LHCF masters - please help me!!

[girlcherokee]

I discovered this forum about 2 weeks ago, and at the time, i was extremely fustrated, no matter what i did with my hair, i would have extreme breakage. so i pretty much just gave up, stuck it in a ponytail and lamented every time i looked at it. two weeks ago i got to the point where i was ready to cut it completely, it's now almost APL but badly broken off so very uneven and dry. after my mom appealed to me to atlease try to save it, i decided to give it a much needed touch up and went online to search for relaxer reviews and......(can you hear the music playing?) I found you guys!!!!! Now...

Here are my stats:
hair type: 4ab
about 1/2 inch off APL - generally dry and badly broken - uneven
Goal: BSL - all one length, healthy hair
10 days ago - i did the aphogee protien treatment(the hardcore one)
followed it up with ors - replenishing pack = saw some impovement but hair still weak and breaking - did feel soft though

5 days ago - did the aphogeen 2 minute protien - left in in for 7 minutes
followed it up with ors - replenishing pack with added EVOO(can you tell i have been reading?) = hair felt very soft and nice but still weak and breaking - allot less though - i am happy and feeling hopeful that i may be able to save my hair. was a little concerned that the ORS has a bit of protien in it so decided to seek out a moisturing condition with no protein so i wont overdo it on the protien.
** daily care for the five days following this - moisturing 2x per day with liquid aloe vera and glycerin mix(can you tell i have been reading?) - hair felt pretty soft all week and i have had the least breakage than i have seen in a loooong time. almost there but not quite...
today - did aphogeen 2 minute protien - left on for 15 minutes(too much?)
then attempted to moisturize with NTM daily deep conditioner - trying to get moisturizer w/o protien (think i bought the wrong one) added EVOO and honey and sat under my heating cap for 30 minutes and left it on for another 1hr.
washed out - hair felt a little hard and too squeeky - couldnt get the comb threw it - w/o breakage - in panick mode now - what did i do wrong?
so instead of combing and breaking i grabbed my ors replenishing added evoo and sat under heat for 5 minutes - rinsed and now i can comb.
combed and braide put scarf on to smooth new growth - but i am still very concerned about the fact that my hair felt even weaker than it did before. what did i do wrong and how can i fix this? if you are still with me....

bottom line - please help me put together a short term regimen to strengthen my hair and stop the breakage - - I've read so much over the last two weeks but still feel clueless - i am on info overload. i'll do as you say!

edited to say:
I will document progress and i would love to use natural products where possible.
oops forgot to add that i am 4ab type hair

 

[shmmr]

First, I'm no where near being a master. But from what you wrote it seems like you're doing a LOT of protein treatments. It might help to decrease the protein and do moisturizing treatments when you wash.

 

[Neith]

The one thing that sticks out for me is that you're doing too much protein.

ORS replenshing pak has protein in it. You're just putting protein on top of protein.

Take at least a month long break from proteins from now on and concentrate on moisturizing your hair.

My top recommendation for a protein free deep conditioner is Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle rose conditioner. It's very moisturizing and very popular here. I'm sure other members can recommend other products.

 

[TexturedTresses]

have you clarified? alaso you need to mix in some moisturizing conditioners. to much protein also causes breakage. i know b/c it happened to me. good luck.

 

[Neith]

Also, try sealing in your mositure form the Aloe vera and Glycerin with a little oil.

 

[tiffers]

Waaaaay too much protein!!!

When first starting out, your hair's most likely super dry and needs way more moisture than protein. I'm pretty positive your hair's breaking so much because it's dry. Join the deep conditioning challenge and dc two to three times a week, it'll turn your hair around No more protein for the next few weeks, strictly moisture

How often do you use heat? Are you relaxed? What conditioners do you have on hand at home?

 

[Nonie]

I agree, you're using way too much protein. Protein strengthens your hair but is also makes it hard, so you need to do more moisturizing than you're doing.

I wish you could get a book on black haircare and read that first. There are so many out there. I read Cathy Howse before joining the forum and not only did that give me a good foundation and an idea of what my hair needs, but it also made this forum easier to navigate as I knew the basics and so could zoom in on stuff I didn't know. It is very easy to get overwhelmed with info on a forum like this. So find a source that is organized in chapters like a book and then come back here to build on that info.

