When I was a younger and up until High School/College I had long hair. Some people (like my mother) consider my hair now still long but I don't. I've been having a fighting battle with my hair for a while now, something just still isn't like it was and I'm trying to get it back. I've had some bumps in the road and here is where I am today.
Check out my Hairstory (Hair + History)
1. childhood
2. an excellent hair year - 2008
3. then I get highlights. Highlights looking great at first ....
4. and then the worst ... breakage
5. pissed but time to start the recovery....
6. early March 2010... progress!
6. where I am now ....
Okay, so let me answer some questions I think you probably have or are thinking. No, I'm not wearing any clip in's (hair extentions that clip in) in any of the photos above, it's all my hair. My hair was damaged from doing highlights which is the reason why I started getting breakage. It's a bad decision to do a relaxer and highlights around the same time period. I never did it on top of each other but I think because I didn't take enough care of my hair while at home, it lead to breakage. Another big issue was STRESS. I was stressed out in 2009! super stressed. Anxiety/stress can also make your hair fall out. With the help of my stylist and some great friends/family to build up my bliss (plug) my hair has started to look like its old self again. I believe the La-Brasiliana shampoo & conditoner, alter ego garlic deep conditioner, lisa's hair exlir by Carol's Daughter has all helped to bring my hair back. Also, regular visits to the salon, a lot of trims to get rid of the coloring and damaged ends, lots of water and positive thoughts, super important! So here is where we are today. I'm still no where near where my hair use to be and that frustrates me a lot. I feel like i'm still at a stand still and my hair should at this point, be a lot longer and thicker than it is. So, now i'm enlisting the help of some Hairlista's to come up with a hair challenge for me!
The Hair Challenge
I'm a little scared but here we go ....
So I was scrolling through the web and some how came across a website called Hairlista.com HAIRLISTA Inc. is a Social Network designed to unite and educate Women on Healthy Hair Care Practices, Skin, Beauty and much more. Since I talk on my blog a lot about beauty products, skin care and hair, I thought this site would be interesting to check out. Little did I know it would change my whole outlook on my hair. Up until now, I thought i was doing pretty well with my hair. Remember that hair post i did where i discussed how I take care of my hair? Turns out I could be doing A LOT more to make sure that my hair is healthy, growing, and not costing me so much money.
Now, instead of going to the salon every 2-3 weeks (which usually costs between $35-50 dollars) I'll be taking care of my own hair at home regularly. I'll have more control over it's development and will be able to try new products. Starting out will cost me because I have to purchase all of the products and tools, but in the end I'll save a lot more money than going to the salon all of the time. In an upcoming beauty post I'll share what my new hair regimen (schedule) and also a Q&A with one of the Hairlista.com members who helped to inspire me to start this journey.
Guidlines:
- Always Deep condition after every wash followed by a leave-in conditioner
- Air dry the hair 99% of the time (not towel dry)
- Moisturize and seal the hair daily
- Wear low manipulation or protective styles (braidouts and buns)
- No heat until I've been in the challenge for over 2 months to give my hair a "rest" (heat can be used on special occasions i.e. birthdays, christmas, new years etc.)
- Always tie my hair up at night with a silk/satin scarf
- Stretch my relaxers at least 10months. I'm currently at 6 months.
- Trim/dust the hair when needed
- Protein treatment when needed
- Take a multivitamin so that it will benefit your overall health (body & hair).
Benefits/Goals:
- Softer manageable hair
- Improved health
- Increased hair growth
- Stronger, thicker hair