5 Products that Helped Me Finally Part Ways with Hair Extensions • Southern Chick Journal

For about 10 years, I was a hair extensions addict. I spent thousands of dollars to achieve the long blonde locks I desired, but all at the expense of my natural hair. My constant use of hair extensions only made my already-thin and brittle natural hair worse…to the point to where my hair was so damaged, I started developing bald spots!

Oh my word! Hair extensions helped me achieve the long blonde locks I always wanted. They gave me confidence on the outside, but I knew the truth…I had extremely thin and damaged hair.

If you look closely at the top of my head in this photo, you can see my natural hair and just how short it actually was due to breakage (only about 6 inches long or so). I literally reached my breaking point with extensions.

Goodness gracious, was it ever time for a change. I knew breaking free from hair extensions wasn’t going to be easy, but this Southern gal was up for the challenge! The entire process took two years. I’m so much happier with my natural hair today.

Me today all natural! Two years in the making but I got my natural hair back!

From Tape-in to Clip-in Hair Extensions

How did I do it? By taking baby steps! I started by switching to clip-in hair extensions instead of the tape-ins. The tape-ins were great and made me feel like they were actually my real hair. But, as the saying goes, all good things must come to end, and when it was time to take them out for maintenance, my real hair came out with them! Of course, a lot of it was normal shedding, but after a year, little bald spots began appearing where the tape-ins ripped out my natural hair. I wasn’t ready to part with hair extensions cold turkey, so I switched to clip-ins.

Clip-ins were a lot more gentle on my scalp. Each night, I took them out so my hair could have a break. I wore 8 tracks of Remy natural hair clip-ins I purchased for $120 at Sally’s Hair Supply. I replaced them every 2 months to keep them fresh. During that time, I also started using a few new products to give my natural hair a boost.

Bye, bye extensions! The day I decided to lose my clip-ins full-time too! My natural hair is finally long and healthy!

Top 5 Must-Use Hair Products

These 5 products are GAME CHANGERS for my hair (plus links to where you can purchase them too — I have no affiliation with any of the below products, I just wanted to share with you what products I have found work best for me!)

1-It’s a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product: I spray this serum on after every shower. It detangles and conditions my hair great! Plus, it provides added protection against heat styling (which I eased up on too) – 18.99 for a 4 oz. bottle at Ulta

2-Nexxus Hydra-Light Weightless Replenishing System: This shampoo and condition combo helps strengthen my hair. After using it for a month or two, I started noticing my hair actually getting length to it! I’ve continued using this and my hair is now 8 inches below my shoulders…something I never thought would be possible for me without hair extensions. The products are a little pricey, but worth it.

3-Coco & Eve Like a Virgin treatment: I saw ad after ad on Instagram for this conditioner treatment and finally caved and bought some. So glad I did! I use this once a week and it truly leaves my hair super smooth and silky. It helps give my hair added moisture and nourishment, keeping it long and healthy.

4-Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder– I put a scoop of this in a cup of water every day and chug it down! It’s takes a few months to notice any change, but stay with it! Exciting new hair growth pops out of my scalp daily and the transformation is truly amazing!!

5-Sleep Cap: My new natural long locks can get tangled at night. So to protect them, I sleep wearing a silk-lined cap. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the most attractive thing, but in the morning when I take it off…my hair almost looks as if I already styled it!

Finally, while I was pregnant, I did not get my hair colored (I had also stopped using tape-ins by then too). During those nine die-free months, I gained about 5 inches of healthy shiny hair. The growth really kicked my hair transformation into high gear!

Me…8 months pregnant and embracing my growing belly and growing roots!

Finding a Happy Hair Balance

Today, I get my hair highlighted about once every 5 months. I just find it works best for me.

While I no longer wear hair extensions on a daily basis, I do wear one track of clip-ins for special occasions or times I have shoots for work (I host a television show here in New Orleans). I find it gives my hair added volume that I love.

At the end of the day, I have learned to love and embrace my natural hair and have found a balance that keeps my hair healthy and me happy!

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