I can't imagine how crazy it'd have made me to come here w/o ever reading a book and have words like "clarify", "chelate", "deep condition", etc thrown at me. What do they all mean and when do you know when to do which?

Are you relaxed or natural, BTW? I might've missed that.

 

[girlcherokee]

wow guys thank you so much for the quick replies! I am relaxed, probably about 8 weeks post, so that's not making life any easier for me. my hair type is 4ab, i think. oh and i dont use heat.
i think you guys are right about too much protien, darn it - and i did this after reading so many warnings about not doing that. i will def look up a book - any recommendations on good books? it's true about getting lost in all the info - it took me about 1 week to figure out what EVOO was
i ordered the aubrey organics honeysucle rose a few days ago, waiting to get that in.

 

[Tamrin]

Too much protein. You need moiture. Check out Sistaslicks blogs.
You need to get a good Moisturizing conditioner like Kera care Humecto.
Like mentioned before to moisturize use Aloe Vera juice and Glycerine and Rosewater mist and seal with Evoo. It will help.

 

[girlcherokee]

have you clarified? alaso you need to mix in some moisturizing conditioners. to much protein also causes breakage. i know b/c it happened to me. good luck.

yes i forgot to mention that i did clarify for the first wash and i did it again the 2nd wash but not this wash today.

so here is my plan for the next month - please chime in and correct or help me tweak this.

1) i will DC 2x per week -
1x with Aubrey organic hsr
1x with ? kera care humecto
should i use two differnt for each time i do it? or should i just stick to one product?

2) i will moisturize 2x daily with aloe vera/glycerin and rosewater(?)) not sure where to get rose water and seal with avocado oil(would this work as a sealant?) i have this on hand - oh i also have EVOO - maybe take turns with the two or stick to one?

3)I've been reading about using the baggie style and low maintenance styles like the braid out - can i do some combo of this over the next few weeks?

4)ofcourse, cover my hair every night!

i would like ot do a touch up in about 4 weeks - but i really want to stop the breakage first and get my hair in better condition - is there anything else i should add, change subtract?

 

[girlcherokee]

Waaaaay too much protein!!!

When first starting out, your hair's most likely super dry and needs way more moisture than protein. I'm pretty positive your hair's breaking so much because it's dry. Join the deep conditioning challenge and dc two to three times a week, it'll turn your hair around No more protein for the next few weeks, strictly moisture

How often do you use heat? Are you relaxed? What conditioners do you have on hand at home?

ok i am relaxed, i have ors replenishing, lekair cholestrol and the NTM daily deep conditioner(used this today - is this deep enough?) oh and i dont use heat - i'm pretty much in a pony tail or bun everyday - but i am a bit tired of that so i think i will try to braid to add braidout to my routine.

 

[girlcherokee]

Too much protein. You need moiture. Check out Sistaslicks blogs.
You need to get a good Moisturizing conditioner like Kera care Humecto.
Like mentioned before to moisturize use Aloe Vera juice and Glycerine and Rosewater mist and seal with Evoo. It will help.

ok - kera care humecto - maybe that should be my 2nd moisturizer?

 

[Simply_Kelz]

yes i forgot to mention that i did clarify for the first wash and i did it again the 2nd wash but not this wash today.

so here is my plan for the next month - please chime in and correct or help me tweak this.

1) i will DC 2x per week -
1x with Aubrey organic hsr
1x with ? you can use the same one
should i use two differnt for each time i do it? or should i just stick to one product?

2) i will moisturize 2x daily with aloe vera/glycerin and rosewater(?)) not sure where to get rose water and seal with avocado oil(would this work as a sealant?) i have this on hand - oh i also have EVOO - maybe take turns with the two or stick to one? I'm not good with moisturizer mixes so maybe someone else can chime in; I always seal with evoo though

3)I've been reading about using the baggie style and low maintenance styles like the braid out - can i do some combo of this over the next few weeks? I've done both the baggie and the braidout, you can't do both at once though. Unless you put the braidout into a bun, and then baggy it. They are 2 of my favorite length retention methods though.

