Ladies, take your time

[wonderstar]

Glad to know some of us feel this way.

 

[foxieroxienyc]

Yeah I decided early on that I'd keep it simple. It's so important to learn what works for YOU and not do things just because everyone else is doing it...

OP great thread, and all the ladies who've responded, brava!

 

[lovenharmony]

Definitely wise words to share, especially recovering product junkies like myself!

 

[Aggie]

I agree totally with the OP on taking your time when it comes to your hair, but I have no regrets having bought the products I have. It was a very exciting way for me to find out what my hair likes and doesn't like. I love buying stuff for my hair, it's one of my small joys.

I am the 6th of 9 children and what I don't keep, I give to my siblings as gifts which is something I love doing in any case and they, thankfully appreciates them. I am so happy to be blessed enough to give of my substance to my family. So I decided to look only on the bright side. I am almost down to my staples and I know now what not to buy for my hair again.

 

[Jazala]

You know, I had this experience w/OCT poo and I was not using my non-chemical relaxer at the same time, but I did and do have a non-chemical relaxer on my hair.

I tried the OCT system again, as I was wetting my hair to detangle, the water and OCT residue began to drop on my shoulders I got that burning sensation again.
I assume it is a chemical reaction to the product's ingredients since I have no other chemically based products with which to compare it with.

Ya never know what reactions you will receive between products and that's why I do not venture far into the chemical hair product realm.
OCT taught me a valuable lesson...stick with what works for me.

To the underlined...true and research is invaluable in this aspect.

If the relaxer you are using is Curlaway, then your relaxer does indeed contain chemicals. The active ingredient is acetic acid which is an organic chemical compound (CH3COOH). Although it is a mild acid, it is corrosive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetic_acid

It also contains an emulsifier, which is another chemical compound (polyethylene glycol ester).

I wonder how they can get away with calling this product "Chemical Free Natural Relaxer" when the ingredients are listed right there on the webpage!

 

[MidBackCrisis]

I MUST ADMIT THAT I AM ONE OF THOSE VERY EAGER PEOPLE TO SEE FAST RESULTS BUT THAT IS BECAUSE I SEE SO MANY PICTURES OF BEAUTIFUL HEADS OF HAIR AND I CANNOT WAIT TO GET THERE, BUT I DO AGREE WITH YOU ON THE PART WHERE YOU SAID THAT BEING SO HASTY TO TRY A HAIR PRODUCT COULD COST US OUR HAIR. IM GONNA WORK ON IT

 

[MizzBrown]

You right, you right! Cause when someone asks me what i do to make my hair look a certain way..."I don't know"...lists 10 different things..

I've backed off a bit with the product buying as well and the bandwagons.

You take so many growth aids, use 10 different shampoos and count the weather, your growth phase, 5 different conditioners, etc....it's hard to pinpoint what really aided in your haircare.

 

[anon123]

Yeah I decided early on that I'd keep it simple. It's so important to learn what works for YOU and not do things just because everyone else is doing it...

OP great thread, and all the ladies who've responded, brava!

This is the goal, of course. But I guess the question is how do you know what works for you if you don't try different things out? Or do we just reach a point where, after trying many things, if nothing works particularly well, you just take the best out of the bunch and keep it moving (that's what i'm moving towards now) or just buy whatever's on sale and keep it moving (what I did before)?

 

[discobiscuits]

and also........hair length shouldn't be the goal,but the prize.because ive seen damaged long hair and it ain't pretty!!!!!!!!!!so i would like to add,sisters......take pride in your hair's health,and start within......

ITA w/ the bold. We can put all the topical things we want to on our hair (or skin for that matter) and still grow weak, damaged hair if we don't eat correctly, manage our health by regular doctor visits, be aware of the side effects of oral medications or supplements (an over dose of some vitamins or minerals can actually cause hair loss or stunt healthy growth), sleep well, reduce stress, drink healthy fluids, et cetera.

I've done the same thing that other posters have stated; I am a recovering PJ and now if I try something, I research it first and evaluate if it is realistic to add to my regimen or my lifestyle. I try one thing at a time. I check for allergic or other negative reactions. Everything everyone has said makes sense and is good advice.

