Super Useful!

Hey Y'all!

I was on Facebook browsing, and I stumbled across this picture. It was too perfect not to share!

 It has the 4 main oils people chose to use in their HHJ and explain their uses.

I thought it would be helpful to those of you just starting out or were curious about these oils.  I have used all but Avocado, and would like to try it one day.


Anyway, do with it, what you will! (Lol)

~Naomi

Hairfinity (Hair Growth Supplement)

Hey All!

Do you guys remember the post I wrote a while back about the gifts I won from Black Hair Planet, through a raffle?  Well I started taking the Hairfinity Vitamins yesterday. (09/09/11)

For those who are not familiar as to what Hairfinity is, it is a vitamin supplement that is intended to help promote hair growth. It does this by "speeding up" the anagen (growth) phase.

I do not know many people who have used it, but reading up their FAQ's I read that most people who have used Hairfinity experience 3/4-1 inch of growth in a month.

(For more info on growth using Hairfinity, here's there official website http://www.hairfinity.com/FAQs.htm)


I have the 30 day supply, which is perfect for me, because I am an inch or so off from my goal of APL. I am hoping I will make it for my 2 year natural anniversary but we shall see!


To get Hairfinity you have to order it from their official website, the 30 day supply that I have goes for $24.00 USD.

They are sold in terms of series of month supply.

2 Months goes for $42.00 USD
4 Months goes for $84.00 USD
6 Months goes for $126.00 USD

They also have a year supply that goes for $250.00 USD.

All prices excludes shipping fees.

I am really thankful to BHP (the beauty of being a member!) to get the chance to try this supplement out, because I cannot see myself pay $24.00 USD for any vitamins or hair products. I am cheap, and I am not afraid to admit it! (lol)

While using Hairfinity I will not be using Hairdrenaline, to ensure that any "extra" growth I get over the course of this month will be due to the Hairfinity.

The directions calls for me to take 2 of the vitamins a day. They are capsules with white powder in them. Much like Biotin or MSM.

For reference I took  start pictures so you guys can see where I am, and at the very least I will post an ending picture for comparison.

I really am hoping for APL by October, but I know realistically; I should be there by December. Either way I am happy, I have come a long way from CL.

Wish me luck guys!


~Naomi

Notice Your Growth!

Hey All!

Everyone who is on their HHJ finds things to obsess over. We obsess over things like gaining thickness, or length, for most of us, both! However we do not ever realize when our hair is in fact, doing those things!


You have gained thickness/growth if.....

You see curls popping around your hairline, or your roots feel plush

You have to buy bigger shower caps, or start using plastic bags

If you have to take more time detangling

You have to make more plaits or twists for your braid/twist outs
 
You are going through Conditioner way faster than you use to

You need to get bigger rods or rollers for your rod sets (Which is what I realized! I just upgraded to the orange Cold Wave Rods which are 3/4 of an inch, to at least one up, which is the 1 inch green rods, go me!)

Anyway those are just some things I picked up on! If you guys notice anything feel free to share!

~Naomi

Retaining Length for 2011!

Not too long ago, I accomplished my short term goal of reaching full SL (shoulder length) by my 1 year natural anniversary.

Now I am on to my next goal....reaching APL (arm pit length). I have heard that SL to APL takes the longest! Of course I cannot contest to this, as I have not reached APL, but it is something frequently said in the forums I am part of..

Keeping that in mind, I plan on reaching my goal by retaining all of new growth/length I accumulate throughout the year. The best way to retain length is by doing protective styles. Protective styles insure you ends being protected.

Now your ends is not where growth occurs, it happens at the root, but it is how we are able to see length. Your ends are the oldest and most fragile part of your hair, so if anything occurs like splits, or single strand knots, it is your ends that has to be dusted or trimmed. Meaning you will loose some length. This is not such a horrible thing, as it is better to have healthy shorter hair, then long hair with frazzled ends.

You want your hair to not only be long, but also to be healthy! Once you figure out how to keep your hair healthy, retaining length will be a piece of cake!

Everyone's hair grows at different rates, but hair growth can range between 0.25-1 inch a month. It also has to do your diet/health, and how well you care for your hair. Genetics also does play a part, as well.

