

When it comes to achieving long hair, two things that more of us in the Black community need to stop saying (or believing) are 1) our hair cannot gain some super serious inches (lies!) and 2) once our hair appears to not be able to get past a certain length, it has actually “stopped growing” (more lies!).
The reality is, so long as you’ve got hair that’s coming out of your scalp (well, technically your hair follicles), your tresses are absolutely growing. At the same time, if not having the type of length retention that you’d like is your issue or you’ve hit what is known as a “growth plateau” that typically has to do with something else (other than genetics, although, that oftentimes plays a role in the speed of growth more than anything else). Something else like what?
Overmanipulating your hair via your styling practices. Applying too much heat. Using products that dry out your hair (including chemical relaxers and permanent hair dyes). Not making sure to baby those ends of yours.
And do you know what else can keep your hair “stuck” at the neck, shoulder, or even well past bra strap length? Not getting the proper nutrients in your system — because, indeed, no matter what you put on top of your hair, it’s ultimately not going to matter all that much if you’re not making sure that your body is receiving the proper nutrients that your tresses need…so that your hair can be strong and healthy from the inside out.
So, if you have had your hair at basically the same length since, chile who knows when, it’s time to take a moment to ponder if you’re getting enough of the following 10 nutrients into your system.
10 Nutrients for Hair Growth
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1. Vitamin B12
If you seem to feel tired and drained, no matter how much rest you get, or lately you can’t seem to remember or retain information, it could be a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency. Know what else is: excessive hair shedding, weak hair follicles, and premature graying (check out “This Is How To Naturally Treat Premature Greying”). So, if you don’t currently take a multivitamin supplement, this is a good reminder to get one and to make sure that it provides you with around 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day. Your body, from head to toe, will thank you.
2. Biotin
One of the main reasons why you need some biotin (which is vitamin B7) in your body is because it helps to turn food into energy. Also, if you’re pregnant, it’s a very necessary nutrient for your ever-growing baby.
As far as your hair goes, biotin is beneficial because it can help to restore hair loss. And, since it also helps your system to create the protein keratin (and your hair is made up of mostly that), it can be beneficial as far as growing stronger hair (and nails) too. Personally, since I’ve incorporated this into my daily vitamin regimen, I’ve noticed a lot less hair in my detangling brush — significantly so.
3. Iron
You may have heard somewhere that we (Black people) deal with low iron in our blood more than white folks do — and while science is still trying to get down to the (pardon the pun) root of why, that is indeed the case. That said, something that I recently discovered is that even once someone is diagnosed with having low iron, over 60 percent of people continue to have it as much as three years later. This is alarming because, in order for your blood cells to be healthy, they need iron; there is no way around that.
And, the reason why all of this is relevant to this article is, when iron gives your cells the protein that they need, that can help to feed your hair follicles and prevent hair loss. In fact, a telling sign that you may be anemic (whether you know it or not) is if your hair is excessively shedding or you’re not seeing much growth progress as far as your tresses are concerned.
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4. Omega Fatty Acids
If you wanna take care of your heart, make your vision stronger, reduce bodily inflammation, decrease asthmatic-related symptoms in your children, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety — these are just some of the reasons to get some omega fatty acids into your system. As a supreme bonus, your skin and hair will adore them because they help to reduce UV damage, can help to heal acne and yes, they’re even known for accelerating hair growth. Some health experts even say that omega fatty acids can make your hair strands thicker over time as well.
5. Foods High in Protein
Wanna lose weight? Consume more protein. Get your metabolism up? Consume more protein. Increase muscle mass? Consume more protein. Have hair that is thriving on every level? Yep, you’ve already guessed it: consume more freakin’ protein. Since your hair is made up of mostly protein (keratin), if you want to keep it in great shape, it makes all the sense in the world that you would need to incorporate (more) protein into your diet. Foods that are packed with protein include lamb, turkey, almonds, Greek yogurt, and quinoa (also check out “Vegetarian Or Vegan? Check Out These High Protein Foods.”).
6. Foods High in Vitamin E
If you want to reduce oxidative stress, strengthen your lungs, make your periods more manageable, reduce the fat that your liver collects, and/or deeply hydrate and soften your skin, you definitely need foods that contain vitamin E in your life. Some of those include salmon, red peppers, wheat germ oil (it’s got a ton!), almond oil, and avocados. Every time that you take in any of these things, you know that your tresses are happy; that’s because vitamin E also maintains scalp health, helps to prevent hair loss, and keeps your locks nice and shiny (from the inside out) too.
