Question for Jade and others who can help my kinky ethnic hair

Hello, R./M.!It's funny you should post your question at this time about growing out a relaxer, the aid of braids, etc, First, the relaxer/braids, then biotin/aids for hair growth.As for me, I used a relaxer quite a long time ago now when my hair was shorter to stretch out some waves. The added length stretched out the waves naturally and I have taken much better care of my hair most recently and a so-so job after I stopped getting the relaxers, about two to three times per year.At this time, I know several women, some of whom visit this board, who are growing out relaxers. Most of these women got relaxers ("touch ups") every 4 to 6 weeks. Based on some of their statements, I have likened it to someone who has decided to give up coffee or other stimulant. At times, it sounds truly miserable and adopting new hair techniques and methods have been necessary. You are in the early stages.I try never to persuade these women one way or the other. My position is this: whatever works best for you and your hair is best. I also believe that it is a misnomer to say that your hair will be healthier in one sense. For some women, it is impractical or extremely difficult to maintain their hair without a relaxer. Moreover, a siginificant number with extremely coarse hair will experience breakage which would not have occured with a relaxer, as long as a sufficient amount of conditioning is done on a regular, vigilant basis. In addition, doing things like stretching the times between "touch ups" can do wonders for women having problems with breakage due to excessive relaxers. Also, options like a texturizer which are much milder than a relaxer are also available.I will tell you about a woman I know, without giving any names, who is at the four month stage who used to do the every 6 weeks thing with the touch ups. She works retail, so her appearance is very important to her. She shouldn't worry because she is a beautiful woman. Anyway, she got the braids at about the 2and 1/2 months stage. She wanted to condition her hair sufficiently before having the braids put in her hair. Unfortunately, they looked beautiful, but they were a bit tight and she suffered some actual bleeding for several weeks. Needless to say, she had them removed and is in the process of finding an adequate hair regime. She firmly believes that she wants to grow out her relaxer completely. I would estimate that it will be a year before this is done.As for the braids, do not get them until your hair is in excellent condition. You should give yourself deep-conditioning or hot oil treatments for at least a month. Also, needless to say, go to a reputable salon.Now to the biotin, et. al. Biotin, also known as Vitamin H, is a vitamin B co-factor. You will often see it included in B-complex vitamins, like PABA, inositol, choline, etc. It is water-soluble and virtually non-toxic. It is great for the strength of your hair and nails. You can get it at a healthfood store or even a grocery or drug store sometimes. I would recommend that you take a B-Complex vitamin, either in the 50mg or 100mg strength, so your B's are balanced. Then, you can take additional biotin, too. I have been taking 2.7mg for nearly two months and I have noticed a tremendous difference in my nails mostly, and secondary strength in my hair. I would say that I am getting on average 3-5 hairs coming out in my brush, which happened very early and which I found quite amazing. My nails have been growing at least twice as fast and I have grown out a number of splits. The white tips are ultra-white. Biotin usually comes in dosages of micrograms (mcg.), but there are some women here who have taken 5mg+ per day. Remember that 1,000mcg=1mg. I would suggest that you find a dose which yields maximum results so that you aren't just wasting your money:) As for the B-Complex, start with the 50mg dose and work up to the 100mg to see which works best. I've been taking the 100mg dose forever. It's great for stress, too. You can also obtain sustained-release tabs, if you like.There are a variety of supplements which may yield results for you. Unfortunately, it all depends on your body:) Everybody doesn't react the same. Karen swears by the kelp tablets, but I couldn't take them, so I eat seaweed salad. The sea vegetables are great for your hair, like kelp, dulse, etc. I think it's all the trace minerals being in a balanced form. Also, sulfur-containing products like broccoli, garlic, onions, egg yolks are wonderful for hair growth. You can also take the amino acid l-cysteine or n-acetyl-l-cysteine(NAC). With the former, be sure to take three times as much Vitamin C. Like, 500mg of l-cysteine plus 1500mg of Vitamin C. That's just so you don't get kidney stones, if you are prone to them. With the NAC, you don't have to worry about the C from what I've heard, but check that out. I'm not as schooled with the aminos as I am with the vitamins:)Aminos should be taken away from a meal with water or juice. Also, eggs are packed with cysteine, so if you eat plenty, don't worry about taking the amino. I prefer the eggs myself. I try to eat 2 to 4 per week and my cholesterol has never been high.If you are not taking a daily multivitamin/mineral tablet or cap, I think that would be excellent for your hair, too-along with the rest of you:) I take a multivitamin/mineral tablet by Solgar which I've found to be excellent. It's called Earth Source. It has just about everything, is vegetarinan formula. It contains the green nutrients like chlorella, spirulina along with all the major vitamins and minerals. Many companies have copied this formula. Twinlab Dual Tabs are also good. There are many good multis out there. Just be sure to get a good manufacturer, so you are not paying for air:)Avoid the Centrums, One A Days, Theragrans, etc. One thing which I found early on was Vitamin C. It does wonders for split ends and definitely increases growth. I think it's because the C increases circulation. I take about 2,500mg (2.5grams) per day. It helps with facial oiliness and acne, too. I need it for that, too:)Also, limit your intake of red meat. That's done wonders for me. If you do eat it, cut down and try to obtain grain fed beef. I think it's the hormones that your hair and skin hate:)Silica was a popular topic here a while back. I have been pleased with the results. I've taken both the horsetail herb and the oceancic silica by Solgar. I have to say that I like the latter better. I am leery of herbs because I just worry about the side effects. Horsetail gave me none, but I saw faster, more substantial results with Solgar's Oceanic Silica. I think it's because the silicon is derived from red algae which also contains other trace minerals.Before I leave you, I want to also say that for hair growth I've noticed quite a bit with yogurt and bagels, strangely enough.If you have any health conditions, please check out the supplements with your physician.I've written a ton, so if I can offer any other suggestions, drop me an e-mail.Take care of yourself, continue to post and HAPPY GROWING!!All the Best,Jade21> I read a post on hair Politics where you talked about> growing your hair out. You also mentioned something> called biotin. What is it and where can it get it. I> am currently trying to grow out a relaxer. It has been> five wks since my last one. my friends have already> asked me why? I tell them because it is easier and> healthier for my hair. In about two wks I am going to> get my hair braided to aid in the process. Do you> think that the braids will harm my hair?> Thanks, Melissa> PS. I know that this is going to be a long hard> process. Also can you tell me some things that will> help my hair grow longer. It is currently cheek> lenght.