What should I be doing to my hair?

[*~Mocha~*]

What should I be doing to my hair!?
Product recommendations will be appreciated.

I style my hair in a bun/pony every day. I don't spend a lot of time on my hair and want it to grow! I am natural so dont really know how to care for it. I use this product by curls from target to lay my hair flat with Eco style gel everyday. I don't see breakage so that's good? Right? I wash about once a week with herbal essences and style it right back to the same bun. My hair is stuck at the same length. I don't deep condition, oil , steam or anything extra. What should a daily , weekly or monthly routine consist of? Doesn't have to be product specific. I'm almost shoulder length stretched but want a lot more length and health.

 

[Evolving78]

you need to start deep conditioning your hair. this will help to retain length. also, how are you styling your bun? is it tight? do you use a ponytail holder and then wrap it around? do you place you bun in the same position everyday?

 

[NappyNelle]

Start deep conditioning weekly, and use a clarifying shampoo at least 1x a month. Eco gel and Herbal Essences products can cause immense build up on the hair. Release the bun and shed hair often. Move it's position to not cause breakage.

ETA: Search for the Bun Challenge for more tips and tricks of daily bun wearers.

 

[PJaye]

Author and LHCF member Audrey Sivasothy (aka Sistaslick) is an excellent source of information and has written a book and a series of articles on this topic - how to structure an effective regimen and maintain the protein-moisture balance, which are provided below.


http://blackhairscience.com/regimen_building_basics.html

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-fine-art-protein-moisture-393904.html?cat=69

http://www.amazon.com/Science-Black-Hair-Comprehensive-Textured/dp/0984518428