Setting Hair Goals...

Seasons Greetings Ladies!

Can you believe its almost Christmas already! where did that year go?

Did you achieve all of the goals you set out for yourself at the beginning of the year?

How about changing the health of your hair in 2008 being one of your New Years Resolutions this year...

This post is all about changes and how you can set a goal for your hair that is realistically achievable...

I also invite you to join in the ROOT2TiP...

'Grow your hair up to 6 inches in a year challenge'

You will find the details and rules of this really fun and exciting challenge at the end of this post- The challenge is here ARE YOU UP FOR IT???

All I want for Christmas is....LONG HAIR?

Unlike many things in our lives...our hair is the one of the main things we are able to have complete control of.

Since your hair can give you confidence or take it away, I think its an important tool to be in control of.

Your hair allows you to stand out from the crowd. For example if you are over-weight but you have healthy long hair...you will get more than a second glance, in comparison to a slim lady with shorter unhealthy looking hair.

Hair gives a woman her beauty...whether long or short...however the bible says...'if a woman has long hair its a blessing... I say its time to GET YOUR BLESSING!

I think its easier to grow your hair than it is to lose weight, so lets get growing and you will surprise yourself at what you are able to achieve!

Stretch Yourself:

If we want our hair straight we relax it or blow-dry it, if we want it curly we can use rollers or the tongs to set it- but when was the last time you set out to achieve something completely different with your hair?

You may have had short hair your whole life and maybe its your dream to have long flowing locks...well I am here to say- it is possible and a realistic aim to set for yourself- but you must have will-power and stay FOCUSED on the Prize!

The key to achieving real goals with your hair is to set yourself an objective and be consistent.

For example if you have shoulder length hair set yourself a time frame of 12 months to grow your hair out to near your armpits, and use a hair regime to realise your dream.

If you have always had thin hair that is relaxed and does nothing and your dream is to have a head full of thick hair- then look at what you currently do to your hair and change something about it.

Goal 1) Thin-Thick hair:

Over-relaxing your hair is one of the key contributors to keeping your hair thin and lifeless.

If you religiously relax your hair every 6 weeks at the first sight of any kinks in the hair from re-growth then take note:

Its more than likely you are over-lapping the relaxer when doing your re-touches, if you have 1 inch of new growth, are you certain that your hairdresser or person relaxing your new growth is putting the new relaxer only on the new growth?

If they are not- this is the reason your hair is staying thin.

NB: Once your hair has been relaxed and the hair is processed, you should NEVER overlap the relaxer on already relaxed hair- this is killing the life and body out of your hair quite literally.

Try to stretch out the periods of time between your relaxers and maybe leave the relaxer on for less time, this will allow you to keep some of the body in your natural hair and will make the hair stronger.

See the picture below of Ms X, it took her 12 months to regain the thickness in her thin lifeless hair..she has a haircare regime and used a growth stimulating oil called the ROOT ENERGiZER to kick-start her roots to produce thicker hair and the reslts speak for themselves...

Thin Hair to thick Hair using the ROOT ENERGiZER Oil



Goal 2) Short- to-long hair:

What does long hair mean to you?

Would it mean you feel more feminine, beautiful, or would it just be the start of a dream come true...

I know many women and young girls who wish for long hair- however to many its an unrealistic possibility, as there kind of hair just does not grow- and they have been told this for years...

This is in fact not true, all black hair grows it does not matter how coarse or curly it is.

Many women see a weave as the only way to have long hair, but its not the only option.

I am here to say that again- all hair grows.

In fact our hair grows at least a 1/4 inch per month, so in a year you could have at least 3-6 inches of new growth, but if you never see this, then you are doing something wrong.


The key to longer hair is to keep and retain the inches of growth every month, whether that be 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch every week-just keep it! and you will be pleasantly surprised at the end of the 12 months at your success.

Motivation...


Document your progress by taking pictures every 3 months to see the growth you are getting. We all have to start somewhere...


This will motivate you to continue on your hair journey!

See the example below of how thick afro hair grows... it may have taken 4 years...but at least the hair that blows in the wind is now ALL HER OWN!

Kinky afro hair that has grown long and strong with committment and a good HAIRCARE REGIME...

The CHALLENGE:

ROOT2TiP are starting a 'Grow your hair upto 6 inches in a year challenge'

It will begin on the 31st December 2007 until the 31st of December 2008, these are the

Send an e-mail to register at: Root2tiphair@yahoo.co.uk your details should include the following information:

• Your name- (it doesnt have to be your real name!)
  
