Im Bra Strap Length!

Yeah! My hair has reached bra strap length.  But only when wet.  Now I need to get my hair that long when it's completely dry and flat ironed. 

A little update on my hair.... It's still growing.  I'm still able to retain growth surprisingly.  I have not been keeping up with my hair regimen.  Im no longer braiding.  Im no longer washing my hair every 4 days.  I don't have the time.  Between my job, church and my daughter; I barely have time to sleep.  So until I can get a grip on my schedule; I am washing once a week.  I keep my hair wet with Wave Nouveau moisturizing spray and I seal the ends with coconut oil.   I also keep my hair ends protected with protective styles. 

I will not be going back to cornrows for a while.  They did work but I dont have time to braid.  I plan to go back to washing my hair every 4 days because I'm starting an exercise regimen and refuse to have stinky, funky hair. 

I plan to take pictures in a few weeks of my current hair length then I will get a hair trim.  I need a good trim.  My hair ends are looking quite raggedy since it's been over a year since I trimmed.  So I will give you some before and after pictures. 

Keep up the healthy hair growth! 

Cornrow Regimen Is Working!

I have started this new hair regimen in the beginning of 2010.  The cornrow regimen.  And the new regimen is working.  I call it the leave my hair alone regimen.  Basically I keep cornrows in my hair for 3 weeks at at time.   I spray them down everyday with moisturizing spray and apply a homemade tonic to my scalp every other day. 

I am pleased with my results my is still growing and I am almost almost bra strap length.  And the sides of my hair is catching up to the back.  The best thing is that I did not lose any progress. 

Benefits: 

• I dont wash my hair while in cornrows.  I wipe the braids and scalp with a clothe with a little witch hazel to keep them clean.
• Huge time saver.  Just put on a wig and go.
• Less stress on me and hair.

Now my old regimen works just as well.  I was able to grow my hair from neck length to shoulder length from May 2009 to December 2009.  That's just 7 months.  So old regimen is still good.

It's necessary to shampoo often to keep your hair clean.  But is it necessary to achieve hair growth.  So far with this new regimen; I would say no.  But I have to wipe my scalp with a clothe using witch hazel because I dont want to be dirty.  Gives me the itchies.  But the one thing that is staying consistent is applying a water-based moisturizer to my hair and sealing the ends with oil. 

I am glad my new regimen is working because I am busy and dont have the time to put into my hair like I use to.

Cornrow Regimen

In 2009 I received healthy and increased hair growth.  Basically, washing my hair every four days.  Conditioning after every wash. No heat. Air dry.  Also, using protective hair styles.  Mainly just buns, wigs and head wraps.  I had not split ends or breakage.  I went from neck length to shoulder length.  But now its time to leave my hair alone and start a cornrow regimen.

At the end of 2009 I put my hair in cornrows for two weeks.  I had a lot of shedding after i took down the cornrows.  I never had a lot of shedding after cornrowing my hair before, so I was a little concerced.  It was shedding because the hairs had a little white bulb at the end.  But I did have longer hair.  Someone suggested that it had to do with my annual large hair shed.  I tried it again in January 2010 for three weeks and had no shedding.  I guess she was right.  I really liked the results.  I had awesome growth especially on my sides that I'm trying to get to shoulder length along with the back of my hair.  Oh yeah, I'm also using my own recipe for a growth aid.  I think I'm on to something.... It's working great for me.  Im trying it on my friends and family to make sure. 

Cornrows are working well for me.  I used it as a protective style under my wigs or head wraps.  It's more convenient for me, since I'm a little more busy this year.  And I loved the results.  Now my other regimen worked fine.  I received great results.  Look at my progress pics from 2009.  But there is more than one way to skin a cat. 

Cornrow Regimen details for 2010:

• Relax every 12-14 weeks
• Wash and condition weekly for 2 weeks.  Making sure 2nd wash I use a protein conditioner.
• After two weeks cornrow my hair 6-8 corn cornrows.  Tuck under ends.
• Using wig over cornrows.
• Moisturize with wave nouveau and seal ends with oil every other day. Use Aphogee provitamin leave in once a week.
• Use my special growth aid every other day on scalp only. Massage.
• No I will not be washing my hair while in braids.
• Take down braids after 3 weeks.  Then wash and protien condition.
• Rest hair for 2 weeks. (Wash and condition weekly. Using buns, french roll, and head wraps or wig with no cornrows.)
• After 2 weeks.  Go back to cornrows.
• Relax my hair every 14 weeks.  Making sure cornrows have been out of my hair for at least 2 weeks before I relax. 

