The time went by so fast! When I first cut my hair in 2009, I was jonesing for length. I was told to be patient and to ‘enjoy the journey’, but all I could think about was how my hair wasn’t growing. I wanted it to grow, and grow fast. But now I’m like, where did all this hair come from?! Once you stop focusing on length and focus on health, everything falls into place.
My advice to others? There are few hard and fast rules and you have to figure out what works best for your hair. I think I’ve finally hit on it, and I’m thrilled and can’t wait to see what next year brings. I’m still learning… everyday.
I attribute my length retention to my strict no heat policy, co-washing (instead of shampooing), protecting it at night, and using natural oils like Coconut and Meadowfoam.
Rene your hair is fabulous!! I've been natural for 9 years and recently cut off my locs (too heavy! too hot!), so I'm starting over and I'm going to follow your routine. Are you still bagging your hair at night and using Jamacian Black Castor oil? What do you co-wash with? And how often do you trim your hair? ~ Cheryl
Hey ladies: In case you were interested, here is my two years of growth, all in 4 minutes:
http://www.goodenoughmother.com/2011/03/happy-two-year-nappiversary-to-me/
hey ladies i have been natural for sometime now but i have just really got into hair health and pro. styling with the goc i would like to know of some products u guys use ….and styles …Please help me lol …
Hey ladies thanks! @
curlytarheel, oh I wish I knew. She was my hairdresser on The Early Show. She put some highlights in and then lifted the all over color to a more reddish tone. By the way this was back in early December so I'm sure it's oxidized since then and needs to be re-done. The color lasts longer tho since I don't use shampoo and the sun has been scarce in these parts!
Rene – beautiful hair! Would you mind sharing how your stylist brightened your hair?
I seriously can't wait til my 2 year anniversary! I would love to rock the length you have because I feel that I'll have more style choices. You look great! Congrats!
Wow Had to look twice. What hair growth! Beautiful!!
Bianca, Don't worry about the hair. First chop was when I was 25 years old because of an acute hyperthyroid. Loss all my apl hair at the time. but you will heal and your hair like mine will grow back long and strong. My thoughts are with you.
I love your hair!!
All I can say is that I absolutely love her hair. It is truly gorgeous and inspiring!!!
Love your hair! I am where you were in your 2010 picture so I am so excited for what is too come! You are so right about it is more important to concentrate on your health. Since leaving my length issues alone things have really fallen into place. Thanks again for just being you! Very inspiring!
WOOOWW I am so inspired by your growth from year to year! Amazingly Beautiful!! WOW!!
@Shalonda: THX! Yeah I am going a little gray 🙁 and my hair was looking a bit dull. I have done henna in the past but it's messy and I couldn't add the dimension i needed for television. So I had my hairdresser add some highlights and brighten it all over.
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!! Great growth and simple routine! It looks like you added color. Is it henna or a perm. color?
CRAAAAZY length!
missdeeplyrooted.blogspot.com
Simply Beautiful!
Oh thanks Robyn's Nest!! Thanks everyone!
You know I absolutely adore you and your beautiful hair!!! Congratulations on your 2 year!!!
Hey TiAnna Mae: Thanks! Yes, this is wash n go, they all are. I have not mastered the twist out yet :(. My hair is still pretty layered so when I do a twist out it doesn't look great IMHO. I guess my hair is fine but I have a lot of it. when I wear it straight or do a T-O, I miss the volume, another reason I don't do those much.
Bianca hang in there. I have a low thyroid, happens a lot to aging women :/ and I do take thyroid medication.
Bianca- praying for your health. I walked a similar road with my mom who suffers from diabetes and a hyperactive thyroid. She lost ALL of her hair after she went through some radioactive therapy. That was about 7 years ago and I've been helping her with her hair ever since.
Rene- your hair is gorgeous! are the pictures of wash and go styles? do you have fine hair?
Your hair is beautiful. I found a website www.columbusblack.com. You can download a FREE e-book on natural hair from this site. It's pretty good.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks ladies. Not silly at all re: Meadowfoam Seed Oil. http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/oilprofile/meadowfoam.php
It's very emollient and stays on the skin a long time. It's used in a lot of cosmetics.
Hope that helps!
This may be a silly question, but what is "meadowfoam" oil?
I love your hair. It looks so healthy.
Beautiful! What a blessing…Health is what I am focused on at the moment as well…
I lost alot of hair from Thyroid and immune system issues…
Amazing! Both you and your hair are beautiful! Continue what you are doing because it is clearly working!
Lookin' good! 🙂
Your hair looks lovely! It's growing like weeds. Keep doing what you're doing. It's working.
Gorgeous hair!!
Beautiful!!!