Just Past the First of May

I started this blog originally because I wanted to have a place to share my hair journey with other interested parties, but as others have stopped by to read my blog, I've felt a little embarrassed talking hair. Why, I don't know. I guess it just seems frivolous but long hair is a part of me, so I'm going to do a quick update. If you're not interested, please just skip this post! :)

In the long hair world, the first of the month is an excellent time to measure one's hair and see how long it's grown. For me, I'm back at 35" or 89 cm. This is the longest its ever been and probably about the length I will keep it at. However, I do like the idea of gaining another 4" (10cm) just so that I can say for once in my life I had hair a metre long!

I've changed my routine slightly. CWC has been thrown out with the bathwater! Using expensive conditioner before and after shampooing didn't really appeal to my frugal side, so I dropped it. Instead I use a slightly heavier hand to apply almond oil the night before shampooing, and it protects the length when it comes time to rinse the shampoo out.

I still use natural shampoo diluted with chamomile and rosemary tea. I experimented briefly with using baking soda as a shampoo. It worked beautifully the first time - incredible shine and softness - but not so well the next time. It's possibly something that would be good on an occasional basis - perhaps no more than once every month or every other month.

I've also re-introduced honey into my routine. I stopped using honey quite a while ago after I heard that it could lighten hair but I've since learnt that heating the honey will prevent that process. So I mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon conditioner in a small container and sit it in hot water while I shampoo, then I apply the honey/conditioner to my length, cover, and leave for 10 minutes or so. I do this once a week usually on the weekends. About mid-week I will dissolve 1 tablespoon honey in hot water, add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (ACV) and enough cold water to bring it to a comfortable temperature, and soak my length in that for five minutes before quickly rinsing it out (or just the tail of my braid if I'm really pushed for time). And the result? I now have the super soft hair I've dreamed about and I have it on a regular basis. I'm happy!

For those that have never tried honey, it doesn't leave your hair sticky and you do not attract bees (well not that I've noticed anyway). Honey supposedly traps the moisture which would explain my soft ends.

Most times after shampooing I will finish up with an ACV rinse. Just 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in about 4 cups of water is all I use. Since we have hard water this seems to prevent deposits building up and making the hair look dull. I like to steep herbs such as rosemary, sage, lavender, and thyme in the vinegar for a fortnight before using. And once the vinegar is rinsed out there's no after smell. Truly.

Almond oil is still my oil of choice and I use it 3-4 times a week. I also use my natural boar bristle brush (BBB) on a daily basis. And I just love my Mason Pearson comb.

So there's my hair update for May. The photo was taken about 3 weeks ago so yes it's current. The reason it's so small is because I don't really like it. Perhaps I can talk someone into taking another photo for me soon. Any takers?