The Flight Attendant Nextdoor

Friday, March 14, 2025

The Flight Attendant Nextdoor: My Hair Growth Journey & Goals

From Scalp Health to Wondering if I Can Grow Waist-Length Strands: A Flight Attendant’s Hair Care Journey

As a flight attendant, I know firsthand how challenging it is to maintain healthy hair in a profession that constantly exposes it to dry cabin air, changing climates, and unpredictable schedules. But one thing I’ve learned? A healthy scalp equals healthy growth.

Your hair reflects your overall health, and while genetics play a role, proper care can help you retain and maximize your length. Whether you're starting fresh from a short cut or aiming for waist-length hair, let’s talk about setting realistic growth expectations, essential hair care routines, and the best ways to keep your strands thriving—no matter where you are in the world.

Setting Expectations: How Long Does Hair Growth Take?

Transforming from a cut to shoulder-length or beyond requires patience and consistency. Here’s what you can expect as hair grows at an average rate of 1/2 inch per month:

✔ 4 months of growth → 2-4 inches
✔ 9 months of growth → 4-6 inches
✔ 1 year of growth → 6-8 inches

Did You Know? Hair Grows at Specific Times!

Your body works on a rhythm—even when it comes to hair growth. Studies suggest that hair grows most between:

⏰ 10-11 AM and 2-4 PM
🌙 At night, your pineal gland produces melatonin, a hormone linked to hair growth.

If you want longer, healthier hair, quality sleep is non-negotiable! Poor sleep can shorten the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, affecting retention.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Before diving into hair care, it's important to understand the three stages of hair growth:

Anagen (Growth Phase) – 2-7 years

90% of your hair is in this phase at any time.
The longer your hair stays in anagen, the more length you can retain.

Catagen (Transition Phase) – 2-3 weeks

Growth stops, and the follicle begins to shrink.

Telogen (Resting & Shedding Phase) – 2-3 months

Old hair sheds before a new one starts growing.

If your hair never seems to grow past a certain point, it may be breaking faster than it grows or shifting into the telogen phase prematurely.

My Hair Growth Toolbox: What Works for Me

1. Scalp Care = Faster Growth

Daily scalp massages stimulate blood flow to hair follicles, helping to maximize growth potential.

✅ Electric Scalp Massager
✅ Deep Conditioning (Every 30 Days)
✅ Protein Treatment (Every 60 Days)

2. Regular Trims (6-8 Weeks)

Trims prevent breakage from traveling up the shaft, keeping your hair healthier in the long run.

✅ Hair Cutting Guide Collar
✅ Professional trims with quality Hair Shears

3. Nutrition for Hair Growth

Your hair needs the right vitamins and minerals to thrive.

✔ Multivitamins (for overall health)
✔ Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Keeps the scalp hydrated
✔ Iron & Zinc – Prevents shedding
✔ Magnesium – Strengthens hair follicles

My Supplement Stack

🟢 Saw Palmetto (Blocks DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss)
🟢 Biotin (Supports keratin production)
🟢 Hydrolyzed Collagen (Boosts hair elasticity)
🟢 Reishi Mushroom (Reduces inflammation that can slow growth)
🟢 Flax Seed Oil (Great for scalp health and moisture retention)

💡 Dehydration = Dry, Weak Hair 💡
If your hair is constantly breaking, drink more water!

Next Goal: Waist-Length Hair perhaps by 2030, lol... not at current retention rate

I'm currently at shoulder-mid blade length and aiming for maximum retention within the next 2-3 years. This means:

✔ Protective styles (braids, buns, wigs, etc.)
✔ Consistent deep conditioning & periodic protein treatments (manage cabin air dryness)
✔ Minimizing heat styling

✈️ Challenge: Flying dehydrates my hair like crazy, so keeping moisture locked in is my biggest focus at this point!

Self-Care Days = Hair Love Days

One of my favorite things to do is pamper my hair on self-care days.

🛁 Ideas to Elevate Your Haircare Routine:
✔ Add fresh aloe vera or a nourishing hair mask
✔ Drink a bottle of water while deep conditioning
✔ Always rinse with cool water to seal in moisture
✔ Use leave-in conditioner (I love Aphogee Moisture Mist)

💡 Tip: Treat your hair like antique lace or fine silk—handle it with care!

