Any testimonies or suggestions on getting from Neck Length to APL safely?

[MagnoliaBelle]

Hi Ladies,

I have my hair washed, deep-conditioned, blown dry, and flat-ironed every two weeks by the stylist. I wrap it everynight and comb it everyday. I wear it down everyday as seen above. I apply coconut oil to the length of the hair and castor oil to the ends for protection. I don't think that it's long enough for a bun as it was cut in layers in order to get rid of damage, and I'm not sure if that would be good for the ends vs. wearing it down. I know my stylists will want to cut it again every month; however, I will tell her NO!!!

Do you all think I can reach the goal of APL wearing it down like this everyday and without the home concoctions, and moisturizing conditioners/protein treatments on a weekly basis?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hillytmj]

I actually wore a sew-in weave for about 6 months total (I took it down and it had re-done three times/every other month) to get from NL to close to APL. I helped keep my mind off my length so I could be patient while it grew.

The only precaution: make sure tell the stylist BEFORE they take the weave out that you don't want it cut. Mine immediately started cutting, and I wanted to go off! Of course, that was before LHCF. I definitely stand up for myself in the chair now.

 

[Austro-Afrikana]

I don't think that would work...I'm not apl yet but for me, crown and glory is the ultimate in growth aid, retention, and thickness building. Check out the grow afro hair long site and try it out...you won't regret it if you follow the braids regimen exactly.
When i'm out of braids I wash and blowdry every week with con and humecto/affirm 5 in 1 and silken seal. (once a month i clarify with keracare hydrating) I moisturise my ends every night with the flat ironing creme, sold on that site, before i wrap.
And i am now also drinking the waist length shake.

 

[Junebug D]

Hi Ladies,

I have my hair washed, deep-conditioned, blown dry, and flat-ironed every two weeks by the stylist. I wrap it everynight and comb it everyday. I wear it down everyday as seen above. I apply coconut oil to the length of the hair and castor oil to the ends for protection. I don't think that it's long enough for a bun as it was cut in layers in order to get rid of damage, and I'm not sure if that would be good for the ends vs. wearing it down. I know my stylists will want to cut it again every month; however, I will tell her NO!!!

Do you all think I can reach the goal of APL wearing it down like this everyday and without the home concoctions, and moisturizing conditioners/protein treatments on a weekly basis?

Thanks in advance!

On your current regimen, it will be hard. Of the women I know who follow a regimen similar to yours,they are hard-pressed to make it past SL. I guess if your hair is coarse & sturdy enough, you can make it, but it will be difficult. You may not even need to add any home concoctions or even protective styles, but you should consider adding in more moisture and protein.

Are you natural or relaxed? If you are natural, your hair may be able to withstand the heat a little better. If you are relaxed, you definitely may want to consider cutting back on the flat ironing and blow drying.

But the most important question to ask yourself: are you seeing any progress following your regimen now? Are you satisfied with the progress you are making thus far?

 

[SouthernStunner]

I am neck length and I am doing the crown and glory method. For me it is easiest to retain lenght, gain lenght, and gain thickness. While I am doing this (I plan on doing it til Nov) I use my mega tek and OCT and I get to keep my hands out of my hair. I love it and I have been doing this since October and yes I have seen a lot of growth. HTH

 

[Sarahh.]

I'm not at APL yet but I'm on my way. I think the main things that are helping me are protective styles (mostly bunning) and daily moisturising and no trimming.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

Thanks, Ladies.
I will check ou the Crown and Glory site, and tomorrow I will experiment with a bun. So far my current regimen is working, but its only been about 3 weeks (since I've been on this forum). I just don't want to mess up this time. I've been through this at least 10 times before, and I want my "crown and glory" this time!

Shan,I am natural. I think I am going to try the Neutrogena Triple Moisture for moisture. There was a thread on it tonight. I need something that won't make my hair revert. However, if it's in a bun it shouldn't matter too much. I'll let you all know if I can get it into a bun on tomorrow. Maybe I can bun all week until it's time for me to get it done again, and I will definitely stand up for myself in the chair!

 

[kristie21]

i've had to cut up to my jawline two years in a row due to damaged ends and a scissor happy stylist..i mean my hair grew quickly to SL but my ends would be jacked up shortly after...after the second cut, i began weekly rollersets/DC's, nightly moisturizing of ends and length and pinculs (had to stop wrapping also due to breakage), ocassional wash-n-go's, buns and loose up-do's 5x's to keep hair off the shoulders.

