Wash Days
- I wash my hair every weekend.
- Pre-poo (pre-shampoo treatment) by doing a hot oil treatment or using conditioner for at least 30 minutes.
- Shampoo
- *Protein treatment when needed after shampooing.*
- Tea rinse.
- Smoothing conditioner
- Deep condition with my heat cap or steamer for minimum 30 minutes.
- Apply leave in conditioner, then serum, detangle
- Roller set or air dry with scarf.
- Click here to read about and view pictures from all my wash days
Relaxers
- I self-relax my hair ever 10-12 weeks.
- Watch my most recent video of how I self-relax
- Click here to read and view pictures of all my relaxer touch ups
Maintenance and Styling
- At 4-5 weeks post, I begin moisturizing my new growth every other day with Komaza Care Califia Moisturizing Spray or Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Creme
- Protective styles 90% of the time (i.e. buns, faux bob)
- I apply a little Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage or Organix Moroccan Argan Oil before I bun.
- At night, I moisturize, then seal with grapeseed oil or Hairitage Hydration Coconut Mango Hair Moisturizer, then cross wrap or loosely bun, and cover with silk or satin scarf.
- Click here for how I cross wrap my hair.
- I do not comb through my hair during the week, and detangle only on wash day.
- I trim .5" off after every touch up.
- Scalp massages every other night.
Vitamins (taken daily)
- One-A-Day Women's Multivitamin
- GNC Ultra Nourish-Hair
- Fish oil
Click the links for my review
Relaxer System
• ORS Lye Relaxer (normal strength)
|
Shampoos
• Redken Hair Cleansing Cream Shampoo (clarifying/chelating shampoo)
|
Deep Conditioners
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Daily Moisturizers
|
Leave-ins
• Darcy's Botanicals Daily Leave-In Conditioner
• Wheat Germ Butter Conditioner by Silk Dreams Hair Care |
Serums
• Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum (use every week whether roller setting or air drying)
• Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum • Redken Smooth Down Heat Glide (heat protectant) |
Protein/Moisture/Smoothing Treatments
• Reden Extreme Strength Builder Plus
• Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment (smoothing conditioner) |
Oils/Sealants
• Grapeseed Oil (contains ceramides)
• Hemp Seed Oil (contains ceramides)
• Coconut Oil • Lavender Oil • Eucalyptus Oil • Tea Tree Oil • Coconut Oil • Safflower Oil (contains ceramides) • Vitamin E Oil • Hairitage Hydration Coconut Mango Hair Moisturizer (I use this to seal after moisturizing) |
Vitamins/Supplements
• One-A-Day Women's Multivitamin
• GNC Ultra Nourish-Hair
• Fish oil |
Others
• Teas: black tea, green tea, peppermint tea, marshmallow root tea, burdock root tea
|
Heyy, I really love your hair and your blog!!
ReplyDeleteI was wondering, how often do you straighten your hair with a flat iron? x
Thanks! Not often, once every 3 or 4 months, sometimes longer.
ReplyDeleteHi. Do you co-wash at all? If so, how often?
ReplyDeleteHi Jeni :) Love your blog. Am I understanding correctly that you don't co-wash? And how often do you deep conditon?
DeleteHi there, you're correct, I don't co-wash. I deep conditioner every week
Delete@ACG: Hi there, I've cowashed only 3 or 4 times -3 of those times I didn't like how my hair felt. It just felt coated. I've cowashed with a cheapie Suave conditioner and Paul Mitchell The Detangler conditioner. I had a bit more success with PM The Detangler but overall I still didn't like it.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeni, how often do you deep conditon?
DeleteI deep condition every week
DeleteI concur, co-washing definitely did not work for me or my hair either. That is until I started using AS I AM -coconut co-wash. It actually cleans the hair and makes it feel amazingly soft and light. I've kind of been frightened away from shampooing.
DeleteThanks. Just so I'm clear about your regimen, you use a hot oil treatment as your prepoo, right?
ReplyDeleteYes, that's correct!
ReplyDeleteONE more question, do you use pure grapeseed oil or is it mixed with vitamin E? I found a grapeseed/E mix at Whole Foods. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently using pure grapeseed oil, heritage brand.
ReplyDeleteHi, love your blog very inspiring. Do you have any tips for me becasue my hair is relaxed but everytime i wash it it doesn't look relaxed and i have to flat iron it so it looks some-what straight.
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace. You can try roller setting your hair, that helps maintain a sleek look.
ReplyDeleteHi, Your hair is beautiful and I am inspired by your progress. I was just curious to know what type your hair is?
