Micro Braids in 1984

 

I fell in love with Harlem 

I spent my Summers in Harlem, from 1980-83. It was love at first sight. Summer water fights, concerts, broadways plays and shopping!  My parents were separated and me and my sisters spent Summers, with my dad. I fell in love with Harlem, so much so, that when my parents decided to reconcile, I was a little sad. I was on my way to college, so I got over it quickly. My summers in NYC were over by then, now it is time for adulthood. 

During one of our summer trips to the big apple, my sister was shown the fake hair that people use to extend the length of their own hair.  It was love, at first sight, because now I can have long hair.  See, I always had very short hair. My hair that summer was around 5 inches long. That was longer than normal, for me. It was only that long due to the wonderful Jheri curl that I had. My sister put some cornrows in my hair using the hair extensions. I do not know how she knew how to add the fake hair in, but I'm glad she did. This started my journey of braid extensions.

God has blessed me to grow my own hair really long. So, I rarely add in fake hair these days. I want you to grow your own blessed hair. Here is the regimen, that grew my hair to waist length. Get waist length hair  It will also work for you! 

Miss Young Gifted & Black pageant of 1984

I did my own micro braids and I also did the winners hair in micro braids. The winner is in the middle. This was so much fun and a wonderful experience! I am on the left. 

GROW YOUR HAIR LONG

Hair GROWTH challenge!!!

THE GAIN AND INCH CHALLENGE IS BACK!

THE ORIGINAL, POWERFUL & FAST PACED CHALLENGE!

GIVE YOUR SLOW GROWTH A BOOST!

5 years ago, I  developed a jump start regimen, that  enabled me to grow one inch of new growth in the first 30 days.  Yes one whole inch! My normal rate of hair growth is 1/4 of an inch per month.  I consider myself to be part of the "slow growers" club, because the average rate of hair growth is 1/2 and inch each month. So you can understand why gaining an whole inch in one month is so exciting for me!

I have shared this challenge on Facebook for many years. 97% of the participants who followed the steps, DOUBLED their hair growth rate. Others gain a whole inch in one month!

WHAT YOU GET

>Daily hair help for 30 days
>My secret hair stimulation techniques
>One on one consultation
>Free Hair Regimen ebook 

Camille's gained an INCH IN ONE MONTH!
She went from 10 inches to 11 inches!!!!

Jamie's hair grew from 7 inches to 8 inches during the challenge! 

WHEN: 
The Gain and inch in 30+ days challenge starts on May 2, 2020. 

WHERE: Private FB group (email backup)

HOW LONG IS THIS CHALLENGE? Challenges ends 40 days after start date.

REQUIREMENTS:   Hair cannot be in a weave, crochets or any style that is difficult to wash. 


HURRY AND JOIN TO RECEIVE YOUR WELCOME PACK!

SIGN UP USING PAYPAL.

AFTER USING PAYPAL, I SHOULD RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION. A WELCOME PACK WILL BE SENT TO YOU WITHIN 36 HOURS OF PAYMENT. 


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HELP, my braid extensions are to tight!

 It's midnight, but you cannot sleep because your scalp is throbbing. Earlier in the day, you got a set of braid extensions. You should never allow someone to intentionally braid your hair to tight. Doing so is a sure way to cause permanent hair loss.

Signs you need to leave your braid appointment

1.  If you are wincing every time she does a braid. Extensions should be secure, but not uncomfortable.

2.  If you need to take a painkiller before or during braid service. STOP!

3.  If you tell the Braider it is to tight and she continues to braid to tight. STOP!

Test the tightness of your braids. Move your braid side to side, from the root.  It should do so without causing you any pain. 

Say you got your hair braided and none of those things happened as you were getting it done. Your scalp felt fine when you left the appointment. But within a few hours or at bedtime, your scalp begins to hurt. Our muscles relax as we sleep. It is common for annoyances to be magnified when we lay down. Even to the point that it disturbs our sleep.

5 Ways to loosen tight braids

1. Spray scalp with warm water

2. Apply some cold creamy leave in conditioner to tight area. 

3. If a large portion of your scalp hurts. Run water over your scalp for about ten to 30 seconds.  

4. Rub an ice cube over sore area.

5. Rub some pure cold aloe vera gel onto scalp.

Gently massage scalp after each of these methods. 

There are times when you will need to remove the braids or weave quickly. Take this seriously. You can get "permanent" root damage. 

