Grow baby grow!!!! Long Hair Journey :)

So I did it again ... I cut my hair short loved it for about 3 days and then missed my long hair.  That was about two months ago and ever since then I have been researching and trying different things to make my hair grow quicker.  Throughout my hair journey I will try to update my current vitamin and hair care routines.  They are both always changing as I find new products and research.  Hopefully I don't fall into my old ways and get lazy.  My hair is currently at collar bone length, I'm hoping to get it at or below my chest by the summer. *fingers crossed*

First off is my vitamin regimen.  Currently I am taking Natures Way Alive Multi-vitamin Max Potency(3 Tablets/day), Youtheory Collagen(3 Tablets/day even though it is supposed to be 6), New Chapter Wholemega Alaskan Salmon Oil(2 Soft Gels/day), and Nature's Bounty Biotin Soft gels 10,000 mcg(1 soft gel/day).  For the last two months I have been taking them pretty consistently missing a day here and there.  I purchased a vitamin organizer with the days of the week on it so it makes it easier for me to keep track of when I take them and to make sure I am taking all of the vitamins/supplements in my regimen.  I think it is still too soon to tell if it is truly aiding in my hair growth but I do feel better regarding my overall health and I am noticing that I have to shave my legs a bit more often.

Second is my hair care routine which is ever changing.  For the first month I was using Ojon Damage Reverse Shampoo and Conditioner, Ojon Dry Recovery Two Minute Mask, Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Treatment and Ojon Damage Reverse Smoothing Glaze. The smell of Ojon is not one for everyone at first I had to get used to it but now I love it.  The smell is a bit earthy, almost like dirt, coffee, and chocolate combined into one.  I used the shampoo and conditioner every two to three days, the treatment and mask about once or twice a week, and the smoothing glaze as a leave in treatment after showering.  I have since added a couple of John Masters Organics products into the mix: the Zinc and Sage Shampoo as well as the Lavender and Avocado Intense Conditioner.  I have a habit of mixing together different products for whatever reason.  I feel that both the Ojon and John Masters Organics make my hair feel soft and manageable.  They are both packed full of ingredients that aid in hair growth and overall hair health( I will do another post on their ingredients/products).  I am also staying away from hot tools ( i.e.: blowdryer, flat iron, curling iron,etc.) I let my hair air dry in a pony tail.

The last thing that I have been doing is using Monistat cream on my scalp. Yes you read that right, Monistat.  I know it sounds a little strange as I was a little weary at first myself.  I started doing this as I have read about and watched videos on ladies who use Monistat or Miconazole Nitrate as a scalp treatment.  Many of them claim that by doing this they have doubled their hair growth.  The reason that this helps hair growth is because Miconazole Nitrate is an anti-fungal cream and when you put this on your scalp it makes for a healthy environment for hair growth as we all have a natural fungus that grows on our scalp.  Some ladies have reported an inch or more of hair growth per month.  I'm hoping for those results myself so at the moment I am using Monistat 4% diluted with water in a mini spray bottle.  I spray this in sections on my entire scalp after I get out of the shower and leave it in my hair for about 2-3 days until I wash my hair then repeat the process again.  The cream remains active for about 2-3 days so there is no need to put it on everyday but you can if you would like ( I may start to do so myself).  You can either put the cream directly on your scalp for a stronger application or dilute it with either water, coconut oil, castor oil, etc. whatever your preference may be.  I put it a spray bottle with a little water as it is an easier application.

Okay that will be all for now.  I will provide updates as I see more progress.  Please contact a health care professional/doctor before doing any of the above mentioned as everyone's bodies are different and will react differently to each product.  If you are under the age of 18 ask your parents permission before doing any of the above mentioned especially the vitamin regimen. 

