The George Michael Method

My friend, Amy, replied to my previous blog and mentioned the Morroco Method.  While I check this out, I thought I'd share the method that I've used for the last 8-10 years to grow and maintain my long hair, WHEN it was long...sniff sniff :'-(   Now we are getting down ta bidness!  The method I followed was the George Michael Method.  No, not George Michael, that totally awesome singer from the 80's and 90's, but Dr. George Michael, the long hair doctor.

According to Dr. George Michael, there are a few things to abide by while growing hair out.

1. All hair should be the same length.  Ideally, there are no bangs or extreme layers.  The idea is that whenever hair is cut shorter in one place than the other, the body sends nutrients to the shorter hairs, taking away nutrients from the longer hairs.  This would either slow long hair production or cause hairs to fall out.  A George Michael cut is one where the hair is mostly all one length, with a little rounding at both sides.
2. No coloring, blow drying, or harsh treatment of any kind.  Hair should be treated like fine silk.  When wet, it should only be gently combed from the bottom to the roots and air-dried.  Some people sleep with silk or satin pillow cases or put their hair in a silk cap while sleeping.  That's some serious hair care, y'all! 
3.  Daily brushing with a boar hair brush is good!  When dry, a good brushing with a boar hair brush will distribute the natural oils from your scalp to your hair and stimulate your hair follicles.  The recommended technique is to flip the head down and brush the underside really good, and then flip head back and finish brushing the rest.
4. Trim or "dust" hair every 3 or so months.  The George Michael trim or "dusting" consists of twisting small sections of hair to expose only the split ends and trimming those off.  After that, a final trim to even everything out. 
5. Get a treatment done every 6 months or as needed.  The George Michael treatment is a deep-conditioning protein treatment which rebuilds the hair so that you can grow your hair longer and stronger.  If you don't have a George Michael salon in your area, they also have a 12-minute deep conditioner that you can do at home.  But it's great to get this treatment done.  It takes 3 hours and you can't wash your hair afterwards for 3 days as it continues to work on the structure of your hair.  It is kind of like a perm in that it is a chemical treatment, but it replenishes your hair's structure.  

What is remarkable about finding a stylist who knows the George Michael method is that you know your hair will not be chopped off when you go to the salon.  Much of your length will be preserved as you are trying to grow your hair out.  You might think your hair is super damaged and needs to be cut, but you will be surprised at how much can be saved by the George Michael trim and treatment.

Below is a video I took a few years ago at the George Michael salon I found here in San Diego (excuse my goofiness and sheer lack of selfie video skills)!  So far, I know there are George Michael salons also in Beverly Hills, New York, and Fairview Park, OH!  If anyone knows where any more are located, or wants to correct my information above, please post a comment!