I would say I am about 4 inches away from my goal. I average half an inch of growth each month, so I'm hoping to retain it all and make my goal of APL within 8 months, but to be fair, (as my hair may not grow a lot one month, or grow more another. It is good to set realistic goals, as to not disappoint  or discourage yourself.) I know that I have stated that I would like to make my goal by June, but I will give myself until December of 2011.

 (December 2011 is also my goal date for my  bald spots to be filled.)

I am going to try to do a lot of protective styling this winter, like pony tails and buns, and maybe two strand twists and box braids. As protective styling is the best way to retain growth, because it is not being manipulated.

I can still do low manipulation styling because since I am natural, I get a lot of shrinkage. So my hair in it's natural state does not reach my shoulders. My unstretched hair  looks CL (Chin Length), sometimes NL (neck length) and that is on a good day.


I am hoping to be SL unstretched one day too.


I set goals as a way of motivating myself, and to keep up with my regimen. Plus it makes it fun!


For hair acronyms, or abbreviations and hair charts, check out  previous post



I hope this gives you an idea of ways to retain length!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Today Marks 1st Year Natural!

Well guys, I officially made my one year mark as a natural. Man does time fly, it's also my sweetie's bday so I've been a little busy today, but I just wanted to share my news with you all. I straightened my hair to commemorate today to see how much growth I've obtained in a year.

I actually flat ironed my hair on Wednesday, out of pure excitement to do a length check. I also gave myself a trim, since my ends weren't looking too hot.

Honestly I'm on the verge of heat addiction because I have flat ironed everyday since, so hopefully I will not suffer from heat damage. We'll have to wait and see for that one.



I self big chopped last year.

I would say I was about EL here (after I bc'ed).





A Year Later

Didn't like these pics much, but the show my length! I finally made it to SL!


Anyway I just wanted to share my good news with you all! I'm hoping to make it to APL by June 2012!


Until Next Time, Naomi~

JBCO Is The Truth!

I'm sure you guys have heard me mention that I have been using Tropical Isle brand Lavender JBCO (Jamaican Black Castor Oil) for a while now. I mix it with Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and regular Home Health brand Castor Oil (it is Cold pressed and Cold processed) to stretch it, as JBCO is expensive! (I use an 8 ounce applicator bottle, 4 ounces of JBCO,  and make up the other 4 ounces using regular Castor Oil, and Africa's Best Ultimate Oil) However this stuff is amazing by itself.

I have heard of people experiencing an itchy scalp due to JBCO. If you are experiencing that, I suggest you cutting (mixing) your JBCO with another oil. It will help dilute it. I have not experienced this, I mix my JBCO by choice, and you guys can too if you so chose.

I have been using this oil on my scalp since sometime near the beginning of the year, and the amount of thickness I have obtained, is unreal! I just recently started using it along my hairline, and even my 'baby' hair has grown longer and thicker, thing is, it does not quite look like baby hair anymore, as it too long to lie down, and does not blend in with the rest of my hair (it is a shorter length). I can tell it is indeed 'baby' hair, because the front and sides of my hairline were super thin, and now it's filled in. You can see my side edges in my last post.

I also love the way it smells, I know a lot of people complain about it's smokey scent, but it has really grow on me, the lavender adds a nice touch too. It is good for those who are not too fond of the regular/natural scent of JBCO. I swear it is gold in a bottle! If you do not mind paying the shipping fee, it is definitely worth a try if you are looking to thicken your hair, pr to fill in a bald/thinning area.

From my understanding JBCO can be found on Amazon, BeautyofNewyork.com (I have not ordered from these places myself, but some ladies from one of the forums I frequent does, and of course from the official site for Tropical Isle Brand JBCO, Sams247.com.  I have also heard you can buy it from BSS (Beauty Supply Store(s)), however this is tricky. I think you will have some luck if is a Caribbean/African owned, but that is just my opinion.

There is another brand of JBCO, Sunny Isle Brand, and from what I've seen comes in different colors, and 'flavors', if you will, but I have not used it before, so I cannot give an opinion. I would suggest that you guys do your research before making a decision on which to purchase, of course my vote is for Tropical Isle. Check out forums, other blog/vlog reviews, hair forums, and even youtube. These are the best tools when trying to figure out what products are favored, or are considered the 'best'. Please do keep in mind, that what works for one, may not work for another, so use your judgment.

