Healthy Hairstyling #5: Phony Ponytails & Buns

2008: From twistout fro to kinky phony ponytail
(I used a pack of kinky hair to create the look.)

The "phony" ponytail, puff, and bun are not only creative ways to add length to your hair but healthy options to protect your ends. Here are a few youtube tutorials:

PHONY DONUT BUN:

PHONY PONYTAIL:

PHONY FRO HAWK:

Recap: Wednesday's Hair Growth Tips!

Growing healthy hair from the inside out. Click on the links below for a full post on each tip.

WEDNESDAY'S HAIR GROWTH TIPS:
1. Maintain a clean scalp.
2. See a doctor regularly.
3. Exercise.
4. Drink green tea!
5. Essential oil massage.
6. Drink your water!
7. Eat sufficient protein.
8. Eat hair foods!
9. Get adequate sleep!
10. Take your multivitamins!

GIVEAWAY Update!!

Alrighty, it's a little quiet so I'll extend this giveaway to newbie naturals too! (Newbie natural = those who big chopped less than or 1 year ago.)

Here we go again ...

Alright, stretchers, transitioners, and newbie naturals. This giveaway has been a few weeks in the making. What's the prize? An arsenal of goodies to help you tame your new growth or new fro and feel pretty while you stretch, transition, or rock your new natural hair! What do you have to do for it? Scroll below and see.







INCLUDES:
- Cathy Howse's "Thinning Edges: A Chemical Reaction" (used Paperback)
- Lekair Cholesterol Plus
- 4oz sample of Fantasia IC Gel w/ olive oil
- 3 green butterfly clamps
- $1 coupon for any Pantene Shampoo or Conditioner
- Revlon Illuminance Creme Quad Eye Shadow (Moonlit Jewels)


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THE RULES ...

1) You MUST be stretching, transitioning, or a newbie natural
- newbie naturals are those who big chopped less than or 1 year ago
- be honest :o)

2) Leave a comment below stating ...
- whether you are a stretcher/transitioner/newbie natural
- how long you plan to stretch/transition OR how long you've been natural
- AND 5 tips for maintaining healthy tresses during a stretch/transition/newbie natural stage

The giveaway closes May 1 at 11:59pm EST. I will then choose a winner based on her comment and abidance to the rules. The winner will be announced on May 2 and have 72 hours to claim her prize before it is forfeited and a new winner chosen.

REVIEW #5: Avocado Detangling Conditioner

Purpose: Natural alternative to a detangling conditioner. (Loo's recipe.)

Number of trials: 1

Ingredients & Materials:
Blender,
overripe avocado,
extra virgin olive oil,
unrefined shea butter,
apple cider vinegar (optional),
bowl,
mixing spoon

Instructions Cut up one avocado, mash with a mixing spoon, and put in blender. Add about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of unrefined shea butter to blender. (No need to melt the shea butter ahead of time.) Finally add approximately 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) to blender. If you wish, add 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to blender. (The ACV will aid in the blending process and in flattening the cuticles.) Blend all the ingredients thoroughly and continue to add EVOO until the mixture reaches your desired consistency. When done, pour mixture into a bowl and apply to hair as a detangling deep conditioner. NOTE: It is important to blend the ingredients well to eliminate avocado bits that stick to the hair. If desired, sieve the mixture before applying.

How I used it: I applied this detangling conditioner after a pre-poo and wash in twists. Then I tied a plastic bag around my hair and allowed the mix to soften my hair for 40 minutes. Afterwards, I undid each twist and detangled with a wide tooth comb followed by a medium tooth comb. Then I placed my hair in several big twists, rinsed out the conditioner thoroughly, and styled as usual.

The review:
The avocado detangling deep conditioner did the job well. After 4 weeks in twists - which means 4 weeks worth of shed hair - I was really impressed with how smooth the detangling process went. The conditioner was lubricating, thick, and heavy, all of which are needed to give my kinks slip, moisture, and loosening for detangling. It was also relatively easy to rinse out compared to the thicker store-bought cholesterol conditioners I use. (The latter leave a residue and fragrance in my hair that I can't stand.) I love this homemade detangler and plan to use it again once I finish my unused tubs of LustraSilk and LeKair Cholesterols. (Actually, maybe I'll give away these tubs ... giveaway, hint hint.)

