I'm really contemplating doing a six month stretch. Why? If your hair grows at about 1/2 an inch a month, six months would give you three inches, no? Plus, I could do this stretch no problem with braids since I could keep re-doing them. Another thing is that I would save money when getting a relaxer since I'd be getting one twice a year. That's $100 to $150 dollars instead of $325 to $400. I would have more money for Christmas shopping and other stuff. Anyway, it's just a thought...

I used Suave Tropical Coconut a few days ago and wooow!!! This product is just as amazing as Suave Humectant. My hair was feeling a little dry so I went in search of a new conditioner. I rememebered reading somewhere that Suave TC was a good conditioner so I bought it... I washed my hair with CON Ultra Moisturizing and used the Suave TC. My fingers ran through my new growth like nothing else. I added some Kids Organics as a leave-in and blow dried. My hair felt sooo soft and you know I was happy. It's less than two bucks and it conditions amazingly. I will be using this as a daily co-wash product. At least until I find a better and cheaper conditioner... I swear I'm not a product junkie.

Yes, yes, yes. The length check... I plan to do a length check before February. Why? I'm playing around with a new growth aid which I plan to post the recipe for if all goes well. Right now, I'm 4 weeks post, but it feels more like 8-12 weeks since that last relaxer didn't take at ALL. Three to five months gives me an ample amount of time to grow my hair. Wish me luck ladies!

Coconut Oil And Its Benefits
I don't know why I have yet to discuss this but I will now. I've been using Coconut Oil for a while now and the results are amazing. My skin and hair are better. No more flakes! I read about Coconut Oil from Kevin Trudeau's book, Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About, and tried it. It really is a miracle and it smells good. So to help you understand the benefits, I did a little research and found this article on the matter...

Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
The Tree of Life
The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing." The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.

Coconut In Traditional Medicine

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine. In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
• Supports and aids immune system function.
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
• Reduces epileptic seizures.
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
• Dissolves kidney stones.
• Helps prevent liver disease.
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
• Supports thyroid function.
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
• Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
• Helps control dandruff.
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
• Is completely non-toxic to humans.

(From Coconut Research Center)

Never thought I would say it... But I honestly do. It was good for my hair, but bad for my progress. I don't know if it's because I'm a couple weeks post, but my hair is growing slowly. I've decided not to get anymore trims unless it's absolutely necessary. I mean, c'mon, hair is dead once it grows out the follicle so split ends, even if it's a few, will happen. I will continue to stick to my regimen (which I change A LOT) because it gave me a lot of growth. Wish me luck!

*Disclaimer- I don't own this photo.*

Okay, I thought I would discuss how to properly wash your hair. I've had many e-mails asking what I use to make my hair look good, but it's not only the products. It's also the way you wash and how much product you use.

Step 1: Shampooing

I first start by rinsing my hair for three minutes with lukewarm water to clean my hair of any dirt. I then apply a quarter size amount of shampoo (Creme of Nature or Nexxus Therappe) into my palm and distribute it onto my hair. I use quarter size amounts until my whole head has shampoo. I massage my scalp gently and rinse with lukewarm, not cold, water.

Step 2: Conditioning

I part my hair in four sections as if I were applying a relaxer and apply the conditioner (Suave Humectant or Nexxus Hydra Sleek) to each section in 1/2 inch subsections. I apply it to my roots first and then, when I'm done, I apply it to my hair and my ends. I make sure to add a little bit more conditioner to my ends since they're fragile. After five minutes, I rinse with lukewarm water.

Step 3: Deep Conditioning

After rinsing out the conditioner, I apply the deep conditioner (ORS Replenishing Pak) in the same fashion. I then put a plastic cap on and sit under a dryer for fifteen minutes. When my hair is really feeling dry, I'll stay for twenty five. Anyway, when time's up, I rinse out the deep conditioner with cold water.