Note: Make sure you spray down your hair with a moisturizer.  Please gently detangle your hair before shampooing.  And use a moisturizing shampoo.  This helps me to avoid tangles and knots during the shampoo process.

This is my low hair maintenance, low hair manipulation regimen.
I will be doing this until.........just until.

Don't Bully Me About My Hair!

I have been wearing wigs and head wraps for 6-8 months now.  I do this for low manipulation.  I guess people are tired of seeing my wigs and head wraps because they keep commenting; "We want to see your natural hair and blah blah blah."  (Imitating a whiney girly voice.)  Some good friends tried to bully me with words.  If you know me, persuasion by bullying or guilt trip never works on me.  Ask my mother.  Especially if I have my mind set.  So, Don't bully me about my hair.  Bullying me by repeatedly asking me to wear my hair down or say stupid stuff like "men love to see women with their hair down." (Imitating a high-pitched silly woman who lives her life trying to catch a man.)  Actually it's not men who are giving me the problem, it's the ladies.  Shoot, Im cute and I receive a lot of compliments from gentlemen.  Wig or no wig.  Sorry for being a little haughty but just trying to make a point.  To my friends who are acting like frenemies, back off!  I already told them I was going to blast them on my blog today.  Love ya, anywho.  I am keeping my hair in a protective style via buns, wigs, headwraps until I reach 1 inch past bra strap and that's final. 

Morale of the story is never let anyone get you off of your path.  Especially if you know you are on the right road.  Being Consistent will always produce rewards.  Consistently doing wrong in any area of your life will give bad results.  Consistently doing right in any area of your life will give good results.  So whatever it is you are going after; find the right path to it and consistently go for it with all of your might.

So back off, Don't bully me about my hair.

Hair Growth Aids

The fantasy world of hair growth aids and what they will do for you has fooled many of us.  Growth aids do have their place.  Some hair products do stimulate the scalp and hair follicles to produce growth.  Products that contain minoxidil like Rogaine have been proven by the FDA to grow hair where hair follicles have been dormant.  Recent university studies of Emu Oil has shown to produce hair growth.  Also, studies for apple polyphenols have been shown to grow hair.  Now for your more underground growth aids that hair forum people claim to have received astounding resuts such as: miconazole nitrate, Mega Tek, castor oil and a few others.  Even though miconazole nitrate, Megat Tek and castor oil have not been fully researched; I believe the women are getting the results they are claiming.  But a simple regular scalp massage with your finger tips can achieve growth for some women.  Hair growth aids do stimulate the scalp and follicles by getting the blood to circulate more in the scalp to receive optimal hair growth.  That's Great!

Here where we have been fooled.  Dependency on hair growth aids without any knowledge on how to maintain length as it grows.  You can put all the oils and chemical on your scalp to stimulate your follicles  to produce growth but it won't mean anything if you have the same unhealthy hair maintenace habits that keep your hair constantly damaged and breaking.  I'm just speaking from experience.  I use to constantly get hair breakage during shampooing.  I would bunch my hair when washing, then I would have a tangled mess on top of my head, then breakage and hair on the floor while I attempted to detangle.  You can't prevent all hair breakage and shedding, but you can prevent most. 

I know what your thinking, I must buy this and that.  I can give you sites of women who have booty length hair and they do not use anything special.  They use mostly regular sometimes cheap products that do contain mineral oil and they showed progress with growth on a continuous basis. 

What are we doing to maintain hair:

1. Shampoo properly so that your scalp is clean but your hair isn't tangled.  Try putting your hair in 4-6 loose braids and wash in sections.  Don't bunch your hair.  Use a moisturizing shampoo.
2. Condition your hair after washing.  I condition my hair at least once a week with a plastic cap and under a hooded dryer for at least 15-30 minutes.  Alternating between a protein conditioner and moisturizing conditioner.
3. Moisturizing hair everyday (if you have dry hair). Focus on ends.
4. Low maintainance hair styles.  Anything that will protect the ends of your hair and to keep you from combing and styling everyday.  Style like buns, french rolls, roller sets, braids, cornrows, even wigs. 
5. Less heat.  Try to air dry.  Use flat iron on low setting.

