12 inches in 12 months - 2014

[Jewell]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

faithVA I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I pray God gives you and your family the strength you all need to get through this.

fancypants007 You're welcome! I apologize there are not any current 2012-2013 photos posted there...I have some saved on my ph and camera but have not uploaded them yet. Thanks, I hope I can continue to inspire and help others...LHCF ladies have helped me tremendously over the years with learning about my hair.

caliscurls You're very welcome, I enjoyed reading your post!! I can relate!! I type rather fast, which is how my posts end up being kinda long before I even realize it! Glad I could be of help. I found I have MORE retention being relaxed versus natural since I had to keep trimming knots while natural. I also noticed my relaxed hair is thicker and heavier than my straightened natural hair. Odd, but thus far I like the idea of natural hair but not the work involved!

I tried to take some self pics yesterday with this iPad and they were very wonky...uneven and what not. I have a small mirror in my bathroom and as big as this tablet is, they did not come out well.

I will touch-up soon, maybe end of the month (this NG not gonna make it to July 24), and hopefully get SO to take some for me for the end of June check-in/updates. I have had to go from TU's every 6 mos, to every 5 mos, to 4, and now I'm looking at knocking it down to 3. I'll take a before TU and after photo. I guess this reducing time between TU's is due to extra growth, which I am thankful for.

I can't even part my hair by month 5. I will see if I get around to a henndigo application...that will give me more manageable NG and I might be able to make it to the end of July. I just hate the mess I make with henna and indigo...I make a mess with hair dye period. I have to put newspaper all over the floor and everywhere to catch splatters. I hate to go thru all that but I love henna and indigo, along with the other Ayurvedic powders. I think Brahmi is my fave...

Oh, let me put y'all onto a gem I discovered in Parachute Amla Oil...Dabur Amla gets no love from me anymore with that paraffin it is laden with. Parachute is pure coconut oil plus Amla, and the shine and softness it gives is out of this world. Parachute Amla, though pure coconut oil, does not solidify at room temp. It is a silky-feeling oil, not too heavy.

I would equate the viscosity of the oil to jojoba oil. I love this stuff. Wish they made it years ago before I stumbled upon Dabur Amla...and to think I use to love that stuff. In my opinion, it does not hold a candle to Parachute Amla.

I got a 200mL bottle for $6.75 on eBay. I will order another to do oil soaks.

 

[Jewell]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

Thank you for your post! About the baggying...I just do the ends...the last 8-10" or so. I've never tried GHE, unless me leaving a plastic cap on my head after applying a regular conditioner that I will leave-in counts as GHE. I mainly do it to let the conditioner penetrate a bit before I apply my sealants. I put the plastic wrap on my ends maybe 2 times a week, and leave it overnight or sometimes for a day or 2 if I will be at home.

The rest of my hair remains covered with a satin scarf. Oh, I use protein about 2-3 times a week, in the form of a mild protein conditioner, like Garnier Fructis Length 'n Strength, L'Oreal Total Repair 5 conditioner, Matrix Total Results Repair, or Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Hair Treatment.

Just examples of items I regularly use. I also use a good number of volumizing conditioners, because they often have wheat protein, apple pectin, collagen, keratin, or some protein-like ingredient that strengthens, thickens, swells, and coats the hair shaft. My hair is on the thick side, but I like big, thick, fluffy hair so I use volumizing products for that purpose too. I like it to look and feel as fluffy as possible, lol. Like baby doll or wig hair... another reason I fell in love with air drying years ago...that fluffy, voluminous look it can give hair.

I can't really GHE or leave a plastic cap on my head long...like overnight would kill me. I used to do overnight oil treatments, but I am a light sleeper...that rustling from the plastic bout drove me crazy. Now I do oil soaks or treatments while I'm up during the day. My scalp also starts to itch after a while of having a cap on. Doing the ends I add moisturizer, oil or pomade, then wrap them up. Put it in a bun, and if I do have to go somewhere, I put a crocheted bun cover over it...so u can't see the plastic that way. Hth!

