JBCO Challenge: Week Six and Seven

Well I have really been slipping on this challenge. I guess I have just been a little frustrated and fed up of this whole hair thing. There are times when I just feel soooo lazy. But I know, I won't see any progress if I don't keep working on it. I will say that my hair doesn't seem anymore thicker than it was before, but I haven't been applying the JBCO as often as I am suppose to be applying it (1x week vs. 5-7x/week)...I know....Well it's a new week, so I can get back to it.

Hair Goals Reviewed

It's been a long time since I've reviewed my hair goals and I think it's time I get a reality check! I've been trying to do too much, which has left me overwhelmed, tired, frustrated and resulted in some horrible setbacks. 

Despite my efforts I've experienced a few pitfalls  (e.g. becoming a serious PJ, breakage, scalp irritation). I decided to sit down and regroup. What am I trying to achieve? What are some of the issues I still have with my hair right now?

This is what I came up with:

1. Eliminate (or at least seriously reduce) dry/itchy scalp (it seems like I'm back to square one)
2. Reduce breakage (getting  a bit better)
3. Obtain and maintain strength/moisture balance
4. Reduce shedding 
5. Increase thickness 
   
6. Increase growth and even out hair length (SL by Summer 2010) 
7. Daily 1 min scalp massages

I think I'm also going to have to review my previous post to help me slow down.  It's a long process, but it will help me find the right products for my hair, and really know how my hair is responding to a particular product. Right now I am throwing everything except the kitchen sink on my head and I had no idea what was or wasn't working for me. Even my tried and trusted products have been failing me.

In addition to these mini goals I want to do a few things that should help my goals along nicely and just keep me and my hair healthy overall:

1. Drink more H2O (minimum 2 litres/day)
   
2. Eat 6 small well balanced meals everyday (esp. breakfast!)
   
3. Take a good quality multivitamin (3x/day) as well as regular Iron, Calcium and B-vitamin complex
   
4. Get adequate sleep
5. De-stress with regular exercise/fun activity (I've been doing well here)

Not sure why I've been so all over the place as of late. Actually, I know exactly what it is, but as I see the harm it is causing I am recognizing the importance of slowing things down. I'll keep you posted!

JBCO Challenge: Week Five

I have been slipping on this challenge a little bit. Last week I only applied JBCO to my hair three times, which isn't bad, but comparatively it isn't even 50% of the time that I should be applying it to my scalp (e.g. I am doing the Ultimate Level of the challenge). I must say that my scalp was sooo irritated. I couldn't wait to wash it again. It feels much better now, but itchy in spots. What a disappointment with the henna (how did I miss this issue for so long)--I am so sad, especially because of the benefit it has had on my hair. I swear, my hair feels absolutely amazing. It is silky, soft and so moisturized, and I haven't put anything in my hair all week. Oh man...why is it so hard for me to find products for my hair?! I never had this problem before, so I really do not know what to do right now. I am tempted to use the henna one more time, but rather than just rinse my hair I will shampoo my hair to remove any traces of the henna that may be sitting on my scalp. Hopefully, this will help, but if I have no luck with that I'm just going to shave my damn head!

JBCO Challenge: Week Four

Oops! I totally forgot to post an update on my JBCO Challenge. Well I will say something interesting is happening to my scalp, but that may be more related to the henna treatment I did on Sunday than the JBCO. My hair growth has slowed to a crawl over the last few months, which is disappointing to say the least. So much for increased hair growth. Clearly other things are at play when it comes to hair growth. I will admit I have not been taking care of myself over the last few weeks. I have been eating waaay too much junk food, exercising like crazy, but not eating enough food--healthy food. I also have not been getting enough sleep or drinking enough water. All things that influence hair growth, whether I am using JBCO or not.

Anyway, I am glad this is happening. Of course I want my hair to grow, but at least this has confirmed what I already know. There is no such thing as a growth aid. I will say that it has been helping with my itchy scalp (but I seem to be having an issue right now). For that reason alone I will continue to use it.