From Short To Long

Senegalese Twists Regimen

2011-12-16T18:33:00.001-05:00

As Requested: The Process of my Senegalese Twists

2011-12-21T17:12:00.003-05:00

Washing My Senegalese Twists

2012-01-08T10:51:00.000-05:00

New Vitamin Interest

2012-01-08T10:08:00.003-05:00

I was at GNC the other day re-stocking my Nordic Naturals Complete Omega 3-6-9 and GNC Hair Skin and Nails, when I spied the GNC Ultra Nourish Hair vitamins. I said to myself why no? and bought the Ultra Nourish Hair Vitamins.

The most visible difference beetween the Hair Skin and Nails Vitamins and the Ultra Nourish Hair Vitamins are the: HSN have 3,000mcg of biotin where as the UNH has 1,200 mcg of Biotin plus 500 mg of MSM and 500 mg of an Amino Acid Complex. The HSN vitamins have more vitamins for skin and nails, naturally. So, it should be very interesting to see if the Ultra Nourish hair vitamins make more of a difference in my hair than the HSN Vitamins.

I will finish my current bottle of HSN Vitamins before I try the UNH Vitamins, I have about 23 more days on my current bottle, but then I will be excited to try the UNH as I have never taken MSM in large doses before.

Random

2012-01-04T15:47:00.000-05:00

Break Hair

2012-01-04T14:47:00.005-05:00

I have to say that these twists have been the best hair style that I have ever chosen for a break/vacay. I have been home for a couple of weeks because of the holidays, also because I am between semesters, and my hair has been so very easy.

I've just been spraying my hair every other day with my braid spray and applying castor oil to my scalp twice last week and once this week. Easy peasy. I plan to wash and film washing my hair this weekend when I return to the midwest. I will have to travel again, to New Yoark next weekend for performances, so I will only bring my braid spray again.

I re-did the twists around my hair line yesterday in preparation for washing this weekend, so that is done.

I received a Sally Beauty supply gift cards from one of my Aunt's for Christmas, so I will show you what I purchased with that in a haul video as well.

Easy hair makes for an even more enjoyable break. I hope you all had a great Holiday, and I wish only great things for you all in the New Year!

Senegalese Twists

2011-12-15T00:24:00.000-05:00

The finished result. I will post a regimen video tomorrow.

Photos from Natural Hair Days

2011-12-12T10:27:00.002-05:00

Just sharing a couple of photos of what my hair looked like when I was natural. The first photo is a wash and go, and the second is a twist-out.

7 Months Length Check

2011-12-10T11:10:00.005-05:00

May 2011

May 11/December 11

I know its hard to tell, but I am APL length with 3 inches of new growth.

I am very happy with the results of this stretch turned transition

Oh, and I put a link to my twitter, its up and to the right of this post.

Transitioning

2011-12-09T23:39:00.002-05:00

Today's Hair 12/09/11

2011-12-09T23:17:00.004-05:00

Last night I blow dried my hair in preparation for putting senegalese twists in my hair over the weekend. However, I had a concert tonight, so after blow drying, I put my hair in two bantu knots. This morning I fluff and pinned my hair to one side. This is my hair at the end of the day, after the concert:
I also took some pics for comparison and length chceck purposes. I will post those pics once I upload them.

On another note, I started a twitter account so that I can post all of my random hair thoughts and info instead of having to do blog posts with little to no info. Twitter

So, there will be more to come.

Stretch With Me: Week 28 Gym Hair

2011-12-04T12:20:00.002-05:00

More Hair Plans

2011-11-22T15:03:00.005-05:00

I went ahead and put in another set of pixie braids over the weekend to carry me a couple more weeks. I also bought some braid hair because I am definitely going to put my hair in senegalese twists or individual braids before or after I go home, in a few weeks. I have also decided to transition back to natural hair, for at least another year and then cut between 19 and 20 months post .

I am going to transition using the Crown and Glory method. I plan to cut a few inches off of my hair before putting in the braids, so that each time I take them down, I will not have a huge mess to detangle.

Towards the beginning of my hair journey, 2006ish, I used the Crown and Glory method to grow my hair for about a year, this was my regimen:

Products:
Creme of Nature Ultra Norishing Professional Conditioner
Salon Care Honey and Almond Conditioner
African Royale BRX Weave & Extension Spray
Infusium 23 Leave-In Original Formula
Empty Spray Bottle

Braids Regimen:
Shampoo once every two weeks
-I diluted the shampo by mixing the shampoo and water in a 16 oz. cup
-I would pour this over my head half, rinse, then the other half, rinse
Wash with Conditioner every other day and after shampooing
-After washing out the conditioner I put a beach towel over my hair until there is no more dripping
Spray Hair with Leave-in and African Royale every other day
-I would mix the African Royal and Infusium in a spray bottle 50:50
-I would be sure that the mixture reached all of the hair in the braid as well as on the scalp.
I would re-do the braids around my ears every 2 weeks

I plan to do this same regimen without the co-washing, and with different products, so my regimen will look like this:

Products:
Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shampoo
Suave Coconut Conditioner
Taliah Waajid Protective Mist Bodifier
Infusium 23 Leave-In Original Formula
Empty Spray Bottle

Braids Regimen:
Shampoo and condition once every two weeks
-I dilute the shampo by mixing the shampoo and water in an 8 oz. applicator bottle
-I apply to my scalp, rinse and repeat
Apply conditioner, let sit for 5 minutes, rinse.
-After washing out the conditioner I put a beach towel over my hair until there is no more dripping
Spray Hair with Taliah and Infusium every other day
-I mix the Taliah and Infusium in a spray bottle 50:50
I would re-do the braids around my if different parts of my head every 2 weeks

I will wear extension for 2-3 months at a time, and then take a two week bread before putting in more extensions. During the two week break I will do a hard protein treatment one week and a deep moisturizing treatment the next.

I already own all of these products, so I just have to put the braids in at some point. In the meantime I will follow my regular regimen, ensuring that my hair is in optimum condition before putting in the braids.

Maximizing Your Hair Growth Potential

2011-11-18T11:56:00.007-05:00

The average person receives about 0.5 of hair growth each month, however this may not be the maximum amount you can achieve in a months time. Your body determines how fast your hair will grow, but if you want to ensure that you reach your full growth potential each month there are steps you can take.

