1. I've been using your products religiously for the past 6 months, they work really well with my hair and I am very pleased with your product. I have also been following your hair care tips, I don't wash my hair twice a week, because I don't have a lot of time to wash hair, but I do wash it at least once a week. I also haven't used heat on my hair for 6 months. The only time I ever use heat is if I go to the salon...which leads me to my question. I just had the most horrible experience at a salon, where the hairstylist told me everything I was doing was wrong. She seemed disgusted and in disbelief that I didn't want her to curl my hair, after she had put an enormous amount of heat on my hair from a hairdryer. She also was very angry at me for not wanting to get my ends trimmed. She basically told me that all my length was ends, that it's dead ends, and my hair is not growing out healthy and that it's all going to fall out. She even had the nerve to tell me that my hair was breaking off, despite the fact that she was using a fine tooth comb on wet hair...I'm just really confused now, I admit my ends are not the greatest looking thing in the world, but your techniques and products have helped me keep my hair on my head with a relaxer. My hair has never been this long in my life, and I've been able to keep it this long with your techniques. I admit there are some parts of my hair that's shorter...but those are at the edges of my hair...where originally it was the kinky part of my hair on the sides..so I don't consider that breaking off. I'm just really frustrated, and wanted to ask you how you respond to people who complain about your ends? I've even seen people go as far as to say your hair doesn't look healthy, which really makes me angry because obviously you know what the heck you're doing and they don't.

It saddens me that there is so much ignorance about our hair in the very industry that is supposed to guide us. If YOU feel bothered by the straggle ends then my recommendation is to have them trimmed. Do not be pushed by some money driven hair dresser that wants to do nothing but claim that your new experienced growth is because of THEIR trims. You are experiencing the hatred that I too have experienced because I refuse to subject myself to THEIR ignorance. Your hair has improved because of these products and techiques. You are in control if YOU make the decisons about YOUR hair. You are on the right track, do not let a hairdresser sabatoge your journey!

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2. I appreciate the innovative and honest work you have done to help in the field of our hair. I am having a bit of trouble getting it all together with a hair professional. If they can do one thing they can't do another or won't do another. Example: If I can find a beautician that uses Affirm the other things that you list to help with growth are not things that they seem willing or able to do. Unfortuntely I have not met up with many beauticians that can apply and work a relaxer through in the time frame that you say is reasonable in your book. I have quietly observed so many operators "pull the relaxer all the way through" on every retouch. And trying to talk to them about not scrubbing through the hair, is met with something akin to hostility. They say things like I need to get the relaxer out real good. I even had one operator embarass me by laughing out to the operator in the booth next to her and snidely saying : Oh Lord, Miss gonna grow her hair long is worried , like it's going to grow to the ground if I don't get it clean. One operator actually told me that it was not really necessary to use neutralizer because the PH of water was able to neautralize the relaxer! I am so tired.. I was wondering would you be willing to share the name of your salon and operator. I am really tired of trying to be nice and giving up my money (and hair) to the folks around here.

You bet I will share my hairdresser with any one. For years I used Ed Gillispie. His number is on my website under the FAQ vendors of my products. You better book about 6 weeks out as he is and continues to get busier when people want to know who can they trust and I say ED! (It is my understanding that Ed no longer uses Affirm relaxer)

TLaNetra Kellar is another professional who has embrassed my methods. (303-757-7157). (Not sure if she uses Affirm) A number of sisters are traveling from other cities just as yourself because of the ignorance of the industry and the refusal to adopt common sense techniques in their professions.

BTW, the misinformed one that said water will neutralize the relaxer - STEAR CLEAR OF HER she is a hair disaster waiting to happen!

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3. Well, got my touch-up and guess what? My hairdresser said that I had approximately 2-3 inches of new growth! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! I am so proud, I don't know what to do with myself. But I've gotta tell you, while I truly love my hairstylist, Keisha, I still have question about her total knowledge of black hair. Don't get me wrong, she advises her clients to keep heat out of their hair as much as possible, and to deep condition their hair, but I get the feeling that she doesn't really know what a REAL deep conditioner is. She put this Aveda product in my hair called Curessence and told me it was a fabulous deep conditioner. Well, since I'd never heard of it, I asked to see the bottle. (To keep her from being too insulted, I asked her if it was a product that she has advised her clients to use between their hair appointments with her.) She said yes, that they all just LOVED it, because it gives the hair a great shine. Well, I read the instructions and SORRY, but it suggests leaving it in the hair for no more than 2-5 minutes. THAT AIN'T NO DEEP CONDITIONER, MAN!!!!! Long story short, I played along and said to her that she must have known the real benefits of the product and made her clients leave it their hair for 30 minutes, to which she agreed. (I'm shaking my head right now, Cathy.)