In conclusion, by all means use hair growth aids if that's what you want to do.  But you are going to have to change some of your habits that have been losing the growth you have gained.  Hair growth aids wont do all of the work for you.

Hair Products Are Not Magic!

No they are not!  I use to think so.  I thought if I have the right hair product, my hair will grow to phenomenal lengths.  NOT!  Well I haven't found a miracle in a bottle that did it for me. 

Now dont get me wrong, using the wrong product will mess you up and give you a set back that may just make you cut all your hair off; but I havent found a product so great and glorious that will grow my hair without any effort at all. 

There are some better products for my hair.  Products that do not have alcohol of any kind are better than most for me.  I stress, "for me".   I was on this kick for a little while that all hair products with petroleum and mineral oil were the devil and trying to destroy my hair.  I tried to do the organic hair product thing.  Some were good.  Some were not.  I love just about any organic oil for my hair.  My hair really responds well  to coconut oil.  (Oh my beloved coconut oil. I will never turn from thee. LOL!).  Anywho, I dont have a problem with sulfate shampoo's.  They do not break or dry out my hair.  Mineral and petroleum products are not the devil.  I use Kera Care and Silk elements conditioners; which contain mineral oil and I haven't any negative issues with these.  I just avoid mineral and petroleum products that are not rinse out conditioners.  When my hair was it's longest as a child my mom used water and Dax grease.  That's it.

I contribute my growth to not using blow dryers and other heat appliances.   I keep my hair in protective styles.  Any style that will protect the ends of my hair and stay neat for at least four days.  Styles like a bun, french twist or wigs.  I moisturized my hair with a water based moisturizer and seal with coconut oil daily.  Oh yeah, vitamins.  The right vitamins and nutrition will help hair growth.  Well at least it did for me.    Great growth.  I'm happy.  No magic hair products.   

2009 Progress Pictures

I started my hair journey in May 2009.  I learned a lot about my hair.  I found that I need a protein treatment one time a week because of my relaxed tresses and I need plenty of moisture.  It seems that if I spray my hair with a good moisturizing spray to dampen my hair, seal with oil and lastly protective styles; my hair grows with little breakage.  I did have some shedding issues but I dont think I will be able to avoid that.  It's apart of the cycle of life.  Oh yeah, shampooing with a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioning after two times a week is the best for my hair.

My goals for 2010 is to stick to what I know and add some thickness to my hair.  So far I know that biotin and horsetail contribute to hair thickness.  So I will be researching how to thicken up my hair.  Well as much as possible.

MSM TO Extend Anagen Growth Phase

MSM is an abbreviation of methylsulfonylmethane, an organic form of sulfur. The chemical formula of MSM® is CH3SO2CH3. It is the form in which sulfur appears in nature in all living organisms, and in which it is biologically active. MSM is an odorless, white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in hot water and in a wide range of organic solvents (1). Biologically active sulfur has unbelievable preventive and therapeutic properties. The medicinal activities of biological sulfur are so all-encompassing, and are based on such obvious principles, that its discovery is generally considered one of the biggest advances in orthomolecular medicine in the second half of this century.

The natural level of MSM in the circulatory system of an adult human male is about 0.2 mg/kg. Normal adults excrete 4 to 11 mg MSM per day in their urine. Several studies suggest, that the systemic concentration of Low concentrations of MSM in our bodies have been linked with unspecified complaints of fatigue, depression, high sensitivity to physical and psychological stress, and with a large number of degenerative diseases (5, 6). MSM is an important source of sulfur, but also has unique properties related to its chemical structure and biological activities. To understand the preventive and therapeutic properties of MSM, a distinction needs to be made between "why humans need sulfur" vs. "why humans need MSM".

My experience with MSM is that I really think it increased my hair growth rate.  There are some women who have experienced the same effect.  It's not scientifically proven.  Another experience is that MSM made my skin tight.  I look like I had a face lift.  I guess because MSM is a powerful antioxidant.


Perhaps the most remarkable discovery regarding MSM is, that MSM is an effective pain killer which works with many types of chronic pain.  May help to reduce pain associated with arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  MSM is a strong antioxidant, capable of binding and inactivating free radicals.

