Healthy Hair Feature: Alma

(Left) Shrunken braid out.  (Right) Stretched braid out.

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?) 

I am a natural 4a and have been now for 4 and half years. 

2) If you are natural, did you transition? 

Oh yes I transitioned for 18 months. I used braids and weaves to avoid the hassle of dealing with the two textures. To be honest though, by the time I came to do the big chop, majority of my relaxed hair had broken off so it was more of a small chop than anything else. I remember at first feeling really odd, naked somehow with just my little fro and without the security of hair but I got used to it pretty quickly and started to enjoy how freeing being natural was.

Flat-ironed. (End of 2011.)

3) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey? 

Straight after my BC like many other naturals I was crazy for wash and go's and wore my hair like that for months on end. I also found that with my 50-70% shrinkage, braid outs did not stretch my hair any more than a wash and go. I actually took pictures that showed that my hair shrunk by the same degree either way! 

As my hair grew longer (at the time it was around shoulder length) and as a result of all those wash and go's, I found that I was getting way too many tangles and single strand knots. I noticed that one week I would have lots of single strand knots then a few weeks later they would disappear only to be replaced pretty quickly by new ones. Eventually I came to the conclusion that my hair was breaking at the site of the single strand knots and my new mission became to avoid them at all costs.

The only other major mistake that I've made was actually pretty recently when I decided to do mini twists. I had the worst tangling I've ever had in my time as a natural even though I'd only had the twists in for 2 weeks. My hair does not seem to like torsion twists of any sort so I stick with braids for styling or when I need to section my hair.

Shrunken braid out.

4) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

My regimen changes every now and again but as a rule, I deep condition with heat weekly and shampoo my hair most weeks too. Since my moisture protein balance has long since been established and I can usually tell what my hair is in need of, sometimes I will do a quick condition (between 10-30 minutes without heat) to maintain the balance. I always wash my hair in 4-6 braids because it makes it easier to handle.

Because my hair is colored I tend to err on the side of protein so I use a protein conditioner on most weeks. During grow out I will usually wear my hair in braids or weaves but I can only usually handle 2-3 weeks at a time, like many naturals I find that I miss my hair too much! Even so I find that my hair is in protective styles for up to 40% of the year. This allows me to maintain the most length. Of course once I get to goal, I probably won't do protective styles much.

I do strong protein treatments every couple of months or so and I moisturize and seal as needed which is usually every other day for me. Unlike other naturals who never go anywhere near heat, I used to flat iron my hair every couple of months and have done so all through my hair journey. Having said that, since I am now grazing waist length (I hope to be at waist length by the end of the year), it's way too much work to flat iron any more so straight hair will definitely take a backseat to curly styles for the time being.

My favorite go to hairstyle is a braid out because it's just so easy. I generally do it the traditional way of braiding wet to damp hair but I will sometimes do a stretch blow dry (tension method) to get my hair stretched before braiding it down. Pineapple-ing my hair every night helps to keep the curls for the entire week.

I have very well documented slow growth of just 4 inches per year so I never trim my hair as a rule. I've actually trimmed it just once in 4 years, and even then it didn't feel necessary!

5) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

I have been interested in health for years but with so many contrasting views on the subject, in the past 10 years I have gone from one extreme diet to the other. I have been a low fat vegan and a zero carber! Unfortunately after ever stint on another extreme diet I came away with even more pounds than I started off with, classic yo yo dieting and no method has ever given me lasting weight loss. 

Lately I have been reading the work of Matt Stone who believes that the metabolism plays a huge role in overall health and that dieting and disordered eating is the cause of many modern diseases  He works with people to get their body temperatures up to normal levels.

When I first started my body temperature was a chilly 95.7 degrees and following his methods I have got it up to 97.7 first thing on waking in the morning. I am still carrying a lot of extra pounds but weight is apparently one of the last things to resolve after digestion and hormonal balance is restored. In the meantime I concentrate on getting adequate nutrition from all food groups while avoiding refined sugar and refined oils. I rarely eat out and all our food is cooked from scratch.

I am also in the process of trying to reduce my chemical load by switching to natural versions of products I currently use. I am using the wonderful deodorant recipe posted on your blog which works beautifully and I am using an FIR infrared sauna to help sweat out toxins.

High bun on straightened hair.

6) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Absolutely! There are 3 key things in my opinion to growing long healthy hair.

