I recently registed with this forum and thought that it is about time I make my first appearance.    I am desperately trying to (1) repair my hair, and (2) grow my hair to bra length.

My hair is a medium/dark brown and is approximately 18'' long.  My measurement may be off because it was difficult to measure my hair on my own (perhaps I just wasn't doing it properly).   At this length, my hair is about an inch or so below my shoulders.  I have no idea if I should describe my hair as curly or wavy because I get curls only when I apply heat.

The last three washings have been CO washing and I think that my hair and scalp loves this method.  I have already noticed that my hair is significantly softer and less frizzy.  Additionally, I suffer from a terrible case of dry scalp.  I noticed that the only remaining dry patch is behind my left ear.  Hopefully, that will also disappear with time.  I also purchased the book Curly Girl and I am hoping that it will help me deal with my waves/curls without applying heat.

Here is my new routine: I comb my hair before showering , I only use Aubrey Organics Aloe & Jojoba conditioner, I gently towel dry my hair, then gently comb again, when it is dry I add just a tiny bit of jojoba oil and apply it to the ends.  I know that I am probably going to alter this routine after reading the Curly Girl.  I would greatly appreciate any advice on improving my hair care.  I did purchase a fabulous Mason Pearson comb (I love it!  It is flexible, smooth, and strong) to ensure that I am not tearing any hairs.

Unfortunately, about a year ago I decided that straight hair would look more professional.  Well, I made the biggest hair mistake possible and walked into a random salon and had my hair chemically straightened.  The hair stylist used a perm rather than a straightener, but my hair was FRIED nonetheless.  It was so bad that my hair was breaking off.  In fact, it looks as though I am growing out bangs but that is actually where my hair broke...    I would brush my hair and dozens of pieces would fall off.  After my last haircut, most of the damage is finally gone, but the ends are still a bit dry.

I am looking forward to growing long beautiful locks.   By the way, Anais Satin, I think your hair is breathtaking.  I hope my hair looks that beautiful one day....

Jennifer

Hello and welcome to the board 

Sounds like you have an excellent start on a routine that works well for you.

Hi, Jennifer.  Welcome and glad you've decided to join us.   Sounds like you are well on your way to BSL with healthier hair.  It'll happen!

aaaaarrrghhh, stupid mistakes like that make me sooooo

anyway, hope to see you around

Welcome to the board, Jenn! 

Thank you for the warm welcome!

I have already learned a lot from all of you...  Today, I noticed that my hair actually shined.  I just cannot believe what a huge difference the condition only washing and addition of a tinsie tiny amount of oil can do.

Before reading this forum, I used Loreal Ineral Hair Fixer.  I still use it once every two weeks or so, and that helped my hair a great deal.  All I can say about the damage is that it was horrific.  My hair lost all the color and looked orange.  The hair was so dry that it would crunch and break if I touched it, brushed it, or moved it too aggressively.  Individual hairs were so damaged that they were actually zigzagged (if that makes any sense).  A few days after the processing I had about 6'' of hair cut off and have been cutting since...     FINALLY, I can grow my hair long again.

But, I have learned from my mistakes and will never use harsh chemicals on my hair again. 

I even day dream about having long, sexy, healthy hair ... it is the ultimate in femininity. 

Jennifer

I'm happy the information you've been getting here has helped! 

I know what you mean about vowing not to use harsh chemicals on your hair again. Last year I bleached my hair because it was something I had to get out of my system, but I've been paying for it ever since. It looks okay now, but I have to condition it everyday or else it starts to look dried out. Ack.