1. I found your ad in "sophisticated black hair" and am very interested. My problem is that I live in London. On your web site you do not talk about any way I can get it in England. I want to thank you because by just following the advise of not using a brush and not cutting my hair I can say that I see them growing longer each time I'm relaxing it. Nevertheless, I am in desperate need of your book. If you can tell me how to order it from London that would be great. Thank for your commitment to black women hair and beauty.

I receive and fill orders from all over the world. On the website look on the left for "product ordering/info" button then click it. Under the book is a button that says "Add to shopping cart" you will be taken to a page where you select your country and your zip code. Enter this information and it will tell you how much the book is to ship to the UK. It is more cost effective to order the products in entirely as the cost to ship to the UK get lower the more you order.

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2. I wanted to describe my background and hair-care routine to you a little and get your thoughts. I am 27 years old and once upon a time (about 10 yrs. ago) had really long hair - down to about the middle of my back. It was fine, so never really thick, but a very nice texture and beautiful when straight. I went away to school and the well-water on campus did a real number on my hair.

I try to tell people that they cant blame the environment. Learn to care for your hair where ever you are. Then select good products. I talk about this in the book.

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3. Since returning home after completing my graduate studies, I have been trying desperately to grow my hair back. It's trying to make a come-back now, but it's still not where it should be. I have not received your book in the mail yet, but as I await its arrival I have made some interim changes. I am washing my hair once a week (my hair is relaxed but I still press it lightly, which lasts about 2 days),

MISTAKE - NEVER press chemically processed hair! NEVER - it destroys it.

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4. If our hair goes through a natural cycle, does that mean that our hair has a defined, limited, maximum length that it can grow?

Yes

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5. OK, so we don't see our white and asian sisters using hand stimulators and consulting dermatologists (as Barry prescribes) but neither do they particularly HAVE TO abstain from heat appliances, brushes or any other steps that may be outlined in the book. I was thinking that perhaps our hair structure is different so we need to take better care. BUT THEN AGAIN HAIR IS HAIR!! or? what do you think?

Any hair that is blown dry every days suffers from drying out without replaced moisture. The curl pattern in whites, Indians and Asians makes their hair not as dry. Consider this example, I had a white friend with beautiful long almost waist length hair. On the top there were split hairs all over her hair (I could tell by the little white spots on the ends of the hair). Underneath the hair this problem had not occured. The result was the brush. It was breaking and splitting the hair on the top hair while the hair underneath was not brushed and did not suffer the same splitting. The affects of the blowdryer and the brush inflict the same concerns for them as for us but Dry hair like we have causes even more problems when we abuse it.

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6. First I would like to thank you again for your book and your products. I have been following your system since June and I am amazed at the results. My hair is the healthiest it has ever been. My friends and family are so impressed and I have gotten several people to try the system also. I have been going longer and longer between touch ups. This is an accomplishment for me because I used to get touch ups every four weeks without fail. I am currently at week seven. My question deals with getting the hair straighter. My sister in law suggests using an electric straightening comb. Her logic is that the comb doesn't get any hotter than a regular curling iron but that I would be able to get the roots straighter. My sister is totally opposed to the idea. She says the comb will be hotter and will damage my hair. What is your opinion on the subject.

Yvette, Under NO circumstances should you put any type of straightening comb in your relaxed hair! It will destroy it. I know your intent is to only touch up the new growth but the comb will touch the processed hair and destroy it. No pressing combs at all on chemicalled processed hair it will cause you MAJOR breakage.

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7. I am in college and i work so only have time too wash my hair once (twice if i'm lucky) a week. my head starts to itch alot and i scratch it ...sometimes profusely and my scalp is a bit sore. It just itches so much . can scratching to much affect my growth results or make me lose extra hair? what do you suggest i do??

Candice, washing once a week is fine. As I get closer to a retouch I find I need to wash more often because of the need to scratch also. Scratching too much will do nothing to the growth rate. Friction in the same area of the head, same spot can result in hair loss if it is not stopped. Take for instance if a person rubs their head vigorously in the same spot day in and day out. This will result in the hair permanently disappearing from the spot as a result of friction. You may also have an allergic reaction to the products you are using. Try changing your shampoo or use a clarifier to see if this helps.