• E-mail address
  
• The current length of your hair: Ear Length, Chin Length, Nape of the neck length, shoulder length, armpit length, bra-strap length etc..
  
• Your hair length goal for the next 12 months - between 1 and 6 inches!
  
• Take a picture of your hair at its starting length on 31st December 07- this could be one of your resolutions for 2008!


• Stick to a haircare regime- e.g. moisturise your hair daily,wash your hair at least twice weekly Deep condition weekly etc.


• Give your hair a chance- wear a weave or maybe have braids or extensions put in- to protect your own locks while they grow...but still moisturise!


• LIMIT THE HEAT YOU PUT ON YOUR HAIR... i.e. blow-dry only once a month, or allow your hair to air-dry if possible.


• Take a progress picture every 3 months to motivate yourself
  

At some point early next year we will ask you to send in your progress pictures so we can all see how well we are doing. Even if you only retain 2 inches and you normally have hair that alway breaks- then that is a great result!

Any questions please e-mail us at: Root2tiphair@yahoo.co.uk

We will encourage each other by knowing that we are not doing it alone.

Please encourage your friends to join in the challenge with you- but they must register their details by sending an e-mail to Root2tiphair@yahoo.co.uk


Also: PLEASE NOTE LADIES:


ROOT2TiP-are launching a discussion forum over the next 6 months all about hair:

It will be called- The 'Grow-it-long Haircare Forum:

• Who is it for?
  

It is a forum for women of colour who want to know how to grow their hair long and healthy...

• What will be discussed?
  

On the forum web-site you will be able to speak to other women about your hair care issues, goals and share their stories, we will discuss good hair products and haircare regimes...hair HORROR stories there will be plenty of hair challenges and lots more!!

• Anything else?

Yes...there will also be an area on the forum to talk about issues relating to men...christianity...celebrities and lots more...

• Why should you join?
  

You should join the 'GrowItLong Haircare FORUM' to learn how to grow your hair long and strong.

For years we have been told our hair does not grow...so this is the place where you can learn how to prove everybody wrong!

You will also learn tips like the ones on this blog to help you grow your hair, thicken it and keep it healthy. You will also learn of haircare techniques available to you that you may not have even thought of before!

More importantly you will be a member of an on-line community of women all on a HAIR JOURNEY...we will SUPPORT each other and have fun...

Ladies you know when it comes to our hair- we all have a story to tell!

Check out these hair growth inspiration pictures, of real women who have grown their hair with TLC, a Haircare Regime and consistency and perseverance:

Beautiful Afro Hair Growing...

All progress is great to see...

2003 2005 2006

Beautiful Relaxed Hair that has grown Long

The triple threat...Moisture, Moisture and Moisture

Why our Hair needs Daily Moisture to Thrive and Grow...

As the nights get colder and that brisk wind nips throught the air it is even more important now that we top up the moisture levels in our natural hair. Without continuous moisture in our delicate strands- your hair is subject to frost-bite! and even worse severe breakages.

Naturally dry:

Black hair as it is born through the pores in our scalp is naturally dry. The reason being in short- is unlike European hair which grows straight our hair has a kink or wave to it- this kink or wave is not able to carry the natural oils that are produced on our scalps down the hair strand in the same way it is able to do so on naturally straight European hair types.

Hair that is relaxed and coloured is even drier- than natural hair without moisture it can look and feel like straw!

Dry hair = Breakage

In order for our hair to survive, we need to add moisture to it externally and our bodies internally on a regular basis. Without it our hair will become very dry, weak and eventually break off at the ends, the middle or even the root. NB: Relaxed and couloured hair is even more dry than natural afro hair- even more reason to moisturise consistently.

The Best Moisturisers are...

In short there is no definitive answer to this question, in fact I am still in search of the Perfect moisturiser for my own hair!

However there are things you can use and do that will add moisture to your hair.

Moisturising conditioners

S-curl hairspray (in the white bottle)

African pride Braid sheen spray

Castor oil

Olive oil

Glycerine - (humectant)

Hair lotions with ingredients like shea butter etc...

Conditioner Washes- ''co-wash'

This product adds great moisture to your hair and also makes it shinier over time- Not just for Jheri-curls!!