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7. Foods High in Vitamin C
The powerful antioxidants that are found in vitamin C are great for keeping your immune system strong. Vitamin C is also beneficial as far as helping to manage your blood pressure, helping to prevent anemia (by helping your body to process iron more effectively), and keeping your cells healthy overall. Since vitamin C, in pretty much every form, helps with the production of collagen, it’s also a nutrient that fights premature aging in your skin along with making your hair stronger and less prone to breakage.
8. Foods High in Zinc
A nutrient that strengthens and heals is zinc. The reason why I say that is because it can boost your immunity, treat acne, and speed up the healing process of (minor) ulcers. When it comes to what zinc can do for your hair, specifically, it helps to restore damaged hair follicles and it can help to prevent hair loss before it even happens. Foods high in zinc include red meat, pumpkin seeds, eggs, whole grains, and dark chocolate (so long as it has a high amount of cacao, which is a more unrefined type of cocoa, in it).
9. Foods High in Silica
What is silica? Basically, it’s a compound that is made up of both silicon and oxygen. The reason why you need it is because it helps with bone and joint health, it rebuilds collagen levels in your body, it can aid in balancing out your hormones and it’s great for cultivating glowing skin.
Your hair will thrive with the assistance of silica because it strengthens your hair follicles and reduces hair breakage which is always what you need to get over your hair growth plateaus. Foods that are a good source of silica include dark leafy greens, oats, melons, cucumbers, and even beer, chile.
10. Fruit-Infused Water
When you get a chance, please check out “10 Overlooked Signs That You're Dehydrated.” With over 75 percent of Americans continuing to be dehydrated, it’s important to know what indicates that you may be since you definitely need water in order to keep your system running at an optimal level. As far as your hair goes, when it’s not hydrated enough, your scalp can become dry and itchy, your hair can become brittle, your locks can lose volume and it’s definitely more vulnerable to split ends.
That said, y’all, I make it no secret that water tastes like wet air to me. Still, I know that I need it and so, the way that I get more of it into my body is by either drinking sparkling water (with some fruit juice in it) or making some fruit-infused water which is literally water with some fresh fruit (and/or veggies and/or herbs) added in. Fruit-infused water is dope because it can hydrate you and get you some extra nutrients at the same time. For some delicious recipes, go here, here and here.
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Hair growth plateaus? For most of us, it’s common. However, you don’t have to settle for them. Giving your hair some TLC, being super gentle with your ends, and taking all of what I just said, nutrient-wise, seriously — it can get you past having hair at the same length (which basically means that it’s breaking off about as fast as its growing) and into a totally new growth phase. It’s possible. Stay focused.
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It's kinda wild that, in 2025, my byline will have appeared on this platform for (what?!) seven years. And yeah, when I'm not waxing poetic on here about sex, relationships and then...more sex and relationships, I am working as a certified marriage life coach, helping to birth babies (as a doula) or penning for other places (oftentimes under pen names).
As some of you know, something that I've been "threatening" to do for a few years now is write another book. Welp, October 2024 was the month that I "gave birth" to my third one: 'Inside of Me 2.0: My Story. With a 20-Year Lens'. It's fitting considering I hit a milestone during the same year.
Beyond that, Pumas and lip gloss are still my faves along with sweatshirts and tees that have a pro-Black message on them. I've also started really getting into big ass unique handbags and I'm always gonna have a signature scent that ain't nobody's business but my own.
As far as where to find me, I continue to be MIA on the social media front and I honestly don't know if that will ever change. Still, if you need to hit me up about something *that has nothing to do with pitching on the site (I'm gonna start ignoring those emails because...boundaries)*, hit me up at missnosipho@gmail.com. I'll do what I can. ;)
Luxury Hairstylist On Viral 'Hey Boo' Texts & Professionalism In The Hair Industry
As Black women, our hair is our crowning glory - whether we paid for it or not. We take pride in how we wear and take care of our hair. As with everything, hair care and hair styling have evolved over the years. Long gone are the days of Blue Magic (although I hear it’s making a comeback).
Now, we have a plethora of creams, oils, conditioners, shampoos, and stylists to choose from. Beyond wearing our natural curls, we have a range of options, from wigs and sew-ins to tape-ins, I-tips, and K-tips. So much choice! But you know what they say about too much of a good thing...
The Black hair industry has definitely blossomed in the last decade with a wave of new stylists and salons popping up all over the place. As much as I love that for us, many of these stylists have become the subjects of viral TikTok and Instagram tirades because of their alleged questionable behavior and bizarre rules.
