So, you've been on your HHJ for 15 months now. You've conquered a few setbacks, developed the perfect regimen; and you've even gotten to a point where you can comfortably respond to posts that some newbies may ask in the forum. Life is good and your hair is even better; but then one day you do a length a check (last LC was 4 months ago) and you notice that...you have not gotten any growth since the last one. You stress a little wondering if your hair is going through a telogen phase (a resting phase which lasts 5-6 weeks). A telogen phase wouldn't be so bad you think but what if *DUM-DA-DUM-DUM* your hair has reached it's terminal length?
Hey....Calm down and take a deep breath. I know it's easier said than done but do not get upset. Many of us have been there and many of us are going through it. You are NOT alone. Here are some tips and advice you can follow that will help you get past this stage...
1. Don't be afraid to change up your regimen: If you have been using the same products or you have been M&S-ing twice a week, now may be the time to reconsider your products. Check the ingredients of those products. Perhaps there is an exorbitant amount of cones or other ingredients that do not fare well with your hair. Reconsider and reassess the ingredients within those products and make an overall determination as to whether you need to continue that product's use or move on to another product. Do not be afraid to change how often you wash your hair...maybe you should consider increasing/decreasing how often you wash and deep condition. If you have kept a diary of your regimen previously, this would be a great time to go over that regimen diary and start adding or taking away.
2. Consider changing your hairstyle: Perhaps for the past 8 months of your HHJ, you have worn damp buns and you've gained a significant amount of growth during the past 6 months but for some reason, the past 2 have been slower in growth....or even stagnant. Maybe it's time to get a sew-in weave. If you are completely against putting a weave in your hair, you may want to consider tucking your hair away in a stylish updo for a couple of weeks.
3. Piggybacking off of #2, you may want to think of tucking your hair away in a stylish hairstyle that does not allow you to have easy access to your hair. A sew-in weave or cornrows placed under a wig are just 2 examples of hairstyles that allow for low manipulation and do not allow for you to do a length check on your hair regularly.
4. Remain positive: Yes I am telling you to remain positive through all of this. Negative feelings of self-blame and sadness will most certainly affect your body, your health and in essence; your hair. If you "think" your hair has stopped growing, more than likely the health of your hair will adversely be affected by your thoughts. Do not focus on your hair "not" growing; but instead refocus on restructuring your regimen and remembering it is just a phase. Know that you are not the only one that has been/is going through this; and this too....like everything else, will soon pass will time and dedication.
5. Talk to others about your concern: Don't keep it to yourself; you want to speak to others. You want to share your concerns and questions with others who have been where you are and have tips on how to get past it. Also be extremely mindful who it is that you speak your concerns to. You don't want to speak to people who don't understand your haircare journey. Voicing your concerns within the haircare forums amongst positive and supportive women who are on their journeys, as well; will most certainly help you get past this difficult phase.
