My hair tips-PART 1

Hi and thanks for stopping by my blog. Today I am sharing PART 1 of my healthy hair tips. Quick disclaimer,  I am not claiming to be pro, this is simply my account and what has worked for me. I don’t think my hair is special, it’s simply what I have put into it over the years that is paying off. I was going to start this post with my  long back story but I figured I’ll save you guys the time and just shoot straight to the point but not without a tiny little back story.

Time line

First perm -Self applied on my 18th birthday (Yes I was natural for 17 years, parents rules; its a story for another day, till I moved away to college.)

College years-Hair suffered from self applied perms and occasional salon treatment (broke college days) Sorry I can’t find pictures

After college years– Experimented and did a lot with my hair

10 years ago– I found a good stylist and I started learning how to take care of my relaxed hair. My hair was healthy but wasn’t growing.

                                                                   Picture taken in 2012

2.5 years ago– She convinced me to go natural by gradually transitioning my relaxed hair, I gave her a year and I saw major changes (real hair growth that didn’t break) so stuck to it.

Last summer

Taken yesterday

I am an advocate for managing your own hair, but I know some people love perms and I wont argue with that. I however would ask you to give it a try ONLY if you are ready and willing to. Took me years of convincing and yeah I got  pregnant with my second child and I didn’t want to get a perm then. 

TIPS

#1 Find a good hair stylist

There is nothing that replaces that EXCEPT if you start investing time in watching you tube videos and reading articles, etc EVEN then , with all the knowledge, who is going to trim your ends right?

#2 Find a good hair stylist

 Ask someone, read reviews, try different people (took me a while to find one but this was before reliance on the internet)  My friend recently told me she found an amazing hair stylist in Lagos, Nigeria, so they do exist. People in the States have no excuse period, lol. A good stylist knows their craft and will identify your hair type and what YOUR hair needs versus the next person.  

#3 Get frequent trims

 Nothing replaces that. Trimming off split ends doesn’t damage your hair, but actually promotes its growth. (I am not a fan either, lol but I value it)

#4 Say no to stove irons

 That issh will fry your hair literally. Ceramic irons are better.

#5 Invest in good satin bonnets

 They are so affordable too. Some people swear by satin pillows too. Wear it every night, it prevents hair breakage. 

#6 Oils, oils oils

 I swear by organic/virgin coconut oil. It is simply amazing. Especially for stubborn, crusty, dry edges. I put a few drops in my hands and massage it into my edges, NOT the ends BUT the scalp. I also love that it is available everywhere and its the least expensive option. Crust be gone! Shea oil, jojoba oil, argan oil are some other oils that are fantastic too.

#7 Steaming and oil treatments are essential for growth stimulation 

You can try this at home or just make an appointment and get it done. More on this on my next post.

#8 Drink lots of water

Yes its true, they never lied, LOL. Water is good for everything including your hair growth.

#9 Wrap your hair every night

*For relaxed and transitioning hair, wrap your hair with a scarf before you put on your satin bonnet. Pictures on how to wrap your hair will be on my next post.

#10 Invest in good hair brushes. There are different brushes and combs things, there is NO one brush for everything. One for wet hair versus dry hair, conditioning versus wrapping hair. 

#11 Give the weave a break

Yes weaves are amazing protective styles, but once in a while give your scalp the break. Let it breathe! Your hair craves it and if you are serious about hair growth, wear your hair out once in a while.

Just like with everything, you get what you put in. The ball lies in your court. I don’t buy into the I don’t live in America story either, there are people here in the States with horrible hair too. Please I want to hear from you, leave a comment, ask any question. I will do my best to answer them. What do you want to know? I will take it to an expert my stylist:) PART 2 will be up, next week Friday with more nuggets including hair products and also I will have a post on kids hair care too in the next few weeks.