Guest Blog: Hair Growth

Hello Ladies,

                         I'm new to the natural world and at 9 months of trial and error I'm starting to get the hang of this thing.  First, I want to say the natural hair isn't a phase or some experiment. I decided to go natural because the perms were breaking my hair off. It seemed like every 6 to 8 weeks my stylist was hacking my hair off due to split ends or breakage. There were times when she wouldn't cut my hair and people would say to me, " Stop cutting your hair". I was so frustrated because it was thin and not growing. So, here I am after 1.5 years of transitioning. I didn't have the guts to cut off all my hair. I truly admire you sisters who are able to take that step. Nevertheless, I still didn't have the length I wanted and so I began my journey of being a product junky and tricks to add length. But, I have narrowed down my regimen and I'm happy to share what I have found that really works. Now, I started using this product in April 2011 and it's now September 2011 so I have given it a fairly long time. I've used it consistently and I am very, very happy with the results. My hair has grown and is growing much thicker as the product has promised. So, what is it? I'm glad you asked it's EMU OIL.  Now, many of you have or may not have heard of this oil.  If you refuse to use any animal by-products than this isn't for you because it does come from a bird native to Australia.  Emu Oil contains the essential acids Omega 3, 6, 9 and nutrients that your skin, scalp and hair need to reproduce healthy cells over and over, so using Emu Oil for Hair will keep your Hair growing healthy. Emu Oil gives your  scalp essential fatty acids that the cells must have to keep from becoming fragile and resulting in a variety of scalp problems. Now, it is expensive and it's only sold on-line, but shop around and find the best deal. I get mine from www.emuoilnaturally.com.  I use the conditioner and oil but they also have shampoo, yes Sulfate free.  Please by all means shop around you don't have to buy it from my contact. I only suggest that you give it a try for at least 4 to 6 months, you will not be disappointed. 

 

I'm getting so many comments now on the growth and thickness of my hair. I will never go anywhere without my Emu Oil, this is my staple.  Thanks ladies,  and remember " Live By Faith, Walk In Love and Forgive Always".   I just want to acknowledge our friend and sister in Christ Rae for going after her dreams, and allowing God to use her to bless others. We love you Rae always.

Peace,   Shanequa

Two Strand Twists: I've Come a Long Way Baby

I have come a long way from my first natural two strand twist. I have always had issues with the top of my head looking thinner than the rest, so it appears I have large spaces at the top of my head. I have since tried to gather large amounts of hair at the beginning of my twisting and started twisting from there (instead of starting at the bottom or front of my head). I usually use pure aloe vera gel, found at any drugstore or I use root stimulator’s loc and twist gel. They both are fairly inexpensive and don’t leave buildup. It usually takes me several hours to do two strand twists in my hair; I take my time parting, oiling, and twisting small amounts of hair. I am exhausted by the end. It takes me so long to twist my hair I never do twist outs, because I want to get good wear out of my twist (about 3 weeks), then I co-wash. Here are photos of then and now.



Year One





1.5 years

  

Summer 2011



So I have been trying to take a more active role in styling my hair. I have been so lazy since my hair has surpassed my shoulders. I looked up natural hair styles on youtube and this is the style I decided to rock Labor Day weekend. Courtesy of Beautiful Brwn Baby Dol, natural side french braid style tutorial. It is so cute on this young lady, my hair did not come out quite the same, but I was pleased. The young lady appears to have maybe 7-8 inches of hair; I have close to 18 inches if not more, which may account for the varied outcome. Here is the link to her video http://youtu.be/850-RN4YxPM and here is my finished product.



Inspiration



It took only 2.5 hours to do, I did not care about parts, and I did large twist and large cornrows on the side. I was a little disappointed in my cornrowing abilities; I guess if you don’t use it you will lose it.  I could get used to these less than perfect fat twists, especially if I will just be styling them anyway. Tutorial does suggest using Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Condition and Curling Custard for the two strand twists. I have never used these products in this manner. I am very interested in how the product will react once I unravel the twists. If there is no flaking I will style my twist out and try some different styles with that, otherwise, I will co-wash immediately. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for the idea Beautiful Brwn Baby Dol, check out her videos on youtube.

Earrings available at www.raedianncedezigns.com