What Made Your Hair Thrive or Take Off?

krissyhair · Jan 5, 2014

The only time my hair really took off and grew 6 inches in 4 months was when I was still a teen. I co-washed everyday, slathered it in a good moisturizer and made a loose wet bun with a satin scrunchy every day for the whole summer. The moisturizer was Pantene relaxed and natural leave-in. I don't think they even make it anymore. That was back in 2007.

loulou82 · Jan 5, 2014

McQuay30

Here's my mix:

1. (1-2) tbs each of Silppery Elm and Fenugreek
2. (1) tea bag of Marshmallow Root Tea
3. Bring a cup of water to a boil
4. Steep and strain to collect the released mucilage
5. Cool
6. Add tea-infused mucilage to:
7. 2 oz. Giovanni 2 Chic Conditioner
8. 2 oz. Giovanni 50:50 Balancing Conditioner
9. 1 oz. VO5 Tea Therapy Conditioner
10. Add carrier oils (hemp oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil)
11. Add essential oils (rosemary EO, lavender EO, peppermint oil)

The EOs mask the smell of the fenugreek. I've made 3 batches with slight variations but the 3 herbs are the constant.

Jen from Just Grow Already and EnExitStageLeft also have recipes:

http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/11/diy-marshmallow-root-detangling-spray.html

http://powertothepj.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-in-shower-detanglers-dream-my-slippy.html#.Usmp0PRDuSp

Honey Bee · Jan 5, 2014

Ceramides and the judicious use of heat. I think I must have grown (and retained!) about 3-4" since July. (And I have fine hair, I neeeever retain. That's the whole reason I joined in the first place, I was always past SL/ almost APL. It just used to crumble right off. :ohwell:

)

I can. not. wait. for this touch-up. :lol:

yodie · Jan 5, 2014

My hair has never thrived, but it's just now starting to take off.

I am eliminating heat (except to DC or steam).
I twist my hair with a leave in and oil, oil, oil. My hair loves oil.
I found Design Essentials Strengthening Treatment (MAJOR FIND)
Protective style, leave my hair alone.

Rozlewis · Jan 5, 2014

Eliminating or minimizing direct heat. I air dry 90% of the time and roller set occasionally

Understanding the needs of my hair by paying attention to red flags such as increased shedding, changes in diet, and changes in the weather and noticing the impact it has on my hair. Then modifying my regime to combat those changes. For example, in the colder months I up my moisture by using heavy butters and cremes.

Silk lined hats. I wear silk lined hats whenever I am going to be outside during the winter months. I never used to wear hats but now I realize the impact the weather has on my hair.

Consistent deep conditioning. I DC each week with steam.

Pre-pooing before shampooing. I always pre-poo prior to shampooing to help combat the harshness of shampoos.

Protective styling 90% of the time. Most of the time my hair is in a twist out, french twice, bun, or ponytail with the ends protected.

When indoor I always wear a silk bonnet to retain moisture.

Sticking with a consistent regimen each week. Taking pictures each wash day of shed hairs so that I can recognize when shedding has increased and I can take action immediately.

A hair analysis helped me to understand that my hair is highly porous. This took some of the guess work out of my product selection and regimen.

EnExitStageLeft · Jan 5, 2014

EnExitStageLeft said:
1. Keeping it simple.

2. Learning my porosity, strand size and density

3. Banding

4. ACV

5. Limiting my cone usage. (I'm Low to no Cone)

6. Layering my products (liquid, creams, oil, butters....in that order lol)

7. Heavy Sealing, Oh how can I forget this. My ends would greatly suffer without it.

intellectualuva · Jan 5, 2014

Collagen

JBCO

NJoy

.....and this member..I want to say Greenandchic I think gave me tips for dealing with my hi-po hair: washing more often, henna treatment, no more wash and goes, minimal protein as needed, keeping hair stretched, moisture and seal often....

spacetygrss · Jan 5, 2014

~ Protective styling (twists, braids)
~ Keeping it moisturized
~ maintaining a balance between protein and moisture
~ Regular exercise and proper diet. As long as I do these two, everything else listed is a far second/third.

drmuffin · Jan 5, 2014

Exercise

Balancing Moisture/Protein - cherry lola, bentonite clay, and steaming treatments bi/tri-weekly

Not obsessing/worrying over my hair or being preoccupied with growth/products/concoctions/bandwagoning. Just made sure I had no major setbacks. Simplicity is best.