 Also both brands have branched out from JBCO, and have come out with pomades, shampoo, and other goodies, so you can also check those out on their websites.


Anyway, I just wanted to share my good news with you all!

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Cayenne Update Comparison Pics (3rd Edition)

As you guys know, I have been using Cayenne Pepper as a growth aid since the beginning of my my Healthy Hair Journey, (HHJ) February 2009. I also began a two part Cayenne Pepper Challenge on Black Hair Planet. Which ended a couple of months ago, for all the members of the challenge. I am still doing cayenne pepper 'treatments' (as I like to call them) as it is a part of my weekly regimen.

After researching Cayenne Pepper, I learned that, Capsaicin is a compound found in Chilli Peppers, Capsaicin causes a burning/tingling sensation to any tissue it comes in contact with. This burning sensation means the area it is applied to is being stimulated, which means blood flow! The blood flow helps awaken follicles. Cayenne Pepper happens to be in Chilli family, which is what attracted me to using this spice. 

I have Traction Alopecia, and I have had it since I was a child.Unfortunately at the beginning of my HHJ, I didn't think to take pictures of my bald spots, but believe me, there was nothing there. Now I didn't know that Cayenne Pepper would work, but I guess it was worth a try.


I started out with a more 'complex' mix, containing oil, ground cayenne pepper, paprika, and water. I would put my ingredients in a small tupperware bowl. It was not exactly complex, but because I did not measure my ingredients, it was a little tough trying to get the right consistency. As I like it to be a loose paste. I liked it to be thick enough to not drip, but loose enough to spread/apply on my scalp.  I started out using this mix for an half hour, without a cap, 2-3 times a week. I then also use to save my batch, I use to leave it on a shelf, and it would dry out, and to reuse, I'd just add a little water and mix with my finger.

(The mix can also can be refrigerated, if you decide to leave it on a shelf, do not cover, last time I did that, it molded lol)

I now use a much simpler version, just ground cayenne pepper and water. I have a lot less trouble getting the consistency I want, and I feel I am getting better results as the cayenne pepper is alone. I now only use cayenne 1-2 times a week, if I do two treatments I usually will only do 2 hours at a time with a shower/plastic cap, if I only do it once for the week, I will do 4 hours at a time with a shower/plastic cap. I now make a new batch each time I decide to do a treatment, as I feel it is fresher, and all it's potency is in tack. It is not necessary though.


It has been couple of months since my last update, so I figured now would be a good time to show you guys my progress. I cannot tell, but maybe you all can.

 (I'm sure those who are following me are like there she goes with that Cayenne Pepper, but I try to explain a little as to why, and how I use it for those who are new to the blog)


I am going to try to keep posting updates every 2-3 months. I hope for those of you like myself, who have bald spots,loosing/thinning hair, that this gives you the courage to try Cayenne Pepper!


I have been slacking lately with doing my Cayenne Treatments, but I trying to get back on the ball, and have these spots fully filled in by the end of next year.



Until Next Time, Naomi~

Loose Strands of Hair

Thursday I went through my usual wash day regimen. I prepooed with HE Hydralicious Self Targeting Conditioner, mixed with Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil for close to two hours. I did my cayenne treatment along with prepooing to save time.

Washing out was horrible! Lol, I got pepper all in my eyes, now don't get my wrong, I usually wash my hair in the sink, so I don't have to worry about that happening, but my sink was full of dishes, and I didn't want to have to wash them, so I did it in the shower, which was huge mistake! My eyes were burning for a hot minute! lol Of course it goes away after a while.

Anyway so half blind, I washed my hair with my clarifying shampoo, VO5 Herbal Escapes Clarifying Kiwi Lime. I haven't clarified in a while so I figured it was time that I did, although my scalp didn't really feel dirty. I then did my Protein Treatment, again, because I have not done one in a while. I used Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise, I added a bit more mayonnaise to it, and a little Castor Oil (Home Health Brand).

I dced for about two hours with a plastic bag on my head, since I'm out of shower caps, however, I think I am starting to like plastic bags better, no leakage.

My hair felt strong, but still had a little softness to it, I detangled with my wide tooth comb, and cowashed, using VO5 Herbal Escapes Free Me Freesia.

