Author: CURLSOFACPA

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Join the challenge facebook group Health Equals Length for accountability and daily tips and motivation!

So I’ve decided its finally time to do the growth challenge I’ve been telling myself for years that I would do. To be honest, the thing that has always held me back has been my unwillingness to commit and be consistent. I am a serious perfectionist and that always gets in the way of new journeys and new commitments because the fear of failure is sooo real! But this time its different…

This time I am making my health a priority and taking a holistic approach to hair growth and tackling it from it from all angles. Sometimes we forget that healthy hair starts from within and if we are malnourished or not getting in enough nutrients our hair can suffer.

As I mention in my video, our bodies are smart and if we aren’t giving our bodies the goods it wants and needs our hair skin and nails kinda take a back seat. Those parts of our bodies that we beautify are not a priority in the body’s nutrient distribution chain and so there are times we need to supplement and do a little extra to get the results we want.

Note that the list below is in no particular order, you can pick and choose what you need and if you have any questions just leave them in the comments!

THE FIRST STEP IS TO MAKE A PLAN

When I decided that I would commit to this challenge I wrote down all of the things I knew created an environment for hair growth and then I had to be honest with myself about what I was willing to do but then also what I absolutely needed. Below are the things that I chose, some of them internal and some of them external:

  • Get regular trims (2 to 4 times a year)
  • Take hair, skin, and nail vitamins daily (as needed)
  • Take regular multivitamins daily + any other supplements I need
  • Daily scalp massages
  • Drink at least 64 oz of water daily (big goal is a gallon)
  • Exercise daily
  • Stick to my hair regimen

Although the hair growth challenge will begin on October 3, 2021 and run for 4 weeks but don’t just stop there! Most of these things can be part of your healthy lifestyle, so at the end you can decide what is worth continuing. See the break down of each item below:

1. GET TRIMS REGULARLY (AS NEEDED)

Let’s face it, most of us trying to grow hair are also actively trying to avoid scissors but getting your ends trimmed is such an important part of retaining length. When your ends are split they don’t just stop there but they work themselves up (even to the root) and can cause more severe damage if not cut.

You can either go to the salon and get a trim (or cut if needed) or you can do it yourself. I prefer to go to the salon and get my hair trimmed on flat ironed hair but you can decide what works best for you.

Some people get their hair trimmed on blown out hair, stretched hair, or even curly hair. Other people do it themselves (there are a ton YouTube videos on this). Check out my Trim & Heat Styling playlist on YouTube for some tips!

2. TAKE HAIR, SKIN, & NAIL VITAMINS (Biotin)

I get asked ever so often if I take hair vitamins and for a while the answer was no. This was because my hair was healthy. It was growing at a normal rate, I didn’t notice any unusual breakage, dullness, or an extreme amount of frizz so I didn’t see the need to take them.

Recently I noticed that my hair has been dull and I’ve been experiencing some breakage around my hairline so I decided it was time to start adding biotin into the mix. I am only taking them because I actually need them and I think you should evaluate your hair and your diet to see if you need them as well.

I’ve included a list of brands I trust below (starting with the ones I will be taking for the first month of the hair growth challenge):

3. TAKE REGULAR MULTIVITAMINS

Like I mentioned before, nutrition is important to not just the health of your body but the health of your hair. If there are gaps in your nutrition it typically shows up in your hair, skin and nails because they are getting the nutrients last. So even if you decide not to take hair, skin and nail vitamins, make sure you are at least taking a good multivitamin (most have a small dose of biotin).

Also, sometimes multivitamins are not enough. As individuals, we all have our specific deficiencies and things like low iron, vitamin D deficiencies, poor gut health, and a lot of other things can cause hair loss or stunted growth. I would suggest consulting a medical professional if you have any serious deficiencies (or suspect that you do).

Below is the multivitamin I will be taking, along with the other supplements I am adding based on doctors orders and to fill in some gaps in my diet.

4. SCALP MASSAGES

Scalp massages get the blood flowing which helps to stimulate hair growth. This can be done with just your hands, with a scalp massager, and you can add some oil to the mix. The good thing about this step is that you don’t have to buy anything. Truth is you actually don’t NEED oil for a scalp massage but if you want the added nutrients and the lubrication oil provides then add it to the mix.

Personally, I will be using my favorite scalp massager from Vegamour along with the Rapid Biotin Hair Growth Bundle from Uhuru Naturals. It comes with their Rapid Biotin + MSM Advanced Scalp Therapy spray (which you spray on to your scalp first) and their Rapid Biotin + Black Seed Advanced Growth Elixir (which you can use as any other oil).

