The "pink" opinion: September 2013

Like many of you just starting this healthy natural hair journey, at one point or another you googled, binged, or yahoo searched ways to grow your hair longer faster. Plenty of websites claim to have the answer(s). In reality there is no clear cut dry answer. But there are methods that can help promote healthy hair growth. Some methods work wonders for some and some have been ineffective for others. I quess it's all about finding what works for your personal needs.
My Story
Recently I have installed medium size box braids in my hair (about a month ago) , not big enough to be called the "poetic justice" braids but I like them. Anyway, Im happy with the progress my hair has made BUT I'd be happier if my hair grew out more. I've been experiencing some slow growth during my "natural" healthy hair journey. My hair currently grows at the rate of 1/2 inch per month (doesnt seem like much, I know) my goal is to get my hair to grow 1 - 2 inches per month. I want to have shoulder length hair when my one year post relaxer anniverary comes around. So Ive made it my mission for the next 6 months to try by all means possible to get my hair growing. Ive researched EVERYWHERE on the web on ways to make my hair grow faster. I've heard everything from onion juice to apricot masks both of which sounds weird but at this point Im willing to try ANYTHING.

BIOTIN
On almost every site Ive visited they mentioned biotin as a way to promote faster hair growth.
Now biotin is a b-vitamin known not just to grow hair but promote nail growth and healthy skin as well. Many websites also say that there isn't enough evidence to back up the reports that it grows hair faster. But non the less many people are raving about it and have seen some good results. It's water soluble so you're body only uses what it needs. The suggested daily amount is 2,500 mcg (micrograms not milligrams). Some people take up to 5,000 mcg a day. Again, it's best to consult with your doctor first. I started taking biotin capsules about 4 days ago (and yes, I did consult with my doctor before taking them). Its too early to say that Ive seen results so I'm going to give it about a month or two. I purchased them at wal-mart for around $2.80 for 1,000 mcg capsules. On the bottle it states you can take them one to five times a day. For the first 2 days I started taking one now Im taking 2 a day. I take one with breakfast with my multivitamin and one with lunch (its best to be taken with food). And I make sure I drink lots of water with it. I have my finger crossed and hoping to see some great results. A lot of my slow hair growth can be attributed anemia. Ive been anemic my whole life (generic maybe) so a little vitamins couldn't hurt.

EXERCISE and EATING RIGHT

Along with taking biotin many websites state that exercise and eating healthy can and will promote hair growth. Exercise is good because it supplies oxygen enriched blood flow to the scalp, which the hair needs to grow. Also eating foods high in iron, folic acid, zinc and protein which are all great for hair growth. So you got to drop the pizza, burgers and fries and pick up a salad, lean meat, and yogurt (or wherever other healthy foods you like). And try to exercise. Take baby steps if you have to.

STRESS REDUCTION (be happy)

Along with eating healthy and exercising stress reduction is key, not for growing hair but keeping it from falling out. If you're like me, when I'm under a ton of stress I don't even have to tell anyone because you can see it on my face (breakouts) and my hair sheds like crazy. There was a time last year when I was under a lot of stress for a long period of time. It didn't matter what supplements I took, be it iron or protein my hair continued to break. Stress is "no bueno" so try any way you can to alleviate it. Going for long walks helps me. Reading motivational or spiritual books helps too. And prayer goes a long way. If the stress is unbearable, seeing a clinician (therapist) can help. There's nothing wrong with talking to someone who's trained to deal with whatever you may be going through.

MASSAGE THAT SCALP

Besides taking supplements many websites say that a good ol scalp massage can stimulate hair growth. And a good ol scalp massage can help reduce stress. Well for me anyway. Ummm... now that feels so good lol. Massaging the scalp promotes blood flow which again the hair needs to grow. I suggest taking some of your favorite hair oil (Jamaican black castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil etc.) and massage it into your scalp. I use a mixture of coconut oil, vitamin E and soy bean oil. I normally massage the oil into my scalp for about 30 seconds to a minute. And if my day was extremely stressful I'll do it a little longer. "Ain't nothing to it but to do it" Try it for yourself.

The list goes on and on as far as ways to make your hair grow faster and longer. From keeping your scalp clean to trimming your hair every few weeks. Some websites have up to 30 remedies (too many for me). I just stick to the ones that make the most sense like the ones mentioned above. I don't know I might try the onion juice method one day and tell you guys how it went. I'm just worried about smelling like Burger King lol. I'm definitely going to report back with my progress. So for 2 months it's biotin, healthy food, exercise, stress reduction, and scalp massages along with good moisturizing and scalp cleansing. If all else fails (which I don't suspect they will) onion juice it is. *Wish me luck!

Here are some pictures of my box braids and the biotin/ multivitamin pills I'm using. And 2 month growth progress in my nape area(back of my head)