 

[Mahalialee4]

I have learned that ONLY MY HAIR knows what MY Hair Likes! Sometimes I don't know myself until I have taken the time to see how it reacts OVER TIME to specific products and methods. Once I am assured of its success, I stick with it. Also, my hair NEEDS, CHANGE, throughout the year. That means: My hair needs moisture, but not consistently. It can not handle regular baggying, glycerine, S curl or commercial moisturizers. My hair just will not cooperate with more than 3 days of that stuff. Strands start breaking, ends start crunching up and dropping off.

It has taken me YEARS to get to understand my type of hair, the seasons of my hair and the best method of retaining length. It is a balancing act for the most part, but my hair is not having it any other way. It does not like braids, natural or extension for more than a week at a time. It does not like most leave ins. Patience......yeah.....years of patience has taught me that. Otherwise I would have given up a long time ago on getting what I want.

 

[LadyKaypnyc]

Wonderful advice! I referred my cousin to this site b/c she wants to start taking better care of her hair, next thing I know, she goes out and spends $400 on hair products simply because the ppl on the site gave them good reviews. I tried to explain to her that what works for some may not work for her and that she should start slow, hopefully she'll go return some of the things she bought. She meant well, just got a little over zealous. This should really be made a sticky...

 

[Aggie]

This is the goal, of course. But I guess the question is how do you know what works for you if you don't try different things out? Or do we just reach a point where, after trying many things, if nothing works particularly well, you just take the best out of the bunch and keep it moving (that's what i'm moving towards now) or just buy whatever's on sale and keep it moving (what I did before)?

The bolded is what I'm doing too. The good thing is, I only have to use a product 2 or 3 times to know if it agrees with my hair or not. Once I'm convinced that it isn't for me, I give them away to my nieces, sisters and friends.

 

[eshille]

If the relaxer you are using is Curlaway, then your relaxer does indeed contain chemicals. The active ingredient is acetic acid which is an organic chemical compound (CH3COOH). Although it is a mild acid, it is corrosive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetic_acid

It also contains an emulsifier, which is another chemical compound (polyethylene glycol ester).

I wonder how they can get away with calling this product "Chemical Free Natural Relaxer" when the ingredients are listed right there on the webpage!

These are the ingredients listed on the full container of the product currently in my possession for your reference:
Deionized Water, PEG 400, Monostearate, Grapeseed Oil, Dimethysulfone (MSM), Acetic Acid, DL Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance.

Patented Curlaway Curl Relaxer contains naturally-derived aqueous acetic acid (pH lowering agent) with PEG 400 monostearate (emulsifier) d-panthenol,
MSM (both conditioners), grapeseed oil (moisturizer) and fragrances.

I cannot address your question regarding how the company can get away with calling Curlaway a "Chemical Free Natural Relaxer", as you suggest.

I can categorically state that the product has not produced scalp burns as you experienced while using a lye based hair straightener (talk about corrosive).
I have had NO corrosive effects whatsoever using this product, nor have I EVER had any physical reaction while using other products in conjunction with Curlaway,
prior to my use of OCT.

You...being a good consumer and citizen, who has taken the time to investigate a product that you do not nor probably ever intend to use, should continue in
your determination and quest for truth by reporting what you have labeled as false advertising to the proper authorities who can then investigate and charge
the company for what you allege is a crime being committed against consumers.

Your efforts to post this information on a public forum addressed to me, then lament what you have found does not in the end serve the 'greater good'.

I await confirmation of your success with this endeavor.

Take Care...

 

[Jazala]

These are the ingredients listed on the full container of the product currently in my possession for your reference:
Deionized Water, PEG 400, Monostearate, Grapeseed Oil, Dimethysulfone (MSM), Acetic Acid, DL Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance.

Patented Curlaway Curl Relaxer contains naturally-derived aqueous acetic acid (pH lowering agent) with PEG 400 monostearate (emulsifier) d-panthenol,
MSM (both conditioners), grapeseed oil (moisturizer) and fragrances.

Yes, that is on the website as well.

I cannot address your question regarding how the company can get away with calling Curlaway a "Chemical Free Natural Relaxer", as you suggest.

Well actually it's all in the wording. In the longer description, they say, "...free of harsh or alkaline chemicals..." This is a true statement.

I can categorically state that the product has not produced scalp burns as you experienced while using a lye based hair straightener (talk about corrosive).

Girl! You don't know the half... I stopped using lye for this very reason over a decade ago but before I came to this board and did more research on hair, I was also using permanent dyes with ammonia and peroxide! I think the only reason I'm not bald is because I've always been a stretcher.