What I’m using for the first month of the challenge:

Some alternative options for oils:

5. DRINK MORE WATER

Everyone is looking for the most moisturizing products to make sure their hair isn’t dry but if you aren’t drinking enough water, your hair and scalp still may be dry. Don’t let dehydration cancel out all the other good things you are doing to get healthy hair. The goal is to get at least 64 oz of water in daily. My big goal is a gallon (I’m shooting for the stars lol) but you can choose whatever your goal will be. Whatever amount you choose, happy drinking!

6. GET ACTIVE!

Stimulating your scalp doesn’t just come from a manual scalp massage but can also come from increased blood flow due to exercise.

7. BE CONSISTENT WITH YOUR HAIR REGIMEN

This last step is very important. Having a consistent regimen and not prolonging wash day for too long can help your hair and scalp to flourish. The key is to make sure your scalp is clean and that you don’t wait until your hair is dessert dry to wash your hair.

This can vary for each person so take this time to learn what your hair prefers. I know my hair prefers to be washed weekly and my wash days are better if I start with detangled hair and use heat when I deep condition. I know other people with healthy hair that wash evert 2 to 4 weeks, whatever you choose be consistent and adjust if you notice what you are doing isn’t working.

Below are the steps in my wash day routine that may be helpful for you if you are building your regimen. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comments.

  • Prepoo + Detangle (detangle with just water, conditioner, or prepoo treatment)
  • Cleanse (clarify 1 to 2 times a month)
  • Deep Condition with heat (alternate between moisturizing & strengthening treatments)
  • Moisturize & Style

If you watch my channel you will see that I typically follow this routine. Check out my channel Curls of a CPA for some wash day inspiration and to see what products have been working for me. Also, check out my Amazon store for some of my wash day favs!

THE TAKE AWAY

I know these are a lot of steps but realistically you don’t have to do them all. Implement each step one by one (as needed) and whatever you decide to do, just be consistent! Let me know in the comments if you will be joining the hair growth challenge and what you will be adding to your health hair (and life) regimen. If you are looking for community and accountability join our facebook group “Health Equals Length”

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored but does contain affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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So Christmas is next week and you still haven’t shopped for the special curlfriends in your life…the first I need you to breath…..and now find your wallet because we have some things to discuss (and buy)!

I have compiled a list of items for every type of hair enthusiast you know and the majority of the items I selected are available on amazon prime to ensure you get your gifts in time for no one to notice you waited until the last minute! The list is in no particular order but if you have any questions just leave them in the comments!

1. HAIR STEAMER

I did a survey on my YouTube channel and other than hair products this was the number 1 pick for all of my curlfriends. Hair steaming is so important to your healthy hair journey. Steaming the hair can be done in a bunch of creative ways but there is nothing like having a steamer that you can just add water to, sit down drink some tea, read a book, and dream about how bomb your hair is about to feel. But why is it important? The moist heat from the steamer encourages blood flow which stimulates hair growth. Further, it lifts the hair cuticle which allows the hair treatment to get deep into the strands. It is the hair contraption every textured hair girl needs!

2. HOODED DRYER

A hooded dryer is a convenient way to dry the hair and set those beautiful curly and even straight styles in place. This is a super versatile machine because it can dry the hair and also help to process hair treatments as well. It isn’t a moisturizing champion like the hair steamer, but it definitely gets the job done! I use my hooded dryer whenever I was to dry and set my wash and go’s, if I want to process a night protein treatment, or if I do my twist out late and night and need a quick drying session before bed. I included the dryer I currently have, which stands up by itself (and an alternative if mine is out of stock). I also included a table top dryer which can be beneficial if you have limited space or need something more mobile.

3. DYSON SUPERSONIC HAIR DYER (Splurge)

The coveted Dyson Supersonic Hair Dyer that everyone wants but no one wants to spend the coin on. To be clear this hair dryer is worth the high price tag. This hair dryer is uses Dyson technology to get your hair straight or dried faster and with less heat and less frizz. It typically retails for about $400 but everyone who has one says its worth the coin and this is the perfect gift for all the curly and straight-haired people in your life. I couldn’t find this dryer on Amazon, so I included the links to the other retailors that sell below. While you’re at it…buy me one too haha jk jk

4. REVAIR DRYER (Splurge)

Similar to the Dyson blow dryer, the RevAir straightens, stretches and dries the hair without the need of extreme heat and in record time! If you’re curlfriend takes forever to blow of their like I do or has a tender scalp (like I do haha) this is the perfect device for them! If you buy this for your special someone, it wont ship until January but they provide a printable gift message that you slip into a card or even huge gift box if you are feeling mischievous.