ReplyDeleteHi Tonya,
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!! I'm actually not sure. I've never read up on hair types or tried to type my own hair. I'll try and google hair types and compare to the photos I have of my new growth.
thanks for sharing you regimen! do you use any setting lotion at all?
ReplyDelete@ stelise: Hi there! No, I don't use setting lotion.
ReplyDeleteI'm just getting into stretching. This is my first time and I'm aiming for 12 weeks. By far your blog has been the most useful..just simple as in what I need to do
ReplyDeletewhen you are applying the oil treatment to your hair bi-weekly, do you rinse it out and let it air dry or rinse it out and shampoo and roller set? or what?
ReplyDeleteI apply the oil, leave it in for 30mins-1hr, rinse with warm water, shampoo, deep condition, and the roller set my hair.
ReplyDeleteusing an over head dyer twice a month, can it damage your hair
ReplyDelete^^^ I usually roller set my hair every week and sit under my dryer to dry and haven't seen any ill effects to the health of my hair, but because my hair is in rollers, that decreases the amount of direct heat my hair is actually receiving.
ReplyDeleteHi :) i just started my hair journey and im stretching to 12 or 13 weeks do you have any advice for people just starting out?? oh and I'm 16 (by the way) i kinda live by my moms' rules so yeah i have no money to buy those products (hopefully i can get her to join and support me also on the hair journey). i never found out about moisturizing and sealing until now. I am soooo happy that i stumbled upon you blog! you go girl! i really hope you reach you goals. you have my support! x
ReplyDeleteHi, do you use a heat cap? If so, what brand? Thanks.
ReplyDelete@Aaliyah: Hi there! Glad you like the blog! I just posted a couple links on regimen building and a few of them are how to build a regimen on a college budget - I hope that helps! Good luck on your goals as well!
ReplyDelete@ACG: Yes I do use a heating cap - Gold N' Hot Conditioning Heat Cap --> http://www.sallybeauty.com/heat-cap/SBS-255503,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH
I love your blog; i book marked on both my iPad and iPhone. One question; I use Jason's tea tree oil and the smell is awful! The other night I put a few drops with JBCO on my hairline and the smell is overwhelming. My husband actually sniffed me to see where the smell was coming from, lol! How do you use it so often, does the smell not bother you? Are you doing something to mask the heavy smell? I really want to keep it in my regimen but the odor can be too much.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm using Jason's vitamin e oil and it doesn't really have a smell. When I mix with my tea tree essential oil, I only use 8 or 9 drops of it so that the smell isn't too overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteHey lady...first let me say, your blog is great and I am so loving your hair. I will definitely be using some of your tips for the regimen I use (when I finally post it). I will stay tuned in.
ReplyDeleteHi Thanks for the tips and practical steps for success.
ReplyDeletejust found this blog and i'm loving it and your hair :). i wanted to know, do you have any tips for gaining and retaining length for natural hair? i want to try some of what you said, but i don't know if it will be good for my hair too. also, what does vitamin e do? and do you have tips for fine hair? i noticed yours is long and thick! mine's is good at tricking people lol, but it's really not so thick and it's a challenge to maintain thickness and length. any suggestions?? thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHere are 5 things that have helped me retain length the most. They're not really "relaxed specific things" so they could benefit.
DeleteI'd say the biggest two are (1) keeping my ends moisturized and a combo of (2) keep my hair off my shoulders and (3) protective styling.
(1) Keep your ends moisturized. Our ends are the oldest part of our hair and thus require the most moisture.
(2) Keep your ends off your shoulders. Our clothing can snag the hair, causing breakage as well as dry out our hair. I've gotten so used to wearing my hair up that sometimes when my hair is down it bothers me to feel it rubbing against my shoulders and back. I never go the entire day with my hair down. To keep my hair up and away from my clothing, I wear it in a faux bob, bun, or held up in a claw clip.
(3) Protective styles. This reinforces the bullet point above but protective styling also help me cut down on manipulation and helped me to just leave my hair alone. Decrease in manipulation = decrease in breakage = length retention. I personally prefer to bun my hair because its easy
(4) Decreased use of direct heat. Using direct heat (blow drying, hot combs, flat irons) on your hair isn't a bad thing, but should be done in moderation. Frequent use of heat can dry out and damages hair.
(5) Weekly deep conditioning to restore moisture and elasticity to my hair. Steaming or using a heat cap while deep conditioning boosts the effectiveness of the deep conditioner.
