First real time after almost......

[OsnapCnapp!]

4 years (Aug. 2008) of being natural I got a trim/cut today by a professional. This is a professional place and the lady isn't scissor-happy but she cut alot. I already saw it coming.

Thursday I washed, conditioned, deep conditioned then straightened my hair. I still saw massive damage after dusting back-to-back, one week then the next. I just told myself ok time to let a pro do it. She cut it and hair went flying. She combed up my hair and showed me dark areas and then thin light areas. She told me that there was still damage and she was afraid to cut it and hell....I didn't want her to lol.

I have no idea how I got thin areas, I'm meticulous with my care! I never had a chance to see this until now. Have any of ladies been shown thin areas of your hair and what have you been able to do or not do to repair it?

What I do? wash, condition, deep condition once weekly or bi-weekly, ps 85-90% of the time, moisturize and seal everyday, wrap hair with silk scarf every night. I detangle once a month with my denman then finger comb for the rest of the month. Its very rare that I use heat but I saw my ends and said I have to have a pro do this and they are most reluctant if its not straight. She even cut the damage from me straightening, lol.

Just want to know how you ladies dealt with these "hair gaps" should I call them? Where it starts out dark healthy hair and some areas are thin strands??? Any experiences or regimen changes??

 

[meecee]

Maybe its your denman brush causing the thin areas. I've been natural twice and I can't make that brush work for me at all. I just know it damages my hair. I stick with wide tooth combs.

 

[MrsJaiDiva]

Maybe its your denman brush causing the thin areas. I've been natural twice and I can't make that brush work for me at all. I just know it damages my hair. I stick with wide tooth combs.

Ditto....that Denman is Murder. I just stopped using it again, because it was really thinning me out! I'm right back to my wide tooth seamless comb.

 

[NappyNelle]

Hm... it sounds like protein deficient strands and breakage to me. I see that you condition often, but are you balancing protein and moisture? Generally, how do you wear your hair?

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

Hm... it sounds like protein deficient strands and breakage to me. I see that you condition often, but are you balancing protein and moisture? Generally, how do you wear your hair?

oh yes sorry, left that out. I alternate the protein and moisture. One week moisture one week protein. The protein is always something light-medium like AOGBP or Aphogee 2-Min. I also have a yogurt treatment concoction that I LOVE which consists mostly of yogurt and roux porosity control with some oils here and there. But yes I rotate protein and moisture and even during protein week I will still run a lite conditioner through it after washing and before the protein.

 

[cbanks67]

Umm but you only use the denam brush once a month. Is that enough to cause a lot of damage. Did you take any pics before she cut?

 

[DarkJoy]

What's the shampoo? Is your hair thick strands (the healthy ones) or fine in general? What are you sealing with? What length were you and how far back she cut you? Do the thin strands feel dry or just wiry? Or both?

Yes...a bazzillion questions lol but might help you get more responses.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

What's the shampoo? Is your hair thick strands (the healthy ones) or fine in general? What are you sealing with? What length were you and how far back she cut you? Do the thin strands feel dry or just wiry? Or both?

Yes...a bazzillion questions lol but might help you get more responses.

I wash with african black soap. Its from a huge bar my sis got in Ghana and I melt it in the water. It really clarifies and I always make sure to condition after that. My hair has fine strands like the stylist showed me but its NOT fine in general. The thin strands are definitely wiry. I seal with shea butter and other times the dax pomade.....my hair NEEDS a pomade and Im currently working on making my own natural pomade. I was APL I think Im shoulder length now. I have strands that are dark and full from root to tip then strands that start out dark then looks like someone/something bit into them halfway through.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

Umm but you only use the denam brush once a month. Is that enough to cause a lot of damage. Did you take any pics before she cut?

I actually videotaped myself, lol but no pics. Well not the back anyway.

 

[MrsJaiDiva]

I wash with african black soap. Its from a huge bar my sis got in Ghana and I melt it in the water. It really clarifies and I always make sure to condition after that. My hair has fine strands like the stylist showed me but its NOT fine in general. The thin strands are definitely wiry. I seal with shea butter and other times the dax pomade.....my hair NEEDS a pomade and Im currently working on making my own natural pomade. I was APL I think Im shoulder length now. I have strands that are dark and full from root to tip then strands that start out dark then looks like someone/something bit into them halfway through.

My money's on the Denman.

 

[virtuenow]

I experienced this about a year ago. I haven't really shared my story yet. But it was difficult. You have to let go of a lot of hair and basically start over. I mean, revamp your whole regimen from the top to bottom. When you say thin spots, did you have bald spots, short pieces of hair or broken/uneven hair?

