Does anyone have 4b hair that is not dry?

[sunshinelady]

I just wondered about this. Is dryness inherent to 4b hair or is something just wrong with me?

 

[Nonie]

OK, to me dry hair is hard hair. Also hardness is a relative term, so what you might consider hard might be "normal" to me. With that said, curly hair is usually drier than straight hair as sebum cannot slide down the length of the hair--or so I've heard.

Now I don't use products on my hair when wearing twists and braids, but I wash often and baggy often and that keeps my hair soft--which I equate with being moisturized. When I would use Shea Butter or oils, my hair would feel rough like a brush--a hardness I didn't like. I don't have that when I'm not using products. But my hair with S Curl when I'm wearing it out does feel more like butter than when I haven't got anything on it. But I am so used to not having stuff on my hair that I don't consider it dry when in twists or braids--although others might disagree. The only reason I ever use S Curl, besides the fact that my hair loves it, is because it provides slip necessary to comb my hair.

What moisturizers are you using?

 

[lexi84]

Yes, I have dry hair, but only when I'm wearing it down. My hair doesnt dry out while wearing buns or protective styles.

 

[ShaniKeys]

OK, to me dry hair is hard hair. Also hardness is a relative term, so what you might consider hard might be "normal" to me. With that said, curly hair is usually drier than straight hair as sebum cannot slide down the length of the hair--or so I've heard.

Now I don't use products on my hair when wearing twists and braids, but I wash often and baggy often and that keeps my hair soft--which I equate with being moisturized. When I would use Shea Butter or oils, my hair would feel rough like a brush--a hardness I didn't like. I don't have that when I'm not using products. But my hair with S Curl when I'm wearing it out does feel more like butter than when I haven't got anything on it. But I am so used to not having stuff on my hair that I don't consider it dry when in twists or braids--although others might disagree. The only reason I ever use S Curl, besides the fact that my hair loves it, is because it provides slip necessary to comb my hair.

What moisturizers are you using?

You don't moisturize at all? Why not? Benefits to this?

On topic: I have 4a/b hair and I have dry hair, it's better now b/c I DC every week.

 

[dcprdiva]

Yes, I have that hair type and it is not dry. I moisturize twice a day and DC twice a week. I must moisturize twice a day tho.

 

[Nonie]

You don't moisturize at all? Why not? Benefits to this?

On topic: I have 4a/b hair and I have dry hair, it's better now b/c I DC every week.

I'm just weird like that.

OK, on a serious note: Before I found LHCF or knew hair forums existed, I discovered Brenda's website www.blackwomenrejoice.com and having no other resource to learn about our hair, I bought her $20 report and read about how grease wasn't necessary. She encouraged washing hair for moisture and assured me that water was not the enemy...BUT I misunderstood her as saying that we are not to use anything at all. I was just beginning my transition in braids and planned to do regular trims as she recommended using the "sharpest scissors on earth". And in the two years I followed this regimen, washing my hair whenever it felt dry and not using anything else once my wash was over, my hair grew the longest it had ever grown. Now when you spent teens having only 4 inches of hair and then you suddenly wake up one day and find you have 9-11 inches, there has to be something right you're doing.

I joined LHCF around then which is also when I read Cathy Howse and the idea to moisturized was hammered in everywhere I looked. Also CH didn't believe in trimming. So I tried to adopt the new habits, including adding all the supps everyone raved about. After 4 months, my hair didn't grow faster, didn't look better...and in fact not trimming made it thin badly. What's more, I hated the feel of products on my face and neck and my face had become so clear since I stopped using products on my hair. In other words, my version of Brenda's regimen had been working so WTH did I even change it? So I went back to it and haven't looked back.

I realize that when I need to comb my hair, I need slip so I only ever do it when my hair is drenched in water/conditioner or when S Curl is slathered on. So since I'm not manipulating my hair when braided or twisted and love the feel of clean, non-sticky hair, I keep products at bay as much as I can. I notice my hair doesn't knot up or lock up when I wear twists for weeks and wash twice a week, or when I wear braids continuously for over a year. I don't know if not using products has anything to do with that but I'm thankful for that and I have learned not to change anything that doesn't need fixing. So as scary as it sounds to have nekkid hair, I do it because it works for me.

 

[jkamiel]

My hair would be extremely dry if I used nothing on it, but after I use products, it's not dry at all.

OK, to me dry hair is hard hair. Also hardness is a relative term, so what you might consider hard might be "normal" to me. With that said, curly hair is usually drier than straight hair as sebum cannot slide down the length of the hair--or so I've heard.