1. Hair Vitamins
Your body produces vitamins for hair growth, but if you are a little deficient in this area, you will not get your full growth potential. To be sure you are getting enough vitamins in your diet, I recommend taking vitamin supplements; whether it be your daily multi, biotin, omega 3, 6, 9, b-vitamins, etc. You do not have to take tons and tons of vitamins because your body will get rid of what it does not need anyway, but pick specific nutrients and start taking them. I will put a long list at the end of this post stating what various nutrients do for the hair. Choose one or a couple, and take them every day. My favorites are Centrum multi-vitamins, GNC Hair Skin, and Nails Vitamins, and Nordic Naturals Omega 3, 6, 9.

2. Exercise
Exercise helps with blood circulation. If the blood flow to the scalp is insufficient, the nutrients that reach the hair follicles through circulation will not get their, thus hindering your growth potential. Stress also hinders blood circulation, and exercise helps to release this stress, thus increasing growth potential.

3. Scalp Massages
Massaging the scalp is yet another way to increase blood circulation to the scalp area. This circulation will lead to strong roots, which leads to stronger hair. Increased blood flow can also makes it less likely that the hair follicle will go into the resting phase, thus causing it to shed. To perform a scalp massage, apply oil to the scalp, put the pads of your fingers on your scalp, and move the fingers in a circular motion (do not scratch). This is a good video showing a scalp massage, she is showing how to do a massage whilea washing the hair, but I prefer doing a massage with oil:

4. Food
If you are not into taking vitamins, or you just need to eat better, eating the right foods is a great way to maximize your growth potential. The foods that help promote hair growth basically contain high amounts of protein, iron, omega-fatty acids, vitamin's A-C-B 12, and zinc. I have written another post on this subject: Hair Food, so I will not go into detail. Suffice it to say that eating the right foods will help your body throw out the strongest and healthiest hair. There is also food information in the list below.

The average hair growth rate varies from person to person, and you cannot change the maximum growth potential of your hair, no matter what you do. However, you can ensure you get that full growth potential each month by taking the steps outlined above.

Hair vitamin's and what they do, from Long Hair Care Forum.com:

The Complete Vitamin Guide posted by gymfreak336:
Before starting any vitamin regime, please set up an appointment with your doctor to go over any concerns you might have. This is especially true if you have a pre-existing medical condition like a heart problem or diabetes. Certain supplements in certain doses can aggravate these conditions. On the other hand, some supplements can actually benefit them as well as you over all health. In this guide, I will go over the benefits to your hair, our obvious goal, as well as the rest of your body.

When you mention hair vitamins to people you usually get one of two reactions. Reaction A-Why take vitamins, you don't need them to grow hair?
Reaction B-It sounds interesting but it is overwhelming to try to decide what to take, besides, I never have taken vitamins before and I don't want to get sick.

Both reactions make good points and legitimate concerns. Can you grow you hair long without vitamins? Of course you can and many do. There are many ladies here that have beautiful hair that don't take vitamins. Can deciding what to take and why get overwhelming? Of course, learning about vitamins takes time. No one can read a couple of articles in a book or online and expect to be an expert.

So what should you do? Many grow their hair with out them to the lengths they desire and on the other hand many have seem huge improvements in texture, growth rate and moisture levels by adding one or two vitamins. The choice is yours to make. Don't feel pressured to take anything by anyone. You should always do your research in what ever you decide to take, vitamins or even prescriptions. Just because it is recommended, doesn't mean that if will work or be beneficial to you. Which leads me to my next point. The number one cause of bad vitamin experiences is starting off with too much too fast. Our bodies like change. Think about exercise, change keeps us responding, the mistake most make is underestimating how little changes make big impacts.

Listen to your body, Rome wasn't built in a day and nether will your vitamin regime. Some supplements might not agree with you at a particular dose and you might have to experiment with your dosage to find what works for you. On the other hand, some might not agree with you at all. Pick 1 or 2 supplements to start with and add as your body gets acclimated to what you are taking. Experiment with different forms of a vitamin. Calcium carbonate is different from calcium citrate. While there are both calcium supplements, they do not work the same way in your body. You might tolerate calcium citrate but get horribly sick from calcium carbonate. Many multi-vitamin formulas mix forms of a vitamin to give you the most balanced effect. There is also more than one way to get most nutrients. Take sulfur for example. Increased amounts of dietary sulfur can help soften and loosen your curl pattern as well has help increase growth. Most get this through MSM but you can also use single form amino acids like L-cysteine, glucosamine, and beet powder increase sulfur intake. Also by starting off slow, you will be able to monitor your progress and side effects better. Right them down in a journal if needed to keep track of changes you feel and notice. Remember to stay hydrated. Any possible side effects such as head aches or tummy aches when starting a particular vitamin are exasperated from dehydration. Many negative side affects can be eased with extra water. Drink a full glass of water every time you take your vitamins in additional to your regular daily intake. If you find that no matter what you do, you still have issues with a supplement, toss it.

So, what will this cost me?
Before we get into the supplements, I know someone is thinking well, how much is this going to cost me. Supplements do cost money but you have to set your own limits to how much you want to spend. You can save money by being selective with where you buy your vitamins, by changing the form you take and eating a well balanced diet.You also might want to think about investing in a multi-mineral complex, especially if you forgo a multi-vitamin. These supplements are not expensive and consuming adequate amounts of minerals everyday can be more difficult. Liquid forms of supplements can also be more convenient and in some ways more cost effective in certain cases. Liquid flaxseed oil provides a higher concentration of omega fatty acids compared to capsules. 1 tablespoon of liquid flaxseed oil provides the same amount of fatty acids in 7 or 8 1500mg capsules of flaxseed oil. Set your budget and research different forms and brands of supplements before you buy anything. Once you find things that you like, keep track of their sales through mailing lists, catalogs, and email. Many websites have mailing list that will send you notices through email and coupons or free shipping offers. When in doubt you can ask the ladies here if anyone has any discount codes for websites.

When do I take them

Okay, so you are ready to pick your vitamins but how will you take them. I know some of you down them all in the morning with a glass or water. I donâ€™t recommend you do that especially if you are new to vitamins. This is a great way to ensure digestive problems and headaches. With vitamins, there are ways to help maximize the effects just by choosing what to take when.

For your multivitamins or multiminerals, look to how frequently you plan on taking them. If your multi says 2-3 times a day, you can take one with each main meal. If its just once, take it when you want

For omega fatty acids take them with a fatty meal. If you eat salad for lunch, then that is a perfect time to take your flaxseed oil, borage oil, and things like that. The dressing has healthy fats and they will help the omega fatty acids absorb. Again look at how often you often you plan to take them. If you take 2 borage oil capsules a day and 4 flaxseed capsules, split them and take some with lunch and dinner or breakfast and dinnerâ€¦.you get the idea.

