How Historical Hair Care Grew My Hair to Thigh Length After Modern Methods Failed

[@KatherineSewing]

Visit birchliving.com/katherinesewing to get 20% off your mattress plus two free pillows.

[@nemiatarot497]

One very important factor is water quality. Historically, people used well water or rainwater to wash their hair-very soft water. Nowadays, we have convenient tap water, but it can be pretty hard. That's why a vinegar rinse is so beneficial: It balances out the calcium content of the water. I've been following an oiling and gentle care routine for many years, inspired by the Long Hair Community forum. After listening to one of your videos, I prepared an herbal oil mix that has become a cornerstone of my routine. I use it at least twice a week. My hair will never be full and curly like yours, but it's in pretty good shape. I have had hip-length hair since I was a girl, and I always wear it in a protective style. I'll try the Rhassoul, but our water is extremely hard, even with a shower filter, so I don't know whether it will work. Thank you for the information and explanations; I love your style!

[@KatherineSewing]

Thanks for your comment!

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

I live in NYS where we definitely have hard water and I can tell you I have mixed my clay with tap water and used it with no problem, if that helps. I'm a mixed race woman who comes from a huge family and my sibs and I had massive amounts of thick frizzy hard- to -tame hair, we washed once a week but sometimes every 2-3 weeks due to this (also, back in the 60's and 70's all we had to manage it was OTC shampoo, pomade, and a hot comb on occassion, like class picture day), I also recall our mom using apple cider vinegar as a final rinse and it had great results. The main point is that we all had heads of thick hair, we didn't use any mainstream styling products nor did we shampoo/manipulate frequently, it wasn't needed! 😉

[@vdemoor9844]

My curls came back within a week of not traditionally washing my hair. Woah! Haven't seen my actual curls in 35 years.

[@KatherineSewing]

That is awesome! I'm so glad you are seeing your curls again.

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

I will never get tired of thanking you as I have adopted your hair routine starting a year ago and my hair has transformed, I have so much growth I have to sit when combing/brushing/doing treatments, etc, and my arms get fatigued! But i'm not complaining in the least as now I can wear styles that I used to dream about. I made 2 batches of hair growth oil last year, when I run out i'm considering buying a bottle (making it has become a bit more of an effort with my physical condition), to make it easier. All in all you've changed my life, thank you again!❤

[@KatherineSewing]

I’m so glad my hair care routine has helped you to achieve your hair goals!

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

@@KatherineSewing my goal is waist length but who knows, I might opt for beyond that!!😉

[@terristeen7214]

A couple years ago I started doing some of your routines for my hair and it's longer now than it's ever been. I think the changes that made the most difference for me was adding oils and massaging the scalp regularly. I do think that washing with rhassoul clay has also made a big difference. Thank you for your help!

[@KatherineSewing]

That is wonderful!

[@elisabethprice4697]

I have been doing the clay wash, vinegar rinse, and oil since February of last year and my hair is not only thigh length but so healthy and strong! I still need to incorporate the silk at night and the scalp massage but I wear protective hair styles just about every day and sleep with a braid! I have straight hair and this has worked wonders for my hair! I’ve always been one to have kinda long hair but it’s never been quite this long or this healthy!!! So thank you so much for sharing your journey!!! It’s has helped me a lot!!! My dream my entire life was to have hair like Repunzel and now it’s kinda happening!

[@KatherineSewing]

That's amazing, thanks for sharing!

[@Sorraiamustang]

I am here to share your suggestions are Spot On ! I have been been studying ultimate long healthy hair care for most of my life . I am 61 yo with a little experience under my belt and I am here to share your principles and product suggestions really Do work . My hair is curly 2b type …. Salt and pepper and drys out very easily . It’s bra strap length after cutting 4 inches off in the fall . I get compliments quite often . This year I need to step it up a knotch and use the clay as my main shampoo vs on occasion . It looks thicker and healthier when I do use the clay . My curl pattern really pops too. Thank You Katherine for sharing your Beautiful Hair secrets . There is a lot to the whole program but so worth it in the long run . My suggestion to others is don’t give up , incorporate as many of Katherine’s suggestions as you can . Over time they will become habits and the more you do … the more of a difference you will see.in your hair .