 

[felic1]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

faithVA I am sorry to hear of your loss. God bless.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

Thank you for your post! About the baggying...I just do the ends...the last 8-10" or so. I've never tried GHE, unless me leaving a plastic cap on my head after applying a regular conditioner that I will leave-in counts as GHE. I mainly do it to let the conditioner penetrate a bit before I apply my sealants. I put the plastic wrap on my ends maybe 2 times a week, and leave it overnight or sometimes for a day or 2 if I will be at home.

The rest of my hair remains covered with a satin scarf. Oh, I use protein about 2-3 times a week, in the form of a mild protein conditioner, like Garnier Fructis Length 'n Strength, L'Oreal Total Repair 5 conditioner, Matrix Total Results Repair, or Silicon Mix Bambu Nutritive Hair Treatment.

Just examples of items I regularly use. I also use a good number of volumizing conditioners, because they often have wheat protein, apple pectin, collagen, keratin, or some protein-like ingredient that strengthens, thickens, swells, and coats the hair shaft. My hair is on the thick side, but I like big, thick, fluffy hair so I use volumizing products for that purpose too. I like it to look and feel as fluffy as possible, lol. Like baby doll or wig hair... another reason I fell in love with air drying years ago...that fluffy, voluminous look it can give hair.

I can't really GHE or leave a plastic cap on my head long...like overnight would kill me. I used to do overnight oil treatments, but I am a light sleeper...that rustling from the plastic bout drove me crazy. Now I do oil soaks or treatments while I'm up during the day. My scalp also starts to itch after a while of having a cap on. Doing the ends I add moisturizer, oil or pomade, then wrap them up. Put it in a bun, and if I do have to go somewhere, I put a crocheted bun cover over it...so u can't see the plastic that way. Hth!

Thanks for the detailed post. I will try incorporating this into my regime at least 2-3 times a week. Yes doing the GHE overnight was a bit much, but I didn't really see anything that was beneficial from doing it. I'm going to stop for awhile and just baggy the ends of my hair. You also gave some good suggestions for conditioners. I've been stuck on Mane n Tail because it seems to reduce my shedding and I like that. It's also a form of light protein. I purchased the other day Healthy Concepts Pumpkin conditioner and it left my hair soft and moisturised. I use this once a week for my cowashes. It smells very good too.

 

[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Jewell you're so sweet for doing such lovely, detailed posts. I'm really going to take on board what you said particularly about just leaving my hair up and not playing in it. i always end up with my hands in my hair during the day. Its like a compulsion. I think, for me, It'll take practice

 

[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thanks for checking in. It's true, we have to find out what works the best for us. I've been sporting these buns which are fine, but I can't wait to put my braids back in at the end of July. That rosemary infusion spray sounds very good. I have a moisturising spray that I spray AM/PM and it makes my hair tingle too. It feels soooo good doesn't it. How does the aphogee green tea mist work out. Do you spray aphogee first before your serum, oil, or after you oil your hair. That sounds interesting because I want to preserve my ends too. Please share.

fancypants007 The aphogee green tea mist does add some strength. It a great way to get some protein in on non wash days. I add it first, before any serums and oils only on the ends, not on the scalp. Its a little acidic and irritates my scalp. I put my twists into two pigtails and spray the last 4 inches, put my leave in and then seal the entire length with the serum/oil. I've recently started heavy sealing my ends with grease as suggested by Jewell. then put my twists into two loose french braids. hth

 

[HoneyA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

faithVA I'm really sorry to hear about your mom. My condolences to you and your family.

 

[MileHighDiva]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Oh, let me put y'all onto a gem I discovered in Parachute Amla Oil...Dabur Amla gets no love from me anymore with that paraffin it is laden with. Parachute is pure coconut oil plus Amla, and the shine and softness it gives is out of this world. Parachute Amla, though pure coconut oil, does not solidify at room temp. It is a silky-feeling oil, not too heavy.

I would equate the viscosity of the oil to jojoba oil. I love this stuff. Wish they made it years ago before I stumbled upon Dabur Amla...and to think I use to love that stuff. In my opinion, it does not hold a candle to Parachute Amla.

