Type 4, Relaxed or Natural, whose hair takes almost no time at all

[knt1229]

IMO, having a nice looking head of hair takes time. If you don't want to put in the time, then, your hair won't look good. I have seen your hair and it was fabulous. So, I can imagine it takes you alot of time.

Have you tried braids, wigs, or weave? Something that will allow you to have a nice style without being time consuming. This way you can keep your hair without having to style it. Of course, your hair would still need basic care such as washing, conditioning, and moisturizing, but, you would have to do that anyway, no matter, the length or style.

 

[HoneyA]

Of course, your hair would still need basic care such as washing, conditioning, and moisturizing, but, you would have to do that anyway, no matter, the length or style.

Agreed! Whatever you do, you still have to take basic care of it which will take some time.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

Is there anyone out there who has or had hair, type 4, relaxed or natural, that took almost no time at all? Meaning less than 10 minutes on any given day and not more than 1 hour on any given week and *never* more than 2 hours? So if you have to get your hair braided every 6-8 weeks and you don't have to do anything to it after that, but it takes 5 hours to get it braided, that doesn't count. And if you have dreads that have to be retightened once every 4-6 weeks but it still takes 3 hours a time to do it, still too much.

I am looking for hair that requires virtually no work. I'm open to hearing that the only hair like this is no hair. Let me know any hair style you have had that is like this.

Dreads - when I had them I re-tightened a little at a time, so I might take an hour this week to do the front, then an hour next week to do the back. Whatever I had time for. Also latching was better than twisting the roots because it lasts longer and you can wash whenever you want.

Loose natural hair - the only time I take longer than 2 hours is when I choose to. Rollersets and straightening take a long time, but you never have to do that. Braids and twists on my hair take longer than two hours, but just like when I had dreads, I do a little at a time and bun until I'm finished. Sometimes I take 1-2 hrs. to braid/twist the perimeter and then wear it in a high bun to hide the middle. That can last for 2-3 weeks.

For me, braids are better than twists because they keep my hair detangled, so wash day is a breeze.

Bantu knot outs are also very quick and easy, and keep my hair detangled.

Another quick style that lasts is two flat twists (part on side, ear to ear) in front with 7-8 chunky twists in back. I wear then in a bun also and that lasts for a week.

Wash day = 20-30 min to detangle, 15 min to wash, 15 min to DC, then 1 hour to style.

Other days = 0-10 min to spritz, M & S, or fluff if necessary

I had this same dilemma a few years ago which is why I locked my hair. Since I combed them out I've figured out how to cut my hair time so that it doesn't run my life. I only spend time on my hair when I want to.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

Cornrows are another great style. 30-45 min and last 1-2 weeks.

Co-washing and bunning leads to ssks and tangles for me. My hair must be stretched at all times.

 

[VivaMac]

My hair does not not take a lot of time at all. That's when I am glad that it's fine. When I do a bun 5-10mins a day tops. Detangle 10mins. Wash days, maybe an 30mins to 45mins with deep conditioning. I think pre-pooing and protein has made a difference for me. My hair was always easy to handle in my opinion. (not in my Grannie's though, I got cussed out alot ) I am APL natural with fine, dense, tightly coiled hair. Took, even less time when I was relaxed. I would wash and style some days before going to work.

I don't like spending a lot of time on my hair in general, which is one reason why I am natural, I don't have to waste time at salons.

 

[Rocky91]

a fade?
although if you want to keep it sharp and lined up you wold have to visit the barber like every two weeks.

 

[PeaceFlow]

I think locks or a fade are good suggestions. They would both look great on you.

 

[CHI10]

i style my hair for about a week...every morning...depending on how it's styled...i spritz a bit of water on it...washing & DC'ing takes some time...so i only do that when i have some free time..

 

[sunnieb]

mwedzi - Is it wrong that when I read that you'd cut your hair, my first thought was:

GIFSoup

Good luck and I can't wait to see pics of your "new" hair!

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I'm hoping NO ONE responds!
I took one look at the name and "say whaaaat"
You ain't citing NUFFIN missy!
Who's with me?

ETA- you ALREADY cut off most if it!!!?