Excessive policies, strange fees, long wait times, poor performance, and the infamous “Hey boo” texts. Beauty is pain, they say… xoNecole got to the root of these issues with luxury hair extensionist Dee Michelle, who’s been in the hair game for 20 years and runs a seven-figure business - all while being a mom of four.
Antonio Livingston
“I started my business with my career in the hair industry [at] very, very young age when I was maybe like eight...So, over the years, I've just built a very successful seven-figure business very quickly just by offering high-end services and creating great experiences for my clients, many of whom are high-profile professionals,” she said. “I'm also a mother of four, including a set of triplets, which inspires me daily to show what's possible with my hard work and focus.”
Dee’s business has gone viral on social media because of what many call outrageous prices for her invisible K-Tip installs.
“When I developed my invisible K-tip extensions technique, I made sure that it wasn't just about the hair or the style, but about providing a high-end experience from start to finish. So, my clients just aren't paying for the extensions or just the style itself, but they're investing into my meticulous, seamless craft and premium hair sourced from the best suppliers…I've spent so many hours mastering my craft, creating this seamless method that gives my clients long-lasting natural results, and my pricing just reflects that - the value of my expertise and the exclusivity of the service.”
The K-tip specialist stands on business when it comes to catering to her clients and giving them an experience worth the cost.
“And it's just important for me to also say that my clients are high-profile individuals who value quality, their privacy, and their time. They want a service that fits into their lifestyle and their time. They want things that deliver perfection. And I deliver that every single time.”
I’m sure we’ve all seen the various TikTok rants about people’s nightmare experiences with stylists and uttered a silent “FELT!” We asked Dee her opinion on a few nightmare scenarios that beg the response, “please be so forreal."
On stylists charging extra to wash clients’ hair:
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
“I think they should just include it in the price, to be honest. Because I feel like when clients go to a stylist, they're expecting you to wash their hair. Personally, if I see that washing is extra, I just wouldn't go to the salon because it just shows a lack of professionalism, in my opinion, and a lack of experience.”
On ‘deposits’ that don’t go towards the cost of the service:
“I think that's kind of weird, too, for deposits to not be like a part of the service. I've seen people have booking fees and I just don't understand it, to be honest. I disagree with that kind of policy…By all means, people should do what works for them, but to me, it doesn't make sense. Why does somebody have to pay a fee just to book an appointment with you? I don't get it. It feels like exploitation.”
On stylists charging extra to style (straighten/curl) wigs, sew-ins etc., after installing:
“I don't get it. Clients come to us to get their hair done, to get it styled. So why is it extra for you to style it? If you're going to charge extra, just increase your price. I feel like it could be just a lack of confidence in those stylists, feeling like people won't pay a certain price for certain things, or just their lack of professionalism as well, because people are coming to us to get styled.”
On the infamous “Hey boo” text stylists send to clients when they need to cancel/reschedule:
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
“Professionalism in any industry, especially the beauty industry, is everything. So texting a client the, “Hey boo” is so unprofessional, and it's damaging to the client-stylist relationship. Clients book their appointments expecting a level of respect and care, especially when they're investing their time and money and a service. And I get it, emergencies happen, we're all humans. However, it should be done with a formal apology and a clear explanation.”
We know all too well what kinds of things will keep us from ever gracing certain hairstylists’ chairs with our butts again. So, what should hairstylists do to provide a good service to their clients? What is good hairstylist etiquette?
“For one, being on time is an important rule for stylist etiquette. It's just not okay to require your clients to be on time, and you're not on time. Also, communication. Being able to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally, whether that's in person, via text, or on social media. Style is etiquette. Appearance matters. So just maintaining a clean, polished, and professional look. Clients respect you more whenever your appearance reflects your work. There's just so many things, but another thing I would say is active listening. So, being able to pay close attention to what your client wants and also clarifying any questions that they might have. Just to ensure that they feel heard and to minimize any misunderstandings.”
Dee also shared some red flags to look out for when considering a new stylist.
“Even me as a client, if I'm booking somebody and they have a long list of rules, I don't even book with them. That's, for one, just such a huge turn-off. Also, stylists who have inconsistent or unclear pricing, that's a red flag. People who change their rates too much without an explanation. Poor communication. So, if a stylist is responding very slow or responding unprofessionally, or giving vague answers to questions, that can make clients question whether or not they are respecting their time and their needs.