Go One step Further:

Often I find that the products I buy are not good enough simply on their own- by that I mean sometimes your products need a bit of a boost.

The moisturiser I apply to my own hair is a combination of different products with the addition of moisturising oils and humectants like glycerine.

Humectants are a substance that draw moisture from the air into your hair. They do work better in warmer temperatures but even in cold England they will benefit your hair.

Glycerine is another great humectant. Try adding some glycerine or an even bigger favourite of mine Castor oil, to your normal moisturiser and watch as your hair over time becomes more shiny and healthy.

TOPTiP: Add some olive oil to your regular or deep conditioner for extra shine and moisture, apply to your hair and cover with a plastic cap- even better sit under a hair dryer to allow it to penetrate further.

With the correct moisture maintenance hair that is relaxed and coloured will have shine and look and feel healthy...

Water + Conditioner = Your Hair's Best friend...

An easy way to add moisture to your hair daily is by washing your hair with conditioner only- I mean by not using shampoo and only using conditioner- to wash your hair with.

Shampoos have a tendency to strip our hair of its natural oils, so by doing a 'co-wash' or conditioner wash, instead of stripping away the hair's natural oils instead you add moisture to your strands.

I co-wash my hair at least 4 times a week this has helped me to keep my hair soft and well moisturised especially when wearing braids...TRY IT!!

TOPTiP: To lock moisture into your hair apply your moisturiser whilst your hair is wet and then apply Oil over it to seal the moisture in.

Strictly Silk Sheets!!

One of the greatest moisture thiefs your hair will often become victim to is your cotton pillow cases or sheets. Unless your a princess and only sleep on the finest silk or satin when you rest your head at night- then TAKE NOTE!

Your hair will suffer less breakage and retain more moisture when it is allowed to glide across a satin or silk surface, this means that you should invest in a silk or satin pillow case or even cheaper a silk or satin head scarf or bonnet.

They sell many different types in your local haircare shop- so save your strands and keep the moisture in your hair and not on your pillow case by investing in satin.

Pamper your hair with a satin or silk scarf or bonnet...Your worth it!!

Next Post: Setting Your Own Personal Hair Goals... JOIN IN THE GROW YOUR HAIR UPTO 6 INCHES CHALLENGE STARTING DEC 31st!! e-mail root2tiphair@yahoo.co.uk for details now.

Spring Clean Your Hair Products!

Ladies its time to Refresh Your Hair Products...

I have learnt over the past 10 years that the products you use on your hair can sometimes be more detrimental to your hairs health than good. There are 100's of products in your local black hair shop that have been sitting on the shelf for years with no update to their formulas or addition to their ingredients listing:

• Your hair grease has never changed from the time you were a child it still contains 80% petroleum/petrolatum (vaseline)- very bad for black hair types as petrolatum suffocates your hair strands and does not moisturise.

Doo Gro...will not make your hair grow!! - its full of vaseline!

• Your shampoo probably still contains the very drying ingredients like; Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate- which both rob you hair of its natural oils and leave it dry and stripped...
• Does your conditioner now come in new packaging with the addition of panthenol or silk proteins in its formula?
  
• Does your leave-in conditioner leave your hair limp or silky?
  

If you can answer yes, no, or relate to any of these questions then its time to overhaul your hair products and treat your hair to something new.

European Haircare

Unlike the European hair market- whereby every second advert on TV shows a new shampoo or conditioner designed to target a specific hair problem for European women, we do not have that same attention paid for our unique hair types.

However this does not mean that we cannot not search for better hair products for our hair on our own. The black hair-care market is vastly overlooked in this country as our hair is seen as difficult- but through my research I have found that there are some good products out there- you may have to pay a bit more for them- but as L'oreal says - "Your Worth It!

Not Marketed for Black Hair- But would you still use it?

Mainstream Haircare...

If you glance in any Boots or Superdrug you will see shelves and shelves of European haircare products, shampoos, conditioners and styling products all designed for specific hair-types and colours; brunettes, blondes and redheads! , Pantene, Dove, Garnier, L'oreal...I could go on and although in some Superdrug stores - they now have a small section of the shelf space dedicated to black hair- it only stretches as far as a couple of products from 'Dark N Lovely! It really is very sad.

You Pay For What You Want In life

Have you ever noticed that when you visit your trusted black haircare shop there are a small section of products that are out of your reach or encased behind glass...in my local shop this is the case.