1. Pain still bad, after 48 hours.

REMOVE THEM!

2. White bumps  on the scalp. Those bumps are inflamed hair follicles, filled with fluid.

REMOVE THEM!

Hair myths part 3

Braids can give you a break from incorrect manipulation. 
Thus helping you "retain" more length. 

1. Hair extensions makes your hair grow faster.
False
Hair growth happens under your scalp. No type of weaves or braids can make your hair grow faster. Blood circulation, nutrients and a healthy hair root is what makes your hair grow. This is a commonly shared myth. 


2. You need to straighten or blow out Afro hair in order to trim it properly.
False
Straightening or blow drying your hair before getting braids is a bad move for hair. Heat sucks all moisture from the hair. Then letting the fake hair sit on top of your dry hair for weeks, causes a lot of breakage. This is partly why most comb so much hair out, after they remove extensions. A good braider should be about to braid your Afro hair in its natural state. 

HEAT FREE WAYS TO STRETCH YOUR HAIR.

3. If you have low porosity hair, you cannot use butters or certain products.
False
Porosity does not dictate the types of oils or butters one can use. Most of the oils and butters sit on top of  all hair. Most times the molecular structure of the butter or oil is to big to penetrate any hair strand. To keep build up from happening, be sure to wash your hair once or twice a week. 

Water molecules can get around oils and butters.

Hear from a Chemist. 

4. The Sink Float test will tell you, your hair porosity.
False
There is a commonly shared test within the natural hair community. This test involves putting a strand of hair in a cup of water. Depending on whether your hair sinks or floats, dictates  if you are high or low porosity. This test is not accurate. So do not base your hair regimen around it and wrongly label your hair.

Never blow dry your hair!

In order to maintain healthy growing natural hair, you must have a routine that keeps your hair moisturized. Using a blow dryer is counterproductive to keeping your hair hydrated. Many naturals use a blow dryer to quickly stretch their coily hair. However, in the process of giving your hair stretch, it sucks all the moisture from the hair. This is the main reason that you should never ever, ever. ever, ever use a blow dryer on your hair. 

When I get my hair braided, my braider uses the blow dryer to stretch my hair. What do I do about this?
Afro hair is perfect for braiding in its natural state. A good braider should not have to blow dry your hair in order to braid it. It should look just as good being braided in its natural perfect state. Always shampoo, deep condition, detangle and moisturize the hair before getting your hair braided. 

Two all natural heat free ways to stretch hair

1.  Braid your hair in  5 to 7 loose plaits, and let it air dry. Your hair will have a very nice healthy stretch. 

2. Roll hair on magnetic rollers, using slim sections. Let hair air dry. Your hair will have awesome stretch, superior to that you get from blow drying.
  

So what is the problem with blow drying the hair,  before getting braid extensions?

As previously stated, blow dryers  suck all the moisture from the hair. Then adding the fake hair on top of your natural hair dries it out, even more.  Fake hair is made up of a type of plastic.  As this plastic lays on top of your hair, it sucks more moisture from your already scorched blow dried hair. The combination of the blow dryer and the plastic fiber is not conducive to keeping your Afro hair hydrated. 

When you remove the fake hair after wearing it for several weeks or months, you lose more hair than you should.  This is due to your coils drying out under the extensions.  As the weight of the fake hair swings back and forth  week after week, your hair begins to weaken. Thus when you remove the extensions, that weakened dried out hair breaks easily. What you think is shed hair, also ends up being breakage. 

What about when I deep condition?
When a deep conditioner tells you to use heat, they are not referring to the harsh heat of a blow dryer. You use a heat cap, steamer or sit under a soft bonnet dryer. Invest in one of those items, for your healthy hair journey.

Christmas gift list:  steamer, heat cap or bonnet dryer.  

Teas for hair strengthening and growth

Tea infusions are excellent for strengthening the hair roots, stimulating hair follicles and providing moisture. Create tea infusions from good quality tea leaves, filtered water and good quality essential oils. The longer you steep your tea the stronger the infusion. Choose the tea leaves which address your current hair needs.

Rosemary-Bay leaf hair tea benefits

• Adds strength to the hair base, thus reducing breakage
• Increases hair growth by stimulating better blood flow to the scalp
• Use after braiding to reduce the amount of sheds hairs when you remove braids. 

How to use as a tea rinse

After cleansing and conditioning, pour this hair tea over your hair. Do not rinse out, nor towel dry. With hair still soaking wet apply your leave in conditioner and other style products. This rinse can be used once a week if desired. 

