Hair Question: How Do I Obtain Length & Thickness in My Hair?

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Question:
"I'm new to this journey and have been in search of a great regimen to follow for relaxed hair. I have BSB length hair but it is beginning to thin. I want to retain length and thicken as well. Can I get some guidance or be pointed in the right direction to obtain healthier hair?"
Advice: 
Congratulations on starting your hair journey! First things first, I would definitely recommend you start off with a basic regimen that's simple to follow. Things may seem a little overwhelming in the beginning, but an easy guideline will help ease the stress. When I first began my hair journey I followed these simple steps and obtained great results:

  • Shampoo (sulfate-free) and deep condition every 3-4 days
  • Always deep condition with heat
  • Moisturize and seal daily (*Key in length retention)
  • Use a moisturizing leave-in conditioner and air dry after each wash day
  • Bun my ends 99% of the time (*Key in length retention)
  • Cover your hair with a satin scarf or sleep on a satin pillow case
  • No direct heat (flat iron, blow drying, curling iron etc.)

I would suggested you follow a basic regimen, similar to what I've outlined above. Of course, you will have to tweak it to your liking as everyone's hair is unique. 

Now, you mentioned that your hair is beginning to thin, this raises a bit of concern; however, it can be corrected with a couple of suggestions:
  1. When was the last time you trimmed your ends? You may be due for one as your ends are splitting causing thinning and breakage.
  2. How often are you doing protein treatments? Hair is made from protein (Keratin); therefore, it's the only ingredient that will adhere to the hair making it stronger, thicker and increase the diameter of your strands. Protein treatments should be done weekly/biweekly/monthly (with heat) depending on your hair's tolerance/need.
  3. Incorporate Coconut oil into your regimen! I would suggest you use Coconut oil as a pre-treatment before you shampoo on dry hair. This will prevent the loss of protein in your hair. It will help strengthen and thicken your hair.
  4. Protect your hair from relaxer run off! When you relax, always protect your hair from relaxer run-off by coating your previously relaxed hair with vaseline or a very thick oil i.e. Castor Oil. As you rinse off the relaxer, it still has a chance to process your previously relaxed hair, making it bone straight, over processed and thin over time. The thick oil/vaseline creates a barrier between your hair and the relaxer preventing damage. Always remember to only relax your new growth!
Last but not least, consistency is key! Keep up with the regimen and with time you will notice an improvement in your hair, just keep at it! 

Good luck hun!

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