My Hair Growth Story

2007 is when the journey for me initially started. I fell off a couple of times because everything in the beginning is a learning experience. See with hair care you have to do what is right for your hair. For example your hair may prefer protein over moisture. You just have to get out there and experiment with it. But be careful of the products you are using on your head. Through experiments I had to learn that it is best to experiment with God made products on my head such as coconut oil. From my experience you cannot go wrong with using 100% natural hair products.

But back on topic, I owe it all to my best friend Jessica who introduced me to the hair forums such as www.blackhairmedia.com and www.longhaircareforum.com . It is from there I took the hair care thing serious. Now as I reflect back my hair was suffering and I did not even know it! I actually thought I was just “unlucky” when it came to having long hair. Uhhhh *sigh* SMH

Early 2008 is when I started stretching my relaxers. My hair thrived a lot and thickened up a lot. Most of this growth is also due to me wearing micro braids and taking care of my hair while my hair was in braids. People tend to give micro braids a bad reputation but it is not the braids it is the “braider” and the person who is wearing the braids. If you are interested in how to take care of your hair while wearing braids or lace wigs checkout my blog http://braids4grow.blogspot.com

2009 I started feeling my hair, lol. I started seeing “obvious progress.” I was continuing to wear micro braids while I was working in Afghanistan and Iraq, but while I was home I experimented with flexi rods, started doing twist outs and Bantu knots. I was using a lot of S-Curl Moisturizer during my various styles. The results were delicious looking. My hair styles always looked nice and moisturized.

2010 is when I officially started thinking of hair as being long….until a happy hair stylish decided to chop off ALL of my progress. As you can see from the last picture she relaxed my hair BONE straight and she cut too much. All I wanted was the ends clipped. It took me about 2 times of this happening and I completely STOPPED letting her butcher my hair. During the time of my growth and thickening spurt my favorite products to use was Spectrum Virgin coconut oil and Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave in.

So basically I here is the after of messing with that scissor happy beautician:

2011 I was super excited because my hair bounced back quickly. They say you are supposed to get 6 inches a year and I think I kept almost all of it! But it wasn’t easy because it took dedication to force myself to keep doing my routine every night. The results paid off and I am happy.

* 2012 Progress…Finally Updated!*

My Hair Regimen Over Years

My Most Growth Obtained…

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

This was when I noticed my hair thrived (see pic above)…. BUT this time around (my Dec Update) my ends seemed a lot thinner while my roots were thicker. I know the way the braids were taken out had a lot to do with it and other reasons. I discovered that the most growth and dramatic change my hair has seen was the May- Aug 09 time frame. At that time I was wearing the synthetic pony hair. After going back thru my blog I was able to create a list of the products and methods I used during that time. I included lil inserts from my blog for different posts I did for that time frame. Hopefully this will help me get back on track.

1. ORS for Co Washing & Deep Conditioning
2. Megatek ( I used this like every 2-3 days) I applied it to the scalp and a lil to the length of the hair
3. Infusium 23
4. HE LTR
5. Oyin Frank Juice
6. Scurl
7. Coconut Oil (Used to Seal and moisturize scalp)
8. Peppermint oil ( Scalp Only)
9. Spectrum Organic Mayo ( Applied 2 dry Hair and Saran wrapped for 30-45 min)
10. Aussie Moist for Co Washing
11. Saran Wrap
12. Shampooed with Aritha Soap
13. Used a little of conditioner as a moisturizer or leave in.
14. I Co washed a lot during this time!

• Last night I washed my braids with Shikaki Soap and let some Mizani Hydrafuse sit in my braids with a shower cap for 10 minutes and my hair did not only feel moisturized while it was wet but when it DRIED! This is definitely a staple for moisture!
• I am going to try and concentrate on using my aphogee 2 min reconstructor at least one a week after a regular wash.
• (Products I used for 1 wash cycle)
• New Products I am loving: Mizani Hydrafuse, Oyin Juices and Berries, Pentratt protein treatmentNew Technique I am using: I never used to moisturize and seal in sections. I would spray Scurl all over my head and then seal it. Now that I moisturize and seal in sections I am giving special attention to a section of hair.
• Well last night I took some mayo and applied it to my braids in sections and saran wrapped it for 30 minutes.

The Results: Aww man my hair and micros are soft and feel stronger.

• Okay last night instead doing the tea rinse I decided to just Co-Wash like planned. I used ORS con. After that I sprayed some Infusium 23, applied some HE LTR and let my hair dry till about 95% and sprayed some Oyin Frank Juice and sealed with coconut oil. This morning my hair feels so good and hydrated.
• Argh, last night I washed my braids using my “new” jar of organic mayo and it came out great but I know I used too much because this morning my braids were a lil greasy. I applied it to dry hair and saran wrapped it for 30 minutes and washed it out. I then shampooed with my arithasoap bar (Indian) and deep con with ORS Con.

• In conclusion since I fussing, I will say that the K.I.S.S regimen while in braids is:
• Find you a light moisturizer (I prefer S-curl or Oyin Berries and Juices)
• Find you a growth aid *optional* (I prefer Megatek)
• Find you a sealer (I prefer coconut oil)
• Find you a great protein conditioner and moisture conditioner
• Find you a great deep conditioner
• Invest in a silk head scarf

• Lately I have been eye-balling my ORS Replenishing Con and temptation finally took over. I untwisted one of my strands applied Oyin Frank Juice, ORS Replen Con and sealed with Coconut Oil.