How to use as a braid spray

Gently massage scalp for 5 to 10 minutes. Then spray entire scalp, enough to make it damp. Lightly spray over the length of each braid. Do not soak the hair, unless it is shampoo day.   Repeat these steps every other day, which equals 3 times a week.

CQ Hair Growth & Strengthening Tea

RECIPE

Hibiscus tea (1 tbsp)

Green tea (1 tbsp)

Nettle tea (1 tbsp)

Glycerin (2 tbsp)
12 ounces spring water

Lavender essential oil (1 tsp)

WHO SHOULD USE THIS TEA?
Those wearing braid extensions benefit a great deal from this tea blend. The nettle, hibiscus and green tea add strength to your hair roots. This helps protect your natural hair from the friction of the fake hair swinging back and forth throughout the day. The hibiscus and glycerin feeds the hair moisture, so it does not pop and break. Nettle and lavender are excellent for boosting hair growth. 

LESS SHRINKAGE FOR TWIST OUTS
Use this tea to set your twist outs. Apply to freshly washed hair and seal in with a little grease or castor oil. You will get good definition with less shrinkage than using a creamy product. 

Use this spray as often as you desire.

Store in the fridge when not in use.

Works well when applied to hair cold.

Do not do this

Your natural hair journey may be filled with a few errors, but these should not be one of them. 

UNNECESSARY MISTAKES LOTS OF NATURALS MAKE

1.  Purchasing a product, then asking the purpose of the product.  You want to know the benefits of any product before you invest in it. Without knowing the benefits how do you know if it is necessary for your hair regimen?  Lots of naturals purchase apple cider vinegar, without knowing its benefits. 

2. Not following the directions on the products you buy. A product comes with instructions so that you get the complete benefits from the product. Following the product instructions ensures you reap the full benefits.  At least once a week I will see someone ask how to use the aphogee 2 step treatment, they have recently purchased. The treatment comes with instructions. Always best to follow the manufacturers instructions first. 

3. Rotating back and forth between your real hair and fake hair. Doing this early in your natural hair journey will only keep your hair dehydrated. Spend your first year as a natural getting to know your hair. Consistently working a healthy hair care regimen. Get your hair to a healthy hydrated state, then you can do hair extensions. 

Braid Retain and Grow method

When your hair is healthy enough for extensions, be sure to follow a regimen for extensions, such as Braid, Retain and Grow by Vee. Following this regimen will help your grow more hair and eliminate breakage from your extensions. 

Hair care mistakes to avoid

Heat straightening chronically dry hair

If you've been suffering from dry hair, that is not the time to press or flat iron your hair. Heat straightening hair that is chronically dry is the number one way to get heat damage. Conditioning is more than deep conditioning your hair one time, before a service. In order to properly hydrate your hair you must  consistently condition with moisturizing product over a period of time. Depending on the degree of your dry hair, that conditioning therapy can take between 2 to ten weeks. 

Here is a conditioning boot camp regimen to help prepare  hair for heat straightening. 

Getting braid extension on thinning or balding hair

Your edges are thinning, you found a bald spot or you have extreme breakage. This is not the time to install fake hair. If the hair loss is coming from the hair root then you should not add extra weight to your hair strands. Breakage is usually from lack of moisture and braiding fake hair into your hair will only cause more dry hair. I understand that your hair may not look its best when going through a trauma, so opt for a wig instead. At the end of your day you can remove the wig, so your scalp can breathe. Watch out for the combs which come attached to lacefront wigs. Those combs can cause more thinning to your edges, opt for an elastic band to secure your wig. 

Strengthen your hair and hydrate your hair, then you can install extensions that are not tight or extra small. 

Check the Braid Retain and Grow Method. This method helps you keep your hair while wearing fake hair. 

FLIP FLOPPING BETWEEN NATURAL HAIR AND FAKE HAIR

Many naturals will go back and forth between their natural hair and fake hair. They do so because they are not satisfied with their current length or the way their hair styles. Flip flopping back and forth will continue to dry your hair out. Each time you come out of a set of  braid extensions or weaves, you have to work hard restoring moisture back in your hair strands. This is because the majority of the fake hair is made of  plastic. This plastic sits on top of your hair and dries it out over time. Lots of black women lose way more hair than they should when removing extensions and this is due in part to the hair drying out under the fake hair.  Learn your hair first. Learn how to properly hydrate it and style it. Do not be so quick to hid behind fake hair. Give your hair time to flourish. 

