Proven results: Gaining long hair under my practice

Three different (AHGC) clients with relaxed hair.

Applebaum Hair Growth Club (AHGC)

In today's society, social media influencers typically show before and after transformations all in one visit.  That all inclusive one stop is what lures most people in.  My practice is not built on a one day trip.  My three clients' pictured above have long, relaxed hair because we don't "fry, dye, and lay to the side."  I typically underprocess the hair before I would overprocess the hair.  Sometimes clients have to stretch their relaxer services. That means they sport a few more "ponytail days" to maintain the integrity of their hair and maintain their length.  This allows for gaining longer lengths with relaxers.

Over the years, I have learned that some hairtypes are "thirsty" which means that it soaks up the oils from the relaxer and the relaxer base.  Those hairtypes require extra clarification during the rinse out from relaxer services.  The extra clarification is a series of extra steps.  Hairstylists that are interested in learning more about these steps can pay for a consultation with me.

One thing that I decided to change since my Los Angeles trip is to discontinue using brushes/sprushes for relaxer application.  I can elaborate more during a paid consultation with me.

My relaxer clients were gaining length before my Los Angeles trip.  I mostly witnessed haircuts and molding while in Los Angeles. I was hoping for more color technique, but the clientele that class day were all solid black and short.  I always learn something new from every class that I attend.  Los Angeles was no exception.

So for those natural hair clients, I was so proud to see a natural hair client return to me for a service, and she had been FOLLOWING our regimen that we designed custom for her. Her natural hair has continued to gain length without me.  It confirmed to me that when the customer and I establish a regimen and routine that works that includes supplements (regardless of brand) - they are empowered to continue their regimen that works.

This is the basis of the Applebaum Hair Growth Club (AHGC).  There is no overnight magic to gaining length, but I can help people develop a plan to achieve longer God-given hair even if they use wigs or enhancements for glamour purposes.  Every practice is different.  Investing in my practice is an investment into yourself.

Applebaum Hair Growth Club Consultations

Applebaum Hair Growth Club, Founder 

Benita Blocker

The Hair Growth Club is a club where its members are more focused on growing and maintaining healthy hair with or without chemical processing.  You can still keep your personal hairstylist or refer your stylist to me for a paid consultation to learn about my practice and my philosophies. 

In April 2019, I shadowed the RazorChic of Atlanta during her Los Angeles, California tour.

I decided to invest in her practice because it was the closest celebrity alignment that I could find for extension-free hairstyling.  RazorChic of Atlanta (Jasmin) is much more of a barber stylist.  She is a micro-short haircut expert.  My philosophy is to assist in gaining length and fullness so we have two totally different practices.  However, I learned some valuable tips to enhance my own practice from Jasmin.  Those with alocepia who want a tight cut . . . Jasmin is your girl!

Benita Blocker has over 15 years of hair industry leadership.

Members of my hair practice have seen their hair grow to lengths that they have never seen before.  My practice is not about instant "before and after" photos. My work requires a hair partnership starting with a minimum of a three month commitment.  Paid custom hair consultations will cover supplements, products, hair solutions, and hair strategy plans custom designed for you.  You may not like everything I suggest, and you may not like waiting for your care package to arrive within two weeks of your consultation.  You will be paying for my expertise as a hair industry leader.  Therefore based on your own personal consultation, I will assemble everything that you will need for home use and to take your own personal hair stylist.  I do not condone the chair hopping from one stylist to another. So my Hair services are separate cost.  Consultations are about knowledge.  I do not bash other hairstylists.  I offer my philosophy.  Some of my "long hair" solutions involve RELAXER service as a suggested remedy.  I don't care that 90% of the other hairstylists blame hair problems on relaxers.  I DO NOT agree. I DO NOT think locking hair is for everyone either.  I believe in custom solutions.

Why should you pay for my hair consultation or my hair panel "Q and A" participation?

• My hair blog has over million pageviews
• I have edges.
• I have naturally grown long hair.
• I am a licensed cosmetologist in three states.
• I have a Bachelor of Science degree from University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Cum Laude.
• I also have half of my education from Clemson University.
• My cosmetology background is from the Dudley Beauty School System.
• I have produced, directed, edited, and hosted my own series of public Access television shows.
• Continuing Education has always been the core of my longevity within the haircare industry.