My hair flew out of my scalp in 2013, and I'm a super slow grower.

star · Jan 5, 2014

krissyhair said:
The only time my hair really took off and grew 6 inches in 4 months was when I was still a teen. I co-washed everyday, slathered it in a good moisturizer and made a loose wet bun with a satin scrunchy every day for the whole summer. The moisturizer was Pantene relaxed and natural leave-in. I don't think they even make it anymore. That was back in 2007.

This could be related to diet and amount of water. Think what you were eating and doing as teen that might be different. Thanks for input.

Aireen · Jan 5, 2014

Technique: Dusting ends, stretching relaxers, consistent conditioning, protein/moisture balance, practicing a less-is-more approach.

Products: Motions Neutralizing Shampoo, Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise, Aussie Moist Conditioner, Tresemme Moisture Rich Conditioner, Motions CPR Protein Reconstructor, ApHogee 2-Step, etc.

When I initially started taking care of my hair, it didn't take too long for it to look better and see retention. Although, I wasn't practicing all my techniques at once so it took longer to see overall progress. Once I put everything into practice, it was smooth sailing and I saw my hair improve before my eyes. With hair, you need to have patience and you will either need to baby it or keep it simple. Hm, I'll say I saw small changes in a month, moderate changes in 4 months, and more drastic changes within 7 months.

Regarding the products I listed, I no longer use them because I got sick of the scent, wanted to try other stuff, or they were not as accessable as other products. Regardless, they're all still great and really nourished my hair so I'd happily repurchase them on a whim one day.

krissyhair · Jan 6, 2014

star said:
This could be related to diet and amount of water. Think what you were eating and doing as teen that might be different. Thanks for input.

Same thing every teenager eats during the summer: 99 cent Jamaican beef patties from the corner store and bagels. I'm a thirsty person so I've always drank a lot of water.

FoxxyLocs · Jan 6, 2014

When I first went natural, what worked for me was bi-weekly DC's and protective styling with twists. I also dusted every 2 months and never did a major trim.

After I passed MBL, I started getting more ssks and had to stop wearing twists. I experimented with a bunch of other natural styles, but wearing it straight is the only thing that has allowed me to start retaining again.

I still DC every two weeks and dust as needed. I have been trimming 1-2x/yr b/c of the knots, but I probably won't be trimming as often now.

Product wise, the products don't matter as much as long as my DC is very moisturizing. I like silk dreams b/c my hair stays moisturized and it doesn't leave an oily residue.

star · Jan 7, 2014

Thanks Ladies and great job and I have to a couple of test so I can master what really worked for me. I remember my hair taking off with twice a week shampoos with mild protein and the Gueye Hair Vitamins. So I am doing a 3 month test to see if this makes it move faster. It is OK now but feel like something is missing.

Haddasah · Jan 7, 2014

When I cornrow my hair with lots of moisturizing products before I put on a wig/crochet braids/sew-ins....my hair just grow like a weed in length and thickness

Haddasah · Jan 7, 2014

FoxxyLocs said:
When I first went natural, what worked for me was bi-weekly DC's and protective styling with twists. I also dusted every 2 months and never did a major trim.

After I passed MBL, I started getting more ssks and had to stop wearing twists. I experimented with a bunch of other natural styles, but wearing it straight is the only thing that has allowed me to start retaining again.

I still DC every two weeks and dust as needed. I have been trimming 1-2x/yr b/c of the knots, but I probably won't be trimming as often now.

Product wise, the products don't matter as much as long as my DC is very moisturizing. I like silk dreams b/c my hair stays moisturized and it doesn't leave an oily residue.

I think ssk are my problem why my hair is stuck...but I don't use heat, too much to up keep in this humidity and almost pointless here

ArinaDonne · Jan 7, 2014

For me it was a little bit of all of the things that you mentioned. I switched from my synthetic products to more organic products and my hair loves it. I use shea moisture products and I am in love. I also use organic coconut oil as my moisturizer, shea butter mixed with jojoba, rosemary, and castor oil to do my twists and braids. I cut my hair to a little above shoulder length in December 2012. Today, my hair is about bra strap length. I guess I spent more time taking care of my hair and I use little heat.