For msm, you can really take it whenever you want. Many people including myself use a powder form and mix it in our drinks. If it irritates your stomach like it does for me, taking it with food can help.

For single form amino acids, they work better when taken on an empty stomach with vitamin C.

Basics

For many people, simply adding a quality multi-vitamin would help improve their hair health. I know the debates have gone on over and over before about whether or not you need one and if you eat a well balanced diet, you might not. Truth is most of us don't eat as well as we should and the quality of our food is not what it used to be. Foods draw their nutrients from the soil but due to limited lands and high amounts of pesticides, our food is not as nutritious as if used to be. Most of us eat some sort of fortified food in our day to day lives. Cereal, some breads, and juices all have extra vitamins added. What is not added to many of our foods are minerals. While you probably won't find many people with a vitamin a deficiency in the US, you will find many people who lack the proper levels of minerals such as zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper and the like. Also remember that the levels usually recommended are not what is required for optimal health. These recommendations are the levels needed to stay alive. They do not account for genetic factors that can predisposition you to have certain conditions. For example, high blood pressure is prevalent in the black community. Certain genetic factors put us at elevated risk and when you combine that with low levels of magnesium and elevated sodium use when we cook, then you have just developed a recipe for disaster.

Choosing a multi-vitamin does not have to be complicated. Choose one based on your personal needs and tolerance. If you do not like taking pills, look for one that is a one-dose formula. If you have a physical difficulty swallowing pills then look for formulas that have a soft coating and small in size. You can also look for a liquid formula. Look for formulas that use beta carotene as the vitamin a source. The other commonly used form, retinal palmate is found in animal products like milk. Too much retinal palmate can actually be detrimental to your health. Beta carotene doesn't pose the same type of risk. Most of us get enough retinal palmate from our diets.

There are many hair, skin, and nail formulas out on the market too. These formulas contain a little of everything needed for healthy hair growth. If you have a balanced diet then adding one of these vitamins might be enough to give you what you need to see improvements or at least get you on your way. Andrew Lessman makes a quality formula as does Kal, Hair Fitness, Twinlab, GNC, Country Life and Puritans Pride. There are many more but I simply can't remember them all. You can also find some affordable formulas at wal-mart and stores like the dollar general. People have had results with these as well.

For Growth

Your hair is made of Keratin which is made from sulfur bearing amino acids. For this reason, most supplements that help accelerate your growth rate contain some sort of sulfur as well. Vitamins that extend you growth cycle also help your growth rate. Of course there are genetic limits to just how fast you hair grows but these vitamins help push your growth rate to the limit of these constraints. Other vitamins that help growth rate are vitamins that help maintain a healthy immune system and thyroid.

B-Complex vitamin; 50mg taken once or twice a day- B-complex vitamins are actually a group 8 vitamins. Thiamine(B1), Riboflavin(B2), Niacin(B3),
Pyridoxine(B6), Folic Acid(B9), Cyanocobalamin(B12), Pantothenic Acid(B5), and Biotin. Biotin is sometimes referred to as Vitamin H.

As a whole, B-complex vitamins are involved breaking down protein, carbohydrates, and fats. B-vitamins help make DNA, blood cells, maintain nerves and your gastrointestinal tract. When it comes to your hair, they help extend the growth cycle so that you can enjoy a longer period of hair growth.

Biotin is a sulfur bearing B-vitamin. Biotin is one of the most widely known "beauty" vitamins. One way biotin helps increase growth is by contributing to the overall sulfur content in our bodies and in aiding the breakdown of protein. Most people show improvement with a daily intake of at least 5mg of Biotin. Some have taken up to 15 mg without adverse results. There are no known adverse reactions to large doses of Biotin. Biotin is also used sometimes with diabetics to help with insulin problems. If you are diabetic, remember to check with your doctor before taking biotin. When taking Biotin, it is usually more beneficial to split up doses throughout the day.
Sometimes, biotin has to be manipulated to see the growth results. One way to do this is to alternate brands. Pick two brands and alternate between them every other month. Another way to do this is buy your daily dose before bedtime. Sleeping on some water soluble vitamins sometimes helps with absorption. You can also do a "loading dose" with biotin. For example, lets say you desire an overall intake of 7mg. For the first four weeks you take 10 mg, then for two weeks you drop down to 5mg, and then stick to 7mg thereafter as your maintenance dose.

B5 also helps thicken hair strands. You can also take this separately.

One thing to remember when taking individual b vitamins is that your body needs a balance of B-vitamins and just taking one by itself can throw off our balance. So if you are taking biotin or b5 by itself you might want to include a b-complex once a day if your multivitamin doesn't have a lot. A 50mg B-complex is more than enough to suffice. B-Complex supplements are not expensive either. When selecting your b-complex supplements, look for a complex that gives you no more than 400mcg of folic acid. I know country life, twinlab, and natures way all make a 50mg b-complex that doesn't have a lot of folic acid. The twinlab formula also is a liquid. You should not be consuming more than 800mcg of folic acid for an extended period of time. If your multi gives you 400mcg of folic acid, look for a b-complex that has less than 400mcg or split the tablet in half.

Most of the recorded side affects of high amounts of b-complex vitamins are stomach irritation and numbness in hands or feet. High amounts would be consuming over 100mg of b-complex vitamins everyday. Unless you are a serious athlete under a doctors guidance or someone with special health needs, you don't need that much.

MSM, Glucosamine, Sulphur bearing amino acids

MSM
Msm is a Methylsulfonylmethane, which is an organic source of sulphur. Msm is present in many foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, milk, and some grain products. Msm is very fragile and processing and cooking depletes foods of their msm content. This is all the more reason to add it to your supplement regime. Msm is a water soluble mineral and any excess is flushed out your system every 12 hours. Amounts as high as 2000mg/kg have been administered for testing purposes without any signs of toxicity. Msm is sold in powder form either in loose form or enclosed in capsules. Msm is also used to help treat other ailments from joint stiffness to allergies. Msm also has a cleansing effect on your system. Some people experience headaches and skin breakouts when first beginning supplementation. One way to avoid this is to start off with a low dose and slowly build up to higher doses. Some people also experience vivid dreams when taking msm. You also need to consume enough water to make sure that you a fully hydrated. The water usually helps speed up the elimination of the toxins msm sweeps out. There are no known harmful long or short term effects of Msm supplementation.

