3 Supplements that Promote Longer Natural Hair

Majority of women want healthy, long hair. Besides exercising, eating a balanced diet, and moisturizing and sealing, a vitamin or hair supplement is a great way to “induce” hair growth.
They help to grow and sometimes even increase thickness in the hair.
Listed below are 3 supplements that I have used and saw results for myself.

1. Rainbow Light Prenatal One
I have heard women talk about prenatal vitamins growing women's hair for a while now, but was always afraid to take them for the fear of the side effects it might have had on my body, because I'm not pregnant. I took these supplements for two months, but not every day (because I would forget to take them sometimes), and even with me missing days and the short time span, I definitely noticed a difference in length. I went from about an two inches below bra strap to grazing waist length. However, it would be wrong to just give these vitamins  all of the credit. My hair by itself grows fast, but these did help out a lot.

2. MSM
Now this is a powder supplement that is originally intended for joint relief, but I read many blog posts and watched many YouTube videos that had women raving about a side effect being accelerated hair growth. After doing a little more research, I decided to give it a try.  However, I did not take this orally. I used my DIY oil mix and put about a teaspoon of this powder, along with the oil in my applicator bottle and shook it up. Now I only saw an extra ¼ inch from this, but I did see a difference in the thickness of my hair and also, I had to shave more frequently because the hair on my legs grew back faster.

3. Hair, Skin,  & Nails Vitamin
This supplement says that it promotes healthier hair, stronger nails, and healthier skin. I've seen women say that they saw drastic results from this, but I unfortunately was not one of them. I took these for about a month and I only noticed a slight difference so decided to discontinue. My hair was thicker, but only a little and I feel as if it more so helped maintain my rate of growth, but I did see a small change which is why I’m telling you all about it.

Sincerely,
A Natural

(*No copyright infringement intended for photos)

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How to Flatiron Natural Hair Without Heat Damage

   As I've stated in a previous article of mines, one of the best things about natural hair is its versatility and I cannot stress that enough. While the overuse of heat can become damaging to natural hair, it does not hurt to use it everyone once in a while. I especially enjoy it during the cooler months because I won't sweat it out and end up looking like distressed poodle (unless that's the look you are going for).

   Maybe you need a temporary break from your curls or you just want to change up your look a bit. No matter the reason, it is always important to have a proper routine in order to have the best results and prevent heat damage! Shown below are the steps I take to achieve silky, sleek hair that I know will revert back when it is time!

How to Flatiron Natural Hair:

Step 1: Pre Poo (Pre Shampoo)
   It protects the hair from the harshness of the shampoo that you’ll use after this step, nourishes the scalp, aids in retaining moisture, and helps with detangling. I suggest coconut and jojoba, but you can use any oil of your choice or conditioner. You can even mix the two for maximum results.

Step 2: Cleanse Using A Clarifying Shampoo
   The best flatiron is on CLEAN hair. Be sure to use a shampoo that will be able to remove all of the product buildup you may have acquired from your last wash day until now.  I suggest a sulfate free shampoo, like Shea Moisture or even using an apple cider rinse. However, your shampoo doesn't have to be sulfate free. Use what works for you.

Step 3: Use A Moisturizing Conditioner
   Because you will be applying heat, you'll want to put as much moisture into your hair prior to flat ironing. Sometimes I’ll turn it into a deep conditioner by sitting under the hooded dryer to be sure it is penetrating my strands! Some conditioners I suggest are Joico K-Pak, Argan 5, or Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner.

Step 4: Apply A Heat Protectant
It's best to use a silicone based heat protectant because it offers extra protection from heat. I also suggest using a liquid heat protectant along with the serum. An example would be using Bio Silk Serum and Tressemé Heat Tamer Spray.

Step 5: Section Hair and Blow dry
   Now this is one of the most important steps in this entire process. The Blow dry will determine how your flatiron will turn out. I suggest parting the hair into sections and if you have more dense hair, like myself, then parting the sections into sub sections. Be sure to detangle properly. It also helps to use a comb attachment to focus the heat and get a straighter blowout

Step 6: Time to Flatiron
   Whew! You've completed all the steps and now it's finally time to start straightening! Section off your head and put the rest up. Get your flatiron (make sure it's clean) and set it at the appropriate temperature for your hair, but remember that hair burns at 451 degrees Fahrenheit. Glide the flatiron down your hair with a comb in front for sleek results (comb chase method). Try not to go over you hair more than 2-3 times. Now repeat this process all over your head and viola!
You've got super sleek, silky results.

Sincerely,
   A Natural

L.O.C Method

   If you've been moisturizing your hair and then the next day, maybe even a couple of hours later, your hair is dry, it's time to reevaluate your method. Natural hair is especially dry and moisture retention could become regular problem if you don’t know what you're doing. The L.O.C method is a good way to combat that.

   L.O.C stands for leave-in conditioner, Oil, and Cream. It is very crucial that these are done in this order. This method of moisturizing has become popular amongst the natural hair care community because it has allowed many to go longer periods of time without having to moisturize their hair as frequently. It works by allowing the moisture to be placed on the hair first and then sealed with an oil and (butter-based) cream. Butters and oils are known for their ability to lock in moisture, which is why they call it the L.O.C Method, get it?