Another red flag - an inconsistent or low quality portfolio. And I feel like, I see this a lot with stylists stealing other people's work, and their portfolio on social media is just very inconsistent.”
We couldn’t let Dee go without getting the tea on what styles she predicts will trend in 2025.
“I feel like people are going back to natural-looking styles. So, a lot of people are ditching the wigs, the lace fronts, things like that. People are still wearing them, of course, but it is becoming more of a trend to embrace your natural hair and something that's not looking too fake. That’s one thing that we're going to be seeing a lot. I would say a lot of layers are coming back, heavy layers. Those are becoming really, really trendy. And people are leaning more towards platinum-colored hair. I've been seeing lots of like blondes coming out. Also, jet black is always going to be a trend. But I would say more like natural colors, but natural colors that are still making a statement.”
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How To Use Your Rising Sign To Unlock More Financial Abundance In Your Life
Abundance is a mindset and it's one you can obtain more effortlessly by knowing your birth chart. Your birth chart in Astrology reflects your cosmic blueprint for this lifetime and maps out things for you like your purpose, destiny, and financial potential. There are key ways to earn income or increase your finances and Astrology helps you dive into that. By knowing your financial strengths, weaknesses, and gifts, you can enhance the abundance surrounding you and align yourself more with what resonates.
How Your Birth Chart Reveals Your Key to Financial Abundance
In Astrology, there are a few areas of your birth chart that signify what your financial world looks like and have the potential to look at as well. Your 2nd house, rules your finances, personal income, and values, your 8th house rules your shared finances and the money you receive from partnerships or through marriage, and your 11th house rules your hopes and dreams, manifestations, and what you have accumulated through your career or business. The sign Venus also represents finances and luxury, and the placement of this planet is key to understanding your financial purpose as well.
We each come into this life with specific skill sets and perspectives that have the potential to help us live the life of our dreams and fulfill our intentions. By understanding where you tend to naturally thrive in life, you open the door to financial freedom and empowerment. What the stars say about your financial potential is the inspiration you need to walk through that door.
Read for your Rising Sign below to see how to unlock your key to abundance.
How Your Rising Sign Unlocks Abundance
ARIES RISING
Your key to unlocking abundance involves creating concrete, long-term, financial plans. With Taurus in the 2nd house, you have a natural gift for money and you know how to build something from the ground up. You create beauty, love, and stability in the world, and your ability to make people feel comfortable will help you financially succeed. Taurus in the 2nd house are collectors as well, and you have a good eye.
With Scorpio in your 8th house, the partnerships and connections you form help you increase your income and earnings. It’s not about overly relying on others financially, but knowing there is support there for you when you need it. Your financial potential overall involves how much you are dedicating yourself to your dreams and doing things that will provide stability and security in your life.
TAURUS RISING
As a Taurus Rising, you have Gemini in the 2nd house, and there are a lot of different avenues in which you can earn an income. You will most likely have multiple streams of income in fact, and your capacity to learn, grow, and expand financially is endless.
You thrive in communication, publication, and collaborative worlds, and your networking abilities will help you succeed in life.
By educating yourself and expanding your mind, you can use this knowledge to help you connect, sell, and raise awareness to others. With Pisces in the 11th house, you have lucky Jupiter helping you make your dreams come true and creating miracles in your life. No one sees things the way you do, use this to your advantage when it comes to your finances and goals here.
GEMINI RISING
For you, you are more emotionally tied to your finances and sense of stability than most. With Cancer in your 2nd house, you have a strong intuition regarding money matters, but you may also feel like things fluctuate a lot for you here. Your key to unlocking your personal abundance comes by finding the things that you hold value in, thinking about your purpose and the legacy you want to leave behind, and owning your nurturing abilities.
You are a natural caregiver, creator, and protector, and can thrive in roles such as these. Cancer in the 2nd house also shows an ability to earn through real estate, antiques, or investments. With Capricorn in the 8th house, your logic will help you execute your plans and goals, and you are always thinking one step ahead. People may underestimate you often, use this to your advantage.
CANCER RISING
As a Cancer Rising, you thrive when you are able to take charge and lead your creative efforts. With Leo in the 2nd house, you are a charismatic soul and you are meant to take center stage in life. Your creativity, confidence, and courage will set you apart from others, and you will financially succeed in roles where you have some type of authority or can express yourself freely.
With Aquarius in the 8th house, you may also find your financial power when it comes to technology or social media. You are a natural influencer and people want to know what you think about things and what your current obsessions are. You are the star of the show, remembering that is your key to unlocking your abundance in this lifetime.