Now I don't use products on my hair when wearing twists and braids, but I wash often and baggy often and that keeps my hair soft--which I equate with being moisturized. When I would use Shea Butter or oils, my hair would feel rough like a brush--a hardness I didn't like. I don't have that when I'm not using products. But my hair with S Curl when I'm wearing it out does feel more like butter than when I haven't got anything on it. But I am so used to not having stuff on my hair that I don't consider it dry when in twists or braids--although others might disagree. The only reason I ever use S Curl, besides the fact that my hair loves it, is because it provides slip necessary to comb my hair.

What moisturizers are you using?

What do you mean you don't use products? Wouldnt the products in the baggy count? I'm a little confused.

Yeah, when i first used shea butter my hair felt hard. Your hair probably doesnt respond well to that. Perhaps you could try water-based moisturizers or products with glycerin in them to test whether your hair responds better to products like that.

Two products guaranteed to moisturize my hair are sta sof fro and african royale brz braid spray; they are both spray moisturizers.

 

[Nonie]

My hair would be extremely dry if I used nothing on it, but after I use products, it's not dry at all.



What do you mean you don't use products? Wouldnt the products in the baggy count? I'm a little confused.

Yeah, when i first used shea butter my hair felt hard. Your hair probably doesnt respond well to that. Perhaps you could try water-based moisturizers or products with glycerin in them to test whether your hair responds better to products like that.

Two products guaranteed to moisturize my hair are sta sof fro and african royale brz braid spray; they are both spray moisturizers.

You're all cracking me up because I have talked about not using products for eons now.

I mean I shampoo my hair, then I condition my hair and rinse very well. Then I ACV rinse my hair. Then I let it airdry. After that, I don't do anything else besides wear my twists or braids in a style, if I want to. Otherwise I just let my hair be. At night or if I plan to wear a hat in the day, I put on a plastic cap. Nothing is added before I baggy. Two days later, I repeat the wash and airdry. Baggying doesn't have to be done with products. I don't use any products before putting on my plastic cap--except when I'm DCing under a dryer. For that I put on a conditioner before the putting on the cap then go under a dryer. That gets washed off. For regular baggying, I use nada.

 

[ShaniKeys]

You're all cracking me up because I have talked about not using products for eons now.

I'm just interested b/c I'm gonna braid for the next three months and I plan to not do the C&G technique and moisturize my hair every day b/c that's just gonna lead to build-up (I know my hair!). But I moisturize my hair every day when I wear two strand twists (twice a day in fact).

 

[jennboo]

I started a thread on a similar subject to what nonie is referring to...no/minimal product. I find that when i dont slather on product, my hair feels softer and smoother. After i wash or wet my hair i may or may not use a light watery leave in...my hair seems to like this a lot. When i used the watery leave in plus shea butter plus oil regimen my hair felt rough.

This was also the case when i used to relax my hair. I went to dominican hair salons faithfully for years. As many of you may have experienced, these salons do not slather grease or product on the hair after a wash or during styling...just maybe a few squirts of infusium 23 and a glosser or sheen spray after the hair has been blown dry as a 'finishing' agent. My hair would feel very smooth and silky...more so than when a pomade, grease, or oil would be put on it...weird i know.

I think that if you wash or wet the hair frequently, there really isn't a need for a bombardment of topical solutions to be applied to it.

 

[jennboo]

And to answer the OP's inquiry, i think that the level of dryness depends on a few factors. 4b hair that is silkier will likely feel moisturized/smooth as opposed to 4b hair that is coarse...even though both may have underwent the same amount of moisturization.

 

[Muse]

I'm just weird like that.

OK, on a serious note: Before I found LHCF or knew hair forums existed, I discovered Brenda's website www.blackwomenrejoice.com and having no other resource to learn about our hair, I bought her $20 report and read about how grease wasn't necessary. She encouraged washing hair for moisture and assured me that water was not the enemy...

Personally I think there is something to this. I am experimenting with washing more often. Whenever my hair feels really dry instead of slathering a bunch of moisturizer in my hair I wash it. I do think it is VERY important to find the right poo and con though because washing too frequently with the wrong poo and con for you can be BAD. Joico Moisture Recovery is pH balanced and moisturizes my hair VERY well so I can wash more often and it actually helps my hair instead of hurting it. Since I've been washing more my natural 4b(transitioning) new growth is softer and the comb moves through it almost effortlessly. I can actually run my fingers through my scalp without getting my fingers stuck!