I did not feel like doing a low manipulation style so I decided to slick my hair in a pony using my Olive Oil Eco Styler Gel. Before hand, I oiled my scalp with my oil mixture of Lavender JBCO and Africa's Best Ultimate Herbal Oil, and then spraying my hair with my Super Moisturizing 'Homemade' Coconut Leave In.

Thing is, after towel drying my hair, and putting my hands in it, strands came out, it didn't seem like breakage, but it just came out, but since my hair is in a pony, I won't be able to tell until my next cowash, which I'll probably do tomorrow. I'm thinking it could just be part of my Hair Life Cycle.

I learned that everyone's hair follicles has a life cycle, and it has three phases.

Anagen- Which is the Growth Phase.
Catagen- Which is the Transitional Phase.
Telogen- Which is the Resting Phase.

The Anagen (growth) phase is when the hair is growing, and is producing new hair. A hair follicle's life span can range between 2-7 years, sometimes less depending on genetics. Hair can grow half an inch to an inch a month, again, depending on genetics.

The Catagen (transitional) phase comes directly after the Anagen phase, during this phase, the scalps stops being active, and forms club hairs. Club hair if formed when then end of the original strand of hair attaches itself to the hair shaft, and cuts itself off from blood supply, and ultimately the cells that produce new hair. This phase lasts 2-3 weeks.


Then begins the The Telogen (resting)  Phase, this is when club hairs are fully formed to the hair follicle, which means the original strand of hair is now dead. Which is when the shedding begins. A person can shed 50-100 club hairs a day from a normal scalp. This phase usually last 3 months, for those who have a 'normal' scalp.


All hair follicles go through these phases, so yes, that means eyebrows, arm (pit), leg, and even that secret place lol.


I'm hoping that my hair is just in the Telogen Phase, and not just breaking off. We'll see. Wish me luck!



Until Next Time, Naomi~

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Vs Regular Castor Oil

I have using both Tropical Isle brand Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and Home Health Castor Oil, religiously. I'd have to say that both of them have contributed a lot to thickening my hair, as well as growth.

I started off using Home Health Brand Castor oil, but then became interested in using Jamaican Black Castor Oil, because of all the good results people ere having with it. 


The differences between the two are physical, again, they both help with thickening, and growth, however, it seems many, including myself have experienced a little more growth with Jamaican Black Castor Oil, but I would say it is due to regular Castor Oil having a thicker consistency. It's thicker consistency, means that it takes longer for it to absorb into the scalp. It is also easier to apply.



Another thing that makes them differ, is Jamaican Black Castor Oil is less processed, making it more 'pure', which means that it has more potency than regular Castor Oil.

It is pricier than regular Castor Oil, and from what I have seen, it is not sold in stores. You can find JBCO on Jamaican Black Castor Oil

A 4oz. of Jamaican Black Castor Oil can run you $5.29 USD, the 8oz can run you $9.99, not including shipping. They also have one that is scented with Lavender. I use this kind, it still has the smokey scent the original does,but you can also smell the lavender, I use this kind.

The Lavender is a bit pricier, the 4oz is $6.99 USD, and the 8oz is $11.99. I have yet to order from the Sams website myself, as I have used my BHP credits to purchase from the forum store! It is a great forum, there are raffles for holidays, and you can earn credits daily just by posting, and logging in daily.

Since JBCO is a bit pricey, I mix it with regular Castor Oil. They both work wonderfully! It also insures I do not use a whole bottle, that way it lasts me longer.

If you are on a tight budget, but still want to thicken your hair, I would suggest using regular Castor Oil. It's the economical choice, as it is sold in stores like GNC, and Vitamin Shoppe, you can even use the kind they sell in Wal Mart or drug stores. Whereas Jamaican Black Castor Oil can only be ordered online (as far as I know).

They both work, it is just a matter of preference.

Until Next Time, Naomi~

Cayenne Pepper Challenge Update

As you all know, I conducted the Cayenne Pepper Challenge (part 1 &2) on BHP which was held from the beginning of this year, until the 1st of this month.

The 1st of every month everyone were to post an update about their experiences using cayenne, and what have you,  of course I do as well. The challenge ended the 1st of this month, and again, everyone were to post about experiences, and post pics if possible, and thought it be a good idea to share my pics with you guys, so maybe you can get a sense of how cayenne pepper can be beneficial for hair growth! I think Castor oil has also been extremely helpful.