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8. I would like to start off by saying thanks for everything. I followed everything you told me to do. I threw out the oil sheen and purchased some of the John Freda corrector serum you suggested, (it was a little expensive :), but that is ok, it was worth it. My hair feels so healthy and it actually looks like I went to the beautician. Thanks so much Cathy. I was wondering, is the only way you can tell if your hair is growing is by the amount of new growth at your roots?

Yes, this is the only way to tell if your hair is growing by the new growth at the roots

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9. Does the hair grow even if you don't have a lot of new growth at the roots?

Hair grows at the scalp (roots) so it is the only way to have growth is at the scalp (new growth at the roots)

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10. HELLO,CATHY,GREAT JOB WITH YOUR BOOK. I AM SO HAPPY SOMEONE CAME OUT WITH A SATISFYING BOOK ABOUT BLACK WOMEN HAIR NEEDS.THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR THIS MISSION.I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER EVERY TIME WHEN A RELAXERS IS APPLIED TO THE HAIR IS IT NECESSARY TO TRIM ENDS, AFTER THE CHEMICAL HAS BEEN RINSED OUT AND BLOWDRYED.WHAT IS YOUR COMMENT ON THIS MATTER?

No it is NOT necessary to trim after every relaxer. That is a myth that is perpetuated by the hair care industry. Have your ends trimmed when YOU want them trimmed. It will not hinder hair growth to keep split ends on your head. Hair does not only split on the ends - it can split anywhere along the hair shaft. If it splits in the middle are you going to have your hair dresser trim it clear up the hair shaft - NO. Stop the damaging things you do to your hair and you will avoid most splitting hair problems.

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11. I never thought I would be asking this question, or need any kind of help where my hair is concerned. I've always had a lot of hair. It's always been very strong and healthy. However, that's not the case anymore. More specifically, I was wondering what information you could provide to me on the hair line. I have always had extremely long hair and still do and it does go through stages of growth and shedding. Recently, I'd say in the last couple of years, I've been experiencing a considerable amount of breakage around the hair line all the way around from the front to the back. The top and back of my hair is very long and the front, front sides and the back base is very short. I don't know what to do. I take really good care of my hair, I always buy the best products, do deep conditionings every week and rarely blow dry or use heat products. I usually wrap my hair at night, because it's convenient, quick, and in the morning it's easier to manage. Can you give me some insight on what could be going on with my hair line or the hair line in general? Thank you - T

Brushing, braids, weaves, glued on hairpieces, improperly applied relaxers and medications can all contribute to hairline loses as well as hair loss all over the head. Just because you deep condition does not mean the products you are using are benefiting your hair. It is up to you to find out why you have this problem. Start with my book.

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12. Hello Ms. Howse. I'm a 13 year old girl and I found your website on the internet. It's the most brilliant hair advice I have ever seen/read. I just ordered the book and I won't get it for about 2 weeks. I want to know is it okay if I press my hair with a hot comb or curling iron every 3 days after I wash my hair. My hair has grown 2.5 inches from June to August. So i want to make sure pressing it won't damage it or weaken it all over again.

Amber, do you have a relaxer? If you have a relaxer under no circumstances should your hair be pressed at any time! If you simply press your hair (to make this easier for you to follow) I would recommend you wash and press your hair only once a week. Too much heat is very damaging. In my book I say to wash your hair every 3 days. Can you wash and press every 3 days, absolutely. But pressing the hair is very time consuming and having done it myself as a young girl, I know the amount of time it requires.

I wash my relaxed hair Wednesday and the weekend but I realize sistahs with press and curl hair will have to press more often when you follow my requirements. Just be very careful with the pressing comb because extreme heat can also be damaging but I too pressed my hair as a little girl because that is what I was taught to do. When I became old enough to make decisions about my hair I choose a relaxer. I did not know how to take care of my hair with a relaxer so like everyone else, it broke off and was very short until I finally figured it out. But that is the reason I researched our hair and found out the hows and whys of taking care our hair no matter how you style it (relaxed or pressed)

When you receive my book your eyes will be immediately opened. After you read it please write me again and tell me what you think. Then write me after you follow the system for a while to let me know about your progress.