PROS: all natural, thick, provides slip for easy detangling, moisturizing, penetrating, inexpensive

CONS: slip disappears after rinsing (I can see it being a con for those who desire post-rinse slip); avocado bits in the hair (IF not blended well)

RATING:
Overall, I rate the Avocado Detangling Conditioner a 5 out of 5 stars. I have no complaints whatsoever and was impressed by the slip considering that it's an all natural conditioner.

IDEAL FOR THOSE:
*wanting an all natural detangling option
*with thick tresses

FOR THE MIXOLOGISTS OUT THERE: You can experiment with using an overripe banana or banana baby food in place of the avocado for finer hair. (Blend well.) For a protein boost, add an egg or use yogurt + egg or mayonnaise + egg in place of the avocado. For scalp stimulation, add a few drops of peppermint oil to the mixture. Instead of olive oil, use coconut oil for added strength.

FOR THE NON-MIXOLOGISTS OUT THERE: You may want to check out these avocado conditioners:

Avocado Conditioner

Healthy Hair Feature: Lina

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?
** Natural for almost 11 years now.

2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?
** avoiding water, not washing my hair enough, not deep conditioning enough, not paying attention to the lack of /too much protein in my hair, switching products for no really good reason, relying too much on the knowledge of others to help me care for my hair.



3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? (include regimen, products, etc.)
** Pre-treat hair with coconut oil and/or olive oil, detangle into 8 braids
-Shampoo with Dr. Bronners Shikakai soap, or Nour Herbal Shampoo (homemade)
-Rinse/Clarify with Sweet Hibiscus Vinegar Rinse (homemade)
-Deep Condition with Aveda Damage Remedy, detangle into 8 twists after 1hr +heat
-Rinse well, blot dry, apply Whipped CocoShea butter (homemade) and airdry in 8 twists
-Light blow dry or flat iron if I am in the mood (1x/month)
-I usually wear my hair in braids for 6 wks at a time, then transition each braid into a twist.

4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? (diet, skin care, etc.)
** I eat raw foods and vegetarian meals daily
** I try to use natural products or purchase raw supplies to make my own
** I use apple cider vinegar and coconut oil inside and out - for my hair, skin, and internal nourishment

5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?
** be patient and consistent. It takes time to see what your hair likes. Sometimes there is an immediate difference, and the rest of the time, you notice a slow but steady improvement. Pictures really do help with both motivation and boredom. You can see how far you've come and that is a great accomplishment to make those first choices a habit.

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Check out Lina's Handmade Hair Care Products at TheHairSheBang!

Retaining the Hair You Grow: Chapter 6

Moisture, moisture, moisture!

Dry hair translates into hair that is more susceptible to breakage. Hair that has a sufficient level of moisture is more pliable and more able to withstand mechanical manipulation (combing, styling, etc.). Thus, moisture is a key factor to retaining length.

How do you know whether you hair is dry?
If your hair feels supple, then it has a good moisture content. Think flexible, elastic, and pliant. Rough, brittle, crispy, hard hair could be an indication of dryness and/or another issue (e.g., structural damage, etc.).

Is your dryness linked to a problem with moisture retention?
A healthy strand of hair will retain moisture really well for a good period of time. I have heard a stylist mention 48 hours as the magic number; whether this is true or not, I am not sure. Given my personal experience with my hair in damaged vs. healthy states, the number seems feasible. In my opinion, if you find yourself experiencing dryness within one day of a fresh wash & condition, you may want to:

1) evaluate your products and/or regimen,
2) review your diet,
3) assess whether you have hard water,
4) determine if the dryness is medically related,
OR
5) investigate high porosity as a potential issue.

A lot of articles and sites address the importance of porosity as it relates to moisture retention, protein/moisture balance, and more. View the links below for just a handful of these sources. In the mean time, keep in mind that if you want to retain the hair you grow, you must maintain a proper moisture level.

MORE READS:
POROSITY (all you need to know)
PROTEIN/MOISTURE BALANCE
SEALING (OILS & MOISTURE RETENTION)

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This is a repost. Originally posted July 6, 2009.

Avocado Detangling Conditioner ... Reviewing Soon!

Sneak Preview:
I will be using avocado mixed with extra virgin olive oil and shea butter for a detangling deep conditioner mix with slip, weight, and moisture.

