Last Updated on November 14, 2023 by David Thomas
I’ve been growing my hair now for about eight years. It’s been a long journey. My hair would be a 4a on the hair typing chart. It’s really fine but also very dense at the same time. My scalp is a combination of Oily and Dry, depending on the season. From trying out every braided hairstyle to eventually locking it up, my hair has been through it. So here are some things I learned along the way and some upcoming changes and challenges.
Day to Day Routine
Shampoo type and application method
I shampoo once weekly; I use Clarifying Shampoo by Design Essentials. This helps break down any buildup and removes all the dirt from the scalp. I make sure I do two shampoos, 1 to help lift all the dirt and the second to properly cleanse the scalp.
*During my recent visit to the salon, the stylist used an Activated Charcoal Shampoo to remove any buildup and followed up with a hydrating shampoo to moisturize my hair. I plan on trying this technique because my hair feels amazing every time I leave the salon. I trust their advice and hope to achieve the same results at home. I’ll share an update soon on YouTube.
Conditioning Routine
I condition after every shampoo. It’s needed. After every shampoo, your hair follicles are wide open. Applying conditioner helps seal the hair follicle back to its natural state.
Post-wash Treatments:
After I’ve washed my hair and it’s damp, I apply YEAR 1 to moisturize my scalp. Organic oils have multiple benefits, which you can learn more about here. Personally, I find it refreshing. The scent of lavender keeps me calm throughout the day. However, since I shampoo only once a week, I advise against using oil daily as it may lead to buildup.
Styling Routine
My styling routine is pretty simple. My hair is either up or down. It usually depends on what I’m doing or where I’m going. When the locs were smaller, I would twist them together to make them larger and more manageable.
Now my hair is too long and heavy. I’m snapping hair ties left and right because the hair is so dense. This leaves me asking the question:
Should I cut my hair?
When I started growing my hair, I dreamed of making it long enough to touch the floor. However, I wasn’t as active as I am now. Engaging in activities like jiujitsu, swimming, surfing, training, and even golfing has made me rethink whether keeping my hair that long is worth the hassle. Whenever my hair gets wet, it becomes extremely heavy and takes forever to dry. Despite all this, I’m still unsure about what to do with my hair. I just know that it’s too long right now. Therefore, I have decided to trim it down for the time being and reassess it later.
Diet and Supplements
I had been growing my hair for about 2-3 years, but it seemed to have stopped growing or growing so slowly that I couldn’t recognize any progress. However, I noticed a significant difference after switching to a plant-based diet and being more careful with the products I use. I’m not saying that going vegan will directly impact your hair growth, but ensuring you consume the right amount of nutrients in your diet is crucial. Check out the latest post on Unleashing The Power of Plants, where we discuss the benefits of a plant-based diet.
I’m currently taking a natural supplement called Moon Juice, which has some good ingredients like Saw Palmetto, which can help with hair growth. Although I can’t say for sure that I have seen a difference, it is probably because I already try my best to get all the nutrients I need. However, this could be a good starting point for those looking to add some extra nutrients for hair growth. Check out Moon Juice for yourself and see if it works for you. (not sponsored)
Product Recommendations
For my hair, I’m a huge fan of Design Essentials and Kinky Curly Come Clean for shampoo and conditioner. However, I will be trying out some new recommendations from my stylist when I run out.
In between washes, I used witch hazel & YEAR 4 to help keep my hair cleansed, moisturized, fresh, and flake-free.
If you need a new shampoo or conditioner, check out my product list on Amazon. I have it separated by hair type.
Conclusion
Finding the right hair care routine is an ongoing process that requires constant attention. It’s important to note that what works for someone today may not work for them tomorrow. To help my clients, I aim to find styles that are easy to maintain, enabling you to keep your hair healthy and attractive without the need for too many products.
What does your current routine look like? I’d love to chat about it. Feel free to comment with some products you’ve tried over the years, or if you have any problems with your current routine, let me know. I’d love to help out if I can.
As always, thanks for reading