I missed this part. How much did you cut? Some of my suggestions don't work with short hair.

 

[Dee Raven]

I would suggest trying different strategies to wash and detangle. I have it down to 30 minutes now. Usually I wear my hair in twists which takes about an hour a week. I would also suggest a flat twist out. It shouldn't take very long for your to do now that you hair is short and it should last for a couple of days at least.

I like the short options that you chose to, especially the second one. But you have to have the right head shape.

 

[Mystic]

My co-worker has HL natural hair. I have known her for 5 years now and I have never seen her hair not straight like a relaxer. She gets it straightened every 4 weeks, and even though she goes to the gym 3-4 times a week, her roots remain manageable and straight. It shocks me sometimes how at 4 weeks, her hair strands and roots are relaxer straight..., you wouldn't even believe her hair hasn't been washed in 4 weeks because it looks so good. She wears it up most of the times in elegant styles and when she wears it down, I truly envy her.

OP, maybe this method might solve your problem. The only thing is that you would probably need to heat train your hair so it gets to the point where it remains straight even in humid weather. Another option you might want to think about is a non-formaldehyde Brazilian treatment that last for at least 2 months before cutting or relaxing your hair.

 

[aquajoyice]

I'm extremely low maintenance with BSL texlaxed hair that takes little time to manage. I'm 4A and after about 2 years of transitioning to natural I decided to texlax my hair. The only clincher is the fact that I bun Mon - Fri and do wash n go styles on the weeken or days off. It take me 5 min during the week to bun and on wash day about 30 - 45 min to detangle and style. I can't deal with hair that takes longer than an hour to manage.

 

[IronButterfly]

I have soft thin natural 4a/b just barely below my shoulders and my hair never takes longer than 45 minutes to detangle (and that's if it's super tangled to begin with). If I do my hair every day, I spend no more than ten or fifteen minutes it on it, and that's mostly fooling around with hair pins.

Washing (if you don't count the lengthy dc-ing) takes no time at all.

It takes me maybe four hours to mini twist my whole head, but that also includes taking time out to change diapers, feed my kid and myself.

But I will repeat, I have thin hair. I doubt any of you lusciously beautiful thick haired ladies would sacrifice your massive volume just to have an easier time of it. The amount of hair on my total head would be one braid for some of you.

The grass always seems greener on the otherside, but most of the time, it isn't.

 

[Carmelella]

My hair is 4b somewhere between relaxed and texlaxed and it doesn't take long at all to do. Most of my hair is APL and the less I do to it styling wise the healthier it is. Detangling is a breeze in the shower,.. I'll shower/wash hair in the evening and then put it in 4 ponies and twist the ends. It'll dry at least 75 percent before bed, take down in morning and bun and I have no problem. All the hair before the 'tail' dries straight but would be lightly fluffy if I left it out. The ends are wavy straight with some curls and the ends are like soft fluffy cotton.

On a daily basis it takes less than 10 minutes.
Wash day takes as long as I want my shower to last... If I precondition on dry hair that adds time but after putting it in u are doing nothing and I don't go under the dryer. 30 minutes of active work on my hair.

I use to blow dry and flat iron but I don't like the look and my ends got rough (also d/t wool coat ) so now its less time and healthier. Depending on how much NG I have I can let it air dry loose With no tangles. I loved natural hair but the upkeep was no joke! My retention has not changed pre/post relaxer. Crosses finger and hopes it stays that way.

Good luck and I love ur hair!!

 

[SimJam]

ok now that Im over the shock.
my suggestions would be the first short cut in the links provided, or some other short cut.


the criteria regarding time to maintiain, really eliminates just about everything else. The longest parts of my regimen (relaxed or natural) are the DC and "special" treatments.

 

[LaidBak]

Is there anyone out there who has or had hair, type 4, relaxed or natural, that took almost no time at all? Meaning less than 10 minutes on any given day and not more than 1 hour on any given week and *never* more than 2 hours?

