Hello Curlies!!!!! So as you know I started using Viviscal back at the end of November. Since then if you have been following I have been updating here, facebook and twitter and even youtube (until the unfortunate death of my camcorder:( ) This month for hair maintenance and retention I have been doing mainly rollersets. so I was able to get a pretty decent measure of my growth since on Viviscal. Also you can check my site www.kurlygirl.com The tracker is at the bottom right hand corner of the page.
So here we go!
1.23.2011 bangs 10 in
front side 12 in
back 12 in
top 10 in
12.21.2011 bangs 9 in
front side 12 in
back 11 in
top 10 in
11.21.2011 bangs/ front 8 in
side 11 in
back 10 1/2 in
top 9 in
Showing posts with label natural hair growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label natural hair growth. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Hair Growth Challenge with Viviscal
This challenge is about growing and retaining long healthy hair. On average hair grows ½ inch every month. On months where I have been focused and done what I am supposed to, I have grown as much as 1 inch in a month. I have recently gotten back on track with my vitamins and supplements, scalp massages etc.. got a little lazy during the summer months. I have had two trims since January and on present measure have 5 inches of growth even with the trims so I am hoping with a little effort that I will be able to maximize my growth potential.
What is Viviscal?
Viviscal is a dietary supplement that encourages and impoves hair growth
- promotes healthy hair growth from the inside out
- works for men and women
- made from natural ingredients and drug free
- nourishes thinning hair and promotes existing hair growth
Recently I was in contact with a rep for Viviscal about doing a growth challenge and reviewing their hair growth supplement. I saw Elle’ (DenimPixie) progress with Viviscal and I knew I had to give it a shot. I received a box from them on yesterday so I am looking forward to seeing at how she grows! So lets grow together. I am launching a hair growth challenge that will run 3 months, beginning December 1st and ending March 1st. I will continue to blog about the challenge here and on youtube and will document my growth at kurlygirl.com. There you can also find more info about growing health natural hair. So lets get to it!
If you plan on participating in this challenge here are the parameters
1. Measure and document your present length beginning
December 1st, and monthly for the next 3 months.
2. Cleanse hair once every week/ 2 weeks as needed
December 1st, and monthly for the next 3 months.
2. Cleanse hair once every week/ 2 weeks as needed
3. Deep condition hair EVERY week
4. Drink lots of water, min. 8 glasses/ day
5. Keep hair hydrated, moisturize hair daily and seal
6. Growth supplements are recommended, you may use any topical or oral growth supplements you desire. Going to check with my new friends at Viviscal to see if I can you guys a discount code :D
7. Keep hair trimmed (every 3-4) months,… healthy hair grows
8. Protective your hair (I recommend protective and low manipulation styling to encourage retention of length)
9. Eat a healthy diet
10. Scalp stimulation is important to improve circulation and to ultimately encourage growth.
Share your pics, tips and results!!!!
Monday, August 1, 2011
and the Journey continues
100+ degrees and I'll have to say my hair seems to be enjoying being protected from all this heat and humidity! I have tried assorted styles with braids and twists still not comfortable with my little puny bun. I have purchased hair for my senagalese twists and will be getting them done in a few weeks, contemplating a sew in this week to hold me out til then. I have been following my regular regimine and am tweeking it a little bit. A wonderful long time friend of mine and natural hair guru known to you all as Kinkerbelle doesn't shampoo her hair at all. She co-washes only and doesn't occasional bentonite clay masks, so I will give that a whirl for the duration of my protective style challenge. Co-wash only. I recently picked up the Trader Joes Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner for this. Her hair is presently about midback length, healthy and gorgeous!
I have found that these essential oils stimulate growth so I will be coming up with some combination of these diluted with Jojoba oil, EVOO and coconut oil to do my scalp massages every other day alternating with my back 2 da basics shea whip.
BASIL, (Ocimum basilicum). Basil oil is a powerful scalp stimulator. When applied to the scalp you can actually feel it working. It produces a warm, slightly tingling sensation. When I use basil I do not have to use a conditioner.
CARROT SEED, (Daucus carota). Carrot seed oil is superior for hair and skin that is in need of nourishment, moisture and elasticity. It is indicated for alopecia areata, fragile hair, brittle hair and falling hair. It is calming to the skin and scalp. Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It is expensive and harder to find than most essential oils.
