Hair length check: I've reached armpit length!

Picture taken 28th March 2011. Yay! Armpit length!

Picture taken November 2010 (I know it's in a ponytail but that's the most recent picture I have of my hair length)

     I'm really happy: I've finally reached armpit length! By God's grace, my next goal is to reach bra strap length! My hair has never felt or looked this good!! I'm thankful to all the relaxed hair bloggers because they have been my inspiration and source of knowledge!! I'm going to be starting a healthy relaxed hair bootcamp soon to help anyone who wants to have healthier hair.If you're interested, send me an e-mail on dr_fomsky@thesizzlingmommy.com!

Dr Fomsky  


  

Does S curl activator grow African hair?

          I've noticed that many visitors stumble across my blog in their search to know if S-curl activator helps to grow African hair. In my personal experience, it doesn't directly cause hair growth the way something like Jamaican black castor oil does! But it's a good moisturizer and if you read my steps on growing hair, you'll understand how important it is to keep your hair well moisturized. When your hair's moisture is balanced, this helps to prevent breakage. When your hair doesn't break, it grows longer! That's why I love S-curl activator: its moisturizing properties.
     It's also a good leave-in and helps to make your hair soft whether or not your hair is relaxed or natural. So, whether you're a natural or relaxed hair girl, give it a try today!! If you can't get your hands on it, there are many curl activator substitutes to it. (I haven't tried them out though!)

**** A word of caution: when you use it to moisturize your hair, don't put in too much or it'll make your hair wet!! I'll post a video soon showing how I moisturize my hair with S-curl activator!!


Dr Fomsky


  

How I stretch between my relaxers

  
     I'm 6 weeks post-relaxer and I have quite a bit of new growth. I was almost tempted to do a touch-up but I've decided to wait for at least 2 more weeks. It is best to relax your hair every 8-12 weeks. I do mine every 8 weeks because I want my edges to look sleek but some ladies get up to 20 weeks! If you relax it earlier than 8 weeks, there may not be a clear demarcation between the new growth and the previously relaxed hair. This leads to an overlap of the relaxer and leads to thinner damaged hair strands. On the other hand, over-stretching your hair can cause serious breakage if you don't do it the right way. The way I'm stretching my time between relaxers is by:

• Deep conditioning and co-washing every 3- 4 days. I haven't done a shampoo in 2 weeks!!
• Only detangling in the shower.
• Spraying my darling S-curl activator on the new growth as a leave-in conditioner
• Not combing my hair daily: I just finger-comb my hair.

     Dr Fomsky  


Related articles

• How to stretch your relaxers
• Stretching your relaxer 101

How to grow thicker relaxed hair

Now (January 2011)

Me 2005

  
     I can't believe my hair has grown this thick! I've always had thin hair which was capable of growing to about shoulder length but to see my hair like a wild bush amazes me!

How to grow relaxed black hair part 3 : My current regimen

      ***Updated 28th March, 2011 
      
With 2 children and lots of responsibilities, I don't have time to do my hair more than once a week so I usually wash my hair only on weekends once a week. Occasionally, if my hair feels drier than usual, I deep condition in the middle of the week followed by a basic conditioner co-wash. I find that when I do this, I don't need to moisturize my hair often.

1.   Once a week, I do a protein prepoo with Aubrey Organics Swimmer's conditioner Organic root stimulator replenishing pak  or Joico K-Pak Deep Penetrating Reconstructor mixed with either Amla oil or Africa’s best organics olive oil and clove oil therapy. I like Amla oil because it helps hair to grow thicker. I usually massage it into my scalp first and then apply whatever conditioner I'm going to use.

How to grow relaxed black hair part 2: Creating a regimen

It is important to have a regular hair care regimen, which incorporates the basic steps in hair care. Your choice of a hair care regimen depends on the time available, willingness or ability to handle one’s hair personally and possession of hair styling equipment (a steaming cap, flat iron, hairdryer, etc).

Suggested regimens

     

     If you have time on your hands and have the necessary equipment, you can:

• Prepoo once a week with protein and oils (e.g Saturday). Follow this with a shampoo.
• Shampoo once a week (e.g Saturday) and  co-wash later on in the week. (e.g Wednesday).  Follow with a deep conditioner.
• Deep condition twice a week. 
• Air dry/Blow dry/wrap set/roller set. 
• Style (in a bun preferably). 
• Moisturize and seal.
• Massage oil lightly into scalp   
• Moisturize and seal daily or as needed

How to grow relaxed black hair Part 1: The basics

      

     African hair is very delicate, easily gets dry and breaks easily: hair increases by a few inches every month but length is not maintained because it breaks off. This means that the only way to grow longer hair is to maintain this length by preventing breakage. The most delicate parts of the hair are the ends and they have to be protected from breaking. 

 CAUSES OF HAIR BREAKAGE

1.  Lack of moisture;
2. Too much moisture;
3. Lack of protein;
4. Too much protein; 
5. Split ends; and
6. Damage from excessive chemicals and/or heat. 

     What this means is that for your hair to grow, you have to maintain a good moisture-protein balance, cut those split ends and avoid excessive chemicals and direct heat!