Here's a blurb I've posted on vitamin E oil: Consuming vitamin E oil helps in increasing oxygen uptake, which improves blood circulation to your scalp. Ultimately, that results in healthy hair growth. As hair is associated to the immune health, vitamin E oil for hair is considered as the best hair growth stimulator, which enhances the immune function. Vitamin E oil acts as an antioxidant, which helps in preventing cells and tissues from oxidation, that can cause pre-mature aging. Vitamin E oil for hair, it helps in preventing gray hair and nourishes your scalp, resulting in healthy hair growth and hair repair. Vitamin E has a massaging effect on your scalp all the time. Vitamin E oil contains antioxidants which help in keeping the immune system improved and helps in circulation of blood to all parts of your body and that includes the scalp.
Hi I was wondering how often do you get a trim and touch up with a relaxer?
ReplyDeleteHi Sherese, I dust my ends (not as much as trim, I take of half an inch or less) about every 10 weeks. I was previously touching up every 10 weeks, but after my last stretch of 16 weeks, I'll be shooting for 16 weeks from now on (both for touch ups and dusting).
DeleteThanks Jenijen, I made up an oil today of grapeseed,peppermint and lavender cause thats all I already had, and I applied it to my scalp. It feels great, just a little on the oily side. After your sets,do you wrap your hair in a circular motion then use a silk scarf?
DeleteI also want to say to you God Bless you for starting this, it is Heaven sent!
DeleteI wrap my hair in a circular motion only if I'm going to do a saran wrap right after; in general I don't wrap in a circular method often, I'd say once every few months. 99% of the time, I cross wrap my hair after my sets.
DeleteMy pleasure, be blessed!!!
I am so excited to start the six month roller set challenge. I love all your suggestions. Let me tell you a little bit about my hair story. Back in November of 2010, I did my own hair which was always about BSL, meaning I tried heat appliances a couple times. The only reason I did this is my daughter kept telling me, it doesn't look like the shop and I burned out some of the top of the crown. I can cover it up, but its not growing like I thought. I also swithched stylists due to the fact of relocation. One application i received my scalp was burning even after the wash out from this stylist and caused scalbs, which of course is gone. What relaxer are you using or is being applied for you? This particular stylist likes to blow me out, I think it is just quicker than a set.But after reading your blog, I am not accepting this anymore, I want my thick,bouncy,long hair back. I am also taking vitamins and drinking lots of water.
ReplyDeleteI'd vote for roller sets over a blow out any day :)
DeleteI currently use Organic Root Stimulator, lye formula, normal strength to relax my hair (I self relax now). In the past, my stylist would use Paul Mitchell Relaxer (lye formula) and my hair responded really well to it.
Hi Jenijen, can you tell me why do you wet the rollers first?
ReplyDeleteHi Sherese, it helps my hair stick to the roller so that the hair rolls on smoothly.
DeleteThank you girl, now about the dusting, do you do that or a professional? And if you do are there paticular scissors to use?
ReplyDeleteI dust my own hair (I've had to many stylist cut off too much hair). Any pair of quality hair shears will work. Here's the link to the one I use. It only cost me $13.00 (Conair Professional Barber Shears). I only use it on my hair.
Deletehttp://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=446656&productId=446656&navAction=jump&navCount=3
I just read you mentioned all the benefits of vitamin e oil, however when I read your maintence I don't see it mentioned as a vitamin that you take or in the hot oil treatments. So where does the vitamin E come into play?
DeleteI use vitamin E oil in my oil mix that I massage my scalp with during the week and on wash days to control itchy scalp and dandruff.
DeleteHere is the link to the post I did on the oil mix: http://www.justgrowalready.com/2011/08/current-oil-mix.html
I also add vitamin E oil to my sulfur mix, here's the post on that one: http://www.justgrowalready.com/2011/12/my-sulfur-mix.html
Wow, thanks I will go get them.Do you have a video of you dusting because that will help me out alot. Also, what is pre-poo and tex-laxed? Im always reading it on your blog but not understanding.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure.
DeletePre-poo means pre-shampoo; it can mean doing a hot oil treatment before shampooing, applying a conditioning or protein treatment before shampooing.
Texlaxing means purposefully underprocessing hair when relaxing it for the purpose of leaving texture.
Ok Jenijen, last thing for now, Lol and I will be well on my way. Do you have a video of you dusting because I didn't see one so far? Also I want to say Im so excited I am telling other ladies about your blog that I happened to come across and Lord knows I am so grateful for you. God Bless again!
