I recently read about The Crown And Glory Method on a pretty popular natural hair website, and found it quite interesting. Before I get into what makes it interesting, let me first tell you what it is. Basically it is a way to get maximum growth potential from your hair whether relaxed or natural, using braids or twists.
The gist of it is that you leave your hair braided or twisted for a period of time, and then take down the braids for about two weeks to give your actual hair a break, and then it’s back to braids again.
Here is what I found interesting: personally, I did not think this was ‘a method’. I know of women who do this quite often, but they probably had no idea that it was a ‘thing’. When you look at the back story of Robin Woods, you won’t find much, but she was also responsible for creating the Grow Afro Hair Long Hair products.
Her business no longer exists, due to bad press and an ‘F’ rating at the Better Business Bureau, so she tried to get traction with her products by coining the Crown and Glory Method. Her idea was you would use her product, while following the method. So without further ado, let’s get into the details:
Cleansing
There is an old wives tale, or some kind of crazy idea that you should not cleanse your hair while it is braided, but we are here to tell you that that idea is pretty much nuts, and could not be further from the truth.
You might not be cleansing your braids daily, or every three days, but you have to have some cleanse routine in mind when you lock your hair away for 8 weeks. We say use diluted sulfate free shampoo* and wash your hair in sections to make it easier.
I do not wear extensions* often, but when I did, I co-washed and cleansed, remembering that my hair was still in there, and needed care. Spray your braids liberally, and cleanse in a downward motion, allowing the water to do the bulk of your washing, so that you can get rid of buildup, oils*, and toxins. Wash out all the shampoo, and condition as normal.
I know I know……but aren’t we already doing this???? This is how I get my hair the length it is. Protective styles, maintain by condition, oil, etc. Take down, allow to rest for awhile then protective style again. I might not have a name for it but been doing this since the dawn of time lol!
Most if not everything has been done long before we came along. The names just change…
We been doing this.
I’ve heard of the method, a few years ago. It’s a good method to use. But you really have to be diligent about maintaining your hair long term. Thank you for sharing!
Hello! I have been natural for a year and 5 months. I visit my beautician monthly and she trims my ends each visit. I don’t believe I have that much split ends but is that too much trimming and how long should I wait?
One of the reasons I stopped going to the hairdresser was their obsession with trimming my hair. I hardly trim my hair now and it is armpit length. I receive compliments so it must be working.
If you look on YouTube, some people trim, some do not. Other people examine their hair and then trim/not trim. Perhaps you should examine your hair yourself and decide whether you want a trim or not. Look at a few YouTube videos and that may help you to decide. Good luck.
You should bring your concerns to your stylist and if he/she isn’t able give you a legit reason or one that sits well with you then you should find another stylist that listens and acknowledges your concerns . But a good way to tell if you need to cut you ends is when you comb your hair and you can see through the ends (the ends of your hair look thin compare to the rest of your hair) then you should cut them. If you use a lot of heat on your heat then every 6 to 8 weeks and no more than one inch if that at a time. Personally I cut my ends every 3 to 4 months due to the fact I don’t use a lot heat on my hair and keep my hair condition.
I was already doing this before I even knew what the crown and glory method was. Which I didn’t know it was really a “method”, I just figured everyone pretty much did it.
^^^ yes we have. Lol everyone wants to create a method. Some are helpful but most are just a routine!
Funny but I think we’ve all done that… for years!
Have a nice day!
Sorry but I don’t I think that she has created this method. I’m in Senegal, and we practiced it since my child with “life”, “rajouts” and “tresses africaines”. So we can say that she developped the method with her hair story and products but not she created it! And it works if you do it with a good routine.
PLEASE???? Can you get me in contact with Robin! I loved her products. My hair grew so long with the afro detangler. I was her loyal customer, and knew that because her products were made naturally by hand took a while to deliver. I appreciated her products, and what she did. Please someone get me in contact with her. I couldn’t buy her products because I had money issues, but when I did have them my hair was the healthiest its ever been. I hope the author of this article can forward my information to her for me please – [email protected]
Thank you!!!
Did you ever get in touch with Robin for the Afro Detangler? I loved that conditioner too!! Best one I have ever used and its been years now.
Been doing this since forever…,
Maybe I’m slow wht is this just keeping hair braided idk