I've been natural since November 2009 - I passed my 5 year mark a month ago. When I first started, my hair sprouted from my head with vigor; I was diligent, I bought all the hair products, I did all the co-washing, I started an ayurvedic hair regimen, I always spritzed my hair with moisture, et cetera. My hair flourished during 2011 - 2012; I had so many inches of growth that year. I've been stagnant since 2012 until late 2013; I started implementing weaves/twists/protective styles. I've been reflecting on my strands and my choices and just recently, I've decided to create a new regimen. There is no reason why my hair isn't officially BSL and that is one of my goals.
Every 7-10 days, I will wash my hair. For the first 3 - 4 weeks, I will first pre-poo with honey and EVOO. Afterwards, I will use As I Am Coconut Cowash; I've heard positive things about it and how wonderful the slip is. After co-washing, I am going to use an ayurvedic clay mask; the powders I plan on mixing and matching are hibiscus, amla, brahma, and bhringraj.
- Hibiscus is excellent for increasing shine, stimulating hair growth, thickens hair, conditions. When used in conjunction with henna, it reddens hair to a beautiful burgundy.
- Amla is excellent for hair growth, thickening, strengthening roots, defining curl pattern, natural astringent.
- Brahma is known for reducing hair loss properties, preventing dandruff, strengthening and darkening of hair, and making her denser and shinier.
- Bhringraj is known for encouraging hair grown, reducing hair shed and hair loss, and delaying gray hair.
I plan on alternating between coconut milk and black tea as a base every other week. I plan on washing the clay out with the As I Am Coconut CoWash. My moisture regimen is going to implement the LOC [liquid, oil, cream] method; I will use Curls Lavish Curls Moisturizer, Coconut Oil/Vatika Oil/or Apricot Oil, and seal with a wonderful cream butter from Lace Naturals.
When I clarify, I will clean my hair with 1/3 ACV and 2/3 cold water. I will also implement an amazing Banana/coconut milk/Castor Oil/Coconut Oil/Honey mask for a deep conditioning and protein strengthening treatment. My hair is protein sensitive and I need to protect the integrity of my curls.
I plan on spritzing my hair every single day, keeping my hair in a bun or twists, dabbing Jamaican Black Castor Oil [JBCO] on my edges, and only letting my hair out for special occasions.
I also take Biotin [10,000 mcg], MSM, and a multivitamin. I drink at least 2 L of water daily and I eat healthily.
This regimen will ensure I have hot oil treatments, that I don't strip away moisture, that I clarify as necessary, that I use minimal random created chemicals, and that my hair is moisturized and sealed as necessary.
My goals are to gain between 2/3-1 inch of growth a month. I started taking the biotin in the beginning of December, I will measure the sides of my hair, the crown of my scalp, and my nape to monitor the growth. I plan on dusting, I don't plan on using any heat, and I plan on being patient, enjoying the process, and falling in love with my hair again.