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to a video I made showing how I dust in terms of sectioning and holding my hair, but I didn't actually physically cut any hair off because I had recently already dusted: link http://youtu.be/w0w0CQr6dL8
DeleteIt's my pleasure! Be blessed!!
Hey Jenijen, I watched the dusting demonstration and was wondering how do you get to dust the hair in the middle, I pretty much just saw you dust the bottom length and bangs only.
DeleteHey there. I part my hair down the middle. Since my hair is all one length, excluding my bangs, the hair in the middle gets pulled to each side and trimmed with the rest of my hair.
Deletehello, what moisturize do you use before you seal with oil at night ?
ReplyDeleteI'm currently moisturizing with Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Creme
DeleteHi Jenijen, I was wondering have you ever done a rod or flexirod set? I just recently did a rod and followed all your suggestions and Im getting ton of compliments. I went into Ultas to purchase the Organix anti-breakage serum and they did not sell it, where can I get that from? Also do you think me doing the rod sets are ok for this challenge because I see you mainly do the larger rollers and cross wrap?
ReplyDeleteYou can also find it at CVS and Walgreens. I can't remember if I've ever seen it at Target.
DeleteHere's the link to ECPrincess' Official Rules to the Challenge. http://longing4length.blogspot.com/2011/12/6-month-rollersetting-challenge.html
Rod sets are definitely ok for the challenge. I don't do them because my skills in that area are lacking lol. I'm plaining on eventually buying more rods and getting the hang of it.
Hi Jenijen, thanks for always replying with good info. I have a question about rinses. I love this rinse by Jazzy, gold bold. My question is can I rinse before my texlax or should it always be after. Or is a rinse safe regardless how you do it? I know you dont rinse since you never mentioned it, however just thought you might know since you know alot about hair.
ReplyDeleteHey Sherese, my pleasure. I would say always after you texlax. I know for color applications, you always color after a relaxer, I assume a rinse would follow the same rules.
DeleteHere are a few threads I found on LHCF about women applying the rinse after they neutralize the relaxer.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=13577819&highlight=apply+color+rinse+after+relaxer#post13577819
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=13428525&highlight=apply+color+rinse+after+relaxer#post13428525
Hope this this.
Hi Jen, can you go through how to do a hot oil treatment please thank you
ReplyDeleteHi there. here's the link to the vid I made on how I do one :)
Deletehttp://youtu.be/5Ug4fUXkdz8
for another look, I also show I do one during my wash day process from start to end in this vid: http://youtu.be/UkMITfIKcFM
DeleteHi Jen, what is Chi Silk Infusion and why do you add it to your hair before relaxing and also you mentioned starting castor oil in your regimen. How does castor oil help thicken the hair and where would you get this castor oil from? oh and your hair looks great!
ReplyDeleteHi Sherese, I haven't forgotten your question about using CHI Silk Infusion! I've gotten emails from others about it as well so I'm going to write a post on it.
DeleteAs for the castor oil: from my understanding, castor oil possibly has the same effect as henna, where it coats hair to thicken it. I'll have a definite answer once I start using it. I'll be purchasing it from Amazon.com but it can also be found in WholeFoods Market, Vitamin Shoppe, vitacost.com. Those are just the places I know of.
And thank you! :)
Hi Jen.
ReplyDeleteWhen you wash you part your hair into four sections. Have you always done this or just as your hair got longer
Hi Sabine, I haven't always washed in four sections, I started nearly a year ago. My hair was APL when I started washing in sections, but I do wish I had started doing it sooner.
DeleteI notice that you don't use a conditioner (just a regular one) after you do the shampoo in step 2. Does the Paul Mitchell Wild Ginger Awapuhi Moisturizing Lather Shampoo detangle?
ReplyDeleteHi Cara, I use a deep conditioner after a shampoo. I don't find the PM Moisturizing Lather Shampoo detangles, I've found it softens and strengths my hair.
DeleteHey Jenijen, I started reading your blog about a month ago and always lurked. Thank you so much for your posts... they are awesome!
ReplyDeleteI added the Organixs Coconut Milk anti-breakage serum to my daily moisturizing and sealing regimen and the Roux PC Corrector to my wash regimen and my shedding has decreased almost 90% ;o ;o... I am in hair heaven... Thanks! Considering I was 11+ weeks post relaxer with coarse thick 4c hair and shedding like crazy, this was a major breakthrough... You've also encouraged me to be more diligent about my daily moisturizing schedule....
I just relaxed yesterday (no-lye) at 13wks post and it came out great because my hair pre-relaxer was in great condition due to the Roux and the Organix serum. I will try the PM Super Skinny treatment deeper into my stretch and look forward to keeping up and being inspired by your blog.
