took a peek at my previous blog entries to help me determine where I went wrong. True, I had been neglecting my hair big time over the last month or so, but my hair issues were more than simple neglect. I kid you not when I say my hair felt like brittle straw. It was crumpling and snapping at the slightest touch and it had nothing to do with protein overload because I hadn't touched protein in three weeks.

So what was it? Well after reviewing my blog I realized that last winter (oddly enough when I had the best progress on my journey) I had been super protective with my hair. For months I completely covered my ends, conditioned my hair like nobody's business and followed my regimen religiously. More importantly, I used products that were more appropriate for the colder months (e.g heavier oils, conditioners and creams).

Over the last six months I have tried several products in an effort to find the best products for my hair texture and needs. In the summer/fall I had finally found some great all natural products that made my hair feel amazing. Unfortunately, in all my excitement I failed to recognize that these products weren't the best options for the winter months. To make matters worse I have been wearing my hair "out" more often than I have in the past, exposing it to the harsh elements. None of this information should be a surprise to me. I mean we wear different clothes,change our skin care routines and products to manage the harsh elements, so why wouldn't I do the same for my hair? It is unfortunate that I had to learn the hard way that I was unintentionally undoing my progress, but I am learning, as I should be, and have since made changes to my daily routine and my product list. These changes over the colder months (November-March) include:

1. Increasing moisture and sealing routine to 2x/day using heavier creams and oils

2. Air dry, with no heat passes

3. Wear protective styles 99% of the time

4. Stretch relaxers to 10+ weeks

I' m hoping this will help.

Remembering the Basics

There are times when I get so frustrated with my hair (which seems to be almost everyday as of late)! This pic of me is after yet another cut because I had damage ends. When this occurs I just want to throw in the towel and hack it all off. I will be the first to admit it, I want the quick fix. I want to have long hair tomorrow without having to work for it. I dislike the fact that I have to M & S everyday, deep condition for hours, rotate my protein and moisturizing conditioners every 2nd or 3rd week, detangle from the ends up to the root, fight with my hairdresser over whether or not I should trim--it's a lot of damn work! So why do I continue to do it? Easy, nothing worth having is ever easy. I think it's a misconception that women that have beautiful skin, hair or bodies just woke up one day and had it fall in their lap. They had to work for it. The trick is to work smarter, not necessarily harder for what you want. So how do I work smarter in terms of hair care? Go back to the basics.
  
Well some time last year I realized that my hair wasn't like everyone else. Products and regimens that worked for others just didn't have the same effect on my hair. So I payed attention, and through much trial and error I figured somethings out about my hair. The one and perhaps most important thing I discovered is the fact that my hair is fragile, even at it's strongest. Although my hair has been more than forgiving, given the amount of abuse I use to put it through, this one "flaw" makes my hair super sensitive to neglect. When I hear women say "consistency is key" they aren't kidding. As much as I want to look towards a particular product to help me with the various hair issues I am having at the moment the most basic, and perhaps one of the most beneficial things I can do for my hair is be consistent. I will be honest I think many of the issues I have had for the last 4+ weeks (I am experiencing some breakage y'all!) has had a lot more to do with my inconsistency than the fact that my hair "simply won't grow". I laugh at myself because even writing that sounds silly. I know my hair is growing, but that small voice seems to creep in every time I see tiny pieces of hair in my hand or I get a relaxer touch up and see that the sides or various sections of my hair hasn't budged. Rather than drive myself stir crazy I need to really look at what it is I am or am not doing to my hair. What is the simplest thing I can do for my hair that I am not doing to help bring it back on track? When in doubt, always go back to the basics.

Happy Anniversary: A Time to Reflect

So I am approaching my hair anniversary very soon (October 31), and I have some mixed feelings. This comes from the recent changes I've been noticing with my hair--sadly, not all good at all. In short, I have noticed that I have been experiencing some breakage and my hair/ends seem to be getting thinner. I am scratching my head wondering what is going on, because I think my regimen is pretty solid, but I just don't know what else it could be.I was reviewing some of my previous blog entries to get a handle of the situation, and there were a few things that occurred to me. 

The one thing I noticed was the fact that there was one point where my hair  was really flourishing (January 2010-April 2010). I had significant growth, I was retaining hair, I had less scalp issues--and this all during the coldest time of year! I was being consistent with my regimen, I was also exercising regularly and eating well (enough--LOL). Then I fell short. I'm not sure if I was simply exhausted and not thinking straight or upset because I was not seeing the results I wanted to see, but something changed and simply went soooo wrong.  Key words here: "results I wanted to see"

Because I was so hung up on achieving my ultimate goal of MBL, I did not take the time to acknowledge and enjoy the results I was actually achieving. As a result, I was overdoing things in an effort to accomplish my first hair goal (of SL) at all cost, which led to mental exhaustion, inconsistency with my regimen, a revamped regimen time and time again and a botched experiment with products promising to increase hair growth (I know, I know, no such thing as a miracle hair growth serum).  This also led to protein overload, horrible breakage at the line of demarcation and excess shedding. Luckily I was able to preserve most of the length I had achieved (and oddly enough add some volume to my hair), but it didn't stay that way.

My desire to increase my hair growth carried over into May and June 2010, which leads me to today. Today, a few weeks shy of my anniversary, my hair is in a very different state than it was before. It seems to have taken a 180, or maybe more like 160 because my hair has not reverted to its old ways considering everything it has been through, which I am grateful. It started out broken and damaged, saw the light and began to thrive, but like a plant that gets over watered began to die off in spots from to much love. Learning a great deal from hair sites and blogs I have managed to salvage what I did accomplish, so I have been able to avoid a major disaster, but I came pretty close. Now, I am approaching my anniversary with a lot more knowledge about my hair, what my hair likes and doesn't like and how to manage challenges with my hair much more appropriately.

I think my biggest challenge this past year has been my lack of patience. Impatience, in this case can be far worse than any hot iron or scissor happy hairdresser because it can lead you to make so many mistakes. As you know I am constantly tweeking my hair regimen for one reason or another. Yes my hair has needed additional support at certain points of my journey, but that doesn't necessarily mean I need to revamp my regimen, which is what I did. Truthfully, I think I was also putting way too much emphasis on products: what they can do, should do and weren't doing to help me achieve longer lengths faster rather than simply trying to achieve overall healthier hair. Where did I go wrong? LOL! All I can really do is laugh at myself because at the end of the day it's just hair. Beautiful, shiny, always growing hair. I just need to learn how to hold onto it as it does grow. I see now that I was taking this whole thing way too seriously, not an enjoyable experience at all. All I can do now is approach this new year more aware, more focused, and hopefully much more patient. 

HHG!