How to contact me?  Look for Applebaum's Phenomenal HairCare on Facebook or (hashtag) #applebaumhairgrowthclub on IG  (I do not include direct contact information on this blog to avoid spam.)  You want me.  You can find me.  I have three phone lines . . . and I do Travel.

Sisterlocks Anniversary: Six years 8 months

Six years and eight months have gone by since my Sisterlocks establishment. With or without makeup, low maintenance hair is an awesome feeling.

My loc length is undeniable at this point.   Updo's are no problem!

My locs bend with me.

The mirror was spotty, but I see a leaner, meaner me coming through.

A Regimen for Long, Relaxed, Color-treated Hair

My client has been with me through thick and thin for the last seven years.  Pictured is all of her own grown hair without any hair extensions.  Do you wonder about her secret to her length?  Well, let me tell you the deal!

1) She does wear a partial sew-in (not pictured), but her own hair is longer than the hair extensions that she wears.  She wears extensions because she want the "Beyonce" fullness and glamour.  And since part of her hair is always braided up and sewn down, it is protected and continues to gain long lengths.

2) She never, never blow dries her hair.  We always roller set, roller set, roller set.  She is used to dryer time, and she brings plenty to keep her occupied for an hour and half dryer time.

3) She is a weekly hair client because she gets permanent color every four weeks and Mild Mizani relaxers every eight weeks.  She needs someone to keep an eye on her hair for treatments and tightenings.  She has Type 3c to Type 4a curl pattern.  Her natural hair color grows in more "salt" than "pepper."  She prefers gray coverage with lighter colors avoiding black and avoiding reds.

4) She does take dietary supplements, drinks a lot of water, and tries to eat as healthy as possible.

5) She does use curling irons and pressing combs for fine tuning of her hairstyle when her relaxer touch-ups are over  five weeks old.  She does not like too much frizz.  Of course, this particular bad habit results in a few setbacks for her hair that is not braided up in the protective styling.

So was her regimen at all a surprise?

Marriage, Men, Divorce and the Hair Thing

Photos from the movie: Waiting to Exhale

There are some men who absolutely, positively love long hair.  Sometimes long hair seals the marriage deal. Sometimes wives secretly want a short, sassy short to medium style, but in an attempt to keep their husband happy, they continue to comply with maintaining their longer length.

So one day, like the storyline in the movie "Waiting to Exhale" the wife finds herself getting traded out for a "newer model."  Of course, there are plenty of couples celebrating 40 years of marriage.  So for those who commit to the institution of marriage, it is a beautiful thing.

Now, for those who find themselves breaking up from a serious relationship or a marriage seem to always head to the hair salon for that "short to medium" haircut.

As hairstylists, we hope to talk the client through such an emotional time hoping to prolong the drastic haircut until the next hair visit with the hope that the client will forget about the style change.  However, for some emotional clients, it is a "right now" decision.  They want to be rid of this man and what he loved so dearly - the long hair.  They want freedom.  They want to find the essence of themselves again behind all the long tresses.  So 4 or more inches of hair is removed.

A support system is important when going through major life changes such as separation, divorce, and break-up.  You also need a support system if you get any type of big chop  for any reason including health related reasons.  Drastic change causes shock to everyone around.  Adapting to the drastic change takes some folks more time than others.

Some husbands don't care if your hair is long or short.  They do not care if you come home with an extra tattoo.  Those marriages are sometimes built on a deeper level or just a different superficial matter.

Before you take off 4 or 5 inches of hair, discuss it with your spouse first to make sure it is not going to affect your marriage.

Relationships can be so complex; yet, so simple.  It all depends on marrying the right person.

Hair and Hair Extension Robberies on the Rise

According to online news, beauty supply stores in Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta have all been robbed of hair extensions that average about $200 a pack totalling $50,000.00 or more.  A Los Angeles salon has also been reportedly robbed of $200 a pack hair extensions.  The thieves are going after the premium hair behind the counter. If this robbery trend continues, we may see stricter sentencing for hair extensions robbers.  (I am joking, but who knows what the future holds. Smile.)