The benefits as for as hair and skin are concerned from msm supplementation are softer skin and hair, improved texture of skin and hair, and improved growth. Since Msm adds sulfur to your body, alot of people notice a softer and smoother texture of hair. Many also experience increased growth and density. When deciding on how to incorporate Msm in your vitamin regime, you first need to consider the brand you want to use. There are many brands out there to choose from and you need to be selective and get the best quality. Optimsm and Lignusil msm are patented forms of msm that many have used with success. These types of msm are packaged under many different brand names. Most brands list which kind of msm they have used on the package. Distillpure is another popular brand that is derived from pine. You need to also consider your delivery method. Using the loose powder that comes in jar is the most popular way to use msm. You get better absorption this way and it is more economical. All you have to do with the powder is mix a little with water or your favorite juice. I recommend you mix it with something that has a little vitamin c because vitamin c helps absorption. When starting Msm supplementation, start at a low dose and slowly build up from there. This will give you time to learn how your body responds so you can adjust your water intake or vitamin c intake as you see fit. After you have gotten used to Msm, you can take as much as you can stand. Some ladies here take as little as 2000mg to 30,000mg with great results.

Glucosamine

We have all heard of glucosamine before in all the ads to help heal tired worn out and joints and such but who would have thought it benefits the hair. Well, glucosamine is also another nutrient that adds sulfur to our bodies. Glucosamine is made up of glucose and glutamine and it helps the body product glycosaminoglycans which aid in the development of bone, connective tissue, skin and hair. Glucosamine is usually derived from shellfish so if you allergic to shellfish, this is not for you. Glucosamine works very well in tandem with Msm. For glucosamine supplementation, start at 500mg twice a day.

Sulphur bearing amino acids

The major single amino acids that contribute to hair growth are L-Cysteine, L-Methionine, and Lysine.

L-Cysteine

This sulfur bearing amino acid makes up almost 8%-10% of each hair strand. L-Cysteine helps accelerate hair growth and increase overall diameter of each strand. L-Cysteine is also a known antioxidant. L-Cysteine supplementation also increases elasticity in the skin and added strength to the hair and nails. L-Cysteine also helps aid healing of skin wounds. When taking L-Cysteine as with any other single amino acid, it is important to rotate between single amino acids and amino acid complexes. The reason being is to again regulate your internal levels. Whenever one amino acid level is thrown out of whack for a long period of time, the amino acid starts to lose its therapeutic qualities. By rotating between singles and complexes, you assure that your internal levels stay balanced and that you get the best effect of the amino acids. This does not have to be complicated either. Just take your singles for a month or two and then take an amino acid complex or just up your protein intake for the next month or two. I usually just add a extra spoon or so of protein powder in my shakes when I am on a break from the single amino acids. L-Cysteine works very well as a supplement. Vitamin C also helps the absorption of single amino acids so take additional Vitamin C when experimenting with single aminos such as this one. Take single amino acids on an empty stomach with water or juice, no milk because it will compete with the supplement. You can start at 500mg a day and increase to as much as 2000mg a day. There has been evidence that excessive L-Cysteine could damage dna but everyoneâ€™s body reacts differently. Excessive is usually described as being 2500mg and over for a long period of time. Most healthy diets contribute 1000mg of L Cysteine daily.

NAC-cysteine is another form of the amino acid. It usually is more readily assembled in the body and does not require breaks like regular L-cysteine.

L-Methionine

The benefits of this amino acid are similar to the benefits of L-Cysteine. L-Methionine helps preserve the health of the hair root. It also has antioxidant properties and helps remove toxins from the liver. This amino acid is used when treating acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning which damages the liver. This amino acid might raise levels of homocysteine in the body which has been linked with coronary heart disease. This risk is with excessive supplementation which is why it is important to take moderate doses of single amino acids and take breaks. The dosage is the same for L-Cysteine. When taken properly L-Methionine contributes alot to the overall health of your hair. 500m twice a day is usually enough to see positive changes in your hair.

Lysine

Lysine is not considered a true sulfur bearing amino acid but it shows great benefit to the hair and scalp. Lysine helps support connective tissues especially when it comes to tissue repair. When Lysine and iron levels are low, the body switches the hair follicles off so that the rest of the body can absorb whatever is there. Lysine helps the effectiveness of drugs and herbs that prevent DHT buildup in the body which is a know reason of premature balding. Lysine therapy helps decrease hair loss in men and women. You can take between 1000 and 2000mg of Lysine

Don't forget to up your vitamin C intake when taking single amino acids. Your overall intake of Vitamin C should be two to three times the amount of your single amino acids.

For Texture and Moisture

For improvements in your overall texture and moisture look no further than Omega Fatty Acids 3-6-9. Think of these glorious oils as the WD-40 of the body. They help lubricate everything and make sure that the body works as smoothly.

Omega Fatty Acids

If you only take one supplement in your life, let this be it. The benefits of adding these wonderful fats into your diet are really too extensive for me to name all of them here. Omega Fatty Acids are also call essential fatty acids because your body can not make them on it own with the exception of a little Omega 9. To make a real long story short, they benefit your heart, joints, skin, and nervous system, and so on .A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins, which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. They even play a part in how our body copes with pain. The American diet and lifestyle has brought on a great imbalance of these fats in our bodies. Processed food and lots of other more unhealthy oils has left us with a severe imbalance of these oils. We suffer from Omega 3 deficiency the most. Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory systems, with male children having higher needs than females. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through the mother's dietary intake. Essential fatty acids help the body make other compounds like DHA which has found to be vital to healthy brain health. Omega Fatty acids is the reason why evidence strongly suggests that breast feed babies are smarter and healthier. Breast milk is full of them. In fact, even with a healthy diet, you are never exposed to levels as high as when you were a baby if you were breast fed.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Linolenic Acid)

Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) is the principal Omega-3 fatty acid, which a healthy human will convert into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and later into docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3 fatty acids help make up cell walls, making then supple and strong, improving circulation, and they help reinforce connective tissue.

Where do you get it?

Flaxseed oil contains the most Omega-3 of any other source. You can take flaxseed oil or even use the ground seeds and get additional fiber. You can also find Omega-3 in hempseed oil, brazilian nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, some leafy greens (spinach, kale, mustard greens, collards etc..), salmon, sardines, purslane, soybean oil, wheat germ oil, tuna, and canola oil.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids (Linoleic Acid)

Linoleic Acid is the primary Omega-6 fatty acid. A healthy human with good nutrition will convert linoleic acid into gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which will later by synthesized, with EPA from the Omega-3 group, into eicosanoids. Omega-6 has been used to help protect the delicate nervous system of diabetics, skin disorders like eczema, and PMS. In general, we consume enough linoleic acid but other factors prevent us from converting it properly in out bodies. These factors include metabolic problems from diets high in sugar, alcohol, and trans-fats from processed foods. Smoking, pollution, viral infections, and stress also affect this process. When beginning supplementation it is best to reduce these factors to see the best improvement.