 

[lilsparkle825]

I need something that won't make my hair revert. However, if it's in a bun it shouldn't matter too much. I'll let you all know if I can get it into a bun on tomorrow. Maybe I can bun all week until it's time for me to get it done again, and I will definitely stand up for myself in the chair!

look up the threads on Sabino Moisture Block. many ladies, including myself, swear by it for halting reversion.

i agree with those who say that much heat will come back to bite you in the butt. i transitioned to natural largely through dominican blowouts, but i was only getting them about once a month. you don't HAVE to use weaves or braids, but they sure are the easiest way to go. what good is having APL hair if the last inch or two is heat damaged?

 

[Evolving78]

flexi rod sets helped me a lot when i was relaxed. i could stretch my touch up for a long time because the set would help my new growth to blend in and it helped the set stay longer. i would just lightly moisturize my hair and lightly oil my hair. i would sleep with a bonnet or on my face or something to keep from smashing them down. i did that for six months once a week and my hair grew very nicely and healthy. i just couldn't do the braids or weave anymore. i wanted to deal with my own hair.

 

[ajacks]

I actually wore a sew-in weave for about 6 months total (I took it down and it had re-done three times/every other month) to get from NL to close to APL. I helped keep my mind off my length so I could be patient while it grew.

This is what I just finished doing as well. I went from chin length to almost APL (current length in avatar) in a year using sew-ins! I will be doing this same method for a second year. Protective styling is definitely the way to go!

 

[Loves Harmony]

This is were im at right now...... Im thinking about keep my hair in braids til june to do an 6 months stretch.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

Do you have an opinion on Crown & Glory's protein pills? I tried the protein shake and bars but they taste awful.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

This is were im at right now...... Im thinking about keep my hair in braids til june to do an 6 months stretch.

I definitely think braids are the best way to go, but I'm not comfortable with braids. I know that you'll be glad you did!

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

HILLYTMJ AND AJACKS,
The sewins worked for you all. You both have gorgeous hair!

 

[supermodelsonya]

I'm not APL yet but I'm just not going to say no. I have a friend who washes her hair once a month (yes it looks gross) and she wears her hair down a lot. She currently went from BSL back to APL from a cut. (It's healthy too)

So there are some exceptions to the rule....

Everyone is different. I don't think you should side step on your moisture and protein treatments. Going to a stylist every two weeks and wrapping your hair sounds like a LOT of manipulation. SO even if your hair grows, it can get very thin. If you're going to do all that to it, I'd advise that you just continue keeping up with your moisture/protein balance.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

I'm not at APL yet but I'm on my way. I think the main things that are helping me are protective styles (mostly bunning) and daily moisturising and no trimming.

Looks like we are just about hair twins and at about the same point. I am going to try your bunning and moisturizing method. What do you use to moisturize with? Is your hair dry when you bun? What do you do with it at night? I saw on the other thread that you don't sleep in the bun?

Thanks.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

I'm not APL yet but I'm just not going to say no. I have a friend who washes her hair once a month (yes it looks gross) and she wears her hair down a lot. She currently went from BSL back to APL from a cut. (It's healthy too)

So there are some exceptions to the rule....

Everyone is different. I don't think you should side step on your moisture and protein treatments. Going to a stylist every two weeks and wrapping your hair sounds like a LOT of manipulation. SO even if your hair grows, it can get very thin. If you're going to do all that to it, I'd advise that you just continue keeping up with your moisture/protein balance.

I was thinking that the every 2 weeks with the stylist was too much direct heat. I might try stretching that to 3 or 4 weeks. I've done that in the past.

When you say moisture/protein balance, I am not exactly sure what you mean. Are you talking about things I have to do with wet hair, or things that I can do while my hair is flat-ironed straight? I do have Mega-tek, and I apply that do the scalp. I think that's protein, and I am going to try to find a protein pill today, or order the Crown and Glory if anyone will vouch for it.

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks.

 

[supermodelsonya]

I worked in a hair shop for ten years since I was like 13 as a shampoo girl. I used to see the ladies that came in for their hair appointments every two weeks faithfully. While their hair looked nice, it really never got any longer.

Sometimes it got thinner.

You seem to be quite concerned with wearing your hair out because you keep asking if you have to wet your hair or will certain products make your hair revert. WHile that's fine and all, I think you should get more comfortable with protective styles.