(Water based leave-in, avocado oil, and DIY Shea butter mix)

This specific method is easy and can be done with ingredients you may already have laying around your house. Look below to see how this is done.

HOW TO DO THE L.O.C METHOD:

Step 1: Apply a water-based leave in (you can also use water)

Step 2: Apply an oil of your choice to your hair (I find that coconut works best for me)

Step 3: Apply a butter-based cream cream to your hair, to seal in all of that moisture that you applied prior to this step.

Step 4: Style as desired!

   This in an effective way, which I have personally tried. Being that I have lots of hair and it takes a long time to moisturize, the fact that I don’t have to do it as frequently is definitely worth it!

Sincerely,
  A Natural

My Natural Hair Journey

   I’ve been asked plenty of times how I got my hair to grow and how I’ve managed to maintain a consistent rate of growth over the past couple of years. It has not been easy, that’s for sure.
I went completely natural (big chop) about 7 years ago. I didn’t like the process of transitioning, so instead I sped it up a little. I got all of my relaxed ends cut off and started from there.

    Every day, I had the same routine. Wake up. Wet my hair. Put product in my hair, which in this case was Right On Curl. I did this same thing for a while and had finally started to see growth, slowly but surely.
 
   In June of 2009, at a little above bra strap length, I received a perm and practically had to start over. My hair fell out tremendously. That was the last time I chemically processed my hair.
(It took a little over a year for all of my relaxed ends to finally just break off.)
Since then, I have learned so much about proper hair care, and more specifically, how to properly take care of my own hair.
 
    I don’t put any harsh chemicals in my hair (perm, bleach, etc.) I have also PUT DOWN THE FLATIRON (more than I normally would)! That was my biggest hang-up. I loved my hair in its straightened state, but I have come to love my curls more. Since doing so, I have reaped so many benefits. My curls are tighter, shinier, and just overall healthier. Now I’m not one to stop heat cold turkey, so from time to time I do straighten to check my length or just change up my look a bit.
One of the most important things, however, that I think helped me was protective styling. I cannot stress enough how important this is for me. I do my best to keep my hands out of my hair and since I have made that change in itself, I have saw a change in my hair, that I did not see with just heat alone (although that was a big part also).


  I also took prenatal vitamins for about two months’ time, but I’m not one that likes to take pills and so I would forget to take them! Though I can say, that during those two months, I saw an increase in thickness and definitely length. I gained more in length in that two month period, than I did in my normal three months of growth altogether, normally. Currently, I am an inch or so past mid-back length and hope to continue to grow long, strong, and healthy hair!
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(Throughout my journey I do not wear my hair straight all the time. These pictures are merely to show the difference in length. )









Sincerely,
   A Natural

Four Reasons Your Natural Hair Doesn't Appear To Be Growing

    You’ve went months without heat and now it’s finally time to  track your growth. But much to your surprise, your hair is the same length it was eight months ago. At this point, it may be time to reevaluate your hair care regimen and do something different! Listed below, are four reasons your hair doesn’t appear to be making any progress.

1. Lack of Moisture
Curly hair is naturally dry. Unlike other textures of hair, we have to moisture more often than those with finer strands. Hair that is not properly moisturized, will result in brittle, rough, frizzy hair and eventually break. Your hair is constantly growing, but if it’s breaking off at the same rate,then you won’t see an improvement in length.

2. Manipulating Too Often
There are endless possibilities when it comes to that hair of yours. From flexi rods, to roller sets, to twist outs. As amazing as the results are, and as tempting as it may be to re-twist and redo every night, hands off!  Our hair flourishes best when it is left alone. Nothing wrong with trying that funky hairdo you saw via Pinterest, but too much manipulating, over time, can lead to breakage.

(Image from Pinterest)

3. Too Much Heat Styling
Yes, you love your curls, but you want a different look for a couple of days and decide to straighten your hair. Nothing wrong with that! One of the best things about natural hair is its versatility, but be careful. The overuse of heat can cause heat damage, which will eventually lead to breakage. So try to stay away from heat frequently and keep that flatiron temperature low, or use only one pass. (Remember that hair burns at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.) Do whatever works for your hair, just be smart about it. You could damage the hair beyond repair, and no conditioner, or hot oil treatment is able to fix that for you.

4. Vitamin Deficiency
The human body is a machine. When one part is not functioning properly, it will start to affect the other parts. When you are not getting the proper nutrients you need, through eating a healthy diet, it will start to manifest through the outside. The hair is one of the last parts of the body to reap the benefits. If you’re suffering with malnutrition, I suggest reexamining your diet and maybe even taking a multivitamin.

These aren't the only reasons your don't see an increase in length, there are many factors that contribute but being aware of  a problem allows you to come up with solutions, and this is a start. So get healthy, be happy, and enjoy your hair journey!


Sincerely,
 A Natural