You are so right about your hairstylist and the 2-3 minute conditioner, I dont care how long you leave it on it is still an instant conditioner. The ingredients are in it to coat the hair, not improve the condition of the hair as we so desparately need! This still confirms that hairdressers may DO hair but they really dont KNOW hair!

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4. I was so happy to read your information on Growing Black Hair! I am a 1979 graduate of Pivot Point School of Cosmetology, but have not practiced since I adopted 5 drug babies 13 years ago. Recently, I have had such dramatic changes in my life...................I lost my home, here in Illinois (OLYMPIA FIELDS) to toxic BLACK MOLD..... EVRYTHING, EXCEPT MY SANITY. 4 OF MY CHILDREN, AND MY HUSBAND HAVE ACUTE ASTHMA.....(from the mold, and I have bronchitis, and a terrible rash on my legs. I started to lose very little hair during this episode in my life, but maintained the bulk of my hair with AFFIRM! (I WORKED FOR AFFIRM BACK IN 1990-1993, HERE IN CHICAGO........ IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL RELAXER EVER!!!!!!!!! LATELY, I HAD THE INFUSED HAIR WEAVE DONE (FOR LENGTH. I WAS USED TO ABOUT 2 INCHES BELOW SHOULDER LENGTH HAIR, AND THOUGHT IT WOULD BE O.K., BUT..................IT SEEMS TO BREAK MY HAIR OFF MORE. I LOVE THE LOOK, (IT REMINDS ME OF WHAT MY HAIR USED TO LOOK LIKE). To read that I can have my own hair back, made me cry..........( I just had my 8th surgery in 2 years, and then the loss of my home and belongings, didn't help. I have saved you to my favorites on my computer, and plan to order as SOON AS POSSIBLE! (I HAVE HEARD RAVED REVIEWS ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT). THANKS FOR MAKING SOME SUNSHINE IN MY LIFE........I HAVEN'T SAW IT IN AWHILE.

You need only give this a chance! It is the Industry that has kept us baldheaded and the addition of glued on hair makes it worse! Get to your local library, or get a copy of the book some way and learn how you can improve your life (and self-esteem) in the midst of so much adversity.

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5. I have been using your Products for about 4-5 months now. I love the Dew moisturizer and Conditioner. I have notice quite a difference with both products. In reading your book I thank you for bringing to light true knowledge about old myths. My mother was a beautician by trade, As a girl I would get my hair pressed and curled my hair would grow shoulder length and then break off . Then hair would grow back . But I always wondered why I couldn't get pass this length. When I got older my hair was permed and the same thing happened. But I was taught to brush my hair every night, grease my scalp, cut my ends about every 6 weeks and wash my hair only every 2 weeks. I would condition my hair with egg, mayonaise olive oil. But in reading your book I saw the errors I was making. I now moisturize , I do not brush my hair and I do not grease my scalp or trim my ends. My hair is getting strong and longer and is now pass my shoulders. My goal is to grow my hair as long as yours. Thank You so much for your Book ! Please come to Detroit this Year 2003.

Thank your Shirley for your wonderful testimony - I will put it on the website soon! Also if there is a black expo in the area, please let me know and I will investigate. Please keep me informed of your progress and hope to see you at a future Expo soon!!

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6. I wish I had heard about you sooner. I am glad you had info on your site about Barry Fletcher because I was about to set up an appointment with one of his stylists in MD. Now that I have come across your website I will be purchasing your system. I am very interested to know if and when you will be coming to the VA/DC/MD area?

Unless something comes up sooner, we will be in NY again (God willing) for the Circle of Sistahs every year. You dont need to be afraid of Barrys people or other hair dressers, but just ensure you watch them. I met Barry last October 2003 and of course he was not happy that I had reviewed his book the way I had. He is a very high profile brother and is in magazines giving advice. People have to know that he as a high profile professional is missing the boat on a few important things about hair care based on what is detailed in his book. If you are looking for a style I am sure they can hook you up but I would be reluctant to count on them to help me grow hair!