4)ofcourse, cover my hair every night!

i would like ot do a touch up in about 4 weeks - but i really want to stop the breakage first and get my hair in better condition - is there anything else i should add, change subtract?

You pretty much got all the protein you need, so as long as you keep your hair clean, and moisturized with the DCs and moisturizers, you'll be fine.

HTH!

 

[Irresistible]

Well everybody said it

back to back protein

and you also did back to back clarifying


just extreme moisture for you for a while

no clarifying and no proteins

 

[Pheonixx]

Well---if I may chime in:
I'm no master but this may help. You have to understand the fundamentals.

This link explains the importance of keeping the proper moisture protein balance in black hair:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html?cat=69

Good moisturizing conditioners
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=43595&highlight=deep+conditioners"

Good moisturizing shampoos:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=22006&highlight=moisturizing+shampoo"

You hair is moisture deficient, imo. you shouldn't use protein treatments that much. Look in the favorite sticky section at the top of the board. Go into Newcomer link. That's where I got some of the links from.

I use Elucence MB
My hair is very dry and it does the job. Oh and I use no heat. I sit in a shower cap for an hour. If you buy Elucence---buy it from naturally curly...unless you live in an are where it's supplied it's cheaper.

If you're buying on-line check the discount thread for deals. (favorite sticky's)
Also have you thought of cowashing? It could benefit your hair.


Hope that helps

Oh and--
Welcome!!!

 

[girlcherokee]

Well---if I may chime in:
I'm no master but this may help. You have to understand the fundamentals.

This link explains the importance of keeping the proper moisture protein balance in black hair:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/278612/the_fine_art_of_protein_and_moisture.html?cat=69

Good moisturizing conditioners
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=43595&highlight=deep+conditioners"

Good moisturizing shampoos:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=22006&highlight=moisturizing+shampoo"

You hair is moisture deficient, imo. you shouldn't use protein treatments that much. Look in the favorite sticky section at the top of the board. Go into Newcomer link. That's where I got some of the links from.

I use Elucence MB
My hair is very dry and it does the job. Oh and I use no heat. I sit in a shower cap for an hour. If you buy Elucence---buy it from naturally curly...unless you live in an are where it's supplied it's cheaper.

If you're buying on-line check the discount thread for deals. (favorite sticky's)
Also have you thought of cowashing? It could benefit your hair.


Hope that helps

Oh and--
Welcome!!!

thank you - i am going to sit down and read these again - believe it or not i did read them - just after taking it all in, still was left with a bit of a "head spin" and wondering with how it all applied to me.... the picture is def clearing up now though. i think i will try co washing - may join the dc challenge and dc 2x per week and co wash once - does that sound like overkill?
styling betw braidouts and buns

 

[kawista9]

STOP!!!!! and breath You are exactly where you need to be. Sounds like a PJ in the making. Be careful that you are not overflowing on all the advice from the site. This will lead to heart ache...most def! Don't over do. Remember the basics...wash...co-wash-moisturize-rare protein treatments...and most of all enjoy the journey. You are not enjoying the journey. I am worried that you are going to do something crazy!! Slow down and take it slow and DON'T BUY TOO MANY PRODUCTS TOO SOON. try some of the major staples just to normalize your routine and then tweak it as needed. You are not going to have that braw strap all even hair after one conditioner wash... ya know? If you are going to get that relaxer. You should go ahead and get it and get those ends CUT even...snap a pick and get on that journey!!! HAPPY GROWING

 

[tiffers]

may join the dc challenge and dc 2x per week and co wash once - does that sound like overkill?
styling betw braidouts and buns

Nope, not overkill at all! I co wash 5 times a week and dc 2 times a week without a problem

Like others have said, it's extremely easy to get overwhelmed and buy up everything that's mentioned. Try searching for some of the most popular conditioners, shampoos, etc. I started a thread asking everyone what their favorite conditioners are. The most popular are: ORS Replenishing, KeraCare Humecto, Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose. Try only two or three new things at a time and use them up before buying anything new. This way, you can easily keep track of what does and doesn't work for your hair

HTH!

 

[LadyKaypnyc]

Too much protein, you need some moisture....