Beauty Lovin': Love & Toast

Mandarin Tea handcreme & parfum

Daily Shampoo & Conditioner

Vanilla Chai Lip Balm

Recently I came across this brand Love & Toast at a local boutique.  The packaging really caught my eye with its whimsical colors and illustrations.  This brand by Margot Elena is truly amazing as they are organic products made in a beautiful way.  Aside from their products being organic so is there packaging as they use vegetable inks and recyclable materials.  They also donate a portion of their proceeds to Girls Inc. and believe that "Pretty is as Pretty does".  I think this is great that they are trying to empower young girls.  I just ordered the vanilla chai lip balm, mandarin tea handcreme and parfum, as well as the daily shampoo and conditioner.  I had them rush shipped because I am so excited to try them!  Although I really wanted the rich shampoo and conditioner they are currently out of stock,  I'll just have to wait for now.  I will review these products soon and just might want to buy the whole Love & Toast line!


The products are available on http://www.loveandtoast.com/ as well as other retailers that you can find on Love & Toast's website. 

Gemma Arterton

New Beauty Favorite: Cargo TexasLash Mascara

Have been using this mascara for a few months now and I absolutely love it!  I am one for big, voluminous, baby doll eyelashes and this one does the trick.  I have used many mascaras and this is definitely among my favorites.  The brush is nice and big and doesn't clump allowing you to achieve gorgeous dramatic lashes.  I recommend using a few coats of it and use the tip to lengthen the lashes.  You can find Cargo's TexasLash at Ulta.

New Hair & Skin Favorite: Emu Oil

So along the way on me journey to growing long luscious hair I have discovered a little secret, Emu Oil.  Apparently emu oil has many healing properties when it comes to scarring, joint problems, and even low cholesterol when taken orally.  Emu oil also stimulates scalp circulation when applied directly to the scalp and it is loaded with great vitamins such as Omega 3, 6, and 9.  From my experience I suggest applying it directly to the scalp at night and then wash it out in the morning with a clarifying shampoo.  You can also combine emu oil with other beneficial oils such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil, etc.  It really is moisturizing and can be used on your skin as well as emu oil is known to cure extremely dry skin and eczema.  You can order it online or find it at the Vitamin Shoppe but just make sure that it is 100% pure emu oil. 

New Hair Favorite: Murad Professional Scalp Treatment

As I just cut my hair a couple of months ago I've been on a grow your hair faster fix.  I figure as long as I have cut off the dead ends I might as well grow my hair back healthier as well.  I got the Murad professional scalp treatment shampoo, conditioner, and serum.  First I was only going to get the serum but then decided to get the whole kit and caboodle and I'm glad I did.  The shampoo and conditioner have a great tingling sensation on your scalp which opens up your scalp and allows the vitamins in the serum to penetrate through.  I recommend  using the serum after the shower while your hair is wet and use a moderate amount.  I have been using it the past few days and have experienced a great difference, my hair feels silky and moisturized.  You can purchase it at Ulta. 

Smokin'

Style Crush: Kristen Stewart

Can't wait for the fall

So excited to wear sweaters and layers again. Love the fall with all the pretty leaves.

Beauty Find: new favorite lotion

Just bought this new body lotion by Curel.  Has a really great vanilla smell and really nourishes your skin.  A little trick for people with frizzy hair is to take a dab and put it in your hair after the shower, it conditions your hair and tames the frizz as well.  You can find it in Target or any pharmacy.

http://www.curel.com/products/skin-nourishing.aspx

 

Style Crush: Zooey Deschanel

Zooey really has great style with her vintage/retro outfits and singing. I really love her collaboration with M. Ward for their band She & Him.  They have this light, smooth, 1960's vibe.

Take a listen to them here...

                                               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOs5UwFHa6w

You say you want a (R)evolution...

 

Found this tea the longest time ago in the supermarket with my dad and fell in love with it.  The packaging is really quite nice with the use of the netted tea bag and whole tea leaves.  This flavor in particular (white pear) has a really smooth taste, leaves you feeling relaxed.  Haven't been able to find it in the store for quite the while now, guess I'll have to keep searching. :)

http://www.revolutiontea.com/white-tea/