Hey ladies what really helped

[toya81]

I would like to know and so do many others what has been the product, method,technique, that contribute to your length and health of your hair
come on pour it out: the #1 thing is this forum so lets keep it going.

 

[metalkitty]

Although my hair isn't long like it used to be yet, its pretty healthy considering what I've done to it. I believe with hair maintenance it really comes down to good practices and good products. For me what works is things like CO washing, COW-ing, baggie-ing, not putting too much or too little product in the hair. I hope this helps some, I'm sure the other ladies will give better imput.

 

[Healthb4Length]

Although my hair isn't long like it used to be yet, its pretty healthy considering what I've done to it. I believe with hair maintenance it really comes down to good practices and good products. For me what works is things like CO washing, COW-ing, baggie-ing, not putting too much or too little product in the hair. I hope this helps some, I'm sure the other ladies will give better imput.

Yeah I def agree with Metalkitty! All of the above methods have contributed to my growth, also alternating weekly moisturizing and strengthening deep treatments, hardcore protein treatments every 6 weeks have been a savior for me. I believe that not manipulating hair too much has also helped alot, I do low manipulation styles such as braidouts/twistouts, buns, braids/cornrows (basically protective styles) and most importantly I make sure that I moisturize the last 3 inches of my hair to help retain length.

The products that have provided stellar results for me are:
Elucence Shampoo and Conditioner
Elasta's Mango Butter, DPR 11, Recovery hair lotion
ORS moisture Replenishing Pak, Mayo, Olive oil lotion
B's Satin Deep Treatment
Miss Key 10 en 1 plus for co washes
Olive, castor oils
Essential oils
Shea/mango/avocado butters

 

[UmSumayyah]

Seamless combs and satin caps for sleeping are key.
Gentle shampoos and deep conditioners as well.

 

[shawniegee]

No heat, protective styling, trimming on as need basis. Not overlapping perms. Oh yeah no going to my stylist.

 

[simplycee]

I reached bsl last year. Onto mid back this year. There was not one particular product that helped me really. I think it was a combo of many things. MSM helped with my shedding issues. That helped ALOT. Stretching my relaxer to 10-12 weeks and weekly deep conditioning treatments helped my hair get healthy.

Protective styling helped me keep the growth I got by protecting my ends. Last year I did my own bun challenge. I did it reluctantly but in the end it paid off. I made it to a healthy bra strap length. Last summer I began doing daily or every other day cw or rinsing. My growth rate increased tremendously.

Lastly, but most importantly, I cut back on direct heat. Since I was on a bun challenge I either air dried or dried in a ponytail under a bonnet dryer. I put my blow dryer away when I first joined in 2004. I think I may have used it 3-4 times in 2005 (on a low setting). I began to rollerset and wrap if I wanted a straight style and used steam rollers if I wanted a quick set. No more curling iron for me. I used my maxiglide a couple times last year but on a low setting.

HTH

 

[BahaGirl]

I find it interesting that nobody has listed vitamins but yet everyone takes them.

 

[simplycee]

I find it interesting that nobody has listed vitamins but yet everyone takes them.

Hey I mentioned MSM. I also take Nature's Made Super B complex (for thickness) and flax seed oil (for scalp) daily but not for hair length.

 

[brownsugar9999]

For me.. me thinks it was a combo of the Ultra Nourishair Vits...the increased protein intake and the funky bacon juice....that and probably I haven't bleached since starting back in oct, and just being a little kinder to my hair!! (but I will be bleaching again...I can't lie!!)

 

[balisi]

I find it interesting that nobody has listed vitamins but yet everyone takes them.

Not quite everyone. I, for one, am not a fan of popping pills on the regular.

For me, the major contributor to my hair's health has been the very limited use of heat. In the past 13 months, I've heat styled only five times. Although my previously relaxed hair grew to great lengths and looked healthy, it was weak in comparison to my natural hair.

 

[Miss*Tress]

Daily moisturizing, protective styles, and no direct heat have been key in retaining growth. I just have to be more consistent. As soon as I start slacking off, three months later, I'm getting at least two inches trimmed off!

 

[KiSseS03]

No Heat!!! That has been the biggest contributor to gaining length. My hair was growing just fine before I found the forums, but my daily use of heat was keeping me at the same length, and causing me to have to trim regularly.

 

[sareca]

Crown and glory worked best for me. I think it worked because it combines no manipulation (I have hand-in-hair disease), no heat, frequent washing, and daily moisturizing. I also credit my products, including MSM.

 

[Sistaslick]

Originally Posted by BahaGirl
I find it interesting that nobody has listed vitamins but yet everyone takes them.

Not quite everyone. I, for one, am not a fan of popping pills on the regular.

For me, the major contributor to my hair's health has been the very limited use of heat. In the past 13 months, I've heat styled only five times.