1. Reduce manipulation. A lot of us think of moisture as the most important aspect of growing hair long but how often you manipulate your hair will be a bigger determinant of your length.

2. Keep it simple, there are dozens of techniques, hairstyles and wonderful sounding treatments available online but you don't have to try them all in one week. Stick to a simple but consistent regimen.

3. Products are very much secondary to your hair regimen. Only your regimen will determine the health and length of your hair in the long term. 

7) Where can we find you?

I run and write for Black Hair Information which I set up to help women of color grow long healthy hair relaxed or natural: http://www.blackhairinformation.com. I also write about my own hair on my personal blog here: http://www.curlycurvy.com/.

Healthy Hair Feature: Shae

~3 years of growth.

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

I’m natural, kinky/coily/curly, fine, cottony with some silky in the nape.  I tried to transition but only lasted one month.  I ended up shaving it all off anyway. LoL

Big chop in June 2009.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

I think the biggest mistake I’ve made has been comparing my growth to other ladies with Chia hair.  You know those ladies -- they have SL hair in May and WL hair by August.  Yup, I was setting myself up for failure by comparing my growth to theirs. Once I began to think positively about my growth and even visualize myself pulling my hair down to my goal at the end of the year, I started to see more results.

December 2010.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

My routine varies by the season. But overall I describe it as: 1) Low manipulation, 2) Low cones/sulfates, 3) Ayurveda and 4) PS 95% of the time.

 In warmer months, I tend to rock mini braids and water rinse or cowash them daily.  I seal in the moisture with either grapeseed oil or a cone condish. I cleanse and DC (protein followed by moisture) once per week. 

In the winter, I cornrow my hair on Saturday, cleanse and DC on Sunday, rock the cornrows under wigs or headwraps M-F and rock big hair for Friday date night :) I tend to water rinse or cowash the cornrows every other day, rub in some condish and seal with EVOO. 

Every now and then I’ll throw in some extension twists or braids for about 3-4 weeks and then go back to whatever style it is for the season. 

I primarily finger detangle (about 90%-95% of the time).  I keep my coily hair stretched at all times; never allowing it to be wet and loose at the same time (I do everything in braids/cornrows).  I M&S daily.  I cleanse and condition with Ayurveda mixes. And I rock a men’s satin skull cap under my wigs/headwraps and around the house to keep my strands protected.

August 2012.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

Uh, I plead the Fifth! LoL

But really, this year I’ve doubled my water intake and am doing more exercising by way of dancing.  It’s all about baby steps right?

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Start with the basics:

-Find a good cleanser, conditioner and moisturizer.  You can add on goodies from there.

-Keep your hair clean and moisturized. .

-Baby those ends (keep them tucked away and extra moisturized) and treat your hair like fine silk.

-Take pictures every 3-6 months to track your progress.  It really helps!

-Lastly, have fun! :)

6) Where can we find you (blog, youtube, tumblr, etc.)?

http://public.fotki.com/MzSwift/

Black Hair Media Forum (in the Natural and Growth Sections)

Long Hair Care Forum

Healthy Hair Feature: Jay

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?) 
I've been natural for 3.5 years. My last relaxer was March 2009 and I BC'd in August of 2009.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey? 
My biggest mistake was thinking that some things were just normal for my hair. I have extremely fine strands that are very fragile and prone to breakage. I thought breakage was just a property of my hair and something that I would have to put up with all my life. My hair really turned around when I realized I didn't have to just deal with it. I can prevent breakage by using protein weekly and using only my fingers to detangle.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? 
I keep my hair in braids most of the time. I prefer wearing mini braids with just my natural hair. I cowash at least twice a week with either Tresemme Naturals or Giovanni Nutrafix. I'm not loyal to any shampoos. I don't shampoo often and I avoid sulfates- Bentonite clay is my preferred method of cleansing and I use it before and after I wear mini braids. I DC with LeKair Cholesterol weekly when my hair is loose and biweekly when my hair is in mini braids. I use Shea Moisture products as a leave in and seal with grape seed oil. I've recently added ayurvedic powders to my routine, which I use about every 6 weeks.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? 
I always struggle with this one. I start the day with good intentions but I don't stick to healthy body practices as much as I would like. I'm newly vegetarian (It's been about 8 months) and I end up eating far too many carbs. I'm still learning how to keep healthy foods stocked in my kitchen so I don't have to reach for something easy like some toast. I don't work out as much as I should but my plan is always at least 30 mins, 5 times a week. I have a muscular build so I see better results from intense workouts like kettlebell or interval training. One thing I'm good at doing is drinking water. I drink anywhere from 3-4 liters a day of pure water.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses? 
The best advice I have is to learn what works for your hair and don't settle for okay. Always strive to have your hair in the best shape it can be. I would also advise not to compare your hair to others. My hair grows slower than average and it can be discouraging to see others reach milestones way before I did. I always had the longest hair growing up so it was surprising to find out that my hair grows so slowly.