CYPRESS, (Cupressus sempervirens). Imagine your self in a quiet forest surrounded by tall Cypress tress. The aroma of cypress oil can transport you to that soothing place. Cypress is used to reduce oiliness in the scalp and is good for dandruff. I use cypress if I am making a nighttime scalp formula that I will leave in while I sleep. It clears the mind and prepares it for sleep. It is important to use only the smallest amount (1 drop) in your formula or it could have the opposite effect.
LAVENDER, (lavendula vera) Lavender oil is a standard in hair and skin care. It has cell-regenerating properties. It is used to promote hair growth and to prevent future loss. It is effective for all hair types. Because it has the ability to regulate sebum production, it is useful for either oily or dry scalp. Lavender is often paired with rosemary in scalp and hair formulas. Together they produce an outstanding synergy for hair care.
Lemon, (Citrus limon) the essential oil comes from the rind, which is high in Vitamins A, B and C. Lemon oil is very versatile. It can be used for dry or oily hair because it helps to regulate sebum production. It is anti-aging and promotes cell-regeneration. It helps to restore the hairs natural ph level. Lemon oil can produce a healthy shine, especially to blonde hair.
PEPPERMINT, (Mentha piperita) If I could only have one essential oil for my hair it would be peppermint. It is refreshing and invigorating, excellent to use in the morning to get the day started! Peppermint produces a cool, tingling feeling as it energizes the scalp. It is used to promote hair growth, for dandruff and itchy scalp.
ROSEMARY, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is very well known for its superior hair care qualities. For hair care, it is probably used more often than any other essential oil, especially to promote hair growth. It is a powerful scalp stimulator for hair loss and to strengthen thinning hair. It is also used to shine and condition hair and to bring out highlights in dark hair.
TEA TREE, (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil has become very popular. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is effective against any type of fungal condition of scalp such as ringworm. It is used to heal infections and to reduce itchiness. It removes build-up on the scalp and helps rejuvenate dull lifeless hair. It leaves hair soft, clean and manageable. Tea tree has a strong, clan medicinal scent.
I have found that these essential oils stimulate growth so I will be coming up with some combination of these diluted with Jojoba oil, EVOO and coconut oil to do my scalp massages every other day alternating with my back 2 da basics shea whip.
BASIL, (Ocimum basilicum). Basil oil is a powerful scalp stimulator. When applied to the scalp you can actually feel it working. It produces a warm, slightly tingling sensation. When I use basil I do not have to use a conditioner.
CARROT SEED, (Daucus carota). Carrot seed oil is superior for hair and skin that is in need of nourishment, moisture and elasticity. It is indicated for alopecia areata, fragile hair, brittle hair and falling hair. It is calming to the skin and scalp. Carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene, vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, essential fatty acids and other nutrients. It is expensive and harder to find than most essential oils.
CYPRESS, (Cupressus sempervirens). Imagine your self in a quiet forest surrounded by tall Cypress tress. The aroma of cypress oil can transport you to that soothing place. Cypress is used to reduce oiliness in the scalp and is good for dandruff. I use cypress if I am making a nighttime scalp formula that I will leave in while I sleep. It clears the mind and prepares it for sleep. It is important to use only the smallest amount (1 drop) in your formula or it could have the opposite effect.
LAVENDER, (lavendula vera) Lavender oil is a standard in hair and skin care. It has cell-regenerating properties. It is used to promote hair growth and to prevent future loss. It is effective for all hair types. Because it has the ability to regulate sebum production, it is useful for either oily or dry scalp. Lavender is often paired with rosemary in scalp and hair formulas. Together they produce an outstanding synergy for hair care.
Lemon, (Citrus limon) the essential oil comes from the rind, which is high in Vitamins A, B and C. Lemon oil is very versatile. It can be used for dry or oily hair because it helps to regulate sebum production. It is anti-aging and promotes cell-regeneration. It helps to restore the hairs natural ph level. Lemon oil can produce a healthy shine, especially to blonde hair.
PEPPERMINT, (Mentha piperita) If I could only have one essential oil for my hair it would be peppermint. It is refreshing and invigorating, excellent to use in the morning to get the day started! Peppermint produces a cool, tingling feeling as it energizes the scalp. It is used to promote hair growth, for dandruff and itchy scalp.
