Hi Cathy,

Per our conversation this morning I would like to share my experience with you regarding other products that I have used. I would appreciate if you did not use my name.

In 1995-1996 I started using the Wanakee (www.wanakee.com) hair line. My hair was in braids for a year before I started using Wanakee's line. I would follow her suggestions, wash, deep condition, air dry my hair opposed to blow drying, pressing it with her "hair oil" and putting "constant care for ends" on the ends of my hair. I would regularly get it trimmed every 8 weeks just as she stated. Also I would wear my hair in protective styles to keep from being dried out by the "air".

My hair had been without a perm for a year so needless to say it was quite unruly. I followed Wanakee's methods for about a year and I didn't really see any noticeable difference in my hair. I think that it grew, but not really that much. I then opted to buy her "moisture shampoo and conditioner" thinking things would get better, but things did not really improve, particularly regarding growth. My hair still appeared to be dry which didn't help with the breaking. I don't know what type of hair I have, but I know it is fine, but you wouldn't know it if you looked at my hair because I have so much hair - volume that is.

So the products never seemed to penetrate all the layers upon layers of my hair so it was moisturized. It seemed dry, brittle, therefore I was not satisfied and stopped using her products. I then decided to get a relaxer and I implemented various things I had learned over the years about black haircare. I continued to let it air dry, I tried to keep it moisturize which was very difficult because I have so much hair and tried to do very little to it. My hair is shoulder length now, but I know it's important to take care of the hair you have or you will lose it, which is why I'm so interested in what I can learn, what I can do, so I can keep my hair on my head as well as try to achieve some sort of hair length.

It was in June-July of 2000 that I came across Brenda's website (www.blackwomenrejoice.com) regarding her knowledge as to growing african american hair. I sent away for what she calls "the report" and tried to do what she said. Wash hair every 3-5 days, getting a perm every month, trimming your hair at least 1/4" every month with the SSOTP (sharpest scissors on the planet), using a moisture-rich shampoo and conditioner, etc. I knew that hair experts say that hair, (no matter what kind of hair) grows 1/4" - 1/2" every month. So I asked Brenda via e-mail, and I quote... would it be OK if I cut only 1/8" every month since hair only grows 1/4" - 1/2" every month. Would I not be cutting away my growth if I cut off as much as you say.. unquote.

She responded back by saying that she insists.... it must be 1/4" and her explanation was... you need to get in control of the split ends/breakage. I'm not sure exactly word for word what she said, but it was something along those lines. So I began her methods. I even bought a pair of scissors that were very expensive because I wanted to follow her methods to the "T". She advised us to give it 3 months - 6 months. I washed and conditioned my hair every 3 days. I would use no oils, no grease, no moisturizer (other than the shampoo and conditioner); nothing else.

If you needed more moisture, she said that you could use a capful of the conditioner throughout your hair after you washed it. Then I would blow dry my hair. Now I have to admit, my hair was fluffy like she stated, but I noticed that instead of strands of hair in my comb, I had little hairs falling, which I figured was due to breaking because it was just so dry.

I didn't wear my hair out, I wore a wig because it was so difficult to style, especially since I couldn't use any other products on my hair, but it also was my choice because I just did not want to wear my hair out/down (I guess it's one of the carryovers from Wanakee where she encourages you to wear your hair in protective styles). I tried Brenda's methods for about 3 months and stopped because I did not see any significant change/difference in my hair.

I got my hair professionally relaxed in November with the "Affirm" relaxer. I decided in the month of March 2001 to go back to the braids because I wanted to give my hair a break from the chemicals. I'm pleased with my hair, (very little breakage) but I just want to take care of it. I want to concentrate on building it up so it can be strong when I get the chemical services in January. I can't wait till your products come, and I hope that it will soften my hair because I do not want my hair to break while I'm awaiting to get my relaxer.

The tugging and pulling now I have to do just to get a comb through it is awful! I will employ your "straightening with the curling iron" method and hopefully this will allow my hair to be manageable until I get my relaxer.

Cathy, I hope this helps you. Like I said, I prefer to remain anonymous. If you need to contact me via e-mail please feel free to do.

Take Care,

A caring customer who wishes to remain anonymous