Healthy Hair Becomes Long Hair - Retaining Length with Natural Hair

Guest post from Tweeny Hair. You can also find Tweeny Hair on Facebook!

The question I get asked most often is some variation of:
"How can I get my (or my daughter's) hair as long as Syd's?"

Unfortunatley, there is no magic formula, cream, or pill. The best advice I can give is to make sure your hair is moisturized and stop being so rough with it.

Dried out hair is more fragile and more likely to break off. Make sure you are keeping those strands nice and moisturized. At this point, I'm sure several of you are thinking, "What products should I use?"

That's actually the second most frequently asked question I receive. I could tell you what products we use most often on Syd's hair, but that might not help. Every head of hair is different. It's a process of trial and error until you find the products you like best for your own hair. Does something make your hair feel dry by the end of the day? If so, I'd suggest moving on and trying something new. If your hair seems too weighed down, go for something a little lighter. It can be frustrating as you search for the "perfect" product or combination of products, but once you discover what works for you, it's smooth sailing and happy hair. (For the record, we use Bee Mine Luscious Moisturizer and Aussie Moist conditioner more often than any others for moisture.)

The number one reason that hair seems to stop getting any longer is because it is breaking off just as fast (and sometimes faster!) as it is growing. Ripping a brush or comb through your hair is a great way to ensure that it breaks off and negates the length retention you're striving for.

Be gentle. Take your time. Use your fingers to separate your tangled hair as much as possible. Be mindful of how often you are putting beads, barrettes, and rubber bands on the ends of the hair. You don't have to completely eliminate those things, but consistently using them on a daily basis will contribute to breakage (read: lack of length).

And of course, genetics also play a part in the length of your hair. Some heads of hair grow much faster than others. There is also something called terminal length. This is the length that is reached when each strand ends the growing stage in the growth cycle (called the anagen phase). When a strand reaches the end of that stage, it remains dormant for a while before shedding on its own. Someone whose hair grows slower than average and has a fairly short-lived anagen stage won't be able to grow their hair as long as someone who has a faster growth rate and longer growth cycle.

I think the most important part of growing your hair is to make sure your hair remains healthy by staying moisturized and as undamaged as possible. Learn to embrace your healthy strands, no matter what their length. And in time, healthy hair will become longer hair.

Diva Spotlight: LeeLee

Tell us a little about yourself & your daughter:
One of my daughter's many nicknames is LeeLee and she is 2 1/2 years old. She has a younger sister named Babydoll that is 6m and will be a feature Diva Spotlight as well. LeeLee loves when her hair is done and always says its beautiful. She loves anything and everything to do with princesses, yet she is still a wild and crazy one! I'm not sure of her hair type but I believe its a 3c.


Tell us about your blog (allthingscuteandgirly) and what inspired you to create it:
My blog allthingscuteandgirly focuses mainly on my daughter's journey to healthy, beautiful hair without the use of heat or chemicals. I am also broadening it up by adding a few things I like such as fashion, nails, make up etc. Pretty much all things cute and girly! Hence, the blog name. I first started the blog as a way to record my daughter's growth and my growth at learning as well but then it developed into something more. I love sharing what I've learned and want to show everyone that it is possible to take care of your little one's hair. All it takes is some learning and trial and error and you will get there in no time (:


What is your daughter's hair care routine?
We don't have a set routine where every day has a task. I shampoo and condition her hair once-2x a week depending on her style. Lately, since the protective style challenge I've been braiding her hair and leaving it in anywhere from 3-4 maybe 5 days and then taking it out and washing her hair. Then I repeat. This has been our routine for a few months.

What kind of products do you use on her hair?
For shampoo and conditioner I use Garnier Fructis Olive, Avocado and Shea which I LOVE! Shea Moisture curl enhancing smoothie and their curl and style milk. Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Moisturizer and Curly butter. Ecostyler gel, our shea mixture and glycerin mix. Sometimes kinky curly curling custard.

Have you ever used chemicals on her hair?
No, I have not and do not plan to. I love her hair the way it is and wouldn't want to damage it in any way.

Can we see a few of your favorite styles? 
Of course..