Coconut milk and honey DC treatments always solves my moisture woes, also, try baggying and trimming off the spit ends (little by little if you don't want to do it all at once)

Hope that helps

 

[Pheonixx]

^^^
I agree.

thank you - i am going to sit down and read these again - believe it or not i did read them - just after taking it all in, still was left with a bit of a "head spin" and wondering with how it all applied to me.... the picture is def clearing up now though. i think i will try co washing - may join the dc challenge and dc 2x per week and co wash once - does that sound like overkill?
styling betw braidouts and buns

Kawista it's okay.
Sometimes you gotta go through things to understand things, y'know? It's just like that sometimes. But look at it this way: Now that you've had your first major freak-out on the board you can proudly call yourself a bonafide member!
Aren't you excited?
I'm Just playing.

Um well--yeah join the DC challenge. It helps to be motivated and around likeminded ppl working towards a healthy hair goal.
Also there's a Newbie thread around here. All the 'noobs' are in there.
>>giggles @ the word 'noob'<<
I just like saying 'noob'.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=194209

2.
Are you really comfortable with oils and things of that nature?
I sense a serious PJ streak within you, Skywalker.
Now I don't want you going on wild goose-chases buying up any and everything just because everyone's raving about it.
There are MANY things to rave about, you'll see.
Oils DO work. There are many things being discussed on LCHF that work, believe me--but try to keep your regimen simple for now.
SIMPLE.
Your wallet will thank you.
THEN after you get comfortable you can branch out to try different methods and techniques. And after you research and ask questions you can try other options (if you want to).
You feel me?

3.
You just need a:

1. Good moisturizing shampoo
2. Good moisturizing conditioner
3. Good protein treatment...and we ALL know you got those.
4. Clarifying shampoo....we know you got those too.
5. Good 'cheapie' conditioner for cowashes--or it don't have to be cheap. I used to cowash with Elucence everyday---like a damn fool! I was running through $20 bottles ( i bought the liter) so quickly.... But I just really like that conditioner. And I am my father's daughter...(i'm stubborn and do what i want).

Nexxus is good and affordable. If you don't like buying things online.

4.
COWASHING
Here's some cowashing info cause it can be REALLY time-consuming to have to look through all these pages, y'know? As you can see I'm very handy with my bookmarks.

I cowash every day.
Just cause...I really like washing my hair.
...and my hair needs it too.
I can sleep in conditioner. My hair can take moisture like that. With other ppl it would prolly turn their hair to mush. Just tailor your regimen to YOUR hair needs. If you're dry and brittle then do DC's. Cowash and slap a bag over your head and do some house-work or take a nap.
....and you can over-moisturize. Though it is easier to correct than an abundance of protein.

Ok--this is what I was looking for before. It's from Sistaslick:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=84746
In the second post there's mention of the strand tests. You have to 'listen' to your hair in order to know how to care for it.
For example:

• Stretched taut hair with no flexibility(think about trying to 'stretch' a stick)=Dry, brittle, breaking hair=Needs moisture and dc'ing
• Stretched taut hair that over-stretches (think rubberband)=Mushy hair and/or breaking hair=Need protein and/or protein recontructors.

It helps to apply condish as you would a relaxer. Just make sure you get it all in there. Even coverage.
http://www.haarkram.e-something.de/articles/co_wash.html
http://www.geocities.com/bonnecasey/COWASHING.html

This explains what 'cones' are and provides a list of cone-free conditioners (and leave-ins). Believe me it relates.
http://ladylonghair.googlepages.com/'cone-freeconditioners

Ladies of LCHF discussing cowashing how-tos
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=31957&highlight=ponytail+airdry"

ALSO...(Dayum lol now I KNOW I'm long-winded...I'm sorry. I'm just soo--darned thorough! It's a compulsion. Everytime I leave the thread I'm like, "Oh, yeah...I forgot to mention---")
But you will ask these questions, I know.
>>sigh<<
....here I go with the dern links...
*ahem*


5.
OILS and Your Hair..
Oils are not expensive at all. Here's some good sites for purchase:
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/
http://www.lotioncrafter.com/store/Shea-Butter-Natural-pr-16294.html
Ppl rave about black castor oil. You WILL wonder what it is, trust me.
This is where they get it.
http://www.sams247.com/

OIL INFO. Just in case you want to know more about the benefits of oil...or make some soap.

