I must admit I feel like I’ve cheated a little bit. Please forgive me it really was not intentional. But I’ll discuss that later.
I decided at the beginning of this year to go on a grow out challenge for my natural hair. At the time, I reached the 4 year mark and my hair was not longer but maybe even a little shorter due to breakage. The main reason I chose a chemical free hair style was for my hair to grow. I’ve always had long healthy hair but it seemed to grow to a certain point and stop. I became very discouraged when I began to see this same trend in my natural hair as well. I began to research proper hair care/maintenance as well as incorporate certain much needed practices such as moisturizing daily and trims every 3-4 months.
Here’s a picture of my latest press or blow out.
You can see my progress in my last Grow Out Challenge Post.
My hair has grown sufficiently since the start of the grow out challenge. I maybe a centimeter or two short of my bra strap length goal. I’m excited to keep it going. So here’s the moment of truth. I may have cheated a little, again not intentional. If you frequent the site, you know I’m pregnant. (I have the cutest picture here). If you know anything about pregnancy, you know that your hair grows quickly and doesn’t shed much. This isn’t to discredit my hair work because even with this advantage there have been challenges. My natural hair has been so brittle. Fortunately, not to the breaking point. Brittle and sometime difficult to detangle because hair that would normal shed during the natural hair growth cycle is wrapping around individual strands of hair. I had to take special care in maintaining my hair and readjust my regular routine and regimen.
- It really helped me to return to basics with my natural hair regimen. Dry or brittle natural hair must be remedied by a good moisturizing regimen. Read here.
- Utilizing daily moisturizing techniques.
- And an all-natural moisturizer, my favorite is a whipped shea butter + aloe vera mix. Recipe here.
- Detangling the hair every time I washed.
Im seeing some growth but wanting to step it up a notch. Ive been doing no heat styling (aside from a recent blow out to get my hair trimmed). Your hair is beautiful! I think you might be my new hair crush! My goal for the next 6 months is to wear protective styles (i.e. twist, braid outs). I may even spring for a cute wig (which Im WAY nervous about) to get me through the cold winter months.
Haha! Thanks! Good luck to you on your grow out challenge.
Congratulations on the pregnancy