I got a 200mL bottle for $6.75 on eBay. I will order another to do oil soaks.

Jewell have you ever tried Dabur Vatika Oil, it has EVCO, amla, and some other stuff in it? If so, how does it compare to your Parachute Amla Oil? I never tried either, yet. I have the vatika oil sitting in my Amazon cart, but I haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Thank You HoneyA, Felic1 and Jewell. If I didn't thank you please know it was an oversight and not intentional.

 

[faithVA]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I putting the 5000 mcg Biotin in the trash. I have no additional hair growth and plenty of breakouts One less pill I have to take.

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I have chunky twists in my hair that's been set using aloe very juice, garnier sleek and shine and avocado butter. The avocado butter is about the same as shea butter in my opinion but a little more.....buttery? If that's the word. Easier to melt I'll say and then too much can easily make my hair overly greasy, but I think I kinda like it so far. XD

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007 The aphogee green tea mist does add some strength. It a great way to get some protein in on non wash days. I add it first, before any serums and oils only on the ends, not on the scalp. Its a little acidic and irritates my scalp. I put my twists into two pigtails and spray the last 4 inches, put my leave in and then seal the entire length with the serum/oil. I've recently started heavy sealing my ends with grease as suggested by Jewell. then put my twists into two loose french braids. hth

Thank you for this, adding it to my regime.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I have chunky twists in my hair that's been set using aloe very juice, garnier sleek and shine and avocado butter. The avocado butter is about the same as shea butter in my opinion but a little more.....buttery? If that's the word. Easier to melt I'll say and then too much can easily make my hair overly greasy, but I think I kinda like it so far. XD

Do you do your own twists? I have some avocado butter and its true if you use too much it will make your hair greasy, but it definitely defines the curl pattern in your hair. I'm going to mix some with my shealoe butter and use it to seal when I do my braids at end of July.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

faithVA I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I pray God gives you and your family the strength you all need to get through this.

fancypants007 You're welcome! I apologize there are not any current 2012-2013 photos posted there...I have some saved on my ph and camera but have not uploaded them yet. Thanks, I hope I can continue to inspire and help others...LHCF ladies have helped me tremendously over the years with learning about my hair.

caliscurls You're very welcome, I enjoyed reading your post!! I can relate!! I type rather fast, which is how my posts end up being kinda long before I even realize it! Glad I could be of help. I found I have MORE retention being relaxed versus natural since I had to keep trimming knots while natural. I also noticed my relaxed hair is thicker and heavier than my straightened natural hair. Odd, but thus far I like the idea of natural hair but not the work involved!

I tried to take some self pics yesterday with this iPad and they were very wonky...uneven and what not. I have a small mirror in my bathroom and as big as this tablet is, they did not come out well.

I will touch-up soon, maybe end of the month (this NG not gonna make it to July 24), and hopefully get SO to take some for me for the end of June check-in/updates. I have had to go from TU's every 6 mos, to every 5 mos, to 4, and now I'm looking at knocking it down to 3. I'll take a before TU and after photo. I guess this reducing time between TU's is due to extra growth, which I am thankful for.

I can't even part my hair by month 5. I will see if I get around to a henndigo application...that will give me more manageable NG and I might be able to make it to the end of July. I just hate the mess I make with henna and indigo...I make a mess with hair dye period. I have to put newspaper all over the floor and everywhere to catch splatters. I hate to go thru all that but I love henna and indigo, along with the other Ayurvedic powders. I think Brahmi is my fave...

Oh, let me put y'all onto a gem I discovered in Parachute Amla Oil...Dabur Amla gets no love from me anymore with that paraffin it is laden with. Parachute is pure coconut oil plus Amla, and the shine and softness it gives is out of this world. Parachute Amla, though pure coconut oil, does not solidify at room temp. It is a silky-feeling oil, not too heavy.

I would equate the viscosity of the oil to jojoba oil. I love this stuff. Wish they made it years ago before I stumbled upon Dabur Amla...and to think I use to love that stuff. In my opinion, it does not hold a candle to Parachute Amla.