Breaking Through My Growth Plateau: Learning My Hair at 17 Inches

As my hair strands reach a certain length/age, they tend to snap off—especially when my center crown to end of strands at mid blade length start hitting 17 inches.

To get to the root of the issue (pun intended), I committed to a 12-month no-heat journey to better understand my hair’s behavior.I'm about to start ignoring it again and wish it the best of luck because hair loves to be left alone.

🔥 Did I completely avoid heat? Not entirely.
But I significantly cut back, and through this process, I’ve come to a key realization:

✔ My hair grows well, but retention is the real challenge.

Now, as I approach the end of my 12-month journey in June, I’m exploring solutions to maximize retention and finally push past that stubborn 17-inch barrier.

I started my no-heat challenge in May, and while I’ve noticed less breakage at times, I’m still debating whether occasional blow-drying actually helps me retain more length, i believe it does during the cold season. I also feel too much protein has caused alot of recent breakage this last season. It appears ive lost about 9 months of growth based on image above, my hair has grown to bottom line and only a few strands remain that have been removed per last trim. OUCH!!!

🚨 My Hair’s Growth Limit? 17 inches—before it starts breaking.
👩‍👧 My daughter’s verdict? “It always looks the same length.” So now, I track it with a measuring tape to monitor progress.

Next salon visit? A trim to remove damaged ends—because breakage is real, and I’m determined to break the cycle, not my hair. Henna for Strength & Gray Coverage

I use a dark brown henna formula to strengthen my strands and cover grays.

Here’s my Henna Recipe & Application Process:
(Coming soon in a dedicated post!)

I’ve also tried the Cherry Lola Treatment—a game-changer for moisture and protein balance! ive only done a few times as I dont stock yogurt often.

💡 Tip: Always keep extra yogurt on hand for the Cherry Lola recipe.(will share in upcoming post)

My Hair Care Routine

🌀 Deep Conditioning (Every Wash Day)

Shampoo 2-3 times (if removing a protective style).
Apply conditioner with steam or heat for 15-20 minutes.
No heat? Let it sit for 25 minutes or use a 2-minute reconstructor.
Always use a plastic cap for deep treatments.

🌀 Deep Cleanse after protective styles to remove buildup.

🌀 Wash & Condition every 7-14 days.

📌 Reminder: Hair Growth = Patience!

Is This You? Let’s Get Our Hair on Track!

Do you want healthier, longer hair in the next 6-12 months?

✔ Struggling with breakage?
✔ Not retaining length?
✔ Wearing extensions by choice but want strong natural hair?
✔ Tired of starting over?

Hair loss and slow growth can also be linked to health issues like:

🚨 Hormone Imbalances
🚨 Scalp Infections & Alopecia
🚨 Thyroid Disorders & Malnutrition
🚨 Stress & Medication Side Effects

Let’s break the cycle—together!

Final Thoughts: Hair Growth is a Journey, Not a Race

f you’re on a hair growth journey, remember: patience and consistency are key.

I’ll be tracking my waist-length goal and sharing up along the way!

💬 What’s your hair goal for 2025 and beyond? Drop a comment below!

✈️ Follow my journey as a flight attendant + hair care enthusiast at The Flight Attendant Nextdoor!

Monday, March 10, 2025

Flying High: My Journey Through Flight Attendant Training

So You Want to Be a Flight Attendant? Buckle Up!

Starting a new career is always daunting, but when I received my Conditional Job Offer (CJO) to return to the flight attendant industry, I knew I had to give it my all—especially since it had been 16 years since my last training.

Just days before leaving for training, I had three wisdom teeth extracted. Determined to stay mentally sharp, I refused to take the prescribed tylenol with codeine for pain relief. Instead, I relied on cotton soaked in clove oil to numb my gums, ensuring I remained focused during the crucial two weeks I had to study, organize my life, and pack up before heading out.

Since my previous training, my lifestyle had changed drastically. Little did I know, the next four weeks would challenge me in ways I never imagined—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Here's a glimpse into my journey through flight attendant training, where every day tested my limits, and every night was about pushing past them.

