I Don't Want to Hate You...but I'm Beginning To!!!

[Adaj]

Aah! This stinking TWA of mine is literally working my nerves! A month ago, I posted and raved about Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner for co-washes; it made my hair so soft! Now, a month later, my hair is dry and somtimes feels brittle/hard. I co-wash everyday with Giovanni or Suave Almond Shea Butter. I then rub almond oil or castor oil all over. I do not sleep anything on my head at night...I mean, look at my siggy, do I have to? I think now, that I might need to because when I wake up in the morning, these "coils" (BTW, I'm not liking that word too much right now, because it feels like straight up NAPS...sorry if I offended anyone) are hard to comb out, and I dread it every morning. I don't know what I am doing wrong . To make matters worse, every time I see my dad, he'll say, "it looks like your hair is going to stay this length because it hasn't grown much since you cut it all off in July." He's telling the truth, though . Also, when I comb my hair in the shower with conditioner or in the morning, I have hair in the comb, some shed hair and some breakage (they look like o's and c's.) You all can see that I DO NOT need to be losing any hair! So, to sum it up, here's my reggie:

-Wash weekly on Sundays with ORS Creamy Aloe Shampoo, DC with ORS Replenishing Pak w/heat
- Moisturize with ORS Carrot Oil and seal with JBCO or almond oil

Daily:
Cowash, moisturize and seal...and I don't sleep with anything on my head.

Idk what to do with this TWA, am I suppose to comb it? What do I do in the morning? I just comb, brush and go...I don't want to hate it because in the beginning, I loved it . BTW, I have 4B hair mostly; the top is thick, and the sides are 4A. Another question, I love the way my hair feels in the shower with water running on it...why can't it always feel like that?!

 

[faithVA]

Even with your hair short you may want to sleep with a satin bonnet or scarf or at least with a satin pillow case. Anything else will draw the moisture out of your hair.

I had my hair as short as yours last year (you can see in my siggy). I think less may be more for you. At that time I shampooed/DCd 1x a week and cowashed at most 1x a week. I used Sta-Soft-Fro just cuz it was easy. I never combed or brushed. It never occurred to me to comb it since I didn't have much. I am a 4a though so my hair never moved or curled up. When it got a little longer up to 1.5" I fingere combed it.

Try doing less and enjoying the ease of your short style. Definitely cover it at night.

There was something else I wanted to add but it fell out of my head that fast.

 

[Day36]

Love, you may want to be careful with your choice of cowash condishes. If I recall correctly, Giovanni Smooth as Silk is a deeply protein based condish, so you may have protein overload. The Suave almond and shea should act as your moisture condish. But, how often are you using it? If youre going to use both of them and cowash everyday, I would alternate everyday. Make sure to rinse with as cold of water that you can handle for your cuticles. Sleep with something on your head lady! HTH.

 

[Detroit2Dallas]

stay encouraged, we have all been there (well alot of us) and first you need to take a deep breath. A twa is one of the most low maintenance hairstyles out there so just calm down. take time out to look at your hair, like really look at it. what is it trying to tell you? is it dry? lacks protein? being rubbed (against sheets and stuff) wrong? washed to much? is it long enough to put finger twist in? because maybe you need to begin to wear twist and coils. Also I see you use oils but I dont see anything thats going to really penetrate the hair and force moisture into the hair shaft. What about deep conditioning? what about your natural hair butters? Its gon be alright

 

[VirtuousBeauty]

If you don't want to put something on your head then you can sleep with a satin pillowcase so the moisture wont be stripped from your hair.

I don't know if what you shampoo/cowash with has cones in it but you could have buildup as well. I know when a product that works well for you no longer has that benefit you can have product buildup.

Also watch your protein/moisture balance. Don't just overkill on one type of product.

 

[Adaj]

Love, you may want to be careful with your choice of cowash condishes. If I recall correctly, Giovanni Smooth as Silk is a deeply protein based condish, so you may have protein overload. The Suave almond and shea should act as your moisture condish. But, how often are you using it? If youre going to use both of them and cowash everyday, I would alternate everyday. Make sure to rinse with as cold of water that you can handle for your cuticles. Sleep with something on your head lady! HTH.