 I put cayenne pepper paste on both bald spots for a hour or more at a time with cap. Unfortunately I did not take pictures of my bald spots every month, so I only have comparisons from May 2010 to July 2010. You are more than welcome to post and let me know if you see any difference. (I started using Cayenne February of 2009, before then, those spots were completely bald)



First set (May 2010):The first is the left side, second is the right side.

Second Set (3rd & 4th pic)(July 2010)- Left side, then right.

HTH, Until Next Time! Naomi~

Cayenne Pepper Challenge

As you all know, I use Cayenne Pepper for hair restoration/growth, and since I started using it, my hairline is coming back, and I have hair where I never did before, but I was the only one using it regularly in my regimen, so I decided to enlighten my sisters on Black Hair Planet Forum about the benefits of using cayenne to help with hair growth, and made a challenge.

Well really it is the second part, but since people were not too sure about using cayenne, I made it a mini challenge of 3 months, starting from January 1st, 2010- March 1st 2010. I did not get the immediate response I wanted, but it was requested for the challenge to be restored!  So I gave everyone and newcomers a month break to get their mixtures together!

The challenge calls for Ground Cayenne Pepper (Must be used) to be made into a paste, using water, or water and an oil, or pretty much anything you prefer. The cayenne paste must be applied 2-3 times a week, and left on for a minimum of 30 minutes. There is no direct measurements but I will say that the mix should contain more cayenne than oil or water, otherwise you will end up with a liquid instead of paste, which can run, and cayenne stings eyes!( I do not suggest heating it up. If using water, it does not matter whether you use cold or warm water)


The second part of the challenge Begins April 1st, 2010 and will end July 1st. Everyone is to check in 1st of the month until July. If everything is going well I plan on extending to the end of the year.

This challenge is open to everyone! So if you would like to join, just subscribe and comment!

Why use Cayenne Pepper?

I have bald spots on both sides of my head, and have had them for years. Last year I made the decision to transition, and decided that I wanted to do something to see if I can get my hair to grow. I went to dermatologists when I was younger, but no growth came from the medicine they prescribed. So from there I decided to do my own research. I went and looked for things that promote growth, and then came across this thread that said cayenne pepper could help with hair growth. I decided to look more into it, and it is true!

Cayenne Pepper contains Capsiscum, Capsicum contains Capsaicin , which is the chemical that produces that burning sensation, when you eat peppers. When made into a paste, and is placed on the body, it has that same 'burning sensation' (if you only use water), the 'burning' sensation, produces blood flow to the affected area, which helps stimulate hair follicles, and an in essence, helps produce hair growth.

To furthermore prove the efficiency of  Cayenne pepper, it is used in as a key ingredient in hair growth aids such as:
Organic Root Stimulator Scalp Scrub
Organic Root Stimulator Fertilizing Temple Balm
Organic Root Fertilizing Serum

Now I love me some Organic Root Stimulator, but I refuse to pay for something I can make at home, and have in it's purest form.


I do not use exact measurements, but just to give you guys an idea of how you can make your own, I use for my own paste
A Small Plastic Bowl
Cayenne Pepper, and Water (if I want the mixture to be strong)
If  I do not want such a strong mixture, and have that 'burning' sensation I add an oil, you can use any oil you like, but I personally have used,
Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, and Castor Oil (Cold Pressed, Cold Processed)
I also add Paprika if I feel to


Whatever liquid I use whether it is just water, or both water and an oil, I do not add too much so that it is loose, it will not still to your scalp if it is watery, it will also drip, which is not great because it can burn your eye, it won't damage it or anything as far as I know, but it would hurt momentarily.


I leave it on for a minimum of 30 minutes, and then rinse it out by cowashing or shampooing my hair afterwards, to make sure all of it comes out. In my opinion, doing this process 2-3 times a week can help fill in bald spots. After doing this for a year, my hair is filling out, if you have a smaller spot, it would not take as long, that and the fact that I do take 1-2 month breaks when I get my hair braided, but if I stay on it, it will be filled out this year.

I will post a picture of the mixture, and pics of my spots a bit later.