As a natural-haired woman, I understand the struggle for maintaining healthy hair and length. We all know shrinkage is real. So is dryness, split ends, breakage and damaged hair.
Trust me, over the past five years of being natural, I’ve struggled with it all. That’s why I'm going to share my journey with you, including what worked, what didn't, and all the natural hair hacks I came across along the way.
I’ll be honest –– I had no idea what I was getting into when I decided to go from relaxed to natural. First I was torn between which products to use: gel or edge control, grease or oil, mousse or leave-in conditioners?
Then, I realized natural hair tends to get dry much faster, which means it needs moisture, moisture, and more moisture. There was also the problem with shedding, easy breakage and the feeling that my hair grew much slower than it did before. For me, that last bit was the most frustrating part.
I started looking for natural products that specifically promised to moisturize hair. Yes, switching out my drugstore usuals with salon or internet-based products cost more, but my hair would not be in the healthy state it is today if I had continued with what I was using.
What I Use Now:
Deva Care No-Poo: I use it as a shampoo. It leaves my hair soft enough to detangle before conditioning. Try using it every other week.
Hair La Vie Revive Deep Hydration Masque: This is my go-to deep conditioner. It seriously hydrates my hair and leaves it soft and manageable. I use it once a week. I also keep it on for longer too, like 30 minutes.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil: After washing out my deep conditioner, I spread castor oil on my hair mid-length to the ends. This provides extra moisture to keep my hair from frizzing or becoming too dry. I only use it after my once-weekly Hair La Vie deep conditioning masque.
Camille Rose Curl Maker: To enhance my curl definition, I spread a couple of pumps on my hair. I only use this product after I've applied the castor oil.
Deva Care Arc Angel Gel: After I apply the curl maker I spread a couple of drops of the Arc Angel Gel just for that extra hold to keep my curl definition.
I am not a pill person. I have to really trust the product for me to swallow any pill. So you better believe I did my research before picking one.
I tried a few of the popular vitamins, but I either broke out like crazy or nothing happened to my hair at all. I really couldn't tell a difference.
Luckily, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jenelle, a rep at Hair La Vie who took the time to explain every single ingredient inside of the vitamin.
Guess what? It is ALL-NATURAL. I was informed about all the benefits of each ingredient and how that specific ingredient is directed towards helping my damaged hair through their special 3 step process. (click for ingredients)
Last August, I cut another 2-3 inches off my hair at the Capella Salon in Los Angeles. From August to October, my hair probably only grew one inch. I started the vitamins in October and in two months my hair grew about 2 ½ inches.
That was double the speed of my hair growth on it's own. I was so happy ya'll! I didn't break out. I didn't feel sick. I actually had a lot more energy than before.
It's important for your scalp to be hydrated, clean and thriving in order to grow healthy hair. If your scalp is dry, flaky or covered in grease, oil and other debris, your hair may not grow properly and will most likely cause your follicles to shrink or become inflamed.
Promotes healthy scalp oil and strand elasticity.
This natural antioxidant aids hair growth.
Benefits hair and skin. Deficiencies cause premature hair loss.
Keeps hair follicles clean and encourages growth.
Helps promote collagen and keratin production.
Boosts moisture and relieves dry, itchy scalp.
*The minimum clinically tested daily amount needed to aid hair growth is 2500mcg. Biotin is one of the single most important ingredients in hair growth.
If your hair is damaged, thinning or growing slowly, your follicles are most likely damaged or have shrunk. Follicles are where your hair grows so it is extremely important to keep them healthy and happy. Once you repair these follicles, your hair will begin to grow in fuller and faster. These are the essential ingredients.
Nourish follicles for healthy hair growth.
Reduces inflammation, prevents hair loss.
Helps with hair growth regulation.
Prevent hair follicle shrinkage for healthy hair.
Proven to be an effective alopecia treatment.
Promotes cell reproduction, tissue growth and repair.
If you're having trouble with your hair breaking, split ends or damaged hair, it is important for you to grow hair with a strong cortex. When your scalp and follicles are repaired, you will begin to grow thicker, stronger hair but having these vitamins will help.
Promotes scalp circulation with anti-aging antioxidants.
Boosts hair health. Deficiencies cause hair loss.
Boosts calcium absorption for bones and teeth.
Helps growth and elasticity, prevents split ends.
Builds proteins that strengthen hair.
Most importantly, Hair La Vie only contains natural ingredients. I feel this is the reason my hair grew so well. Along with the vitamins, I have been drinking the recommended 64 ounces of water a day, eating healthy and deep-conditioning my hair once a week.
My growth has almost doubled, and my hair has more of a shine and bounce. I'm such a big fan and I believe every natural should take this product if you're looking to grow faster, longer, healthier hair the natural way.
I've had natural hair for about five years now and I've learned a lot of tips and tricks along the way. I'm constantly being asked how I get my hair to grow and look like it does. I decided to sit down and finally write out all my secrets for you.