Ingredient Descriptions:
*avocado - fatty acids, softens, imparts shine
*extra virgin olive oil - penetrates (read this study), lubricates
*shea butter - moisturizes, softens

Next weekend, I will do my monthly detangling session. Normally I use LustraSilk Cholesterol mixed with EVOO. The combination works very well, but I would like to have a natural alternative that works just as well. On that note, here's next weekend's experiment: the homemade avocado detangling conditioner.

You don't want to miss this review. There will be quite a few photos as well. :o)

For other avocado conditioner recipes, read this earlier post.

Playlist for April

On shuffle: (March 28 - April 24)
� Side cornrows into twists
� Side cornrows into twistout

Sounds like: Ms. Alicia Keys

Interlude: bi-weekly washes, weekly moisturizing, sleep on silk with a satin bonnet

Healthy Hair Feature: Copa

1) How do you define "healthy" hair? 

Healthy hair to me is hair that is not damaged by heat or chemicals. It is hair that is moisturized, minimal knots and splits on the ends, and has a healthy sheen without the need for grease or heavy oils.


2) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

I�m natural.


3) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

The biggest mistake I made was getting my hair colored once. The color applied did not deposit well on my hair, so the salon lifted it from my hair (along with my natural color) and re-applied it. The lifting burned my scalp and my texture did not return for a month. My elasticity was also gone (ability of hair to spring back when pulled).

The second mistake was getting it colored a second time, 6 months later, to darken it back from the lighter shade. Overall, I was able to maintain my hair by increasing the moisture in my routine and I also learned how to seal around this time. Almost 2 years later and my hair has since thrived, but the left over colored ends are showing signs of damage. They are thinner, brittle, tangled, and full of knots compared to the length of my hair. I am trimming them off a little at a time.


4) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine? (include regimen, products, etc.)

My basic routine consists of conditioner cleansing, conditioning, adding more conditioner as a leave-in, then a sealer on the very ends. I guess, I would call myself a �conditioner chick� :}

The most important part of my healthy hair routine is the cleansing. It can either maintain or deplete the natural moisture my hair has accumulated, and no product or oil can replace that moisture. So..

I use Curl Junkie Daily Fix Cleansing Conditioner to wash my hair once a week. If I need to gently clarify, which is usually once a month, I will use Kinky-Curly Come Clean diluted with water to cleanse my scalp and the run-off will cleanse my hair. In between cleansing or after 3-4 days, I water wash my hair and use a lavender-vatika oil-white musk-water spritz to refresh my scalp and scent my hair. I�ve found that my hair prefers frequent water washing because it is less drying than conditioner washing, and re-activates, rather than washes away, the product already in my hair.

I deep condition every 2-4 weeks depending on the season and my schedule. I stopped deep conditioning my hair last summer because I found it drying and coating. I then realized that I was not using deep conditioners in a way that worked for my texture. I now apply my conditioners to wet, damp, or dry hair depending on how well they work like that.

Deep conditioners:
-Aubrey Organics HoneySuckle Rose Conditioner on dry hair only,
-Nature�s Gate Herbal conditioner for detangling,
-or Mayocado (avocado-mayonnaise) mix for a little strength, a load of moisture, and incredible shine; when I have time

Leave-in: I use different leave-ins depending on how dry my hair is.
-Elucence Moisture-Balancing Conditioner alone on damp, water washed hair
-Elucence mixed with Kinky-Curly Knot Today as a basic leave-in on wet hair
-Curl Junkie Curl Rehab deep conditioner as a winter leave-in
-Karen�s Body Beautiful Super Silky as a summer leave-in or for wash n� go buns
-Elucence mixed with a little shea butter and emu oil on damp roots if I�m experiencing dry roots

Sealer: I only use sealer on my ends and occasionally on my edges.
-I use a shea mix to seal in the winter. I either mix it with my detangling oil blend (Olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Castor oil), or individually with Sweet Almond, Safflower, or Red Palm oil. These oils are all great for dry ends and some help coat the hair, while others penetrate it.

-Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream as a lighter sealer in the summer
-Vatika Oil or Emu oil mixed with conditioner and shea butter or water, as needed, to seal my roots in the winter

5) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it? (diet, skin care, etc.)

I don�t really have a healthy body routine. The health aspect is improvised :}

I live in a walking city. I walk to school and back (sometimes more) everyday for 18 minutes both ways. I walk everywhere unless it�s late at night, so that helps with physical activity. I also live in an apartment building with no elevator and attend a school that has slow elevators, so I�m up and down the stairs all day.

