5 months since I shaved my hair. Upset with the progress. Edges still bald

[Stephanay]

So I did the big chop and shaved my hair down real low
To this


Now it's like



Really sucks. I thought it would be longer by now. How many inches is that roughly? You can see my pulling it?

Although I shaved my hair equal my edges have had little to no growth despite all my efforts







I wash my hair every few days, at least once a day with Dudu Osun soap (it's great and leaves my hair really soft. No harsh chemicals either) or plan white soap.
I then use African pride shea butter miracle leave in conditioner and a coconut oil shea butter mix with jojoba sweet almond oil and vit e. It's a nice whip and I put extra dark jcbo inside.
My hair isn't as brittle as it was before and the jcbo is proving to be a good sealant.

I do massage my edges I've been doing so for months but it's still the way it is.

Any tips please?
I don't deep con or do hot oil egg treatments cos I don't feel my hair is long enough?

Thanks sisters xxx

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

Question: were you relaxed before you shaved your hair?

It may take quite a while for your edges to recover, so be patient, and nurse them the best you can.

I would say stop using bar soap to wash your hair unless it's made specifically to be a shampoo bar (can be too harsh, pH may not be right for hair). Deep condition your hair. Try finding a daily moisturizer to use (your butter whip doesn't count).

Hope that helps some. Stay tuned for more responses from others more knowledgeable than I.

 

[Blessed&higlyflavoured]

I would suggest a few things. That dudu-osun stuff if really drying. Maybe try a gentle shampoo. My favourite is Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo.

I takes a while for bald patches to recover. Be patient. Use your JBCO and massage in directly onto the bald patches.

You haven't mentioned any rinse out conditioner in your regimen. After you shampoo use a rinse out conditioner. Try a few until you find one you like. hth

 

[DarkJoy]

The other ladies give really great advice. Ditch the soap bar. I say go straight to cowashing and maybe hit it with shampoo twice a month. In the photos, your scalp looks a bit dry so soap is not going to help.

Are you wearing a silk or satin scarf around the house and at bedtime to protect the ends and edges?

You said you don't think your hair is not long enough for DC, protein, etc. Well, it's not all about your hair--its about your scalp too, which promotes healthy hair growth. And remember, that short hair now will be the ends of your future MBL hair so it's important to keep them healthy from day one.

So up that reggi, keep massaging and be patient.

 

[lana]

It can't hurt to have a dermatologist check your scalp for issues. You should also check to make certain you are getting enough iron in your diet.

Are you wearing a satin cap to bed? That took my edges off, but it wasn't as drastic as what I saw in your photos.

Use Vitamin E on the scalp, along with Castor Oil to thicken your edges. Take a multivitamin and drink plenty of water, eat lots of healthy leafy greens like spinach, kale, etc.

Your pillowcases should be silk or satin. Some people who have done the BC will sleep without anything on their heads at night...the hair should be protected.

Your hair growth looks to be on point for 5 months post BC. So that is good news! I hope this helps. Happy healthy hair journey!

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

I feel your pain because my edges (in the same exact spots) are very fickle.

1. Make sure you're not tying your scarf too tight. Seems like common sense but even at going on 4 years natural I STILL forget from time to time. I tie my scarves very loosely now, to the point where there's tons of wiggle room.

2. Nutrition. Make sure you're getting plenty of water and eating right.

3. Check for medical issues. I have PCOS and when it's out of whack, it can be super hard on my grass. (Dry, brittle, extended shedding, itchy scalp etc.) Are your edges naturally fine or thin?

What's really helped me during this time:
- Maintaining proper moisture/protein balance for MY hair
- Using a majority of all natural products. It's made a HUGE difference in how happy/healthy my scalp is
- Leaving my hair alone and in a protected style... this is hard because when you see shedding or breakage you instinctively want to slap loads of stuff on it to make it stop... but it's been my experience that less is more. Pre-poo, wash with sulfate free shampoo (if needed), DC, and put it away.
- Using castor oil on my edges when they are damp. Just a small amount along the hairline REALLY helps. That area is very sensitive and is exposed to make up, facial cleansers, etc... so a little extra attention is always good.

Try not to be frustrated. It can take a while to reverse the damage of relaxing... be patient and vigilant and you'll see results.