6) Where can we find you (blog, youtube, tumblr, etc.)? 
I have a hair blog on maintaining mini braids at minibraidmethod.com. I'm also on tumblr, which is my catch-all personal blog. Some things are NSFW. The address is jayneofalltrades.tumblr.com.

Healthy Hair Feature Update: Caroline

August 2012.  Fully natural.  About 2 years and 8 months since her last relaxer.

Caroline was previously featured in 2010 for her relaxed tresses in this post. Since then, she has transitioned and big chopped; she is officially natural now.  Read more about her decision to go natural and her current hair care journey below ...

1. What made you go natural?
I had really long hair. Every time I got a relaxer, then blow dried, and flat ironed, I looked like "slickhead", if that's a word.  I did not like the idea of texlaxing as an alternative - slightly textured hair.  I figured, why not just go all the way.  I went natural because I wanted volume and sheen. I didn't want my greasy, thin processed hair anymore.

October 2010. Texture shot after the big chop.

2. How long did you transition? How long have you been natural?
I transitioned for 10 months and big chopped in October 2010.  During my transition, I trimmed over time.

3. Describe your transition?
My transition was difficult because the two textures were competing against each other.  I had really processed, relaxed ends battling my thicker, kinky natural hair.
While transitioning, I initially did the Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) and blowouts at home.  That was about three times.  Then I switched to primarily blowouts.  NOTE: I knew I wanted to be a "press n' curl" natural.  

October 2010. Bob cut and press after the big chop.

4. What is your Healthy Hair routine now that you are natural?
I wash and condition every 2-3 weeks, primarily at a local natural salon.  At the salon, they use Elucence ; if I am washing at home, I use Oyin Honey Wash and Oyin Honey Hemp Conditioner.  For my moisturizer, I use Oyin Whipped Butter and as needed.  At the salon, the styling process is as follows: They wash, condition, and then do a gentle detangling with a wide tooth comb before rinsing.  After rinsing, they apply Moroccan oil, then blowdry with a comb attachment, and then using the tension method.   After this step, they apply heat protectant, and then flat iron with one pass only using the FHI. If I am styling at home, I use the GHD flat iron instead.  I do not do touch-ups (with the flat iron); the style will last me 2-3 weeks.  In addition to my regimen, I take One-A-Day multivitamin.  I also dust every 3 months.

March 2012. Twistout on natural hair.

5. What is your Healthy Body routine? 
I workout 2x a week for at least 30 minutes each time.  My workout routine is a combination of circuit and strength training and cardio.  For my diet, I eat a lot of lean meats, whole grains, fruits and veggies, healthy fats (omega-3's), berries (anti-oxidants) like blackberries and raspberries, and dark leafy greens like kale and spring mixed greens.

6. What advice do have for those seeking healthy tresses?  What tips do you have for "press-n-curl" naturals?
My general advice is to continue to eat healthy and lead a healthy life. Keep active. Length will come. For "press n' curl" naturals: I do switch to all-natural styles if I need a break from the heat. Pay attention to your hair. It's a delicate balance. Assess the health of your hair regularly. Keep it moisturized. I think heat can be your friend if used in the right way.

February 2012.  Pressed and natural.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Kasheera

I stumbled upon youtuber Kasheera while searching for new naturals to which to subscribe.  Her journey exemplifies length retention at its finest.  In just three years since she started growing out her relaxer, she has retained a maximum of 14 inches of growth!  I'm eager to see where she will be next year and the years to come.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: AliciaJames

Alicia James is one of many healthy-haired naturals that I follow on youtube.  (You might have seen a couple of protective style videos posted on here.)  She is type 4 and has been natural for about 3.5 years.  Her hair is almost waistlength, and it is no surprise given how well she cares for it.  Without further ado, below is her video documenting her natural journey from the beginning to the present.  For more on her actual regimen, hair styles, and (even) relationship advice, check out her channel.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: MsTanish

I've been watching MsTanish for a few years now, and recently her hair has flourished out of nowhere.  This type 4 natural has managed to retain some serious length in the past year or so.  Do not be fooled by her height (taller than 5'10", I believe).  Her hair is fairly long ... and healthy!  In this particular video she discusses her detangling routine for loose hair that has tangled over the course of a few days.