How did you learn to do all of this?
It will actually be a year next month when I decided to learn to properly care for her hair. I first found Happy Girl Hair through google. From her, I found Beads, Braids and Beyond and Princess hairstyles. I read a bunch of blogs and even watched YouTube videos. I also practiced and played in her hair A LOT!

How does your daughter feel about her hair?
My daughter LOVES her hair! She randomly at times says how beautiful and pretty it is. Just the other day she said, " mommy my hair is CURLY!!" She compliments me on my straight hair, too but I always remind her that her hair is as beautiful.

Can we see her favorite style?
I just asked her how she likes her hair so I could put up a pic and she replied, "no, I whip my hair back and forth! I whip my hair back and forth!" So I'm assuming when its worn out like this:

If you had to share one hair care tip, what would it be?
Don't get frustrated if you do not see results right away. Healthy hair is more important than length. When you find out what your hair likes and you stick with it and properly care for it, THEN you will see the growth. Also, STOP COMPARING YOUR HAIR (OR YOUR CHILD'S) WITH SOMEONE ELSES. All hair is different and need different care.

Please make sure you stop by and check out their blog, All Things Cute & Girly!

Curly Cutie Spotted - Natural Hair Model

Check out this curly cutie. :) I spotted her on Crazy8's website! 

Love her natural hair!

Quick Veil Style

A has been wearing her hair out in a ponytail quite a lot lately. I needed to do a quick style this weekend because she had a soccer game and I did not want her to be uncomfortable with her hair all out so I decided to do the style we all did in 2009 for our very first style challenge! Anyone remember?

Instructions:

• I started with dry, stretched hair (from banding). I have also done this style on wet hair.
• Part the hair from ear to ear. Make 4 large sections in the front and tie them all off with a ponytail holder. As you can see, I chose colors that matched her soccer uniform.
• You are going to split the two middle sections into two and braid them half way down. Braid one braid with the side sections, again, only half way down.
• Create two sections behind your middle sections. Take your one braid from the far left (near the left ear) and take your right braid from the right middle section, cross them over into the left back middle section and tie them all into the same ponytail holder.
• Continue the process of crossing the braids over and tying them off. You should have a total of 8 sections.
• You will now braid each of your 4 back sections into large single braids about half way down.
• Cross your middle braided sections and pull them into a ponytail holder. You now have a few options. You can braid both sections down. Twist them. Or just create a couple of cute puffs!

Note: I used Darcy's Botanicals products.

Diva Spotlight: "Diva"

Tell us a little about yourself & your daughter:
My name is Tiffany wife and mother of two, and the diva is a 7 year old dancing machine who competes in Jazz dance competitions. I believe her hair type is a mix between 3c/4a

Tell us about your blog (www.divalocks10.com) and what inspired you to create it:
I created my blog because when I first became interested in hair care I couldn't find any blogs that catered to african american children's hairstyles. I found a lot of biracial blogs and caucasion blogs which I love and still find info and styles on but nothing that catered to my daughter's hair type. So I decided to create my own and share our successes and failures and then the blog branched off to include my other interest such as fashion, beauty, and DIY crafts.

What is your daughter's hair care routine?
Daily:

• I moisturize the diva's hair with my homemade Leave-In Conditioner Mix (distilled water, VO5 conditioner, EVOO) or with Komaza Care Califia Moisturizing Spray and I seal with Darcy's Botanical Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Natural Hair Conditioning Oil or African Royale Hot Six Oil
• She sleeps with a satin bonnet

Weekly:

• I wash the diva's hair once a week using Proclaim Olive Glossing Shampoo & Conditioner
• I detangle her hair while the conditioner is in using a wide tooth comb
• I band her hair after every wash in four sections

Monthly:

• I clarify her hair once a month using Elucence Volume Clarifying Shampoo
• Deep Condition using Komaza Care Olive Moisture Mask with a plastic cap for an hour
• Hot Oil Treatment using African Royale Hot Six Oil
• I dust her ends very 8 weeks

What kind of products do you use on her hair?
I use Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter, Eco Style Olive Oil Gel, Giovanni Direct Leave In Conditioner, Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, Homemade Leave in Conditioner Mix

Have you ever used chemicals on her hair?
No I have never used chemical's on the diva's hair and I never plan too. When she gets to older I will teach her how to properly care for her natural hair and the pro's and con's of everything so she can make an informed decision on her own.