I got a 200mL bottle for $6.75 on eBay. I will order another to do oil soaks.

I did a search on the Parachute Amla oil and it does sound good. I'm going to my indian grocer to see if they have it. I just started last weekend using coconut oil and aloe vera gel as a moisturising conditioner. They recommend to wash hair afterwards and I just used meerva hair wash mixed with VO5 tea therapy conditioner as a cleanser to wash hair. It turned out very well. I'm going to substitute the parachute amla oil to see what results I get. Thanks for sharing.
I looked at your fotki and you hair is very pretty. Can I ask what drawstring pony you are wearing?

 

[Jewell]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

MileHighDiva

YASS, HONTEY...I have used Dabur Vatika Oil since 2006 consistently, and the Dabur Amla Oil since about 2008. I can't really compare Vatika versus Parachute Amla, because Vatika is good on it's own and has lots of nourshing ingredients in addition to Amla. However, the potency and content of Amla is MUCH greater in Dabur and Parachute Amla compared to Vatika Oil. I would consider Vatika Oil a basic souped up coconut oil, and the Amla oil by Parachute to be a coconut oil plus good Amla, if that makes sense. All 3 make the hair very soft, shiny, and after repeated use I could definitely tell a positive difference in my hair vs. not using it.

I only stopped using Dabur Amla when I ran out a few months ago, as I was in search of an Amla oil without paraffin, that was still similar to the Dabur Amla in other respects like fragrance, consistency, and color. Along came the Parachute Amla. I think that Vatika Oil, Parachute Amla, Ancient Formulae (Hesh) Mahabringaraj oil, Ancient Formulae (Hesh) Shikakai Oil, and Ramtirth Brahmi Oils are the best Ayurvedic oils I have purchased and used consistently. I have known and thought of buying others like Nyle Herbal Oil and some of the other Vatika variations (almond, cactus, etc), as well as Navratna Oil, but I have been trying to use up what I have...haven't gotten around to trying those (yet).

I use Parachute pure coconut oil in the blue bottle as well. I would rank all of these oils as 8-9.5 on a scale of 0-10 in how well they perform on my hair and scalp. I use the Parachute in the blue bottle on my skin at times, as well as Vatika oil on my skin, and it absorbs well, leaving it with a healthy sheen, but not sticky or greasy.

The Dabur Amla seemed a bit sticky to me, likely due to the paraffin, but I still loved it until discovering the Parachute Amla, which is not sticky at all. I will use all except the Dabur Amla for many years to come. (If Dabur stops putting paraffin in its Amla oil, i would buy it again). For now, my HGs are Parachute and my other faves. As long as it (Parachute Amla) is produced and sold, I will continue to buy it...that's how much I like it.

 

[MileHighDiva]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Jewell what do each of them smell like? Y'all know I'm sensitive to smells.

 

[OriginalCrownandGlory]

MileHighDiva

YASS, HONTEY...I have used Dabur Vatika Oil since 2006 consistently, and the Dabur Amla Oil since about 2008. I can't really compare Vatika versus Parachute Amla, because Vatika is good on it's own and has lots of nourshing ingredients in addition to Amla. However, the potency and content of Amla is MUCH greater in Dabur and Parachute Amla compared to Vatika Oil. I would consider Vatika Oil a basic souped up coconut oil, and the Amla oil by Parachute to be a coconut oil plus good Amla, if that makes sense. All 3 make the hair very soft, shiny, and after repeated use I could definitely tell a positive difference in my hair vs. not using it.

I only stopped using Dabur Amla when I ran out a few months ago, as I was in search of an Amla oil without paraffin, that was still similar to the Dabur Amla in other respects like fragrance, consistency, and color. Along came the Parachute Amla. I think that Vatika Oil, Parachute Amla, Ancient Formulae (Hesh) Mahabringaraj oil, Ancient Formulae (Hesh) Shikakai Oil, and Ramtirth Brahmi Oils are the best Ayurvedic oils I have purchased and used consistently. I have known and thought of buying others like Nyle Herbal Oil and some of the other Vatika variations (almond, cactus, etc), as well as Navratna Oil, but I have been trying to use up what I have...haven't gotten around to trying those (yet).