Step 4: Towel Dry And Style

I use a towel to squeeze excess water out my hair. After, I apply a leave-in/serum and either air dry or roller set my hair. You can also do a flexi-rod set, which is a great protective style.

*SIDENOTE- The picture used was taken on September 28, 2007. I completely forgot I had it. I can be ditsy sometimes.*

I decided that I'm going to wear a half wig by Outre, called Rochelle, as a protective style. Yup, yup, yup! I did cornrows in the middle of my head and had the front remaining to cover up the wig. I also left about an inch and a half in the back so I could do a "natural" looking ponytail. It's a really nice protective style in my opinion and I do plan on buying at least two more. Oh, I also bought some Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Hair Lotion (Amazing) along with Elasta QP Mango Butter Moisturizer (Holds just like gel without the crispy feeling). Call me a product junkie if you want, but I do it for you guys (and me too :oP)! I plan on buying Lacio Lacio and Salerm 21 since my BSS has everything in the world now.

Court case against Carson/L'Oreal The Optimum relaxer caused Isabella Broekhuizen to go bald and forced her to break off her US modeling career. Now she is back home in Maastricht, the Netherlands fighting for justice.

Isabella Broekhuizen was diagnosed with chemical burning caused by sodium hydroxide, the main ingredient in lye relaxers. She sues because her aspiring modeling career is over, her bald and burnt scalp still hurts and she has to wear hair-prostheses for the rest of her life. Here is her story.

Isabella this is quite a story. How old were you when you first started to use relaxers and what were your reasons to straighten your hair?
I was 12 years when I started to use relaxers. I straightened my hair because I thought it improved my looks.

So you were quite familiar with the process when you used the Optimum relaxer. So what went wrong that day? Was this the first time that you relaxed your hair yourself?
No it wasn't the first time I relaxed my hair myself. So I think it was the brand. Optimum was probably too strong.

What exactly did you? Can you explain what happened?
I used the relaxer same as usual.

What do you mean the same as usual. Can you be a little more specific?
I used the relaxer the same way everybody does. I added it to my roots, close to my scalp to make it as straight as possible, from roots to ends. Then I wanted to let it sit for a couple of minutes like the directions said. According to the box I could have left it on for 13 to 18 minutes but it started to burn immediately. I thought the relaxer wouldn't straighten my hair if I rinsed it out instantly so I left it on for 4 minutes. After that I could not take it anymore and rinsed it out.

Did you neutralize?
No. There was no neutralizer in the box. I suppose any other brand includes a neutralizer in a home use kit. The Optimum instructions said rinse with warm water and condition afterwards.

When did this all happen? How long is this ago?
In 1996.

When did you realize you were loosing your hair and how did long did it take to loose all of your strands?

I realized I was losing hair after a couple of months and within a year I was completely bald.

I suppose you go crazy when you see that you are losing lots of hair. What did you think was causing you losing your hair and what did you try to do against it?
I realized it was caused by the relaxer and I did go to hospital. They gave me a heavy dose of vitamin A.

You went to 3 different doctors. What did they say? What was causing the itching and what caused you to go bald?
About 60 doctors examined me in total. Each on of them diagnosed me with chemical burning caused by sodium hydroxide. This ingredient also caused itching. It was a main ingredient in the Optimum relaxer and as I understand now in lye relaxers in general.

How is the lawsuit going?
Preparing a lawsuit and going for justice is not easy. It is also a fight for justice.

When is the trial? It's true that L'Oreal wanted to settle for 50.00 Euros?

There is no date for the trial yet. I hope it will be as soon as possible. It is true that L'Oreal tried to settle for 50.00 euros.

When and why did you give up modeling? Did you try modeling with wigs?

I gave up modeling in 1998. I was in too much pain. No, I didn't try modeling with wigs.

Do you work now?
No, I don't work now, according to authorities I am not physically fit to work.

Does your head still itch? Isn't there a chance that your hair will grow back? Do you really have to wear wigs for the rest of your life?