Here is my account of having met Barry Fletcher at 2002 Circles of Sistahs show in NY! This is the short version of how our meeting went, but you get the point:

I walked up to him and introduced myself (knew he wouldn't punch me in a crowd of people) and he had to think a minute where he heard my name before. He said he was on some island when his assistant phoned him and told him he had to handle this right away (I sent a copy of my review in to his office - he said she faxed it to him.) He proceeded to defend his book and he and his partner ripped into me (in a nice way) about who I thought I was. I merely reminded him that anybody can do a book review of a book and I chose to do one on his. He told me the Who's Who in the World people pay to get in it! (not true - you have to be nominated) He said he had only said good things about my book and this is the 2nd time I have trashed him. He said his reviews on Amazon were better than mine. (he apparently has not looked at our rankings - each month I consistently outsell his book). He told me that because he consulted with all these different people in his book that his book is the official guide for the black woman's hair. He also said that if we were on a panel he would tear me up. (How presumptious!) All in all it was not a bad meeting. It could have been worse. About 45 minutes later my sister came down the aisle calling for me to come back to the booth. It was a relief to finally be able to walk away. Yet, I still laugh in the face of adversity..........

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7. I can wait to order your products and your book, after reading over the testimonies and the reviews on amazon. I need these products badly. I had long hair all my life (I'm 37) until recently, when I went to a new hair stylist and was told that my hair was broken off and that it needed to be cut, my hair was almost halfway down my back, now it is just shoulder length.

What a tragedy! I would be devastated if this happened to me. If you had it once you can get it again. Just employ common sense methods and stay away from THAT hairdresser!

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8. My name is Danita I'm a licensed cosmetologist in the state of MD. I must say that I enjoyed your book and found it to be informative, even though in your book it seems that you have had hairstylist that don't agree with you. I am a cosmetologist who is not just interested in getting paid but am interested in the health of my clients hair. If possible I would like to know what the ingredients are in your conditioner and your dew. I am currently studing the different ingredients in hair care products and I totally agree with you on black hair and moisture. I am looking for a product that I can use on my clients as well as recommend the product for home maintenance however it has to be cost effective for me also. Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thank You!

Thank you for the compliment on my book. It is always exciting to see people in the industry embracing the method which obviously works but some refuse to even give it a chance because I am not part of the industry. You would not believe how many people call me from that area looking for the products. (just had a lady call today) Most people dont want to pay shipping charges but will because the products are the best out there at actually improving our hair. To review our product ingredients, go to the website product ordering page and click on the picture of the bottle of either product. It will take you to a page which details more about the products. (scroll to the bottom for the ingredients list)

Hairdressers that are afraid of losing clients dont care for me too much because I teach black women how to properly care for their own hair and add length if they want or just learn how to have healthy hair. The hair care professional who properly cares for their clients hair will not lose clients and will gain more by offering good products to sell to their customers. I know it is a divine message and the naysayers cant stop it.

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9. My hairdresser said my hair was breaking off (but to me it was longer and more healthy), so she trimmed it. She showed me were it was thicker closer to the roots but thinner as it got longer. So she trimmed it, a lot. She said i could be over conditioning it. i use your deep conditioner every 3 days. Is this too much?

It is NOT over conditioning, it is breaking along the hairshaft and lacking protein that makes your hair thinner at the bottom or the use of a hairbrush. If you have not read my book, I would suggest you do to find out what the requirements are for our a good hair conditioner.

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10. Cathy I will have to find a new hair stylist because my daughter shared what she had read in your book to the current one and she disagrees with what you have said about clipping the hair and almost everything. Since using your products my daughters hair has gone from shoulder length to the mid of her shoulder blades and that is in only 3 short months! She is not happy because my daughter use to go every other week for a shampoo and deep conditioner.

Typical response with the ignorance in the industry. If that lady is that upset with your daughter, dont EVER let her sit in her chair again because she will probably try to sabatoge your daughters results!!

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11. I've had long hair all my life. I'm 24 years old, & currently, it hangs down to my lower back. Now I want to cut it short (4 inches). I know so many black women out there constantly talk about their hair length & how they want it to be long, so some may think this a shame. I'm just sick of dealing with it. I first got a relaxer when I was 19 & have only ever used Just For Me Children's Relaxer. I always let it air-dry, and don't use any heat-styling tools except on the rarest occasions. I only use a brush every once in a while. Basically, my hair is relatively maintenance-free (except for relaxer touch-ups every 8 weeks or so.)

First of all, I would like to know if using a children's relaxer is really any safer/more gentle than any other no-lye relaxer.