I use Parachute pure coconut oil in the blue bottle as well. I would rank all of these oils as 8-9.5 on a scale of 0-10 in how well they perform on my hair and scalp. I use the Parachute in the blue bottle on my skin at times, as well as Vatika oil on my skin, and it absorbs well, leaving it with a healthy sheen, but not sticky or greasy.

The Dabur Amla seemed a bit sticky to me, likely due to the paraffin, but I still loved it until discovering the Parachute Amla, which is not sticky at all. I will use all except the Dabur Amla for many years to come. (If Dabur stops putting paraffin in its Amla oil, i would buy it again). For now, my HGs are Parachute and my other faves. As long as it (Parachute Amla) is produced and sold, I will continue to buy it...that's how much I like it.

You've listed a bunch of goodies. I have to try a few of these oils out and see how they work for me.

 

[Jewell]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

Glad you started trying the heavy sealing of the ends. In most cases, it makes a good difference in keeping the ends protected and helping to seal in moisture. The Mane 'n Tail line is very good for curbing shedding and breakage, and for increasing the thickness of hair.

I have used Mane 'n Tail for quite a few years (since the era you spoke about--when SouthernGirl was active here and mentioned using it); the conditioners consistently and some of the cream moisturizers like the Olive Oil cream have been good for my hair. Once I use up some of my other creams/butters, I will repurchase the MNT. I would also like to try a few other MNT products.

llan

Aww, you're welcome!! It can be hard to keep your hands out of your hair when you're used to manipulating it often, but once you go low manipulation and get used to it, the benefits can be astounding. In my case, they were. I used to comb my hair multiple times a day, flat-iron, hot curl, blow-dry, roller set, dye, etc and once I cut out so much of the manipulation, my hair grew in thicker, heavier, and I had so much less breakage and dryness.

This was even when I had the appearance of healthy relaxed hair that I had a lot of manipulation going on...see the 2006 photos in my Fotki. Hair looked good, felt good, and was technically healthy, but I was doing a lot to it...that caused me to have to trim more often. I scaled the manipulation back drastically, and my hair has thanked me ever since.

 

[Jewell]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Jewell what do each of them smell like? Y'all know I'm sensitive to smells.

Both Parachute and Dabur Amla smell identical in my opinion...like a light herbal yet floral scent. It is not overpowering like some of the oils...mahabringaraj is herbal, nutty, and I smell a citrus undertone in it. Shikakai smells like fenugreek if you have ever smelled that, but to me it also smells a lot like curry powder/turmeric. I tend to like herbal-smelling products, so they don't bother me. Maka oil (I also use) smells the same as Brahmi oil to my nose.

Vatika smells like milk plus the usual herbal smell a lot of the oils have. Kinda hard to describe. Ramtirth Brahmi has an unusual herbal smell, one I really can't describe. The oil does not smell like the pure Brahmi powder as the oil has additional herbs in it aside from Brahmi. I hope these descriptions help!

These scents/herbs are not usually found in traditional American cuisine, health care, or cosmetics, so I would suggest going to an Indian store and smelling them before you buy, if possible!! I would hate for the smell to deter you...these oils are good quality!

 

[kennylee2013]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Not to add morbidity to the thread, but I want to thank everyone for the prayers and the words of encouragement. After a long battle, my mom passed away last weekend. Your kind words and thoughts have been of great help to me.

please accept my sympathy.

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Do you do your own twists? I have some avocado butter and its true if you use too much it will make your hair greasy, but it definitely defines the curl pattern in your hair. I'm going to mix some with my shealoe butter and use it to seal when I do my braids at end of July.

Yes I do them.

It does define the curl pattern! I thought I was just kinda seeing things but I guess I do notice that shea butter tends to make my ends "bush out" more and avocado butter tends to "define" them. I love that about this butter! I wonder if it would help with a wash'n go?.....Kay, that may be a little out there.