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends:

http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair Feature: Ijeoma Eboh, aka KlassyKinks

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?)
I have been natural since May 2010, so I’m now officially two years natural!  I transitioned for about a year, and wore kinky twists and weaves while slowly cutting off the relaxed ends in between styles.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
When I first BC’ed, I didn’t get a trim for 8 months, and then had to get a serious haircut. I still don’t trim often enough because I would get caught up with school, but I’m starting to realize a little hair off here and there is better than 2 or 3 inches of hard-earned growth having to be chopped off! In addition, constantly comparing my hair texture and length to natural hair gurus on YouTube set me back in my journey because I was more focused on trying to achieve certain styles than on learning what was best for my hair.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I co-wash my hair every two weeks (three in the winter) with Aussie Moist conditioner, and moisturize and seal with shea butter and coconut oil. Once a month, I shampoo with Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo, and deep condition with Organic Root Stimulator Hair Mayo. After washing, I either do a twist or flat twist set, which I pin up for a week before untwisting, or I blow-dry my hair using heat protectant and do a braidout. Nightly, I sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, and a satin pillow case.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
When I do have a healthy body routine, I try to work out 3-4 times a week by doing pilates, Zuumba, strength and cardio combo conditioning (aka my favorite Jillian Michaels DVD), or the elliptical. As a hungry college student, it’s often hard to regulate my dietary intake, but I try to have fruits or vegetables make up half of my plate and I only drink water. I also love sleep, and make sure I get lots of it.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
I’d say just love your hair and it will love you back. If I neglect my hair, it rebels against me, but when I care for it properly, it is well-moisturized, happy, and it grows. Also, find what styles work for your hair type, skill set, and lifestyle--and stick to them. Don’t feel like you have to wear a twistout or wash and go all the time because everyone on Youtube is doing it. Do what makes your hair happiest, and it will respond positively.

6) Where can we find you?
I’m on Youtube at www.youtube.com/user/ije1023, and I also have a tumblr with countless photos of natural-haired beauties called klassykinks.tumblr.com. Come check them out!

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Lala

Lala is another type 4 natural with healthy, waistlength hair (when stretched).  In the video below, hear her discuss her simple bi-weekly regimen:

You can now find HHB on Facebook. Share with your friends: http://www.facebook.com/healthyhairandbody.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: JoStylin

JoStylin is a type 4 natural with healthy waistlength hair (when stretched).  Listen to her hair care routine, which is an easy mix of braids and braidouts.  Keeping it simple is the name of the game!

Healthy Hair Feature: Pre_medicalrulz

For 2010-2011 relaxed/texlaxed and natural features, check this post.

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?) 
I am relaxed and as of Dec 2011, I am/was MBL. Haven’t done a length check since.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
I wouldn’t call them mistakes but more like a learning process. LOL. When I first started I followed everybody else’s regimen instead of simply listening to my hair. I was using cheapie conditioners because I heard everyone say ‘all conditioners are made equal’. That is a pure lie. LOL The first 10 months of my hair journey was at a standstill. I didn’t retain a thing.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I currently wash my scalp every week. I deep condition for more than an hour. At every wash I do a protein/moisture treatment. I currently only use Nexxus products. I keep my regiment very, very simple. The less manipulation – the better.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
I only recently started ‘clean’ eating. I never did that before in my life but I started noticing my curves were becoming more…… curvaceous. LOL I had to make a quick change. So far, I love it and I see the difference the most in my overall skin.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
In the beginning you’re going to expect major change and may get frustrated if you don’t see any. You’ll even have people telling you that your hair can’t grow or won’t grow pass a certain length. Have patience and stick to what works for you. Eventually, you’ll see a major difference and your hair will thank you. Many people don’t like to protective style, I suggest they start.

Interview with Mala Rhodes of AFROVEDA

The following is an interview with Mala Rhodes, CEO of AfroVeda Hair Products at http://www.afroveda.com/.  AfroVeda strives to represent true, Ayurvedic hair care remedies for curly, kinky and coily hair types.