I cowash while in the shower, and most times, the water is warm. What does cold water do?

stay encouraged, we have all been there (well alot of us) and first you need to take a deep breath. A twa is one of the most low maintenance hairstyles out there so just calm down. take time out to look at your hair, like really look at it. what is it trying to tell you? is it dry? lacks protein? being rubbed (against sheets and stuff) wrong? washed to much? is it long enough to put finger twist in? because maybe you need to begin to wear twist and coils. Also I see you use oils but I dont see anything thats going to really penetrate the hair and force moisture into the hair shaft. What about deep conditioning? what about your natural hair butters? Its gon be alright

I have messed around in it, and did 2-strand twists, but I wouldn't wear them out. I use ORS Creamy Carrot Oil; isn't that a moisturizer? After I use that I put JBCO over it. I DC with ORS Replenishing Pak, and I've never tried natural hair butters. Are you referring to products like shea butter?

 

[Urban]

-I've read a few posts here where some have found that cowashing daily can be drying. Maybe change to like once a week (just something different) to see if it makes a difference.

-As a natural, I'd recommend something more moisturizing than the carrot oil. Have to tried Scurl or any of the jerry curl moisturizers?

- Everyone experiences some form of breakage, but is there a way you can be gentler when combing so you have minimal breakage? What kind of comb are you using?

- Maybe sleeping with a scarf or something may help. Why not give it a go for a few nights and see if it helps.

 

[LuvlyRain3]

I dont comb my twa unless its dc day. and i use my fingers. i see Cs and Os sometimes but doesnt seem to be affecting my groeth or my overall retrntion so i just let it rock. I have been seeing alot of hairs lately but i think its because i used this. really crappy shampoo that they offer in my gym.

I had left my elasta qp cramy shampoo at home and i like to dc at the gym in the sauna. My hair felt dry and brittle and i had forgot my leave in protein. But it seems to be recovering now. Try adding wheat germ oil to your dc. My hair loves ceramides and it seems to help limit the amount of little broken pieces. So maybe it could do the same for you

 

[EbonyCPrincess]

I'm relaxed but I was going to say exactly what Day36 said - Giovanni SAS has some protein in it so it could be what causes the "hard" feeling.

 

[discodumpling]

ORS Aloe is to harsh to use weekly IMHO. I use this poo every 4-6 weeks only to chelate/clarify. You may want to find something that has low/no sulfates and is more moisturizing.
I'm not understanding your M&S process...you moisturize with oil & seal with oil? To KISS I suggest sealing the WATER from your co-wash or poo with your fave oil.
Daily combing of a TWA is unecessary...this is your time to wash n go! If your goal is to grow long hair it will never be short again! Have fun with it...the TWA phase will be over before you know it!

 

[Adaj]

-I've read a few posts here where some have found that cowashing daily can be drying. Maybe change to like once a week (just something different) to see if it makes a difference.

-As a natural, I'd recommend something more moisturizing than the carrot oil. Have to tried Scurl or any of the jerry curl moisturizers?

- Everyone experiences some form of breakage, but is there a way you can be gentler when combing so you have minimal breakage? What kind of comb are you using?

- Maybe sleeping with a scarf or something may help. Why not give it a go for a few nights and see if it helps.

How do you use the S-Curl? Dry or wet hair? Do you seal afterwards?

 

[Day36]

The cool/cold water help your cuticles to lie flatter so the moisture isnt so quick to escape. Sort of helps with the porosity of your hair, I believe.

 

[chebaby]

ors replenishing is protein. and while smooth as silk is moisture it has a tiny bit of protein in it too. your moisturizer probably isnt moisturizing your hair. it probably isnt right for your hair.
try co washing and then using something like kinky curly knot today followed by an oil.

 

[NaturalEnigma]

1. Sleep with a silk scarf or bonnet, a cotton pillowcase will rob your hair of moisture.
2. Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo. The only time I've heard people use ORS' creamy aloe shampoo is when they want to clarify. Its probably stripping your hair of moisture, every-time you wash with it.
3. Slow down on the cowashing, try doing it 1-2 times a week, and see how your hair responds.
4. ORS replenishing pack is a protein, I put the ORS conditioner on my natural hair one time and my hair was as hard as a rock after, try finding a moisturizing conditioner like Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose.
5. Try to find a better moisturizer other than carrot oil. Qhemet Biologics Burdock root and Butter cream is really popular, maybe you can try that.
6. I wouldn't suggest brushing your hair it's probably aggravating it. I have a twa afro and I use a pick to fluff out my hair, but I don't pull the comb all the way through, because I would get ALOT of breakage as a result. Maybe you can try combing your hair that way.