I currently use no-lye which is just as corrosive technically but doesn't give me the same issues as the lye products. I'm under no illusions and I know that all of these products have chemicals. I treat them accordingly.

I have had NO corrosive effects whatsoever using this product, nor have I EVER had any physical reaction while using other products in conjunction with Curlaway,
prior to my use of OCT.

It's similar to using ACV. You could probably ingest it without having a bad reaction but I wouldn't recommend putting it in your eye! The chemical reactions with acetic acid are documented in the link I posted (metals, alkalis, carbonates etc.).

You...being a good consumer and citizen, who has taken the time to investigate a product that you do not nor probably ever intend to use,

If they actually did come up with a product that relaxes the hair without chemicals, not only would I use it, but I would buy stock in the company that produces it!!! Quite honestly, I don't think it's possible. At least not right now with current technology.

...should continue in
your determination and quest for truth by reporting what you have labeled as false advertising to the proper authorities who can then investigate and charge
the company for what you allege is a crime being committed against consumers.

Their advertising, in my opinion is very misleading; however, they do have the ingredients listed on the same page so it becomes a case of caveat emptor.

Your efforts to post this information on a public forum addressed to me, then lament what you have found does not in the end serve the 'greater good'.

My initial post was not addressed to you. If you wanted to discuss this with me privately, why not send me a pm rather than respond to my post publicly?

I await confirmation of your success with this endeavor.

See above.

Take Care...

You too!

 

[eshille]

My initial post was not addressed to you. If you wanted to discuss this with me privately, why not send me a pm rather than respond to my post publicly?

You too!

You're right about your initial post not being addressed to me, however you did make reference to an experience I had with OCT and quoted that experience incorrectly AND you did it publicly.

My only intent in engaging in this discourse with you was to correct your misinterpretation of how I was using OCT, which was NOT with a chemical process
on my head at the same time...nothing more and nothing less.

Thx for responding and clarifying your position about the product and it's ingredients. It allows me to use your assertions about this product/false
advertising, contact the company for clarification and I WILL WALK THE TALK by contacting the proper authorities if the company is unable to
substantiate their claims that the product is a Chemical Free Natural Relaxer. However, I have no intentions on stop using it.

Have a great day...

 

[Jazala]

My only intent in engaging in this discourse with you was to correct your misinterpretation of how I was using OCT, which was NOT with a chemical process
on my head at the same time...nothing more and nothing less.

I was going by what you posted in the other thread. There was no timeline given for the events you described:

Those areas of my hair which still had Curlaway on them came out really curly and nice. Those areas which did not (natural) were a mess. I
had to re-apply Curlaway to the front natural portions of my hair and it all matted together from the roots to ends...all over the front and sides.
I have never seen anything like that in my entire life.

So after I made my way through that debacle...I needed to re-apply the Ovation system on my hair (because it did change the texture of
my Curlaway hair) to get both areas looking somewhat alike.

It appeared as if you had the chemical on parts of your hair then used the OCT, then used the chemical again, then more OCT. My apologies if I misinterpreted this.

As far as going to the proper authorities, they have full disclosure on the webpage. What exactly would you be reporting? Their clever use of semantics?

 

[Covergirl5906]

great advice...I have pretty much figured out what products work for me ...when I use up some things, I am not replacing them...I'm on a mission to keep it simple...I definitely don't jump on every bandwagon like I used to when I first got on here...I caught myself the other day when I was in CVS...I saw the NTM silk leave in that has been raved about....I almost purchased it, then stopped myself when I remembered that my lacio lacio and organics leave in's work just fine...no need for me to add new products to my regimen, when what I have works just fine

 

[Jynkx]

great advice...I have pretty much figured out what products work for me ...when I use up some things, I am not replacing them...I'm on a mission to keep it simple...I definitely don't jump on every bandwagon like I used to when I first got on here...I caught myself the other day when I was in CVS...I saw the NTM silk leave in that has been raved about....I almost purchased it, then stopped myself when I remembered that my lacio lacio and organics leave in's work just fine...no need for me to add new products to my regimen, when what I have works just fine

i heard that!! that sounded just like me.

 

[eshille]

I was going by what you posted in the other thread. There was no timeline given for the events you described:



It appeared as if you had the chemical on parts of your hair then used the OCT, then used the chemical again, then more OCT. My apologies if I misinterpreted this.