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13. FIRST OF ALL I JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS FOR ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE PROVIDED THROUGH YOUR WEBSITE AND BOOK. I HAVE ORDERED BOTH THE CONDITIONER AND THE DEW, AND HAVE BEEN PLEASED WITH BOTH. MY QUESTIONS ARE CONCERNING MY PROFESSION WHICH REQUIRES ME TO LIVE IN SPAIN FOR 9 MONTHS OUT OF THE YEAR. I AM A PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER WHO PLAYS IN EUROPE AND THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE IS NOT BEENING ABLE TO SIT UNDER A DRYER TO DEEP CONDITION MY HAIR AT ALL. I HAVE TRIED TO BRING MY DOME DRYER OVERSEAS, BUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVER THERE IS NOT THE SAME AND IT BLEW THE FUSE IN MY DRYER. I WAS JUST WONDERING IF WEARING THE CONDITIONER WITH A PLASTIC CAP AND WRAPPING A TOWEL AROUND THE CAP WILL BE A SUFFICIENT SUBSTITUTE. IF NOT, DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS. THIS IS MY 5TH YEAR OVERSEAS, AND MY FIRST USING YOUR SYSTEM. I HAVE A LOT OF TIME TO DEDICATE TO TREATING MY HAIR DURING THE WEEK. I STARTED USING THE SYSTEM IN LATE JUNE AND MY HAIR IS DOING VERY GOOD NOW. I WILL BE LEAVING IN 2 WEEKS AND I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD BE DOING AND TAKING TO SPAIN BEFORE I GO.(NO DOME TYPE DRYER THOUGH)

I am delighted also that you find the products working for you! You can certainly put the plastic cap on and if you can heat the towel a couple of times (in a microwave or even in a sauna while you sit) you will get a much better benefit from the products. The hair of course needs to swell open with the heat and the products go inside.

I too experiened the appliances blowing out when I took my curling iron to the UK. Just ensure the hair is heated to get the most out of the products which appears to be what you are doing already!

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14. First off I would like to start off by saying that I love your whole idea for the book. I ordered the kit and I am now awaiting its arrival. I am so geeked about growing my hair back long again. I have a question though. My hair was braided for two weeks and I removed the braids the morning that I was getting my hair permed. I know that was a bad idea, but that was the only time I had to do it. After I got my hair permed by a beautician, I have a lot of perm sores in my scalp. I have had them before and they usually go away by themselves, but I was wondering since I am about to receive your kit maybe tomorrow or so. Would I still be able to start the process of hair growing even with the perm sores? What do you suggest, I don't have the book yet? They don't hurt and I don't think any of my hair is burned out or anything. I don' t want to start the kit on the wrong foot. Thanks so much Cathy for helping black women grow their hair, I know it will be well worth the investment.

Using my products with your condition will not be a problem. You might want to put some Neosporin ointment on the sores so they heal quicker. Although I dont advise putting grease on the scalp, the neosporin only on the sores will assist healing.

I feel someone had to find the truth and bring it to the Sistahs of the world. God did not say that only White women, Indian women and Asian women can have long hair and not Black women. I knew there had to be a reason why we have short hair. I believe this message is a divine message and I feel blessed to be the one to take it to the Black women of the world! Much success to you and let me know of your successes.

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15. I'm just surprised I haven't heard about you before if you have been this successful. This is just what African Americans have wanted since the beginning of time. You should have cornered the market by now and made weaves a thing of the past.

I too thought this would happen when I developed the system in 1985. Knowing marketing was key I stuck with it. Being on the internet is what has made me very successful in the past 5 years. It also had a slow start because of skeptcism because we have been lied to so much. And finally because I am not in the industry most hairdressers hate what I do because they say I am taking money out of their pockets teaching you how to take care of your hair. So needless to say the industry trys to denounce what I do because they did not develop it.

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16. Look at the money being spent on braids and weaves. This should be in your pocket. I don't think anyone would prefer a weave over real hair growth.