The Results: Very, very soft moisturized hair!Cons: I would not recommend doing this daily but closer to your wash days.

11 Nov 2010 – Wash Routine

 I am on a mission to get my ends thicker again L I slipped real hard when I 1stdiscovered lace fronts and didn’t bother to take care of my hair underneath and I fell off my regimen. I am tired of hardly making APL. It needs to stop right here. 

 Last Night:

 I washed my hair in cornrows. Here are the products I used and the steps I took:

1. Shampooed hair 1 time with Castile Soap
2. Conditioned with Long Term Conditioner
3. Deep conditioned with Nu Grow Deep Conditioner for 10-15 mins in the shower with a shower cap
4. Rinsed, wipe hair gently with a towel
5. Sprayed my infusim 23 and Scurl mix on scalp and hair
6. Applied LTR Split End, Neutrogena Silk Leave In and Coconut oil to my ends
7. Put my silk cap on my head and went to sleep with damn hair

 Results: In the morning my hair was still a little damp but it felt like butter! My hair was shedding. I know why though….because I was not doing anything to it before I got this last relaxer. Well I think.

It’s been a while since I have posted anything about MY hair. It’s been all about the lacefronts. After this slight set back I decided to start back to focusing on the health of my hair. I was also experimenting on how my hair would react if I didn’t do much to it. Results: It grew, but my hair started breaking bad. So on a desperate mission to restore health to my strands; I started using some of the old products I used when I first started my journey. Ladies let me tell you, never change your product regimen completely if what you were using actually worked! Remember that is what grew your hair or assisted in the health of your hair. So why would one stop using it?  The answer is “Hair Bandwagons!” Sometimes it’s good to jump on them and sometimes its not. So with that being said always have you a set of staple products that you can turn to in time of need…..in case that bandwagon break down.

 Below or above (lol) are my staples / combination that work every time my hair needs that boost. I am currently using this every other night before bed. I know it’s a lot of moisture, but my hair has been deprived! Lol.  I am also continuing to use Megatek…which is a heavy protein. This growth cycle I am going for a full APL…..

NUETROGENA TRIPLE MOISTURE SILK TOUCH LEAVE IN CREAM

Website: www.drugstore.com

Price: 4 oz. $6.99

Manufacturer’s Description

Treats extra dry, over-processed, or color treated hair. Moisturizes for instant and lasting improvements to hair texture and manageability. This silky leave-in cream melts effortlessly into strands, moisturizing while diminishing flyaways and frizz with lasting humidity protection.  Hair stays naturally soft and touchable all day – no flaking, heaviness, or stickiness.  The advanced formula helps improve hair quality with every use.  Contains UV filters.

Ingredients

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Polyquaternium 37, Cetrimonium Chloride, Behentrimonium Chloride, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Meadowfoam Seed Oil (limnanthes alba), Olive Fruit Oil (olea europaea), Sweet Almond Oil (prunus amygdalis dulcis), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, PPG 1 Trideceth 6, Phenyltrimethicone, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance

LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP SPLIT END REPAIR

Website: www.drugstore.com

Price: 4 oz. $3.19 ßCHEAP!

Manufacturer’s Description

Grow your hair as long as you want*!With a fusion of red rasberry & satin.  Live in the length of luxury.  This is the beautiful beginning of the ends.  Smooth them with a kiss of protective conditioning that strengthens your hair against split ends and breakage.  I’ll help keep your hair from splittsville with my quenching formula fused with extracts of red raspberry & satin.  I’m a tip treat with a silky finish that feels so good. *less breakage with daily use of shampoo, conditioner, treatment vs. non conditioning shampoo.

 Ingredients

Water, Stearyl Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Juice, Hydrolyzed Silk, Dimethicone, Glutamic Acid, Fragrance, Benzyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Edta, Propylene Glycol, Dmdm Hydantoin, Red 33

 Hydratherma Naturals Daily Moisturizing Growth Lotion

Website: http://www.healthyhairjourney.com/

Price: 4 oz. $12.99

 Manufacturer’s Description

This daily moisturizing lotion is excellent for chemically treated or natural hair. CONTAINS 5 NATURAL BUTTERS AND 8 NATURAL OILS….ALONG WITH GLYCERIN!!!! You can’t beat the moisture in this product!!!!!!! There is nothing like it!  Now  contains more Emu Oil per bottle! This natural daily moisturizing lotion is excellent for chemically treated or natural hair. Use after deep conditioning on wet hair and daily to soften and condition the hair while restoring a nourishing balance of moisture in the hair. Created with an exclusive blend of natural ingredients such as shea butter, olive butter, aloe butter, sweet almond butter, avocado butter, olive oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, peanut oil, macadamia nut oil, safflower oil and glycerin.  This lightweight formula will penetrate each hair strand immediately and prevent breakage. Seals in moisture. Makes hair soft, supple and easy to manage. Contains no mineral oil or petrolatum. A little goes a long way with this lotion, so use sparingly. Smells yummy but please do not ingest. For best results, use with other Hydratherma Naturals brand products.