Can we see a few of your favorite styles?
But of course :)

How did you learn to do all of this?
I learned all that I know from various blogs and my mom, I learned about banding from you!

How does your daughter feel about her hair? Can we see her favorite style?
She loves her hair, she did go through a phase when she wanted straight hair like the other girls at school but I have been teaching her that her hair is beautiful and this is how God wanted you to be. I also show her various pics of curly haired cuties and now she said she wants curly hair like them, I call it a success :)

If you had to share one hair care tip, what would it be?
My hair care tip would be to use a T-Shirt to remove excess water from your curls don't use a regular towel as it will cause frizzing.

Please make sure you stop by and check out their blog, Diva Locks!

Facebook Spotlight: Laced Cornrows with Beads!

Check out this amazing back to school style Erica shared on our Facebook page. I mean really?! TOO CUTE! Thank you for allowing me to share this Erica!

Picture of the Day: Like Mother, Like Daughter

Check out this adorable picture of Amber and her daughter. Thank you for allowing me to share this Amber! :)

Original Headband Holder Review!

I received a couple of headband holders to review a few weeks ago and I have been holding my excitement in since! I absolutely love the "original headband holder" and I'll tell you why!

First, let me tell you a little about the company via their website:

"On a trip to Colorado in 2009, our whole family was discussing different ideas that would make life a little simpler. With three young daughters (all who wear headbands) we discussed the challenges of storing and more importantly, FINDING headbands. My daughters often would wear the exact same few headbands even though we have over 50 to choose from! All of our headbands were stuck under the bathroom sink in a big bin, making a huge mess than nobody ever wanted to go through. My husband came up with this design, and had a prototype made. Immediately we knew we were onto something! That little journey has lead us to creating the Original Headband Hanger, which we also branded the Ultimate Headband Holder! In 2011 "Heidi's House" was born, and our company has slowly started to grow!"

The headband holders we received came in great packaging. Installation was a SNAP! I must admit, I was a little cautious of these because I seem to have a hard time following even the most basic instructions. I couldn't wait to try them out so I chose a spot for one of the headband holders (back of door), cleaned the area with rubbing alcohol (as instructed) and waited an hour or so. After an hour I removed the tabs on the command tape and placed the headband holder on the back of the door, I firmly held it down for a couple of minutes and that was it! Um, what was I worried about again? Easy peasy! We waited another hour before placing the headbands. See picture below.

She loved putting her headbands on!

We both LOVE it!! A could not wait to install the pink headband holder so we installed it the same way that same night. I kind of wanted to try something different so I chose to place this headband holder vertically on the window frame. Here's where I really switched it up, since all of A's headbands were hung on the other headband holder, why not try to hang her sunglasses? I have been looking for sunglasses storage for the longest. See picture below.

It worked out beautifully! I will be taking them down though because her headband collection just keeps growing so I will fill this one with headbands and order some more for sunglasses and headbands. I know you are probably wondering if the headbands will hang vertically or will they fall off? See picture below.

Yep, it works that way too!

The pros:

• This headband holder does not stretch out headbands and ruin them.
• It's very affordable. Prices start at $10.
• They offer different sizes. I believe they start from 12 inches and go up to 24 inches.
• EASY INSTALLATION! Need I say more?
• They offer different colors and designs. I love the zebra print!
• Fast shipping and great packaging.
• Use it for headbands or you can be like us and use it for headbands and sunglasses! :) Gotta love options!
• Easy to use! My daughter actually hangs the headbands up when she takes them off and doesn't just throw them down!

The cons:

• What cons?!

Take a look at some of their new designs:

You have so many options with this headband holder. I like accessories to be visible but if you're the type who likes them to be hidden away, no worries! Check out their website to see how these fit perfectly inside cabinets, on the side of dressers, etc. You can also decorate a plain headband holder with fun stickers for your own design. I will definitely be purchasing more of these in the near future.