But you have not heard anything yet . . . .

According to Fox News Latino and Huffington Post, a new “hair robbery” phenomenon has emerged in the Venezuelan city of Maracaibo.

A group known as “piranhas” is actually stealing women’s luscious locks literally off their head and even have a preference for straight hair.

So at gunpoint these theives are making women gather their own hair into a ponytail to cut it off and go sell it.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2013/08/07/venezuelan-hair-robbers-stealing-womens-long-locks/#ixzz2bQi6saHh

So hair extensions demand is on the rise regardless of race.  So now, not only do you have to hold on to your jewelry, cell phones, and wallet, you may want to hide your luscious long hair!

Review: LocALoc Pony-Connect

 I recommend the LocALoc Pony-Connect for long hair whether the hair is straight or locked.

 2 or 4 ponytail quadrants can be used to create a partial or full updo.  The Pony-Connect comes in other neutral hair colors as well. I purchased the black ones because they blended in with my locks.

 I flat twisted two small rows near the front hairline to create a headband look with the Pony-Connects, but I think that I will save this hair accessory for when my locks/hair gets longer.

Not bad . . .  I see the potential for the future!  Believe it or not, I purchased this hair accessory from the hair aisle in a CVS drugstore.

A Successful Virgin Relaxer Service

 So at age 12, my client was ready for straight hair on a permanent basis. It was time for her first relaxer.  I prepared for the virgin relaxer procedure.  I draped her with a fabric chemical cape.  I lined her shoulders with Glad Press N' Seal and connected it in the front like an additional drape.

I selected Affirm Normal and Affirm Mild as my relaxer systems mainly because they work without the burning.  I used the Normal strength to go through the midshaft through the ends.  I then went back to the roots and applied the Mild strength.  Initially, I put a 2 inch guide of relaxer throughout the hair about an inch or inch and a half away from the scalp to allow me to go through a second pass to get from my relaxer guide down the mid-shaft and all the way through the ends.  The roots and hairline were covered at my third pass through the hair.  I completed the first and second passes within 20 minutes. The product was very heavy on the hair.  I had to gently fight to get the hair parted to evenly distribute Mild relaxer to the remaining roots, but we successfully completed the full virgin relaxer application and smoothing within 35 minutes.  The salon temperature was cool.  The length was extremely long. Medium length hair will have taken less time.

In a separate article, I discussed lining my relaxer bowls to make less work for me to clean up.

We had shampooed, blow dried and french braided her hair three days prior to the virgin relaxer.  The Press N'Seal wrap stayed in place to protect the cape from getting chemical all over it.  I had to snap the picture quickly so I had a paper towel in my hand that accidently got into the picture above, but you can see how long the relaxed hair stretched to.   I then unloosed the Press N'Seal drape in the front and gathered it up with her relaxer coated hair enclosed.  I laid her hair bundle into the shampoo bowl then I gentled peeled the Press N'Seal wrap from out of the shampoo bowl and began a long, long rinse.  I blotted dry and checked the whole head, cleared the shampoo bowl neck area and then rinsed some more.  I did three shampoos with the final shampoo being towel blotted and completed with her seated upright.  The towel blot before the final Affirm normalizing shampoo made a difference.  The lather was completely white.  The first two shampoos seemed to still yield some faint pink lather.  It was definitely squeaky clean by the third shampoo.  I conditioned and color bathed the hair under the dryer for about 15 minutes.

The roots were less straight than the midshaft, but straight enough and  they can be easily taken care of at the next relaxer touch-up service.  All of the hair was straight enough for me to roll with the gray magnetic rollers.  Dryer time is about 1.5 hours.

 I did go in and straighten the roots a little more with the marcel irons, and we did "trim" the hair.  At age 12, she did not need a blunt cut.

Successful virgin relaxer service by Benita Blocker.  My client received a "First Relaxer" certificate from me with my Applebaum logo.