 Ingredients

Water, Shea butter, Glycerin, Almond butter, Almond oil, Olive oil, Peanut oil, Emulsification wax, Emu oil, Olive Butter, Jojoba oil, Aloe Butter, Avocado butter, Macadamia nut oil, Sunflower oil, Fragrance, Germall Plus (PARABEN FREE PRESERVATIVE), Kuikui oil

Products That I am Loving…

As you know I love coconut oil but over the time I have came to the conclusion that there is NOTHING like Spectrum coconut oil. It moisturizes and makes my hair soooo soft. NTM also does the same thing without the sticky build up feel. It really does melt into your hair and gives that silky feeling. I love it!

JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Here are a couple of things I bet you didn’t know about JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil):Black Castor Oil is a powerful healing oil that has withstood the test of time. It is the end result of an ancient method used in preparing and making castor oil. The fatty acids and phytochemicals found in Jamaican Black Castor Oil address many health and beauty conditions. A bottle can serve as a hair and scalp conditioner; a skin moisturizer and healer; a massage oil for aches, pains, fibroids and lumps in the breasts; a powerful laxative and can be used as fist aid for cuts, wounds and burns. It is also excellent for dry, chapped hands and feet.

Black castor oil seals moisture in the hair with a protective coat. It’s also the only oil in nature with ricinoleic acid. It helps to destroys viruses, bacteria, yeast and molds that cause many skin problems. Black Castor Oil also helps to remove uric acid from body, the source of many inflammations.

When you purchase a bottle of JBCO make sure it’s in a dark bottle. Oils tend to lose their freshness and potency when they are exposed to direct light as a result of being in clear bottles.They also risk being contaminated by toxins if placed in regular plastic bottles.

History on JBCO:

The castor oil plant originated in Ethiopia and later spread throughout the rest of Africa. It’s believed that it was the ancient Egyptians that first started to make black castor oil. They roasted the beans then through a tedious hand processed method the ultra pure light brown to dark brown oil is extracted (black castor oil). The seeds and method of making black castor oil eventually reachedJamaica via African slaves whose descendants today still make and use it as their ancestors.

When used on micro braids your scalp will be very moisturized and soft. Make sure you wash your braids regularly when using this product because it can build up.

Ingredient Check: S-Curl No Drip Activator/Moisturizer

S-Curl:

This is a favorite product to many including myself. After posting the article below I wanted to check out some of the ingredients in my favorite moisturizer. (S-Curl)

I went to walgreens.com and cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient

and found the ingredients:

Water , Glycerine , Cetearyl Alcohol , Propylene Glycol , Acetamide MEA , Ceteth-20 , Olealkonium Chloride , Stearalkonium Chloride , Panthenol , Simethicone , Imidazolidinyl Urea , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Fragrance

Glycerine: Its a humectant so it draws moisture into the hair. If you live in a dry climate such as Arizona it may be bad because it has no moisture from the climate to draw from. Glycerine has been always been questionable as to if it is a god ingredient for hair.

Cetearyl Alcohol: is included in the fatty alcohol group of Lauryl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol, Stearyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol and Behenyl alcohol.These larger alcohols are typically derived from natural sources, and have 12 or more carbons per molecule (typically 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20). This higher amount of carbon content makes these molecules oilier (also referred to as ‘fatty’). For this reason, they are often used as an emollient in skin and haircare products. They give a smooth, soft feeling to the hair shaft by helping the cuticle to lie flat on the surface of the hair. However, if used in excess, fatty alcohols can combine with the natural sebum found on the scalp and form a sticky substance that makes the hair look greasy.

Propylene Glycol: A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze. In the skin and hair, propylene glycol works as a humescent, which causes retention of moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. WOW! It is also used in:

• Tyre sealant
• Rubber cleaner
• De-icer
• Stain removers
• Fabric softener
• Degreaser
• Paint
• Adhesive
• Wallpaper stripper

Acetamide MEA: A water-soluble conditioning agent that is compatible with anionic and nonanionic systems as opposed to quaternary surfactants compatible only with cationics. This agent’s primary purpose is to add shine.

Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?

Acetamide MEA increases the water content of the top layers of the skin by drawing moisture from the surrounding air. It also enhances the appearance and feel of hair, by increasing hair body, suppleness, or sheen, or by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by chemical treatment. (Source:http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org)

Ceteth-20:

Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?

The Ceteth ingredients help other ingredients to dissolve in asolvent in which they would not normally dissolve. Ceteths also help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified and they clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they these substances can be rinsed away. (Source: http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org)

Panthenol:

Is the alcohol form of pantothenic acid, more familiar as Vitamin B5. In a living cell, panthenol is converted to pantothenic acid, which then becomes an important part of the compound “Coenzyme A”, which is important in cellular metabolism.

In hair, which contains no living cells, it remains as panthenol. Because it could become a vitamin if it were ever to get to a living cell, it is marketed as a “provitamin”, even though its effects as a vitamin are never used.

Uses: Because panthenol binds well to hair follicles, and attracts moisture from the air, it is a moisturizing agent used in shampoos and conditioners. It lubricates the hair without feeling greasy. It smoothes roughened hair surfaces, making them shiny and easier to comb.

Panthenol does not “nourish” hair. It coats it to make it slippery.

Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?

