How I achieved longer hair in 1 year

January 18, 2010

May 13, 2011

A few years ago, I grew my hair from arm pit length to bra strap length in about 1 year. I was obsessed with length at the time, unlike my current obsession which is perfectly defined curls and a shapely fro. I decided to sit down and list the major factors that led to my impressive length retention in one year. The list is surprisingly short and relatively simple.

I seriously used just a handful of products on my hair, and they worked perfectly for me.

• Shampoo - It wasn't even sulfate free!
• Conditioner 
• Used for co-washing every 2-3 days. 
• I would also dilute the conditioner with water and oil for a great and simple leave-in conditioner.
• I would use the conditioner as a styling aid as well for twist-outs and braid-outs.
• Coconut oil
• Used for sealing my ends and massaging my scalp
• Hot oil treatments

My hair was in braids or a weave for about 6 months out of the year. I would spend 8 weeks in a protective style and 2 weeks out. When my hair was out, I would be sure to spend my time in low manipulation styles such as braid-outs and twist-outs. My hair was very happy with this routine.

I would consistently deep condition or do a hot oil treatment on my hair. Once a week faithfully this was going down without fail.

I just didn't get a hair cut unless it was absolutely necessary. A light dusting of my ends and search destroy missions for split ends were my option of choice. No cutting!

I had a hair schedule that I kept to without fail. I moisturized and sealed daily, conditioned weekly and kept my hair covered most of time. I knew what was working and what wasn't because I was consistent. Period