 

[curlicarib]

I wash with african black soap. Its from a huge bar my sis got in Ghana and I melt it in the water. It really clarifies and I always make sure to condition after that. My hair has fine strands like the stylist showed me but its NOT fine in general. The thin strands are definitely wiry. I seal with shea butter and other times the dax pomade.....my hair NEEDS a pomade and Im currently working on making my own natural pomade. I was APL I think Im shoulder length now. I have strands that are dark and full from root to tip then strands that start out dark then looks like someone/something bit into them halfway through.

That right there. I was all hyped to try and love Black Soap and purchased a 10lb block. I used it for one week on my skin and hair. Let me tell you. That stuff TORE MY SKIN AND HAIR UP!!!!! It was actually burning my skin the last time I used it. That soap is STRONG. When I went back to my regular soap (Basis) and shampoo (50:50 TJNS shampoo/conditioner) my skin and hair said a heartfelt THANK YOU!

I'd stop using it and see if it makes a difference.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

Ok so no denman, no african black soap. I like the poo bars so I may try those. I'm feeling through my hair now and Im feeling small bumps on my strands, wow. I should have just told her to give me a low-cut fade. Seriously.

virtuenow No bald spots. What I'm talking about is hard to explain but even Naptural85 experienced this as one point. My hair is straightened right now. So if I were to take a comb and comb my hair upward to look at the strands, some strands are full and some are see-through and thin.

 

[BlaqBella]

I need to re-read parts of these posts, but I have 4a/b(mostly) & 3c-ish hair and I love my denman. It took a long while for me to get the technique for usage of the brush down. I like Virtuenow had to start over in Jan.12' and found out that my ends were just not in the best condition and (like Nappynelle said) my moisture was not at top condition (so moisture/protein balance was off) and the bad ends were probably sapping more out than allowing into my hair.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I'm guessing it's the denman brush. Some people have reported similar experiences with the Tangle Teezer brush as well. I stopped using the denman and tangle teezer, although I did not noticed thin ends from using those brushes, and I use seamless combs now.

When I have my hair straightened again (have not had it straightened since my Hair Rules express blow out in January) I will take a good look at the ends.

 

[alive]

this thread is freaking me out a little bit. I love my denman

OP: are you open to trying henna or cassia? They might help fortify your strands so you won't have to chop off too much

 

[meecee]

Don't worry your hair will grow back sooner than you think now that you've identified the problem

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

this thread is freaking me out a little bit. I love my denman

OP: are you open to trying henna or cassia? They might help fortify your strands so you won't have to chop off too much

As soon as I can find out the best, most tangle-melting deep conditioner out there, I am more than open to trying henna. I would like to this summer if possible.

Almost 4 years wow, and I've been through it all. I take the most meticulous care and keep the moisture and protein balance up. 4 years and shoulder length? Lol. It's almost not worth having natural hair anymore it really isn't for everyone. I guess now I should just worry about how healthy it is.

 

[MrsJaiDiva]

Always focus on hair and scalp health, and length will follow!

 

[DarkJoy]

I'm feeling through my hair now and Im feeling small bumps on my strands, wow.

SSKs are what those bumps are. If you yank a strand and look, you'll see the strand tied itself into a knot. Nothing you can do about it. The strands will break and that point and leave your ends raggedy.

I just had to chop mine back for that. A Good 2 inches! That ish Chewed my ends up! and they felt wiry too. Still more chopping for me to do. You might need to cut back more... Sorry.

 

[NaturalEnigma]

How are you applying your products? Do you apply section by section? Before I started applying my conditioner in parts I would would apply my conditioners to my head liberally. I noticed that I always concentrated on the front of my head, because it was easier to reach, and see. Once I started applying my conditioner in sections of my head, I noticed my hair grew much thicker/fuller. Are you applying the conditioner from root to tip. Maybe you should try focusing on applying the conditioner on your ends.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

SSKs are what those bumps are. If you yank a strand and look, you'll see the strand tied itself into a knot. Nothing you can do about it. The strands will break and that point and leave your ends raggedy.

I just had to chop mine back for that. A Good 2 inches! That ish Chewed my ends up! and they felt wiry too. Still more chopping for me to do. You might need to cut back more... Sorry.

oh yeah, I know its ssk's but they're not on the ends. they are way up on the strands lol. yeah this isn't for me.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

How are you applying your products? Do you apply section by section? Before I started applying my conditioner in parts I would would apply my conditioners to my head liberally. I noticed that I always concentrated on the front of my head, because it was easier to reach, and see. Once I started applying my conditioner in sections of my head, I noticed my hair grew much thicker/fuller. Are you applying the conditioner from root to tip. Maybe you should try focusing on applying the conditioner on your ends.

I apply conditioner like its a perm but I concentrate it on the ends since my roots are healthy. Im backwards. I go from the ends to the roots.