Panthenol acts as a lubricant on the skin surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. Panthenol and Pantothenic Acid also enhance the appearance and feel of hair, by increasing hair body, suppleness, or sheen, or by improving the texture of hair that has been damaged physically or by chemical treatment.

Propylparaben:

Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. They protect cosmetics and personal care products by preventing or retarding the growth of yeast and mold as will as some types of bacteria. They can be found in shampoos, conditioners, water-based styling aids, moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, personal

CO-Washing with ORS…

kay last night instead doing the tea rinse I decided to just Co-Wash like planned. I used ORS con. After that I sprayed some Infusium 23, applied some HE LTR and let my hair dry till about 95% and sprayed some Oyin Frank Juice and sealed with coconut oil. This morning my hair feels so good and hydrated. Why did I ever stray away from my ORS? This will become my new baby for co washing. Somebody is getting replaced! Could it be HE Coconut milk? I know I will never part my Aussie. LOL. Anyway I am beginning to love my new growth texture.

Moisture and Your Hair

After combing your hair do you get worried about the hair that is covering your bathroom floor or sink? Well you should.  Why? Because that is a warning sign that your hair is trying to tell you something. It is breaking for a reason. You will need to start investigating as to why your hair is breaking.  Does your hair need moisture or protein or do you need to balance the moisture and protein levels.

What is moisture?  Why do I need it?

Here is a very detailed article I actually found on two different sites. I am not sure of whom the author is but it’s informative:

Hair Breakage 101: Protein and Moisture

Moisture

Hair needs water to maintain its elasticity, or ability to stretch. Since water is the ultimate moisturizer, water-based products are best for really getting the greatest moisture benefit.

Moisturizers are simply products that are water-based and nourish your hair deep within the strand. Products with moisturizing properties tend to be your conditioners and other specific moisturizer sprays or creams. Moisturizers may also contain large amounts of protein, but these protein based moisturizers do not have the moisturizing benefit that moisture-based moisturizers have. Check labels to gauge protein content. Good moisturizers will not contain cheap, filler ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, or lanolin. Avoid products that claim moisturizing benefits and contain these ingredients. There is nothing moisturizing about them! Petrolatum and mineral oil are sealants that seal out the precious moisture our hair needs.

REMEMBER! Oils DO NOT Moisturize

Perhaps words like “nourish” would be better than moisturize. Oil alone will not and cannot moisturize within the hair shaft. An oil (grease) can only coat the outside of the strand, and give it shine- the illusion of moisture. Oil molecules are hydrophobic which means they repel and do not readily mix with water. Remember, if you apply an oil product to your hair before you have added a moisturizing product, you have created a seal on your hair strand that water and moisture cannot penetrate.

Below are a couple of articles that I posted on my blog when I first started my healthy hair journey. The articles proved to be very helpful. I am posting them here in hopes that you can benefit from them.

Does Your Hair Absorb Moisture?

Does your hair feel moisturized and then later on in the day it feel dry like you never did anything to it? Well if you try my miracle product I can promise you lighting fast results! SIKE! I am joking! When I was writing this it seemed like I was getting ready to advertise a product so I just ran with it!

But seriously does your hair feel moisturized one minute and dry as heck the next? What’s up with that? Well what do you know about porosity and your hair? Oh you haven’t heard? Ummm well Porosity is your hairs ability to absorb moisture. This is determined by the condition of the hair’s cuticle layer. The cuticles are fish scale look a things on your hair. If they are wide opened the hair too-readily absorbs moisture and overly-porous hair also releases moisture easily and becomes dry and is easily damaged.

So what products do I recommend? Try: Roux Porosity Conditioner. I used it last night for the first time and so far I can actually notice the difference in my hair. I am going to keep using this for a couple of washes to see how my hair turns out.

Do you “Baggie?”

“The Baggy Method”

…No, no that kind of baggie!

For most of the women who are aware of this method they use a plastic shower cap to baggie but because of my XL head I like to use saran wrap….but that’s besides the point.Why do I baggie?

Right now the temperature in Afghanistan is 120 in the sun and my hair gets very dry. I need to make sure I am keeping that much needed moisture in my hair and my ends are protected. Did you know that your ends are the oldest on your head? This makes them the driest and it makes them more prone to breakage. Imagine how much them bad boys have been through. When I hear my ends whispering in my ear telling me they are thirsty that’s when I run for the moisture. LOL!

Yes, I wear braids but I still need to baggie. Remember its important to treat your hair as if you are not in braids.

How do you baggie?

I learned this method from one of the member’s on BHM who has been very successful with it. Here are the simple steps:

1. First find yourself a good moisturizer.I like to use SCurl. Spray this on the ends of your hair.

2. Next find yourself a good sealant. Most people like to use 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) or other natural oils as coconut. I like to use Jamaican Black Castor oil since I am trying to work on thickness.

3. Next take your shower cap and place the ends of your hair in it and secure it with a “safe to use” scrunchy on top of the bag and hair.Yup, that’s all to it! Using this method you are able to maintain moisture on the ends of your hair while you sleep or through your normal day activates. Uh huh..yup I said it….through your normal day activates. How? Some of the women on the boards like to baggie their ends and style their hair in a bun. This way the plastic shower cap is concealed if you do it right. So you are protecting your hair and looking good at the same time. You do it girl!

