5/24 Picture updates

Well it has been a while since I have posted, but I have still been monitoring my results. I have been preparing my hair and scalp for my upcoming relaxer appointment by trying not to scratch to ensure a pleasing salon experience:-) I have also touched up my ends with the trimming scissors, washed, and deep conditioned my hair with an Aphogee treatment. It looks like my hair is almost to line 8- right on the cuff. I will be sure to have better pictures taken next time. Overall, it looks like things are progressing nicely. It will be nice to see where I am by the end of the year. I am sure there will be great comparison shots. The picture added for may was taken on 5/15. I missed the month for April, but you are still able to see the progress.

3/15 Comparision Pictures

This month has really gone by fast. I have been excited to post my pictures, but I haven't been able to get a real good shot. My starting pictures shows my hair as being much thicker. but in my comparison picture, my hair looks thinner. I am not sure what the deal is, so please don't be distracted by the thickness, although it is a little hard not to be. My best guess is that my hair was a little damp, and my braid a bit tighter. I am hoping that I will have better pictures on the 15th of next month.

It looks like my hair past line 5 this month. Next month- better pictures folks- promise

February 27th-

Breakage Treatment
This week I decided to treat myself to an intensive breakage prevention treatment- nothing but the one and only Black hair problem solver- Aphogee. My mom actually introduced me to this product well over a decade ago, and I haven't looked back sense. Honestly speaking, I haven't used it in a while, but since I was experiencing breakage, I thought I needed to do something. I thought this was the perfect time to take care of it, and really manage potential breakage problems since I was committing myself to this grow-out journey.

Aphogee Steps

• I applied a heavy cholesterol cream conditioner to my hair and braided it up before I got into the shower to wash.
• I used shampoo around my edges to get rid of the heavy pomade I use to lay down my front edges.
• I did not want to shampoo my entire head with a regular or mild shampoo due to the drying effects of the Aphogee treatment.
• Next I rinsed the conditioner and shampoo out of my hair, and applied the Aphogee to my braided hair (fat plat braids)
• I used a hand held to dry the product into my hair-without manipulating the hair of course-or else extreme breakage can occur.
• It took about 30 minutes for it to completely dry, then it rinsed it out completely and followed up with additional conditioner (I only let it sit for 2 minutes)
• I rinsed out the conditioner, and followed up with a leave in conditioner treatment-Infusium
• Lastly , I added the Sulu Max Gro oil to my hair after I used the hand held dryer to remove some of the water from my hair ( I do not use attachments- only wave it around over my head0

The Results

• My hair felt much stronger, and had a different looking texture- more grainy and thick
• I performed a breakage test by taking a section of hair and running my finger along the length of my hair from top to bottom
• Guess what- NO BREAKAGE!!
• When I did this test prior to the treatment, I had multiple bits and pieces of hair in my hand
• I recommend that you perform your own pre-and post breakage test to see how effective the product is when you use it. It is actually a good test to perform on when testing the effectivness of any breakage treatment on your hair. It allows you to see how well it works for you specifically.

11 days until my update photo!!

About The Journey

My Journey Starts

It all started when I discovered a product called MTG on a hair discussion board a few years back. It was a hair growth product that had caught on like wild fire, and finally delivered on the results that it promised. So many people were adding photo albums of their great results that I just couldn't wait to try it.

1st Picture: Feb 15, 2010

Just a few things to point out about MTG

• It was made for horses (literally)



• It smelled awful



• Tarnished your jewelry



• Caused your skin to peel



• BUT, it grew your hair faster than anything that I had seen

Well, to make a long story short, I jumped on the bandwagon, but I wasn't all that consistent, but even with that against me, I noticed great growth in a short amount of time. Now we fast forward, and SULU Max Gro is available. It is made by the same company, claims to be the same formula, and the same great results. The only difference is that this product is made for humans, and has a minor fragrance to help with the scent-which doesn't do that great of job.

After I did my own research, checking our blogs, personal You Tube videos, and looking at the SULU website, I decided that I would give it a try. After searching for one growth product instead of jumping from one band wagon to another, I wanted to find one growth solution- stick to it faithfully and see the results that I would get.

How Will I Use SULU Max Gro

My plan is to use Max Gro 1-2xs per day (everyday) over the course of the next 12 months. I am exiciting about the growth potential and what could be possible. Besides, if the makers of this product could cause a horse's hair to grow up to 3 inches in just one month, what can the human approved formula do for me-especially if the formula is pretty much the same. After seeking out the difference in the ingredients I found that SULU Max Gro has Mineral Oil as the base ingredient, and MTG has Cade Oil. Now I have never heard of Cade Oil being used in hair oils and creams for humans, but I have heard of Mineral Oil being used so it sounds all right to me.

Granted, I know everyone is different, and they use different products with all natural ingredients, paraben free, etc., but the bottom line is using what works for you. Learning to take care of your hair so you can retain length and reach your hair goals is what we all want to acheive.

Hair Routine

My hair routine is pretty basic and simple, especially since I am about 9 months into my 1year stretch touch-up. Right now, it's not very structured- meaning, I don't wash on a specific day or time, use a specific treatment all of the time, or anything like that. My routine is really about listening to my hair, and responding to it based on what I know it needs. Overall, these are the key steps in my routine:

• Conditioner wash with a heavy cream conditioner



• Braid hair-wash in braids to minimize tangles



• Detangle before conditioner washing



• Use a neutralizing shampoo when I feel my hair is "acting up" to get the PH balance corrected



• No direct heat appliances



• No daily combing- finger combing and handling



• Use a hand-held hair dryer w/out an attachment to remove the moisture from my hair



• Leave-in Infusium conditioner (water based leave-in)

How I Will Show Updates

I plan to write in on a weekly basis, and post new pictures on a monthly basis. I have my starting picture posted so you can see where this process begins specifically for me. I am looking forward to this journey- something to keep me accountable, consistent, and dedicated. I hope that this journey will encourage you in some way to find something you are passionate about, and make a commitment to stay in for the long haul. Like anything in life, consistent dedication yields great rewards.

If any of you want to join me in this journey- THE MORE THE MERRIER!! I hope I can encourage you to reach your hair goals just as I am trying to reach mine.

Longer-Thicker-Healthier Hair:-)