syncerelyhis
Active Member
My BFF asked me to write her a regi guide and I realized it might help someone else....
Disclaimer*****When I originally started writing this for my best friend I realized that there is SO much information relevant to hair, the way it grows, and retaining maximum length, I could write for years. I had to do some serious condensing. So please understand that this is not a comprehensive guide, but rather a very good map to get you headed in the right direction. I have bolded the things you will need to buy and provided suggestions on the brand to buy.
1. Start out with a good professional trim. Later, lightly dusting your hair as necessary is sufficient.
2. Take pictures to track your progress. They are very encouraging when you feel like your hair is not growing. There were many times when I thought my hair was not growing, but the pictures told a very different story. Pick a time frame that you will update your progress. At least wait every three months. A watched pot never boils.
3. Shampoo your hair AT LEAST every two weeks. Every week is better. Set aside one day of the week when you will dedicate time to your hair. You deserve it! Do not pile your hair on top of your head and scrunch. Try to wash in the shower so that the water can run down, but if you can’t that’s okay too. Apply shampoo to your scalp and scrub. Scalp only! The water will run the shampoo throughout the rest of your hair for cleansing. Do not shampoo more than once. Use a gentle, sulfate free moisturizing shampoo. (ex. Elasta QP Crème Conditioning Shampoo, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo)
4. Never shampoo your hair without using a moisturizing deep conditioner. Part your hair into four equal sections and apply conditioner to each section. Pay special attention to put conditioner on the ends of the hair (the last few inches). Detangle each section completely with a wide tooth comb. Do not try to rake the comb through your hair. Take your time and start at the bottom while holding the rest of your hair taught in your hands. When that portion is detangled, move up and detangle until that section is done. Pin/braid the section out of your way. Apply a plastic deep conditioning cap and leave it on for 30 minutes if you will sit under a dryer or one hour if you will not sit under a dryer. Picking a good deep conditioner requires research and trial and error. I have some suggestions until you are able to properly assess what is/is not a good deep conditioner. (ex. Silk Elements Megasilk Olive Moisturizing Treatment, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner)
5. A clarifying shampoo should be used in place of your normal shampoo at least once per month. It provides a deeper cleaning and removes product buildup. If you use products that contain silicones (any ingredient that ends in –cone) be sure your clarifying shampoo contains a sulfate. (ex. Organic Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe Shampoo, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two)
6. Decide how often you will use a protein treatment. Relaxed ladies need more frequent and stronger protein than natural ladies. Every head of hair is different, and assessing the need for a protein treatment will come with trial and error. For starters, once per month for naturals and twice per month for relaxed ladies is a good benchmark. Study protein/moisture balance to be sure you are treating your hair properly. This is VERY important. The treatment can be applied prior to shampooing/conditioning (called a prepoo) or directly after shampooing before conditioning. Always follow a protein treatment with a deep moisturizing conditioner. (ex. Aphogee 2 Minute Protein Treatment, Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise)
7. Moisturize your hair every night with a water based moisturizer. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair. After you do the ends, do your hairline, front and back. A quarter size should be more than enough for your whole head. Nobody likes a greasy head. When picking your moisturizer water should be the first ingredient. If there is mineral oil or petroleum in the first five ingredients, PUT IT DOWN. (ex. Bronner Bros Oil Moisturizer, Silken Child Moisturizing Crème, Soft Sheen Carson Green Tea Moisturizer, Hawaiian Silky 14n1)
***If your hair sucks up moisture and you notice your hair is still very dry after a few weeks of moisturizing daily you can try sealing. Sealing is using oil to provide a layer that prevents moisture from leaving the strand. After moisturizing, use a dime size amount of oil, rub it in the palm of your hands and distribute to your ends and hairline. (ex. Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil)
***If you like to wear your hair in curly or other damp styles co-washing can be don e in the place of moisturizing. Co-Washing allows you the ability to rewet/restyle, moisturize, or cleanse sweat. You do this by using a cheapie conditioner (ex. V05, White Rain, Suave, Herbal Essences) after rinsing your hair, usually in the shower. Apply the conditioner generously to all of your hair and ends and pin it up out of your way. Allow it to sit while you take care of your business in the shower. Before you get out, rinse the conditioner out. Many curly heads are fond of putting a little bit of cheapie conditioner in the hair as a leave in after co-washing to activate and hold curls.
8. Try to LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE. This means minimizing the usage of heat. If you must use heat use a heat protectant EVERY TIME. (ex. Fantasia IC Heat Protectant, Beyond the Zone Heat Serum, FHI Hot Sauce, Chi Silk Infusion) Don’t retouch your hair with flat irons/curlers daily. Once per week is pushing it, every two weeks is better. This also means embracing protective styles or low maintenance styles (buns, braids, sew-ins, wigs, ponytails, braidouts, twistouts, wash-n-gos) Protective styling is the best for hiding your hair, especially the ends, from the elements (wind, humidity, cold, heat) and retaining maximum length. There are MANY ways we can wear our hair that do not require heat, don’t feel restricted. Research, be adventurous, and buy some pretty hair accessories.