Where to get it?

Borage oil, Evening Primrose oil and Black Currant oil are all rich in Omega-6. Other sources include flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, grapeseed oil, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, olives and olive oil, sunflower seeds, chicken, chestnut oil, and pistachio nuts. Corn, soybean, cottonseed, and sunflower oil also contain Omega-6 but due to refining, most are left without much linoleic acid.

Omega-9 (Oleic Acid)

This is the only except to the "essential" rule. Our bodies do produce a little of this acid. You can find Omega-9 in olive oil, almonds, avocados, sesame oil, cashews, peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts. Most people don't need additional supplementation of this one. To be on the safe side, use olive oil in your cooking if you don't consume any of the nuts listed.

Taking an oil in the liquid form by the spoonful seems to be the most popular and effective way to increase your intake of Omega Fatty Acids. When taking the liquid oil, 1-2 Tablespoons is usually all that it take to see improvement in most adults. Flaxseed oil is the most popular choice for Omega-3 supplementation. I know you have also seen fish oil used as Omega-3 supplementation and you can use that as well. The best explanation of fish oil vs flaxseed oil I have found was posted on a website that provided general info about all Omega Fatty Acids. In his book, Dr. Rudin (see below) points out that most Omega-3 studies are based on fish oil. Rudin finds this disappointing, as he has had better results with flaxseed oil in his own studies. This may be because flaxseed oil starts with the plant form of linolenic acid, ALA (alpha linolenic acid), whereas fish oil contains the animal form, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). The body makes its own DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) from ALA. Although some claim that the amount of DHA made is small, the body doesn't need much DHA. Most DHA is contained in cell membranes, and is held there with little replacement. In contrast, ALA and compounds made from it are also needed in the body for a number of essential functions. Fish oil cannot provide ALA, and therefore deprives the consumer of this critical compound. Some people feel that they need DHA or EPA as a supplement, and that's their personal choice. However, most sources covering the different types of oil indicate that plant-based Omega-3s, or ALA, is the better choice Omega-6 fatty acids are not usually sold separately in the liquid form. You can get these in liquid form usually only in an oil mix. However I do believe that Barleans makes a liquid borage oil supplement. Otherwise your best is softgels. When taking Omega-3 in softgel form, start at 1,000mg twice a day and move up from there. With Omega-6 in softgel form you can start at 500mg to 1,000mg twice a day. Most people take 1,000mg of borage oil, and evening primrose oil twice a day and 500mg of black currant seed oil twice a day. Start at these levels and move up as you see fit. Most people, especially when taking the liquid form see improvements in a month. If the taste of flaxseed oil bothers you try a flavored formula. The only way I can take it is by using lemon flavored oil. I usually chase it with ice tea and it tastes just like an Arnold palmer. Barleans and spectrum make flavored oils.

Strength and Shine

Silica
Other vitamins and oils listed previously contribute to the strength and shine of your hair but a major component in improving strength and shine in your hair is silica. This mineral is often forgotten but it extremely important never the less. Silica is the most prevalent element on earth behind oxygen in the crystalline form silicon (quartz). When found in plant form, it is called silica. Silica is essential in bones, tendons, skin, cartilage and blood vessels. Silica is even found in the blood itself, and in such critical organs as the liver, heart and lungs. Silica adds strength and flexibility which make it an important supplement for the hair, skin, and nails. Silica needs to constantly be replenished in our bodies because through natural elimination, we lose silica everyday. Silica used to be found mostly in our grains but due to all of the processing our grains go through, there is not nearly as much silica in our diets as there should be. High levels of silica and sulfur are the reason why horses have such lustrous and strong manes.

I have to admit that silica supplementation is very confusing and one of the hardest supplements to understand. These because silica supplements are formed from plant sources that contain a certain percentage of silica and out of that percentage, not all of it is usually absorbed by our bodies. Personal factors like metabolism and eating habits will determine how much of it your body is able to absorb. With all that being said, I know some of you are think why even bother. Reason you should still be interested is that when you find the formula and delivery method that is right for you, you can experience great benefits in helping you increase the strength and shine of your hair. Foods that are rich in silica are rice, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, onion, strawberries, cabbage, cucumber, leek, sunflower seeds, celery, rhubarb, cauliflower, and swiss chard.

Silica supplements fall into three major categories; horsetail, bamboo, and liquid and gel formulations. Most manufactures add other ingredients such as other vitamins to help absorption of the silica.

Horsetail

Horestail is an herb that contains silica. Do not confuse horsetail with being silica which is commonly done. The amount of silica in the herb varies with the quality of the horsetail. Some formulations are standardized so that you know exactly what percentage of silica you are dealing with. For example, if you are taking 100mg of horsetail that is standardized to contain 10% of silica, then you are getting 10 mg of silica. Some are unstandardized. With horsetail supplements the usual dose is 500mg of horsetail two-three times a day.

Bamboo

Bamboo is the richest source of natural silica. Bamboo makes a great alternative to horsetail. Bamboo stems are filled with a silica rich gel called tabashir. This gel is extracted and standardized for supplement use. Bamboo supplements are very potent and contain some of the largest percentages of silica. Bamboo supplements are usually packaged in 500mg capsules that are to be taken twice a day.

Liquid and Gel forms

Alot of companies produce gel or liquid forms of silica supplements. These products claim to be one of the best ways to take silica because of their absorption properties. They are usually mixed with juice or water. Alot of the formulas are prepared from quartz. Dosage varies from brand to brand. Some brands that make some popular liquid and gel formulas are Jarrow, Natures Way, Cellfood, Natures Works, and Natures Answer. Eidon also makes a liquid formula that is supposed to be fabulous. (Thanks VWVixxen)

With silica supplements some have found it beneficial to rotate brands and formulations to obtain the best effect. Silica also seems to work well in conjunction with sulfur rich supplements, especially MSM.

Other things to consider

Just because a supplement isn't usually consider to be a hair and nails supplement doesn't mean that they don't provide benefits to you hair. There are many antioxidants and circulatory stimulants that provide a boost to your hair growing conditions.