ROSEMARY, (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary oil is very well known for its superior hair care qualities. For hair care, it is probably used more often than any other essential oil, especially to promote hair growth. It is a powerful scalp stimulator for hair loss and to strengthen thinning hair. It is also used to shine and condition hair and to bring out highlights in dark hair.
TEA TREE, (Melaleuca alternifolia) Tea tree oil has become very popular. It is anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. It is effective against any type of fungal condition of scalp such as ringworm. It is used to heal infections and to reduce itchiness. It removes build-up on the scalp and helps rejuvenate dull lifeless hair. It leaves hair soft, clean and manageable. Tea tree has a strong, clan medicinal scent.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Growing Healthy Hair
Still in the midst of my protective style challenge. I am in week 4, my week off. My goal by Christmas is 14-16 inches/ bra strap length.
April I was about SL now I am about APL almost there!
What am I doing to get there. Right now I am in Protective style mode. Pre-pooing with olive oil, Shampooing and Deep Conditioning weekly. Co-washing about 2x / week. I am also taking my vitamins (biotin, fish oil, flaxseed oil). I massage my scalp every other night with oils. Its growing so I must be doing something right. Only thing left is patience :)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Summer Protective Style Challenge
Summer Protective Style Challenge
So as you know I am a Wash & Go Queen! It is by far my style of choice!!!! Nice and easy. However I am frustrated with my growth. I know that I have constant hand in hair issues and I know that the sun can be extremely damaging and that all the manipulation is damaging as well.
How Long…?
The challenge will run for approximately 12 weeks (the entire summer June 21-September 21) I realize I am a little late on this but better late than never. I started this week and just decided to make it official today J.
The challenge will not be too terribly stringent. Another blogger did this and I thought it was a good idea.
What is Protective Styling?
So I have decided initiate a summer protective style challenge done by the Natural Girls Guide to Beauty. Wearing protective style will aid in hair growth and to minimize hair breakage! The aim of the challenge is to grow healthier, longer, thicker hair over the next 12 weeks. This will be done mainly through low manipulation styling, protective styling and intensive deep conditioning.
How Long…?
The challenge will run for approximately 12 weeks (the entire summer June 21-September 21) I realize I am a little late on this but better late than never. I started this week and just decided to make it official today J.
What are the Stipulations…?
You can choose any protective style, such as braid with extensions, twists with extensions, cornrows with or without extensions and weaves. You can also do twists with your own hair should you so wish. The challenge will not be too terribly stringent. Another blogger did this and I thought it was a good idea.
She suggested having the hair being in protective styling for 3 weeks with a week off to enjoy your hair (this will give your hair a break from the stressing of having it bound if you so desire or if your just need a week to set your curls free :)
So to break it down, basically that means 9 weeks of protective styling and 3 weeks off.
June 21-September 21
What is Protective Styling?
RULES:
Daily Moisturizing with glycerin, water and conditioner mix. You can add an essential oil such as tea tree to keep your scalp fresh
- Cleansing with shampoo or chosen cleanser every 2 weeks or more frequent if you work out
- Weekly deep conditioning. Share tips on deep conditioning with braids.
- Scalp and hairline massages with an oil of your choice, preferably Castor oil every 2 days
- Intensive deep conditioning and low manipulation styles on the weeks off
- This is a no heat challenge
Protective styling allows your hair to rest from daily combing, while retaining moisture. In a protective style the ends are neatly tucked and protected. Some example of protective styles include but are not limited to…
· Weaves
· Braids
· Twists
· Updos
· Cornrows
Just because you are protective styling doesn’t mean you can’t neglect your hair and scalp. You must maintain the overall health of your hair. Still was and moisturize. Cover your hair while you sleep.