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Both Parachute and Dabur Amla smell identical in my opinion...like a light herbal yet floral scent. It is not overpowering like some of the oils...mahabringaraj is herbal, nutty, and I smell a citrus undertone in it. Shikakai smells like fenugreek if you have ever smelled that, but to me it also smells a lot like curry powder/turmeric. I tend to like herbal-smelling products, so they don't bother me. Maka oil (I also use) smells the same as Brahmi oil to my nose.

Vatika smells like milk plus the usual herbal smell a lot of the oils have. Kinda hard to describe. Ramtirth Brahmi has an unusual herbal smell, one I really can't describe. The oil does not smell like the pure Brahmi powder as the oil has additional herbs in it aside from Brahmi. I hope these descriptions help!

These scents/herbs are not usually found in traditional American cuisine, health care, or cosmetics, so I would suggest going to an Indian store and smelling them before you buy, if possible!! I would hate for the smell to deter you...these oils are good quality!

I heard that amla oil was staaaaaaaank! That's one of the main reasons I've never tried it but you may have convinced me to get onboard a lil something. I love my oils!

 

[PureSilver]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I enjoy the positive vibe in this thread....so pleasant. I have learnt much though my lurking here and Jewell you have posted a wealth of info.

QueenAmaka how are you liking the Liquid Gold hair growth oil. I bought a bottle recently and is expecting it tomorrow. I really hope i do get good results from it and by that i mean some inches.

I'll continue to lurk.....I have cut quite a bit of my hair this year. I think in total i have cut 3 inches already. I cannot even begin to mention the amount of hair i lose wash days and recently when i flat ironed, that i wont do for a long time to come. BTW i am completely natural and is thinking of relaxing because i have fine strands and medium density.

I dont' think i would have any volume to my hair or any length had it not been for my vitamins. I have been trying to practice moisturizing and sealing day and night and so far i think i have found two products that my hair loves just for that.
Wishing all the challengers here the 12'' you aspire to get and the motivation and will to make it happen.

 

[Jewell]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Mskraizy

That made me laugh. Lol, No, in my opinion, Amla oil is not stank...but brahmi oil I would say is on the stank side of the spectrum. I don't use the Brahmi as much as I used to since having a lot of nausea since having my son. Smells and foods trigger it...I have to take meds for the nausea so a lot of my oils have only been used after a wash on damp or wet hair...that way the smell dissipates faster. I would highly recommend smelling these oils before you buy!!

My tolerance for herbally stuff might be ok and it would be just totally overpowering to someone else. Aside from the smell, they are gems. I think adding a good-smelling complimentary EO like gardenia, rosemary, thyme, vetiver, or lemongrass to the Amla oil would make it smell better.

I'm thinking vetiver and gardenia most compliment its scent. Sage, shavegrass, cedarwood, sandalwood, and rosewood (basically any musky, woody scent) would be good for mahabhringaraj, and I'll have to figure out some complimentary EO's for Brahmi and Shikakai. They have such unusual scents that it's difficult to find an EO to blend and compliment it. Vetiver smells REALLY good. Check out the Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Vetiver soap at a nearby store if you can; that will give you a clue to what pure vetiver smells like. I actually use that soap too.

I really like using Vatika oil on my skin. The milk is good for the skin, the lemon in it is astringent, and the coconut oil seals in moisture, penetrates, and replaces lost fatty acids. Oh and last summer I discovered using mahabhringaraj oil on skin keeps biting insects like mosquitoes away. I'd rather use that than smelly neem oil or chemical DEET sprays on myself and my children.

I gave some to my SO and two lady neighbor friends, and they agreed, no insects came around them...tho that smell can be much to contend with. I felt like I smelled like an Indian woman's kitchen, but I'd rather just wear the oil vs. a chemical spray and shower it off. At least it's good for the skin too.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I enjoy the positive vibe in this thread....so pleasant. I have learnt much though my lurking here and Jewell you have posted a wealth of info.

QueenAmaka how are you liking the Liquid Gold hair growth oil. I bought a bottle recently and is expecting it tomorrow. I really hope i do get good results from it and by that i mean some inches.