Once you have created a good regimen for your hair and your hair is strong and holding moisture well, then go to the fake hair for style variety. This way you are using the fake hair as a style option and not to hide behind out of frustration. 

DOUBLE your hair growth rate!

JOIN THE MOST SUCCESSFUL HAIR GROWTH CHALLENGE ON THE INTERNET!

Say good bye to slow hair growth! 97% of those who COMPLETE this challenge, double their normal hair growth rate.

NEXT CHALLENGE BEGINS

March 10th, SIGN UP BY March 2nd

If you are tired of hoping for length and you want results, this is the challenge for you.

I have offered this challenge online for 4 years, at a success rate of 97%.

Do not miss this chance to BOOST your hair growth!

SCROLL TO END OF ARTICLE TO SIGN UP!!!

You gain better curl definition along with growth

GREAT HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Read challenge qualifications carefully

1. Recommended styles: Medium box braids, kinky twists, buns, TWA or wig.

2. NO sew ins, micro braids or weaves. (you must have easy access to your scalp daily)

3. Your hair can be natural, transitioning or relaxed. 

4. You must have a SMALL budget to purchase products recommended for this challenge.

5. Must have reliable access to the internet, besides just your phone

WHAT YOU GET:

1. A great chance of gaining one inch during the first 30-40 days of the challenge. Based on the past 4 years of this challenge, 97% of participants who complete the challenge gained an inch or more of hair growth

2. A customized hair care regimen

3. A customized hair growth formula created for your body type.

4. My hair growth secrets, which work, that I do not share outside of this challenge. 

5. Continued hair care support on your journey. 

PERSONALIZED CUSTOM REGIMEN

You get all of this for $19

THAT IS LESS THAN $2 PER WEEK FOR YOUR HAIR! OUTSTANDING PRICE! 

CHALLENGE BEGINS MARCH 10th

 RUNS FOR 12 WEEKS

IT TAKES PLACE IN A PRIVATE  FACEBOOK GROUP

SIGN UP BY March 2nd for this introductory price.

PLEASE SIGN UP WITH AN EMAIL YOU CHECK FREQUENTLY. THAT EMAIL IS USED AS A BACK UP CONTACT, FOR FACEBOOK.

SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY THE SPACES ARE LIMITED

SIGN UP VIA PAYPAL  BY CLICKING THE BUY NOW BUTTON BELOW

CHOOSE THE OPTION: Gain an inch in 30 days  hair growth challenge

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ONCE YOU SIGN UP THROUGH PAYPAL I WILL SEND YOU AN EMAIL WITHIN 24 HOURS, CONFIRMING YOUR PLACE IN THE CHALLENGE. YOU WILL  RECEIVE A  WELCOME LETTER AND CHALLENGE SUPPLY LIST. 

LET'S GROW SOME HAIR!!!!! 

SIGN UP TODAY!!!

3 mistakes that are damaging your natural hair

1. USING A HAIR PICK
Many naturals use a pick to fill in the gaps of their twist out style. They will pick the roots to fill in the lines and make the hair look fuller. Doing so causes breakage mid shaft and eventually your hair will look thinner.

SOLUTION:
When you set your twists, make your sections smaller. Untwist your hair and allow your parts to disappear on their own. When you untwist your hair,  walk around, put on your makeup and give your hair time to swell naturally on its own, Only use your fingers to fill in the gaps gently, no type of pics or tools.


2.  USING BAD INGREDIENTS
If you frequent hair forums, youtube or hair groups, you will see some naturals rave about, aussie moist conditioner, hello hydration, tresemme and V05. Some naturals use these products for cleansing and conditioning. These products are usually full of bad ingredients. Those ingredients will instantly soften the hair and make it feel healthy. But repeated use of those ingredients will dry the hair out and slow your hair growth. The temporary instant benefits are not worth the long term bad affects. 

SOLUTION:
Stay away from products that contain these cheap ingredients. Invest in products which contain more natural extracts, oils and butters. Look for natural ingredients, that you can easily pronounce. These products will nourish the hair and not slow your hair growth.  

3.  RELYING TO MUCH ON FAKE HAIR
Crochet braids, weaves and extension braids are okay in moderation. Some naturals hid behind fake hair by calling it protective styling. The fake hair used is made of a type of plastic. As this plastic sits on top of the hair, it dries the hair out. When the extensions are removed the hair breaks and shed excessively from the chronic dryness. So while your hair grew, you lose all that length from excess shedding and breakage. 