The Countdown to Training: Packing, Preparing, and Saying Goodbye

The morning of October 29, 2016, felt surreal. My bags were packed, my flight was booked—but my alarm didn’t go off. The day wasn’t off to the best start. I made it to the airport just in time to check my oversized suitcase, mere hours away from heading to my airline’s headquarters in Denver for training.

Excitement coursed through me as I prepared to embark on this journey, but so did the anxiety of not knowing my material for the first exam as thoroughly as I wanted. I had to memorize my announcements verbatim, so I spent the entire flight studying. Fortunately, I met a few flight attendants onboard who were also traveling to training, and we quizzed each other in a quick Q&A session.

When I finally checked into my hotel, the reality of leaving my family behind for a month hit me hard. We had never been apart like this before. I wasn’t just preparing for a new job—I was preparing for an entirely new lifestyle for both my family and me. Despite the challenges ahead, I felt supported in this transition.

If you're thinking of becoming a flight attendant, be prepared to pack light but smart. And as an adult learner, brace yourself—flight attendant training is a whole new level of accelerated work.

The First Days: Reality Hits Hard

Long Days, High Expectations, and Zero Room for Mistakes

The first few days felt like a slow-moving blur—early mornings, intense coursework, and relentless exams. We had to absorb a mountain of information in a short period, covering:

Regulations
Emergency Equipment and Procedures
Safety
First Aid & CPR Training
Service & Customer Care

By the end of day one, I was already feeling the effects of Denver’s high altitude—hello, altitude sickness! My head pounded, my stomach felt bloated, and even breathing felt different. I had done my research beforehand, so I came prepared with vitamin C and iron supplements. I also carried a gallon of water with me everywhere. Still, when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t quite recognize myself—my complexion seemed off, sometimes slightly grayish, other times pale.

The days were long, and the pressure was intense. Some trainees were let go within just a few hours on the first day. Watching people disappear from the class was unsettling. Metaphorically, I’ve always compared initial flight attendant training to The Hunger Games—those who didn’t make it past the first hurdles were the fallen. Once their names were called, they vanished, and we never saw them again.

Every test felt like a high-stakes moment because failing more than one exam could mean being sent home. After each test, we had to gather all of our belongings and wait in the lunchroom, anxiously hoping to be invited back to class.

The Emotional Roller Coaster: Tests, Tears, and Triumphs

High Stakes and High Emotions

The exams were relentless, and passing meant achieving a 90% or higher score—every single time. No exceptions. What’s more my class was audited by an FAA agent.The instructors weren’t there to coddle us; they were there to ensure that we were competent and capable of handling real-life emergencies at 35,000 feet.

Some classmates struggled with a failed exam hanging over their head from the 1st week, and sadly, not everyone made it through the training as a result. When a classmate failed out, it felt like losing a teammate. A mix of sorrow and relief comes over you if that makes sense. I vividly remember passing my first oral and written exams on day one, but not without a meltdown in between because I stumble on my lines for the oral test. My instructor graciously supported me as I struggled with each line as my mind kept drawing a blank. The stress was intense, and every day felt like survival mode.

I failed a written test by 1 answer that put me below 90 and was eligible to use my one and only written retake the following day. Result: 11 wrong, I was devastated. I just had to cry when I got to my room, being in this situation has me shook. I’m so uncomfortable.

It was Nov 7th and on the following morning there were 4 tests to knock out as I have a retake and 3 scheduled test all in the same day. I updated the folks in my group my status, got something to eat then started studying.... ALL NIGHT. The odds aren’t in my favor BUT, I can do difficult things and I expect to pass.

I want this to work. If it doesn't my plan B is to apply at an Atlanta based carrier who had openings at the time. II told myself, I'll have to put this in Gods hands. Four test less than 4 hours sleep, feeling how I've never felt before in my life. There’s never been a time in my life when I felt so filled with desperation, anxiety and sorrow. This is a lot on me. My classmates knew it and kept their distance from the target that seemed to be on my back now.

That morning I PASSED my retake. Then tears, training was really turning me into a cry baby. My anxiety from then on out was through the roof. This process is so unnerving all that stress was about to make me loose my eyebrows. I’m not that girl… always cool as a fan until I was faced with that. Unfortunately, I had a written and 2 demo test that day as well so I was in the worst possible position of any day I could have experienced. But I kept going. Why? Because I had dreamed of returning to this career for years, and I refused to quit. My children would be supported in my absence and raised them to independent adolescent status so I was ready to come back to aviation. ( I was a flight attendant during 9/11 but left following the event).