Beet Juice Tablets

Beet juice is naturally high in sulphur and iron. When taken as a supplement, beet juice helps thicken the hair and sometimes helps increase growth. Sonnes, Freeda, and Solaray make beet juice supplements. It usually takes 2-4 tablets a day to reap the benefits.

Grapeseed Extract and CoEnzyme Q10

Grapeseed Extract is a popular antioxidant that also increases circulation. This increase in circulation helps promote better growing conditions. Grapeseed extract has also shown effectiveness in preventing DHT build up in the body. CoEnzyme Q10 also increases circulation. By increasing your circulation, you help maintain an even flow of nutrients to the scalp therefore creating the best growing conditions possible. Kashi makes a cereal that has Grapeseed extract mixed right into it. You can find the cereal at Wal-Mart; it is called Heart to Heart.

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral that supports the immune system. Make sure you consume adequate zinc. You should aim to consume between 15-30mg of zinc. Too little or too much zinc can cause hair loss. Zinc also helps prevent DHT in the body. DHT can lead to premature hair loss. Zinc also helps maintain the oil producing glands on the scalp and adequate zinc intake can help decrease dandruff and dry scalp conditions. Do not consume more than 40 mg of supplemental zinc. A little goes a long way in this case.

Iodine

Iodine is vital to growing healthy hair. Sheep farmers long ago discovered that vegetation void of iodine due to iodine-depleted soil will adversely affect the growth of wool in sheep. Iodine is synthetically added to table salt, however in this form it is not assimilated well into the body and can therefore cause iodine overload. An excess of iodine in the body can adversely affect the thyroid. It is best to use non-iodized salt and retrieve your iodine from natural food sources. These include seaweed, salmon, seafood, lima beans, molasses, eggs, potatoes with the skin on, watercress and garlic.

Spirulina and other greenfoods

Spirulina contains all sorts of helpful vitamins and minerals from beta carotene, to protein, to iron. Spirulina also contains GLA, an omega fatty acid. Spirulina is also rich in phytochemicals that help enhance the effects of vitamins and minerals. Alot people add spirulina into their daily diet through pill supplements or in powdered form added to drinks and shakes. Other green foods to consider adding to your diet are barley and wheatgrass. Remember, spirulina contains high levels of iron so keep that in mind if you take it.

Fo-ti Root

This herb is sold in capsule form and liquid form to be mixed with drinks. Fo-ti root is used to help extend the growth cycle of your hair allowing more growth before the hair sheds. I have not used Fo-ti root before but it is a recommended supplement from Robin; the lady who developed the crown and glory method.

When it comes to hair specific nutrition there are certain powerhouse foods. These foods are also great additions to your diet for overall health. Here are some ideas that I have implemented in my own diet that have brought me improvements in my hair and overall health

Whole grains

Whole grain bread and pasta is high in fiber, protein and b vitamins. Many products also have a little iron in them. Oatmeal is easy to make and will leave you feeling full until lunch. Pastas like Barilla plus are made with ground flaxseeds and whole grain flour which adds a healthy amount of protein and omega fatty acids. When shopping for these products, look at the labels. Companies use the words "whole wheat" really liberally. Pick the products with the highest amount of fiber. Also try incorporate grains like spelt, barley, buckwheat and quinoa into your diet. Barley is high in niacin which belongs to the b-vitamin family. Buckwheat is one the most nutritious grains available. Quinoa is high in protein as well. If you are new to these grains, go your local health food store and sample foods that they have made with these grains. You can try different kinds of breads, salads, and soups that use these. I personally love using spelt to make great oatmeal cookies. By sampling items, you can get a feel of what flavors you like with out committing to buying a whole box of something that you might not like. Quinoa is really good as a side like rice pilaf or couscous. You can also buy little packets of ground flaxseeds that you can sprinkle on top of hot cereals and salads.

Salmon, Tuna and Shrimp

Salmon is a fatty fish that when eaten 2-3 times a week makes a nice omega fatty acid contribution. Tuna (without full fat mayo) also helps add omega fatty acids. Both are high in protein as well, and are not high in calories. Be sure that you make your own tuna salad. Many deli varieties have more calories and fat than a hamburger of equivalent size. Try a scoop of tuna on a whole grain English muffin, topped with a little shredded mozzarella cheese and toasted for 10 minutes. Add red onions and bell pepper to your tuna and up your veggie intake. Shrimp are a perfect source of low calorie protein that is high in iodine.

Nuts

Nuts like walnuts, almonds, peanuts, Brazilian nuts are perfect hair foods. They have high amounts of fiber, vitamin E, zinc, and copper. Nuts, especially walnuts have high amounts of omega fatty acids. Nuts are high in fat but the fat in nuts is great for your heart and they absorb very differently in the body. A handful of nuts once a day makes a great snack. Almonds are high in fiber and help suppress the appetite so if you are trying to watch your weight and your hair, try those. Peanuts are high in copper which helps preserve hair pigment.

Eggs

Eggs are known as the perfect food and for good reason. Eggs have a high amount of protein, low calories, and can be made in a variety of ways. Scrambled, poached, sunny side up, doesn't matter. The protein in eggs is easily assembled by your body and is high in sulfur bearing amino acids like L-cysteine. Now I know people have a fear of eggs because they do contain high amounts of dietary cholesterol but it is known now that most blood cholesterol is made by the body from dietary fat not dietary cholesterol. For a healthy person 1-2 eggs a day shouldn't cause any major impacts in cholesterol levels. If you still have cholesterol concerns, alternate regular eggs with egg beaters. You can also buy eggs that have higher amounts of omega fatty acids.

Olive oil

I know most of us have already discovered the benefits of olive oil. At any given moment I am sure that one of us is preparing for a pre-poo with it or mixing it into a conditioner. Using olive oil in your cooking is another way to gain hair and skin benefits. Olive oil contains squalene and omega-9- fatty acids which help the hair and skin retain more moisture. Olive oil helps boost the immune system and lower cholesterol. It also helps fight heart disease and high blood pressure. Olive oil also helps your body burn more fat.

Onions, Garlic and the like

Onions, garlic and shallots are members of the Allium family. The members of this family have one distinctive characteristic; their pungent smell. This smell comes from the high levels of sulfur they contain. While the intensity of the smell can range from pretty mild with leeks and shallots to really intense with onions and garlic, they all contain valuable phyto-chemicals that are helpful in treating all kinds of conditions from heart problems to itchy, problem skin. Onions and garlic are not expensive and are easy to use in a variety of ways. Eating onions with your sandwiches, especially if you are using packaged sandwich meat, will help you absorb less of the nitrates they use in meats today. Many holistic remedies for hair loss involve using raw onion and garlic on the scalp to reduce shedding and strengthen hair follicles.