Happy Hair Journey! You deserve it :).
Your comment made my day!! I love success stories! I'm happy to hear that the Organix and Roux are working well for you. Wishing all the best in your hair journey! HHJ! :D
DeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and have inspired me to take better care of my hair too. I was wondering if all the products listed under your staples page are you staples or just the ones that are highlighted?
HI there, they're all staples that I rotate. The one's highlighted have links to product reviews that I've done.
DeleteHi Jenijen, my daughter came home from college and she was telling me how thick my hair looks now. She said it was looking thin before. She also teased me on how long it took to pre-poo, shampoo,conditioner and rod set. It feels good when people notice the difference. Thanks a million!
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I agree, it feels so rewarding when people notice your hard work paying off!
DeleteThat last message is from Sherese about daughter in college!
ReplyDeleteI know have about 80% of your staple products! I just ordered:
ReplyDeletehempseed oil
safflower oil
Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Moisturizing shampoo
and waiting on Ulta to restock the Matrix Biolage Hydratherapie balm
I am trying to follow your reggie to a 'T'! You must be doing a lot of things RIGHT!
Hi Jenijen, I was just wondering how the Redkens Butter Creme worked out? it sounds like a good product. I have also found that my pre-poo works better if I add a conditioner and leave-in instead of just a hot-oil. The conditioners soften and detangles much better before my shampoo, decreasing tangles and breakage.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherese, it worked pretty well. It softened, smoothed, and helped detangle my hair.I liked the results. I'm going to keep it in my list of conditioner pre-poos.
DeleteJenijen, how often are you stretching your hair now? I went 9 weeks last relaxer, and I'm going for 10weeks next weekend. Is this the way to stretch? To add a week everytime?
ReplyDeleteThis stretch will be 10 weeks.
DeleteAdding 1 week or 2 is definitely how I would suggest extending your stretch when getting the feel for/getting the hang of stretching.
I saw a young lady recently who had an amazing curly twist out with natural hair. I stopped her to ask how long she had been natural and she said since 2009. She stopped her relaxer cold turkey. She mentioned she uses Shea Moisture Souffle and Smoothie in her hair. Even though, im not going natural, just stretching, I wanted to try it out. I must say I used the smoothie with my twist out and I have no breakage at all. And this is days later. Im geting ready for my relaxer at 10weeks and my hair is really strong and soft as if I could go longer, but im not. Just sharing some product info. Have a Great Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! Finding a product that works well and helps manage hair during a stretch is great. I've heard a lot of good things about he Shea Moisture line.
DeleteHi.
ReplyDeleteI know you have heard this a lot but your hair is absolutely gorgeous. I want to start my hair regimen but I am not sure how to choose products. What should I look for in a daily moisturizer and in a deep conditioner? Can I use the same product for the two purposes? what should I look for in a protein treatment? does if have to say explicitly 'protein'?
I have a few more questions:
I've read that one should balance protein and moisture, right? So, if I do a protein treatment every other week and I moisturize and seal every night isn't that adding too much moisture and too little protein?
If I'm doing hot oil treatment, deep conditioning, and protein, how do I alternate. Is it ok to do hot oil and deep conditioning one week and protein and deep conditioning the other week?
Why do you damp your hair before hot oil treatment? can it be done on dry hair?
How do you do to go through the week without combing? do you just unwrap and that's it? what about at night? or when you have new growth? My hair is really, really, really kinky and if I don't comb it for several days then the comb just wont go through and it hurts. I have to comb it everyday to avoid that. By moisturizing and sealing every night do you think I will avoid that? will that soften my new growth?
I am sorry for all the questions but I am new to this and really ignorant about these topics.
Thanks a lot.
Hi there,
DeleteUnfortunately the truth about finding great staple products is that it's a matter of trial and error. What may work for one may not work for someone else, it's really about testing out products and finding which one fits the best. Sometimes trying out staple products of women who have the same hair type is a great way to go about it because it may help you get a feel on what products could potentially work for your hair.
I wouldn't recommend using a deep conditioner as a moisturizer, you could experience product build up fairly quickly and then that would just decrease the effectiveness because when hair is coated with product, moisture doesn't penetrate into the hair shaft.
A protein treatment will help strength and repair your hair.
Yes, protein/moisture is something to shoot for, it's really about getting a feel for your hair and just learning to when it needs moisture or protein. Doing a protein treatment works for some but not for others because some women are protein sensitive while some art. I'm hesitant to say give yourself a set protein moisture schedule because it may not work that for you. How does your hair respond to protein???? For example, I moisturize and seal every night but throw in a protein treatment when my hair tells me it's feeling over moisturized and needs protein. It's ok to alternate while determining what protein/moisture balance your hair likes.
