[USER=371995 said:laylaaa[/USER];18143225]I hope so. I just can't work out if I need more moisture or more protein because I've been doing both! If my hair is fairly stretchy, does that mean I'm overmoisturised?
Definitely going to dust these ends though, I keep procrastinating.
I retained an inch since joining...February.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using LHCF
Is your hair breaking more when it's dry or when it's wet?
When you pull it when it's wet does it break almost immediately or do you have to pull it a bit before it breaks?
laylaaa said:I think it breaks more when it is wet but I'm unsure... I'll keep an eye on it. What does it mean either way?
As for the other question, I checked in the shower. I pulled on the hair and it stretched a fair bit and then slipped out of my finger. Did it again and same happened. Third time, it snapped. Over-moisturised, I'm guessing?
[USER=371995 said:laylaaa[/USER];18143399]I think it breaks more when it is wet but I'm unsure... I'll keep an eye on it. What does it mean either way?
As for the other question, I checked in the shower. I pulled on the hair and it stretched a fair bit and then slipped out of my finger. Did it again and same happened. Third time, it snapped. Over-moisturised, I'm guessing?
When it overstretches, I don't know how to explain it, it needs protein. If you can't stretch it to its full length moisture.
For example if when dry you can stretch your hair to your collarbone, then when wet you should be able to stretch it to that same point and a little bit further with no issue. If it breaks before or just beyond that point the hair probably needs more moisture. If it goes beyond that point and keeps stretching, you need more protein.
When the hair has enough protein, and you pull on it when wet, you should feel some resistance of the hair pulling back. When it doesn't pull back it needs more protein.
What I am noticing is when my hair needs protein, the breakage just sort of wraps around my fingers and it's hard to get off.
Do you mean one strand?
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[USER=371995 said:laylaaa[/USER];18143805]faithVA
Yes! That's exactly it! It feels so weak and insubstantial when it breaks and, when my hair is dry, it feels super soft but frizzy. My hair has not felt hard or crunchy once. I've moisturised quite a bit with 24hr baggying and oils but I've also done a henna + mild overnight protein treatment (Aubrey's Organics GBP - does that count as semi-moisture because it says balancing?) which is why I'm so confused.
Neither the henna nor the GBP are protein treatments. You may be out of balancing since you are doing a lot of moisturizing but not really any real protein. Do you have any protein treatments in your stash?
I like the ION products but currently using the 4 Naturals Reconstructor which I like. Hana Kuroi is using the Millcreek. ShescentIt Okra is supposed to be good. Others: Giovanni NutraFix, Aphogee 2 min
[USER=371995 said:laylaaa[/USER];18143965]faithVA
Oh dear.
It just dawned on me that I actually haven't been doing protein treatments, just ones that are kinda sorta but not really protein. No wonder!
I don't have access to most of the ones you mentioned because they don't sell them here but I do have Aphogee 2-step, Aphogee 2 min (has mineral oil, not too keen) and SM Anti-Breakage. This is a serious lightbulb moment for me haha, thank you so much!!
Do you have a Sally's? I wouldn't consider any Shea Moisture product a true protein treatment but I haven't used it.
Do you think you need the Aphogee 2-step? Is that something you have used before? It is a serious protein treatment where the others are milder. I would think more of a reconstructor vs. a hard protein.
faithVA
Sadly, no. There aren't any Sally's in London!
Yeah, I think I do. I've used it twice before. Around Christmas, then again in early February and now it's basically April so I am probably due. Would you recommend a reconstructor instead?
If your hair works fine with the two step go for it. It is usually too harsh for a lot of heads. You may just want to put yourself on a protein treatment schedule. You may need a hard protein treatment and maybe a lighter protein in between or cut down on the baggying.
faithVA
Just to update you. I did the Aphogee 2 step last night and the breakage really came to a stand still. Lately, my hair has been very very wavy (moving into type 2) but, since doing the A2S, I've got defined, strong curls. DC'ing right now because it's definitely a hardcore treatment but it feels so good to be balanced again! Thank you! <3
You are welcome. I've just started using protein so I'm sort of on protein bandwagon right now
Glad it is working for you.
So happy haha.
What do you mean by protein treatment schedule? Is that just a weekly reconstructor?
I kinda wanna just cut off all my relaxed ends and call it a day.
More and more convinced my hair grows 3/4 - an inch a month.
I just wonder if this has always happened?
But since Jan my hair has grown 3-4 inches and I've trimmed a little too.
I can tell I have had growth. I don't know how much.
I never did add my starting picture. The protein has really made a difference.
I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y