Moisture Tip:

Applying a moisturizing conditioner to dry hair for 30 minutes to an hour and following with a warm/cool water rinse can help maintain the hair’s moisture balance and make it more pliable.

What are Silicones and Great Moisturizing Conditioners…

Heres a link for a great article for picking a moisturizing conditioner. SistaSlick talks about silicone’sand everything!

Click here for SistaSlick articleA short list of “Con Free Conditioners”ConditionerAlberto V05 Blushin’ Apple conditioner

Alberto V05 Free Me Freesia conditioner

Alberto V05 Extra Body conditioner

Alberto V05 Kiwi and Lime Squeeze conditioner

Alberto V05 Moisture Milks Strawberries and Cream conditioner

Alberto V05 Peaches & Cream

Alberto V05 Strawberries and Cream

Alberto V05 Sun Kissed Raspberry conditioner

Alberto V05 Tangerine Tickle conditioner

Alberto V05 Tea Therapy Nourishing conditionerAloe Desert Herb Revitalizing Conditioner

Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing conditioner

Aubrey Organics Island Naturals Replenishing conditioner

Aubrey Organics JojobaAuntie Rhubarb Moisture Bomb

Aussie Conditionernstant Conditioner

Suave Aloe Vera

Suave Juicy Green Apple

Suave Milk and Honey conditioner

Suave Naturals Citrus Smoothie

Suave Naturals Conditioner, Juicy Green Apple

Suave Naturals Conditioner, Tropical Coconut

Hydrating Vitality BlastWeleda Rosemary Phyto Hair Conditioner

White Rain Energizing Citrus

White Rain Extra Body conditioner

White Rain Jasmine conditioner

White Rain Regular conditionerCone-Free Leave

Lately I have been eye-balling my ORS Replenishing Con and temptation finally took over. I untwisted one of my strands applied Oyin Frank Juice, ORS Replen Con and sealed with Coconut Oil.The Results: Very, very soft moisturized hair!Cons: I would not recommend doing this daily but closer to your wash days.

Protein and Your Hair!

Protein

Protein is what gives the hair its strength and structure. Hair is about 70% keratin protein by nature. There are a wide variety of proteins that serve different functions and roles in hair care. Some enhance elasticity, while others reduce it. These proteins bind to the hair cuticle and help temporarily rebuild any weakened areas. Protein-based products reinforce the hair shaft, and help it remain strong enough to fight breakage.
Some proteins are stronger than others, but daily or even weekly use of even the milder protein treatments may result in an imbalance between the protein and moisture levels within the hair strands in some people. This is where product percent composition really plays an important role. For example, every product that contains keratin protein is not going to feel the same way across the board, and every product that contains glycerin or water is not going to feel the same either! The protein in question could make up 30% of the product or 0.3%! Who knows! You have to play around with different products to know how strong they are on your particular hair. Your hair protein tolerance will vary from product to product, not necessarily protein to protein.

Protein is found most prevalently in products like instant conditioners (bargain brands like Suave and V05), leave-in conditioners, protein reconstructor conditioner treatments, and even some moisturizers.
Women with relaxed or color treated hair need more protein than others. If you are relaxed or color treated, those processes have compromised the protein structure of your hair. Relaxing and coloring breaks protein bonds, and depending on the type and strength of the relaxer, and level of bond breakage you incur, you will need more or less protein than someone else. There are also some people whose hair is more protein deficient by nature (genetics, low protein dietary intake), so they require more regular protein than others to keep the balance intact. At the end of the day, you must experiment and get to know your own head of hair.

Sealing Hair to Retain Length

Sealing in your Moisturizers:

Our hair naturally contains moisture, but because our hair is also naturally porous, keeping the moisture inside is a difficult task. Providing additional sources of outside moisture, or external moisture supplementation, is a must for black hair care. Water molecules and moisture from these supplemental moisturizing products easily pass into the hair shaft, but they pass out just as easily. The moisture you apply needs to held in by something. Oil.

 Natural oils like jojoba, olive, carrot, or coconut oil seem to work best.

 A light coating of oil after your daily moisturizer will help seal the moisture inside. Oils are made of large molecules. These molecules are too large to absorbed by the hair strand. Applying oils to the hair and scalp will coat them and trap the moisture that is inside on the inside and the moisture that is outside on the outside. The key is to use the oil to “lock in the moisture.” If you use oils without a moisturizer or before one, the oil will seal the moisture out of the hair strand and lead to a coated feel and eventual dryness. This technique of moisturizing and sealing has really been helpful to me and is a resonating hallmark of my regimen. Fighting hair breakage and achieving moisturizing success is all in the order in which you apply your products.

Scenario of Protein and Moisture Issues

Here is a very detailed article I actually found on two different sites. I am not sure of whom the author is but it’s informative and it gives a GREAT example of a real life example of a protein and/or moisture issue.

You Can’t Have one Without the other!