Hope that helps!

 

[Qtee]

Dont worry about the length...u may be a slow grower but rest assured it is and will continue to grow..but why r u combing ur hair..its a twa...run ur fingers thru it and thats all it needs...believe me less is more..

 

[Sianna]

I have just one word for you... Da JUICE!!!

Wait, that was two words wasn't it?! At any rate, like someone else mentioned, jherri curl juice type products can do much to soften and moisturize your hair! When my hair was about then length yours is now, I simply co-washed with either regular cheap old Suave naturals, or Vo5. I didn't bother with the comb or the brush. I often left some conditioner in my hair as a leave-in moisturizer and then added some Care Free Curl Gold. (the curl activator, not the spray) That stuff did WONDERS for my hair! Even when I would wake up in the morning my hair would feel buttery soft! Sta Sof Fro is a good one too!

As far as the breakage, ceramides might help. I just added them to my own hair care arsenal and they seem to be helping. Right now I'm using sunflower oil but I also have some walnut oil I plan on using too.

For more info on ceramides, check out this link: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=462088&highlight=ceramides

Don't worry, your hair is growing! I wasn't feeling too encouraged in the beginning either, and even though it's only been about 8 months, I've definitely had some ups and downs. It's all part of the learning experience!

You'll get it! And don't forget to keep us posted!

ETA: And don't forget to wear a satin scarf or bonnet at night young lady!! Just because your hair is short doesn't mean the porous cotton surface of your pillow case won't suck out the moisture and cause your hair to get snagged and break off during the night!

 

[detroitdiva]

I agree with Sianna. Jerry curl juice is great for moisturizing the hair no matter what length it is. I use my activator spray even with my kinky twists in!! It helps my hair feel so much softer and more moisturized. I love care free curl but I'm sure that they are all the same.

I would suggest that you wear a bonnet or a silk scarf. You could be badly damaging your ends and that may be the main reason why you can't retain your moisture. Its all over your pillow!! Have you tried any growth aids like Mega Tek or MTG?? Also, what is your diet like? Are you taking any vitamins. Many of the long haired beauties on the forum take hair vitamins regularly.

Hope you find a reggie that will allow you to achieve the growth that you desire!! Good luck!

 

[Solitude]

Someone may have already recommended this, but using some kind of spray-on moisturizer like S-curl, Uncle Funky's Daughter's thirsty curls, Care-Free Curl, Bee Mine's spritz, or even making a spritz of your own.

I have always had to sleep with something on my head since I was a little girl, long before my HHJ, my hair would be rough and dry if it wasn't tied down at night.

Don't go out and buy a bunch of stuff; just step your moisturizing game up and think about DCing twice a week since you wet your hair every day. I don't know much about the protein thing - I'm relaxed and my hair loves protein, but I alternate my use of protein products and moisturizing products.

 

[Nonie]

OP, IMO you're doing too much. If I had hair your length, I'd either use something like WEN cleansing conditioner, if CWing was so important to me. Or, I'd use a moisturizing shampoo (any that says that is good for frequent use), conditioner, and then apply S Curl, every other or two days. At night, I'd just put on a baggy and go to sleep. In the AM, I'd just take baggy off, brush or comb hair with a fine tooth comb (I love seeing a teeny teeny weeny afro that is combed and not looking like little bugs having a party. A brush or fine-tooth comb is good for this.)

Your hair will feel so soft. In fact, because your hair is so short, you might be able to get away some days w/o any product after your wash if there was a DC. Especially if wash at night. Airdry, baggy, enjoy soft clean hair. Conditioners leave a coating on your hair, your sebum also does its part and gets more efficient if you aren't suffocating your head with stuff.

When you apply S Curl, don't go crazy and turn into a juice drippin' flashback, but just apply to hands, rub together and smooth throughout head. Trust me, you may find with the sebum production that baggying encourages, you may not even need S Curl. And you DO NOT need to apply daily.

S Curl made the difference between steel wool and soft cotton to my mom's hair. S Curl turned me into such a devote "client" that I will not even read product recommendations coz nothing beats it. I've never even been curious to try Carefree. I did try Hawaiian Silky once when I couldn't find S Curl and a friend said it was the same. So with those two, I forsake all others.