 

[DarkJoy]

Oh lawd! Way up the strand?!? once you chop em you might wanna consider stretched styles or nonchemically straightened. like you, i'm a cnapp and the ssks are for the birds. i decided to experiment with very low heat and twisting from that. its still real nappy (which i like) and so far almost 3 weeks in and no new ssks and i retained. i'm starting to believe WNGs and similar styles are the devil when its this kinky...

hope you find something that works for your hair! Frustrating, i know...grr

 

[DarkJoy]

oh and i know you said you're using a pomade. good. i just went on ahead and went back to using petroleum based grease as an experiment. no complaints so far. might stick to it.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

Oh lawd! Way up the strand?!? once you chop em you might wanna consider stretched styles or nonchemically straightened. like you, i'm a cnapp and the ssks are for the birds. i decided to experiment with very low heat and twisting from that. its still real nappy (which i like) and so far almost 3 weeks in and no new ssks and i retained. i'm starting to believe WNGs and similar styles are the devil when its this kinky...

hope you find something that works for your hair! Frustrating, i know...grr

And you know, I really am wanting to commit to "thermal relaxing" for that reason but now that I have these thin strands going on, I'm stuck in the middle of the crossroad again.

 

[virtuenow]

I guess I don't understand exactly whats happening w/your hair(esp w/o a picture), but generally, yes I've been there. Thin ends, yes. Bumpy hair, it happens to my 4b hair when straightened b/c its so tightly coiled there are always bumps or bends when flat ironed. However, your bumps may be from splits. I am hiding my hair away for a very long time and taking care of it underneath. I did not want to make any rash decisions and relax or something.

 

[MzSwift]

I have SSKs but I consider them par for the course. They don't hinder my growth and , from reviewing the regimens of longer haired naturals, they shouldn't be too harmful.

I read your regi but I'm sleepy so forgive me if I repeat something. LoL Do you PS? Do you keep your hair stretched, not allowing it to shrink when wet? I think if after 2 years and you're not SL, then the regi needs to be reassessed.

Also, maybe you can consider the pH of your products. You're using a porosity control product which, to my knowledge, works to restore your hair's pH. What if it is restored but your leave in or another product throws it back off balance...

I remember reading about some people reporting bubbles along the hair strand from using heat when DCing.

Thin areas have also been associated with shed/new hairs and lead hairs. Diet, sleep, exercise, mineral/vitamin deficiency and the way in which the hair is prepared for sleep have been helpful areas to consider as well.

There are many options but won't you run into the same issues if you perm or otherwise alter your hair?

I see a lot of ladies getting frustrated stating that they are practicing "good hair practices" with minimal results. I wonder if maybe they are just not doing right practices for their hair. For instance, pre-pooing and ACV rinses are considered healthy hair practices but I had to cut them from my regi because they were not beneficial to my hair when used as recommended or modified. If I were to become stalled at a length, the first thing I would do is evaluate my regi.

Hope you find a solution soon!

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

I guess I don't understand exactly whats happening w/your hair(esp w/o a picture), but generally, yes I've been there. Thin ends, yes. Bumpy hair, it happens to my 4b hair when straightened b/c its so tightly coiled there are always bumps or bends when flat ironed. However, your bumps may be from splits. I am hiding my hair away for a very long time and taking care of it underneath. I did not want to make any rash decisions and relax or something.

virtuenow this is the best I could do as far as a pic. Excuse the blue gloves, I'm getting ready to wash dishes, lol.

 

[OsnapCnapp!]

I have SSKs but I consider them par for the course. They don't hinder my growth and , from reviewing the regimens of longer haired naturals, they shouldn't be too harmful.

I read your regi but I'm sleepy so forgive me if I repeat something. LoL Do you PS? Do you keep your hair stretched, not allowing it to shrink when wet? I think if after 2 years and you're not SL, then the regi needs to be reassessed.

Also, maybe you can consider the pH of your products. You're using a porosity control product which, to my knowledge, works to restore your hair's pH. What if it is restored but your leave in or another product throws it back off balance...

I remember reading about some people reporting bubbles along the hair strand from using heat when DCing.

Thin areas have also been associated with shed/new hairs and lead hairs. Diet, sleep, exercise, mineral/vitamin deficiency and the way in which the hair is prepared for sleep have been helpful areas to consider as well.

There are many options but won't you run into the same issues if you perm or otherwise alter your hair?

I see a lot of ladies getting frustrated stating that they are practicing "good hair practices" with minimal results. I wonder if maybe they are just not doing right practices for their hair. For instance, pre-pooing and ACV rinses are considered healthy hair practices but I had to cut them from my regi because they were not beneficial to my hair when used as recommended or modified. If I were to become stalled at a length, the first thing I would do is evaluate my regi.

Hope you find a solution soon!

I do PS 85-90% of the time and it will be 4 yrs natural for me this august 28th. my hair type is just not really the type you hear about thriving so this will be the end of the journey for me after this year. its just not for everybody, but thank u for ur advice