Secondly, I'm afraid that if I chop off my hair, it will never grow back to this length. I've heard horror stories of black girls cutting off their long, HEALTHY hair, only to dreadfully realize that it's never going to grow back to its full length. I just don't want to wake up one day to discover that I killed my hair - that it's reached the end of any and all growth cycles, and if by some chance it does grow again, it will never reach farther than my shoulders. I must remark that I have NEVER cut my hair more than 1 inch to even up raggedy ends. I would be devastated if after 24 1/2 years of living with long hair 5 inches from my bottom, that it would NEVER be that way again.

Please, please give me some of your expertise so I can put this issue to rest!! Thanks, QJS PS I live in Denver, Co. Any recommendations as to a good, TRUSTWORTHY salon?

I dont think you will ever have to worry about not being able to grow your hair back to its longest length because it sounds like you have Type 3 hair. Which is not as dry as most African Americans. (also you cant "kill" your hair as hair is already dead!) If you are brave enough to get the Halle Berry cut and want to do it why should you not have it? Unless you are afraid you will miss your hair! Give a lot of thought to it because you yourself know how much your hair grows each time before you get the next retouch. Judging from your comments, your hair is about 24 inches or more. If your hair grows 1/2" per month it would take about 4 years to get it back. Can you live without that beautiful mane for that long if you suddenly wanted it back?

The ingredients in adult and children relaxers are the same. Put both boxes side by side and read the ingredients. Childrens relaxers in my opinion are relaxers marketed to childrens parents.

I have 2 salons in Denver I recommend. LaNetra Kellar is a stylist who has embraced my methods. My sister has used her and her hair looks great when done. I have used and recommend Ed Gillespie in Cherry Creek. If you are considering that cut I would recommend him. Only problem with Ed is you will need to book your appt about 6 weeks in advance! He is very busy but he is also very good! (you must tell him I sent you) He CAN and will create any hair style you imagine, and on ANY head. (Yes, he is just that good!)

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12. I came back from the hairdresser about 3 hours ago. I called her earlier and told her about your book and asked if she could use the Preservo. She said with the Affirm, she always uses it. When I got there this evening, my hairdresser coated my scalp with something that came with the relaxer. When I asked her about the Preservo to protect my hair, she said she had a hair protector that came with the Affirm, but it wasn't called Preservo, it had some other name that I never heard of. I think I will contact Affirm and ask if they're including a different hair protect with their relaxer. I did see the bottle and it was some kind of hair protector. It was sort of sticky and greasy and she coated my hair heavily with it. That's the first time she's ever put anything on my hair. I brought your book with me to show her, she didn't even give it a glance, which is not like her. Usually when I want to show her something, she's anxious to see it. I'm assuming she's already heard about the book. Anyway, I will purchase the Preservo myself and tell her to use it the next time.

After she finished putting the Affirm on, my hair, she had overlapped by 3". When I questioned her, she said I had a lot of new growth. I only had about 1-1/2". She put me under the dryer to condition my hair for 15 minutes and then after washing it out, put me under the dryer again to dry my hair instead of using the blow dryer. She put another leave in conditioner on my hair while it was drying. While I was under the dryer, another client came in with what I thought was a head full of hair, long and thick. She also got a relaxer. Her relaxer was overlapped about 3 inches too. After this woman's hair was conditioned for about 15 minutes, the hairdresser started clipping her ends. I don't know what kind of conditioner that was, but her hair didn't look that good. I had the same conditioner, but my hair looked better, probably because I've been using your conditioner and the mist spray. She cut very little hair off, but all the thickness of this woman's hair was in the upper part of her hair. The last 6 inches were terribly thin. Although she only clipped the ends a little bit, the ends of her hair still looked straggly, not like the rest of her head. I'm beginning to wonder if that's from all that overlapping of the relaxer.

I don't know what to do. One of the reasons, I stayed with this hairdresser so long was because she took great care to make sure the relaxer was washed out properly. But all that overlapping might be doing just as much damage. I've gone to a total of 7 hairdressers since I've been here and they all overlap heavily, maybe that's the way they're taught in the schools. Anyway, I do remember she used to only put the relaxer on about 1-1/2" when I first started going to her. I will make sure my next appointment is made in about 10 weeks, and ask that she only treat the new growth and no more. I should get my hair relaxed every 8 weeks, but don't because most hairdressers have a tendency to put the relaxer on too heavy. I'm wondering, maybe the reason why she overlaps so much is to make sure she gets all the new growth. There probably are parts of the hair that grows faster than other parts. Maybe she needs glasses. Anyway, I tip her at least 20%, so she should be able to spend an additional 5 minutes on me. Shes a very nice person and I don't want to offend her, but she did seem a little irritated that I was trying to tell her how to take care of my hair. I appreciate your advice and will let you know how the next relaxer goes.