My head still itches and I still have wounds. There is no chance that my hair will ever grow back. So, yes, I have to wear wigs (actually hair prostheses) for the rest of my life.

What do you think if you look back?

If I knew then what I know now, I would have never used Optimum.

Can you explain what you mean?

Sodium Hydroxide is a main ingredient in lye relaxers, the main ingredient in no-lye relaxers is Calcium Hydroxide. These are quite strong and harmful ingredients but necessary to straighten hair.

Are you saying that if you knew then what you know now you would use another brand, a no-lye relaxer or no relaxer at all?
I think I would do something else with my hair. Like Braiding or weaving. If I could change anything I would take the whole relaxing experience away, so I would have no more pain, no more prostheses to wear, no more doctors to visit, no more worries, no more thoughts that bother me day by day by day.

Are you against the use of relaxers?
No, I'm not against the use of relaxers but I think its very important to inform people about the hazards of using them. I really wasn't aware that relaxers were so hazardous that one could get injured for live. No one ever told me that they were hurt by the use of a relaxer. All I heard was ''it burns a little but it will be over before you know it." So I truly never saw any harm in relaxing my hair. And even now when I try to warn people, they don't listen. They act like nobody has ever has a problem with relaxers and that something like this won't happen to them. That's why I think the product needs a more explicit warning, especially for home using. A warning like those on the cigarette boxes. It explicitly says that cigarettes can cause long cancer etc. Relaxers need a warning like that. It should be clear what the implications can be. Because believe me, If only I had known, I would have been very alert and way more careful.

Wow!! I love, love, love this product. I used on my hair, which I told you was dry after the protein overload (I hate Mane & Tail), and wow... Brand new hair! I had a packet left so I applied to my dry hair (This technique just seems to work for me) and left it sit for an hour. I rinsed it some lukewarm water, let it air dry, and voila! Soft hair! If you have coarse hair like I do, I highly recommend it. The packets cost about $1.22 to $1.49. It sounds cheap, but remember that it's just an ounce and three quarters. Even though it might be costly, I plan on buying the bottle pretty soon. My hair loves it, so I will give my hair what it wants.

Is your hair dry and suffering from breakage after a using a protein conditioner? I know how you feel. My hair HATES heavy protein. My hair gets really dry if I even look at Nexxus Keraphix or Mane & Tail. So after a protein overload, I make sure to use a moisturizing shampoo (Creme of Nature), condition, deep condition, and add a leave-in or setting lotion. I also co-wash and use a leave-in for the next few days 'til my hair is back to feeling silky. If your hair can't take all that protein, stick to moisturizing conditioners with light protein. A great example of a moisturizing conditioner w/ light protein is ORS Replenishing Pak, which y'all know I love. As for a leave-in treatment, you can use Kid Organics Detangling Lotion, Lacio Lacio, Emergency 911 Leave-In, or Salerm 21. Remember that your hair needs more moisture than protein.

Beautiful Black Hair: Real Solutions to Real Problems by Shamboosie

Although, Cathy Howse slammed this book when she reviewed it, I liked it. It was very informative when it came to the problem with No-Lye relaxers. I also loved that the author talked about what hair was and what gives kinky hair it's shape. The only thing I could say I didn't like was the fact that he kept pushing Dudley and Nexxus products because he believes they are the best. I don't agree with that since I use cheap products all the time and my hair loves it. This book would be great for those who are just starting out on their hair journey. I knew 99% of the information in the book already so it was a review for me. Oh, I forgot to add that he basically insulted hair boards by saying we don't know what we're talking about and he even inserted some off the wall quotes from a "hair board". Anyway, despite the pushing of Dudley and Nexxus products, suggesting getting hair trimmed EVERY 6 weeks, and grammar errors, it was a good read because he did provide some really helpful information.

Where to Find: Barnes & Noble, Amazon