Motorcycles and Long Hair Solutions

I had a new client to come in for a long layered hair cut.  She was a White female with "straight hair" but her hair was all tangled up.  She admitted to just completing a motorcycle ride.  After making my best attempt to comb through a section of the tangles, I asked her how does she usually "untangle" her hair.  I did not want to use oil because her hair was fine/medium and oil typically will be harder to shampoo out of her hairtype.

She stated that hot water and Garnier Fructis conditioner releases the tangles.  I do not keep Garnier Fructis in the salon, and I do not like the idea of "hot water," but nonetheless, we worked the tangles out and got her cut and styled.

In the future,  I would recommend to other female bike riders with long hair,  please consider the following
hair accessories:

1) a hair glove
2) a ponytail wrap
3) a barrette sleeve

or 4) just braid it up and band it.

One Month Anniversary with my Yarn Unit

Wow!  It's been one month since my yarn unit invention, and I am totally addicted.  I absolutely love it!  The joy that I feel and the heads that turn have been amazing.  People are totally drawn to it.  It is totally different.  I am loving how it lays on my clothes.  It does not tangle.  It is lightweight. It is simple.  It is simply amazing.

When people first look at me, they see long locks of hair, but if their eyes start digging into the roots then they can see that I have two different textures going on, but overall, as long as I keep my locks hydrated enough to blend, it is a "green" light.

With my short locks, everyone kept saying "they are growing."  I heard this over and over again.  But with the yarn extension unit, the responses were more like "I like your new hairdo." I say that I made it myself, and they love it!  Hey! What's a girl to do?  Smile.  Anyway,  this unit is worth $400, and I would like for people to stick with the same brand of yarn that is working for me.  I will direct them to a special yarn website to see if they can find the color of their hair in order to send me the yarn to make the unit.

For those who just do not have the facial shape to support a really short locks look, this unit is for you!

For those with traditional locks, you would have to find yarn that complements your size locks as well as a color match.

Please support my business and empower yourself during your short locks phase!

Official Hair Watch: Anne Hathaway

 Yes!  Anne Hathaway did win a Golden Globe Award for her role in the movie "Les Miserables."  Thank God that she did not cut off all of her hair in vain.  She is a beauty person from what I can see from the media's projection of her, but I would have advised her to have tucked all of her lovely, long hair under a wig and cut the wig hair for the movie scene.

 In the movie "Dark Knight Rises," she plays Catwoman.  She did excellent in this role.  I loved the hair!

At the 2013 Golden Globes, you can see that her hair is growing back. Everyone's hair typically grows a half inch per month.  Anne Hathaway is on my "Hair Watch" list!

Long Hair Naturally!

I am proud to say that I am now a Registered SisterLocks Trainee. These are my class instructors! Yes, that is all of her hair! Lol! The class was intense - Four full days with homework each night. I could not ask for a better class. All the students were warmhearted. The energy was beautiful, positive, and ready to learn! We will all forever be bonded. So I am ready to keep my new skill set up! Now, booking SisterLocks clients for styling and retightenings!

By the way, you can color SisterLocks!

Nighttime Hair maintenance Using Headbands

I picked these "Ouchless Gentle fit" headbands to use at night. The first method is for long straight hair. It is called "Headband curls." I found this youtube tutorial by searching for "no heat curls." click here for headband curls video by CuteGirlsHairstyles

Pictured is the results of the headband curling method from the night before. I achieved beautiful S-shaped waves in my straight hair. I used the Joico Leave-in Detangler to mist my hair before spiral wrapping around the headband.
For those with relaxed hair, try a water based hairdressing instead of a mist, then spiral wrap around the headband.
The second nighttime method is for long curly hair. It is called the "Pineapple Method." click here for pineapple method video using a scrunchie The headband is better for those with thicker or kinkier hair that will not fit into the scrunchie.
The overall idea of the pineapple method is to pile all the curls on top of your head and hold them there overnight.

The Power of Hair: Deal or no Deal

This "long hair look" took me down memory lane after I noticed the number of extra stares that I received on my day off. I even had one gentleman to say that he could not believe that no one had come along and just scooped me up. Now, I remind you that I am still not fitting back into my size 6 (six) pantsuits. I am still amazed how men can go "crazy" about "hair" despite a woman's full figure.

