STORY TIME: Inversion Method FAIL

       Like most women out there, if not all, I want longer hair. And I want it Now! Realistically, I know that's not possible because my hair grows about half an inch every two months. Since I never remember to take my vitamins, hair vitamins like Biotin was out of the question. Therefore, I decided the next best option would be the inversion method. I had been interested in this method for a couple years but never got around to trying it. It's fast and easy and claims to bring guaranteed results of an inch of growth in just 7 days.  So I did my research, watched tons of YouTube videos and when I got the gist of it, eventually tried it. I used pure, unrefined coconut oil to massage into my scalp for about 1-2 minutes. After this, I flipped my head over and held this position for exactly 4 minutes as recommended. I timed it to ensure that I didn't cross the time limit (as that can have harmful effects). Then, I slowly rose up and went about my day. This process was repeated for 7 days consecutively. 

When I tried the inversion method I was already 11 weeks post relaxer and had an inch of new growth. I had hoped that the extra inch of growth would give a decent increase in length at my next relaxer (which I planned to be in week 15). On the 7th day of the treatment, I followed the same procedure and waited until day 8 to properly check the results. Upon washing my hair on the 8th day I discovered, to my dismay, that I had no more than the growth of 11 weeks post relaxer. I measured with a ruler and even sent pictures to a friend but both proved I still only had 1 inch of new growth. I was quite disappointed since I had such faith in the method. It has been 2 weeks now since I attempted the inversion method. My hair has grown an extra half inch, however I cannot confirm if it was due to that. Typically, those who have done the inversion method saw the results of an inch of growth by the final day. Determined to know where I fell short, I considered my possible limitations (a step to which I thank my years of writing lab reports). 

First of all, I critiqued the action of flipping over my head. Some days I would just bend my head down (as if in deep prayer), whereas other days I'd sit at the edge of the bed and completely bend over. The success of this method weighs heavily on the ability of the blood to flow toward the scalp. Therefore, I recommend properly "inverting" your head to ensure proper blood flow to the scalp. Secondly, the oil was not heated prior to application. I'll admit I overlooked this step during my research as the massage should help warm the oil on the scalp. Also, some videos I watched did not specify the need to heat the oil. However, I highly recommend doing so as the warm oil helps promote hair growth by penetrating the scalp (as experienced by hot oil treatments). Lastly, the massage technique has great influence on the effects of this method. Because my scalp tends to be quite itchy, I sometimes unconsciously substituted gentle massaging with light scratching (and that's a big No-No!)There are many videos online on how to properly massage the scalp so I recommend checking them out before attempting this method. 

Although the inversion method was unsuccessful for me, I would like to try it again. Because I have seen positive results on others, I want to improve on my mistakes in attempt to achieve similar results. I do plan to do a relaxer pretty soon so I would have to wait about a month to try this method again. If you plan on doing the inversion method, please consider all the steps carefully. Unlike my experience, I hope it works out well for you. 

Til Next Time. Xoxo, Shanz