Long Hair Don't Care: LOVING her hair!!! Starr1

I am LOVING Starr1's hair!!! Her hair and journey are aboslutely amazing and 100% inspirational!

How long have you been actively growing your hair?
I've been actively growing my hair since the summer of 2005, so it's been 4 years now.

Is your hair chemically processed? If so, how and how often?
No, my hair is completely natural.

What do you consider your hair type to be?
3b with a little 3c- I have deep s curls that spiral near the ends.

What length do you consider your hair to be now, and what length was it when you started?

When I started my hair was just above APL straightened and shoulder length when curly, now my hair is just past my tailbone-around midbutt when straight and around waist length when fully dry. I have a lot of shrinkage.

What is your current hair care regimen?

Cleanse I'm actually following a natural cleansing routine using difference herbal teas and powders about once a week and doing water only on non cleansing days. On occasion I will use a shampoo bar though if I truly need it, like after swimming.

Condition I condition my hair at least once a week with a tea rinse, sometimes with honey and seal with my own whipped shea butter blend.

Care I generally just use my fingers to comb my hair in the shower, but if I'm going out I prefer to use my wide tooth comb and my Denman to get some extra definition. I haven't straightened my hair in quite sometime now, but when I do, I just airdry in banded ponytails and then flat iron with my Corioliss. I keep meaning to do a rollerset, but I don't really have the time with two small children, a husband, and my own business to take care of - it would take too long to set and even longer to dry. As far as everyday styling I prefer putting my hair in updos using accessories that are very gentle and don't put excess stress on the hair such as hairsticks, hairforks, flexi-8s, hair slides, ribbon, magic-grip hairpins, and elastic bands.

Do you take any supplements?
I only take prenatals because I'm nursing.

Have you ever used topical growth aids? Which ones?
I actually make my own stimulating scalp oil, but I've never used anything else- I tend to shy away from commercial products because I prefer natural ingredients so most of the time I make my own.

How often do your trim, if at all?
I do trim, but far less often than would be considered normal. . . I only trim once or twice a year and then it's only a 1/4 inch at a time.

What is the best Long Hair advice you can give to those starting their hair journey? Try not to get overwhelmed and overcomplicate things. . . take it one step at a time and you'll make progress, slowly but surely. More importantly, be good to yourself. . . drink lots of water, maintain a balanced diet, and live well. When you are good to yourself it's reflected through every aspect of your life- including your hair.