My growth progress from June to December.

It's been nine months since I did the big chop! Yay, me. My hair is getting some length now, so much that I have to air dry in twists now. The picture above is from earlier today after washing and detangling my hair. I'll post more pictures later on in the week.

Written by Alaina bee

My name is Alaina, or Alaina bee (because I’m hyper and free like a bee!), and I’m currently transitioning (waaaay long term, now about ten months, and I plan on doing my BC after my spring break in March). I am so excited to be writing here, and sharing the knowledge that I’ve gained in just a few short months from the caring community of beautiful natural women like you. I first decided to go natural for financial reasons – I, as a broke college student, couldn’t afford to spend $60-80 a month on a relaxer, and I was also going away to school in a place where black women and salons and stores that cater to them are few and far in between (beautiful Santa Barbara).

So I kept stretching relaxers until I realized that the excessive amount of hair that I found in the shower was not natural, and certainly not healthy. I was doing so many things wrong, and not properly caring for my hair, and the chemicals that I was putting into my hair to relax it were certainly not helping. I, unwittingly, began to transition, but I still wasn’t deep conditioning or properly moisturizing my hair. It wasn’t until about three months ago that I was turned onto this site by a friend, and my mind was blown! I immediately bought a deep conditioning treatment and conditioner and moisturizer, and well, went on a bit of a rampage (beginning product junkie status!), but three months later in December, I see so much of a difference in my hair. It feels so much healthier and thicker, and I’m so happy with it. I know that being natural is really for me. Now all that is left is to trim off those thin, straight ends that are hanging on for dear life.

I’d like to begin my stint here by briefly talking about the psychological effects of transitioning and well, I like to say “returning” to one’s natural hair. I’m in my second year of college, and I’m still discovering myself – my likes, dislikes, what I want to do with my life, and things like that, and I feel that stumbling upon all these wonderful natural hair care sites such as this one, is a huge part of this process. I’ve always struggled with loving my hair – mainly because I did not know how to take care of it, so it rebelled and broke off, and became depressed, really. I believe that life is a journey to figuring out oneself, and for me, especially since I am so young (nineteen on December 11th!); I know that I have so far to go. Now in the final stretch of my journey to natural hair, I finally feel like I’m finally being true to myself and my hair.

With natural hair I can be my wild self, switching styles up daily, or I can dial it down a bit if I need to be professional, or just desire to look different that day! I am constantly getting compliments on my different styles and it just encourages me to try out more things. I feel that working on my hair is an extension of working on and bettering myself. Do you all feel like that? Learning about me and the things that are good for my body and my life can be challenging, but it’s so fun. I have so much to learn, and college has really taught me to do my research and to learn from others.

I can’t wait to learn from you all, and hello again!

Alaina "Alainabee" Roberts, is a second-year college student at the University of California Santa Barbara. Working towards her B.A. in History, Alaina hopes to go on to write historical articles and historical fiction novels as well freelance. You can find more about Alaina's hobbies, hair journey, and college experience at http://alainabee.tumblr.com. Her home is in the Bay Area, and she enjoys running, reading, and getting As in her History classes.

Written by HairObsessed

Often we concentrate on the application of products to make our hair look and feel soft, shiny and strong. While these products certainly do play a part, we often overlook our diet and the real importance of nutrition in achieving a healthy head of hair.

Foods contain the nutrients (vitamins and minerals) needed to nourish our bodies and enable us to grow. When available in sufficient quantities, these nutrients contribute to radiant hair, skin and overall good health.

Some foods are particularly rich in the nutrients required for healthy hair. By incorporating some of these foods into a balanced diet, you may be able to reduce the product stash in your hair cabinet.

Protein is the single most important nutrient for hair because it contributes to the hair’s primary building blocks. Protein gives the hair its strength and minimizes its susceptibility to breakage and split ends. Protein-rich foods include seaweed, salted cod (salt-fish), chicken, yogurt, tofu, eggs and cottage cheese.

Iron is an important hair nutrient as well, as iron deficiencies have been clinically linked to hair loss. Hair follicles rely on haemoglobin for their nutrient supply and iron is a key player for maintaining healthy haemoglobin levels. Haemoglobin is the component of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. Beef, shrimp, oysters and turkey are good sources of iron which is easily absorbed by the body. Vegan sources of iron such as blackstrap molasses; baked potato (with skin) and cooked lentils are less readily absorbed and should be consumed in conjunction with absorption enhancers like citrus juices or white wine.

A sufficient supply of B-vitamins is also mandatory for healthy hair. B3 (Niacin) promotes blood circulation to the scalp thereby aiding hair growth. B5 (Panthenol) and Biotin prevent hair loss; while B12 (Folic acid) assists in the production of red blood cells and ensures that iron functions properly. Vitamin B3 is present in chicken breast, yellow tuna and salmon while mushrooms, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, corn and broccoli are excellent sources of B5. A salad of tomatoes, romaine lettuce and carrots is rich in biotin but for B12, consider snapper, venison and scallops. Due to their water-solubility however, B vitamins cannot be stored in the body making it even more crucial that they are incorporated into the diet in adequate amounts on a daily basis.

Omega-3 oils have been long touted for promoting faster hair growth. While this has not been proven, it is widely agreed that Omega-3 oils contribute to overall hair health. Omega-3 is found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines. It can also be found in nuts, olive oil, avocado and flaxseed.

A healthy scalp needs Vitamin A & C as they aid in the production of sebum (the natural oils produced by the skin). These essential vitamins can be found in carrots, mangoes, cantaloupe, and spinach.

This article wouldn't be complete without the mention of water. Water accounts for a quarter of the weight of hair and is credited for making the hair supple and flexible. A lack of water can lead to dry, brittle hair that lacks shine. Drinking water at regular intervals throughout the day will help ensure that you're getting enough water.

Being aware of a variety of foods containing the nutrients needed for healthy hair makes it easier to make the appropriate choices. You can appreciate that by just making small but consistent changes to your diet you can reduce your dependence on hair products and not only boast beautiful hair and skin, but overall good health.

HairObsessed is a Bajan living in Canada, who takes great pleasure in caring for her hair. She spends her days working in the IT field, but on occasion takes time to nurture her artistic flair for card making and event planning. She manages the blog Diary of a Hair Obsession which chronicles her journey towards healthier relaxed hair. The blog features product reviews, DIY styles and just about anything else hair related. You can find out more about HairObsessed’s hair journey at http://www.diaryofahairobsession.com.