These products usually Nexus or Aphogee and other not so popular or known brands are alot more expensive than your regular 'Dark n Lovely' or the popular 'Organics range. Brands like Nexxus are usually marketed as salon professional brands, so when you go for a treatment at the hairdressers she might use a product like Nexxus or Aphogee.

Although expensive, they are for a reason- they are usually of a better quality than the standard brands on the shelves. I have ben using Nexxus for many years and they do have some excellent quality products...I think nothing of paying £12.00 for a good leave-in conditioner if it does what is says it will. Nexxus usually does. I am not rich but when it comes to my hair there is no cost(within reason) that is not worth it!

Nexxus- Expensive but worth it!!

Stateside Haircare:

In the USA there is such a variety of haircare and the price range and quality varies from product to product. In America you can pick-up a high quality shampoo and deep conditioner for a little as £3-4.00, they have brands like Giovanni and Infusium 23, which are good products that are sold in the convenience stores like Walmart and Walgreen.

They also sell products like Nexxus on the shelves not tucked away behind the counter! and as you can imagine its also cheaper to buy Nexxus in America- Nexxus Phyto is relatively new in the US, its a new line of products by Nexxus- but I have not seen it in my local hair shop.

Quality at low prices:

Even companies like Neutrogena in the USA do fantastic haircare ranges- but again they do not sell them over here. Whenever I am on holiday in the US I always stock up on my products...

A Great Cheap Product -But Not Available In The UK!!

Try Something New...

Why not treat yourself to a new conditioner or shampoo- I like in particular Sulphate-free shampoo ranges like JASON and AUBREY Organics- very kind to the hair and nourishing. If you find them to be too expensive then try...Creme of Nature Detangling Shampoo- which is mild and sulphate free and a cheapie!

In terms of conditioners and treatments...when browsing in the supermarket or your local Boots take a walk down the haircare aisle and pick up a Dove Conditioner the intense care replenishing pack in the dark blue tub is a favourite of mine, also the Scharwpz haircare range is very good or why not try some Pantene Pro-V, although marketed at the European market- they are great for black hair too, as all hair is made of the same material- Keratin. So try something new and upgrade your haircare range.

A Kinder Range of Haircare- Try them!!

'Start a Regime for Your hair with good quality products and ressurect it from the dead- Anything is Possible- with commitment...your hands hold the power!

See the difference...

This picture shows how you can dramatically change your hairs destiny- with consistency, commitment and the will to want better...The ROOT ENERGiZER Oil dramatically improved this head of hair...as well as sticking to and maintaining a simple regime and trying new products. One thing does not work alone...

For quality Natural haircare that really will give you the results you want, check out...

www.root2tip.com

Next Post: The Triple M's...Moisture, Moisture, Moisture- why your hair will not thrive without it...





Please Leave A Comment... or question for me...below!


Blessings, 

Taking Care Of Your Natural Hair- When You Wear a Weave, Wig or Extensions (braids)

Ignorance is bliss!!

As the saying goes...what you don't know won't hurt you! this does not apply to the health of your hair when you are wearing a weave/wig or have extentions put in.

If you have worn a weave in the past for upto 6 weeks or more and the day comes to take it out of your head and you lose more of your natural hair than you just had sewn in! then something is wrong.

Hair SOS:

This is a brief guide to maintaining your real hair when it is under a weave/ wig or extensions, there is no point in saying- 'I never knew' when your hair is shedding and due to excessive dryness and neglect! Take control of your hairs' health- while you can, it is a part of who you are so make it a priority...beautiful hair can be yours!

Weave/Wig wearers ATTENTION PLEASE!!

Weaves are great as long as your own hair is healthy too!

Changing Times...

Over the past 10 years we have seen black women wearing weaves as common as having red buses up the West End! Weaves have become an essential part of many womens lives, as they allow you to have the hair you want, especially if your own hair is damaged or not as you would like it to be.

However being a weave stylist myself, I constantly come across women who fail to maintain their own hair whilst the weave is in. This means they never moisturise their hair, oil their scalps let alone wash and condition the hair with the weave in!!

Below is an outline of a basic regime to follow when your hair is in either extensions (braids) a weave or you wear a wig:

A Sample haircare regime(routine):

Try to follow this programme...and watch how your hair improves over time...

