Tag Archives: hair growth challenge

BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR

My natural hair growth challenge regimen

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While I thoroughly enjoyed the versatility, after just a week I decided to chuck up the deuces to my straight hair. I am now happy to say the curls are back and I am back to my growth challenge regimen.  Speaking of my regimen, I’ve gotten some questions as to what my regimen has been since I started the growth challenge.  So, here’s a look at what I’ve been doing to promote hair growth during this 6 month challenge.

  • Co-wash with Tresemme Flawless Curls 2x/week

  • Use the LOC method to seal my ends with water, olive oil and the Cantu Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment at least 3x/week

  • Deep condition and baggy with Creme of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment with Moroccan Aragan Oil 1x/week

  • Wear protective styles at least 3 to 4x/week
  • Protect my hair at night with a silk scarf or bonnet
  • Use Bioinfusion Olive Oil Shine Serum to help protect my hair when it’s out and not in a protective style

  • Take multivitamins every day
  • Drink at least 8 cups of water every day
  • Exercise 2 to 3x/week

That’s pretty much it!  I try to stay as consistent as possible. Although I’ve fallen short on a couple of these items I’m really proud of my dedication and progress.  Looking forward to the next 4 1/2 months of awesome hair growth! Stay tuned for updates!

Click here to check out my original blog entry about my growth challenge.

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Cantu Shea Butter Flat Iron Spray Review

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I had not so secretly been wanting to straighten my hair and although it goes against my growth challenge rules I decided to take advantage of the cool FL weather went for it. Typically when I straighten my hair I use Palmers Olive Oil Hair Milk. This round I tried out a new product from the Cantu line.

I purchased the Cantu Shea Butter Flat Iron Spray from Walgreens and although I can’t recall the exact price it was very reasonably priced (under $10).  I purchased this product because I absolutely love the Cantu Leave-in Conditioner as well as the Cantu Hair Lotion. The product description talked about it being a great heat protectant which was extremely important to me, especially during this growth challenge, and since I’ve had such great experiences with the other products I figured, why not.  I ended up having mixed feelings about this product.

To begin I co-washed my hair with Tresemme Flawless Curls, applied the Cantu Leave-in Conditioner and let it sit for an hour.  After it was almost completely dry I finished it off with the blow dryer on a low heat setting. I then started the flat iron process in small sections starting from the back.  After applying the Cantu Flat Iron Spray I immediately noticed that the product was extremely sticky which was very unusual to me. I did one pass of the flat iron through my hair and I could tell the product had heavily coated my hair.  As a result the single heat pass left my hair straight and shiny, but also stiff, hence my mixed feelings about this product.

In the end, I loved the results. I found that if I finger combed my hair after flat ironing it did loosen up. Not an ideal mandatory step in the process to obtain SOFT straight hair but it wasn’t horrible either. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate this product around a 6 or 7.

Although my hair was straight I did do my best to keep it protected by trying out some new low manipulation flat twist styles that I absolutely loved! Here’s a look at the Cantu Flat Iron Spray and some of the styles I came up with!

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BEAUTY, NATURAL HAIR, SELF LOVE

Challenge!

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I seem to be in the beginnings of my usual seasonal go to of FALLing for straight hair.  Although I typically embrace my curly hair throughout the year I do enjoy spending some time wearing my straight hair when fall comes around since this is one of the few times of year that the Florida weather permits it.  After recently straightening my hair to trim my ends I thought it might be a great idea to start a 6 month growth challenge.  My 3 year natural hair anniversary is on April 3rd and I’m really curious to see what kind of hair growth I can achieve from now to then.

I’ve been researching various growth challenges that others have done to get an idea of some solid parameters I might be interested in.  I found a great 2-Year Waist Length Healthy Hair Challenge on Facebook with some rules that appealed to me and since this is my natural hair length goal I thought it was perfect.  What I love most about this challenge is that it includes so many other healthy elements that I could totally stand to make habits out of.   With that being said, there are also some parameters  here that will serve as extreme challenges  for me, all which I’ve notated below.  So,  I’ve decided to do my very best to adhere to these rules for the next 6 months.  I’ll do monthly updates on my progress.  Here’s a look at my starting point. I’m right around bra strap length.  Wish me luck!

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  • Wash/Cleanse your hair 1x per week
  • Always Deep Condition after every Wash & Hot Oil treatment followed by a Leave In Conditioner
  • Blot hair with a t-shirt & Air dry the hair 99% of the time
  • No heat (blow drying, flat iron, curling iron, etc.) until you’ve been in the challenge for at least 2 months, after that you’re allowed only one (1) Heat pass per month (Going to be tough since I love straight hair during the fall but, gonna do my best!)
  • Remain FAITHFUL to Moisturizing & Sealing your ends at least 3x a week to prevent breakage & split ends
  • Wear protective or low manipulation styles 3-5x a week (I LOVE trying new things with my hair so this will be tough!)
  • Take a hair growth aide or multivitamin if you choose to benefit the health & growth of your hair & body (Discuss this with your physician to see if this is appropriate for you & your health)
  • ALWAYS protect your hair at night with a silk/satin scarf and/or bonnet. Sleeping with a satin pillowcase will be beneficial as well.
  • Eat a healthy diet, eliminating fast food and as many processed foods as possible (I totally need to do this anyway! Will do my best HOWEVER Thanksgiving and Christmas are off limits! lol!)
  • Exercise at least 2-3x a week, whether it’s walking, running, jogging, aerobics, etc. Do something that will get your heart pumping & get your blood flow circulating. (Yep! Totally need to do this more consistently too!)
  • Drink PLENTY of water (Another one!)
  • Keep your hands OUT of your hair when you’re not styling or massaging it (Challenge!)
  • Every day, look in the mirror at yourself & say a positive affirmation about yourself to motivate yourself. (Critical for embracing my Be You Beauty!)
  • Take a picture of your hair before starting this challenge. At the end of every other month, take a picture and do a length check to track how your hair is coming along. Post a picture to the Wall whenever you are making progress for your encouragement and others encouragement & inspiration as well.
  • Periodically post how much growth you’ve had.

Anyone want to join me??!!  What would be your goal for a 6 month growth challenge?