My journey to healthy hair

I received weekly deep conditioning treatments by my hair stylist, and my hair slowly started to recover.  I again scoured the internet to look for ways to grow my hair.  I just refused to believe I could not achieve the same hair length my extensions provided.  I convinced myself the impossible could become the possible, and I found my holy grail to healthy hair, Long Hair Care Forum. This website has been instrumental to my hair growth and health.  I am pretty sure I would not be transitioning to natural if I wouldn't have found this website. I realized I knew absolutely nothing about my hair. I had entrusted my hair for years to stylists, usually getting my hair done every 1-2 weeks.  I hadn't needed to know about my hair.  I decided it was time for me to start listening to my hair.

A few things that I learned from her:

1.Only use heat occasionally.  I used to use heat on my hair daily, with no heat protectant.  I now only use direct heat once a month.  I get my hair professionally straightened once a month.  My current hair stylist does a great job with my 2 textures (relaxed and natural).

2. Water is key. I condition wash my hair every 2-3 days when its curly.  This means that I use only conditioner on my hair.  I shampoo my hair once a week.  I also deep condition my hair twice a week under a hooded dryer for at least 30 minutes.

3.Moisture, moisture, moisture.  I use a leave in conditioner after washing my hair, and a moisturizer once a day until the next wash.  I make sure my ends stay moisturized, since that is the oldest part of the hair. I then seal with an oil.  (The oil prevents you from losing moisture.)  I have just about used them all, but I am currently loving grapeseed oil.

4. Protective styles.  I usually wear my hair up 5 days a week when curly.  Hair rubbing against clothing is more prone to breakage.

5. There is not a one size fits all for hair.  My SIL has beautiful, midback length, thick natural hair. She can use heat several times a week without problems.  My hair would be a mess.  Do what works for you, and stick with it.