Washing:

It is important to wash your hair at least once a week whilst wearing a weave as the scalp will sweat under the hair which can create bacteria on your scalp. It is not difficult, just use a diluted cup of shampoo or add it to a spray bottle and directly spray your scalp with the solution. (TOP TIP: Only shampoo your scalp- not hair- to prevent dryness) Gently massage and rinse thoroughly. Rinse through the weave hair as well it will refresh it, be careful not to tangle it, the water should be warm-not hot, and de-tangle the weave prior to washing- THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!

Conditioning:

Follow up the shampoo with a conditioner diluted as above and added to a spray bottle- this time direct the solution on the braided hair- your braided hair, to replenish lost moisture. Leave the conditioner on for at least 20 minues and cover your head with plastic cap, then rinse gently. Do this at least once a week. (TOP TIP: leave your conditioner on overnight- for a real moisturising treatment)

Le Kair Cholestoral is a great inexpensive Moisturising and Strengthening Conditioner to use in your hair.

Drying the hair:

Allow your hair to dry naturally or if you have a hooded dryer use this, be gentle with your hair, and use your fingers to detangle the weave(if necessary) before combing through..

Moisturising your hair:

Your hair will need to be moisturised even more so whilst wearing extensions or a weave. The addition of synthetic or real hair to your own hair, robs it of its natural oils.

Its easier to moisturise your hair with a watery solution as it will penetrate through the cornrowed hair deep into your strands. I would recommend using something like- African Pride Braid Sheen Spray.

It is a light solution and it can also be used on the scalp to prevent itching. I have yet to find the perfect moisturiser! (TOP TIP: Add some Olive Oil to the braid sheen spray-if your hair is extra dry)


Itchy Scalps and Weaves:

Women often complain that their head itches whilst in a weave...how many times have you witnessed someone almost knocking themselves out as they slap their heads to itch that spot!! The itchies can be prevented by moisturising the scalp and hair daily or at least 3 times a week. Oil your scalp lightly with a natural oil- not GREASE! or use the spray below!

A good hair and scalp moisturiser to use whilst wearing a Weave/Wig or extensions (braids)

It stops the itchies!!

Extensions (braids)Wearers

You can follow the same regime if your hair is in exstensions (braids) or you wear a wig, just adapt the technique according to your style. The principles remain the same.

Extensions are great- but look after your hair too!!

Your Hair Needs TLC:

The key thing is to look after your own hair and your hair will thrive underneath a weave, do not follow a routine and eventually your hair will suffer.

Next Post: What are good hair products? Have you updated the hair products you use in the last 1-5 years?

The Importance of a Haircare Regime...

Consistency is the 'KEY' to healthy hair...

Black hair needs constant attention to maintain its vitality, strength and retain length. Adopting a consistent pattern of maintenance is one of the best things you will ever do for your hair.

What is a REGIME?

A haircare regime is a consistent routine of things you do with your hair on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. (The word regime is used by American ladies- it means routine)

Hair being one of the most important features on our heads, needs 'TLC' to thrive and live up to its potential. Hair of Afro descent, is simply not wash and go!

If you feel like your hair is just sitting on top of your head in a relaxed heap, or you wear a weave, wig or extensions most of the time to hide it- as its breaking and thin or maybe not growing? Then you should consider creating a hair care regime for yourself to nurse your hair back to health. You can even make a note of it in a diary or calendar to remind yourself.

What is the point?

This probably seems like a strange thing to do but it really does make sense. Having a regular maintenance programme for your hair makes a real difference to the quality and health of your hair- whether you are natural or relaxed.

I adopted a haircare regime for myself a couple of years ago after stumbling across an American web-site dedicating to teaching women with 'hard to grow Afro textured hair' the best ways to grow their natural Afro hair long and strong.

I read testimonials and saw pictures of women who had managed to grow their hair down their backs by adopting strict haircare regimes to follow daily. Trust me it really does work!

From doing my own research into black hair I have discovered that our hair is very unique-in that it is the weakest hair type out of all the races- this has been scientifically tested!

Chinese women are said to have the strongest hair type as it grows straight with thick strands, whereas afro hair due to its curly pattern is the weakest, no matter how coarse it may look, it really is very fragile.

For this reason adopting a haircare regime for your own hair, is what you need to give your hair a fighting chance of survival in the daily war it wages with everyday styling and wear and tear.

Hair GROWING LONG n STRONG...with a haircare regime!

Limit the amount of heat you put on your hair!

