Hey I just joined and noticed I missed out on the hair challenge for 2005, but maybe some of us could start one that goes from July 2005 to July 2006.  I currently am trying to grow my hair out for a special event but am interested to know if anyone else is trying to join and support each other for the next year. If so all are welcome.  Here are a couple of tips I have learned along the way

1. First there is a book that could save your life and hair if purchased called Black Ulta Hair 2000 by Kathy Howser (i think that is author's name) when my hair fell out it is the only thing that helped me get it back to normal condition.

2. Sleep on satin I know you hear it time and time again but even if you don't like wrapping your hair you can at least get a satin pillowcase.

3.Deep condition at least once a week, even if you go to the hair dresser and you don't want to wait longer trust me it is worth the pain

4. Don't trust anyone on your hair trims, stay on your beautician those that are bold are also beautiful. If she cuts too much let her know you wanted a trim not a cut

5. Try to stay away from unneccessary coloring, Beyonce's hair goes from color to color and she can because its weave if you feel the need add some hair pieces for color before you destroy your own mane.

6. Avoid products with alcohol, for black hair it is too drying, motions hair conditioner has no alcohols and it helps alot although it leave your hair very oily.  Imagine if you rubbed your hand with alcohol everyday even if you put lotion on it it would be dryer then the skin that doesn't get it

7. Avoid brushes they rip the cuticle go for combs instead or if wearing hair natural try to finger back hair in a ponytail as much as possible with a good moisturizer

8. A good time is to use a moisturizer to help those flyaways that pop out of your wrap when combing it into one, these are usually the pieces that need moisture and that is why they won't wrap as easily around your head

9. Do a conditioner wash more than scalp wash but avoid the scalp so you don't clog the hair pores that need oxygen to help them grow.

10. Invest in good hair scissors and trim your own ends as needed, not a 5 dollar pair but a more expensive pair, youll take more time then your beautician may to make sure you only cut the split ends.

11. Hair vitamins and water. Your hair needs a leave in conditioner once a day because water is the only thing that hydrates your hair. Do our bodies hydrate with water or oil, water so your hair needs it to oil is good but a little water everyday is really good to and use the oil after to seal the water (moisture ) in so you don't lose it. I know water makes our hair frizz but don't use too much just a little  or mix oil in container with water and spritz it a little every day or after you wrap your hair at night and scarf it up to prevent the frizz.

12. Just cause you wear your hair curly/natural doesn't mean its healthy, although you're staying away from heat are you using gel with alcohol or mouse that can have the same drying effects as heat, try to use moisturizing products in the end that is what make curls look the best. Also a product called Curls Rock by Catwalk will give you the best curls of your life without all the drying affect, write me back and let me know what it does for your curls. They will be beautiful