If you would like to purchase the headband holder or learn more, please click here for their website!

Disclosure: The product(s) were sent to me free of charge from the company or PR agency for the purpose of this review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced by any other part. 

Kinky-Curly Back To School Promo

I just received this email:

BACK TO SCHOOL PROMO

FOR THE COLLEGE BOUND CURLY!!!!

KINKY-CURLY SHOWER CADDY!

$44*

Keep all your Kinky-Curly Products & shower gear organized. A necessity for any dorm dweller Also great for the gym locker room or spa.

Our Back to School Promo includes: Come Clean Shampoo Knot Today Conditioner 16oz Curling Custard Shower Detangling Comb Styling Brush all in the Kinky-Curly Shower Caddy. $44 (free shipping too) *only available online while supplies last

www.Kinky-Curly.com

Product Review: Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme & Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade

I have been reading about Darcy's Botanicals products for the longest. I have especially read good reviews from Happy Girl Hair so I finally decided to give them a try. I bought 6 of their products a few weeks ago (I found a discount code through Google!). Shipping time wasn't bad, I ordered August 3rd and the items shipped August 8th, I received them on August 12th. I mentioned I would do a full review in our  Flat Twists to the Side post  so here it is. :) Enjoy!

Darcy's Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme


The claim: "Our Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme is an all natural hair butter for moisturizing, styling and conditioning your natural coils. It absorbs instantly into hair to replenish much needed moisture, provides softness, sheen & promotes healthy hair growth. This highly moisturizing butter is very thick & concentrated so a little goes a long way. It is perfect for type 3-4 naturals:) It has a very thick concentrated butter-like consistency with the sweet smell of gently African Madagascar Vanilla! Once you try it, you'll be hooked!"


Price: $12.00 8oz jar

Ingredients: Organic Palm Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Madagascar Vanilla, Vegetable Emulsifying Wax, Candelilla Wax, Organic Castor Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil and Potassium Sorbate.


Review:  I expected this product to be more creamy, as pictured above, but it does not look like the picture. It's creamy but thick, sort of like a paste (see photos below). I can hold the jar upside down and shake it and it will not move. I wouldn't say it easily absorbs in the hair alone but mixed with the Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade it goes in nicely. So far, I really like this product. It did a good job holding down the frizz on A's flat twists and her twist out was amazing! Nice and soft but a lot of hold. That same day A got wet in the water they had at the park but her twist out still held up nicely. Even after being wet her twists were not separating as they normally would. Eventually we went to another water park and they were done for but I was surprised they lasted so long. It smells pretty good, like vanilla. The price is very reasonable, especially when you compare it to other natural products. I will definitely be using this again.

I apologize in advance for the blurry pictures. I am borrowing a camera because mine is broken.

Her twist out had been wet for a while here but you can see the twist out is still very defined, holding up really well.

Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade


The claim: "If you have been looking for a light styling aid to help you soften and condition your luscious curls, then look no further. Our Organic Coconut Butter Styling Pomade will provide you with the much needed healthy nourishment your curls require along with lovely sheen, softness. Light enough to use as a hairdressing "grease" too. Excellent for all natural styles like locs, twists, braids, afro, and waves. Our pomade is also great for relaxed hair. It is naturally scented with the aroma of fresh organic coconuts."


Price: $12.00 8oz jar


Ingredients: Organic virgin coconut oil, peach kernel oil, beeswax, vitamin e, & vegetable glycerin.


Review: I applied this pomade on top of the Madagascar Creme. I think the two products together are a winning combination. This pomade seemed to make her hair easier for me to work with. It provided a ton of shine, which I loved. I wasn't too fond of the smell, it smells kind of like wax. It's a good product however, I doubt I will repurchase this only because it's so similar to regular virgin coconut oil.

Picture of the Day: Big Hair, Don't Care

Natasha shared this picture of her daughter on our Facebook page with the caption: "after taking out braids". Look at this big hair! Such a beautiful girl. Thank you for allowing me to share Natasha! :)