1. How long have you practiced healthy hair care? Tell us about your healthy hair journey.

Although my hair has been natural for more than 10 years, I have only practiced healthy hair care for the past 5 years. As I began to educate myself about the benefits of natural hair products, and utilize the principles of Ayurveda for my own hair health, I realized that having beautiful healthy hair was not just about what is applied externally. Being conscious of what I consume makes a huge difference in how healthy my hair really is.

My hair journey has been a very long one and began very early in life. I can remember the weekend hair sessions with my mother who would wash my hair (along with my four sisters) on Saturday night, and press it with a hot comb on Sunday. Although my hair didn’t “blow in the wind” from way too much grease, I loved the smoothness of it and the fact that it reached the middle of my back. That was “good” hair to me.

Once I turned around 12 or 13, I received my first relaxer. I’m sure with 8 kids putting a relaxer in the hair of her 5 daughters made my mother’s hair care sessions much easier. We could wear wet-sets on special occasions and even wear it “down” sometimes for school. It was easy enough for us to take care of, so we were left to do just that. Despite the continued use of heavy greases and pomades, my hair still seemed to thrive. It wasn’t until I began experimenting with various other chemicals in my hair (Jheri Curl, hair color, and more relaxers – compliments of my sister who was in Cosmetology school) did I begin to notice a change. I didn’t take care of it like my mother did, and boy did it show.

Fast forward about 20 years and countless relaxers later, I found myself with thin, damaged hair from all the years of abuse. Beauticians continued to apply my relaxers incorrectly – only adding to my hair-thinning issues – and my own methods for restoring my hair’s health wasn’t working either. I seriously needed help. The chemicals had destroyed my hair and it was time for a change.

Read more »

Healthy Hair Feature: Niqu92

Today's healthy hair feature is Niqu92.  Though she's had a recent setback, there is much to be learned from her story ...

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?)
I was natural up until my junior year in highschool (08-09) and now im currently relaxed. I don't regret my decision at all. Although i loved my natural hair i enjoy my relaxed hair much more.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
I have always had long & healthy hair so i never really started a hair care journey per se until this year after many setbacks from 2011. I was on birth control pills and it made my hair fall out in clumps. On top of that i decided to go to a new stylist twice for a relaxer touchup and she did not neutralize my hair properly both times so my hair fell out from that. I also "bothered" my hair too much. I decided to start co-washing it about 5x a week and my hair became extremely thin and dry from that. I went to Great Clips for a trim and they sabotaged my hair. Due to all those setbacks i cut my hair 2-3in above BSL.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
i learned from my mistakes and realized that LESS is MORE. So here is my current regimen
Once a week:
Shampoo with Design essentials
DC with Matrix Biolage Conditioning Balm or Silicon Mix
after i rinse it out, i rollerset my hair.

I moisturize my hair nightly with Silicon Mix Leave-in Conditioner and seal with Jojoba or Coconut oil
I do protein as needed (about once every 6-8wks)
I get touchups and trim every 9-10weeks
maintaining this simple regimen and finally finding a good stylist has made my hair healthy again.


4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
I work out 5-6x per week with Turbo Fire
I try my best to stay in shape because im a diabetic so being healthy is extremely important for me.
I eat healthy on the weekdays and on the weekends i allow myself to slack off and eat all the unhealthy things my heart desires.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
Everybody is different so you have to find out what works for you. Growing long and healthy hair is possible whether youre relaxed or natural once you find the right products/techniques that work best for your hair. Also, if you have suffered from a setback it is not the end of the world. I thought i was going to die when i had to cut my hair due to my setbacks but at the end i realized it's just hair.  Hair always grows back so dont think its the end of the world. It can actually be a good learning experience.

Healthy Hair on Youtube: Sunshower143

I'm fan of Sunshower143 for her diligent twisting regimen and healthy hair.  Enjoy:

Healthy Hair Features: RECAP

In case you've missed them, here are healthy-haired women who have been featured on the blog:

Natural: NowIamnappy
Natural: MissAlinaRose
Natural: Chime
Texlaxed: MsKibibi
Natural: Janet
Youtube Natural: Afrostory
Youtube Natural: Rusticbeauty
Natural: Redecouverte
Natural: Lina
Natural: Copa
Relaxed: Caroline
Natural: Gisele

*If you're interested in being featured, use the "Contact Me" button above.