I pack a water container with me everyday and there are water filters on almost every floor of my school, so I drink water more than anything else.

I also make sure to have fresh fruits and vegetables in my fridge each week to snack on so I don�t reach for sweets all the time.

I�ve eliminated most dairy and whole grain from my diet and I eat red meat sparingly (whenever I have the energy to cook it or order it at a restaurant). As a result, I feel more cleansed inside, and my body spends less energy trying to digest these foods.

I try to eat light breakfast such as oatmeal, fresh fruit, with high energy additions (almonds, blueberries, flaxseed) rather than heavy, greasy, caffeinated foods and drinks.

For skincare, I used to use Dial Soap to wash my face when I was younger and my skin was fine so I really think genetics plays a large role in how healthy our skin is. Next is diet, followed by hygiene.

Now, I use Nubian Heritage black soap or their honey and black seed soap to wash my face. I also use Alba Papaya Enzyme mask and Giovanni D-tox exfoliant once a week. Lastly, I use Thayer�s Rose Petal-Witch Hazel Toner on my face after using masks or wearing heavy make-up.


6) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

The key to healthy hair after genetics and diet, is preserving the natural oils that your scalp produces because they are made to keep your hair at levels of optimum moisture and shine. Constantly washing, or piling on product will prevent your hair from benefiting from your own natural oils. Keep your scalp healthy, limit your use of stripping shampoos, water wash when you can, add more moisturizing product when you think you�ve added enough, especially after cleansing, and use heavy products like butters and oils sparingly so there is less buildup to wash out.

"Soul" Food Mondays || Faith in Achieving

Faith in Achieving ...

1. Have faith. When it comes to achieving goals, it helps to go in with faith. Do you believe you will reach healthy, waistlength hair? Do you believe you will lose those 5 extra pounds? The answer has to be "yes" or reaching your goal will be that much harder. Start with faith. A genuine, strong faith that you will achieve your dream. That is half the battle. It will help you during the difficult times.

2. Feed your faith. The milestones to accomplishing your goal can feed your faith in ultimately reaching your goal. Here's what I mean: A couple years ago, I started my hair care journey with the ultimate goal of reaching a healthy, waist length. In early 2008, I big chopped to neck length. Six months later, I reached shoulder length. In early 2009, I reached armpit length. In late 2009, I grazed below-shoulder-blade length. Each milestone fed my faith that I would one day achieve waist length. Each milestone made my goal that much more in grasp ... that much more attainable. Feed your faith with milestones.

3. Keep the faith. If you do experience a setback during the journey to your goal, do not lose faith. This is when faith counts the most. Will an awful trim by the stylist make you quit your journey to waistlength? Will three missed workout sessions make you stop your journey to weight loss? Keep the faith. Get back up. Dust yourself off. Keep on going. Your faith will make you even more determined and focused during times of setback.

Fruit & Veggie Haul: Farmers' Market Style

Last Saturday, I went to the Farmers' Market to restock on fresh fruits and vegetables. Here's what I bought at each station:

For $9:
-2 avocados (vitamin K, omega-6)
-7 tomatoes (vitamin A, C)
-1 sweet onion (MSM)
-1 red pepper (vitamin A, C)
-4 bananas (potassium, dietary fiber)

For $3:
-strawberries (vitamin C)

For $2:
-tons of spinach (vitamin A)

The price of the avocados, tomatoes, onion, red pepper, and spinach were comparable to that of Walmart. The strawberries? Eh, not so much. The quality of the produce, however, certainly exceeds that of Walmart. There is no comparison there.

WALMART price comparison:
-2 avocados + 7 tomatoes + 1 sweet onion + 1 red pepper + bananas = $8.49*
-strawberries - 1.58
-spinach ~ $2.64

*avocados - $1.88/ea; tomatoes - $1.38/lb; sweet onion - $1.28/lb; red pepper - 1.68/ea; bananas ~ $0.39

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MORE READS:
STRAWBERRIES
GREEN VEGETABLES
BANANA SMOOTHIE
BANANA DEEP CONDITIONER
AVOCADO DEEP CONDITIONER

UPDATE: Healthy Care Package WINNER!!

The prize went unclaimed so a new winner has been chosen -- commenter #5. Congratulations, Alana!