@mwedi

*raises hand*

I am Relaxed, type 4. My hair has always been cut between chin and shoulder length. I just wrap it at night and styling the next morning takes about ten minutes-unwrap, fluff, maybe bump, and go. Even when I don't wrap it it only takes about 15 mins to go through and bump my ends with a big barreled curling iron. On days that I know I'm not going anywhere special, I just pull my hair into a half up/half down with a swoop bang and go--that takes 5 mins.
If I want a curlier look it takes about 20-30 mins to make curls with my flat iron. I do one pass on a low temp, so its quick.

 

[anon123]

I'm thinking that if your hair is <6 inches, you could probably wear wash and gos quite well.

haha. I've been wearing a wash and go for the past week, but even at just a few inches, by the end of the week it was compact, getting matted, and tangled. And still took me over an hour to section out bit by bit and detangle. It was really disheartening.

I'm texlaxed, 4b, about an inch from WL, and workout 3 days a week, and I don't spend a lot of time on my hair. Here's my basic routine:

I cowash (or shampoo if needed) every 1 to 2 weeks. This is the only time that I detangle and moisturize/seal my ends. I follow with a rollerset (to straighten only). This process takes about an hour, not including drying time. To dry, I usually just sit under a bonnet dryer for about 30 minutes and then go to bed, allowing my rollerset to finish drying overnight. In the morning, I remove rollers, tie my edges down with a scarf and comb into a bun, with a pony holder or banana clip at the base, which I wear daily for work. I like buns but I do occasionally wear my hair down on the weekend.

At bedtime, I sleep with my hair in a bun, with moisturized edges tied down with a scarf. So, my morning routine is basically removing my scarf and tidying up a bit...takes about 30 seconds!

I do my own texlax touchups, every 6 to 8 weeks. I don't like stretching any longer than that because I sweat a lot on my scalp during my workouts, causing my roots to get too tangled if I wait longer between touchups. This is the only time I do protein treatments and DCs. This process takes about 2.5 hours, not including drying time.

I wish you success with your hair decisions.

Thanks! I might relax in the future. I was in the process of setting up an appointment for a texturizer, and my stylist couldn't get back to me right away and I just couldn't take it and cut it off before getting there! Maybe I'll both cut it and get a relaxer. And get it dyed, which I've also never done.

My co-worker has HL natural hair. I have known her for 5 years now and I have never seen her hair not straight like a relaxer. She gets it straightened every 4 weeks, and even though she goes to the gym 3-4 times a week, her roots remain manageable and straight. It shocks me sometimes how at 4 weeks, her hair strands and roots are relaxer straight..., you wouldn't even believe her hair hasn't been washed in 4 weeks because it looks so good. She wears it up most of the times in elegant styles and when she wears it down, I truly envy her.

OP, maybe this method might solve your problem. The only thing is that you would probably need to heat train your hair so it gets to the point where it remains straight even in humid weather. Another option you might want to think about is a non-formaldehyde Brazilian treatment that last for at least 2 months before cutting or relaxing your hair.

Thanks! There's no way I could go 4 weeks without washing my hair, working out 3 times a week. But I could maybe do this with a relaxer, you think? Anyhoo, my hair's quite short now, so maybe when/if it gets longer again, I'll look into this option again.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Lynnerie]

I think change is good. So if you want to relax there's nothing wrong with that here are a few things to think about.

When I was relaxed bone straight my hair was easiest to deal with cause once I roller set it and wrapped it. I was good for a week. Detangling was a breeze. But once my hair got wet I had to do it. I never liked how my wet hair looked.

My short natural hair was easy cause I would wash n go but I had to do this everyday and sometimes at night if I was going out again to refresh the curls. But co-washing didn't take long. As it grew I got SSK's and it was affecting my retention and causing splits so I texlaxed.

Now that I'm texlaxed when I wash n go I don't get SSK's. Right now I'm wearing it straight, sometimes a messy bun, or up in a clip, or I'll use my Caruso steam rollers if I'm going out. Whats hard for me is when I have to touch up. Manuevering through the new growth and not getting chemical on the previous relaxed hair is a challenge for me.

Regrets- I was so happy to be texlaxed until I found out I was pregnant. I need a touch up so bad but I'm still in my 1st trimester and can't get one. Its days like this I wish I would've just left my hair natural and dealt with the SSk's.