Skin


Sulfur is called nature's "beauty mineral," because it keeps the skin smooth and youthful, and the hair glossy. Sulfur is necessary for production of collagen and keratin, protein necessary for health and maintenance of skin, nails and hair (6). Several experiments have shown, that all kinds of dermatological disorders which are often allergy-related, respond favorably to a diet supplemented by MSM. Oral dosages of MSM have shown to be effective against acne, Rosaceae and dry, scaly or itching skin(3). When used topically in the form of an ointment or lotion, MSM is helpful in treating skin disorders including acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, scabies, diaper rash and certain fungal infections (1, 6). Scars resulting from operations and from burns also respond well to topical application. New scars can heal so perfectly, that they are almost invisible. Old scars, too, can improve markedly.

Hair

MSM has been reported to reverse graying of hair.  It has also been reported that MSM increased the anagen phase/growth phase of the hair growth cycle.  It will not speed up growth but keep your hair in a growth cycle for a longer period of time so that you can eventually have longer lengths.  Anagen phase can last from 2 years to 6 years.  If your hair anagen phase  is 2 years, MSM may add another year or two to your growth phase.  

Detoxification
What is detox?

MSM enables your cells and tissues to release toxins that have built up over the years. Apparently sulfur is a vital part of our waste management system, and if we have not had enough of it our bodies were not able to release some of the waste substances. If you take too much MSM, your body will release too much waste at one time for your kidneys and liver to handle. This waste in your blood stream can cause all kinds of problems ranging from flu-like symptoms to re-experiencing the effects of drugs that you have taken in the past. For example, heavy caffiene users may feel extra-jittery. The key to reducing or eliminating detox symptoms is to start on MSM slowly so that the waste in your tissues is released slowly and to drink lots of water so that the released toxins will be flushed out of your body quickly.

What do I do if detox symptoms happen anyway?

If the symptoms are not bad, you may just want to tough it out. They should go away in a few days. Be sure to increase your water intake--for most people this would be double the amount of water that they normally drink. If the symptoms are severe, cut back on the MSM and take baths with water hot enough to make you sweat, but not so hot that you might pass out. Limit the baths to 20 minutes in length. You may find it helpful to add ONE of the following to the bath water and perhaps alternating between these items for different baths: a cup of vinegar, a cup of baking soda, a cup of epsom salts, a half cup of chlorine bleach. These substances each help leach out diffent toxins through your skin.

How much MSM should I take and in what form?


You should take whatever form is convenient for you. You should always take the least possible amount of msm that gives you the relief you desire. Drink lots of water with msm. For first time users of MSM, it is better to take with meals to help prevent heartburn. First time users start at a low level and build up. Try 500-1000 mg (eighth to a quarter teaspoon) per day. Take it for that way for one week then increase it another a little more. Once you have taken it a long time you will be able to take it without food. The recommended dosage is 2,000 to 6,000 mg. per day.

I read in a few articles that you should make sure your MSM is made with OptiMSM.  My vitaminshoppe brand is made with OptiMSM.

L.A.D.Y Store

Article Resources:
http://www.msm-info.com/
http://falconblanco.com/health/msm/faq.html

My Vitamin/Supplement Regimen

My detox is over and I am incorporating my vitamins back into my daily regimen.  I currently take:
Carlson Norwegian Salmon Oil: 2000 mg a day. 1 soft gel in the morning and 1 soft gel at night
Nature's Bounty Stress B Complex with C & Zinc: 1 tablet at night
The Vitamin Shoppe MSM 1000(OptiMSM):  2000 mg a day.  1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule at  night.
The Vitamin Shoppe Super Chlorella 1000mg: 2000 mg a day. 2 tablets in the morning.
The Vitamin Shoppe California Grown Spirulina 500mg: 4 tablets in the morning.
Finest Biotin 5000 mcg:  1 tablet at night
Iron supplement: 1 tablet at night. I dont know the dosage but it provides 150% RDA
Last but not least 64 oz of water daily.

Now the above dosages I am working my way back up to.  Especially for MSM, Super Chlorella and Spirulina.  These supplements have detoxifying abilities and its best to ease your way to the optimal dosage you would like to take. 

As of right now I am not taking Chlorella and Spirulina.  I am still increasing my MSM Dosage.