I don't CW. I shampoo, condition, ACV rinse. I never use cold water on my head (cold water does not close cuticles but can make hair feel hard as if it's turning into sticks; it is pH changes that close/open cuticles).

I haven't used products in my hair for over a year and my hair stayed soft from my conditioning (done twice a week) and baggying (done nightly). So for you whose strands are still chilling by the sebum doorways, your hair's moisture could just come from conditioning and baggying.

Seriously, go out on a limb and try baggying with S Curl and baggying w/ nothing on, and then just make sure to DC with a moisturizing conditioner once a week. I bet you, you will start a regimen that will make this HHJ the easiest hobby you ever took up.

 

[lilsparkle825]

I'm going to channel my inner Nonie and recommend S-Curl. No, but seriously, it's good stuff. Spray it on and then seal with your oil of choice.

Hopefully she will see the mention and come in here.

ETA: Oh, snappp!! It worked!!!! Why didn't I see her post first?

 

[itsjusthair88]

I'm new but we have the sam length and KISS has worked for me...and I think ORS Replenishing Pak is no bueno and you might need a better moisturizer...If anything, try natural products, when I was growing out my mohawk to prepare for the BC I kept it pretty natural with the exception of some Tresemme which I jazzed up with some oils and stuff. Keep your head up, it will grow, I promise!!!

 

[ckisland]

I loved my TWA phase. Everytime I see a girl in real life with one, I get a little sentimental .

I just cowashed everyday, sometimes twice a day, and I applied some leave-in and that was it. My hair grew like crazy during my first year and through the beginning of my second year when I was doing this. So much so that I'm going back to that reggie. I think Suave is a good line of cheapie condishes (Natural Coconut was my fav), but I would also give Herbal Essence and Aussie Moist a try. Also, I would throw in a leave-in, or if you're using a moisturizing condish, leave some of it in. I don't think sealing really matters at this point since the hair is so short and relatively new to being exposed to the outside world. If you're going to seal, try a butter or butter type product or a natural oil. Sweet Almond oil is my all time favorite, but castor oil and coconut oil are good ones too.

And leave the comb alone!! Our hair (especially 4b) does not like to be combed at all, let alone daily. Use your fingers for as long as you can . If I'm cowashing daily I don't really need to comb more than once a week. Until the end of my first year (~6-7 in. later), I used a comb just to give me something to do . I definitely didn't need it!

 

[Nonie]

BTW, I have never sealed S Curl and my hair stayed moist. My belief is that S Curl works best when used in alone, all pure and unadulterated.

OP, please note that when you apply S Curl to damp hair, it'll dry hard. But don't panic, just reapply later that day on you now dry hair and baggy for the night. You'll love your hair in the morning.

 

[Adaj]

Dont worry about the length...u may be a slow grower but rest assured it is and will continue to grow..but why r u combing ur hair..its a twa...run ur fingers thru it and thats all it needs...believe me less is more..

I'm combing because in the morning, my hair looks horrible...it's like little "beads" everywhere . I can't walk out the house like that! And finger combing? Not with this hair texture! I'm really trying to embrace this journey, but it's beginning to be a bumpy ride for me. I'm going to simplify my regimen, start tying my hair at night, and see what gives...cause I can't stand this anymore.

I have just one word for you... Da JUICE!!!

ETA: And don't forget to wear a satin scarf or bonnet at night young lady!! Just because your hair is short doesn't mean the porous cotton surface of your pillow case won't suck out the moisture and cause your hair to get snagged and break off during the night!

The bolded is EXACTLY why I haven't slept with anything on my hair at night. Ever since I BCed, I thought I was home free, and didn't need to do that anymore. OH! It feel so liberating! But, now I'm understanding that tying my hair at night is still a priority even though it's short.

OP, IMO you're doing too much. If I had hair your length, I'd either use something like WEN cleansing conditioner, if CWing was so important to me. Or, I'd use a moisturizing shampoo (any that says that is good for frequent use), conditioner, and then apply S Curl, every other or two days. At night, I'd just put on a baggy and go to sleep. I have went on YouTube and searched "baggy"...it seems to me that when you wake up in the morning, you would be sweating in your hair with a bag that's been over it at night. Please forgive me if I sound "dumb", but I'm just unaware. Do I just put a bag over my head, tie it down, and then put a scarf over it? Thanks for the help.