Spinach

This humble green is a powerhouse food in all aspects. Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked and can be mixed in just about anything. Spinach is rich in calcium, iron, b-vitamins, beta carotene and even omega fatty acids. Spinach is great for hair growth because it provide a vegetarian source of iron and calcium which most women lack. Low levels of these minerals can slow hair growth. Spinach releases more nutrients when lightly cooked so try just sauteing it lightly with olive oil and garlic.

Here are a couple of my favorite hair and skin healthy things to eat. These meals give you more bang for your buck when it comes to nutritional value. I love to cook but I don't have the time to do it up all the time. I like things that are easy to make and can be made in limited space. Many of these things I would still be able to cook in my little dorm room with only a george forman grill, a griddle and a toaster oven.

Pumpkin Spice oatmeal: If you like warm creamy breakfast foods with an autumnal taste then you will like this. Make a cup of oatmeal like you usually do. I recommend that you use real oatmeal, not the instant stuff. After you oatmeal is cooked ( I make mine with a little milk and just a dash of half and half) mix in ½ a cup of canned pumpkin. Add a couple of dashes of pumpkin pie spice and honey to sweeten. This is extremely filling and tastes great. The oatmeal gives you iron, fiber and b-vitamins. The canned pumpkin gives you beta carotene, more fiber, and adds to you daily fruit and veggie count. To add to my protein intake, I brush just a touch of real maple syrup on two slices of turkey bacon and scramble 2 egg whites. If you don't like pumpkin, try sauteing apple slices until they are soft, add a sprinkle of cinnamon, which can help stave off the effects of excess sugar consumption, and topping your oatmeal with that. I would often make this in a crock pot and share it with my suite mates when I stayed on campus.

Oven Fried Chicken

Mix ½ cup of parmesan cheese, ½ cup of wheat germ, ½ tsp of rosemary leave, onion powder, garlic salt, thyme and a couple of shakes of black pepper. Pour ¾ cup of buttermilk in a bowl. Dip 8 skinless chicken thighs in the buttermilk and roll in the wheat germ mixture. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes. You can also use skinless chicken fingers to cut cooking time. The dark meat thighs are high in iron, protein and b-vitamins. Since they are skinless, you save a lot of fat. Each thigh is around 80 calories and has 3 grams of fat with 9 grams of protein. The wheat germ mix adds around 2 grams of fiber. I got this recipe out of a health magazine. I switch up the seasonings from time to time.

Tamari Salmon

Mix ¼ cup of tamari-soy sauce, 2 big spoonfuls of honey, ¼ cup of ginger-garlic paste, and a couple of shakes of pepper in a bowl. Brush the mix over the top of 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces a piece). Let stand for 10 minutes. Heat a nonstick pan or griddle to medium-high heat. Cook 4 minutes on each side and serve with brown rice. If you don't need to cook 4 a time, buy the salmon fillets that are shrink wrapped separately and frozen. They usually come 8-10 in a bag. Each piece of salmon gives you omega fatty acids, 35 grams of protein and just 285 calories.

Stovetop leek and mushroom stuffed chicken

Using a small knife, cut a pocket into 2 skinless chicken breast. Don't cut all the way through the chicken but be sure to make your pocket as big as possible. Season the chicken with garlic powder, thyme, pepper, and oregano. Sit aside. In a nonstick skillet, heat about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add in 12 sliced shitake mushrooms and 1 thinly sliced 4-5 inch section of leek. Make sure you rinse the leek well, sand and grit can hide within the stalk. Cook, stirring constantly until tender. Remove from heat and sprinkle with thyme and salt and pepper. Fill your chicken pockets with the filling being careful not to overfill. Using the same skillet, heat up a little more olive oil and brown the chicken on both sides over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and cover. Cook the chicken for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. I use a griddle when I am pressed for space to make this one. Its smells great when cooking. This dish will give you 35 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving.

Diet

I thought I should put in a separate section to discuss ways to improve your diet because I find that many people believe that taking vitamins will make up for a poor diet. If only it was that easy. Taking vitamins with a poor diet is better than nothing but there is no substitute for eating well. For many people, simply changing what they eat for half of the day will make great improvements in their hair and health.

The most important thing when evaluating your diet is to be honest with yourself. Many people think that just because they had a salad for lunch then their work is done. What did you put on that salad? If you covered it with cheese, bacon bits, and half a bottle of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing then think again. The fruit in a muffin doesn't count either.

How do we know what a balanced diet consists of?

Balanced means 5-8 servings of fruit and vegetables everyday, whole grain products, lean meats, nuts, and calcium rich foods. You should be eating a wide array of fruits and vegetables. One easy way to track this is by tracking the colors. Aim for at least one rainbow every day. For example, saute red bell pepper strips with a little chopped onion and add it to an omelet for breakfast. For lunch add a green salad and top it with sliced grapes, mandarin oranges, and sliced red onion. For dinner you can add a side of baked white or sweet potato and broccoli or spinach with a little roasted garlic. By eating as many colors as possible you insure that you are getting many different vitamins and nutrients. You can also puree vegetables like spinach and carrots to add to spaghetti sauce. Your meats should be of the best quality you can afford. Buy the ground beef that's 90-93% lean. Leave that 73% lean meat at the store. Take the skin off the chicken, whether it is dark or white meat. Avoid eating a lot of deep fried food and meat with tons of sauces on a regular basis. If you have that smothered chicken recipe that is just to die for, try cutting the fat and switching the type of oils you use. Take the skin off and add more herbs to add flavor without increasing sodium levels. You can still have things you like, just look for the healthiest way to make it.

Eating well does not have to be difficult. We have all picked up on bad habits through convenience foods and overly processed items we buy at the store because they are so easy but in all honestly, those meals are no easier than making something yourself. The whole cooking takes up too much time is the idea is something that food companies have ingrained in our brains to make us more dependent on them.

I know that there are those times where you are really tired, the kids are getting on your nerves and the dh won't help. Even if you resort to fast food, there are ways to still have your cake and eat it too.

At the fast food restaurant

Go online to your favorite fast food spots. Look at the dietary information and print out the information to the healthiest ones. Make an index card for each place and write down the best options at each one. Keep these in your car. I keep mine in my glove compartment.

Change the sides- If you love that spicy breaded chicken sandwich then eat the side salad, cup or fruit or apple slices. If you really must have the fries, order the smallest size they offer and only eat half. I love fries so sometimes I eat the medium fry and have a side salad.