No pills or vitamins for me either. I can barely swallow an aspirin or tylenol without gagging. If I can't handle that, Lord knows I am not scarfing down anything else There are still many of us who don't take vitamins and it hasn't affected our growing one bit. A low/no heat regimen, protective styling and proper moisture/protein balancing are the major growth keys for me.

 

[chellee]

ENDS CARE: moisturizing, sealing after washing, dusting when needed

ROOT CARE: moisturizing, careful combing/detangling, finger-combing, patience

Deep Conditioning & Leave-in conditioners

 

[~*~ShopAholic~*~]

For me it was finding a regimen that included products that work for my hair. Stetching relaxer, shampooing and DC twice a wk, Oils and moisturizers, Vitamins, Water, and more protein intake. Over all I think consistancy w/the above has more to do w/my progress and retaining it.

 

[nylady74]

For me, I think the single most important thing that has helped me grow much healthier hair and maintain that growth is my diet. I've changed my diet because my cholestrol has been high for the past six months or so. I consume more fish that I think the seas can actually hold I drink MASSIVE amounts of water. Oh, and I can't forget exercise. Changing what I've put in my body has certainly changed what is seen on the outside

Externally, I moisturize my hair more often than I used to, which was almost never. I don't wear protective styles that often but I make sure to wrap my hair at night.

 

[Cincysweetie]

The thing that has helped me most is keeping moisture in my hair. In the past, it didn't stay moisturized and would break and seemingly never grow.

I keep moisture in it by CO-washing regularly (with Suave Milk and Honey), applying moisturizing products (some type of leave in, coconut oil, and Clairol Vitapoint), covering my hair at night, and keeping the heat OFF of my hair. All of these things have helped me tremendously. Check out my album, I have 2 comparison shots in there (they're kinda choppy, but you get the pic, ha ha).

 

[nr_redgal]

Someone asked me this question on my last visit to my stylist. For me I would have to say what has really made the difference and what has led to major growth for my hair has been stretching relaxing as long as I can (12-16 weeks). Of course their response was "oh no I can't do that". Instead of getting into a long drawn out discussion about how relaxing too soon leads to breakage, I just went ahead with my deep conditioning and back to the book I was reading. I hate it when people ask you about something and then put down the answer you give them.

 

[Healthb4Length]

Someone asked me this question on my last visit to my stylist. For me I would have to say what has really made the difference and what has led to major growth for my hair has been stretching relaxing as long as I can (12-16 weeks). Of course their response was "oh no I can't do that". Instead of getting into a long drawn out discussion about how relaxing too soon leads to breakage, I just went ahead with my deep conditioning and back to the book I was reading. I hate it when people ask you about something and then put down the answer you give them.

Red, your hair looks really nice! Whenever people ask me I just say I grease my scalp with dax and wash every 3 weeks...I know it's wrong but these particular people only want to hear about quick fixes! But for people who are truly interested I let them know my regime.

 

[lala]

I don't take vitamins either...but I eliminated blowdrying/curling irons. Not layering a lot of products, just stick with what works for me (2 products), and minimize combing/styling. Getting my hair shampoo/conditioned/wrapped and then drying under a hooded dryer. Using a satin scarf at night aids as well....

 

[LABETT]

I would have to say stretching relaxer and braids help me gain my length.
CW and baggie method when not in braids has help also.
Products
Elucence poo and conditioner
UBH Moisturizer
BBD Stretch Creme best when stretching relaxer
Dudley drc 28
MTG/Surge combo
Vitamins
Freeda Biotin and MSM

 

[Sweet_Ambrosia]

I would like to know and so do many others what has been the product, method,technique, that contribute to your length and health of your hair
come on pour it out: the #1 thing is this forum so lets keep it going.

For me it has to be moisture, once I started moisturizing my hair on a regular basis thats when my hair started to thrive.

Strecthing my relaxers has helped too, I enjoyed stretching so much I'm now transitioning!

CO Washes, Deep Conditioning, Using little to no Heat, The Baggie Method and Protective Styles has also helped a great deal.

 

[brownhaired_bonanza]

Am I the only one around these parts who works out on a regular basis? I exercise 3-4 times a week (good and sweaty workouts too). It increases blood flow which I know promotes healthy hair growth.

 

[sereia]

For me it was mainly little manipulation (protective styles and mostly gentle detangling and fingercombing) daily moisturizing and frequent COW.

 

[macherieamour]

i naturally have thick hair that grew...but only until right above my shoulder. There are things I do now that have enabled me to go to BSL and have less split ends and silkier strands

1. Eating well- i strive to have healthy hair follicles first and foremost. I dont eat anythign with preservatives. I only buy organic foods, huge leafy greens, fruit and water. I drink a minimum of 64oz of water and eat 2 cups of almonds and dried cherries (sooooo good) daily

2. Exercising- I work out like a beast. I do cardio three days a week and weight train three times a week. Exercising gets the blood flowing to the scalp and encourages hair growth. it also gives me soo much energy, helps me handle stress and just makes me feel awesome.