Your hair is NL ....that's cool but remember, your hair isn't rubbing against things yet. LIke your clothing or your shoulders. I made it from NL to SL in about a month and a half by wearing it off my shoulders (in a weave)

As a natural, protein isn't as important as moisture but still important. I think you should find some styles that you are comfortable with. (I've never worn braids either) Have you thought about sew-ins?

I'm not saying that you can't make it past NL with your current regimen because its very possible. But if your hair is any thing like a lot of people, your best bet is to start getting comfortable with different styles so that your hair is not manipulated as much and that you can maintain your hair at home.

I hope I'm making sense. Sorry for the novel.

 

[supermodelsonya]

Adding...you stated that you use coconut oil and castor oil. You have Megatek for protein but I see nothing for moisture. Oils dont moisturize, they seal moisture in. What do you use for moisture? As a natural, this is something you need the most.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

I worked in a hair shop for ten years since I was like 13 as a shampoo girl. I used to see the ladies that came in for their hair appointments every two weeks faithfully. While their hair looked nice, it really never got any longer.

Sometimes it got thinner.

You seem to be quite concerned with wearing your hair out because you keep asking if you have to wet your hair or will certain products make your hair revert. WHile that's fine and all, I think you should get more comfortable with protective styles.

Your hair is NL ....that's cool but remember, your hair isn't rubbing against things yet. LIke your clothing or your shoulders. I made it from NL to SL in about a month and a half by wearing it off my shoulders (in a weave)

As a natural, protein isn't as important as moisture but still important. I think you should find some styles that you are comfortable with. (I've never worn braids either) Have you thought about sew-ins?

I'm not saying that you can't make it past NL with your current regimen because its very possible. But if your hair is any thing like a lot of people, your best bet is to start getting comfortable with different styles so that your hair is not manipulated as much and that you can maintain your hair at home.

I hope I'm making sense. Sorry for the novel.

THANKS!!
You hit the nail on the head and substantiated my thoughts on the heat every two weeks with your salon story. You're right. My hair looking professional/good is important for me. But truthfully, I would rather that it look GREAT in two years and forever after than just good for the rest of my life and staying virtually the same lengths and breaking, which it has done in the past.

In response to your next post:
One more question please and I'll leave you alone. As for moisture suggestions. What about Neutrogena Triple Moisture on dry hair, or are you suggesting dc or cowash more often than when I go to the salon for washes?

Thanks!!

 

[supermodelsonya]

No problem...ask away.

NTM (Neutorgena Triple Moisture) is a great product for a DC but I co-wash with it too. Co-washing works for some, doesn't do much for others. You'll learn in time what your hair likes and what it doesn't.

You still need a moisturizer to apply to your hair. I currently use ORS Olive Oil Hair lotion. Some ladies like S-curl, Wave Nouveau, Elasta QP Mango Butter (one of my favs) Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Moisturizer, pure shea butter, etc.

You can do a search for daily moisturizers and come up with a great list. The ones I listed seem to be a favorite.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

I tried the bun. However, that did not work due to some of my layers being too short. My protective style will be a french braid down the center of the back of my head with the end tucked under for protection. I also found a moisturizer today, Soft and Beutiful's Botanicals Lite Cream Moisturizer. So far I like it. Can 't thank all of you who responded to this thread enough! I have joined the 2009 APL Challenge so my progress will be there.

 

[joib]

I know you don't care for braids but the Crown and Glory technique is really good. My younger sister's hair would not grow past sl until I started using this technique. Her hair is finally past apl. I am currently on the C&G and will be until July 09. I did it in the past and I loved it.

 

[msa]

Do you all think I can reach the goal of APL wearing it down like this everyday and without the home concoctions, and moisturizing conditioners/protein treatments on a weekly basis?

Thanks in advance!

IMO, you are going to need to do more because you're blowdrying and flatironing, even though it's every couple of weeks. Direct heat can really wear down your hair. Are you using a heat protectant? If not you should be. If your stylist doesn't have one, bring one in.

How long is she DC'ing you for? You will need to use a protein and moisturizing DC (you can mix them to gether if you want). But you definitely need to pay attention to DCing if you want to keep your hair healthy.

At some point you will probably have to wear protective styles. You could start now by doing cute pin ups (like a french roll) a couple days of the week.

A lot of naturals use coconut oil while their hair is straightened so that it doesn't revert so that's seems fine to me. But, if you're not going to be conditioning/moisturizing between visits then your DC's needs to be heavy duty.