I'll continue to lurk.....I have cut quite a bit of my hair this year. I think in total i have cut 3 inches already. I cannot even begin to mention the amount of hair i lose wash days and recently when i flat ironed, that i wont do for a long time to come. BTW i am completely natural and is thinking of relaxing because i have fine strands and medium density.

I dont' think i would have any volume to my hair or any length had it not been for my vitamins. I have been trying to practice moisturizing and sealing day and night and so far i think i have found two products that my hair loves just for that.
Wishing all the challengers here the 12'' you aspire to get and the motivation and will to make it happen.

Thanks for your positive input. It helps sooo much when we encourage and upbuild one another to help all of us meet the goal. I have fine strands too that are very delicate. Have you tried Mane n Tail products. I too use to have shedding problem which made me sooo sick, but I have been using MNT products, shampoo (I use once a month or diluted), conditioner, detangler and my hair shed has been reduced massively. I'm combing my hair every AM and PM which was something I did not do because of the shedding. Now when I comb, I have about 1 or 2 strands in my comb. I'm also using a big rake type of comb that I purchased at the dollar store. I've purchased some expensive combs, and who would have thought that the one that excels, is the comb from the dollar store. Our hair can grow to beautiful lengths and we share our knowledge, tips and suggestions to help us meet the goal. I appreciate your kind words.

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

Both Parachute and Dabur Amla smell identical in my opinion...like a light herbal yet floral scent. It is not overpowering like some of the oils...mahabringaraj is herbal, nutty, and I smell a citrus undertone in it. Shikakai smells like fenugreek if you have ever smelled that, but to me it also smells a lot like curry powder/turmeric. I tend to like herbal-smelling products, so they don't bother me. Maka oil (I also use) smells the same as Brahmi oil to my nose.

Vatika smells like milk plus the usual herbal smell a lot of the oils have. Kinda hard to describe. Ramtirth Brahmi has an unusual herbal smell, one I really can't describe. The oil does not smell like the pure Brahmi powder as the oil has additional herbs in it aside from Brahmi. I hope these descriptions help!

These scents/herbs are not usually found in traditional American cuisine, health care, or cosmetics, so I would suggest going to an Indian store and smelling them before you buy, if possible!! I would hate for the smell to deter you...these oils are good quality!

Yes, that Dabur Amla oil does not smell good in my opinion, however the Dabur Gold Amla oil smells better. I'm going to my indian grocer to check out the Parachute brand though and if they have, I will be purchasing some.

Jewell, I looked at your fotki and your hair is very pretty. Can I ask what drawstring pony you are wearing in one of your pics?

 

[fancypants007]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I did a cowash last night and my hair does not seem to mine it so much. I'm new at doing cowashing and I was afraid of the manipulation because I'm combing my hair AM and PM, but it doesn't seem to be a problem. Soon though I will not be combing my hair sooo much because I'm going to be putting braids in them at the end of July. I'm going to wear them until October when I give myself a touchup. This is going to be a challenge because I'm already experiencing tangles because of newgrowth and now until October, I know it's going to be bad. But I'm prepared because I've made a braid regime. I will be doing this once a month. When I take down my braids, I will apply a hair butter to soften newgrowth and to assist in detangling my hair. I appreciate Cipriana's method for detangling hair that is sooo helpful to me. I will leave this in overnight to moisturise hair. The next day in the PM I will clarify, aphogee 2 step, balancing moisturising conditioner, henna gloss, leave in and will be ready to put back into braids. According to LadyP's method, she suggests that you only moisturise your braids once a week, and wash and deep condition once a week. Of course she suggests using diluted shampoo and conditioner. She said if you follow this technique your hair should not get dried out. Right now, I will continue with my regime, wearing my bun style, but I'm looking forward to a different slant of protective styles wearing braids. Sometimes, we get bored, i.e., same old style, well we can add freshness to what we're doing by making changes. We still want to stay focused and consistent in meeting the goal, but change sometimes is good. What are some new ventures that you have prepared for in the coming months? Stay motivated and stay focus and we will get there!