SOLUTION
Stop relying on fake hair so much. Style and grow your real hair. Follow a healthy hair care regimen for the first few years naturals. This gives you time to get to know and style your hair well. Once your hair is hydrated and healthy then you can get extensions in moderation.

CHECK OUT THE BRAID RETAIN AND GROW METHOD FOR THE BEST WAY TO GROW AND RETAIN LENGTH FROM EXTENSION BRAIDS OR WEAVES. 

Your guide to protein treatments

What does protein do for the hair?
A good protein treatment will deposit micro particles of protein onto your hair strands and fill broken spaces on each hair strand.  Protein treatments also help your healthy hair by sticking to the hair strands thus giving your hair extra reinforcement. Because the protein strengthens your hair, you retain more length, because your hair is less likely to break when manipulated.  Retaining more length enables you to reach your hair length goals faster. 

Protein helps you to grow your hair to great lengths!

When to do a protein treatment

• If your hair is breaking.
• To strengthen your hair for retaining long lengths
• Before you get extension braids or weaves put in
• After a relaxer treatment or harsh color
• If your hair is weak from illness
• If you comb or brush your hair 3 or more times per week
• If you flat iron or blow dry your hair

How to apply a protein treatment
Each protein treatment varies in application. A good protein treatment is applied to clean hair, allowed to harden by using a hooded dryer, then rinsed. You then follow with a good moisturizing deep conditioner. Some protein treatments do not require heat. You apply them, let it sit for a few minutes then rinse. Some protein treatments will strengthen and provide moisture in one treatment. While other protein treatment require additional deep conditioning. There are no general rules to doing a protein treatment, therefore you should follow the instructions on the protein treatment you purchase.

What to do after a protein treatment
Follow the directions on the protein treatment you choose. If your hair feels straw like or extremely dry after a protein treatment, do extra conditioning.  Generously apply some leave in conditioner, cover with a plastic cap and scarf, overnight. You will do this for five nights in a row.  Doing this baggy method will help infuse extra moisture into your hair strands and your hair should feel stronger but not extremely dry. 

How often should I reapply?
Some treatments can be used once per week, while others should only be used once per month. Follow the directions of the protein treatment you choose.

Which protein treatment is the best?
Protein treatments derived from animal proteins are the strongest best protein treatments to use. If your hair is breaking you want to choose a protein treatment which has hydrolyzed keratin protein or collagen listed in the top 5 ingredients. Protein is made from vegetable sources or animal sources. In most cases the type of protein used  is listed under the ingredients.

Purchase the Shea Moisture keratin kit here!

How to choose your protein treatment

Got moderate to severe breakage?
1st choice:  Aphogee 2 step treatment should be your first choice. This treatment is number one in stopping medium to harsh breakage. The product contains an animal protein.  Your breakage should improve by 50% after only one treatment. Repeat every 4 to 6 weeks.

PURCHASE APHOGEE 2 STEP PROTEIN KIT HERE!

Got breakage, but you are not good at doing hair treatments and deep conditioning?
2nd choice: Choose the aphogee 2 minute keratin reconstructor. This treatment contains animal protein so it will help your breakage, however it is not as effective as the 2 step treatment. This treatment is easy for beginners to use and faster to apply.  You must repeat this treatment weekly for continued protection.

3rd choice: Shea Moisture Tahitian and noni weekly hair and scalp therapy. (Black owned) This treatment contains hydrolyzed keratin protein, derived from animal sources. This treatment is good because it strengthens and conditions in one step. It is easy to apply and can be used weekly. It is more moisturizing than the aphogee 2 minute keratin reconstructor treatment. So if your hair is very dry you may want to choose this one over the aphogee 2 minute.


Protein treatments you can use for mild breakage and maintenance.

Green Beauty true protein: This product has hydrolyzed wheat protein from vegetable sources. Vegetable proteins are not as strengthening as the animal proteins. This product is black owned.

PURCHASE GREEN BEAUTY PROTEIN TREATMENT HERE!

Other good, mild protein treatments
ORS protein deep conditioner
Shea Moisture JBCO protein conditioner (black owned)
Aubrey organics protein balancing conditioner. BUY HERE

Hydrathermal Naturals Amino plus protein deep conditioner Black owned product. BUY HERE!