Healthy Hair Feature: NowIamnappy

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?)
I'm natural and on June 20, I will be 3 years natural.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
I've made a few mistakes. Early on I learned the importance of protective styles but one winter, I thought I would be cute and wear my fro for the whole winter. By spring my ends were rough and breaking and I had to trim my hair almost 2 inches . My other mistake I made was going to the hair salon to get my hair straightened. Right from the start there were warning signs that the experience wasn't going to be good but somehow I let her not only blow dry my hair and rip through my ends, but press it and then use a curling iron on it. Not to mention she cut my BSL hair to APL because she wanted to make it even, something I did not ask her for because I never wear my hair straight. In the end, the press was gorgeous but when it came time to wash my hair I had severe heat damage in some areas. I trimmed those right away and went directly into protective styling. I'm happy to say 6 months later I gained those 3 inches she cut of, and my hair is thriving again.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
Currently I am in a hair challenge to grow my hair to BSL in 6 months, so my hair mainly stays in protective styles. I shampoo my hair bimonthly and cowash once per week followed by a weekly deep condition. After detangling in the shower I put my hair in big twists and air dry. Once dry I style my hair into an updo which lasts all week until its time to wash again. I do however sometimes allow myself to wear my hair down on the weekends, its not always fun to keep my hair locked away.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
I'm actually just getting back into being healthy again, I recently moved and allowed myself to slip a little. But, I'm going to back to exercising 3x a week drinking 8-10 glasses of water and day and incorporating more raw foods into my diet. My main problem is sugar so I'm trying to eliminate all candy from my diet once again.

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
I would definitely say patience is the key and really learning what your hair needs. For me I use all natural products and very few commercial lines. I prefer to mix my own products and stick with things like aloe vera, shea butter, and oils. Also its so important to do protective styles when your looking to grow out your hair. Some people dont like they way their hair looks in twists or braids, but there's so many styles out there that you can do to protect in your ends besides the usual and thats why I started a fotki and youtube to help people looking for simple protective styles/updos.

NowIamnappy can be found at:
http://members.fotki.com/soontobenappy/about/
http://www.youtube.com/user/NowIAmNappy?feature=mhum

Healthy Hair Feature: MissAlinaRose

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And how long?)
Natural; It will be 3 years from a shaved head on March 8, 2011

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
a. Not detangling properly (It took a lot of trial and error for me to figure out that I like my hair combed on damp hair after my whole wash process. The shower detangling is a no-no for me.)
b. Leaving protective styles in too long. I've learned that whether my hair was in twists, braids, a twistout, a wash n' go, or a fro my hair would grow and retain length all the same.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
a. Wash and condition every 7-10 days
b. Moisturize when my hair feel it needs it
c. I've slowly incorporated minor dosages of heat (blow dryer) that has left my hair incredibly soft!

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
My boyfriend is actually a personal trainer!! If anyone is in Houston and needs help hit me up and I'll relay the message. Also, I have recently returned to college and I basically walk everywhere. It is one of, if not THE, largest unversities in the country. I burn a lot of calories, but I also stay hydrated with the h2o. Currently I am trying to gain weight. I don't think I've ever weighed over 105 a day in my life...and I'm tired of looking 14 when I'm 24!

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
a. Don't listen to everybody...including me. If someone can add heat to their hair every 2 weeks or wear braids for 6 months straight and retain all their length don't assume your hair can. Always keep in mind that experimentation involves taking risks so take proper precautions and research!
b. Protective Styling is not the only avenue. I know I know. Don't stone me. I love protective styling with braids, buns, twists, etc. But wearing your hair out or having your hair touch your shirt will not kill you every once in a while. Enjoy your hair, keep it moisturized, wash it when you feel it should be washed, and find styles that suit you. It is as simple as you make it.

You can find MissAlinaRose at:
http://www.fotki.com/missalinarose

Healthy Hair Feature: Chime

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning? (And, how long?)
I'm natural! I will be natural for 2 years on February 16, 2011.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
I really can' t think of any. I did tons of research so I never really made any mistakes. I just wish I would have worn my hair "out" more after I did the big chop. I wore protective styles (mostly twists) to make sure my hair would grow. I wish I would have enjoyed rocking my 'fro when it was shorter.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I co-wash my hair every two weeks. I only shampoo my hair every two months. I deep conditon my hair every time I wash it and seal it with an oil based product. I only use natural products and I sleep with a satin bonnet.


