Extensions for Children

After reminiscing on M1's hair journey, I really thought about how amazing it is to have grown 2 almost 3 new heads of hair for her. Because with each transition, I did alot of cutting away hair. I plan to finish up this last transition by cutting the rest of the "text-laxer" off when school ends for the summer break. I think the single most important thing to growing all of that hair so quickly is low to no manipulation. I washed her hair every other week, applied no heat, not even blow drying, and did a protective style that needed no combing during the 2 week period. When I say protective style, I mean cornrows, braids, twists. Any style where the hair is not "loose" and does not have to be combed daily, is protective.

I also would be remiss, if I didn't mention the help of a "good" braider and appropriate braid styles. Braids/Twist with extension definitely helped M1's growth, but it was because I never put heavy extensions, never used synthetic hair, and never let her hair be braided to tight. And oh, a good braider/twister WILL use oil while braiding the hair! M1 never lost her edges, never had thinning hair, never had those little bumps when it's too tight. My braid shop is staffed by Sengelese women and they are the bomb-bay! They had their lumps of coconut oil on the backs of their hands, babies wrapped on their backs, and they were some braiding/twisting sisters!

Shoot, now that I'm thinking, I need to make me an appointment to grow out my teeny weeny 'fro. ;)

Product Review-ORS Olive Oil Oil Moisturizer

I have a 9 year old daughter with coarse, fine hair. My 2nd daughter has THICK, cotton-y soft hair. My baby girl has wavy, thin, fine hair. For the baby, I can just wet a wash cloth, run it over her head and brush it into submission easily. But for the other two, let's just say it requires elbow grease and an appointment on my palm pilot! The 2 oldest have so much hair that I have to schedule their hair washings/stylings to make sure they don't have to occur in the same.....WEEKEND. Yes, I said the same weekend, not the same day. So, I actually use my palm to schedule who's turn it is to get washed and styled. And I say wash and style together because any style that I do after washing is done to last 2 weeks. With 3 girls, plus my own hair, I don't have the time to comb all that hair daily or semi-daily!!! Now, on to the product review...

I recently used a bottle of Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil-Oil Moisturizer. I has no petroleum, mineral oil, or beeswax. I has worked marvelously on the "juice sucking" hair of my big girls. It is definitely a low cost alternative to the Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. I love the hair milk but with the prices, I can't afford it for all of our heads. I did 2 strand twists on my 2nd daughter a week ago and they are still shiny. (a feat in itself!) I did the "style of the month" on my oldest's hair using the ORS and her hair is shiny and smooth. I cornrowed it wet and was concerned about frizzing, but the ORS held it down perfectly. So, if you have a thirsty head in your house, give the Olive Oil Moisturer a try. I'm sure it would work well if you have a little boy with hair in need of moisture as well. Have a great week!