 

[QueenAmaka]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

I enjoy the positive vibe in this thread....so pleasant. I have learnt much though my lurking here and Jewell you have posted a wealth of info.

QueenAmaka how are you liking the Liquid Gold hair growth oil. I bought a bottle recently and is expecting it tomorrow. I really hope i do get good results from it and by that i mean some inches.

I'll continue to lurk.....I have cut quite a bit of my hair this year. I think in total i have cut 3 inches already. I cannot even begin to mention the amount of hair i lose wash days and recently when i flat ironed, that i wont do for a long time to come. BTW i am completely natural and is thinking of relaxing because i have fine strands and medium density.

I dont' think i would have any volume to my hair or any length had it not been for my vitamins. I have been trying to practice moisturizing and sealing day and night and so far i think i have found two products that my hair loves just for that.
Wishing all the challengers here the 12'' you aspire to get and the motivation and will to make it happen.

SUNSHINE BABY Liquid Gold oil is a great growth promoter. Problem is that I am a PJ so I have problems being consistent. Thanks for reminding me to use it today

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

@Mskraizy

That made me laugh. Lol, No, in my opinion, Amla oil is not stank...but brahmi oil I would say is on the stank side of the spectrum. I don't use the Brahmi as much as I used to since having a lot of nausea since having my son. Smells and foods trigger it...I have to take meds for the nausea so a lot of my oils have only been used after a wash on damp or wet hair...that way the smell dissipates faster. I would highly recommend smelling these oils before you buy!!

My tolerance for herbally stuff might be ok and it would be just totally overpowering to someone else. Aside from the smell, they are gems. I think adding a good-smelling complimentary EO like gardenia, rosemary, thyme, vetiver, or lemongrass to the Amla oil would make it smell better.

I'm thinking vetiver and gardenia most compliment its scent. Sage, shavegrass, cedarwood, sandalwood, and rosewood (basically any musky, woody scent) would be good for mahabhringaraj, and I'll have to figure out some complimentary EO's for Brahmi and Shikakai. They have such unusual scents that it's difficult to find an EO to blend and compliment it. Vetiver smells REALLY good. Check out the Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Vetiver soap at a nearby store if you can; that will give you a clue to what pure vetiver smells like. I actually use that soap too.

I really like using Vatika oil on my skin. The milk is good for the skin, the lemon in it is astringent, and the coconut oil seals in moisture, penetrates, and replaces lost fatty acids. Oh and last summer I discovered using mahabhringaraj oil on skin keeps biting insects like mosquitoes away. I'd rather use that than smelly neem oil or chemical DEET sprays on myself and my children.

I gave some to my SO and two lady neighbor friends, and they agreed, no insects came around them...tho that smell can be much to contend with. I felt like I smelled like an Indian woman's kitchen, but I'd rather just wear the oil vs. a chemical spray and shower it off. At least it's good for the skin too.

It's like you're speaking some other language! These oils sound pretty good! I've NEVER heard of that maho-mushy oil...what was it? Mahabhringaraj (yes I totally sounded that out as I typed ). Do you get it online? I don't know of any Indian type stores where I am. I'll have to check out some spots somewhere cause I'm sure there somewhere....lurkin...

What about peppermint oil? I add that oil to everything that smells bad.

 

[Mskraizy]

Re: 12 inches in 12 months - 2013

fancypants007

Sounds like a good method you got going. I kinda gave up on co-washing. Not that it wasn't working but it got to be too much manipulation and I'm very laid back with my hair. I like leaving my hair alone....all the time.

I suppose my changes in the coming months will be staying up on my moisture game. I got to a point where I would heavily moisturize on wash day, and maybe moisturize once out of the next week. It seemed to be working for awhile but, I knew I could be doing better. So these days I try to moisturize every 2 days, if not daily and my hair has been looking so much better.

As far as styles....I might just stay with my yarn braids. They work for me, I retain the most growth and I just LOVE the way my hair looks in yarn braids. When it's not yarn braids, its one of the hats that I crochet. I'm being pretty chill with my hair this year, we already had our round of adventures last year....