But before I started washing frequently I used Lacio (still do sometimes) and it softens and moisturizes my hair without me having to apply it daily. It also works very well on dry hair. I hate when I moisturize wet hair and when it dries it's hard and crunchy. Oils and butters never worked for me. Co washes may work I have not tried it for more than a month and suffered from terrible build up so I stopped, I LOVE a clean scalp.

 

[Nonie]

I'm just interested b/c I'm gonna braid for the next three months and I plan to not do the C&G technique and moisturize my hair every day b/c that's just gonna lead to build-up (I know my hair!). But I moisturize my hair every day when I wear two strand twists (twice a day in fact).

You probably can use the same regimen you use for twists then. I wouldn't try something on my hair that I don't normally do. Perhaps just try not to apply to the base of the hair? Or make a spritz that is light and use that to moisturize your hair. Before I got lazy, and while still torn between following the "must moisturize rule" and my usual regimen, I made a spritz of essential oils, ACV, glycerin, and water and would spray my braids with that. Perhaps that would be less "drastic"?

 

[msa]

My hair is soft. I don't use "products" though. I use water as my moisturizer and I think that makes a difference. My hair was the softest when I rinsed daily with water and then added some castor oil. This won't work very well if you have hard water so you may want to check into that. I put water on my hair before anything else because it really is the only thing that moisturizes. I use oil (castor) to keep the water from evaporating too quickly since I wear my hair in "out" styles.

Also, what is your regimen? I think piling on a lot of moisturizing products has the opposite effect and actually ends up drying out the hair. I generally think simpler is better when it comes to hair in the 4 range. If you have a really good DC, a lot of the other products won't be necessary. You should just be able to maintain the moisture you get from your DC. I use castor oil or coconut oil (separately) overnight on wet hair and I'm able to maintain from that point on.

 

[locabouthair]

And to answer the OP's inquiry, i think that the level of dryness depends on a few factors. 4b hair that is silkier will likely feel moisturized/smooth as opposed to 4b hair that is coarse...even though both may have underwent the same amount of moisturization.

I'm 4b and my hair is coarse so it makes my hair journey harder. also not enough water, poor diet, and the winter weather can make the hair very dry.

 

[JustKiya]

I'm a 4b (I guess) and I wouldn't say that my hair is dry, but my hair is very thirsty. Tiny difference, but to me, it's an important one.

I've been 'experimenting' with using no products, and - meh. It's not too bad. I think that as long as my hair is 'up', and I DC at least weekly, I'm fine, so far, I think.

 

[prettybrowneyescutie]

Good info ladies...keep it coming because I wanna too..thanks

 

[CokoQt]

Yes, I have that hair type and it is not dry. I moisturize twice a day and DC twice a week. I must moisturize twice a day tho.

This is my regimen as well and since doing this my hair is not dry anymore. I was deep conditioning once a week and moisturizing once a day but that was not enough to keep moisture in check. One of my washes during the week is a CW so I only use shampoo once a week. When I do use a shampoo, I do a prepoo first.

 

[DragonPearl]

Yes, I have that hair type and it is not dry. I moisturize twice a day and DC twice a week. I must moisturize twice a day tho.

I don't understand. If you must moisturize twice a day, isn't it because it IS dry? If it were not dry, why would you need to moisturize so often?

 

[Junebug D]

It is more prone to being dry than other hair types. You know how type 1 hair gets all oily and stringy-looking (and why our paler brothers & sisters need to wash their hair multiple times a week?) 4b does need more work to stay moisturized.

 

[scarcity21]

bumpinggggggggggggggg

 

[HoneyDew]

My hair is not dry, but it does have the potential to be that way.

I really don't need to moisturize daily (I just like to ). I can go every other day.

But, deep conditioning is my main source of moisture.

I don't think the need to moisturize and deep condition means that your hair IS DRY.

I mean, why are the aisles full of conditioners and hair products? They are there to help us work with what we have to keep our hair from fall prey to extreme weather conditions, heat and chemical styling, pollution, bad habits, etc.

So no, I don't have dry hair. I make sure of that. My hair is relaxed and I consider that instant damage right there. I cannot go with complementary maintenance products to keep my hair from drying out.

 

[discodumpling]

My hair is very nappy & I use no to minmal products & wouldn't call my hair dry but like JK says thirsty I w/o rinse (almost daily)and seal with coconut oil unless i'm experimenting LOL! I use an essential oil blend on my scalp, DC etc. I'm very particular with my hair & keep it covered most times with a scarf or baggie to add moisture...so I don't really allow my hair to get dry.