This is my plan: Take 1 (1000 mg) capsule of MSM a day for a week while making sure I take  B Comlex tablet, Salmon Oil, Biotin and Iron.  Then after a week will increase MSM dosage to 2 (1000 mg) capsules of MSM a day for a weeks.  The next week I will add 1 tablet of Chlorella. Next week will be 2 tablets of chlorella. Then 2 tablets of spirulina for one week. The last two tablets of spirulina the next week. This will go one until I can take my above full dosages every day.

The above Vitamins/Supplement have been chosen by me after I have conducted my own research.  These dosages are what I am comfortable with to achieve my optimal health.  Make sure you do your own full research and talk to a physician before you start popping any pills.

I will be discussing in my next few articles about these supplement and how they effect my hair and skin of coursce; but also my total health.

My Hair Routine Saturday

This Saturday I dont plan to go anywhere.  I have been up to 4 am most nights and I am determined to get things done around the house and get some rest.  I will be home doing the laundry and cleaning.  So when I wake up I will:

• Apply my pre poo oils to my scalp and massage for 5-10 minutes.
• Put a plastic cap on my head and do the laudry and clean my home.
• After 8-10 hours I will shampoo my hair with Elasta QP Moisturizing Shampoo.
• Detangle my hair while dripping wet.  Then Pat my hair dry as much as possible with a towel.
• Apply my beloved Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner with a little EV Olive Oil added.
• Put plastic cap and sit under hooded dryer for 20 minutes. (Oh I can feel it now.  Hair like butter.)
• Distribute evenly 3 spritz of Giovanni Vitapro Fusion.
• Use a quater size of Ultra Black Hair Lotion Creme Moisturizer
• Seal my ends with Coconut Oil
• Last, loose bun and my head wrap as a protective style.

Read a book and go to bed.  I have to get up early on Sunday.

Too Many Cowashes

I have been cowashing my hair on Tuesdays and Thursdays and shampooing on Saturdays.  It has been going well.  But I dont have time for all of that.  So, I am taking out the Thursday cowash.  I have a 2 year old so you can imagine.   Also with the other responsibilities and activities I have; something has to give.

I must do a time management calendar soon.  Yeah, that will be a good idea.  I'll put a calendar of my hair care regimen on the blog.  What do you think?

If you have children, give me some great ideas on time management.  Or do you run around like a chicken without a head like I do. LOL!

Protective Styles For Short Hair

Retaining Growth is very important to grow out long hair.  This was a big issue for me.  My hair did not have a problem making it to shoulder length; but it would not go past my shoulders.  It wasn't that my hair stopped growing.  Hair is continuously growing in phases.  Growth phases will be discussed another article.

In the past, I suffered from dry hair, breakage and thin ends.  I figured out the dry hair problem with moisturizing and sealing.  I control breakage with protein.  But one more step is protecting the ends of the hair by Hiding Your Hair.  Protecting my hair with protective styles/hiding hair helped me retain the growth that I so thankfully received.  Some protective styles are:

• Buns
• French Roll
• Wigs
• Head Wraps

I am going to demostrate on Youtube. Coming Soon...

When my hair was neck/ear length, I mainly used wigs and headwraps.  I still do now that I've reached shoulder length.  This is the issue.  The sides of my hair are about 2 inches short from reaching my shoulder and if I put my hair in a bun I will have to pull tight to get all of the hair in the ponytail or use fasteners.  This will cause breakage.  So I will not use buns until my sides are at least 2 inches past my shoulders.  Another reason, I look cute in wigs and head wraps and it's so easy.  Last, it works.

Now that I am shoulder length this is the time to really use protective styles.  When I wear my hair down, my ends rub against by shoulders and clothing.  It's heading towards winter and those thick sweaters can tear up your ends.  This causes ends to dry and break.  So when I am not using wigs or head wraps, I will do a french roll.

One last benefit of protectives styles.  Protective styles allows me to leave my hair alone until the next wash.  I am entering a 2010 Hide Your Hair Challenge at Long Hair Care Forum from November 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.  I have been hiding my hair since May but I am getting tempted to blow dry and flat iron now that it's a little past shoulder length.  I entered this challenge to keep my mind focused on protecting my ends.  But I will have to do a blow out at sometime for progress pics.  But after the pic, back to protective styles/hiding my hair.