The unique relationship that exists between the protein and moisture balances within the hair strand is not simply a case of balancing opposing forces one over the other to prevent hair breakage. These two components work together synergistically to produce a healthy head of hair, and neither can work well without the other. Keeping the hair balanced between these two entities is very important. Protein loss from chemical treatments is almost always followed by a moisture loss of some degree. Hair that is properly proteinated absorbs moisture more efficiently because water molecules bind easily to a sound protein structure within the hair. Achieving the proper balance involves using the right combinations of protein and moisture based products for your hair type. Consider the following scenarios:

 In case you are like me and you need examples see below:

Scenario 1: Kim’s hair is breaking like crazy and feels like a brillo pad. It is just plain crunchy and dry! Every time she touches it, pieces seem to just pop right off. Snap, crackle, pop. Combing is impossible without tons of little hairs covering her sink and back. Her hair feels hard and rough even when wet. She’s given it protein treatments because the product says it is supposed to stop breakage in its tracks and rebuild the hair. But so far, nothing is working and her problem is getting worse.

Scenario 2: Trina’s hair is breaking like crazy as well. Her hair feels dry, looks dull, and is very weak. Her hair is too weak to withstand simple combing. It feels extra stretchy when wet and almost follows the comb as she pulls through to detangle. Her hair is just limp and has no life. She’s deep conditioned and done hot oil treatments on her hair once a week. Since her breakage began, she has stepped up the conditioning but her problem has gotten worse.

Same Problem- Different Solutions

Both of these women have issues with hair breakage, but the solutions to their individual problems require two very different approaches. The two scenarios above perfectly illustrate what happens when the balance between protein and moisture is tipped too far in either direction. This article will teach you to effectively recognize the difference between protein based and moisture based hair problems and help you can organize your hair regimen to effectively combat these issues as they arise.

When the Balance Tips, You Must Wet Assess

Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Hair is not exempt from this old adage. Growing out your hair is a constant battle between maintaining even protein and moisture balances. Hair breakage is the result of the hair chemistry being thrown off balance. Remember Kim and Trina from the beginning of the article? Hair that is shifted too far on either side of the balance (too much protein or too much moisture) will break.

The Importance of Wet Assessment

Though hair health assessments can be performed on dry hair, determining your cause of breakage is often easiest on wet hair. Hair in its wet state exudes the basic properties of elasticity and strength excellently. In fact, these qualities are often exaggerated on wet hair. Thorough and frequent wet assessments will help you maintain your hair’s health and condition.
Hair in its optimal condition will not break when wet unless undue stress is placed upon it through aggressive combing, detangling, or unusual types of pulling stress. Balanced hair will feel soft and supple, yet strong while wet. When you comb through it, it should resist excess stretching and will hardly break if you are careful. Over time, and with trial and error, you will be able to tell what is normal stress for your hair.
If your hair does indeed break when wet, the way the hair breaks under these conditions will give you a sure indication of whether more moisture or protein is required to regain the proper balance.

How Do I Perform a Proper Wet Assessment?

It would be difficult for you to wet assess your hair by holding a single strand and pulling on both ends. That type of stress would be considered “undue” stress, because no single hair is ever really subjected to that sort of tension at one time. Any strand of hair (healthy or not) that you pull on by both ends has the potential to snap depending on the pressure you apply to it. Hair should be wet assessed by the normal act of combing though it or touch-testing it.

Wet Assessment Hair Breakage Break Down
If your hair:

(When Wet or Dry) Stretches slightly and returns to its original length without breaking, you are balanced! Stick with maintaining!
(When Wet or Dry) Stretches a little more than normal then breaks, you need more protein in your regimen.
(When Wet or Dry)Stretches, stretches, stretches with no significant breakage yet, add a bit more protein to your regimen.
(Wet)- Feels weak, gummy, mushy, or limp, you need to add more protein to your regimen.
(Wet or Dry) Experiences very little to no stretching, and simply snaps or breaks, you need to increase the moisture in your regimen.
(Dry) Feels rough, tough, hard, dry, tangly, brittle, or any combination of those, you need more moisture in your regimen.
Unsure? Err on the side of caution and give your hair more moisture. So now that you have figured out what type of hair breakage you have, what should you do?

When the balance is thrown off by too much Protein

Hair that is shifted too far on the protein side will break easier, both wet and dry, because it lacks elasticity. Elasticity is what allows us to style, stretch, and manipulate our hair without breakage. Hair that breaks with very little tension or stretching is a sign of an overabundance of protein, and a deficiency of moisture. Any type of stretching or tension will break it because the protein goes in and adds structure to the hair. Too much structure makes the hair rigid, and decreases its elasticity. The result? Brittle, breakage-prone hair. This was the issue with Kim’s hair. She was feeding her hair more protein than she needed to maintain a healthy balance.

If this describes your hair at any time listen up! To correct this imbalance, you will need to go into a simple deep conditioning and moisturizing regimen. Protein induced breakage conditions can take several weeks to correct repair, and this form of breakage requires much more intensive conditioning and treatment than moisture induced breakage does. It is by far one of the most aggressive and common forms of breakage. It is much easier to overload your hair with protein and cause breakage, than to overload your hair with moisture and cause breakage. That is why if you are not sure what is causing your hair breakage, you should always try giving it moisture first. Depending on your level of breakage, this regimen may need to be followed for consecutive washes.

Clarify your hair with a really good stripping shampoo like to remove any excess product buildup. Then, deep condition your hair for 30-45 minutes once, preferably twice a week with heat with a thick, creamy moisturizing deep conditioner. Apply a water-based moisturizer to your hair, concentrating on the ends daily. I would watch out for excess protein in common products like leave in conditioners, moisturizers, gels, and instant conditioners like Suave and V05. Protein hides in a lot of everyday products, so avoid those for a few weeks until your moisture balance is corrected. This will give your hair a chance to even out the protein/moisture balance. A list of product recommendations can be found at the end of this article.