Contrary to what you think - a lot of women prefer to wear fake hair even after they find my system because they know nothing else. Many prefer instant hair. It is in their opinion easier to take care of. Many have lost hair due to the fake hair and it wont come back so they use my products but keep the fake hair in. The women who refuse to wear fake hair who find my sytem are delighted to have found something that finally makes sense. It does require patience and many people dont want to take the time to make it happen.

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17. Why don't you Advertise on television? (we have money and will pay for something that works).

I HAVE recently produced a TV commercial. My TV commercial aired Sept 2002. It was be in NY mostly as this is where the Nielson rating stated I will get the most bang for my buck. It costs a lot of money to advertise on TV. The commercial itself being quite expensive did not cover airtime. I do intend to do more TV ads in select markets.

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18. Why dont you travel across the country demonstrating your products?

I began traveling around the country May 2002 to inform sistahs this is real. I go to Sistahs conventions, and Black Expos in large black cities.

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19. Why dont you pay actual successful clients to bring pictures on the road with you?

I will not pay for testimonials nor will I pay people to travel with me. Paid testimonials are just not what I want to associate with my products. And it will not ensure me success even if I did. People hear me speak at these conventions and many are moved when they hear me because they know I know what I am talking about when they listen. Many even have to stick their hands in my hair to ensure it is not weaved in, sewn in or glued in because we have been lied too so much. Bring/paying others on the road with me is not a viable solution and will not ensure people will be moved to purchase so I refuse to waste my money.

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20. Why dont you put pictures with all your testimonials on the Internet?

I have repeatedly asked customers for before and after pictures and have recently gotten some. One lady did send me her pictures but was a model and wanted to be paid for using them. (update - Cathy's Cyber Successes coming soon - Sistahs are finally sending in their pictures!)

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21. Cathy for me it's just great that i have discovered your book .I feel very confident now dealing with my hair although am just starting your program.I know you say keep mail short but i think my questions are abit different and i hope that you can help me out. I am a kenyan lady living in the Dubai,UAE, where as you know is a desert and very hot.I have relaxed my hair because african natural hair is impossible to deal with.My first question to you is what to do after shampoo and conditioning and air drying because my hair is too puffy when it dries. Setting it under a dryer makes it stay straight and wavy. Can you advice me on how to keep it straighter without getting under a dryer.

Have you tried the Dew? It softens the hair and helps extend your relaxers. I recommend after the hair is washed you spray the Dew on then air dry or use the dome type dryer. The curling iron straightening technique in the book will make the hair straighter and more managable even without the hooded dryer.

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22. After reading your book, ultra black hair growth 2, every thing makes sense now but i tend to think my hair texture is not like african americans,it's more curly or coarse if that's the right definiton.Please help me out because to follow your program correctly, that's my set back.

Mercy there are 4 hair types and I submit that you are a type 4B (see Andre Walkers book that I talk about in my book in the last chapter) Your hair type is drier than a type 4A but common sense will tell you to increase the moisture to keep it on your head. The best thing that you have found is my book to help you understand your hair. Just keep in mind that your dryness can be eliminated by increasing the moisture. Many women that have your hair texture have benefited by my techniques and I know you will too.

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23. My second question is about water. The water here is desalinated and everybody tends to think that it is the number one cause for hair breakage. People say it is too hard.I don't know what to think .

Dont blame the environment for your hair troubles. That is not the problem. Caring for your hair appropriately is the key and you have found the answers in my book. Use the system then you decide if your friends know what they are talking about. I say they dont know because if they did, they would not have hair problems if the solution they had offered worked. (not washing the hair was their solution.) It is ignorance that keeps our hair in bad condition and you now have the truth.

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24. Most of my friends don't want to wash their hair here and only do it when they have no choice. What do you think Cathy?

Baloney is what I think and that is the reason we have no hair!!!