Hot oil treatments can be done on dry hair, I do them on dry hair now because I don't feel like dampening my hair before anymore. It was a tipped I picked up from the hair boards but I can't remember why or if I see a difference so I stopped months ago.
I finger comb during the week. Just unwrap, run my fingers through and go. At night I moisturize and seal, and finger comb my hair into a bun or into a cross wrap. I never comb through my new growth, except when detangling on wash day. To keep my new growth manageable and soft, I moisturize it a few days during the week. If I left my new growth alone and didn't moisturize it, it coils and coils and because I'm extremely tenderheaded it just hurts and causes breakage and tangles when I go to detangle so keeping it moisturized it my new growth's best friend.
Hope this helps!
You are great.
DeleteThanks a lot for your responses. They were very helpful. I am also learning a lot from your blog. I am just starting my hair journey and the most difficult thing for me is discipline, so whenever I fell lazy or tired I look at your blog and it encourages me to keep on :)
Aww, it's my pleasure! :)
DeleteCan you save unused relaxer? I did not use all of mine this go round. If so how?
ReplyDeleteUnused lye relaxer can be saved. I keep my jar in a cool location until the next touch up. It's not recommended to save no-lye relaxer after the activator has been mixed in.
DeleteAre there any long term pros to using lye instead of no-lye, which is what they sell at the beauty supply stores mostly?
DeleteIt's person specific, for me, no-lye relaxers leave my hair limp and proceeded my hair faster so long term for me is that my hair has more body and isn't proceeded to the degree that no-lye does, which is especially important because I texlax now.
DeleteHere's a great link that I relied on when deciding between lye or no-lye: http://voices.yahoo.com/is-lye-no-lye-chemical-relaxing-better-your-502193.html?cat=69
Hope this helps!
Hello,
ReplyDeleteHow long did it take for your hair to grow that length?
Thanks
Ive been caring for my hair since March 2009, I started out at shoulder length. The tab 'Progress Pics' has a better timeline
DeleteHola,
ReplyDeleteAny recommendations on a good detangler? Thanks in advance.
I've heard good things about the Mane N Tail detangler
DeleteCame across your blog today and so glad I did. I've found it so insightful - thank you. I've just started my HJ and was wondering what hair type you are. Your hair looks like a similar texture to mine although much much longer and healthier :-). Thank you so much for sharing your experience strength and hope. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels extremely grateful. Best Wishes Lorraine.
ReplyDeleteAwww, it's my pleasure! My hair is 4a/b, fine strands
DeleteI see that you've tweaked your staple products list. Good for you. lol I didn't like the Biolage conditioning balm as a deep conditioner, I was thinking about adding silk amino acids to it. I just don't want it the conditioning balm to go to waste. *sigh* I guess I can apply it to my daughter's hair and see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteHey jeni...
ReplyDeleteLove your blogs so much...But I need help. Im currently deployed in Afghanistan and I had shoulder length hair before I came now after being here for 4 months and dealing with the harsh water my hair is now to my neck. I dnt know if I should switch my shampoo that I am using or try something totally different to grow my hair back. Pls help!
Hi there, is there water there high in minerals? If so I'd suggest may trying a chelating shampoo to remove mineral build up - over time mineral build up can make hair dull and cause breakage. Here are a few shampoos I know of that help remove mineral build up: Ion Hard Water Shampoo; Kenra Clarifying Shampoo; Elucence Clarifying Shampoo; Redken Hair Cleansing Cream... hope this helps, any other questions, let me know!
DeleteHi Jeni,
ReplyDeleteI recently stumbled accross your blog and I love it, it has made me belive that my hair can grow. I recently relaxed my hair and my stylist advised not to use shampoo on my hair until my next treatment in 3 weeks. Its contrary to everything that I have read in your blog i.e. wash /cowash once a week, I am confused, please help. Also is it ok to apply JBCO to recently relaxed hair.
Thank you
Hi there! Not to shampoo?! Why in the world not haha. A healthy clean scalp is a good thing!
DeleteYup, it's ok to apply JBCO to recently relaxed hair.
Hi Jeni,
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by protective styles?
Thanks :-)
Hi anon! Styles that protect the hair (focused is placed on the ends) from breakage caused by exposure to clothes/elements.