I want a regime for my hair- where do I start?

Firstly, it is not difficult to begin at all- the key is to keep it simple and be consistent and committed, in return... your hair will show you great results!

To be healthy hair needs a combination of the following essential things:

HAIRCARE REGIME ESSENTIALS:

• A mild Moisturising Shampoo
• A good Moisturising Conditioner
• A good Protein conditioner for treatments
• A good Daily Moisturiser/leave-in conditioner
• Oil /Grease for sealing in the moisturiser-
• GROWTH STIMULATING Oil- for Stimulating and massaging the scalp
  and Water
  

Let me break it down!:

Water is essential to black hair, as it is moisture. The myth that washing your hair too often dries it out is wrong!...black hair is inherently dry all the time, so any chance it has to get wet- go for it!

Its more likely to be a harsh shampoo that is drying out your hair. Unlike gremlins we will not multiply if water touches us!!

H20- your hair needs it!

A Leave-in Conditioner or Hair Moisturiser...

is one of the most significant products your hair will ever need. Hair of Afro descent gets very dry, even more so when it is chemically relaxed. We need to apply moisture directly to the hair everyday. Daily moisturising is what will make the difference between your hair growing and retaining the length or growing and constantly breaking off at the ends. You can seal in the moisture with a final layer of hair oil or a light hair grease, pay close attention to the ends.

A Healthy Oil or A Light Grease- (never on the scalp)...

is very essential for black hair as our hair is curly by definition so the natural oils in the scalp do not travel down our hair strands the way in which it does for a person with naturally straight hair. Oil can be used to moisturise the scalp and also seal in moisture(as above) to the hair. A stimulating scalp oil not GREASE helps to promote hair growth, if your hair grows slowly or not noticeably to you at all, then a stimulating scalp oil that works on the hair roots, can help to improve slow hair growth and thinning hair in some cases.

A Mild Shampoo...

is one of the greatest gifts you can give your hair. A harsh shampoo will only strip the natural oils from the hair, making it even drier, and prone to breakage-which is never good.

If your hair feels stripped after washing normally, then your shampoo is too harsh. Your hair should feel a little slippy after washing not stripped bare!

A good Moisturising Conditioner...

should also be your hairs best friend, this will coat your hair after washing and depending on the ingredients can make your hair appear shinier and smoother.

A good Protein Shampoo...

is what every head of hair needs to survive!! Protein is what naturally gives our hair strength, as its naturally already present within your hair strands. If your hair is breaking- it may be in need of regular protein treatments, at least fortnightly or monthly depending on the level of breakage. If your hair is not breaking then a good protein treatment monthly is fine. Protein is like a tonic to a weak body!

I could suggest lots of different products to use but it depends on your hairs current condition as one thing does not fit all!

However a good mild shampoo to use is 'Creme of Nature's Detangling Shampoo' it does not contain the ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLS, which is often found in most shampoos. The SLS is very harsh for black hair and should be avoided at all costs.

A mild shampoo without the harmful SLS ingredient!

A GROWTH Stimulating Oil:

A growth stimulating oil like the ROOT ENERGiZER and the GROW-it LONG Serum both designed to really boost the natural hair growing process your hair goes through. If your hair is in braids or a weave both can be used very effectively.

They stimulate growth by using essential oils like ROSEMARY well documented for growing hair and Sulfur a mineral already in our bodies also well known for growing and SPEEDING up the rate of your hair growth.

A powerful Growth Tonic for Your scalp and thinning hair-line

Once you have established the products that your hair likes- one to match each of the essentials listed above you can set yourself a simple regime, similar to whats explained below:

For example if you have normal/dry hair with no breakage, try this:

A SAMPLE HAIRCARE ROUTINE:

1) Wash your hair at least 1-2 times a week-

I know it sounds crazy but out hair type loves water, you do not have to use shampoo but instead conditioner to wash with it adds moisture to your hair and the scalp thrives on being clean- that's when you hair grows best!

2) Apply conditioner after washing 2-3 times a week -

Your hair will love it- try to use a heated cap or hairdryer for at least 20 minutes to allow the conditioner to rewlly penetrate.

3) Moisturise your hair with a leave-in conditioner or creamy moisturiser- daily... next apply a coat of oil/light hair grease-

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is good) after the moisturiser, this will seal in the moisture as it provides a barrier...essential to having healthy hair and growing it long- pay special attention to the ends!