Low Manipulation Styling examples:
· Twist outs
· Braid outs
· Rollersets
· Rod sets
· Straw sets
· Coil outs
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
growth frustrations... had to see it to believe it :)
I hate shrinkage! its so frustrating and at times discouraging. Its hard for me to see the growth of my hair since i see myself everyday the change is very subtle. If you are a friend on Facebook you may have heard my frustrations with growth, .... but I took a picture last night and look at the change in my length since April, just two months ago to the day!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Transitioning to Natural Hair without a 'Big Chop'
I have a couple of really good friends I've been kind of 'coaching' on their natural hair journey. Natalie transitioned for the last several months and just recently did her big chop. Her hair is growing beautifully. Our hair texture and porosity are pretty similar so I have been able to share alot of information with her. My line sister has been in talks about how natural just isn't for her for a while but for years she has vocally yearned for the natural look. She's tried straw sets and rod sets but not able to get the look she really wanted. She continued to protest trying it to see if she could do it. I attribute it to nerves. In the last couple of days as we have spoken she has decided to hold off on getting a relaxer. She said she would hold off until the end of the year and make a decision. I believe her last relaxer was about a month ago. What I do know is that she is absolutely not going to do a big chop, at least not at this stage of the game. So I am coaching her through this transitioning phase
As I've stated previously when I went 'natural' there was no formal process no support system no special 'natural hair' products. It just was what it was. that was a little over 10 years ago. My last relaxer was around Christmas 1999. I learned that I was expecting in February of 2000 and decided to go 'chemical free' as a precaution during my pregnancy. In essence I guess I was transitioning. I maintained by doing rollersets and straightening my hair. I really don't remember the flat iron being quite so common then. I had an electric straightening comb and a stove top comb. I kept my hair trimmed regularly. I had to since I was using so much heat with the hot comb and later flat iron. I am not quite sure at what point the relaxer was completely gone but I was getting about an inch trimmed about every 6 weeks.
In the last 3 years as education about natural hair had become more readily available I have been able to better educate myself on how to care for my hair. Also the availability of products for natural hair has helped as well. So for all of you long term transitioners, you can do it with committment and patience.
As I've stated previously when I went 'natural' there was no formal process no support system no special 'natural hair' products. It just was what it was. that was a little over 10 years ago. My last relaxer was around Christmas 1999. I learned that I was expecting in February of 2000 and decided to go 'chemical free' as a precaution during my pregnancy. In essence I guess I was transitioning. I maintained by doing rollersets and straightening my hair. I really don't remember the flat iron being quite so common then. I had an electric straightening comb and a stove top comb. I kept my hair trimmed regularly. I had to since I was using so much heat with the hot comb and later flat iron. I am not quite sure at what point the relaxer was completely gone but I was getting about an inch trimmed about every 6 weeks.
In the last 3 years as education about natural hair had become more readily available I have been able to better educate myself on how to care for my hair. Also the availability of products for natural hair has helped as well. So for all of you long term transitioners, you can do it with committment and patience.
- begin to switch your regimine to include 'natural' products (avoid products with sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum in them)
- try not to shampoo your hair too often (use a sulfate free shampoo. The greatest problem with natural hair is dryness. Because of the harsh nature of sulfates- like detergent- they strip the natural moisture from our hair)
- keep your ends trimmed regularly I would recommend trimming an inch every 4-6 weeks until the relaxed hair is gone.
- use protective styling/ styling options that allow for less manipulation, strain and heat on your natural/ transitioning hair (Braids, twists, sew ins, rollersets)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Basically what I did was rollerset my hair on large magnetic rollers.
Products used- the Design Essentials naturals line, shampoo'd and conditioned my hair, leave-in condition, coconut oil, wrap lotion (Jane Carter wrap and roll).
After My rollerset I wrapped my hair then covered it in saran wrap to smooth it out. Here it is! Its exciting to see my growth. Lovin how healthy my hair looks but I must admit I am missing my curls! :)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Hair Growth Challenge - adopting my staples
So I am participating in a couple of different hair growth challenges. I am really excited to see how long my hair can/ will grow this year. I know its possible most of my family has always had long hair I just really have to continue to be disciplined, fight temptation to pull out my flat iron and keep pushing.
- Still searching for the perfect shampoo. I have used and liked Deva no poo, mixed chicks and aubrey organics honeysuckle rose but not in love with any of them.
- Conditioner- Aubrey Organics honeysuckle rose ( I add organic honey and coconut oil), Deva one condition
- Deep Conditioner - Last week I tried Curly Junkie Curl Rehab as a deep conditioner and I was very pleased. I think this will be a staple product for me.
- Moisturizers- Coconut oil, whipped shea butter, coconut curl products by komaza care, curly meringue by miss jessies
- Styling Eco styler gel with olive oil, kizzy stay put pomade by carols daughter, deva anGel and set it free
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