Sometimes I Really Wanna Give Up

My hair is moody. It grows and breaks off whenever it wants to. These semi-tight, dry, thin, nappy curls defy all attempts to gain protection and moisture. My hair is on its own rollercoaster and I am at my wit’s end trying to maintain some sort of stability.

Due to constant frustration I was about to give up but changed my mind. Instead, I decided to start a hair journal to note the steps I take for growth and healthy hair, what my hair likes, and what my curls do not like.

I know the climate I live in is a major factor in my hair troubles. New Mexico has been my home for 11 years (Wow! Where did the time go!?) and my hair has never been more dry and brittle.

I also have to factor in that I am 56, menopausal, and an insulin-dependent type 1 diabetic.

So, with those challenges, I will seek hair growth guidance from a naturopathic doctor and start with the following routine to see how things go from there.

Style:

I like to keep my hair in medium-sized box braids that are no longer than my trapezius muscles. Long braids can pull and cause stress on the hair. I take them out every six to eight weeks. Now I plan to change them every six weeks. I always have to redo (a few times) the braids along my edges because those braids tend to get knotted, pull, and twisted, and I get nervous about losing hair along my hairline.

I also wear a two-strand twist-out or braid-out in an afro. That’s when I notice how fast my hair becomes brittle with small clumps dropping to the floor by the end of the day.

Cleanse and Conditioning:

Shampoo/Co-wash every week in a half to two weeks.

Deep condition after each wash.

Day Time Routine:

Apply leave-in conditioner/styling cream for moisture, softness, and to prevent breakage.

Apply growth serum for strength, growth, and more moisture.

Apply pomade/grease for shine, softness, and moisture.

Night Time Routine:

Include leave-in conditioner because it’s dry in New Mexico.

Apply pomade/grease to combat overnight dryness and gain protection.

Additional Daily Treatments:

Sleep in a satin bonnet.

Take hair, skin, and nails supplements.

Take hair growth vitamins.

Diet:

Drink more water and juice more fruits and vegetables.

Be mindful to avoid drinking out of plastic containers as much as possible.

Eat more organic foods and green leafy vegetables.

My goals are to stop breakage, promote growth, create moisture, and maintain healthy hair.

If there is anything you feel I should include, please let me know, I am open to suggestions.

What hair growth methods do you do to grow your hair and keep it healthy?