5. WASH DAY ESSENTIALS KIT

This is a nice group of items you can get if you are on a tight budget or want to get a bunch of little affordable things. The list below includes stuff that are essential to my wash day, so I know your curlfriend would love them! If you don’t want to get everything I suggest getting the deep conditioning cap and the processing caps (you’re welcome haha)

6. SCALP MASSAGER & GROWTH OIL

This is perfect for all your self-care kings and queens whether they have curls, coils, kinks, locs, or even straight hair. with who is either on a hair growth journey or is in need of some relaxation. Scalp massages help to increase blood flow to the scalp which helps to stimulate hair growth. Then if you add a super nourishing oil to the equation that will not only keep the scalp nice and moisturized, but those nutrients also help stimulate an atmosphere of growth as well. You can choose any oil, but I chose is a really good option.

7. SATIN EVERYTHING!

This is for your lazy naturals, newly naturals, or even your younger curl friends. Satin is not only great for your skin but it is a gentle fabric that wont dry your hair out or cause any unnecessary friction that can cause damage to the hair in the long run. Even if you wear a satin scarf or bonnet the perimeter of the hair can still be exposed so having a satin pillowcase provides extra protection. Also, a satin lined cap is not only great at protecting the hair but it has a nice opening in the back which makes it easier to get every kink, curl, and coil together! Add in a couple satin scrunchies and you will have one happy, satin covered, curlfriend!

8. DETANGLING & STYLING BRUSH

There are so many detangling brushes out there but below are my favorites! If you only want to get one brush I suggest getting the Felicia Leatherwood brush. It’s the most versatile and can be used with ease on wet, dry, straight, or curly hair! All the other brushes are good at detangling as well (except the denman is more for styling) and you can’t go wrong with buying any of them (or all haha)

9. HAIR PRODUCTS (Number 1 Choice!)

The runner up for most popular Christmas wish are of course hair products!! I know we just finished black Friday shopping but we wont get our things until January (hides in shame). But on a serious note a well thought out product gifting would make any curlfriend a happy camper!

When getting hair products as a gift my strategy is to get sets and a gift receipt haha I personally like to have the shampoo, conditioner, leave in, and styler from the same line. If you are unfamiliar with lines, just look at the color of the packaging and make sure the brand’s name matches and you will be fine haha. Below are some of my favorite black owned brands on Amazon. If you are confused about what to buy just send me a question in the comments and I got you! Below are some of my favorite brands to shop on Amazon

10. GIFT CARDS & MONEY

If all else fails get a gift card, bring them on a shopping spree to target, or hand them your card so they can get what they want! You can also give give a gift card to their favorite place. Just look through the closet or the product stash and see what’s on the labels for some inspiration. Below are some of the retailers most of my curlfriends like to shop at!

THE TAKE AWAY

Whatever you decide to gift, just make sure it is from the heart and no matter what you choose, I’m sure you’re curlfriend or not so curly friend will love it! Take care and happy holidays!

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored but does contain affiliate links. Affiliate links which means if you click one of the links and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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“…these strangers have become part of my virtual family and CHOOSE me every time they click on my videos and that makes me feel joy.” — @curlsofacpa

When 2020 began I decided to get serious with my YouTube channel. I committed to being more consistent, to be more aware of my audience’s needs, and I also committed to educating myself when it came to the business of YouTube and growing on YouTube. When the year began….I didn’t know what I was getting myself into (insert hysterical laugh here haha). The truth is, creating content is a lot of work and that is why I call it a labor of love.

I have a strong desire to help people and one of the ways I do that is through my channel and now this blog. My goal is help give people the confidence and the tools to care for and love their textured hair and as I watch my channel grow from 250, to 500, to now over 1,000 subscribers I am humbled.

So how do I feel?

I feel joy. My love language is words of affirmation and the way my subscribers affirm me it legit makes me glow. I suffer from imposter syndrome and they make it so hard to not believe in myself. Its crazy but this YouTube journey has made me a little more shameless as I see how accepting people are of me. Like, I know my family and friends like me but these strangers have become part of my virtual family and CHOOSE me every time they click on my videos and that makes me feel joy.

I feel scared. I am scared because as my channel grows, the weight of influence gets heavier. I have 1,000+ eyes on me as I am doing my hair and giving advice and my fear has always been “what if my advice doesn’t work? What if this product I love ruins their hair? What if I change my mind?” And while those fears are real, the possibility of helping someone is greater. There is a reason this is a perfectly imperfect journey. I am learning along with my audience and I have to remind myself each day that we are journeying together and unfortunately it wont be perfect.

Lastly, I feel hopeful. There was a time I didn’t think my channel would ever grow and when I look back to that time I realize I wasn’t positioning myself for growth. Although my videos were pretty, I wasn’t really putting in the work or being consistent enough for people to figure out if they liked me or not. Now that I’ve been taking this thing more serious and investing into my audience, I am gaining momentum and so hopeful for the future.

So what’s next?