3. Hair and multivitamins- while i eat super healthy, I still take a multi and hair vitamins to give my body any nutrients I may miss during the day

4. Washing my hair twice a week- with all the working out, I HAVE to wash my hair twice a week. I wash with CON or Keracare COnditioning and like saturate my hair with conditioner. I go through conditioner like water. I prob use too much but oh well. I actually double condition. Once in shower while im shaving with Keracare dry and itchy scalp conditioner. Then Humecto for 20 minutes. Then I use a touch of biosilk and sweet almond oil and my hair is never tangled or dry.

5. ROLLERSETTING- doing this instead of blowdrying and flat ironing/curling has single handedly improved the texture and health of my hair. Before I changed my physical routine, I started rollersetting and my hair went from shoulder to BSL in about a year and a half. I could retain my ends longer and thus had less to trim each time. With my new diet, my hair is stronger and shiner.

6. Deep conditioning- keep my hair strong, shiny and healthy. I havent missed a week in years.

7. Moving UP my relaxers and trims- I relax every 8 weeks. I tried stretching but it ended up doing more damaged then good. I lost all of hair from breakage at the demarcation line and protein treatments dried out my hair. Plus, I actually love a fresh trim and like to have it trimmed after a fresh perm.

8. Wrapping hair- this helps me keep my hair moisturized and i distribute my natural hair oils with boar bristle brushes

These are the most important things i do and my hair thanks me sooo much for it. It grows like a root and is getting longer and shinier. Hope that helps

 

[sylver2]

no combing

 

[blueabyss333]

i naturally have thick hair that grew...but only until right above my shoulder. There are things I do now that have enabled me to go to BSL and have less split ends and silkier strands

1. Eating well- i strive to have healthy hair follicles first and foremost. I dont eat anythign with preservatives. I only buy organic foods, huge leafy greens, fruit and water. I drink a minimum of 64oz of water and eat 2 cups of almonds and dried cherries (sooooo good) daily

2. Exercising- I work out like a beast. I do cardio three days a week and weight train three times a week. Exercising gets the blood flowing to the scalp and encourages hair growth. it also gives me soo much energy, helps me handle stress and just makes me feel awesome.

3. Hair and multivitamins- while i eat super healthy, I still take a multi and hair vitamins to give my body any nutrients I may miss during the day

4. Washing my hair twice a week- with all the working out, I HAVE to wash my hair twice a week. I wash with CON or Keracare COnditioning and like saturate my hair with conditioner. I go through conditioner like water. I prob use too much but oh well. I actually double condition. Once in shower while im shaving with Keracare dry and itchy scalp conditioner. Then Humecto for 20 minutes. Then I use a touch of biosilk and sweet almond oil and my hair is never tangled or dry.

5. ROLLERSETTING- doing this instead of blowdrying and flat ironing/curling has single handedly improved the texture and health of my hair. Before I changed my physical routine, I started rollersetting and my hair went from shoulder to BSL in about a year and a half. I could retain my ends longer and thus had less to trim each time. With my new diet, my hair is stronger and shiner.

6. Deep conditioning- keep my hair strong, shiny and healthy. I havent missed a week in years.

7. Moving UP my relaxers and trims- I relax every 8 weeks. I tried stretching but it ended up doing more damaged then good. I lost all of hair from breakage at the demarcation line and protein treatments dried out my hair. Plus, I actually love a fresh trim and like to have it trimmed after a fresh perm.

8. Wrapping hair- this helps me keep my hair moisturized and i distribute my natural hair oils with boar bristle brushes

These are the most important things i do and my hair thanks me sooo much for it. It grows like a root and is getting longer and shinier. Hope that helps

Wow, that really helped. Thank you so much. That was really thorough. You made me realize I'm going to have to get on the ball with setting a solid regimine and lifestyle.

 

[Candy_C]

no combing

ITA!!! i used to comb about 4 times a day, no i comb once a week! BIG difference.

for me, STOPPING exercising was good. i used to do high intensity dance training, and my hair would break so easily - but then again i was using direct heat then too.

airdrying - pony tail method
getting a solid regime down, 2 conditioners 2 shampoos and 2 leave ins 1 moisturizor and one pomade.

Amla oil overnight keeps my hair dark-strong

big twists for bed
not overloading hair with moisturizor
trimming splits when i see them

biotin-b50 complex (soon sea kelp)

having lots of protein

stretching relaxers to 3 months and a bit (14 weeks)

keeping high spirits and not over-obsessing about my hair appearance and thinking about next year when my hair will have reached it target and i can just relax get a nice style and have a bit of fun with my hair

 

[Country gal]

Conditioner washes, oiling my hair with castor oil, clarifying shampoos. Using no heat. My hair is really growing. Some co-workers were commenting how my twist are now hanging down. I will have an album to celebrate my 1 year anniversary as a natural.


macherieamour- I think you and your are beautiful.