This talks about carrier oils (jojoba, olive oil, coconut,etc...) and essential oils (tea trea oil, rosemary, peppermine). How to mix them. What they are. How to dilute them...etc...
Scroll to the bottom
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/scrub.htm

These are quick reference:
http://www.shescentit.com/ingredients.html
http://www.carefair.com/Hair/How_to_Choose_Natural_Oils_1311.html

Ppl mentioned glycerine. It's not listed in the links but it is a humectant. So is honey.

That's all I can think of so now you know almost as much as I do...
If there's any mistakes I'm sure the vets will come crrect me.

Good luck, girl...

 

[girlcherokee]

STOP!!!!! and breath You are exactly where you need to be. Sounds like a PJ in the making. Be careful that you are not overflowing on all the advice from the site. This will lead to heart ache...most def! Don't over do. Remember the basics...wash...co-wash-moisturize-rare protein treatments...and most of all enjoy the journey. You are not enjoying the journey. I am worried that you are going to do something crazy!! Slow down and take it slow and DON'T BUY TOO MANY PRODUCTS TOO SOON. try some of the major staples just to normalize your routine and then tweak it as needed. You are not going to have that braw strap all even hair after one conditioner wash... ya know? If you are going to get that relaxer. You should go ahead and get it and get those ends CUT even...snap a pick and get on that journey!!! HAPPY GROWING

kawista9 you had me giggling with this. i did have quite a long shopping list of stuff - but..... then i went to the bss and saw how much that stuff cost! yow! i am trying to restist cutting because i did it before a few years ago and it did not solve my problem. here i go again. a whole new head of hair still in crisis. i really need to know how to take care of my hair. i do wonder if it is too late for some of my ends though since i am still getting some breakage even after several conditionings. i am definately going to relax but my scalp is itching now and i would like to wait for it to heal - i am a really bad scratcher(trying to stop that) - i really dont want to burn so i am stretching until i feel my scalp can take it and my hair it in a little better shape.

 

[girlcherokee]

Nope, not overkill at all! I co wash 5 times a week and dc 2 times a week without a problem

Like others have said, it's extremely easy to get overwhelmed and buy up everything that's mentioned. Try searching for some of the most popular conditioners, shampoos, etc. I started a thread asking everyone what their favorite conditioners are. The most popular are: ORS Replenishing, KeraCare Humecto, Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose. Try only two or three new things at a time and use them up before buying anything new. This way, you can easily keep track of what does and doesn't work for your hair

HTH!

yes this is the approach i have decided to take.
my most recent purchase was the pantene mask - just conditioned with it -and i am still waiting ont he aubrey organics honeysuckle rose which is on back order now.

 

[girlcherokee]

^^^
I agree.



Kawista it's okay.
Sometimes you gotta go through things to understand things, y'know? It's just like that sometimes. But look at it this way: Now that you've had your first major freak-out on the board you can proudly call yourself a bonafide member!
Aren't you excited?
I'm Just playing.

Um well--yeah join the DC challenge. It helps to be motivated and around likeminded ppl working towards a healthy hair goal.
Also there's a Newbie thread around here. All the 'noobs' are in there.
>>giggles @ the word 'noob'<<
I just like saying 'noob'.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=194209

2.
Are you really comfortable with oils and things of that nature?
I sense a serious PJ streak within you, Skywalker.
Now I don't want you going on wild goose-chases buying up any and everything just because everyone's raving about it.
There are MANY things to rave about, you'll see.
Oils DO work. There are many things being discussed on LCHF that work, believe me--but try to keep your regimen simple for now.
SIMPLE.
Your wallet will thank you.
THEN after you get comfortable you can branch out to try different methods and techniques. And after you research and ask questions you can try other options (if you want to).
You feel me?

3.
You just need a:

1. Good moisturizing shampoo
2. Good moisturizing conditioner
3. Good protein treatment...and we ALL know you got those.
4. Clarifying shampoo....we know you got those too.
5. Good 'cheapie' conditioner for cowashes--or it don't have to be cheap. I used to cowash with Elucence everyday---like a damn fool! I was running through $20 bottles ( i bought the liter) so quickly.... But I just really like that conditioner. And I am my father's daughter...(i'm stubborn and do what i want).