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25. I recently ordered your products including looking for a way to grow my hair. I am only 13 years old and due to what I think was a cause of damaged hair my once long and quick growing hair started to drop and bald in the back and around the sides. The top of my hair reaches to just below my neck but its just that there is nothing in the back of my head growing. I read your book in one night eager to find out what how I could help my problems. The book has been a great help and the Dew I found softens and moisterizes my hair nicely, seeing how dry and brittle it was before and dropping all over the place.When I got the chapter about Not Using Brushes I was willing do do whatever it takes to grow my hair, but, my hair is very rough around the edges and I find it very hard for them not to be seen without brushing and I'm trying not to use perms on my hair. Do you have any suggestions? I am going to try your suggestions and I'm sure they will be helpful.

Zehira, I am proud that at such a young age you are taking control of your hair. It is because of improper care that you are experiencing the problems you have. Now that you have read my book and know what you can an can not do I believe you will be successful with your hair care if you continue to apply the techniques offered in the book. Reread the book often so you dont forget what the requirements are. I am glad you found the Dew to be beneficial to your hair.

On brushing - you know what I say about that. I dont even own a brush I use a wide tooth comb to get my hair in place and nothing more. Get yourself a hair polish. Hair polish smoothes the hair and also makes it soft. Dont mistake it for moisturizing though. It is merely a cuticle smoother. I use John Freida Relax - serum corrector which you can get in Walgreens. I really like it and it adds a nice shine to the hair while also helping to make the hair soft and not frizzy looking. Let me know what you think about this and I hope it helps. Keep working with the system and I believe your hair that you mentioned is gone will return (did you get the conditioner?) The conditioner will really help your hair by improving the dryness in your hair thereby helping you keep it on your head and adding the length you seem to want again.

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26. It's a shame Cathy that it took you 14 years to grow your hair!

It did NOT take 14 years to grow my hair to the length in my pictures. My natural hair life cycle is 2-3 years. The pictures you are talking about show 2-3 years of growth although I have been growing my hair for 14 years the natural life cycle is what determine everybodies length! Read my Hair care tips as I have already answered this question many times!

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27. I just had hair shreaks(hair color) put into my hair and the hairdresser told me I had to wait 2 weeks before I can get an touch up. Can I hot press some of my roots before I get this touch up.

Under NO circumstances should you ever press chemically processed hair. Even putting the highlights on your hair then the relaxer a couple weeks can destroy the hair that has been highlighted! Double processing - lightening then relaxing can disintergrate your hair! Very very few are able to double process successfully! This is why WE have no hair!

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28. Can this product be used if you have a dandruff problem?

Yes it is recommended you read the book first because what you are characterizing as dandruff may be a build up and I talk about that in the book.

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29. For at least two years i have had a problem with my scalp itching. this itching is about to render me bald in the middle of my head. the doctor i went to who barely touched my scalp said it was the beginning of alopechia my hairdresser says its nerves, well i don't think so. i don't believe it's either one. i don't know if you have researched this problem in your book at all, but maybe you might have some insight as to why my scalp itches this way. and what kind of treatment i can do to stop it. it feels as though something is crawling inside my scalp. also if you don't have the answer maybe you know someone who does.

Have you tried a dandruff shampoo? You may not have dandruff but a build up on your scalp. I have never tried Nioxan shampoo (not sure of spelling) It is a shampoo that studies were done and found that some balding and thinning was caused by a bug on the scalp! I know only what I have read so you might want to go to their website. Type Nioxan in your browser and a link should appear for their website.

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30. I have had alopecia for a long time (5 years+) on the top of my head that may be due to beautician musical chairs, but they have grown my hair to shoulder length, provided I wear an updo hairstyle or tease the area. I have tried every product known to man to correct this problem, seen every doctor, but unsuccessful every time. Will your book, conditioner and dew (do the job) or will I just have to face that there is no solution but (hair transplant or weave?) to achieve healthy, thick hair as others once were so envie of.

The longer the hair has been gone, the likely possibility it is gone for good. My book will open your eyes and stop you from doing further damage to your hair. My conditioner will improve your dry hair as well as the dew. As far as a solution for returning your missing hair, none of my products will work at improving that. The thing that I will promise is that after you read my book you will be able to identify why you have your hair loss and how to prevent further problems.