9. Use a boar’s hair brush.
10. Use hair tools that do not snag or pull the hair. (ex. Goody Ouchless Bands)
11. Take a regular multivitamin (ex. Women’s Daily Multivitamin) and a hair vitamin (GNC Ultranourish Hair).
12. Sleep with a silk scarf EVERY night.
13. Remember to be patient.
14. Join one of the forums (see below) and find a challenge to join for support. They are great resources. You can also see other great women just like you and me with awesome lengths.
15. Do your own research. There is so much to learn about hair. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. Don’t jump on every miracle bandwagon somebody claims to have found. All of the women I know with waistlength and longer hair got there with patience and these basic hair care practices. I have provide below the resources for you to do research as well as the most important things you should try to understand (THESE ARE SO IMPORTANT!!).
MOISTURE/PROTEIN BALANCE
SULFATES/SILICONES
POROSITY
THE WAY HAIR GROWS
HAIR TYPES
TRIMMING
HOW TO PICK A DEEP CONDITIONER
UNDERSTANDING INGREDIENTS ON THE LABEL
HOT OIL TREATMENTS
PROTECTIVE STYLES
SCALP MASSAGES
EXERCISE AND HAIR GROWTH
The Forums (great for support) Go Ahead and Join!
forum.blackhairmedia.com (read the 101 thread in the Growth Section)
longhaircareforum.com
Other Great Resources
Long-heatly-hair-advisor.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/83046/audrey_sivasothy.html
keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com
tightlycurly.com
growafrohairlong.com
To Post your Updates
www.fotki.com
16. Last but not least. Don’t tell everybody in your life what you are trying to do! When I began my journey, the ONLY person who knew was my boyfriend. People love to tear down what they don’t understand. Just let the work speak for itself. If they don’t ask don’t tell. These methods are not easily incorporated if you want to get your hair done at the salon. Unless your stylist will allow you to come in with your hair already washed/conditioned/dried, they probably will be offended if you try to tell them what to do.
I also have this on my fotki http://journals.fotki.com/syncerelyhis/building-your-first-hair-/
Disclaimer*****When I originally started writing this for my best friend I realized that there is SO much information relevant to hair, the way it grows, and retaining maximum length, I could write for years. I had to do some serious condensing. So please understand that this is not a comprehensive guide, but rather a very good map to get you headed in the right direction. I have bolded the things you will need to buy and provided suggestions on the brand to buy.
1. Start out with a good professional trim. Later, lightly dusting your hair as necessary is sufficient.
2. Take pictures to track your progress. They are very encouraging when you feel like your hair is not growing. There were many times when I thought my hair was not growing, but the pictures told a very different story. Pick a time frame that you will update your progress. At least wait every three months. A watched pot never boils.
3. Shampoo your hair AT LEAST every two weeks. Every week is better. Set aside one day of the week when you will dedicate time to your hair. You deserve it! Do not pile your hair on top of your head and scrunch. Try to wash in the shower so that the water can run down, but if you can’t that’s okay too. Apply shampoo to your scalp and scrub. Scalp only! The water will run the shampoo throughout the rest of your hair for cleansing. Do not shampoo more than once. Use a gentle, sulfate free moisturizing shampoo. (ex. Elasta QP Crème Conditioning Shampoo, Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo)
4. Never shampoo your hair without using a moisturizing deep conditioner. Part your hair into four equal sections and apply conditioner to each section. Pay special attention to put conditioner on the ends of the hair (the last few inches). Detangle each section completely with a wide tooth comb. Do not try to rake the comb through your hair. Take your time and start at the bottom while holding the rest of your hair taught in your hands. When that portion is detangled, move up and detangle until that section is done. Pin/braid the section out of your way. Apply a plastic deep conditioning cap and leave it on for 30 minutes if you will sit under a dryer or one hour if you will not sit under a dryer. Picking a good deep conditioner requires research and trial and error. I have some suggestions until you are able to properly assess what is/is not a good deep conditioner. (ex. Silk Elements Megasilk Olive Moisturizing Treatment, Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner)
5. A clarifying shampoo should be used in place of your normal shampoo at least once per month. It provides a deeper cleaning and removes product buildup. If you use products that contain silicones (any ingredient that ends in –cone) be sure your clarifying shampoo contains a sulfate. (ex. Organic Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe Shampoo, Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two)
