The Spring into Summer 100 Day Healthy Hair Challenge
#100DayHHC
START DATE: Sunday, May 1 -- END DATE: Monday, August 8, 2016
The purpose of this challenge is so we can better learn about our hair and scalp while striving to reach our hair goals. It is best to continue even after the challenge to achieve the best results!
TAKE A BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE
On Sunday, May 1 you want to take a before picture of your hair, stretched and unstretched. And, you want to capture your hair from the front and the back. If you have a length check t-shirt, this is the perfect time to wear one! Feel free to also measure your hair using a ruler or the flexible measurement tape. You are more than welcome to take progress pictures throughout this challenge. You will also take your last set of pictures on Monday, August 8.
WEAR PROTECTIVE STYLES 5 DAYS OUT OF THE WEEK
For at least five (5) days out of the week, wear protective styles like a bun, french roll, bantu knots, twists pulled back into a bun or a wig (without using the attached combs). I view protective styles as a low manipulation style in which your ends are tucked away and protected. Give yourself two (2) days in which your hair can "breathe" and just be out! You can wear a braidout, twistout, an afro or any other style you choose. This will also give you time to wash and properly detangle your hair and get it ready for the next protective style!
MOISTURIZE AND SEAL YOUR HAIR
You know best how often you have to moisturize and seal your hair. It may be daily, every other day or once a week. You do not want to have dehydrated hair as it will not flourish. I will be doing the LOC Method on a daily/every other day basis because that is what my hair needs. There are other ways to moisturize your hair but that's the best way that works for me! Decide however often you need to moisturize and seal your hair and stick with it during this challenge.
BE CONSISTENT!
If you have a solid hair care regimen, stick with it! Remember to also wear your satin or silk bonnet or scarf or sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials will best protect your hair at night and help prevent it from snagging, breaking or drying out your hair. Also, if you have a hair care line or two that your hair and scalp love, use those only for this challenge. I know it may be hard not to try the newest product out there during this time but the sacrifice will be well worth it in the end!
START WITH CLEAN, DETANGLED HAIR
Before starting this challenge, make sure you completely cleanse and properly detangle your hair. If need be use a clarifying shampoo or even African Black Soap to start your hair and scalp on a clean slate. When detangling, make sure your hair is coated with a water-based conditioner, use a wide tooth comb and gently work your way from the ends to the roots. Cleanse and detangle your hair the day before, but no more than 3 days before the challenge starts. You want to make sure your hair is as clean as possible at the start of the challenge!
DAILY SCALP MASSAGES
Massage your scalp every day for at least 5 minutes, straight, using your fingertips or a scalp massage brush. Set a daily alarm/reminder so you can always remember to do this. And, with the brush, I am able to easily give myself a 15 minutes scalp massage! About every 2-4 days you want to apply a lightweight oil to your scalp and then proceed with your scalp massage. How often you apply the oil will depend on how well your scalp absorbs the oil. You can also ask your spouse if they would be willing to give you a scalp massage; my Husband has gladly offered before on the days when I was just not up to it!
HAIR VITAMINS
If you currently take hair vitamins and feel as though they have been working for you, continue taking them during the 100 days. Let's try to be as consistent has we can with taking our vitamins! And, just like the scalp massages, set a daily alarm/reminder so you do not miss a day. If you have hard time swallowing vitamins, simply blend them with your breakfast smoothies or place the vitamins in a fold paper towel and crush them with a spoon. Then, just pour the crushed vitamins into your applesauce, yogurt or oatmeal...easy peasy!
Always remember to consult with your doctor first before taking any vitamins.
EXERCISE AND EAT HEALTHY!
Healthy hair really does begin with the internal! This challenge will also be focused on exercising regularly, at least 30 minutes a day. I know exercising can seem like a pain sometimes but do things that you really enjoy so it won't feel like traditional exercise. Dance, swim, play basketball, take your kids to the park and run around with them, walk in your neighborhood park...there are lots of things you can do, so get out and get moving! You also want to eat healthy -- include lean proteins, vegetables, fruits and drink your water daily. Find some new, healthy recipes and grab your spouse, friend or family member to help you cook up some healthy, delicious meals!
RELAX AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
This is one of the most important tips for this challenge -- take care of yourself and do things that help you to relax! Stress can lead to dry, brittle, damaged hair and can do so many other things to your health so discover new hobbies that bring you peace. Here are few suggestions: pray, journal, read, walk the beach or through a local park, paint, knit, dance, cook, get a massage, take regular bubble baths, treat yourself to a nice dinner, get your nails done or watch your favorite movie! Please remember to make time for yourself during the 100 days (and even after) as you are important and you matter!
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