4) Apply a scalp stimulating GROWTH oil I stress again...NOT GREASE! to your hair 3 times a week... and massage your scalp for 5-7 minutes-

massaging with the oil and their specially formulated GROWING HAIR INGREDIENTS means both the ROOT ENERGiZER and the GROW-it-LONG serum- both promote a healthy scalp and great hair growth.

5) Apply a protein treatment to your hair every fortnight...

this will strengthen the hair from within.

Try this regime for yourself and see the health of your hair improve, it should be shinier, less dry and in a better condition to grow longer as it will be well nourished.

Hair is like a car...it needs maintenance and a good MOT to keep it in good working order - be consistent.

Next Post: How to look after your real hair whilst wearing extensions, a weave or a wig...

Do You Love Your Hair??

Diversity Rules!!

As Black women we are as diverse as the colours of the rainbow, from the myriad of brown tones that make up our skin- to the variances in our natural hair texture, from coily springs to wavy ripples that crash upon our scalps.

When we are born our hair is often one of the first things that is analysed in-depth...Granny will say she has good hair! because its lying thick and straight like an Indian's not realising that it has yet evolve and reveal its true texture, and when that happens its not so pretty anymore, her hair is not coolie! its coarse or tough.

If you have ever had a cousin who was mixed and had hair that effortlessly grew from her scalp down her back, she may have been seen as the favourite or the pretty one, even as a young child you were made aware that she had good hair...without knowing it your own family can sow negative seeds in a young child's mind about her own self-image!

Negative images of Our Hair!

This type of attitude is what leads to the bad relationship many young black girls and women grow up to have with their hair, they associate good hair with straight hair or long hair...when in reality good hair is well maintained hair, no matter how kinky or coarse. We need to understand our own hair as complex as it is...whether relaxed or natural your hair can be beautiful...

Where does this negativity towards our natural hair stem from?

If you think back to primary school when your hair was thick and bouncy in its plaits, the shine from the grease glistened in the sun and your scalp reflected the grease particles like a mirror...did you love your hair? Or did you secretly yearn for the silky swinging plaits adorned by your best friends Sally-Ann or Rima Patel?

Troubled Youth- the hairy truth...?

As I analyse hair in the society in which we are in now, I realise that young black girls, I am talking about girls aged from 7 to 14 years old know more about weaves and hair pieces than they do about maintaining their natural hair. I was horrified as I stood in the supermarket queue last week and I saw two young girls no older than 7 and 9 years old with their hair relaxed and scraped up into a pony-tail with a fake hair piece attached to to it- I was actually dumb-founded as I realised this was the emerging true state of young girls of this generation.

A Pony-tail is fine for a grown woman- but not for children!...





Unbeweavable!!

To make matters worse on a recent trip to America I went into a beauty supply store to stock up on some well needed US only based hair goodies and as I browsed thorough the weave section I came across- Phony Pony for Kids! a line of hair pieces produced for young children, so not only are we as as a community ignorant to the true nature of young girls identity crisis, hair weave manufacturers are now trying to exploit this very weakness they see in our race- as they target the kids!

Get Real...

Hair is a strong part of an individuals identity so like it or not it is a very significant part of our lives. your child sees you with your hair constantly in braids, weaved up or relaxed then they will grow with the picture in their mind that is normal. If you never wear your own hair out or constantly complain about how hard it is to deal with...your child will have this view of their own hair too.

Weaves and braids are fine as long as your real hair is healthy too! We need to show a balanced view of our hair...it is good hair irrespective of our genes!

Beautiful Natural Hair...

Early Impressions...matter!

The only way to impart hair confidence in your young daughter is to have confidence in your own hair. Learning to love your real hair, whether relaxed or natural is one of the greatest pearls of wisdom you can pass on to your impressionable child. If we never knew about weaves- this would be the only option. I am no weave-basher, as I wear them myself!

However, if mum loves her natural hair- daughter will too. Its that simple. Well maybe not but it is a start!
As one of the most important role models in your daughters life its important to let her understand- her natural hair is not to be grown merely to become an anchor for a silky weave or braids, no matter how much Beyonce swings her long mane of hair back and forth in her videos...she knows and we know its not real!

Black is beautiful and that extends to our hair too...your child needs to know she can have long natural hair when it is nurtured with the right type of products and TLC...Being black has never been easy!

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