Whatever you decide you will still look beautiful and you can always grow your hair out if you feel like it. These are just some things you might want to think about whatever you decide.

 

[itismehmmkay]

Well I'm going back to my daily washing and rollersetting that I airdry over night. It sounds like alot because it's like...damn you washing everyday. But when my hair is in the zone w/ this, my hair looks great. It stretches it out and gives it a blow-dried effect and is very moisturized. I'm texlaxed by the way. And really this is why I go ahead and relax. I like textured styles, but I relax enough to where an airdried rollerset will stretch it relatively straight.

Now styling is pretty limited b/c my hair is short, but it looks like a decent bob with a headband and looks neat. If I want to do more w/ styling, I'll probably have to use heat, but again it's still limiting I feel b/c my the length. I may try perm rods on the hair dry and seeing what type of look I get. But I know once it's longer, I'm just going to throw it up in a bun and call it a day. Or do next-day hair styles w/ just braids and twists at night and then wear it down in low-maintenance styles.

So as far as timing. I don't do this in the shower/bath. I wait until I'm done. Then I just put in poo, wash out poo, put in conditioner, wash out conditioner (I don't let it sit. I may start doing a dry DC on Friday/Saturdays right before I wash...just to do something), then I towel dry, then add NTM (this is a great step here. With this on, I can just come through my hair as I please w/o the fear of breakage. This is why I can get through the rollerset so quickly), then roll hair w/ caps (this is another rate-limiting step...if I use end papers or clips, it extends the time. Plus, the caps help to stretch my hair more. I just have to make sure I use a roller that isn't too small, since the cap is already giving more tension.) All together I can do this in 15minutes if I want it to. Then in the morning, I just pull the rollers out, comb out, add a lil grease (mostly for anti-humidity effects and for some shine), then put a headband on. That can take less than 5min.

 

[constance]

---deleted (after reading your new hair length, my suggestions would not work.)

 

[Nonie]

Mwedzi what if it took about 1.5 hours to put twists in in 2010 (That's about how long it took to put in my mini-twists) and then I spend 10 mins on wash day (30 mins if DCing) and only redo about 3-5 twists a day and only if watching TV and in the mood. Otherwise styling takes about 3 mins or none on days I wear headwraps/hats and I don't moisturize. Does that count?

 

[Sugar]

Dreads - when I had them I re-tightened a little at a time, so I might take an hour this week to do the front, then an hour next week to do the back. Whatever I had time for. Also latching was better than twisting the roots because it lasts longer and you can wash whenever you want.

I had this same dilemma a few years ago which is why I locked my hair. Since I combed them out I've figured out how to cut my hair time so that it doesn't run my life. I only spend time on my hair when I want to.

You combed your locs out? Can you tell me what process you used? My sister is loc'ing her hair (though I'm still not convinced that it will actually loc) and wants me to un-loc them in 5 years. Kinda like the ultimate protective style.

 

[Sugar]

I have texlaxed 4a hair. I've given up on determining my length since I recently discovered I wear my bras improperly/too low. But I'm definitely past APL.

During the week I usually pincurl or wear it in a donut bun when I leave the house. Or I use this hair clip I have that looks like chop sticks to create a bun or a puffy ponytail. That takes about 5 minutes to accomplish. It might take slightly longer if I'm 12-13 weeks post.

Wash days would go faster if I was faster at rollersetting. I'm getting better at it though. I basically wash/detangle in the shower, 20 minutes under the dryer w/protein condish, 20 minutes with moisturizing DC, rollerset (45 min - to an hour), and another 30-45 minutes under the dryer (depending on how high I have the settings turned up). Take rollers out, finger comb/fluff and go.

I may pincurl it everynight (15-20 min) and fluff and go in the morning...or skip the pincurl and do my donut bun.

 

[glamazon386]

I wish. I wear my hair in a bun 99% of the time because I don't want to comb it.

 

[Lurkee]

My hair regimen does not take very long. Maybe IDGAF but I have refused to spend a lot of time on it. I wash and DC weekly and afterwards I blowdry. I am about 15 weeks post but i comb my hair everyday with ease. It is usually in a ponytail or bun except when I go out - then I wear it loose and straight or curly with flexis/caruso rollers.