[@respectthethorn]

You were my first teacher starting on my hair journey and thank you. I love the natural traditional ways, incorporating all the yummy herbals, there's so many herbs good for hair I can find in nature locally as well, horsetail, nettles, burdock, hair masks too and have made some amazing oil blends, even found mica in some dirt locally for natural hair glitter! Even wanting to experiment with local clays..Wow, game changer too the MSM, no stress, eating right and good sleep, old school Rosie the Riviter scarf wearing! Listening to what our hair likes, our self-esteem and being proud of our crowns as Queens! ❤❤

[@KatherineSewing]

Thanks for your comment!

[@simpleighh.383]

I had basically a buzz cut 6 years ago this coming Mother’s Day. Then a little trim when it got to that shaggy stage. And nothing since. It’s longer than it’s ever been. I wash about every 5-7 days. It’s wavy and about 3” down my bum. I had to change my diet drastically almost 15 years ago maybe part of it. I’ve only used a hair dryer and curling iron once. I braid at night and use a little leave in conditioner on the ends once in a while. I still have a little oily hair and comb through morning and night. I would have never imagined it this long at 64.

[@KatherineSewing]

What an amazing hair success story!

[@Sorraiamustang]

This is awesome and so inspirational!

[@cestmagnifique7932]

I don't know, that hair looks greasy and tangled. I use baby shampoo and no-silicone conditioner with add-ons (lemon, castor oil and gelatine). The method that works for me for lessening hair shedding is spraying green tea on the roots a couple of hours before washing. My hair is 3C and current length is a medium, yet the amount shed from washing is my pinky tip's size. I would try more natural stuff, but there's also the concern of accessibility of these products and even the smell.

[@KatherineSewing]

Lol well thank you, what a thoughtful comment. Though the green tea spray at the roots is a great tip.

[@chrisila3248]

I LOVE Tallow for my Hair, it so nourishing and more hydrating than „greasy“ ❤

[@Missmoon1993]

My hair looks like yours did in the beginning of the video when you had it chopped, we have the same curl pattern too, my hair just never seems to be moisturized enough no matter the amount of product. Hoping to implement these methods for my dream hair! Thanks for sharing

[@RosieFPosey]

Thank you for sharing your story with us!

[@Sara_______aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I've been washing my hair with soapnuts and its amazing. I did clay wash, ACV rinse with baking soda mixed with water, but the best for me was soap berries

[@714Roostergirl]

Hi,where did you get the soap nuts from? Thanks 😊

[@Sara_______aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

@714Roostergirl Hi! From my local herbalist! You can also buy them through the internet, but do your research and make sure they're natural and come from a trusted site 🤣🙌🏻 that way you know they're 100% natural

[@susanploetz3616]

How do you use the soap nuts to wash your hair?

[@Sara_______aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

@@susanploetz3616 Hi! The night before hair wash day ( around 9pm) I put about 15 soap berries in a Tupperware with water (300ml aprox) and let it sit closed for the night. Then in the morning I boil them with the water they were, I boil them for about 2 min and then lower the heat (aprox to a 4 in 1 to 9 level kitchen (idk how to say it)) and then let it cool inside a glass container. When it's cooled down, I get into the shower, shake the glass container so it creates foam and the foam is what I use to wash the hair. I make sure I put foam all over my scalp. I scratch and then rinse. Then I repeat the process but I leave the soapberries foam for like 5 minutes. Then I rinse and I do not condition tbh it leaves my hair amazingly. I also use a bamboo brush to detangle and a boar bristle brush before sleep to grab all my scalp oils and put it through all of my hair hehe

[@Theoppositeofblurr]

Thank you for sharing this insight! Your hair is beautiful 😍💐.

[@KatherineSewing]

Thank you, I’m so happy you enjoyed my hair journey! It’s been a long process.

