Setbacks and Comebacks

I started my healthy hair journey (HHJ) in mid-2010. I kept the use of heat styling tools to a minimum, stretched the time between relaxers, did not over-process my hair, did not overlap relaxers, wore low-manipulation hair styles, deep conditioned my hair, kept my hair moisturised, and sealed the moisture in using various natural oils like avocado oil. I was doing everything right!

I saw huge improvement in the state of my hair. There was a lot less breakage, my hair looked thicker and fuller. It was longer, bouncier... full of life. By mid-2011 my hair had gone past shoulder length and was grazing arm-pit length - the longest my hair has ever been. However, I got so excited about having reached that length, and all my healthy hair habits flew right out the window. I was so excited to show off my hair that I started flat-ironing it twice a week. I stopped moisturising and sealing it daily because I did not want to weigh it down with products... I wanted that "swang"! When my hair was down, I would touch it constantly. When it wasn't down, I would have it in a ponytail. Then to top it all off, I decided I wanted to relax my hair bone straight, and did a "corrective" relaxer in January.

Naturally, I am now paying for my mistakes. I am experiencing my second setback in my HHJ. (The first setback was a thinning hair line. Click here to see how I grew back my hairline and nape.) I went from this:

September 2011

to this:

9 Steps to Grow Back Your Hairline

The hairs that form the hairline, edges and nape are always particularly fragile and thin, regardless of race and hair type. If you're a relaxed head, you have probably experienced a thinning hair line at some point. More so if you have had extended periods of braid extensions, weaves, cornrows or ponytails.

A thin hairline is far from attractive and limits the hair styles that you can wear.

The good news is that with a little tender loving care and plenty of patience, you can grow your hairline back. The exception is if the hair follicles have been damaged beyond repair. If you have bald spots that are smooth and show no signs of hair growth, then it is unlikely that the hair will grow back. Your best course of action would be to seek medical advice - visit your family doctor or see a dermatologist.

For mild cases of thinning hairline, follow these steps to nurse your hairline back to health:

List of Natural Oils for Hair Care

Natural oils are a must-have in hair care. Ethnic hair tends to be dry and/or porous, allowing moisture in and out of the hair very easily.They are used to seal moisture in the hair as oils are anti-humectants i.e. they repel water.

Oils are also used to massage the scalp - they contain nutrients that nourish hair follicles. Some oils also irrigate hair follicles. The process of massaging stimulates circulation in the scalp and promotes healthy hair growth. 

Carrier oils are gentle oils that can be used on their own. Essential oils are strong potent oils that should never be used directly on the hair or scalp. An essential oil must be mixed with a carrier oil before use. A drop or two of essential oil in a couple of spoonfuls of carrier oi is more than enough. Exercise caution when using essential oils.

Here is a list of some natural carrier oils:

Can Ethnic Hair Grow Long?

For decades, black women across the globe have believed the misconception that ethnic black hair cannot grow long. My mission is to change that mindset and show you that it is possible to grow healthy, long hair. My emphasis will always be on health not length. However, when your hair is in a healthy state you can choose to grow it to whatever length you choose. The key to healthy hair is self-education and dedication. In this blog, you will find all the information you’ll need to start your healthy hair journey. Good luck!