Project Hair Goddess: Part Une

After six years of thermal reconditioning treatments, heat styling, black hair dye and a recent round with bleach, last night I chopped off what was left of the chemically straightened hair. I haven't had hair this short since I was in kindergarten, and I feel as naked now as I did then.
My hair is naturally a frizzy/curly/wavy disaster, and while I am not ready to go so far as to chuck my flat iron or buzz my head, I am pretty tired of constant root touch-ups and the unhealthy, dull state of my hair. My newest goal is to grow my hair out as long as possible, work with it's natural texture, and get it shades closer to my natural hue

I'm aiming for something akin to Sarah Jessica Parker's hair in the SATC movie:

And this, alas, is my hair right now:It's going to be a long, long journey, I know.

My hair rehab involves several steps:

• Monthly 1/4-inch trims to keep ratty ends under control.


• Pantene Beautiful Lengths shampoo & conditioner, which is supposed to make hair ten times stronger against damage using new Aquacurrent technology. Plus, part of the proceeds from the sale of Pantene's line is donated to the Beautiful Lengths program which provides wigs to women undergoing cancer treatment. Learn more about the program at BeautifulLengths.com.

• Scalp Care including massage, vitamins and conditioning masks. Healthy hair starts at the root, and heightening blood flow and nutrients can only do good for me and my body.
  


• Queen Helene Cholesterol Hair Conditioning Cream masks to rehabilitate my dry, stressed hair. At least once a week I'll slather this rich cream all over my head and let it sink in for a half hour. (John Frieda has a new overnight hair mask that seems promising, but sadly it's only available at Boots).


• Less blow drying, more air drying. While I can't fathom giving up my flatiron, my hair can definitely benefit from one less heat-styling appliance.


• Silk pillowcases minimize breakage.


• John Frieda Weather Works Weather-Proofing Sealant Creme to protect hair from heat damage, seal split end and add shine. This stuff also lets me ride my cruiser (the wind!) along the ocean (the moisture!) without having a frazzled rat's nest at the end!

P.S. I'll be posting every so often with updates.
Maybe a monthly blog entry will prompt me to
stick to my plan and baby my hair!
-M