Trini_Chutney · Jan 7, 2014

For me these things helped:

-upping protein
-sealing
-low manipulation
-frequent DC

Posted from my shower...while peeing...with the LHCF App

Pennefeather · Jan 12, 2014

loulou82 said:
@McQuay30

Here's my mix:

1. (1-2) tbs each of Silppery Elm and Fenugreek
2. (1) tea bag of Marshmallow Root Tea
3. Bring a cup of water to a boil
4. Steep and strain to collect the released mucilage
5. Cool
6. Add tea-infused mucilage to:
7. 2 oz. Giovanni 2 Chic Conditioner
8. 2 oz. Giovanni 50:50 Balancing Conditioner
9. 1 oz. VO5 Tea Therapy Conditioner
10. Add carrier oils (hemp oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil)
11. Add essential oils (rosemary EO, lavender EO, peppermint oil)

The EOs mask the smell of the fenugreek. I've made 3 batches with slight variations but the 3 herbs are the constant.

Jen from Just Grow Already and @EnExitStageLeft also have recipes:

http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/11/diy-marshmallow-root-detangling-spray.html

http://powertothepj.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-in-shower-detanglers-dream-my-slippy.html#.Usmp0PRDuSp

Have you every tried using the marshmallow powder?

scarcity21 · Jan 12, 2014

loulou82 said:
McQuay30

Here's my mix:

1. (1-2) tbs each of Silppery Elm and Fenugreek
2. (1) tea bag of Marshmallow Root Tea
3. Bring a cup of water to a boil
4. Steep and strain to collect the released mucilage
5. Cool
6. Add tea-infused mucilage to:
7. 2 oz. Giovanni 2 Chic Conditioner
8. 2 oz. Giovanni 50:50 Balancing Conditioner
9. 1 oz. VO5 Tea Therapy Conditioner
10. Add carrier oils (hemp oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil)
11. Add essential oils (rosemary EO, lavender EO, peppermint oil)

The EOs mask the smell of the fenugreek. I've made 3 batches with slight variations but the 3 herbs are the constant.

Jen from Just Grow Already and EnExitStageLeft also have recipes:

http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/11/diy-marshmallow-root-detangling-spray.html

http://powertothepj.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-in-shower-detanglers-dream-my-slippy.html#.Usmp0PRDuSp

loulou82, where do u get the herbs from?

loulou82 · Jan 12, 2014

Pennefeather- I haven't tried MMR powder. I'm actually interested in buy a pound of the cut and shifted version of MMR and Slippery Elm bark.

scarcity21 I purchased the herbs from a local health food store. I believe vitacost.com may have them too. You could also try Herbco.com and Herbarie.com. They have decent prices.

Tonto · Jan 13, 2014

I've noticed that keeping my hair in the same style for a month or two - braids- is a good way for me to retain length. Also, during the Summer I have a growth spurt.
When I went back natural like 4 years ago, I was protective styling like crazy. I think I'm going to go back to that, with trimming my ends twice a year. Of course, keeping my hair moisturized especially during that Winter ( -20 something degrees ) because I want to retain my 6 inches of the year, or more if possible. Maybe I should begin to measure my hair to see if I make any progress...

CarLiTa · Jan 13, 2014

What worked for me years ago:

1. When I was relaxed:
-co-washing almost daily
-exercising and taking a multi-vitamin
-eating lots of veggies (1 huge salad per day) and other nutrient-rich foods.
Sometimes I'd get 1" per month. I would not realize it until months later when I'd get a touch-up.

2. When I first became natural:
-Frequent DC, which meant few trims.
-Eating nutrient-rich foods.

Nowadays, I realize that having super fine hair makes it difficult to retain. I am always battling SSKs. What seems to be helping is overnight DC with fresh aloe juice + coconut oil. I no longer use shampoos, haven't combed my hair in months.