4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine?
If so, what is it? I don't have one! :/ I know I'm terribe and I should work out. I do try to drink plenty of water and make healthier choices when it comes to meals, but as far as physical exercise, walking up the staircase at work is all I get lol I have been around the same weight since I was in high school. I think I have only have gained 5-7 pounds since then so I don't have that push to lose weight but I know I need to for my health. I have A.D.D. when it comes to working out lol I'll be so motivated for a couple of days and then I'll get distracted and it will die off. I need to add working out to my New Year's resolution list lol

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses? 
Do your research on healthy hair care. There is loads of information out there and do what you know you need to do in order to gain healthy hair. Stop making excuses as to why you can't stick with it. If healthy hair is something you want, make the necessary sacrafices to get it. Put away the flat iron and blow dryer and find healthy alternatives. Healthy hair isn't just going to magically appear; you must put in work.

6) You can find Chime on:
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/HairCrush?feature=mhum
Fotki: Username - ManeChick (HairCrush)

Healthy Hair Feature: MsKibibi

{Length retention from wearing wigs}

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?
Texlaxed

... If texlaxed, what is your method?
My stylist texlaxes my hair now but when I self-texlaxed, I would do the half and half method. I did not add anything to the relaxer, but I reduced the relaxer time and did not smooth or let the relaxer just sit on my hair.

{Current length}

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
The biggest mistakes I've made was usually the result of me diverting from my usual routine. I had a major setback when I tried to dye my hair black with henna and indigo. It was a disaster. Also, not doing a strand test before I tried new products all over my hair. I've had allergic reactions to hair dyes (which was why I tried henna/indigo) and even some shampoos. Also, not paying attention to ingredients. I had protein overload once because I use 3 protein products on the same wash day. It was another time that I didn't follow my usual regimen.

{Scalp shot of waistlength hair}

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I'm doing my winter regimen right now, which entails me wearing a wig. I wash, and deep condition weekly, moisturize daily with a liquid moisturizer. My regular routine is pretty much the same except I use a creamy moisturizer daily instead of a liquid moisturizer.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
I need exercise to be fun and challenging so I don't get bored. Hence the gym is not a viable option for me. So I take ballet classes, horseback riding lessons and play tennis (when the weather permits). I also try to eat a balanced diet and take vitamin supplements.

{Winter wig}

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
Write out a regimen and be consistent. The best thing you can do is be consistent with your regimen. The one method that I believe people overlook is moisturizing their hair daily. Regardless of whether your hair is natural or relaxed, we can all use more moisture.

You can find MsKibibi at:
www.KibibiHair.com. My sister is also a guest blogger and she has natural hair.

Healthy Hair Feature: Janet

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?
I am natural. I was a long-term transitioner from 2004 to early 2006 and have been fully natural since early 2006.

About Janet's color ...
I have all-over color…triple processed. I maintain my hair through hard protein treatments (such as Aphogee 2-step), deep conditioners, and steam treatments.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
I have only truly been on my healthy hair journey for coming up on a year and thus far, I cannot say that I have made too many mistakes. Thankfully, being a part of hair forums has helped me to avert major crises, but I will say that one should think carefully about coloring hair because you must be ready to baby it for the next year.

3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?
I try to wash my hair every 7-10 days. I either deep condition or moisturize pre-poo every other wash. I do a hard protein treatment every 6 to 8 weeks (as needed). I use Hot Six Oils (love the ceramides in it) as a moisturizer. I love coconut oil and will be incorporating it more during these Winter months. I also utilize low manipulation styles (such as wash and go ponys, twist-outs, rollersets, etc) as a way of protecting my hair.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?
I wash my face every morning with Yes to Cucumbers Calming Gel. I get a massage at least once a month because I feel that beauty definitely starts from within and massages help relieve stress and tension built up. I am not quite a vegetarian, but I do not eat beef or pork (and haven’t for several years). I wish that I could say that I exercise on a regular basis- that is one thing that I would like to increase for 2011. During the Spring/Summer months, I like to walk outside…but during the Winter months, I am more dormant.


5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
Seek out hair forums…There is so much information out there, I found that hair forums have everything you could ever want to know in a centralized location. Also, the ladies on the forum are so knowledgeable and sweet.

Start small…Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say…One cannot go from neck length to waist length overnight; take your time and enjoy the journey.

You can find Janet on:
Fotki: www.fotki.com/ATLPeach
Long Hair Care Forum - Janet’
Twitter: baby2steps
Tumblr: stephjanet.tumblr.com