Quarterly Natural Hair Advancement | Comparing June and September 2014

Under One Thousand Conditions - Tall And Curly

*THIS IS A LONG ENTRY*

I decided to let you experience one of the things I do in my Hair Diary! Although I record my triumphs, failures, double failures, and awesome product reviews, I also do something called the "Quarterly Natural Hair Advancement (QNHA)." This entry reflects on the last 3 months comparing with the previous QNHA while giving a summary in one whole journal entry.

There are a lot of comparisons with lengths, regimens, goals, habits, and hair styles. I also include pictures to show that I have either improved or that I need to improve in a specific area. I started this back in June 2013 and I do the QNHA at the end of the months: March, June, September, and December. Yes, I am very intricate with my Hair Diary...but this helps me perfect my current regimen, helps me with future styling options, reminds me of my hair goals, and just fun to do!!!



Natural Hair Length Check



TESTS AND GROWTH

Hair Type: 4a/b - Coily, Springy, Crimpy

Hair Archetype: Minimalist Kitchenista

Moisture and Protein: Balanced

Porosity: Low

June Front Length: 5 in

Sept. Front Length: 7.5 in
(+ 2.5 inch growth)

June Back Length: 12.5 in
Sept. Back Length: 14 in
(+1.5 inch growth)

June Sides Length: 12 in

Sept. Sides Length: 14 in
(+2 inch growth)


June Hair Length: SL/APL
Sept. Hair Length: .5 inch shy of APL

Total AVG. Length: 2 inches in 3 months

Length AVG Grown/Month: little over .5 inch

Shedding? -- lots! (postpartum)

Breakage? -- not much

Shrinkage? -- high

Trim? -- not this quarter



*Note - "June" = "April through June"
*Note - "September" = "July through September"

JUNE REGIMEN

HOT OT - 1/week, JBCO, massage 2-5 min, plastic cap 30 min

Regular shampoo - 2/month, Shea Moisture Raw Retention

Clarify shampoo - 2/month, Suave Naturals Daily Clarifying Shampoo 

PT wash - every 1/month, ApHogee 2 Minute Reconstructor

DC - 2/month, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque 

Co-wash - 2/month, V05

Refreshing Mist - DIY Flaxseed Gel Mist 

L - Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream

O - Coconut Oil

C - Shea Butter

Styler - Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

SEPTEMBER REGIMEN



Prepoo/HOT OT - 1/week, JBCO , massage 10 min, plastic cap 30 min or overnight

Regular Shampoo - 1/week, Shea Moisture Coconut And Hibiscus Curl And Shine Shampoo

Clarify shampoo  - 1/month, Suave Clarifying

PT wash - 1/month, ApHogee 2 Minute Reconstructor

DC - Nubian Heritage Indian Hemp and Tamanu Grow and Strengthen Treatment Masque

Refreshing Mist - DIY Flaxseed Gel Mist 

L -Shea Moisture Coconut And Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie 

O - Castor Oil

C - Shea Butter

Styler - Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

(No more co-washing)

NEW PRODUCTS IM TRYING

SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curling Gel Soufflé 

JBCOStrengthen, Grow and Restore Styling Edges Treatment  

STYLES TRIED:

Natural Hair Styles For Fine Hair

Natural Hair Styles For Fine Hair

Natural Hair Styles For Fine Hair

Natural Hair Styles For Fine Hair

Crochet Braids For Fine Hair



Senegalese Twists For Fine Hair

PERSONAL GOALS

My short term goals are for next 3 months: to massage my scalp with castor oil 4xs/weekly, deep condition once a week, NO BUYING OTHER PRODUCTS, and only use my fingers for detangling.

-

My mid-term goals for 1 year are: go from shoulder length to past APL (update June 2015), to maintain healthy hair, and NO BUYING OTHER PRODUCTS (other than my staple products)

-

My ultimate goal is: to reach waist length!

Natural hair says: you may think this is intricate, complex, and just too much...but this keeps me on track for my hair goals and habits. Try it for yourself after your three month mark. You may really love this method! To start a simple entry in your hair diary, check out It Works - Keeping A Hair Diary.

Always Desire Your Natural,

Christina J