The relaxer your hairdresser probably used was Affirms first relaxer. The one I last used (when I was relaxing my hair was Fiberguard.) The first Affirm relaxer did contain a pink product in the box that was put on the hair (Protecto) to protect the already processed hair. I also found it difficulty just keeping the product on my new growth but have found that it has not hindered my hairs health even if the product is put on already processed hair. I would definitely avoid the ends which was not difficult considering how long my hair was then. You will not be able to buy the Preservo as it is a product only sold to licensed hairdressers. Also if she is using the first Affirm relaxer, the Protecto is the right product for that version of Affirm.

As product manufactures of chemicals get smarter, they develop to protect the already processed hair because it is very difficult to keep the chemical off the already processed hair. Since your hair is in good condition from using the conditioner, and if you are not experiencing excessive breakage, you should be okay. Hairdressers hate when you try to tell them what to do but I feel it is a requirement since it is your hair and often they dont know what the heck is going on themselves. It does not surprise me that she was not receptive to my book or method. (you are right she may have already seen it and know I am not kind to ignorance) After all she thinks she knows more than you and I put together. If she know so much why is the other ladies hair straggly looking? Because of the lack of protein is my thought. Women who use my conditioner with braids tell me that when they remove the braids the hair closest to the scalp is thick and the hair that was under the braids is thin. The conditioner builds on the hair making it thicker. Hair that is covered by braids does not benefit from the product because it is covered up. If you think you can trust her, stick with her. If you think she is triffling, use her at your own risk. Continue to look over your shoulder at her because one mistake can set you back years!

The reason I have a problem with the average hairdressers is because they are always trying to skip steps. My own hairdresser said to me that you dont have to do that step now because it is not included in the box. Preservo is not included in any box of relaxer. You have to purchase it separately. Ensure she uses this. Grease is not going to provide the same benefit as the Preservo.

As you progress through the next few weeks, let me know how your hair is doing. I think you will find you will be okay. From what you have told me your treatments made a world of difference based on your observation of yourself and the straggley hair lady. You are on the right track. Dont get discouraged because the truth has set you free! Sounds a bit cliche but none the less it is the truth.

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13. I just recently saw your website and I must say that I am very impressed with your insight. I am 22, and have relaxed hair. My cousin is my hair stylist and sometimes, I question her judgment in providing the best hair care for my overly dry hair. My roots get very tight, dry and brittle, even right after it is relaxed. At one time, she changed from a no lye to a lye relaxer because she said it would provide a bit more moisture. Due to that, my hair has started to break increasingly. She says, not to worry, because 1. Your hair sheds about 50 strands a day and 2. My hair is still healthy around parts that have not broken off. I just recently sent a check for your conditioner and hope it will help. Will my hair have a hard time growing healthy and stronger and what do you recommend I do?

First I recommend you read my book. Unfortunately the industry can be our worst enemy. (Your cousin included) There is so much ignorance in the hair care industry and I am very vocal about exposing them. Obviously if they knew what they were talking about we would already have long hair! The book will open your eyes and you can stop your hairdresser cousin from ruining your hair.

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14. Yes, everyone is out to make money on "Black Women" because all "Black Women" want nice "Healthy" hair. Your picture on the home page of your website looks very much like a wig or a weave, that is not your hair!! Perhaps your book does give some advise worth putting in the pockets of those who "Want Long Hair", we need to be honest with people and honest with ourselves. It is also a shame it took 14 years for you to grow your hair that long!

I ordered your products sometime ago, I'm not trying to acquire "Long Hair" because I've always had it. However, I believe in having and maintaining healthy hair, so I will try new things. Your conditioner was the worst I'd ever used, it made my hair tangled and hard, I had to re-wash and apply another conditioner from another manufacturer just to get my hair back to it's original texture. I understand about "Protein" and what it is suppose to do for the hair, I've studied and researched hair extensively. What I do know is that "Protein" is not suppose to make the hair "Hard",.... stronger, but not hard!

Also, yes I agree that trimming does not make the hair grow faster, who ever said it does?? However, trimming aids in healthy ends which results in healthier hair and the growth will eventually become evident by this! I am not a "Hairdresser" but a "Scientist". As I have mentioned I have studied and study the hair extensively.

You are obviously mislead in your thoughts. However, thanks for your OPINION. It is obvious your research was not the same research I did. I have articles from leading hair care magazine that say to trim the hair to make it grow.