[@amixeblu]

I tried the clays and the natural ways to cleanse, but (may be unfortunate) they don't work for me. I think it may be our hard water that messes with the effectiveness and cleansing process itself. Also I have SD, seborrheic dermatitis and I have to use specialized/medical shampoo. Back when my hair was classic length (over the bum) I tried it all, now that I cut my hair back to (for me and my life currently) a more manageable length, I am back to using a more standard way to care for my hair and I love it; we're all different. But I have always admired the folks who can go the natural route, and your hair certainly is amazing! I think, for you it's the right choice!

[@foreverestt3631]

This video is extremely informative! Thank-you 🙏

[@saraht8474]

Very instructive video and well done.❤ For me, it is true stress of all kind damage the hair health. And in the moroccan culture women were always cleaning their hair with the natural clay from morocco: Ghassoul. Thank you❤

[@MilaMirage]

This red dress is sooooo beautiful❤

[@KatherineSewing]

Thank you!

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

I've enjoyed your videos previously but this was a good reminder to use the clay wash first followed by the vinegar rinse....I had been breaking them up on different days. It's hard to rinse well enough to lose the smell of vinegar! I'll also try the finger detangling. thank you!

[@KatherineSewing]

I’ve found that the vinegar smell does fade quite quickly if you use it diluted enough.

[@rebeccabedford9855]

Thank you darling Much love to you and your growing family

[@KatherineSewing]

Same to you!

[@kathleenkaleookalanismith8724]

I also don’t use shampoo a lot. I just wash my scalp off in the shower with water and maybe use a rag to wipe off the excess oil. And I put castor oil at the ends.

[@reahallu]

Ha! Never been this early. Love hearing your story!

[@boomshankaneil]

I have stopped sham pooing and its amazingly more thick. Smells so great. Love your channel. Thank you for sharing this. Also i know its better for the water / our bodies. Makeing ivy tea to wash. Is ❤❤❤❤

[@KatherineSewing]

It is amazing how much our hair can benefit from natural methods and care!

[@tutejshaja]

"keep my stress level low", as if it's simply something you can choose

[@MagpieMalone]

As low AS POSSIBLE Silly

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes, you can choose to keep your stress level as low as possible. Speaking from the perspective of someone with five children who homeschools and runs a business, it is possible to make choices within the framework of your life to reduce stress. Even something as simple as an attitude and belief shift.

[@benjai45]

You can. As someone whose life was out of control and I felt "woe is me" and life will just keep effing me over, I got a holy slap from God and began realizing what I can control. You can absolutely take steps to set up boundaries in your life, decide what you'll give up and stop caring about, tell other people what lines they will not cross, learn to speak your needs or live simpler, or start a plan that may cause more stress in the short term but set you up to be more comfortable within a set time frame (like downsizing/selling things to get rid of clutter, or learning a new skill to have more opportunities). I understand life IS TOUGH! But please don't trap yourself into just accepting whatever is thrown at you and not taking accountability to control what you can control. When stress starts literally killing you, you will discover real quick how to minimize it. Or you will be forced to when it physically maims you 😔 you can choose how to orchestrate your life. You can! Start somewhere small and see the difference.

[@liliabellafiori4790]

You can't always change the amount of stress in your life, but you can choose how you respond to it. The stress response is what is damaging to our bodies. Meditation and Mindfulness practices really helped me to understand the difference. Just food for thought. ✌️

[@Sorraiamustang]

There is a saying from a very wise man named Osho: “Its Not a matter of a different world it’s a matter of a different You because when you change through present awareness, your whole world changes.”

[@spunstricken9065]

Thank you, Katherine, for all of the hair care advice. It has been great for my hair. I noticed from some of your earlier pictures that you at times had unruly hair in the front. I’m having this problem, too. How have you combatted the baby hair halo, please? I have 3b and 3a hair combo. The front is doing its own thing. 😊

[@carlajones8741]

❤ Thank you, ma love

[@Mate-it1zt]

Great video! Thank you!

[@KatherineSewing]

You are welcome!

[@alisafoster6238]

Clay question: heavy metals in 'healing clays'? According to the FDA, NIH, & WHO clays contain arsenic, lead etc. Have you tested what you use for heavy metals?