How I Conditioner Wash (Cowash) My Hair

I was really skeptical about conditioner washing when I first heard of it.  I just didnt get it.  I said to myself, "How in the world am I going to get my scalp clean with just conditioner.   But it was all the rave on hair forum sites.  There was claims that it was better than using shampoo because you wont suffer from dry hair.  Well dry hair was an issue in May 2009.  So I tried it. But without understanding.  Never try anything without full understanding of why you are doing it and how.  I usually never do that.  I don't know what was wrong with me.  So in short, I tried it.  As a result my scap was itchy, hair was oily and mushy.  Which lead to breakage and I was upset.  And I was dealing with shedding because of my hair cycle and not getting enough sleep.  (Shaking my head)

Can you imagine the horror.  I just started my hair mission and here I go messing up already.  But conditioner washing isn't bad; it was my technique.  Plus I had cut out most of my protein listening to other poeple and that was a NO NO!  What was wrong with me.  I am not a follower.  I tell you the truth.  If only my friends would tell you, I research everything and then make my mind up.  I love info.  I don't know if I told you but I am a protein head.  My hair thrives on it.  I use protein once a week.  It keeps my relaxed hair strong.  So to repair that mishap I went on intensive protein treatments and garlic treatment to stop the breakage and shedding.  Of course I moisturized my hair a lot to balance the protein usage.  It took about a month to get back to normal.  Well after researching this, is what I found.

When cowashing, rinse the hair for at least 2 minutes to loosen up dirt and oils.  Apply a lot of conditioner to hair and massage scalp like a regular shampoo.  Put a plastic cap on.  Shower as usual and then rinse the conditioner out while massaging scalp to make sure scalp is clean.  Also I have to use a light protein conditioner like V05 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia Moisturizing Conditioner.  This V05 conditioner has hydrolyzed keratin.  Another good one is Hair One; which contains hydrolyzed wheat proteins.  These proteins are not at the top of the list of ingredients and should not bother protein sensitive hair.   But because I am do this whole personal MN and Castor oil challenge I think I am going to use V05 Tea Therapy Clarifying Conditioner.  Even though castor oil does not clog pores, it is quite oily.

Conditioners have enough cleansing ingredients to clean hair like Cetrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Bromide and Steartrimonium Chloride.  Take for instance Cetrimonium Chloride, "it prevents or inhibits the buildup of static electricity. Cetrimonium Chloride also helps to cleanse the skin or to prevent odor by destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms and by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away. Cetrimonium Chloride also helps to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified and help to distribute or to suspend an insoluble solid in a liquid."  Well at least according to cosmeticsinfo.org.

Cowashing has not replaced shampoo completely.  I still use Elast QP or Dr. Bronner's Mix once a week.  I clarify my hair with a sulfate shampoo every 4 weeks.  I usually cowash on Tuesdays with Hair One and Thursdays I cowash with a V05.  It's going great so far.

Moral of the story is.......Know your own hair.  Don't listen to everybody.  Figure out how much protein your hair can take and how often.  Lastly, Research, Research, Research then Research again.

Check out my L.A.D.Y STORE you can buy a lot of the products I use and more.

Miconazole Nitrate (MN) For Hair Growth?

Ok. So, for the last year, maybe longer than that, I have heard a lot about women applying miconazole nitrate to their scalp to encourage hair growth.  Do you know where you get this substance from? You get it from products like Monistat and Neosporin AF. Whaaat?! That's what I said too. Vagistat is used to control skin fungus around the vagina area. (Why am I embarassed to say that. LOL) Neosporin AF is more commonly used for athletes foot. This is an underground treatment women use that is all the rave on hair care forums. I have seen progress picture after progress picture showing amazing hair growth.  Along with giving the hair some thickness. There isn't any experimental proof besides what women have reported on their own accounts at various hair forums.  Also FDA has not approved it for hair growth.  Some swear that using miconazole nitrate will grow your hair faster.  MN use on the scalp is said to have began when women have reported seeing hair growth on the vagina area with the use of this antifungal medicine and someone decided to put it on their scalp.


The theory is that nitrates provide needed oxygen to hair follicules and therefore encourages hair growth. A common side effects is headache. The underground advice that the extra oxygen supply to the scalp causes headache. Who knows. But the advice is to add oils to it.

I have some friends who use MN without any side effects.  I will have to admit their hair is pretty long.  I told them I would give it a try.  Their usual formula is add a full tube of 1.59 2% MN Cream in an empty old jar, some castor oil, grape seed oil, rosemary and peppermint essential oils.  Their mix consists of mostly MN cream.  The funniest part is buying the MN discreetly because you dont want anyone thinking you have something wrong with your lady area. (Doh!)