You are also wrong about my hair not being my own. My hair is NOT a weave. Also the conditioner was supposed to make the hair hard on purpose it is up to you to soften it. Perhaps you need to do more research because apparently you missed that point.

One final comment. It is obvious you are a hairdresser. On hair research - my research has afforded me placement in Who's Who in the WORLD 2003 for my hair care growth method where only 1 in 155,000 people on the globe are even asked to participate. I DID NOT see your name included so obviously your research was not as extensive nor valid as mine. In fact there are NO hairdressers included. Get my point? You are certainly welcome to comment that you dont like the product but your opinion should be kept to yourself on things you are not certain of.

You are welcome to return the conditioner for a refund. The book however can not be returned as you said you read it. I just get so tired of people challenging me and my work. Although the majority of people I deal with are satisfied with my products and what I have to offer considering what we have been offered all our lives. I realize I can not please everybody as there is never a true one-size fits all. I must interject here to say that somewhere along the way your research of hair should have taught you about the natural life cycle of hair so your comment about taking my hair 14 years to grow is also a problem with YOUR understanding about hair. I will refund the purchase price of the conditioner product if you choose to return it. I have some women who like the conditioner and others who only like the dew. I have to ask one more thing. When you wash your hair is it in the shower or in the basin? This is where I find that most tangling occurs with the use of the product when used on hair that is pulled over the head to wash and when the hair is extremely porous the cuticle raises up more causing the hair to tangle. I would like to offer the suggestion to use hair polish which is a cuticle smoother in the event this should happen in the future.

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15. I feel less anxious now, knowing that my hair does not NEED for me to switch chemicals. I know that you have probably heard it all, but would you believe that my hairdresser was telling me that she needs to switch the chemical back and forth between two different relaxers because my hair will "get used to a certain relaxer"? I have often wondered how this could be true, since new hair has grown in each time that I get a retouch. I believed that if my hairdresser was saying it, then it must have been true. Yet, you have used the same relaxer for years!!!

This just shows you how ignorant some of those people really are. And we are supposed to TRUST them!!! Know your hair girl and they can't snow you! Yep I have used my relaxer for years and will NOT change either because I know the effects of doing that. Changing different chemicals can destroy your hair.

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16. Cathy, you were so right about so many hairdressers!!! My hair dresser used to saturate my hair with those oil sprays. I asked her to stop, and she laughed at me. I KNEW Black people did not need all of that oil. Needless to say, I don't have to put excess oils in my hair. I moisturize everyday just like you said in your book. It's strange, because in my quest, it never dawned on me that I would need to moisturize every day. Thank GOD for you Cathy!!! My hair is not long now, but I know that it will be.

You said USED to which I hope means you dont use that joker anymore! God needed a big mouth messenger who is not afraid to tell the truth and dispel the myths that are associated with our hair and to expose the industry. I feel so blessed to be the carrier of the message!

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17. Help!! A week ago I went to the salon and got my touch up and after he washed my hair he blow dried it straight! Before i could even object he had began frying away!!! And after he did that he gave me this little lame flipp style and and charged me 85 bucks!! It didn't even seem like he cared one bit. He was about to put curls in my hair and that would have been even more! I feel like such a fool.. and now my hair is very brittle and is breaking easier than before. I had to moisturize it three times today! Do you think that the protein treatment along with your conditioner will help me recover my hair??? Also i have been looking for it and haven't found it yet is there any other protien treatment you can reccomend. Please help because right now i feel like such an idiot.

Protein treatments will be you saving grace! I unfortunately dont know, nor do I use any other brands besides Aphogee. Hurry out and get a bottle at Sally's in your area.

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18. I JUST LEFT AMAZON.COM. I ORDERED YOUR BOOK. i am 18 years old and nervous but need to do something about the condition of my hair. My former beautician told me if i got bonded weave my sides would thicken up and my hair would be thicker, but it broke out a big patch in the back, and that was in december. my hair is still thin. i bought some products today for my hair, when i order your book, do i need to take back these products (shampoo and conditioner) and replace them with yours? how long does it take for your hair products to arrive?

SONYA, The ignorance in the hair care industy is shocking. The person who glued in your hair is obviously ignorant and money hungry. You have taken the first step to correcting your hair care problems. The first step is getting an understanding of why their method of hair growth is wrong and will NEVER grow your hair out. The shampoo you purchased may be okay. The conditioner you purchased will probably serve no benefit to you because the products made for us are by whites and men. They dont use that stuff so it doesn't do anything beneficial for our hair.