[@KatherineSewing]

I source my rhassoul clay from a reputable organic brand. Rhassoul Clay (which I use and recommend) is also considered one of the safest clays to its natural purity and low contamination risk.

[@donnabennett6239]

Im growing my hair out now

[@dollf4ce]

Can I do clay washing if my hair is thinner?

[@NextLionQueen]

What is your opinion on washing with rye flour? I've started using it since it id easier available for me. I can really recommend it!

[@KatherineSewing]

That's great it's working for you!

[@Tsmoke1414]

Is there any chance that you might make a smaller trial size of your hair oil? Also doesn’t the clay wash clog plumbing?

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

I can tell you from experience that it does not clog your drain, just make sure it is a watery consistency, I myself tend to go a bit thicker but not a lot

[@KatherineSewing]

It's possible in the future. I've never personally had a problem with clogged drains - my clay wash is a very watery consistency.

[@FranCecy001]

Thank you for this video, I am considering trying the washing routine you suggest. Is there any alternative for apple vinegar? I cannot stand the smell of it 😭

[@KatherineSewing]

Yeah for sure. Some that come to mind are: aloe vera juice, highly diluted lemon juice, or black or green tea (depending on your hair colour).

[@kristin7101]

Ive been trying the clay wash and and can't seem to get alk the clay out. I can feel it and scrape it off my strands no matter how much i rinse it. Anyone have tips for this?

[@HabibaHusseinsalah]

me too I have this problem

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

It should be a watery consistency, a bit thick but not too thick, how are you preparing it?

[@SomewhereInIndiana1816]

your mix is WAY too thick. make it look like a watery chocolate milk. you won't feel graininess at all.

[@KatherineSewing]

Watery consistency, and follow up with a diluted ACV rinse.

[@kristin7101]

@@abundantlyblessed9201 mine was watery the last time and it still felt gritty. I could scrape it off my strands if I ran my fingers down my hair. I did forget the ACV rinse. Maybe that's the key?

[@chkensammich]

when you say you no longer use gels does that include natural ones like flaxseed?

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

no, she actually uses flaxseed gel that she makes on her own, i have also made it and it is easy to do,!

[@KatherineSewing]

I do use flaxseed gel most of the time now, but for the first 5-6 years of my hair growth journey I used no gels and my curls still looked great.

[@karligremillion4901]

What are your thoughts on the Mason Pearson boar bristle brush? I read your blog post on boar bristle brushes, and all the ones linked looked much fuller than a Mason Pearson BBB. You also said you would prefer a BBB that is an exact replica of an ancient BBB. I was interested in getting a Mason Pearson, but now I am wondering if there are better options out there, even though Mason Pearson is supposed to be "the best". I was wondering if you think the Mason Pearson would be a good option, even though it does not look as full, regardless of price.

[@KatherineSewing]

I'm certainly not an expert on the brand, but from what I've seen, Mason Pearson's brushes tend to have mixed boar and nylon bristles. I use and recommend 100% boar bristle brushes. Though these 100% BBB's can require a few extra steps for to use for those with thick hair, the lower chance of breakage is worth it. I also like brushes that have closely packed, dense bristles. Nothing against Mason Pearson though, their brushes are beautiful.

[@isisbathory]

So back in 2023, I tried to give clay a chance, and my hair loved it but my drains hated it, I kept having issues with blocked drains... do you have some kind of super drains or does it clog all the time too?

[@KatherineSewing]

No, I've actually never had a problem with drains - either with septic or city water drains.

[@isisbathory]

@KatherineSewing super drains 😳

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

Do you mind if I ask how you were mixing it?

[@isisbathory]

@abundantlyblessed9201 with water

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

@@isisbathory how much water?

[@cieloestevez1547]

Do you experience split ends and if you do, how do you deal with them?

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes I do - the main way I deal with them is by trimming them off periodically, actually! And then I try to prevent them by being gentle with my ends, applying oils, etc.