I do not normally grease my scalp.  But from time to time for 4 weeks at a time I will apply a mixture of castor oil, grapeseed oil and emu oil to my scalp.  Now this works for me.  I do get some added length but most of all thickness.   These oils are noncomogenic (won't clog pores).   So for a little experiment I will mix 3 oz of Jamaican Black Castor oil, 1 oz emu oil, 1 oz of grape seed oil, 1/2 oz of 2% miconazole nitrate cream.  So 5 1/2 oz altogether.  I am using the Target Brand.   I am going to apply to my scalp only 2 times a week.  I am officially starting this on 10/27/2009.  I will end when the mixture is finished.

Now I know I might not see the drastic results that other women will see because of my watered down version.  But this is a mix that I am comfortable with.  This is a one time thing.  I will not return to this no matter what the results show.  Right now I receive 3/4 to 1 inch of growth per month.  I will show you progress pictures of the results when mixture is finished.

Don't you use this unless you have done your own research or asked a physician.  Don't go telling people I told you to try this now.  If you have tried this or had success with other growth aids, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you.

How I Shampoo My Hair

Washing my hair is one of the most important part of retaining and increasing my hair growth.  Washing my hair more often has done wonders for my hair but if i use the wrong techniques all of the growth and progress I have made, will go down the drain. Bye-Bye!

I use to shampoo my hair by bunching up my hair.  You know like they do in those shampoo commercials where a woman is in the shower and her hair is full of suds. (Look to the left)  She is smiling in ecstasy with her hair bunched up and full of suds.  THAT'S A NO NO! When I shampooed that way, my hair was very matted and tangled.  I would cry while trying to untangle.  That all changed when I bought a book Ultra Black Hair Growth.  I dont do everything in this book but the two things that I currently use is the method for washing my hair and Creme Moisturizer. 

I wash my hair in the shower except for the day that I relax my hair.  I prepoo my hair for at least 3 hours with oil. (I'll explain my prepoo later).  I untangle my hair in sections with my fingers with my prepoo in my hair.   When in the shower I rinse with water first for 5 minutes, apply shampoo and massage my scalp.  I dont bunch my hair.  I try to keep my hair as straight as possible and I use my fingers as a comb to untangle as I shampoo.  I shampoo once, mostly.  While rinsing I use my fingers to do further untangling, making sure my hair is straight, straight, straight. 

Using this shampoo method  and a good moisturizing shampoo has helped me significantly to retain any growth I have obtained.  This method works for ANY hair type.  Don't ever bunch your hair again!

Update In My Hair Care Regimen 10/21/09

I am going to update part of my hair care regimen.  The part I will be updating is washing/cleansing process.  Some people wash their hair one time a week or even every two weeks; and that works for them.  It didnt for me.  A few years ago, even before I was interested in growing my hair long; I realized that washing and deep conditioning my hair increased the health of my hair.  It also aided in retention of hair growth.  This year I learned that sulfates are not the best cleansers for my hair.  Sulfates caused my hair to be tangled and dry.  If you google sulfate, there will be plenty of information advising that sulfates are harsh cheap detergents that strip away needed moisture.  Which caused me much matting and tangling and loss of wanted hair during the untangling process.

Washing my hair more often has benefited me in these areas:

• Gives me the opportunity to massage my hair.  Massaging increases hair growth.
• Unclog pores of dirt and oil.  Unclogged pores will allow your hair to grow to its potential.
• Very moisturizing.  There's isn't any moisturizer better than water.

So for now I will be conditioner washing my hair on two times a week.  Most likely every Tuesday and Thursday.  Shampooing my hair with a non-sulfate shampoo on Saturdays.  I will keep the rest of my regimen the same for now.  I will be using a sulfate shampoo to clarify my hair every four weeks.

Stretching Relaxer beyond 6-8 weeks

My hair care regimen is completely different than it looked a year ago.  Last year I relaxed every 8 weeks,  I washed my hair 2 times a week, conditioned with any conditioner, moisturized with anything,  blow dried and flat ironed.  I would keep my hair shoulder length with this regimen but had consistently dry ends, split ends, breakage.  I was unpleased with my hairs condition.