The Personal Struggles: Altitude, Health, and Isolation

One of the more unexpected challenges was how my body reacted to Denver’s high altitude. My sinuses dried up (which wasnt too bad of a thing since they are always damp), my stomach was constantly bloated, and even my breathing had to adjust.

In the last days A lot of my classmates are sick, from TV dinners/microwave meals, no sleep and stress. I expected that so I packed to safeguard best I could.

And then, there was the emotional side of things—being away from home, missing my family, and maintaining a no-distraction policy. I didn’t take calls and left my phone on airplane mode. I didn’t waste time on social media. I created a private group for updates and focused entirely on training. Only a small core group of family and friends knew about my training and departure out of state. I can be a bit of a secret squirrel sometimes and that was one of the times. Flight attendant training is not something you can coast through (at least I can’t)—it requires full attention so I welcomed no distractions at all.

The Final Push: Graduation Day

Earning My Wings

After weeks of grueling tests, sleepless nights (due to newly formed anxiety), and non-stop studying, I miraculously made it to the finish line.

When I passed my final assessments, including my CPR and fire drills, it truly hit me: I was officially a flight attendant again.

Standing in front of my instructors and classmates, waiting for my results of my final, was one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life. But when I heard the words, “You all passed,” I knew that every struggle had been worth it.

I earned my spot in graduating class 1613. The final class of the year. We started with 125 trainees and ended with 75 or 85 approximately.

Looking Back: How Flight Attendant Training Changed Me

Fast forward nearly 9 years, and I’m still flying. But training taught me more than just how to evacuate an aircraft or provide first aid—it taught me:

Resilience – The ability to push through exhaustion and self-doubt.
Adaptability – Learning to adjust to different environments and challenges.
Confidence – Knowing that I can handle high-pressure situations with grace.

Flight attendant training wasn’t just a job requirement—it was a transformation for all of us

Advice for Aspiring Flight Attendants

If you’re considering this career, here’s what you need to know:

If you’re considering this career, here’s what you need to know:

1. Training is Hard—Mentally and Physically
Expect long days, little sleep, and zero room for mistakes. The material is dense, and the expectations are high. But if you stay focused, you will make it through.

2. The Pay Structure is Unique
While the hourly pay is competitive, many don’t realize that flight attendants aren’t paid for boarding, delays, or deplaning. To be clear, all the hours we put in during a work day we aren’t paid for. So far that’s the industry standard but we are hopeful as a workgroup that changes.The first two years are the hardest financially, and many don’t make it past this phase. As the lifestyle isn’t an easy adjustment for everyone.

3. The Most Challenging Part of the Job? Getting to the Gate!
Once I’m onboard, my day is set. But getting through traffic, airport security, and tight layovers? That’s where the real challenge is! Lateness isn’t tolerated because of the type of time bound requirements that govern our rolls. Always remember, if you’re on time you are late!

4. It’s Not Just a Job, It’s a Lifestyle
Being a flight attendant isn’t your typical 9-5 job. It’s a commitment to constant travel, irregular schedules, and making sacrifices. Sometimes you'll be stuck out of town on your day off because you timed out for the day or your flight cancelled (or both). If you thrive in unpredictable environments, you’ll love it. Just be flexible.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For my personalily. Absolutely. Is it for everyone? ...perhaps not.

Becoming a flight attendant was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding experiences of my life. It’s not just about serving drinks at 40,000 feet—it’s about safety, adaptability, and creating unforgettable travel experiences for others.

If you’re serious about this career, be prepared to work hard, stay humble, and never stop learning. And when you finally earn your wings, you’ll know: every challenge was worth it.

Are You Ready to Take Flight?

If you’re considering flight attendant training or want to know more about the lifestyle, drop your questions in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights into the life of a flight attendant.

Wheels up, dreams unlocked! ✈️

XOXO, The Flight Attendant Nextdoor

The Flight Attendant Nextdoor

Friday, March 14, 2025