As far as going to the proper authorities, they have full disclosure on the webpage. What exactly would you be reporting? Their clever use of semantics?

You're the funniest person I have ever had the pleasure of encountering on a public forum...

May you find the light and forever walk within it...Namaste

 

[Jazala]

May you find the light and forever walk within it...

"Carol Anne - listen to me. Do NOT go into the light. Stop where you are. Turn away from it. Don't even look at it!!!!"

 

[justNikki]

Back on topic...

OP, I agree with you wholeheartedly. It comes off like a desperation for length at all costs. It shouldn't be that serious. erplexed

 

[january noir]

Do your homework ladies and take your time...

I've been here since 10/06 and I have had enough setbacks to last a lifetime.
I still don't show pics of my hair that often because it's still a HAM.
I understand that it's a journey though...

For example, I am concerned when I read the newest posts in the Henna Thread. So many newbies are jumping on the bandwagon and not reading through and absorbing the knowledge before henna'ing. One member henna'd and was surprised to find that the henna made her hair red.

 

[Jynkx]

Do your homework ladies and take your time...

I've been here since 10/06 and I have had enough setbacks to last a lifetime.
I still don't show pics of my hair that often because it's still a HAM.
I understand that it's a journey though...

For example, I am concerned when I read the newest posts in the Henna Thread. So many newbies are jumping on the bandwagon and not reading through and absorbing the knowledge before henna'ing. One member henna'd and was surprised to find that the henna made her hair red.

i thought i was the only one thinking along these lines.

 

[lala]

I'm reading alot of threads were some of us are too eager, we all are. But making a quick decision could cost you your hair and the progress your making. One girl has 5 different kinds of Indian powders and wants to know what to do with them, well why did you buy 5 different kinds....honey. It's not a bad idea once you hear of a product to educate yourself a little, search the product on the net and learn how to use them, try 1 for a while and see how that works. This is a wonderful site and were all learning so much, just be careful. We all want to grow healthy heads of hair, not damage the hair we have. Good Luck girls

Sincerly Anna

Keeping it simple is the key. A lot of you need to listen to this .

 

[*Luscious*Locked*Doc]

Yeah I wholeheartedly agree with all of the above. I've been on this board for about 6 months and when I came my hair was in distress. I remember one of the first things I tried was hardcore aphogee and even though I asked others advice first I just didn't know enough about how to restore moisture after using it. Needless to say my hair got very very angry with me and broke off even more. I have I was lucky it happened within my first month of being on the board b/c it stopped me from jumping onto something without having all my i dotted and my t's crossed. Not to say that I still don't get PJ tendencies but even that has slowed down.

Keeping it simple and sticking with the basics has helped my hair way more than anything else. Of course if it weren't for the board in the first place I wouldn't have discovered lots of great things like DCing with oils, making my own mixtures, shea butter, sealing, etc . There are definitely good tips to be had but you have to grasp how these varying tools will affect your hair and not someone else's

 

[bigdeelight]

I know I'm chiming in late but I really do agree. I've used this site only to reinforce behaviors I was already taking with my hair. The PJism/Bandwagonism is serverly curbed by the price of gas, bills, and plain old common sense anyway. Everything ain't for everybody. I've been keeping it simple for years. Now I'm just learning how to keep it simple at the top notch level best for me

 

[BillsBackerz67]

Good point. As always the people with the best progress and hair journey's seem to do less to their hair.

 

[MizAvalon]

I'm reading alot of threads were some of us are too eager, we all are. But making a quick decision could cost you your hair and the progress your making. One girl has 5 different kinds of Indian powders and wants to know what to do with them, well why did you buy 5 different kinds....honey. It's not a bad idea once you hear of a product to educate yourself a little, search the product on the net and learn how to use them, try 1 for a while and see how that works. This is a wonderful site and were all learning so much, just be careful. We all want to grow healthy heads of hair, not damage the hair we have. Good Luck girls

Sincerly Anna

Great advice.

 

[so1913]

A lot of GREAT advice in this thread...

 

[TrendySocialite]

Good reminders....

I will say that I have been fortunate that everything in my regimen works for me. However, I do read each and every post I can and use the search to find out all I can before I add it in.

As others have said, it's about finding what works right for you. And only YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL can determine how to find what works. For some, it's experimentation and trial and error. Others is total simplicity. IMO, one isn't right over the other, it's your own path...no one else can dictate how you get there.

As long as we get there, each individual determines how they get there.