I specifically remember meeting a particular guy at a networking function several years ago. I was wearing a "fresh out the pack" half wig that blended very nicely with my own hair in front. Well this particular guy approached me and began conversation. He was intrigued with how beautiful my hair was. He even asked to touch it. I said "sure." He just ran his fingers through my hair ends (reality check: the ends of the long half wig). He just melted. He was in love with my hair. I was happy that I wore my "new" piece that evening. So I passed the "touch" test, and we then slipped away to the "happy hour" bar scene. We talked for about two hours, and he complimented me on my hair about four more times during the two hour conversation. He then walked me to my car.

At this point, I was mentally at war over the hair topic. Should I tell him that I had "help" to achieve my hairstyle or just let him keep thinking that it is all "home grown." Well, since I was getting the vibe that he was purely a "hair man" - I decided to tell him "this was not all my hair." His response in a nutshell was: "are you baldheaded?" Of course, the answer was "no." And I never heard from him again - "The jerk." Smile.

I can happily say that I made the best decision based on our prior two hour conversation. He had some growing up to do. He was very self-centered. I was not fond of how he talked negatively about his "baby mama" etc. Should I say more? In my mind, I think that I was looking for an excuse to get rid of him as well. He was physically attractive, but the conversation was barely tolerable. It all worked out for the best. It was a little traumatizing to have wasted two hours, but that is better than wasting two more dates. Smile.

Nonetheless, hair is a very powerful thing. Natural looking long hair can lure more men than you could ever imagine . . .

3-inch Jumbo Magnetic Hair Rollers

Three-inch magnetic rollers deliver volume and body to long, straight hair. This photo of Elizabeth Hurley is from www.shampooandset.com.
Magnetic rollers are called magnetic because wet hair clings to the plastic. So as you roll, if the hair starts to dry, then use water to re-wet it in order for it to cling.
The magnetic rollers range in sizes up to about 3 inches.
Rollers this size should be double clipped. Notice the clips? Roller pins as seen in the picture below can also be used. Roller pins are extra long bobby pins.
This picture of the back of a roller set client is from www.shampooandset.com It gives you an ideal of roller placement and the use of a net to hold the rollers in place. Also, look closer at the anchoring of the rollers. Can you see that two roller pins are used to hold the rollers in place? More than likely, the hair on the rollers are rolled as a flip set in order to keep the roots flat. Please see my separate article on flip roller sets.

My salon has a large inventory of 3-inch rollers for long hair services.

Little Precious Princesses 2011: Beauty in Puffballs!

I am so grateful that the father of these two little angels allowed me to photograph his daughters. This was a quick snapshot. I only had a few seconds. A moment in time, but a priceless moment in time. I saw these two little angels and fell in love with the natural beauty of ethnicity. The sunlight distorts their beautiful hairstyle a little. I promise they have straight part-lines separating their puffballs! Those puffballs also had beautiful shine to them. Soooo how many puffballs do you see? Much care and love went into the styling of these two princesses. They are just adorable. Many people both young and old would typically try to relax, press, or straighten this hair, but this family has learned to embrace the God giving beauty of every curl! I hope that you can feel the love and beauty captured in this snapshot!

If those puffballs were straightened out, the hair would be "below shoulder" length. However, why mess with perfection? There is power in those puffs! Just lovin them! A symbol of patience, perservance, and pride!

Tousled Hairstyling with two inch Flat Iron

After curling the entire head from nape to front with a 2 inch Chi Turbo Flat Iron, you can condense the curls by finger spiraling to see the definition. If the roots are not flat enough which happens with clients with some ethnicity, then take a half inch flat iron and smooth the roots out where needed. Focus on partings only when straightening roots. This client has not had a relaxer touchup in about three months. The extra texture gives more body to the rest of the style. Hair by Benita Blocker.
The client can then pull all of the hair toward the front to frame her face. There are no hair extensions in this style. Client does relaxer touchups about every 4 to 5 months, and no heat styling at home. Hair by Benita Blocker.
The client also has the option of separating the spiral curls to achieve the "sexy tousled" look! Hair by Benita Blocker.