Here are some good threads about naturals that straighten:
Naturals who straighten...Pinkskates method
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=6404921

naturals who straighten regimens
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=274495

naturals who straighten and use coconut oil
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=321369


ETA: I didn't read the rest of the thread before I posted. You've gotten great advice. Keep practicing protective styling until you figure out some styles you really like. And you could do braidouts/twistouts/bantuknot outs/ and pin those up as well, which is really cute.

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

I know you don't care for braids but the Crown and Glory technique is really good. My younger sister's hair would not grow past sl until I started using this technique. Her hair is finally past apl. I am currently on the C&G and will be until July 09. I did it in the past and I loved it.

Wow. You have the hair I dream about. Did you take the protein vitamins from Crown & Glory. If so, what did you think?

 

[MagnoliaBelle]

IMO, you are going to need to do more because you're blowdrying and flatironing, even though it's every couple of weeks. Direct heat can really wear down your hair. Are you using a heat protectant? If not you should be. If your stylist doesn't have one, bring one in.

How long is she DC'ing you for? You will need to use a protein and moisturizing DC (you can mix them to gether if you want). But you definitely need to pay attention to DCing if you want to keep your hair healthy.

At some point you will probably have to wear protective styles. You could start now by doing cute pin ups (like a french roll) a couple days of the week.

A lot of naturals use coconut oil while their hair is straightened so that it doesn't revert so that's seems fine to me. But, if you're not going to be conditioning/moisturizing between visits then your DC's needs to be heavy duty.

Here are some good threads about naturals that straighten:
Naturals who straighten...Pinkskates method
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=6404921

naturals who straighten regimens
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=274495

naturals who straighten and use coconut oil
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=321369


ETA: I didn't read the rest of the thread before I posted. You've gotten great advice. Keep practicing protective styling until you figure out some styles you really like. And you could do braidouts/twistouts/bantuknot outs/ and pin those up as well, which is really cute.

Thanks for the links! I think I will do the french twists and a french braid. I think that's a good protective style. I do you coconut oil, which I love. I also found a moisturizer today that doesn't seem to make my hair curly. It's Soft and Beautiful's Botanicals Lite Creme Moisturizer.

 

[IndianAngel22]

IMO, you are going to need to do more because you're blowdrying and flatironing, even though it's every couple of weeks. Direct heat can really wear down your hair. Are you using a heat protectant? If not you should be. If your stylist doesn't have one, bring one in.

How long is she DC'ing you for? You will need to use a protein and moisturizing DC (you can mix them to gether if you want). But you definitely need to pay attention to DCing if you want to keep your hair healthy.

At some point you will probably have to wear protective styles. You could start now by doing cute pin ups (like a french roll) a couple days of the week.

A lot of naturals use coconut oil while their hair is straightened so that it doesn't revert so that's seems fine to me. But, if you're not going to be conditioning/moisturizing between visits then your DC's needs to be heavy duty.

Here are some good threads about naturals that straighten:
Naturals who straighten...Pinkskates method
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=6404921

naturals who straighten regimens
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=274495

naturals who straighten and use coconut oil
http://longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=321369


ETA: I didn't read the rest of the thread before I posted. You've gotten great advice. Keep practicing protective styling until you figure out some styles you really like. And you could do braidouts/twistouts/bantuknot outs/ and pin those up as well, which is really cute.

Does coconut oil moisturize? I wear my hair straight and don't like to moisturize because my hair will revert. I've been using serums and hot six oil....

 

[Sarahh.]

Looks like we are just about hair twins and at about the same point. I am going to try your bunning and moisturizing method. What do you use to moisturize with? Is your hair dry when you bun? What do you do with it at night? I saw on the other thread that you don't sleep in the bun?

Thanks.

I use Redken All Soft Leave In Conditioner to moisturise. I love it, but it isn't a very heavy moisturiser. I also deep condition every week to keep my moisture up.

I wash my hair every second day, detangle, moisturise, bun and leave to air dry in the bun. Then at night I take it out of the bun and sleep with it loose and in the morning I moisturise and bun again. So the days that I wash my hair it's wet, but the others it's not.

Hope that answers your questions.

 

[joib]

Wow. You have the hair I dream about. Did you take the protein vitamins from Crown & Glory. If so, what did you think?

Thanks MagnoliaBelle.

I did not take the vitamins because I am bad with pills but I will look into it this time around. I am pretty sure that her vits are as good as the other products she makes. I hear good things about her flat iron cream. The only thing you might not like is after washing the braids on a weekly basis, they could look messy in a short amount of time. Good luck my dear.