DeleteaRe corn rolls not also protective styles? as in corn rolls under a weave......if not please explain
DeleteI am struggling with the fact i cant wear a weave. i look so boring.
i recently had a wig made for me
help pls
Hi Lucy, that would be a protective style, the hair would be protected and hidden under the weave
DeleteHi What producats would you reccomend or do you use to clean your scalp?
ReplyDeleteHi DeOndra, do you mean I'm specifically trying to remove build up? For that I used a clarifying shampoo. My current one is Redken Hair Cleaning Cream
DeleteHi Jeni you said that you don't comb through your hair during the week???? I know that this may sound fuuny but how is that possible,lol and doesn't it tangle up more.
ReplyDeleteHi there, nope I don't. I just finger comb. I cross wrap my hair at night and in the morning it doesn't take a comb to take it down. Other than doing my scalp massages and moisturizing my new growth, I pretty much leave my hair alone. When I moisturize my new growth, I work my fingers downwards to prevent shifting the hair around and tangling.
DeleteWhat are some smoothing conditioners to use!?
ReplyDeleteDanni
Hi Danni, I've used Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat (discontinued now), Redken Smooth Lock Butter Silk, and Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment -- this one is the winner.
Deletecan pure coconut oil be used as the only oil in the hair.
ReplyDeleteSure could. Coconut oil is a great oil
DeleteHello Jenjen!
ReplyDeleteHow often do you use direct heat?
TIA
This year is a fluke, I've already flat ironed my hair from root to tip 5 times, and for a couple months I flat ironed my roots after roller sets. Prior to this year though, I'd use direct heat 2-3 times a year. I plan on going back to that for 2013
DeleteHi Jenijen,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on almost WL :) I'm now becoming interested (again) in decreasing shedding. Sometimes I even see the sebum on the shed strand and I want to decrease how much I shed even though it doesn't seem to drastically thin my hair out. It seems to be a summer-winter change too. I still use the Roux PC and the Organix anti-breakage serum so my breaking is under control.
Are you still doing black tea rinses and how often?
Thanks for sharing :)
Hi there! Thank youu! It's great to hear your breakage is under control! I still do them, admittedly not as often I had hoped. I've been doing them once every few weeks - I'd like to say once a month but I think it may be a bit longer in between rinses.
DeleteHi Jeni,
ReplyDeleteThe links to purchase your favorite products is a very nice addition to the blog :-).
Thank you for the feedback!
DeleteHi! I love your hair & website, such an inspiration! Please, I'd love to know:
ReplyDelete1) How do you personally texlax? By rinsing the relaxer out early or mixing with oil? if so, what's your ratio? I love the look of bone straight hair but I want thick hair so I'm thinking of transitioning to texlaxed and need all the info I can get! Lol
2) Do you have any extra tips for overcoming protein overload? I've upped my moisture(thru co-washing/occasional baggying) and eliminated protein from my regimen but I still have some breakage, I think it has improved slightly though.
Thanks!
Hi Sabrina, thank you!
Delete(1) I use ORS relaxer and it's not strong enough to straighten my hair so I don't have to do much. I apply and smooth for 11 minutes and don't smooth a lot. That's all. Here's the link to how I texlax my hair: http://youtu.be/GPkSNjf8aBI
(2) Here's a link to a post I did on protein overload & how to fix it: http://www.justgrowalready.com/2012/02/protein-overload-what-is-it-how-to.html
Hope this helps!
What's the difference between pre pooing, deep conditioning and protein/moisture treatments?
ReplyDeleteAlso, don't you co wash? If no why not?
ReplyDeleteHi, I love your blog and you hair!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing all of this with us, you are such an inspiration!
Also, i wanted to know more about the supplement you are taking: GNC Ultra-Nourish.
Is it really effective? Is there any side effects? Had you ever tried Hairfinity? If yes, do you thing GNC is better? Anyway, i just wanted more information about this product before buying it.
Thank You :)
On wash days, do you detangle only after you apply your leave in? Do you detangle before you wash with shampoo? I have real problem with tangles so I find it difficult not to comb my hair and when I do, there's always breakage.
ReplyDeleteHi I just stumbled upon your site just grow already on Facebook and I clicked the link and have been hooked ever since. My hair texture is curly/wavy and thick, and I have been reaping the benefits of pre-natal vitamins. Now my baby is 2 and up until about a month ago when I last self relaxed I noticed my hair began to fall out. Now this is not new to me, when I am under alot of stress my hair tends to let me know first. And it wasn't breakage it was long strands from the scalp I noticed whenever I combed or brushed my hair. I also noticed my bun is smaller too as my hair is starting to thin. I am looking into a regimen otherwise I'm cutting it all off and going natural. Also I have never dyed my hair and I always wanted to try different colors. What is your take on hair dye?