Please email me at healthy_loo@yahoo.com by April 16th, 12am EST with your address so that I can mail you your prize.






The Healthy Care Package includes:
- 4oz of 100% unrefined shea butter
- sample packet of Aveeno Active Naturals Shampoo and Conditioner w/ Nourishing Wheat Complex and Oat Protein
- Eclectix Butterfly Kiss Handcrafted Body Bar w/ lavender buds, coconut oil, etc.
- Stay-On-Satin Bonnet
- 2 Goody Ouchless Elastics (the thick, sturdy ones)
- 4 jumbo black bobby pins
- Alba Botanica Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask
- inspirational quote for the soul

Enjoy!

What's Your Favorite Butter?

If you've been following this blog for a while, you know that shea butter is my number one love. I use it in my homemade whipped butter mixture to seal water into my hair. I also have a separate body butter mixture to seal moisture into dry areas of my skin.

Lately, I've been hearing a lot about kokum butter and decided to search for more information. It turns out that this particular butter is high in vitamin E, supports skin elasticity, and supposedly reduces/prevents wrinkles. Maybe I'll try it one day?

So, what is your favorite butter? How do you use it?

Here are some products containing kokum. To read more about the benefits of this butter, click here.

Kokum Butter

Hey, Med School: Skin Care, Please?

Our current Healthy Hair Feature also shares her skin routine:

"Wash face 2x's per day. In the morning, I use a moisturizing cleanser with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (like Glycolic Acid or Citric Acid) which everyone in there mid-20's and older should start using now to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and to protect the delicate skin on your face throughout the day. I follow this with a serum containing Vitamin C (more protection) and caffeine (increases the circulation to the face and wakes the skin up!). Lastly, I use a moisturizer with SPF 30; wearing sunblock is the single most important thing you can do now to improve the health of your skin! At night I wash my face with an exfoliating cleanser and I put on a night serum containing Retinol which will further prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing."

I can certainly attest to the wonders of a night cream containing retinol; skin renewal and repair after exposure to sun, makeup, etc. is the name of the game. Also, I second the use of a moisturizer containing sunscreen. Dermatologists highly recommend a minimum of SPF 30.

Tips for a Sensitive Hairline

Like some of you, I have a sensitive hairline. Do not be fooled by the thick edges. Lol. My hairline has had a couple weak moments over the years, so I consistently monitor the area and give it extra TLC to keep it healthy. Here are some tips that have helped me and may help you:

? Minimize pulling the hair back too tight
Pulling the hair back tautly causes tension along the hairline and may result in broken hairs or hair loss over time. Styles in which the hair is pulled back should be worn minimally and/or loosely. Because of my sensitive hairline, I opt for loose, pinned updos that allow my hairline to breathe and stay away from tight buns. If the style hurts, then listen to your hairline.

? Opt for a polyester/silk pillow case or bonnet
Polyester/silk scarves worn while you sleep can damage the hairline if tied tightly. Your edges will be happier if you sleep on a polyester/silk pillow case or wrap the scarf (if it's large enough) around your pillow. Another option is to sleep in a polyester/silk bonnet, but beware of the ones that expose the elastic. Whichever method you choose, you can wrap a scarf around your edges for a few minutes in the morning to lay them down, undo the scarf, and you're good to go. It's healthier than sleeping with a scarf around your edges all night long. (NOTE: Polyester and silk come in satin, charmeuse, chiffon, and other weaves. Opt for satin or charmeuse, which are smooth weaves.)

? Refrain from sleeping in a ponytail, bun, or updo
If your hairline is sensitive, this is the worst thing you can do it. Trust me; I've been there. As you toss and turn at night, pulling can occur and your hairline can suffer. Some women can get away with this, but if you have a sensitive hairline, it is best to just sleep with your hair wrapped (in a bonnet) or in several loose and big plaits/twists.

? Apply natural butters/oils and then massage 2-5x a week
This is particularly important for a recovering hairline. Natural butters (e.g., mango, shea) and oils (e.g., coconut, olive, castor) contain substances that can soothe and nourish the scalp along the edges. For example, shea butter and mango butter contain Vitamin A, which plays an important part in the growth and maintenance of the follicles. Additionally, massaging the hairline may stimulate growth.