Seriously, go out on a limb and try baggying with S Curl and baggying w/ nothing on, I am going to buy S Curl tomorrow, and see how it works out. I am going to reduce my co-washes also.and then just make sure to DC with a moisturizing conditioner once a week. I bet you, you will start a regimen that will make this HHJ the easiest hobby you ever took up.

 

[Nonie]

I have gone on YouTube and searched "baggy"...it seems to me that when you wake up in the morning, you would be sweating in your hair with a bag that's been over it at night. Please forgive me if I sound "dumb", but I'm just unaware. Do I just put a bag over my head, tie it down, and then put a scarf over it? Thanks for the help.

Yep, that's what you do. I think when you have loads of products on your hair, you'd have it dripping out of the bag. I don't put anything on my hair usually when I baggy, and I don't wake up with a head dripping with sweat. In fact, my hair doesn't feel wet. Just moist-to-dry but soft.

Edited to add how I normally baggy: Saran Wrap. Love it coz I can create my hairdo the night before, tie it down and still get baggying benefits, and not have to do a think in the morning but take it off and head on out the door. Did I mention how it doesn't leave marks on my forehead or make noise while I sleep. I don't usually put on a scarf, but I guess if I wanted to "dress up" for bed, I could. It doesn't faze hubby-mine. I think he's seen it all.

​

I am going to buy S Curl tomorrow, and see how it works out. I am going to reduce my co-washes also.

@FabGorgeousWestIndian, please keep us posted on what works for you.

 

[DDTexlaxed]

From your signature pics , it looks like your hair grew to me. I believe you are bummed because your hair seems the same length. I believe hair grows .5" a month, so growth won't be super noticeable on a TWA. Don't be discouraged and maybe try some different products for a co wash.

 

[Adaj]

Nonie I have been baggying since I started this thread, and I can say that my hair is noticeably softer than what it was feeling. I would put a shower-cap on and then my scarf. In the morning, my hair is MOIST (not sure if this is a good thing). Oh, and the shrinkage! A co-worker of mine just asked me if I cut my hair again! You know that upset me!

I have stopped co-washing daily, and I think I see a difference also. Where can I purchase Kenra's Moisturizing Poo and Condish? I have checked almost all the beauty supply stores in my area, and I have not found anything!

 

[Determined22]

Back in TWA days, I had a very simple regimen. Cowash everyday with Aussie Moist, use a little bit of Lustrasilk Cholesterol as a leave-in, and then a dollap of Ecostyler gel while it was wet to make my coils pop. I didn't comb my coils, I just let them do whatever they wanted to do. I plopped using a t-shirt to stop the dripping & I was done.

Try switching up your conditioner & leave-in & see if that helps with the dryness.

 

[Simply_elle]

Hey,
I understand the TWA frustration, Have you tried some hair gel? I use Ecostyler olive oil and It really helped with styling issues...My twa was groomed ect. just looked....unkempt and fuzzy. I played with it on soaking wet hair w/ some TGI moisture maniac as a leave in and viola! my go to hair style. Also I have to clarify or its dryness city. Hope this helps and it too shall pass!!!

 

[Nonie]

@Nonie I have been baggying since I started this thread, and I can say that my hair is noticeably softer than what it was feeling. I would put a shower-cap on and then my scarf. In the morning, my hair is MOIST (not sure if this is a good thing). Oh, and the shrinkage! A co-worker of mine just asked me if I cut my hair again! You know that upset me!

I have stopped co-washing daily, and I think I see a difference also. Where can I purchase Kenra's Moisturizing Poo and Condish? I have checked almost all the beauty supply stores in my area, and I have not found anything!

Nice to hear that baggying is working for you. Yes your hair feels moist in the morning. As for shrinkage, I actually love it. I love it because of the illusion it gives. I look at it as one more thing my hair can do. If some people wanted to get a short look, their only option would be a wig, weave, or BC. With my hair, I just wet it and pat it and I can have a TWA, then stretch it when I want it to look long.

When you hair gets a bit longer, start plaiting it at night in as big plaits as you can get before you baggy. That little stretch will help with combing in the morning. You'll still get shrinkage but not as much as if you didn't plait.

This is my shrinkage when I just wash, comb out damp S Curled hair and airdry:

This is my shrinkage when I plait S Curled hair for the night and then comb out in the AM. It's less compact than the previous one:

I hope your question about Kenra's Moisturizing Poo wasn't meant for me coz I don't know anything about it or where to get it. Never used it.