I told a friend that my regimen is now:
-Pre-poo with juice and oil
-Wash with mud
-Rinse with vinegar
-Moisturize with juice, oil, (Knot Today)
-Moisturize with butter (whipped shea with little else... maybe some peppermint for scent).

That is making a huge difference.

CarLiTa · Jan 13, 2014

BostonMaria said:
- no more relaxers
- washing my hair more often
- salon visits limited to once or twice a year
- using good products
- trimming every 12-18 months

BostonMaria, you only trim every 12-18 months?? :eek:

how?? How do you keep your ends in good shape?

BostonMaria · Jan 13, 2014

CarLiTa said:
BostonMaria, you only trim every 12-18 months?? how?? How do you keep your ends in good shape?

CarLiTa I do search & destroys in between if I see any split ends. I try to do protective styles at night, I have a satin pillow case, and I also try to wear the silk caps as often as possible.

Pennefeather · Jan 13, 2014

CarLiTa said:
What worked for me years ago:

1. When I was relaxed:
-co-washing almost daily
-exercising and taking a multi-vitamin
-eating lots of veggies (1 huge salad per day) and other nutrient-rich foods.
Sometimes I'd get 1" per month. I would not realize it until months later when I'd get a touch-up.

2. When I first became natural:
-Frequent DC, which meant few trims.
-Eating nutrient-rich foods.

Nowadays, I realize that having super fine hair makes it difficult to retain. I am always battling SSKs. What seems to be helping is overnight DC with fresh aloe juice + coconut oil. I no longer use shampoos, haven't combed my hair in months.

I told a friend that my regimen is now:
-Pre-poo with juice and oil
-Wash with mud
-Rinse with vinegar
-Moisturize with juice, oil, (Knot Today)
-Moisturize with butter (whipped shea with little else... maybe some peppermint for scent).

That is making a huge difference.

CarLiTa, aren't you afraid that you won't be able to comb your hair if you haven't combed it in months? Are you just finger combing it or is it in locs?

CarLiTa · Jan 14, 2014

Pennefeather said:
CarLiTa, aren't you afraid that you won't be able to comb your hair if you haven't combed it in months? Are you just finger combing it or is it in locs?

Pennefeather, I finger comb it.
What I notice is that using aloe juice closes the hair cuticle and helps limit tangles, so there is less need for combing. And when I am washing, surprisingly all my detangling needs are taken care of by my Rhassoul clay hair wash (clay+water+aloe juice or ACV). Then, my leave in (Knot Today+grapeseed oil+aloe juice) also helps. Basically, I think this is all because of the aloe.

It's amazing that I don't need the comb. And it's kinda nice. Now, next time I want to flat-iron my hair, maybe I'll sing a different tune.

I forgot to bring my blowdryer when I moved, so I am thinking when I want to flat iron, I'll first twist my hair, let it airdry partially, and then flat-iron it.

all_1_length · Jan 14, 2014

Oils. Four oils to be exact, coconut oil, olive oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil and jojoba oil. When I first learned about moisturizing my hair I would use a hair moisturizer and coconut oil to my hair as a sealant. The coconut oil made my hair so soft feeling that I decided that all I needed to do was blow dry my hair and give up flat ironing. Later I added olive oil and made a mix of the coconut oil and olive oil. Boy did that do it. My hair felt stronger (from the olive oil) and stopped shedding so much. Later on I noticed that the olive oil helped speed up my hair growth. I use JBCO to help thicken my hair because some of my hair is fine and also to restore my hairline from all the years of wearing ponytails using hard bristle brushes on my edges.

I just recently added jojoba oil because I noticed that it is a better sealant and it gives my hair a more polished finish. The coconut oil now doubles as a hair oil and a prepoo since I have noticed that if I prepoo with it my hair stays nice and moist when I shampoo it.

Ivey14 · Jan 14, 2014

***Deleted***

ktwatkins · Jan 14, 2014

Seems like when I keep it simple it grows much quicker. I will say it seems as if my hair has really took off since I started back using the Doo-Gro Stimulating oil. I used it back in the day and don't know why I stopped. I did add JBCO and Olive and two MSM tablets to it as well! My hair loves it.

What Made Your Hair Thrive or Take Off?

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