[@aldanagomez4719]

Does anyone know an alternative to rhassoul clay? I don't have access to it in my country. I got some red clay instead, but I get oily hair every time I use it. I am also prone to dandruff. Is there any natural alternative to shampoo or the rhassoul clay?

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes, there are lots of other "no-poo" ways to wash hair!

[@bre508]

Hey what about drying ? How do you go about it ?

[@KatherineSewing]

Air dry wrapped in a t-shirt turban, or use a hair dryer with room temp air and a diffuser

[@jac1797]

Can I use bentonite clay instead? That's what I have.

[@KatherineSewing]

You can try it, it works too. It may be a little more drying than rhassoul clay.

[@jac1797]

@KatherineSewing years ago I heard of people using diluted borax to wash their hair also. Have you heard of that?

[@JCMercyGrace]

Thank you Katherine. I'm wondering if you might answer a question about the clay used. You like to use Rhassoul Clay Powder, but I'm wondering about using a lighter color clay for my salt and pepper mid-60s (age) hair. I don't mind the greys and indeed would like to accent them. Would using Kaolin Clay be useful and beneficial as the Rhassoul Clay is? Thank you in advance for your response!

[@KatherineSewing]

Kaolin Clay is a very gentle clay, and it would certainly be a great alternative to Rhassoul Clay for someone with salt and pepper hair.

[@JCMercyGrace]

@@KatherineSewing thank you!

[@CoraQuorra]

Is there a way to transition away from shampoo and conditioners, Or do we start right off with it?

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

I have been using the clay and ACV method for a bit over a year now. Since I only wash once a week I just took the plunge and went right to it, one of the best decisions ever😉

[@CoraQuorra]

@abundantlyblessed9201 thank you so much for answering me! Okay I may just do it then because I cannoooooot take this greasy hair every other day 😭 at my witts end!

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

@@CoraQuorra You are so welcome! This method really does a good job at cleansing my scalp, at first my hair felt weighed down and just a tad greasy but I was determined and after the 2nd or 3rd time I noticed it less and less and I believe it had to do with growth and was able to handle it better, also it was getting stronger and , while I never had a lot of hair loss in the shower to begin with, I was seeing that I started losing only a few strands of hair, 4-5, it's almost none lost. I wish you good luck!

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes you can slowly transition away from shampoos and conditioners, or go cold turkey. It depends on what you prefer and what's going on for your hair. It may be easier for most people to use a gentle transition.

[@betsywoolbright8059]

I have montmorillonite/calcium bentonite clay. Can anyone please tell me if that would be appropriate to use in hair?

[@KatherineSewing]

This can be used in hair and is a wonderful clarifying/detoxing treatment. The flip side of that is it can be more drying than rhassoul clay. This may be fine for you depending on your hair type, though.

[@kiannahvestby3742]

I'm not able to use vinegars, do you have any alternatives to a vinegar rinse?

[@Girltripped]

Diluted lemon juice works about the same!

[@KatherineSewing]

Aloe vera juice

[@shannoniverson4341]

Oh lord i tried the clay it made my hair sooo unmanageable i couldnt even brush it 😢

[@KatherineSewing]

Sounds like you used too thick of a mixture. There is also a transition period as with any new routine.

[@shade247]

I Wanna add that this stuff doesn’t work for everybody. I cannot use oil on my scalp or I get very bad dandruff. .-. Instead, I use a chemical exfoliant

[@KatherineSewing]

Yes, this goes without saying that nothing works for everyone

[@dineshkotian6562]

I adore you and your beautiful long hair Dear will u grow it still long

[@shade247]

lol I tried this “natural” method and it messed up my hair.

[@KatherineSewing]

There is a transition period for any new routine.

[@narmaya33]

Some women have longer hair than you but they still use "modern techniques", so your anecdotal evidence doesn't say anything about today's haircare or old haircare Also, science progresses to make things simpler and more effective ; there's something wrong in labelling modern haircare as bad and old methods as better

[@KatherineSewing]

I am not labelling anything as bad, just pointing out that for large segments of the population, they will never be able to grow long, thick, or healthy hair with modern methods, and that historical methods may do the trick for them. If modern methods work for some people, more power to them.