Also, I do not DC under a dryer anymore. I DC with chores around the house. Sitting under a dryer to deep condition is no longer fun for me. Since I have started this, my hair does not feel like a chore anymore.

 

[Britt]

Wash day is time consuming yes, but I can wash, roller set, dry and doobie wrap my hair in about 1.75-2 hours (not counting pre-poo time).

And it takes me less than 10 minutes to style in the morning since I'm just combing out my wrap.

The longer my hair is the less work, I find. The only time my hair consumes my life is when I've had short hair cuts. That's why I'm growing it back and not going shorter than shoulder length ever again.

This! My hair doesn't take me much time and the time it takes sometimes still annoys me. I'm relaxed, but the only time I spend on my hair is when I wash it. I wash and deep condition and will either rollerset or simply airdry. Nightly, I either put in pin curls (If I have a fresh rollerset) or pull back and put a roller on the end of my hair.

I was thinking of transitioning to natural and was 7 months post. I couldn't handle my hair every single day. The detangling, combing, retwisting etc... it was a pain and frustration for me.

 

[anon123]

Mwedzi what if it took about 1.5 hours to put twists in in 2010 (That's about how long it took to put in my mini-twists) and then I spend 10 mins on wash day (30 mins if DCing) and only redo about 3-5 twists a day and only if watching TV and in the mood. Otherwise styling takes about 3 mins or none on days I wear headwraps/hats and I don't moisturize. Does that count?

thanks nonie. somehow the twisting all the time never worked out for me.

 

[KiSseS03]

My relaxed hair fit this criteria. Once a week I would wash and deep condition and roller set in under 2 hours. I would let my hair air dry overnight and in the morning take down the rollers in less than 5 minutes. My roller set would look nice for the entire week, and would require 10 minutes or less in styling time every day until wash day.

Unfortunately I haven't found a similar quick and easy routine with natural hair.

 

[CocoGlow]

Aww @mwedzi aka My Hair Twin!

Girrrrrrl...lemme tell you....I totally understand where you're coming from...

After 6 years of struggling with my hair I chopped it ALL OFF last January and have been rocking a nice ceasar cut for the past year-Talk about wash n go LOL!!


My scalp is fussy and wants (better yet demands!) that I wash her often ... a lot of sistas can get away with washing once a week or every 2 weeks and putting their hair up into a protective style and not having to deal with their hair for a while giving them a much need break...but no can do with this scalp!


The detangling sessions were dreadful and so was the thought of not washing my scalp for a while soooo the hair had to go.


I will say from experience that if you want long hair, locs are the best option for LOWEST maintentence (had them for 3+ years) They are a set "style" once the hair is loc'd so if you're not particular about having perfectly neat roots all the time, it's a pretty easy breezy hair lifestyle, especially once your hair gets long enough for ponytails & buns!

And of course the ceasar is the best choice for LOWEST maintenance short hair. You don’t even need conditioner or leave-in or shampoo for that matter (you can opt to use your body cleanser since you're just washing scalp=skin) Simple routine: Just cleanse for seconds literally + brush or comb or NOT + go. The only thing is you have to keep up the cut but the frequency totally depends on the style & hair growth rate. I kept up with line-ups & cuts (using clippers + the 1/8 inch guides) every 1-2 weeks. Hubby cut mine most of time but I also cut on occasion (easy).

All that said, I am currently growing my hair out again (say what?!) – this time I plan to Texlax. I’m giving long + loose hair one more try. But if I find that it’s more or less the same old story where washing frequently becomes a chore, I can always go back to my ceasar or go back to locs for length without the detangling nightmares.

I too refuse to let my hair take over my life and frustrate me to no end just for the sake of having long and/or natural hair and I’ve tried just about every regimen known to man over the years. I know many people might be shocked or disappointed with your choice to cut or relax all that luscious hair but I get it – when you actually have to maintain it and your lifestyle no longer allows for the TLC it needs then you have to make a decision about your real priorities.

I can’t wait to see what you eventually decide to do!