I'm working to grow my hair and I need your expertise on my hair type. My last relaxer was in October 2003. In March 2004, I put a texturizer on my hair to comb through easier (yes I am very tender headed and my hair is fine to medium).  I then put another quick 30 second texturizer on my hair w/a mix of a thick conditioner as my hair tech instructed me to do. For less break down.  I have not put anything on my hair since then. However, I wash my hair at least 3 times a week, put a conditioner on it and always use a leave-in conditioner. However I do have partial high lights in my hair. However, I use Redken Deep Fuel due to 
my high lights in my hair. I like to wear my hair pressed at least once a month. Just to see what it looks like and how to see the growth. However, I still have about 3 inches of perm on my hair. I try and get my hair cut at least every 6 weeks. I take two Phyto Vitamins daily for my hair and skin. 

Okay, this is what I'm not doing so far...I don't use a cream moisturizer or a scalp oil on my hair. I do use the Straight Request Mousse on my hair for control, plus I wear my hair pulled back almost every day. Due to the length of my hair. It looks good pressed, but it's doesn't look good natural yet. I have had natural hair before and it was cute, but I totally started from scratch. I didn't want to go this route this time. So I pull it back and it doesn't look bad. I would like to try the reform gel, but does it make it hard when it dry in your hair? I'm looking for a soft look, when I wash and wear my hair, but I want to keep the spiral curl in  my hair that it has. 

Please let me know what I need to do or what I could do more to increase  healthier natural hair. 

Amy
 

Thanks for writing.  I'm glad you are taking care of your hair.  You said you  used a texturizer which is a mild relaxer.  Texturizers break the bonds in the hair just like relaxers so some of the tensil strength is reduced.  You also mentioned having highlights.  Highlights require that color is lifted from 
sections then the highlight color is deposited this leads to dryness and  sometimes breakage.  I'm not familiar with the Straight Request Mousse but check to see if it contains alcohol.  Some Mousse type products have a high alcohol content which can be drying.  You also said you wash your hair 3 times a week which is pretty often.

The HAIR REFORMER gel will help control your hair when you pull it back and define the curl when you wear it out.  It will not make your hair stiff or dry.  If you want a moisturizing gel try the HAIR DEW.  You can also use the HYDROLYZER as leave in and scrunch your hair for a curly look.  The products are very concentrated so you don't have to use very much. You have to experiment on how much to use and it what combination because everyone's hair reacts a little different depending on your natural curl pattern.

If your goal is to have hair that is healthy I suggest the following:

1. Shamoo only once a week with  the African Wonders SOFT CURL SHAMPOO, a gentle moisturizing shampoo.  If can rinse your hair if needed between shampoos and then apply a leave in conditioner like the Moisture Curl Conditioner.

2. Deep Condition your hair once a month with the African Wonders RECOVERY TREATMENT followed by the Hydrolyzer Conditioner to put the tensil strength back and restore moisture.

3. Use the EHO ESSENTIAL HAIR OIL on your hair daily to keep it soft and conditioned.

Wishing you healthy hair,
Adj
 

Debra

Hello Debra,

Why is your hair straight?  Is it naturally straight or relaxed?  What products  do you use on your hair? Are you using hair color?  If so what kind?

Give me a little more information and I can help you.

Adj
 

My hair is naturally straight.  My father was Creole and my mother has Indian blood.  I usually wash my hair, let it dry and then have it flat ironed.  I color my hair because I have stranded of unruly gray hair popping up in different areas.  I used semi and perm dyes.  Usually I use Gardner Nutriesse.  I have also used Loreal Ferra.  My hair is thin in the front which is why I have been wearing china doll bangs.  I am about to let my bangs grow out.  My hair is down past my shoulder blades.  I don't want to cut it but I can't figure out a style that will help keep the hair off my face and neck.  I have a wide forehead and have just begun wearing my hair back in a ponytail.  I have always wore bangs.  The hot flashes are so unbearable that I have combed my hair back.  Thank you for responding.

-Debra
 

First of all check with your doctor to see if you can safely take PhytoEstrogen and add soy to your diet.  PhytoEstrogen is a plant based estrogen that is sold in the health food store.  Soy products are now everywhere - soy milk, tofu, miso, soybeans etc.  Both of these natural additions to the diet can help with the hot flashes.  Also take a multi-vitamin with minerals every day and call our office (1-888-284-HAIR) if you would like to try the SUPERFOOD a powered supplement to give you more protein and vitamins.

As for your hair the MIRACLE THREE KIT will help. The PRETREAT shampoo stimulates the scalp to produce more hair, the HYDROLYZER will give the hair resilency and the RECOVERY TREATMENT makes the hair stronger.  You may also want to try the EHO ESSENTIAL HAIR OIL to massage your scalp.  Daily massaging with the EHO will stimulate the scalp and help fill in the thinning areas.

Since you said you have a wide forehead the bands are probably a good style.  Have you ever considered getting a perm?  Experiment by setting your hair on rods using the HAIR SHIELD, a heat protectant and setting lotion.  If your hair had more curl it would have body, cover the thinning and give your height off your face.

Wishing you the best,

Adj

I'm sorry...I forgot to ask about my girls hair. Ages 4 & 2.
Their hair is very health, thick, curly & course. I use Panteen Pro V for colored women and Summit LIV on their hair but it only controls frizz and courseness for a few hours or constant brushing. What can I use on their hair to manage it better and hold down the driness/frizziness for a longer period of time? (School hours for example)
 
What type of relaxer do you reccomend for me? 
 
Thank You Very Much!!!
Probably will be emailing you for more info!!
-Angelita

For your daughters I would suggest using the SOFT CURL SHAMPOO, MOISTURE CURL conditioner and the HAIRDEW gel.  For more control of the Frizz try the HAIR REFORMER.  You can also put some PSB PURE SHEA BUTTER on their hair.

As for a relaxer for you, first get your hair in better condition. Try the HAIR REFORMER to keep hair softened. Give the relaxing a rest until you have a couple inches of new growth.

Adj