1. Understand why you want to start a HJ - Is your hair brittle, dry, too thin, dandruff, etc.? Hair issues such as the ones stated are some relevant reasons as to why one wants to start a HJ in the first place. Having taking good care of your hair, you may even find that you are retain length too!

2. Understand when you want to start a HJ - Schedule is important when starting a HJ because it helps balance out the necessary steps when caring for your hair, not to mention that if you don't you may easily get side-tracked with your top priorities, such as work and school. If you have a hectic schedule, your HJ is the minority. Consider simplifying your hair regimen if your schedule is heavy too. If you have little to no schedule, then you can (if you wish) consider your HJ a priority.

3. Know your hair texture - What do you do when you are interested in something you know little to nothing about? Research! It's always good to understand you mental and physical self and what works best for you, your organs, and your overall body and its' components; and in this case, the hair. I personally suggest looking over what hair type you are first because how can you know what products work best for you and your hair if you don't know which products benefit which hair types? I say this because there are some products out there that are potent with fine hair textures, rather than coarse-textured hair.

4. Understand the moisture-protein balance - This is maybe the ultimate reason as to why your hair isn't retaining the length it should in the first place (besides hair conditions). It's all about moisture-protein balance. Too much moisture among the hair will cause it to be more vulnerable and weak. Same with too much protein. The difference? Too much protein: the hair is very brittle, dry, easily breaks. Too much moisture: somewhat moist and elastic, but easily breaks. Solution? The strand test. You can do this whether the hair is dry or wet. Take (pull out) a nice strand of hair and just with your thumb and index finger, stretch each end SLIGHTLY (not too slow though). If it easily breaks, you need more moisture. This is because there is deficient elasticity within your hair. If it stretches too far,you need more protein. This is because there's too much of a rubber band trend going on with your hair. If the hair slightly stretches but goes back to it's length, it's in good conditions. ***more info on protein-moisture balance will be updated soon***

5. Research ingredients and hair products - Why would you put something in your hair you know nothing about? To get an understanding on what you should research first (this also depends on the individual), try oils; a good Google search would be something like "good hair oils" or "natural hair oils" (also looks for a specialty oil, such as something you may need to help with your hair problem). After doing so, research hair products that contains these ingredients.
There are many ways to do research, but this is just my strategy.

6. Research techniques that can help build/improve your hair regimen - I feel as though the techniques one incorporates into their regimen is the skeletal part. Here are the most common of techniques. Don't add too much where you would loose track of witch treatment/method to do next. I advise to have a minimum of one treatment, and a maximum of three.

7. Do a test-run before adding a technique to your regimen - Now this part is optional. I add in this help because I feel like you shouldn't just dive into something that you're new of, adding it to your regimen, and once you do it you will be unsatisfied with the outcome. It's all about baby steps with a Hair Journey too. Try a deep conditioning treatment for once. Do you like it? No? Okay, cross that idea out. Try the Hot Oil treatment. Like it? Yes? Okay, add it to your regimen!

8. Start your regimen - When it comes to having a Hair Journey, you should consider developing a hair regimen. A hair regimen is a list chart or a certain pattern you follow when taking care of the hair. Although a regimen can be structured any way an individual desires, it is important to have these key components

10. Network with others, share your story - Although this is optional, you never know what/who you can learn from in the near future! Plus, it's nice to have friends along any journey. Check out hair forums, blogs, and YouTube channels to start. ***recommendations will be posted soon***

• Try challenges and new techniques.
• Different products work for different people.
• What works for them may not work for you.
• Be patient. Patience is the key to any battle.
• Take before and after photos (they help and motivate).
• Take notes, do more research if needed. Ask questions.
• Anyone can start a Hair Journey.
• Learn from others (and get to know them) and their HJ.
• You MUST go through trial and error.
• Spread the word. Be inspiring.

Labels: hair, hair care, hair journey, help, information