My next goal is 5,000 subscribers and best believe we will be celebrating along that journey to 5K. As I grow, I am taking all of you along with me and plan to share all the things I learn along the way. Thank you so much for trusting me and journeying with me and to show my appreciation I am giving back! See the giveaway rules and prize down below and until next time take care and as always I’m sending you peace, love and good vibes!

Giveaway Prize + Rules (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

I will be giving away two $50 amazon e-gift cards and this giveaway is open to US residents as well my international followers. Must be 18 years or older to enter.

Giveaway closes on November 14, 2020 @ 11:59 pm and the winners will be notified via email on November 15, 2020 before 11:59 pm. Winners will be selected randomly using a random name picker tool from wheelofnames.com.

Disclaimer: Giveaway in no way sponsored or endorsed by Amazon, WordPress, YouTube, Wheelofnames.com or any other platform this giveaway is shared on. Gift cards purchased with my own money to show my love an appreciation!

How to Win:

Follow the 2 steps below to be eligible to win. There are also ways to get multiple entries below in the “More Chances to Win” section. May the odds be in your favor!

Step 1:

Subscribe to my channel “Curls of a CPA.” If you’re already subscribed you can skip this step and move on to step 2. If you aren’t subscribed and not sure click the link below to make sure and come back to do step 2.

click here to Subscribe to my channel

Step 2:

Comment under this blog post with a question, statement, response to the post, anything you want! Just make sure you include your name and email when commenting (you will be prompted to do this). Since gift cards will be sent via email, this step is important. I need to be able to associate a name and email with your comment.

More Chances To Win!

Bonus entry 1:

Join my email list! You’ll be the first to know what’s new in my world and get periodic updates about the new content on my blog and YouTube Channel.

By clicking submit, you agree to share your email address with Curls of a CPA and Mailchimp to receive updates, marketing, and other emails from Curls of a CPA. We wont spam you but you can use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.

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bonus entry 2:

Subscribe to my blog! This is for people who need instance access to my blog posts and don’t want to wait for the periodic updates. By subscribing you will receive an email every time I post. To complete this, you’ll have to confirm your subscription in your email inbox. You can unsubscribe any time but we’ll hate to see you go!

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Photo Credit @Mr.Mignanimous

“When curly hair shrinks that means its healthy and will continue to grow (even if it doesn’t seem like it), but when you and I shrink we don’t reach our potential and it may even stunt our growth (even if it doesn’t seem like it)…..”

Hi my name is Sable and I am honored to share my perfectly imperfect journey with you! When I started my brand I wanted it to be a combination of my profession and my passion. I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), working as a non-profit financial auditor and I am obsessed with all things curls! With their powers combined “Curls of a CPA” was born!

I am multi-textured in every way! I have a range of type 4 curls (if you are into hair typing), medium to coarse strands, medium to high density, and low to medium porosity curls. I am passionate about hair care, I am a product junkie (no judgement zone lol), but I also love excel and preparing financial statements haha.

In this blog and on my channel you will find content about natural hair, beauty, health, lifestyle and any YouTube/social media secrets I learn along the way! I call it a journey because, just like you probably are, I’m still figuring things out. My commitment is to share as I learn so that we can journey together.

I knew it was time to start a blog when I was running out of space in my YouTube description boxes! It hit me that I had more to share but I didn’t want to make my videos any longer than they already are lol I found myself researching blog sites and even built a couple of them before settling on WordPress (not sponsored haha). On my 30th birthday I purchased the domain curlsofacpa.com and waited almost 2 months before setting the site up (hides in shame lol).

Other than those personal reasons, I also figured this could be a good supplement to my channel and a hub of resources for my audience. Sometimes you just need to see something in ink or save an article for later and digest it bite by bite, line by line and I wanted to provide that environment. I am new to this blogging world but I am super excited to bring you all on the journey!

So here I am, taking a leap and pushing fear to the side and forcing myself to not shrink but START SCARED! This morning as I was thinking about this blog the thought came to my mind “When curly hair shrinks that means its healthy and will continue to grow (even if it doesn’t seem like it), but when you and I shrink we don’t reach our potential and it may even stunt our growth (even if it doesn’t seem like it)…” Brief commercial: if you use my quote make sure you quote me hahaha but whatever you are afraid of, take it from me (the chief shrinker), don’t shrink and take a chance on yourself and your vision.

As time goes on I will continue making incremental changes to this website but I want this to be a safe place for all of us so if you have any questions just hit the Contact tab and I got you! If you find anything informative, entertaining or interesting make sure you share and subscribe! And as always take care and I’m sending you peace, love and good vibes!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS | Pick one or pick them all!

What was the first thing that came to mind after reading this blog post? What are you shrinking away from? What is your biggest fear? What is something you recently found the courage to do (inspire someone else)? Let’s talk in the comments!