ReplyDeleteHi Jenijen, great info! I'm currently starting my very own hair journey,however...
ReplyDelete- what is a smoothing conditioner and why do you use it if you deep condition?
A smoothing conditioner smoothes the hair and looses tangles. I detangle after using Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Daily Treatment because it doesn't deep condition so I still need to use something after it to adequately moisturize my hair.
DeleteHi Jeni!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your blog! Very informative & your hair is beautiful!! My question is do you ever flat iron your hair? If so, how do you prep your hair before?
Sorry...I just read your response from October about using direct heat. I still would like to know how you prep your hair..thanks!
DeleteHI there, here's the link to my post on prepping my hair for direct heat: http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/01/my-flat-iron-routine.html
DeleteHello! Love the blog. Question: I'm in need of a good moisturizer. And I'm looking into the qhemets biologic root butter cream and organic root stimulators new cream , intense moisture. Have you tried any? Any tips on good moisturizers? Thanks
ReplyDeleteHi there and thank you! I've tried the Qhemets Burdock Root Butter Cream, here's the link to my review: http://www.justgrowalready.com/2010/09/product-review-qhemet-biologics-burdock.html
DeleteI haven't tried the ORS moisturizer.
Here the links to other moisturizers I've tried and liked:
http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/03/product-review-silk-dreams-hair-care.html
http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/03/product-review-komaza-care-califia.html
http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/02/product-review-darcys-botanicals-sweet.html
http://www.justgrowalready.com/2013/01/product-review-hairitage-hydration.html
http://www.justgrowalready.com/2012/02/product-review-darcys-botanicals.html
http://www.justgrowalready.com/2011/02/product-review-hairveda-whipped-creme.html
Hi Jenijen, is there any safe color to use besides Jazzy on our hair. I was doing so great and a stylist convinced me to get a color/Demi and it has set my progress back. Help!!!!!!!!! What can I do now to get back on track? I love the color, hate that it make my hair even more fragile. I know if anyone can help, its you!!
ReplyDeleteI've never colored my hair so I unfortunately do not know much about which hair color brands are better than others :( :(. Color treated hair does require more moisture though, so increasing moisture is a step in the right direction.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Hun! Your hair is gorgeous!! I was wondering if you wanted to wear your hair down for when week..what would be your regiment? Would you moisturize less? Only cross wrap?etc. thanks so much for your time:)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'd moisturize and seal every other day and either cross wrap my hair.
DeleteHi Jenni...im new to the online hair blog community. I just wanted to know what your hair type is? Thanx :) Love ur Blog. xoxo.
ReplyDeleteHi there and thank you! My hair is 4a/b, fine strands.
DeleteThanks for posting this information about grapeseed oil. I'm curious if you've used olive oil on your hair in the past how this oil compares. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. I used olive oil a few times in at the beginning of my HHJ in 2009 and haven't used it since. I didn't like how it made my hair feel so I stopped using it soon after I started and haven't revisited.
DeleteI enjoy that you have all this awesome information on your blog! What do you use for an itchy scalp. I can get the moisturize thing down okay, but even still with new growth or if I slack off, my head is sooo itchy. What oil/ leave in would you suggest to combat that?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteHere I like to use a mix of coconut, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender and vitamin E oil on scalp. Here's the link a post on the oil mix: http://www.justgrowalready.com/2011/08/current-oil-mix.html
Hello!!! Do you still use the GNC Ultra Nourish Hair vitamins....
ReplyDeleteHi there, yes I do.
DeleteHello; thanks so much for this blog! One of my concerns is how to safely rinse out the relaxer without damaging my eyes or skin. Any suggestions for rinsing it out, and do you rinse in the sink or shower? Thanks for your help.
ReplyDeleteHi! i just started on my hair journey and i also just found out about your blog and i think it's amazing! so knowledgeable! I wanted to know just one thing and it's if you don't use normal conditioners after you shampoo or your protein treatment. Do you just deep condition?
ReplyDeleteHey.My neck used to be neck length but then ever since I opened my world up to Flat-Iron my hair became super damaged.Now I just started my hair regimen with ear length hair.I used to straighten hair single day but now I've stopped to only once a week or whenever I wash my hair which is less than 2 weeks. How often do you straighten your hair?
ReplyDeletehey Jen! i was just wondering at night time do you wrap your hair everynight orr what do you do?? thanks!
ReplyDelete