When the balance is thrown off by too much moisture

Yes! There is such a thing as “over-conditioning” the hair and Trina found that out the hard way. Hair that is shifted too far on the moisture side will be “super-elastic” and stretch more because it lacks a sound protein structure. Many people describe the feel of over-conditioned and over-moisturized hair as “mush-like” or “overly soft,” especially when wet. This kind of hair has a weak, limp, spongy feel to it. Protein deficient hair will tend to pull and stretch along with the comb and then break. It will always stretch first then break because of the low structural protein stores, and overabundance of moisture. Does this describe your hair? Listen up!
To solve this problem, you will need some kind of protein to give the hair structure again. Moisture Induced hair breakage is typically corrected in one protein deep conditioning session. The mildest forms can be corrected by simply moisturizing the hair twice a day with a protein-based water based moisturizer. For mild breakage, Aphogee 2 minute keratin reconstructor works very well. For moderate to heavy breakage, apply a moderate protein conditioner like Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo to the hair for about 20-30 minutes, then rinse. For serious or long standing forms of moisture induced breakage opt for a heavier protein treatment like Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair.
Even if your hair is stretching without breakage you should use a light protein product to correct this. When your hair stretches, the strand “thins” and becomes weaker across the cross section. It may not break right then at that very point in time, but stretched out of and beyond its shape, it is compromised and will eventually break at some other point. Your hair should be springing back to position. If it’s stretching and stretching without breaking it may be your hair’s way of telling you, “Hey, I need a little structure (protein) here! I’m getting waaaay too elastic, but not yet enough to break– so do something now!” This is where a preventive maintenance protein application would come in. You don’t have to wait for breakage to act. Your hair is telling you now! Start light, and work from there. You may not need a heavy protein treatment just yet.

Coconut Oil

On my journey I mainly used virgin cocnut oil to seal the ends of my hair. I believe it actually helped in the thickening of my hair.

What does coconut do? It creates a protein structure for moisture.

Coconut oil can help the natural protein structure of your hair. It helps to retain moisture better and to make the hair stronger. This oil helps to reduce water uptake and swelling by binding proteins and eliminating excess water.

Damaged or porous hair is the best candidate for coconut oil use because the hair cuticles are vulnerable and are open. This product reduces the hair ability to swell and shrink in response to water.

Other benefits include: a great product for scalp massages, helps in length retention when applied to ends consistently and lightly conditions hair without leaving a greasy feel.

Coconut oil is an excellent hair oil to use on natural hair, chemically relax, heat straighten, or colored hair because it prevents protein loss and reduce hair porosity.

Monistat for Hair Growth

How can using Monistat make your hair grow?
Monistat for hair growth…WTH?
Ladies, its the ingredient(Miconazole nitrate!) in the monistat that works Read down and you will see exactly why.

Here a thread I posted a while back on www.longhaircareforum.com:

Yeast and Dandruff…

So I am sitting here at work scratching my head and I see dandruff… I am wondering what really causes dandruff? Most would say dirt. But that answer is not good enough for me so I start surfing the net to see what is dandruff. I was so amazed at my answers so i decided to share. I now see why some of yall have used monistat on your hair. High five to yall!!! here are my findings I copied and pasted from this website: http://www.dr-earles.com/html/dandruff.html

 There is a yeast that grows in the scalp, including in the oil glands, which go deeply into the scalp. This yeast causes the condition,dandruff or Seborrheic Dermatitis, the medical name for dandruff.How does yeast cause dandruff?First, understand that every hair on the scalp is surrounded by, or/and is intimately associated with an oil gland. The oil gland usually shares with the hair follicle, the same opening to the scalp. In the healthy state, the oil gland secretes a tiny amount of oil which lubricates the hair and scalp.

The yeast that lives in the oil glands and on the scalp in fact actually eats the oil. THIS IS ITS FOOD! (WTF) (SO THAT’S WHERE MY OIL IS GOING!)The oil is therefore, not there to lubricate the hair and scalp. The decrease or absence of oil causes dryness and flaking. Dryness by itself can cause itching. The presence of the yeast in large numbers can also cause considerable inflammation, which is another cause of itching. Thus, a person with dandruff may itch for two different lesions, dryness and inflammation. If itching is severe, subsequent scratching can cause breakage of the skin and with resultant bleeding, and sometimes, infection as well. This inflammation and infection may even cause temporary, patchy hair loss. These episodes may lead to a condition called folliculitis. Chronic folliculitis can cost permanent hair loss….now to all of you who actually read ALL OF THAT….. That stops the myth to those who actually believe dandruff grows the hair!