More tips include:

? Avoid wearing elastic headbands, bandanas, tight scarves too frequently
Once in a while is fine, but daily is probably not. Opt for loose scarves instead elastic headbands when you can.

? Redo the braids/twists along the edges weekly/biweekly
Extensions or not, this is essential for a sensitive hairline.

? Don't make the braids/twists too small and tight along the hairline

Healthy Care Package WINNER!!

We have a winner for the Healthy Care Package GIVEAWAY!! Thank you for all your responses on how you keep your skin fresh and healthy.









Here is a summary of the more popular methods:

*Drink water regularly
*Eat healthy (e.g., carrot juice, other veggies, fruits)
*Avoid junk food and soda (or pop, if you're from Chicago, what, what!)
*Moisturize with natural butters/oils/etc. (e.g., shea, coconut, aloe vera)
*Exercise / work out
*Betonite clay detox
*Oil cleansing method
*Exfoliate regularly
*Take a multivitamin
*Cleanse/tone with ACV
*Cleanse/tone with witch hazel

Okay, now for the winner. I couldn't make the decision myself, so I prayed for guidance and then let the random number generator do its job. Our winner is commenter #12. Congratulations, Vondom!!

Please email me at healthy_loo@yahoo.com by April 9th, 12am EST with your address so that I can mail you your package. If unclaimed, the prize will go to the next person in line.

Another giveaway is coming soon, so stay tuned!

Healthy Hair Feature: Caroline

1) Are you natural, relaxed, texlaxed, or transitioning?

Relaxed (3-4 times per year). Considering switching to Brazilian Keratin Treatments or other less damaging forms of hair straightening.


2) What mistakes have you made in your hair care journey?

Neglecting my hair when I started to reach my desired length. My hair needs constant TLC and is very sensitive to moisture-protein balance. Additionally, it was sometimes it was hard for me to stick to the little-heat/little-manipulation mantra and my hair was not happy with this. However, I've found some great heatless protective styles (braidouts, bantu knots, buns, etc.) that have really helped me in my hair care journey.


3) What is your current HEALTHY HAIR routine?

-I use the entire Hydratherma Naturals line (sans the heat protector, I prefer Redkin Smooth Down)
-Wash 2x's per week (lather roots only and let the rinsing wash the rest of my hair), the second wash may often be a co-wash
-Deep Condition 1x per week
-I alternate between the Moisture Boosting Deep Conditioner and the Amino Plus Deep Conditioner
-I moisturize 2x's per day (morning and evening) with the Root Stimulator on my scalp followed by the Leave-In conditioner, Growth Lotion, and Growth Oil (to seal)
-I usually sleep with my hair in one big bantu knot or a couple of small bantu knots and a silk scarf and satin cap
-I wear my hair in a protective style most of the time except for special occasions



4) Do you have a HEALTHY BODY routine? If so, what is it?

I'm a huge health nut (and currently in Medical School)! I think it is extremely important to eat right and exercise especially if you desire healthier hair. I only eat whole grains/oats, lean meats (boneless skinless chicken, fish, lean ground turkey), vegetables, fruits, lean dairy, eggs, nuts and beans. I also try to incorporate whey protein before a workout (I love the Myoplex drinks), ground Flaxseed, and olive oil in my meals. Some of my favorite snacks are the Fiber One bars (great way to get your daily requirement of fiber) and the Yo Plus Yogurts which have dairy, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and probiotics!

I try to stick to a 3x/wk workout regimen which consists of circuits using weights (Women's Health website has some great workout routines) and I run on the treadmill after all of my workouts.

Lastly, I take a multivitamin with plenty of Biotin, Niacin, Vitamins A, C, D and E.


5) Do you have any advice for those seeking healthy tresses?

Get to know your hair and what works best for it. Does it need to be moisturized 2x/day or 1x/day? Washed once or twice a week? Deep conditioned once or twice a week? It's really about finding a routine that works best for your hair and that is realistic for your life. Also, don't try crazy shampoos and creams that say that they will grow your hair five times faster. The reality is that if you want healthier hair that grows at its peak pace you need to eat healthy, exercise, take your vitamins and care for your hair from the moment it comes out of your scalp. If you want length you have to keep caring for your hair consistently. There are some great products that will of course help retain your length: scalp stimulators, mineral-oil and petroleum free hair lotions, alcohol free sprays, certain oils, etc. With the dedication and the right products healthy hair is definitely within reach.