Relaxing is not that good for the hair.  Relaxer break down the bonds of the hair in order to give you straighter hair.  Relaxer are full of potentially harmful/harsh chemicals.  They can cause burns and alopecia if not done right.  But I relax.  I have been relaxed since I was five years old.  My plan is to grow my hair mid back length (just to see if I can do it) and then cut my hair and go natural.  I will explain on another day why.

I started stretching my hair beyond 6-8 weeks to 10 weeks.  I realized that I was consistently overprocessing my hair.  Even when I went to a hair care professional to relax my hair.  The reason why is that I didnt have enough new growth.  In 8 weeks you should have about an inch of new growth.  That's not enough room to work with.  When you apply a relaxer, you should apply it to the new growth only.  But because we are human and dealing with a cream; it can get on already relaxed hair.  When the cream is applied to already relaxed hair you can be overprocessed.

Overprocessed hair will appear unhealthy, flimsy, and will break easily.   So I stretched to 10 weeks to give it more new growth.  More new growth gives you more room to relax.  I also apply Mizani's Protective Shield to already relaxed hair just in case the cream slips down to prevent over processed hair.  I set a timer for 20 minutes before I apply.  It takes me 20 minutes for application and smoothing.

I am on a 12 week stretch now.  I am currently on my 11th week and its going great.  But I have to tell you my hair is getting real rough to deal with.  If it wasn't for Aubrey Organics White Camelia or GPB, I dont think I could do it.  The key is keep your hair moisturized and dont manipulate at all between washes when stretching. Especially when you get to that 10th week.  I use protective styling, like a braided bun.  I let down the bun without unbraiding it to moisturize it and then seal it with an oil.

Lastly, since I am relaxing; I use a protein conditioner once per week.  It temporarily bond protein to the hair to keep it strong.  This is a temporary fix to the bonds being broken down to your relaxer, so it is necessary to repeat every so often. 

I use Mizani's Butter Blend no-lye regular, the whole system.  If you would like to try this relaxer Go to L.A.D.Y STORE to buy.

Hair Care Regimen as of 5/19/09

Hair Care Regimen as of 10/8/09

• Relax every 10 weeks (Thinking about stretching to 12 weeks on a permanent basis)
• Shampoo 2xs a week.
• Cowash 1x a week (when I am 6 weeks post relaxer). (Currently not cowashing. Will revisit though.)
• Clarify every 4 weeks.
• (In winter will shampoo 1x a week and Cowash 1x a week.)
• PrePoo before ever shampoo and cowash.
• Protein Conditioner 1x a week
• Moisture Conditioner 2x's a week
• Hair Rinse when needed
• Moisturize & Seal daily
• Protective Styles: Bunning, wearing wigs, and scarfs.

Products:

• Mizani Butter Blends Regular. I use the whole system.
• Shampoo: QP Elasta Creme Conditioning Shampoo, Aubrey Org. Honey Suckle or Dr. Bronner mixed with oil and water( mix from Traycee at http://www.k-i-s-s.biz/)
• (Dr. Bronners soap 2oz, Oils 2 oz., 12 oz distilled water.)
• Preepoo mix: Garysun Amla Oil(has no mineral or petroleum. It includes Brahmi and Bhringraj oil), Extra Virgin Coconut oil, essential oils.
• Protein Conditioners: Aphogee Hard (I use only once 3 days after my relaxer), Aphogee 2 min, Alter Ego Garlic Conditioner, Aubrey Organics GPB, Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner.
• Moisture Conditioners: Aubrey Org White Camelia, Aubrey Org Honey Suckle, Kera Care Humecto (sometimes will add EVOO for extra moisture.)
• Hair Rinse: Lafier Miel Y Almendras Rinse
• Leave In: Giovanni Vita Pro, Aphogee pro vitamin
• Moisturizers: UBH Creme lotion, Nu Gro Spray. (In the Future would like to try Hydrothermal Natural Gro Lotion, Silk Element Silken Child moisturizing creme.)
• Seal: Jane Carter's Nourish&Shine. Or mixture or coconut oil, EV olive oil, avocado oil, castor oil, emu oil.

I will do a blog in the future to explain the metamorphosis of my hair care regimen.  It was no way near anything like this before I started this mission. 

If you would like to try some of these products click on the L.A.D.Y STORE.  Or go to the top right column of this page.