When you get my book your eyes will be opened. Use the knowledge to regain your hair and ensure that the next hair dresser does what you say instead of what they feel like doing. You will be in control after reading my book.

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19. My hairdresser insists on clipping my ends every 4-6 weeks. She seems to cut more than what has grown in that time; consequently my hair has the appearance of not growing at all. I do NOT use hot curlers or curling irons on my hair; I have my hair professionally wet set each week and deep conditioned. I do not wash or style my own hair. I don't even use curlers in between salon visits. I do have an Affirm relaxer. Is all this clipping necessary? I would think that my hair should be in excellent condition because of the care it receives. How often should someone who gets deep conditioners each week and avoids heating appliances get their ends clipped? HELP, I want my hair to grow long!! Also, I am from the St. Louis, MO area can you recommend a stylist for me?

It is NOT necessary to trim your ends and it is advisable that you read a copy of my book to understand what other things the "professionals" are doing that could cause your hair harm and to appear to not be growing. Also ensure your deep conditioning products are benefiting your hair and that you are not just simply wasting your money. I do not know anyone in the St Louis area that I would feel confident to send you to.

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20. I went to a different stylist (not the same shop or same stylist I usually use) and she re-touched my new growth. I did think she left the solution in a little longer than usual, but stupid me, didn't ask what she was using. When she was finished, I was fine, no burning. Well, when I washed my hair the next two weekends, I suffered a lot of breakage and hair coming out at what seemed like the root! I've since returned to my regular stylist and she is giving me conditioning treatments, but my hair is extremely thin and lifeless now. I'd like to give my hair (what I have left) a rest so that it will grow back! I usually wear a ponytail toward the end of the week so my hair gets a break from handling, but is that ok for the length of time it will take to get my hair back into some level of health? I'd really like your thoughts and your advice...thanks!

Christine, It appears you have learned a lesson that I continually remind people of which is ensure that the product is the same one you always use and do not let them change it on you. What I would recommend you do at this time is go to Sally's Beauty Supply and pick up some Aphogee Reconstructor. Put the product on your hair after you wash it and let it dry hard. Do this for at least 2 -3 times (after each washing or until the breakage is under control.

When you say "rest" I am not sure what you mean. A rest from relaxers? Getting your hair back healthy will take some time to do but the reconstructor will help perhaps faster than just regular treatments.

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21. Someone told me I washed my hair too much. I wash it every three days and since my hair is severely damaged I deep condition it everytime. Also the lady that applies perms to my hair (and my two younger cousins) wants to trim our hair everytime she perms it and she takes away much needed length. Her excuse is my ends need to be trimmed because they don't look good. I also have another beautician who takes care of my trims and she told me that the other beautician is just scissor happy. I know you don't get trims to prove that it has nothing to do with hair growth but do you have any idea why this lady cuts my hair everytime she applies a relaxer? She says something about the weight of my hair needing to be on the ends. What does she mean?

Anybody who is telling you - you wash your hair too much - ask them if they have ever written a book on hair growth or researched it. The answer will probably be NO. - You can choose to follow a proven documented method or traditional baloney! Examine this statement -"the weight of my hair needing to be on the ends" - if it sounds ridiculous and suspicious -it probably is. Dont be so quick to accept something so ridiculous especially when it makes absolutely NO sense. I agree with the other beautician - the one who wants to always trim is "scissor happy"

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22. My hair designer wants to clip my ends and I really don't want her to. Looking at my ends it does needs it. She say that by my ends being split my hair will keeping splitting up, until it reaches the hair shaft. Is this true? Also what can I put on my hair to keep my ends in good shape? I know in your book you mention that clipping the ends is not required for growth.

Don't let her trim your hair if YOU don't want it trimmed!!! She works for you!!! She is also wrong about the splitting up the hair shaft. That is a myth that is perpetuated by the hair care industry. Hair doesn't only split at the ends, it can split anywhere along the hair shaft. Trimming the ends off is not a requirement for hair growth and don't let her fool you on that.
If you find you need more oil, add a little more oil to the conditioner. The only other thing I would do to the ends is put a little hair polish all over the hair and ends. It will help make the ends smoother.

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23. So I found your book, read it..and after three months of not having a perm I got one. My hair had grown a good 1 1/2" but my beautician who is my aunt cut 3/4" off. So my hair is almost the same as I started out with. This really has disappointed me b/c I specifically told her that I did not want to cut my hair at all. Should I try to talk to her about it or should I just switch beauticians?