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31. My hair breaks the most when it is still wet and I comb it out. I have a wide toothed comb, but it is still always full of hair. I have been following your program for about 2 weeks. I just got a relaxer about 2 weeks ago also. What do you think the problem is and what can I do to fix it?

Stop combing your hair when it is wet especially if it is relaxed! I never comb my hair wet! Ensure you are washing in the shower so your hair stays hanging down and not piled up on your head like we used to wash our hair in the basin. As my book instructs, in the shower is the best place to wash your hair then you avoid tangles that need to be combed out while wet.

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32. Hi I've been trying to get my hair to grow for years yes, years. It just seems like it just doesn't want to grow. I tryed Magical Gro, African Pride everything. So can you please help me help make my hair grow.

My system is proven. I dont tell lies of give you gimmicks. Just reading my book will tell you that a product is not just the only thing we need to keep our hair on our heads and add length. Read my REAL testimonials on my site if you have not done so already and get a hold of a copy of my book for some real insight!

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33. Cathy, What do you do with your hair at night? I have been wrapping my hair at night, because I dont want to apply heat to it every morning. I believe that the wrapping is making my hair become thin. I can't sleep with my hair just out because it will sweat and be a mess in the morning. What do you advise black women to do with their hair at night?

I advise you to use a bonnet or night cap on your hair at night to prevent the hair from matting. The wrapping is not making it thin. It is probably lack of protein. Deep condition with my conditioner to correct that problem.

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34. In your book you said that instead of trimming your ends, you occasionally get one of your freinds to just even them out. I don't trust any of my freinds enough to do it. Could you tell me how to even my ends out by myself?

Sorry Stacy but that is not possible. You need to see behind your head and it is just not possible - even with a mirror!

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35. I ordered your products and book on 7/15/02 I have a question for you; My hair tangles very badly when I wash it, and I find I am combing a lot of it out ;-( I have tried everything. Can you please recommend a shampoo that would help keep me from tearing out my hair.

Please dont comb your hair while it is wet! If it is damaged it will break! Get yourself a hair polish like John Freida Serum Corrector (at Walgreens) It is a cuticle smoother. It will smooth your tangles - and again stop combing while wet!

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36. I am currrently a user of your dew. I have had less breakage however i am experiencing hair loss of many strands with the white bulbs at he end. I am only 23 and am not sure what the problem is. I just ordered some of your conditioner to stimulate my scalp. Is this normal hair behavior? i know hair has a life cycle but i am worried.

The white bulb is shedding/part of the natural life cycle. If you are getting handfuls you should worry, however, I bet you are having mostly breakage.

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37. I have read your book and I'm anxious to start your system. I am working on learning to take care of my hair on my own. I'm going off to college in August and probably won't have the money to keep it done all the time. I have a few questions for you: - When should I expect to see results? ( ex. hair thickening, more new growth after a few weeks?)

Most people see an immediate result - the products we have used in the past have provided no benefit for our hair.) My products actually give you what we need to improve our hair condition. The protein will help to thicken the hair shaft and your hair will look better maintained.

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38. Also because it is summer and extremely warm, lately I have been washing my hair every other day if not everyday. Is this damaging to my hair? (When I do this, it is air drying, no blowdryer)

Washing your hair every day is not a problem (look at white people -if this was a problem, they would all be bald headed) It is not how often you wash your hair that causes the problem, it is what you wash your hair with. You can wash your hair every day and apply a conditioner to your hair (not UBH conditioner) that rinses out in the shower. This will help to smooth the hair. But you still must do your deep conditioning treatments at least 1 X per week.

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39. I noticed in your book you thanked Jehovah. Are you one of Jehovah's Witnesses?

I know who Jehovah is. I am a messenger and my path is guided by him I will continue to manifest his name in this work to the last breathe in me.

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40. Does pressing the hair change the chemical bonds in the hair? An article in Hype Hair recently said it did?

Pressing creates a temporary changing in the chemical bonds of the hair. Hair that is simply pressed without a chemical application can not permanently alter the hair, I don't care how many years you press it. Pressing does not permanently change the chemical bonds in the hair. If you apply a chemical and then heat the hair with the product on it, then a chemical change occurs to the hair bonds that can be permanent.

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