As I am approaching the one year mark since my last big chop and the start of my healthy hair journey, I thought I would share what I learned. I am by no means an expert, but it’s been fun for me and a great growing experience. And if others can learn from my mistakes and have better journeys than I did… That would be great.

1. The Internet is your best friend.
When I started doing this I just wanted thicker healthier hair. Length was the last of my concerns. my hair was dry and it broke so easily that I was really afraid to do anything with it. There was a point were it was breaking at such a high rate that I wouldn’t even Comb it. I am so grateful that I didn’t have bald spots. (at least until I got gum in my hair… Which is something adults really shouldn’t do.)
It was in January when I decided that I needed a change and I decided to try a few different things, so I took to the Internet. I researched shampoo and conditioner lines and I stumbled across various hair threads and hair videos on YouTube. From there I decided to use ovation. I also stopped using a lot of my old hair products (particularly Dr. miracle)

2. Set goals
With everything else in life if you are just wandering about you will never achieve the results that you want.
I set a got for 5 inches of healthy thick strong hair by December. I set a low goal not because I wasn’t getting results but because I was gradually cutting off damaged hair. Over the course of the year I cut off 5 inches of damage and I still have 7 inches of healthy hair.

3. Get the people around you excited too.
Although not all my friends were interested, I did have a few that I talked to about it. We exchanged tips and ideas. I also had support for when I wanted to break my heat fast or when I was tempted to shave my head out of frustration. I also got my mom on board. ( although she did do a lot of judging initially). She bank rolls a lot of my experiments. Because If it works for me, then it’ll work for her and my sister.

4. Shake up your routine
I did 2 hair challenges through the year and I also tried products that I haven’t used before. I wanted to see what would bring about maximum hair growth and what made my hair feel good. It also helped my to better understand my body. Now I know what time of the month my hair grows most and how to combat shedding. I also figured out what products that my hair loves most.

5. Don’t be discouraged.
Due to being a part of this microwave society we really aren’t patient and something’s in this life you can not rush. There are things you can do to speed up the hair growth process and that varies from person to person. But it still takes time. Hair growth and weight loss are 2 things teach patience. Don’t let a month or 2 of slow progress discourage you. It gets tedious at times but its worth the wait.

6. Water is not the enemy.
I understand if u have a relaxer and u don’t want to wet your hair every day. I actually don’t know how that might work for relaxed hair. But I know with natural hair water is you best friend. ( try to use filtered water or distiller water if u can) water is moisture. Things can not be moist without the presence of water. Don’t be afraid of it.

So that’s what I learned. I also learned that just because It works for me doesn’t mean it will work for u. But….. Just for the sake of sharing… Here is my hair routine and some of my staple products.

I wash my hair with shampoo once a month. I use garner fructis. Its a typical shampoo. So, that’s one of the main reasons I don’t shampoo that frequently.

I co-wash every Friday. I use pantene relaxed and naturals. I focus a lot of attention on my scalp. I want to get all the dirt and excess oils off my scalp so it can breathe a bit. ( I usually do a wet style on Saturdays, usually)

I deep condition every Sunday. I make my own deep conditioner. I also use ovation cell therapy as a deep treatment on Sundays.

I use cantu and infusium 23 as my regular leave ins ( I often add oils to those). I use my leave ins or just plain water daily.

My staple oils and butters are shea butter, coco butter, olive oil, tea tree oil, castor oil, jojoba, vitamin e and coconut oil. I have been experimenting with Aragan ( Moroccan) oil, rosemary oil and grapeseed oil.

It helps to research the oils that u are using and to know their properties. Also what their freezing and melting points are. You should also know whether or not you skin is super sensitive or if u are allergic to certain plants.

I mix them for my pre-poo treatment and also to seal in moisture.

I have also found great moisturizing and strengthening recipes using food ( such as eggs, honey, mayo, avocado, bananas etc. ) like I said, the Internet is your friend.

I also started drinking more water and taking supplements so that my body wasn’t leeching moisture and vitamins from my hair and skin. I plan on adding exercise and sleep to the mix and making it more than a just healthy hair year.

This year will be just as good as last year. I am very excited about it.

I hoped this helped.

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