Your call. She is your aunt and probably thinks she knows best. If you know she will not be receptive, change to someone you can tell what you expect.

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24. I recently found your website and proceeded to order your book, conditioning system and Dew. I am anxiously awaiting their arrival. I have had long hair on and off throughout my life. I've had it cut into a bob, I've had it layered, I've let it grow out and then cut it again to even it up. Recently, I went to my hairdresser for a trim and made the mistake of commenting on how much body her hair had. She then proceeded to layer my hair without telling me until she was finished. It has mostly grown out, but took a long time. The front is still slightly shorter than the back, which is past my shoulders. But right now it seems to be falling out at the root (it has the white follicle on the end), as well as breaking. My hairdresser said it is because of the change in seasons and will stop on its own. This has been going on for about 2 months. Needless to say, I am worried. I have tried a number of different shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers, but to no avail.

WRONG- The seasons have nothing to do with your hair breakage or falling out. Most of the products you have been using provide no real benefit for our hair. My conditioner will improve your dry hair condition and stop your breakage. If severe breakage presist, you will need a protein treatment.

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25. And on two occasions, when I have gone to my hairdresser for a touch-up, she had to put baby powder in my hair after shampooing because she said my hair was so dry that it was sucking up the oils from the relaxer. I did not over-grease my hair in spite of this because it becomes to stiff.

Baby powder? I have NEVER heard of this technique. You might want to find someone else to do your hair. This sounds suspicious and I always watch out for the suspicious hair dressers who do ridiculous things like this!

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26. WANTED TO GIVE YOU AN UPDATE ON MY HAIR: REMEMBER YOU TOLD ME TO ASK MY HAIR DRESSER ABOUT USING A NEUTRALISER, WELL I AM NOT REALLY SURE WHAT TO THINK BECAUSE SHE HAD A BOTTLE OF THE NEUT. AT THE SINK, BUT SHE ALSO SAID THAT A NEUTRALISER IS JUST A MARKETING TOOL AND IT DOES THE SAME THING A REGULAR SHAMPOO DOES,

Baloney! A neutralizer stops the chemical reaction immediately. Air will eventually neutralize the hair too OVER TIME. A neutralizer stops the reaction immediately so the chemical stops working. It is obvious this lady does not know much about chemicals even though she claims to have a tricologist degree (science of hair)! She appears ignorant to me!

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27. MY HAIRDRESSER ALSO SAID THAT AT ANYTIME SHE CAN GET THE CHEMIST OF THE PRODUCT SHE USES (DESIGN ESSENTIALS ) AND ANY CHEMIST WILL TELL YOU THE SAME THING, SO I DIDN'T REALLY GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER AND FEEL KIND OF AKWARD PRESSING THE ISSUE.

I would suggest you change hairdressers. She sounds too suspicious to me.

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28. I REMEMBER YOU SAID THAT YOU DISCOVERED THAT A HAIR DRESSER WASN'T USING A NEUTRALISER FOR A YEAR ON YOUR HAIR. AND JUST WONDERED AFTER YOU STARTED USING ONE, HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOUR HAIR BEFORE IT STOPPED BREAKING?

The lack of using a neutralizer immediately after the relaxer simply makes the product work longer instead of stopping it. This is bad for the hair. Starting to use a neutralizer after the hair is destroyed by a chemical is not going to help. The hair must be cared for before it is destroyed by a chemical to prevent its destruction.

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29. MY HAIR DRESSER (WHO IS A TRICHOLOGIST) SAID SINCE I HAD BRAIDS FOR SO LONG THAT MADE MY HAIR WEAK AND THAT'S WHY ITS BREAKING.

It does not matter that you had braids for a long time. If you had treated the hair underneath the braids your problems and breakage would be less severe. Protein strengthens the hair instantly. If you did not do the aphogee treatment yourself, I would suggest you get it and do it yourself instead of relying on this ridiculous hairdresser with a fancy title.

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30. My hair seems to be healthy and growing quite well. However, the hair in the back of my head seems to grow faster and fuller than my hair on the sides. My stylist said that it may be because I sleep on my sides.

Baloney! It has nothing to do with how you sleep! I would suggest that there is possibly more breakage occuring on the sides. Do you sleep in a bonnet or tie your hair up at night? The reason I ask is at one point during my research I noticed that my hair was shorter in the middle of the back of my head. I realized it was matting when I sleep from moving and sweating. When I combed it out, the hair was breaking most in the rear. Try the cap at night and see if that resolves the issue if you are not using one already.

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