Go easy on the soda. An average cup of soda from a fast food place can easily have as many calories as the rest of the meal. Sweet tea can also add the calories, get half sweet and half unsweeten instead.

At home

Keep some of your family favorites in the freezer. When you do have time to cook, cook an extra casserole and freeze for the times when you don;t have time.

Buy a baked chicken and serve it with a tossed bagged salad and store bought wheat rolls for an easy meal.

Cook up the stuffing for stuffed peppers and keep it in a bag in the freezer. All you have to do is pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes to soften it up, scoop it into bell peppers and bake for 20-30minutes.

Look into the 30 minute meal books. You can also print the recipes off for free online.

Most of us work in offices and the office place is another healthy diet trap. The candy they pass out, sweets in the break room, (or your desk if you are like me) and the snack and soda machines are recipes for disaster. You usually snack at work out of boredom. To stay on the right track there are a couple of strategies you can implement.

Keep fruit at your desk. A piece of fruit will normally smooth a sugar craving. Keep one of your favorites at your desk. Don't tell me that that is not convenient either. Most gas stations sell fruit now.

Keep low calorie candy with you. Small pieces of hard candy are usually low in calories and last longer. Many now come in sugar free versions that are just as tasty.

Eat breakfast. If you arrive at work hungry, you are just going to be searching for anything to eat. That is when you reach for the bear claw and Krispy cream. Resisting these kinds of things are easier when you are full. Foods high in refined sugar give you a temporary pick up and you will crash hard before lunch which will leave you going back to the snack machine for a bag of chips.

Pay attention on your way to work. Look for the food stops on your work path. If there is a Mcdonalds on the way, know what you healthy breakfast options are. If there is a gas station that has the microwave and such, see if they sell oatmeal packets. If there are little mom and pop cafes or small little restaurants, get a menu and see if they do pick up orders.

If you don't have time to always get lunch you can try a meal replacement bar. Look for ones with at least 5 grams of protein and no more than 400 calories. Snack bars should be under 200 calories.

Oh Natural Part 2

2011-11-15T19:26:00.005-05:00

So, I really want to go natural again. I have a little hesitation, but at the same time, I keep playing with my hair and the coils that I have, and I want to enjoy them. At the same time, I am not sure that I just want to cut all my hair off and leave myself with only 3 inches of hair.

I guess I am trying to say, that I want to go back to my natural hair, but I don't want to deal with only 3 inches of hair, however I have done so before. I know that I can style 3 inches of hair, but I will not have a whole lot of styling choices, and I do love to style my hair in various ways.

I admit that I chopped off two very small pieces of hair to see my natural curl pattern again, so I will put up the pics. Just spewing out some thoughts, no decisions have been made, as a matter of fact, relaxing seems just as good of an idea.

What are your thoughts?

Style #43: Pixie Braids

2011-11-11T13:23:00.000-05:00

Hair Plans

2011-11-11T12:31:00.002-05:00

I currently have braids in my hair, and I am pretty sure that they will take me to 26 weeks post, which will equal six months. Unfortunately, I will not be near my stylist for another 3 weeks after that, so I will put my hair back in pixie braids and wear them until I go home again.

I am actually almost sure that I will spend the next year protective styling by using the crown and glory method. I want to take a break from manipulating my hair, and I just want to be surprised by my growth instead of watching it grow. I did the crown and glory method at the beginning of my hair journey, so I know that I can be successful doing it.

I install my own individual braids or senegalese twists, so I do not have to worry about being near a stylist. If I go this route, I think I will wait to relax until the end of next year so that my hair is strong during these months. I do not want breakage, plus Senegalese twists will look better with some new growth to keep them in place and relaxed hair to blend with the braid hair.

In the mean time, I will continue to follow this pixie braid regimen by washing my hair and braiding. I want to enjoy low manipulation for awhile for optimal length retention.

Stretch With Me: F.A.Q.

2011-11-03T01:19:00.002-04:00

Stretch With Me: Co-Washing

2011-10-21T11:37:00.000-04:00

Sprial Set-Out

2011-10-17T10:30:00.002-04:00

As promised!

Style #42: Spiral Set

2011-10-16T23:55:00.001-04:00

O' Natural

2011-10-12T11:09:00.004-04:00

I always get an itch to go natural around a stretch. I am getting tired of relaxing and I am getting better at getting my new growth straight, but I do not know if I want to have natural hair again. I cannot have hair that is too big, because I do play in orchestra's where people have to see around my hair, so I would have to wear my hair in non-out big styles most of the time. I sure as hell will not big chop, I would "transition" until I just didn't feel the need anymore, but like I said, I get this itch during every stretch, and so far I have kept relaxing.

I don't know, just sharing a thought.

My Sister's Hair Progress September 2011

2011-09-28T10:20:00.014-04:00

You may remember my sister's May 2011 progress pics. I featured her in a post I did about uneven hair growth.

Well, its 17 weeks later, and her progress is great. Here is a reminder of her hair 17 weeks ago:

As you can see her hair was barely past shoulder length. Yesterday she went and had a touch-up, and all I can say is success!

The sides have evened up in thickness, and in January I expect to see even more length from her. She kept with the same regimen this last stretch, with the addition of more exercise and 1 and a 1/2 months of the GNC hair vitmains. She plans to continue the same regimen and products until her next touch up in January.

Her Regimen
1. Pre-poo with a cheapie conditioner (usually by Suave)
2. Shampoo (Keracare or Joico)
3. Deep Conditioner (Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose)
4. Apply leave-in (Taliah Waajid Concoction)
5. Seal with Oil (Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil)

On a daily basis, twice-a-day she:
1. Apply leave-in mixture (Taliah Waajid Concoction)
2. Apply Moisturizer (Wave Nouveau)
3. Seal (Grapeseed Oil)

Hairstyles:
4. Wore a pinned bun most of the time (sometimes elastic bands were used but those almost always took some of her hair out)
5. Wore a braidout for two weeks

Once a month she used:
1. Protein treatment with Joico reconstructor
2. Clarified with Suave
3. Rinse with Roux Porosity Control

Stretch With Me: Blow Dry & Flat Iron

2011-10-03T20:10:00.001-04:00

Pics

2011-10-01T21:35:00.005-04:00

I did a post about preventing breakage, and I promised pics. Well here is a blow dry pic, and a couple after flat iron pics:

I will post the video of the process and pics of the finished after wrapped result tomorrow.