Nexxus is good and affordable. If you don't like buying things online.

4.
COWASHING
Here's some cowashing info cause it can be REALLY time-consuming to have to look through all these pages, y'know? As you can see I'm very handy with my bookmarks.

I cowash every day.
Just cause...I really like washing my hair.
...and my hair needs it too.
I can sleep in conditioner. My hair can take moisture like that. With other ppl it would prolly turn their hair to mush. Just tailor your regimen to YOUR hair needs. If you're dry and brittle then do DC's. Cowash and slap a bag over your head and do some house-work or take a nap.
....and you can over-moisturize. Though it is easier to correct than an abundance of protein.

Ok--this is what I was looking for before. It's from Sistaslick:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=84746
In the second post there's mention of the strand tests. You have to 'listen' to your hair in order to know how to care for it.
For example:

• Stretched taut hair with no flexibility(think about trying to 'stretch' a stick)=Dry, brittle, breaking hair=Needs moisture and dc'ing
• Stretched taut hair that over-stretches (think rubberband)=Mushy hair and/or breaking hair=Need protein and/or protein recontructors.

It helps to apply condish as you would a relaxer. Just make sure you get it all in there. Even coverage.
http://www.haarkram.e-something.de/articles/co_wash.html
http://www.geocities.com/bonnecasey/COWASHING.html

This explains what 'cones' are and provides a list of cone-free conditioners (and leave-ins). Believe me it relates.
http://ladylonghair.googlepages.com/'cone-freeconditioners

Ladies of LCHF discussing cowashing how-tos
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=31957&highlight=ponytail+airdry"

ALSO...(Dayum lol now I KNOW I'm long-winded...I'm sorry. I'm just soo--darned thorough! It's a compulsion. Everytime I leave the thread I'm like, "Oh, yeah...I forgot to mention---")
But you will ask these questions, I know.
>>sigh<<
....here I go with the dern links...
*ahem*


5.
OILS and Your Hair..
Oils are not expensive at all. Here's some good sites for purchase:
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com/
http://www.lotioncrafter.com/store/Shea-Butter-Natural-pr-16294.html
Ppl rave about black castor oil. You WILL wonder what it is, trust me.
This is where they get it.
http://www.sams247.com/

OIL INFO. Just in case you want to know more about the benefits of oil...or make some soap.

This talks about carrier oils (jojoba, olive oil, coconut,etc...) and essential oils (tea trea oil, rosemary, peppermine). How to mix them. What they are. How to dilute them...etc...
Scroll to the bottom
http://www.essentialoils.co.za/scrub.htm

These are quick reference:
http://www.shescentit.com/ingredients.html
http://www.carefair.com/Hair/How_to_Choose_Natural_Oils_1311.html

Ppl mentioned glycerine. It's not listed in the links but it is a humectant. So is honey.

That's all I can think of so now you know almost as much as I do...
If there's any mistakes I'm sure the vets will come crrect me.

Good luck, girl...

wow! thanks for all this info! off to read all of these!
oh and i also just tried to take a picture - came out bad, can barely see my hair - i think i saw a thread on how to take pictures of your hair on here somewhere.

 

[bermudabeauty]

Reads like you are putting too much protein in your hair. Try leaving protein alone and add nothing but moisture to your regimine.

 

[Xavier]

Welcome to the board. It looks like you have gotten a lot of sound advice from the ladies.

 

[hurricane]

I'm no master but this time last year my hear was a little bit longer than what you see in this picture now. My hair was very, dry and constantly shedding. My beautician asked me what in the world is going on with your hair. I could not tell her that I was depressed. If you have alot of stress that can affect your hair. So I decided to cut it off. I really wanted to go natural but I have an oblong face and didn't want to bring anymore attention to that. That was the best thing I had ever done. my hair was up to my ears and tapered in the back. I faced up to my depression and got help. That was in Oct. 2007. Now it is Aug. 2008 and I think that I have had some pretty good growth. I take Andrew Lessmans hair vitamins. I use coconut oil to massage my scalp and coat my hair lightly, and get roller wraps. Wear some updo's and invest in some coconut oil real coconut oil and see if that helps.