The Big Chop~

The Big Chop, TWA (Tiny Weenie Afro), and other options or Protective Styles


Patience is a virtue~

 I know easier said then done, right? Human hair averages half an inch, or a little over one centimeter, per month of growth. This statistic fluctuates as hair near the crown and vertex of the head grow the fastest, while hairs in the temporal or beard areas grow slower. Also, people with thyroid problems may experience more rapid or slower growth, and those with hormone fluctuations, such as pregnant women, will also witness alterations in speed.  So accept the process and keep your long term goals in mind, I promise you it will all be worth it!

 Accessorize!

 At this stage in the game barrettes, stylish pins & clips, hair combs, scarves and 
          headbands are your best friend.

Stay fit and healthy~

Keep in mind that a balanced diet and lots of water promotes strong healthy hair growth. Also consider taking supplements like biotin and zinc.

Hats for those bad hair days~

Bad hair days are going to happen but don't reach for the creamy crack, grab you super trendy hat.   Bad hair days = good hat days!


Trimming does not stimulate hair growth~

Yes, trimming your hair does not make your hair grow faster (that's just a lie spread by some manipulative hair stylist, lol). And there's no point growing 3 inches of hair then taking off 3 inches at the hairdressers. But a trim is well worth it if you have damaged ends to maximize healty hair & see groth results.

Protective Styles~

 Relieve some stress by styling your hair in a long lasting styles like twist, braids and cornrows. These stills require maintenance but are much less hassle then daily styling and require less manipulation in the long-term.

Condition, condition, condition... 

 Push your hair growth using conditioning treatments, masks etc.

In the meantime~

Stop focusing on what your hair will look like and styles you would like to achieve when you reach longer. And start looking at styles you can do now!


Extension for that longer look~

 If you really can't wait for your hair to reach longer length then I think extension maybe the option provided you take care of your natural hair making sure extensions are not to tight/heavy  Also wigs are an option too.

Avoid harsh chemicals ~

Ok, so your relaxer/texturiser-free but there are other chemical processes that are harsh on hair too such as dying and bleaching. However, a good alternative to colouring is using 100% natural henna, indigo or non-peroxide colouring.

Avoid heat application~

Heat damage is curl killer and believe me, heat damage does not discrimate between long term heat users and one-off heat users, so be careful! Don't lose your length to heat damage you can't reverse the damage the only way to lose it, is to cut it.

If all else fails...

Consult a  proffesional, competent, natural hair stylist or maybe even a trichologist if your having extreme growth problem.
  
So You Did the Big Chop, Now What? Tips on How to Survive Your New

                                                  Big Chop Story- Natural Hair Story


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4C Natural Hair Growth (1 year 10 months)



How to help grow natural hair faster- tips and products!!!



My TOP 10 TIPS on Growing Long Healthy Natural Hair



Easy TWA Styles | Wash and Go (Pt1) "Natural Hair


My Favorite Hair Products For "Natural Hair"


We’ve all been there before, that feeling when - you want to look good for a night out with your girls or look sophisticated on hot date or you just want to look professional for work and your natural hair just seems to have other ideas.

You feel as if you tried everything; you’ve tried co-washing it, moisturising it, sealing it, gelling it, diffusing it, blow-drying it, buning it, twisting it, braiding it and still nothing looks right. You’re now beyond annoyed – you’re frustrated, vexed in fact and you feel like a hot mess. You sigh, as you reminisce on your relaxed day where you simply rolled out of bed and in the blink of an eye your hair was styled perfectly  – what you wouldn’t do for such ease now…

The overwhelming urge to go back to relaxer, plagues your thought – you don’t know what to do. Go back to the creamy crack or continue on your natural journey?




So what should you do?


Remember the reason why you decided to go natural in the beginning: whether that be for healthier hair, discovering what your natural hair texture is or growing your natural hair long. Reflecting on your long term goals may help you put thing into perspective because believe me, the phase you are going through is transitional whether it’s a bad hair day or your struggling with length or texture – you’ll overcome with time, knowledge and understanding.

Look back on how far you’ve come. Sometimes it feels like you haven’t made any progress at all but that isn’t always true. Look at photos of when you first became natural and photos of you hair as it been growing up to now. Your bound to see improvement somewhere for instance, in your hairs health or length or even just better styling.

Take a break. Do a long lasting protective style like twists, micro-braids, braids, cornrows or extensions to take your mind off your hair if you’re trying to grow it out – you might even start missing playing with your natural hair after a while. Alternatively, you could try wearing a wig, scarves or hat on off days or bad hair days.

Find some inspiration. Looking at photo of kinkies and curlies can help you imagine where you’ll be if you stick to the plan and also help you think of style ideas; sites like Fuck Yeah Curls Curls Curls, Fuck Yeah Natural Hair, Le Coil, Black Women Natural Hairstyles and of course the MyKinksAndCurls.com Facebook Gallery. Also check out websites like Black Girl with Long Hair and Curly Nikki, they have inspiring stories of normal women with natural hair, like me and you, with success stories and if they can do it, you can do it too.

Simple styling. If you feel like your in dyer need of a new look or hairstyles. Try just varying your hairstyle with simple things like; changing your parting, adding accessories, adding a fringe/bang. Some easy go to styles to try are buns and puffs. For more drastic changes; try colouring or getting a hair cut.

Consult with your fellow naturalistas. Sometimes you just need to vent your frustrations in order to get over them. It may sound weird but moaning and complaining can make you feel better. Plus you’ll hopefully get some positive, encouraging feedback. Sites like Natural Sunshine.com are great for encouragement, it’s a internet community of naturals and everyone is so supportive.

Remember having relaxed hair isn’t a walk in the park either. To keep hair healthy and relaxed you still have to have a regime – moisturise, deep condition and do protein treatments, etc. Also you have get your roots done every 6-8 weeks, you can’t go swimming, walking in the rain or sweating which are things you need not worry about with natural hair. And I’m sure you had bad hair days or periods with relaxed hair too. Remind yourself of all the positive aspects of natural hair.

Re-evaluate what your doing in regards to hair and health. It may be that a certain product may be be your down fall when it comes to styling. It could be that your diet is sufficient in something or you not drink enough water and therefore your having to struggle with your hair.

Have realistic expectations of your hair. Don’t get frustrated because your hair doesn’t do what another person hair does. Each texture is different, needs different product, curls/coils differently even hold styles differently.

Keep obtaining knowledge about hair care and practicing techniques. Sorry for the pun but eventually you’ll become a natural with your hair care and styling and it will come to you like second nature. You just need to get used to a new way of doing things – change is always hard at first.

Stop stressing. Easier said than done, I know but it’s almost never as bad you make it out to be – all you need is a little patience.


This article is from, http://www.mykinksandcurls.com/2011/03/what-to-do-when-you-hear-creamy-crack.html

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