LEO RISING
You have Virgo in the 2nd house, and unlocking your key to abundance involves getting organized, sticking to a routine, and doing things that benefit others or society in some way. You are typically found in roles that involve being of service and you also have a gift with your words. Careers such as writing, speaking, publishing, health roles, and healing treatments all serve you well.
With Gemini in the 11th house as well, you have a gift for networking, communication, building a group or a team, and succeeding in your collaborative efforts. Don’t let your need for perfection take you away from your potential regarding your ability to connect with others and build something inspiring. Your vision, partnerships, selfless attitude, and creativity will help you financially succeed.
VIRGO RISING
As a Virgo Rising, you are a hard worker and have a lot of beauty and wisdom to share with the world. You have Libra in the 2nd house, signifying a creative soul and someone who can earn an income through art, interior design, fashion, or therapeutic and beauty practices.
You have a gift when it comes to creating things appealing to the eye, and you resonate with the more luxurious spheres of life.
Aries in the 8th house signifies a drive to succeed, and you financially move through a lot of transformations in this lifetime that lead you closer to your dreams. Creating a business that you are passionate about or being a part of a legacy that creates something beautiful for the world, helps you financially succeed in life.
LIBRA RISING
Financially, you evolve over time. The key here for you with Scorpio in the 2nd house, is to trust your intuition when it comes to what to invest in and what to spend your time and energy on. Know that with any setback you may encounter financially, you will rise above more abundantly and successfully. You have a unique way of understanding the undercurrents and concept of money, use this to your advantage.
With Leo in the 11th house, you succeed when you are confident, standing out from the crowd, and doing things that feel authentic and natural for you. You are meant to shine and inspire others through your charisma, personality, and strong intuition.
SCORPIO RISING
With a Scorpio Rising, you have Sagittarius in the 2nd, and financial freedom is very important to you in this lifetime. You are working towards building a legacy for yourself through your wisdom, knowledge, and quest for understanding. You inspire others in your own unique way, and this is a placement for many teachers or guides in this world.
Virgo in the 11th house reminds you to get clear on the things you want for yourself and the plans or dedication it will take to get there. Your intelligence and your capacity to see all perspectives and express yourself in a grounded way is what is going to unlock your key to abundance.
SAGITTARIUS RISING
Financially, you have a lot of potential to succeed in this lifetime. With Capricorn in your 2nd house of income, you are business-savvy and have a knack for money. You know what the world needs more of, and you are the one to provide it. Through your work ethic and need to succeed, you are someone who can be found in higher positions within a business or company.
Cancer in the 8th house also shows that you find financial empowerment by dedicating yourself to a cause or career that holds deep importance for you and your heart. The people you meet along the way are also key to recognizing your dreams and financial abundance.
CAPRICORN RISING
As a Capricorn Rising, you have Aquarius in the 2nd house which shows a gift in community, networking, and social media. You are a trendsetter and are ahead of time when it comes to trends, fashion, and ideals. You have a unique vision and ability to succeed in this lifetime through your manifestation potential.
With Scorpio in the 11th house, you can build a team or an organization and lead yourself and others to success. Your acquaintances and friendships throughout life will help you meet the right people and get the right opportunities. You always need to be thinking big when it comes to your finances, and know that you have what it takes to succeed.
AQUARIUS RISING
For you, financial success comes from your imagination and your hope for it all. With Pisces in the 2nd house, you view your financial world through a spiritual and creative lens, and the opportunities for you in this lifetime are vast. You need a lot of freedom within your career and you need to be doing things that allow you to express your creativity.
With Sagittarius in the 11th house of your hopes and dreams, you will succeed when you are stepping out of your comfort zone, traveling, and exploring new things. Your knowledge combined with lucky Jupiter, makes you someone who is more lucky than most when it comes to making your financial dreams come true. Remain positive and know your path to abundance won’t look like everyone else's.
PISCES RISING
You have Aries in the 2nd house, and financially you feel empowered when you are going after your individual dreams and intentions and are in leadership roles. Entrepreneurship inspires you, and you know how to lead a team. Taking initiative when it comes to your financial world is key here, and you need a certain sense of freedom when it comes to your career and working life.
Libra in the 8th house signifies abundance through your love life, marriage, business partnerships, or commitments and people are more willing to lend you a helping hand than most, use this to your advantage. Overall, your key to abundance is taking initiative, creating things never seen before, and using your charming personality to attract the support you need to succeed.
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