"Keys to Retaining Length"

Many people wonder why their hair will only grow to a certain length and then start to break. Well, I have finally learned the secret to retaining length. Here are three tips I would like to share:

1. You must keep your hair moisturized daily. I personally found that using a spray bottle to spritz my hair with an oil and water mix helps out tremendously.
2. Low manipulation - Step away from the comb/brush. Wear your hair in styles that don't require you to comb/brush your hair repeatedly.
3. Tuck those ends away. Wear your hair in styles that protect your ends from: contact with your clothes, harsh sun rays and winds... and most of all keep your ends MOISTURIZED!

Try this for 6-12 months and keep track of your growth/length retention. Report back and let me know if you've noticed a difference.

If you have tips that you'd like to share or add, please feel free to leave a comment. 
Together we will accomplish our growth goals of achieving long, healthy hair. I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. Watch me grow From My Nape to my Waist....

"Creamy Crack"

While many refer to relaxers as "Creamy Crack", I think I'd have to redefine what I would consider to be my addiction... SHEA MOISTURE Curl Enhancement Smoothie. Though I had been using this product for several months, I'd recently run out. Much to my surprise, in the few days I hadn't used it, my hair seemed to look very dry and brittle, though it was considerable soft to the touch. It never dawned on me that it was because I hadn't used this product since I'd washed my hair. I normally use the smoothie on twist-outs, but I'd been wearing a wash and go so I never even thought that this may have been the problem. Well, much to much my surprise I twisted my hair today after purchasing another jar of the smoothie, and what do you know...  silky, shiny elongated twist just to my liking... and I'm all smiles.

How in the world could I have forgotten how wonderful this product is. You can almost bet your bottom dollar that I'll be sure to never run out of this one again.

So, what product would you consider to be your "Creamy Crack" addiction?

Please, share your thoughts, comment, join my  network, and follow my blog...

As always, leave a comment or feel free to ask questions. Together we will accomplish our growth goals of achieving long, healthy hair. I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. Watch me grow From My Nape to my Waist....

Big Chop ~vs~ Transition

I have been asked a lot of questions about going natural. I am hearing a lot of concerns about having to do what we would call a "Big Chop". Not everyone is comfortable with cutting all of their hair down to its natural state.

Well, I have good news for you. You don't have to. It is perfectly acceptable, and for some preferable, to grow your natural hair out to a length in which you are comfortable before deciding to cut off the processed ends.So, how can I do this, you ask? I would first suggest to try to go without using heat. There are styles that will help blend the two different textures of hair. Some recommendations I have would be to wear: braid outs, twist outs, buns, individual braids (be sure that the braids are not too tight as this could cause more damage than it's worth), and other protective styles.

There's a wealth of informational videos on natural hair care forum sites such as YouTube, CurlyNikki.com, and Long Hair Don't Care. Explore sites like these for tips and instructional videos on how to do these styles at home and save money. Or, try to find a salon that specializes in natural hair care in your local area for added help and support.

As always, leave a comment, share your concerns, suggestions and let me know what you think.

Together we will accomplish our growth goals of achieving long, healthy hair. I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. Watch me grow From My Nape to my Waist....

Henna Anyone?

Since I have decided to go natural I have treated my hair with Henna almost every four to six weeks. Henna is a natural hair dye which provides a wealth of benefits for strong, healthy hair. Henna is great for completely covering gray hair and lasts much longer then other coloring agents. For various results, Henna may be mixed with other natural coloring agents, such as Indigo, to achieve your desired look.

My Henna Mix:

100g of Body Art Quality Henna
1/2 cup of conditioner of your choice (My Preference: Say Yes to Carrots! or Herbal Essence Hello Hydration)
1/2 cup of Distilled water
2-3 drops of Peppermint Oil
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil

Follow these  five steps to maximize your henna experience:
1. Mix ingredients to a thick paste and apply evenly throughout the hair.
*It is not necessary to wash hair prior to application.
2. Cover your hair with a plastic cap or saran wrap for at least three hours. 
*This time frame may vary depending on the product used. My choice of preference is Nupur Henna because it has a wealth of other added ingredients and the processing time is shorter than any other henna product I've come across.
3. Thoroughly rinse hair free of Henna residue. 
*You may also choose to lightly shampoo to ensure your hair is completely free of excess henna residue.
4. The fourth and most important step for those who may be protein sensitive, is to restore moisture back into your tresses. To do this, apply a highly moisturizing conditioner, cover your entire hair with a plastic cap, and sit under a heating cap or hooded dryer for 20-30 minutes. 
5. Then you may style your hair as normal.


Though Henna is a great benefit for naturals, it also provides the same benefits for chemically treated hair. However, it is important to use body art quality Henna if your hair is chemically treated.

There are some rare cases of people who have had an allergic reaction to Henna. Thus, prior to using this product I would recommend completing a test patch to verify you do not develop any of the following symptoms:
a tight feeling in the chest, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and dry cough, after exposure to Henna powder or paste.

As with any product, I would recommend that you do extensive research to ensure that the product is right for you.

You can purchase Henna from the following website: http://www.hennaforhair.com/

As always, leave comments, questions, or add suggestions on how you use Henna.

Together we will accomplish our growth goals of achieving long, healthy hair. I am thoroughly enjoying this journey. Watch me grow From My Nape to my Waist....