6. Decide how often you will use a protein treatment. Relaxed ladies need more frequent and stronger protein than natural ladies. Every head of hair is different, and assessing the need for a protein treatment will come with trial and error. For starters, once per month for naturals and twice per month for relaxed ladies is a good benchmark. Study protein/moisture balance to be sure you are treating your hair properly. This is VERY important. The treatment can be applied prior to shampooing/conditioning (called a prepoo) or directly after shampooing before conditioning. Always follow a protein treatment with a deep moisturizing conditioner. (ex. Aphogee 2 Minute Protein Treatment, Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayonnaise)
7. Moisturize your hair every night with a water based moisturizer. Pay special attention to the ends of your hair. After you do the ends, do your hairline, front and back. A quarter size should be more than enough for your whole head. Nobody likes a greasy head. When picking your moisturizer water should be the first ingredient. If there is mineral oil or petroleum in the first five ingredients, PUT IT DOWN. (ex. Bronner Bros Oil Moisturizer, Silken Child Moisturizing Crème, Soft Sheen Carson Green Tea Moisturizer, Hawaiian Silky 14n1)
***If your hair sucks up moisture and you notice your hair is still very dry after a few weeks of moisturizing daily you can try sealing. Sealing is using oil to provide a layer that prevents moisture from leaving the strand. After moisturizing, use a dime size amount of oil, rub it in the palm of your hands and distribute to your ends and hairline. (ex. Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil)
***If you like to wear your hair in curly or other damp styles co-washing can be don e in the place of moisturizing. Co-Washing allows you the ability to rewet/restyle, moisturize, or cleanse sweat. You do this by using a cheapie conditioner (ex. V05, White Rain, Suave, Herbal Essences) after rinsing your hair, usually in the shower. Apply the conditioner generously to all of your hair and ends and pin it up out of your way. Allow it to sit while you take care of your business in the shower. Before you get out, rinse the conditioner out. Many curly heads are fond of putting a little bit of cheapie conditioner in the hair as a leave in after co-washing to activate and hold curls.
8. Try to LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE. This means minimizing the usage of heat. If you must use heat use a heat protectant EVERY TIME. (ex. Fantasia IC Heat Protectant, Beyond the Zone Heat Serum, FHI Hot Sauce, Chi Silk Infusion) Don’t retouch your hair with flat irons/curlers daily. Once per week is pushing it, every two weeks is better. This also means embracing protective styles or low maintenance styles (buns, braids, sew-ins, wigs, ponytails, braidouts, twistouts, wash-n-gos) Protective styling is the best for hiding your hair, especially the ends, from the elements (wind, humidity, cold, heat) and retaining maximum length. There are MANY ways we can wear our hair that do not require heat, don’t feel restricted. Research, be adventurous, and buy some pretty hair accessories.
9. Use a boar’s hair brush.
10. Use hair tools that do not snag or pull the hair. (ex. Goody Ouchless Bands)
11. Take a regular multivitamin (ex. Women’s Daily Multivitamin) and a hair vitamin (GNC Ultranourish Hair).
12. Sleep with a silk scarf EVERY night.
13. Remember to be patient.
14. Join one of the forums (see below) and find a challenge to join for support. They are great resources. You can also see other great women just like you and me with awesome lengths.
15. Do your own research. There is so much to learn about hair. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. Don’t jump on every miracle bandwagon somebody claims to have found. All of the women I know with waistlength and longer hair got there with patience and these basic hair care practices. I have provide below the resources for you to do research as well as the most important things you should try to understand (THESE ARE SO IMPORTANT!!).
MOISTURE/PROTEIN BALANCE
SULFATES/SILICONES
POROSITY
THE WAY HAIR GROWS
HAIR TYPES
TRIMMING
HOW TO PICK A DEEP CONDITIONER
UNDERSTANDING INGREDIENTS ON THE LABEL
HOT OIL TREATMENTS
PROTECTIVE STYLES
SCALP MASSAGES
EXERCISE AND HAIR GROWTH
The Forums (great for support) Go Ahead and Join!
forum.blackhairmedia.com (read the 101 thread in the Growth Section)
longhaircareforum.com
Other Great Resources
Long-heatly-hair-advisor.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/83046/audrey_sivasothy.html
keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com
tightlycurly.com
growafrohairlong.com
To Post your Updates
www.fotki.com
16. Last but not least. Don’t tell everybody in your life what you are trying to do! When I began my journey, the ONLY person who knew was my boyfriend. People love to tear down what they don’t understand. Just let the work speak for itself. If they don’t ask don’t tell. These methods are not easily incorporated if you want to get your hair done at the salon. Unless your stylist will allow you to come in with your hair already washed/conditioned/dried, they probably will be offended if you try to tell them what to do.
I also have this on my fotki http://journals.fotki.com/syncerelyhis/building-your-first-hair-/
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