Safiya Damani
Senior Press Pass Correspondent
Over the course of the 'Hair Sense' series, steps toward better hair care were suggested. However all these elements must be put together in order to obtain maximum growth of the hair. Chicoro's six step 'Grow it' process which I implemented, highlighted the importance of proper detangling, cleansing, conditioning, moisturising and protecting of the hair. In addition, in her book 'Grow it' she mentions the things you must pay attention to if you would like to maximise and leverage the growth that you receive. Beliefs - If you believe that you can do something, you automatically put more effort into reaching that goal. Growing your hair with a negative mindset automatically puts you at a setback for achieving longer lengths. Looking at photos and videos online of others who have reached their hair goals help to encourage and inspire you to grow your hair. If others can do it, why can't you? It takes a great amount of patience but it's possible. You can also join hair sites online or groups on Facebook which promote good hair care. Two of these Facebook groups are 'Caribbean people with natural hair' and 'Keep it Simple Sista'.
Boundaries - Don't set your expectations based on results that others have received. You may be disappointed when your hair doesn't react similar to theirs under the same circumstances. If a procedure does not work for your hair, don't limit yourself to it; try other methods. Sometimes you will never know what good you can do for your hair, until you take that leap of faith and try something new. However, be sensible in your decisions remembering all you have learnt about the healthy treatment of your hair. Basics - Have a basic, stabilised hair routine, regimen or process. Some of you may say that you don't have hair routine because you switch products all the time and wash your hair at different intervals. If this is the case, this is your routine. It is just a little unscheduled. If you have a lot of different products and processes in your routine, try to simplify it. Try to use products from the same brand. Using different brands of products together may not yield the expected results. This is as the ingredients may be different in both brands and some of these ingredients may have a reaction with other ingredients in other brands of products. As Chicoro states in her book 'Grow it!', "Once you have your basic routine, you have an idea of what is holding your hair steady. If you want to add different products or processes, you will be able to see quickly what may or may not be working for you."
Baseline - This refers to your starting point, against which you will measure and compare your progress and setbacks. You can create this baseline with pictures and notes. Once you do this you will have encouragement to continue growing your hair as opposed to cutting it off when you feel as if it's not growing. Break point - This is the point at which your hair breaks. If your hair usually only grows down to your shoulders, then this is your break point. When your hair is at this point you need to be extremely careful with it if you would like to retain length. Close attention should be paid especially to the ends of your strands. A good way to protect and fortify your ends is to place oil on them. If your hair does not like oil, you can spray your ends with some water or a water-based concoction before you style your hair or cover it at night. In growing your hair it is also important to note that uneven hair is just hair in a transitional state. It is not necessarily hair in an unhealthy state. People sometimes have a head of hair shaped like a 'V' or a 'Y' at the bottom and this is normal. As I explained in a previous article, hair goes through different phases - the telogen, anagen and catagen phase - therefore all the strands do not grow at the same rate. If you would like to optimise the new length you have received and you keep trimming your hair to make it appear even, then you will never achieve the former. Try to find appropriate styles for your hair while it is at this uneven stage. The Internet is one of the best places for style ideas.
Lastly, when to trim your hair, is a conscious decision you have to make if you want to retain good length. When I say good length, I simply mean hair, free of split ends. If you refuse to trim your hair and you know you have split ends, your hair will eventually break and when it does, it will have jagged edges. This will cause further problems for you as your hair may repeat the cycle of splitting, so it is best to take the initiative and trim it when necessary. Through careful experimenting with trimming at different times you will find what works best for you. Be patient and careful with your hair. Remember the 'Grow it' model and don't always depend on others to tell you what's good for your hair. Do your own research and be knowledgeable about your hair. It is the best way to retain good and healthy looking hair. Safiya does braiding, extensions, dreadlock grooming and is also skilled with natural hair. Email her at safiyascreations@hotmail.com if you have any questions
