The neutral henna I was using for conditioning treatments was discontinued, so I tried something different this time.  It is called Lights & Brights from Sally's.  I mixed it with a jojoba hot oil treatment and sat with the heating cap on for 30 minutes.  I am not impressed at all.  The Hennalucent always left my hair so soft & full of body.  I am going to have to find an adequate replacement.  I have no idea what is going on with my hair, but it is driving me crazy.  I was so frustrated with it over the weekend that I almost chopped again.  I really think our water softener is not working, but my husband insists that it is.  We argued over this a couple of years ago & I ended up right about it not working.  It is getting pretty old & probably needs to be replaced, but they are so expensive.  I would really like to find an alternative such as an ionization system or even magnetic, which I have been reading about so I don't have to deal with the chemicals. 

I can't wait until I have something good to post again.  It seems like all I have done is gripe about my hair for the past year.  I am going to change my routine & try not using sulfates again to see if it makes a difference.  I am going to order some of Ida's shampoo bars again even though I did not like them for my hair before. 

My hair journal: http://www.network54.com/Forum/496746/

1bniii Hair Type - Length: 45" Goal: 48" Products - Currently Using:
Lush Shampoo bars (Karma,Godiva)
Nature's Gate Herbal Conditioner w/Jojoba
Rose/Lavender vinegar rinses
Monoi,coconut or jojoba oils
Shea Butter Creamy Souffle as pre-wash
BB Brush rarely Horn Combs
Routine: Wash 1-2 times weekly. Deep condition with heat cap when time permits Use either Monoi or coconut oil daily on ends. Jojoba or Shea Butter as pre-shampoo conditioner. I usually use a wide tooth comb but will brush with BBB now & then. Braid before bed and use oil on ends.

I am going to be varying my routine a lot to see what changes will work for my hair.  I ordered some of Ida's shampoo bars to try out again.  Even though we have a water softener, I don't think it is working properly.  I ordered a shower filter and put it on today, so I haven't tried it yet.  It is only supposted to filter out chlorine, so I don't know if that will help, but I had read so many reviews of how it really helped others with their hair & skin, so I am hoping for a miracle.  It can't make it worse anyway.  I also noticed that Lush is now offering most of their shampoo bars free of sodium lauryl sulfates.  I still have 2 bars I need to use up before ordering more, but I can't wait to try them out. 

Here is a photo of my baby kittens that I feel is absolutely relevent to this site as they do have long hair:)   You will see in the slide show below that they love to play in my hair.

I forgot to measure my bangs when I cut them, so I don't know how much growth I have gotten.  I will measure on 5/1 when I measure the length so I can start keeping track.  Here is a slide show of my bangs and how I am styling my updos with them.  I was having trouble doing many styles because the bangs would stick out everywhere, so I started keeping the bangs out and doing the style on the rest of my hair and then clipping the bangs over and tucking them under the buns and it is working out well.

http://s82.photobucket.com/albums/j247/meowgoddess/?action=view&current=647acc42.pbw

My hair journal: http://www.network54.com/Forum/496746/

1bniii Hair Type - Length: 45" Goal: 48" Products - Currently Using:
Lush Shampoo bars (Karma,Godiva)
Nature's Gate Herbal Conditioner w/Jojoba
Rose/Lavender vinegar rinses
Monoi,coconut or jojoba oils
Shea Butter Creamy Souffle as pre-wash
BB Brush rarely Horn Combs
Routine: Wash 1-2 times weekly. Deep condition with heat cap when time permits Use either Monoi or coconut oil daily on ends. Jojoba or Shea Butter as pre-shampoo conditioner. I usually use a wide tooth comb but will brush with BBB now & then. Braid before bed and use oil on ends.