Here is the linkto Part 2 on my blog: http://braids4grow.blogspot.com/search/label/Monistat%20for%20Hair

The GreenHouse Effect

What is the Greenhouse Effect?
So I was over on www.blackhairmedia.com and I came arross this female who calls herself “Real Queen.” She has had some AMAZING growth and I decided I had to give her credit. The 2 paragraphs below is from her site, so I would like to give credit where its due.  I am all for natural hair products and care so I plan on starting to incorporate this method very soon and I will document it here as well on my other hair blog: www.braids4grow.blogspot.com
The whole point of the entire Real Queens Regimen is to eliminate the process of using hair products that contain chemicals and start using the natural things that God created to help grow your hair.…as you can see from her  progress pictures here, the green house effect helps to promote hair growth by creating a natural warm steamy environment that enables the natural oils from your scalp to come out and help your hair grow…it’s also great for dryness because of all the moisture produced.
ISN’T THE GREEN HOUSE EFFECT JUST BAGGYING?
Baggying involves using a moisturizer (which contains chemicals) and a plastic cap to help retain moisture and hydrate your hair. The green house effect is mainly to help promote hair growth in a natural way as well as restore moisture.
She has a very informative site and I am VERY glad I came across it.  Below is what I concluded.
What are the benefits from doing the GreenHouse Effect?
Well for starters if you are ever to lazy to do your hair or if your schedule doesn’t allow time, you can just quickly slap some water and a natural oil such as extra virgin olive or coconut oil and put your shower cap on and let the magic happen. If you find that your hair is a little damp in the morning I would recommend that you start do braid outs or buns while trying this method. In the end the long hair is worth it. 

Megatek for Hair Growth

If you are heavy into the blogs and forums you are probably already aware of megatek. In case you are not here is some info to get you started. I would also like to add that Mega-Tek was my BEST go to method for FAST hair growth. *Warning* You have to be careful of how much you apply. Read below for more details.

What is Megatek and how do you use it on your hair for “hair growth?” Megatek is a hard protein that was originally formulated for horses but is now “safe for human” usage.

What does Megatek smell like? To me it smells sort of fruity like coconut and berries or something. The consistency is of a medium thick white paste. It melts right into the hair so you do not need to worry about white residue.

 How do you apply Megatek for hair growth? Back in the day when I got a lot of growth from Megatek I was applying it to my scalp and leaving it on until the next wash day. Now I have started applying it on my scalp and the length of the hair.

Warnings: Because this is a protein, too much usage can cause your hair to feel hard and break. You will experience “protein overload.”  How can you prevent protein overload?  Make sure to balance your hair with a moisturizer. I used to use the Scurl (old formula); now in 2013 I am using the Oyin Juices and Berries.

How does it work? The hydrolyzed keratin protein in Mega-Tek Rebuilder penetrates the layers of hair to allow the product to strengthen, lengthen and thicken from the inside of the hair follicle to the outside.

What kind of growth did I get from Megtek?

Well let’s say it like this… I was able to grow my hair six inches in one year and retain ALL of it using Megatek in my regimen. Mega-Tek cell rebuilder strengthens the hair up to 30%, the company claims, prevents breakage and slows down hair loss. Mega-Tek is also a favorite among chemotherapy patients trying to re-grow hair lost during chemotherapy.

Where can you purchase Megatek: I always buy mine from Amazon but if you are in the U.S I hear you can find it in almost any pet store.

 Are there any other alternatives to using Megatek on the hair? Yes some people like to use it as a deep conditioner. I do not prefer that method because I feel like the megatek is not getting enough time to really penetrate the hair, lol… I know sounds crazy, lol….but it worked for me.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil for Hair Growth with PIC’s

During my journey my hair started shedding something TERRIBLE and I think it was due to protein overload from the Mega-tek and stress of my grandmother passing.  I really stopped caring for my hair then. Lost motivation… ESPECIALLY after the Dominican cut my progress. On Sept 8, I decided to take action to restore my hair. So I pulled out a newly purchased bottle of JBCO with coconut oil and a Wal-Mart brand of castor oil. First I applied Scurl to my new growth and ends and then I applied the JBCO and regularcastor oil to my scalp and ends, put on a silk stocking cap on my hair, put a coffee stocking cap over it and applied my lace wig and left it at that until 23 Sept.

23 Sept, I washed my hair using the products pictured and checked on my hair. I also flat ironed it before washing to see the length. My new growth is looking so pretty! It looks as if its taking on a new texture. The middle part down the center of my head has filled in and is not as wide. No lie it looks like I got ½ inch of growth already!! My areas that were almost balding have started filling back in and my air felt very moisturized! YES! So I am going to continue to use the mixture and leave megatek alone for a while. Back in the day the JBCO didn’t give me these good results or I never paid it any attention because I was using so much other stuff. I am glad I tried it again.

Anyway…here are some pictures of the products I used on my hair right after washing, my comparison picture from when I last got my hair relaxed on 30 July and the amount of shedding I had after detangling my hair. Oh I forgot to mention instead of drying my hair with a towel I used a big heavy duty paper towel!

What does JBCO smell like? Omg I do not like the smell. Its like a strong burnt smell or something of that nature. Its very sticky when used alone but after you apply it to your scalp your scalp will feel so SOFT and moisturized! If you are used of that feeling from using that Blue Magic hair grease from back in the day it has that same effect.

Where can you buy this from? Amazon…eBay…some Beauty Supply Stores.

My YouTube Videos – Hair Growth Updates

Here are a couple of videos I have posted on YouTube that also “Show” My Hair Growth. Enjoy and thanks for checking me out  Also here is my YouTube Link to check on videos about my Lace Wigs: http://www.youtube.com/user/Braids4Gro/videos