 

[SignatureBeauty]

My hair is dry but only if I use too heavy styling products, So I have learned that I really only need the Basic Cleaning & Conditioning & A leave In Conditioner and my hair is smoother & softer. Especially since I started using Giovanni Leave In! I haven't used Gels, Butters, Oils, S-Curl Spray in over 3 weeks and I notice a Big Difference.

 

[Hairsofab]

My hair is almost always dry. My recent discovery of Hawaii Silky 14-1 though is the only leave in product that makes my hair feel soft. But the effect only lasts a day.

 

[Lucky's Mom]

I'm just weird like that.

OK, on a serious note: Before I found LHCF or knew hair forums existed, I discovered Brenda's website www.blackwomenrejoice.com and having no other resource to learn about our hair, I bought her $20 report and read about how grease wasn't necessary. She encouraged washing hair for moisture and assured me that water was not the enemy...BUT I misunderstood her as saying that we are not to use anything at all. I was just beginning my transition in braids and planned to do regular trims as she recommended using the "sharpest scissors on earth". And in the two years I followed this regimen, washing my hair whenever it felt dry and not using anything else once my wash was over, my hair grew the longest it had ever grown. Now when you spent teens having only 4 inches of hair and then you suddenly wake up one day and find you have 9-11 inches, there has to be something right you're doing.

I joined LHCF around then which is also when I read Cathy Howse and the idea to moisturized was hammered in everywhere I looked. Also CH didn't believe in trimming. So I tried to adopt the new habits, including adding all the supps everyone raved about. After 4 months, my hair didn't grow faster, didn't look better...and in fact not trimming made it thin badly. What's more, I hated the feel of products on my face and neck and my face had become so clear since I stopped using products on my hair. In other words, my version of Brenda's regimen had been working so WTH did I even change it? So I went back to it and haven't looked back.

I realize that when I need to comb my hair, I need slip so I only ever do it when my hair is drenched in water/conditioner or when S Curl is slathered on. So since I'm not manipulating my hair when braided or twisted and love the feel of clean, non-sticky hair, I keep products at bay as much as I can. I notice my hair doesn't knot up or lock up when I wear twists for weeks and wash twice a week, or when I wear braids continuously for over a year. I don't know if not using products has anything to do with that but I'm thankful for that and I have learned not to change anything that doesn't need fixing. So as scary as it sounds to have nekkid hair, I do it because it works for me.

I have told you this before NONIE............ That I absolutely love you..... In the most Married, I like Men, girlish way I can say it.....

This is great information....
Thanks!

 

[Lucky's Mom]

My hair is soft. I don't use "products" though. I use water as my moisturizer and I think that makes a difference. My hair was the softest when I rinsed daily with water and then added some castor oil. This won't work very well if you have hard water so you may want to check into that. I put water on my hair before anything else because it really is the only thing that moisturizes. I use oil (castor) to keep the water from evaporating too quickly since I wear my hair in "out" styles.

Also, what is your regimen? I think piling on a lot of moisturizing products has the opposite effect and actually ends up drying out the hair. I generally think simpler is better when it comes to hair in the 4 range. If you have a really good DC, a lot of the other products won't be necessary. You should just be able to maintain the moisture you get from your DC. I use castor oil or coconut oil (separately) overnight on wet hair and I'm able to maintain from that point on.

I agree with this. My hair is not Dry. But I think it is due to DC'ing faithfully with the right product for me....... I don't do baggies too much... Moisture spritz and oils is enough for my ends.

 

[Lucky's Mom]

You probably can use the same regimen you use for twists then. I wouldn't try something on my hair that I don't normally do. Perhaps just try not to apply to the base of the hair? Or make a spritz that is light and use that to moisturize your hair. Before I got lazy, and while still torn between following the "must moisturize rule" and my usual regimen, I made a spritz of essential oils, ACV, glycerin, and water and would spray my braids with that. Perhaps that would be less "drastic"?

Yep - I do this too... I don't change anything drastically.....

 

[lilsparkle825]

my sister's hair craves braid spray, av juice/glycerin, or hawaiian silky. otherwise, it's a wrap.

 

[Nonie]

I have told you this before NONIE............ That I absolutely love you..... In the most Married, I like Men, girlish way I can say it.....

This is great information....
Thanks!

I wuvs you too just like that!