Hair Growth in pictures

For the last month I've been obsessed with my hair from the beginning..I got my last relaxer October 16, 2009 and did my bigchop on March 3, 2010...definintely a short term transitioner. I was looking at pictures and it suddenly occurred to me that my hair has been growing. I was stuck in a rut thinking that I hadn't been growing anything.... but here are my pics.

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That was in April...


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That was in June

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That was July

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That was August

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This was taken today.

Is this average growth? If so...how do I maximize this?

Your hair is growing at a good pace. It's hard but try not to obsess about it. The more you pay attention it makes it feel like it isn't happening. I'm dealing with the same thing myself. I had my hair almost waist length a few years ago but I didn't even realize it and I got impatient and thought it wasn't growing. Now I look back at pictures and want to kick myself. Just focus on your regimen and keeping it moisturized and healthy, and on drinking water and living a healthy lifestyle and your hair will definately grow.

I try to drink a gallon of water per day as well as take a daily multivitamin and biotin. I use shea butter, water & glycerin spritz, jojoba oil, alove vera gel, grapeseed oil, and olive oil. I co wash every 3 days and wear twists of those days and a twist out on the 3rd day. I'm trying to perfect my flat twisting, although its easy to do it on my sister's hair, its quite hard to do it on mine.
What do you use to keep your hair moisturized?

Right now I'm cowashing 3 times a week. I moisturize with cantu shea butter leave in or with shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie then I seal with coconut oil and for the edges I use Ecostyler gel. I'm currently transitioning, I'm a long transitioned. It's been since May 2009, so 16 months.

I have about 6 inches of relaxed ends and 9 inches of natural roots. I'm SO tired of the detangling. So right now I'm mostly bunning. I really want to cut off the ends but I'm trying to wait until December 2011. The soonest I would cut them will be May 2001.

Wow! I congratulate you on your strong will.....this is my 3rd time attempting natural, I decided to BC because of my frustration with dealing with the 2 textures. I went 13 months with both textures and then gave in and got a perm...that was my last perm....My scalp was burned, my hair broke off badly, I had a patch on the side of my head, it was terrible. The hairstylist then had the nerve to say it wasn't the perm....that it was my flat iron or stress. I went 13 months without any chemicals, I flat ironed once a month and she said it was those things. >.<

But on another note...I hadn't tried the Cantu line, I'm mostly a le'kair cholesterol, Herbal Essences HH, and Aussie Moist user....do you/ have you used Giovanni's leave in at some point?

No, but I've seen so many good review about the Giovanni that it's definately going to be the next thing I try. I put myself on a strict rule of no more hair products until I use these up. My cantu and shea moisture are both like 90% full so I guess I won't be trying Giovanni for a long time :-( Or maybe I'll treat myself to it around xmas time at least, lol.

The hard part is the winter is coming and it gets pretty darn cold up here so I've been searching the board trying to figure out what to do during the winter. I enjoy my frequent co-washing so much! I really don't want to give it up but I also don't want to freeze.

Aww...Im on the same thing. I still have so much hair stuff to go through and use...I have all kinds of unused products I'm trying to push off on my sister. *side eye* Where can I find Shea Moisture? I've heard alot about those on the forums....

I'm moving to Oklahoma in 2 weeks so I kind of feel you on the winter point. I have no idea what I'm gonna do about the whole winter part...I've lived in Florida for majority of my life...8 years..So I've never had to deal with the colder weather. I also have no idea what hair type I have...

Your hair is growing at a good pace. Hair on average grows about 1/4-1/2 inch a month, 6 inches a year.

Growing hair is great but the key is to retain length. Protecting and caring for your ends (since it's the oldest part of our hair) is also important.

If you havent already, check out Kimmaytube on Youtube!!! She has GREAT (the best in my opinion) information about the care of natural hair!!!

Looks like great growth to me! Keep your routine and expect greater results!

Thank you for the suggestions. I usually use twists and bantu knots as protective styles...is there something else I should consider as I'm moving into a colder climate? I'm moving to Oklahoma in a week.

Hi! I noticed that you recently moved to Oklahoma. I was born and raised here and yes, Oklahoma gets MUCH cooler than Florida in the winter. But, our winters really aren't that bad. Especially this year. It's actually been ridiculously mild compared to the last couple of winters! Here it is December and it's just now truly getting cold. Granted, I'm used to it and I didn't live in Florida so I'm sure it's a huge change for you! Lol. I want to say, welcome to the OK!
As far as dealing with the OK weather, I think you should worry more about protecting your hair from the wind than the cold. It gets really windy here during the winter. Twists are my go-to protective style, so you're doing good there.
Products... that's up to your hair really. I honestly haven't felt the need to use heavier products in the winter because my hair just doesn't like it. As long as you keep your hair protected (twists, bantu knots, satin-lined hats, etc.) you shouldn't need to change your products. I would suggest making sure your hair is mostly to fully dry before stepping outside on those really cold days.
Anyway, I really hope you like it here. OK is a nice state in my opinion. Keep in touch and good luck!

Aww, thank you Soleil!!!!

Your right it has been a huge change for me and while I am winging it and trying to adapt it is an experience I don't think I can ever forget. >.<
I am having difficulty finding somewhere to get my ends clipped, I'm in the Tulsa area I'm not sure what part you are in. I did notice the wind factor here...most nights at work I have to stand behind a building to get away from the ridiculous wind that chases me.

I would love to wear twists at work, but I work at a food service place and it kind of helps with appearances to get larger tips. LMAO. Sad but true.
If you are in the Tulsa area, do you know any heath food stores? I'm running out of hair supplies and I really didn't want to have to rely on online stores... >.<

LOL! Yep, the wind is crazy here!

I am actually in the Oklahoma City area, but if I am not mistaken there is a Whole Foods in Tulsa. This is the address and phone number: 1401 E. 41st St.
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74105
Phone: 918.712.7555
You might call to make sure it's still open! LOL

Sadly, in OK we aren't exactly the most health conscious state. I didn't even know we had a WF at all until I went natural and started searching for one! We're supposed to be getting one here in OKC soon, however. The product junkie in me (that I have kept hidden through sheer will!) is itching for that day... lol.

I understand about the appearances issue. Especially here in OK. I mean, I love it here but I will admit that it's easier when you look more... uh presentable to society for lack of a better description! I work at a bank and I was terrified of experimenting too much with my hair. Fortunately, I don't have to worry about tips because I know for sure that there are some customers who wouldn't think twice about not leaving even the recommended tip!

I think your hair growing at a normal rate. I would use vitamins to help it grow a little faster if u wanted.

it looks like your hair is growing slow
get some wild growth oil in the green and white bottle