[@spunstricken9065]

For many people with more fragile hair, curly hair falls into this category, traditional methods with tap water are damaging to the hair. My hair never got to waist length since childhood until I stopped using shampoo to clean my hair. It even broke off to shoulder length from lower back length within a year when I moved to a hard water area. In California, they also use bleach in the water which can be smelled when the tap is run. The women I knew in California who had long hair all had water filters on their shower. They also had straight hair which is much stronger than curly hair to begin with. My hair was mid to lower back length before moving to hard water in Europe. Katherine’s methods help to strengthen the hair. Perhaps you don’t need them. That makes you very fortunate. Others love this advice. I have used some but not all of her methods and my hair is just past my waist. I am hoping for hip length hair by implementing more of her methods. Cheers.

[@narmaya33]

@spunstricken9065 I'm a girl with kinky hair and I don't want to live by all the myths surrounding this hair type. Hair types, despite their different forms, are all the same, it needs great care and a clean scalp to thrive, nothing else

[@narmaya33]

@@KatherineSewing "large segments of the population" ?? that's still wrong, and an argument taken out of nowhere. Learn cosmetology maybe

[@spunstricken9065]

@ Do you. Be happy. Personally, I have found that “science” sometimes creates products that create problems that the products are then meant to resolve. It becomes a circular system and doesn’t improve the hair. They create products in order to create a need for products for $$$. If you have been served by modern methods , products and practice, and are flush with cash, I am happy for you. My hair didn’t thrive that way. I’ve just today washed my hair with clay, rinsed with ACV and oiled with Jojoba and Shea butter. I used my homemade mayo as a hair pack prior to washing. My hair is shiny, soft and manageable. I haven’t used modern methods for over 15 years when I switched to the CGM. I never knew my hair would grow as long as it has. I haven’t had waist length hair since I chopped it off as 12. It has never been healthier. Find what works for you, I guess. I am happy to have Katherine’s advice. We have similar hair and there isn’t a lot of content for hair like ours. Many of the “curly girls” today have to force their hair to be curly. I haven’t used modern always had spiral S-curls. No scrunching required, as has Katherine. I purchase very few hair products. Almost everything I use in my hair comes from my kitchen. War might be coming. I’m happy my skin and hair care isn’t tied to products that might not be available soon.

[@pearlhall3787]

Genetics. Not all ladies of the past had long, gorgeous, thick hair. It's genetics. Your hair looked very thick even when you claim it was stringy. It did not look stringy to me. Lucky you.

[@reahallu]

While not everyone had long hair many more had significantly longer hair than now.

[@Ms7of8]

Correct. Everyone is born with a terminal hair length. It could be a two-year, up to seven-year growth rate. While this regimen will absolutely help people attain their genetic terminal hair length, it will never extend the length beyond what is genetically assigned to a person. Modern hair-care is very unhealthy for the hair. That is why many women had/have issues with growing their hair long/longer. This regimen is a solid, natural way to get to one's terminal hair length. But I reiterate, it will never get beyond it.

[@KatherineSewing]

Saying everything comes down to genetics is an oversimplification and a modern form of fatalism. These techniques can help a person reach their full hair growth potential-most of us fall short of that. Modern genetics also shows that genes can be switched on or off based on lifestyle and environment. While I naturally have thicker hair, my ends were once extremely stringy and wispy, and I’ve experienced thinning due to improper care and lifestyle. So yes, genetics matter, but they’re far from the whole story.

[@abundantlyblessed9201]

@@Ms7of8 sources? Proof? where does this even come from?

[@narmaya33]

​@@abundantlyblessed9201It is true though. Some people are more prone to get on the longer hair spectrum, some on the shorter hair spectrum And anyway, Otherwise we would all grow hair the exact same way in the exact same length, so you can't say it's wrong

[@thisIsTheDayTheLORDHasMade]

my hair grew really quickly after I became a Christian. is there something to it?

[@KatherineSewing]

Hair is intrinsically connected to our mental, emotional, and spiritual sense of well-being, so perhaps this came into play for you!