 

[virtuenow]

Maybe you should stop massaging your edges. I think sometimes too much is counteractive to rubbing your edges out. If I remember correctly, you had a weave (sew in and/or glue) that took your hair out. In that thread, I suggested you go to a dermatologist and I am suggesting it again. It sounded like follicular damage and it still does; or extreme inflammation. If you do not have the means to go, the suggestions above are good. You products are NOT working for you; its time to try something more effective. Natural products will be best for your very sensitive scalp. Aubrey GPB is great for balancing your protein/moisture-- is great for scalp-- and can be your regular DC. I've never seen anything better. Oil rinses w/castor oil are also good for hair & scalp. You should consider diluting your shampoos and using a sulfate free, like Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo.

 

[HanaKuroi]

What kind of damage did you have to your edges before shaving your head?

When I lost my nape due to an allergic reaction, I used some hair oil. What I did everyday was cowash with curl junkie curl rehab and Millcreek Botanicals Keratin in the shower. I used Oyin hair dew for moisture and jbco or Oyin pomade to seal.

I agree with the ladies to leave that harsh dudu soap alone. That is so drying and harsh. I know you said your hair is soft but it could still be dry. Dry doesn't always mean hard.


I had a battle with thin edges for several months and I did not massage my edges. I just wet my nape and edges everyday and used the above method for my edges.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[Stephanay]

Question: were you relaxed before you shaved your hair?

It may take quite a while for your edges to recover, so be patient, and nurse them the best you can.

I would say stop using bar soap to wash your hair unless it's made specifically to be a shampoo bar (can be too harsh, pH may not be right for hair). Deep condition your hair. Try finding a daily moisturizer to use (your butter whip doesn't count).

Hope that helps some. Stay tuned for more responses from others more knowledgeable than I.

Hi. Yes I was fully relaxed before I shaved my hair but my hair didnt grow back relaxed as it feels natural and has coils.

What moisturiser do you suggest? I thought my leave in conditioner counted.

Thanks

 

[Stephanay]

I would suggest a few things. That dudu-osun stuff if really drying. Maybe try a gentle shampoo. My favourite is Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo.

I takes a while for bald patches to recover. Be patient. Use your JBCO and massage in directly onto the bald patches.

You haven't mentioned any rinse out conditioner in your regimen. After you shampoo use a rinse out conditioner. Try a few until you find one you like. hth

That's because I don't have one. Ill get a natural shampoo and conditioner. Thanks

 

[Stephanay]

The other ladies give really great advice. Ditch the soap bar. I say go straight to cowashing and maybe hit it with shampoo twice a month. In the photos, your scalp looks a bit dry so soap is not going to help.

Are you wearing a silk or satin scarf around the house and at bedtime to protect the ends and edges?

You said you don't think your hair is not long enough for DC, protein, etc. Well, it's not all about your hair--its about your scalp too, which promotes healthy hair growth. And remember, that short hair now will be the ends of your future MBL hair so it's important to keep them healthy from day one.

So up that reggi, keep massaging and be patient.

I don't wear a scarf to bed or around the house as I didn't think there was anything to protect.
Ill invest as well as adding to my reggi. Thanks

 

[Stephanay]

It can't hurt to have a dermatologist check your scalp for issues. You should also check to make certain you are getting enough iron in your diet.

Are you wearing a satin cap to bed? That took my edges off, but it wasn't as drastic as what I saw in your photos.

Use Vitamin E on the scalp, along with Castor Oil to thicken your edges. Take a multivitamin and drink plenty of water, eat lots of healthy leafy greens like spinach, kale, etc.

Your pillowcases should be silk or satin. Some people who have done the BC will sleep without anything on their heads at night...the hair should be protected.

Your hair growth looks to be on point for 5 months post BC. So that is good news! I hope this helps. Happy healthy hair journey!

No I'm not wearing a satin cap to bed. I'm currently taking a multivitam but ill definitely incorporate more leafy greens into my diet as I don't eat enough vegetables

 

[Stephanay]

Maybe you should stop massaging your edges. I think sometimes too much is counteractive to rubbing your edges out. If I remember correctly, you had a weave (sew in and/or glue) that took your hair out. In that thread, I suggested you go to a dermatologist and I am suggesting it again. It sounded like follicular damage and it still does; or extreme inflammation. If you do not have the means to go, the suggestions above are good. You products are NOT working for you; its time to try something more effective. Natural products will be best for your very sensitive scalp. Aubrey GPB is great for balancing your protein/moisture-- is great for scalp-- and can be your regular DC. I've never seen anything better. Oil rinses w/castor oil are also good for hair & scalp. You should consider diluting your shampoos and using a sulfate free, like Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo.

I think ill definitely get round to seeing a derma like you said.
Also what's the Aubrey product called?

 

[Outlook]

Do you get water/moisture on your edges daily?

 

[HanaKuroi]

Op did you try any of the suggestions given to you in your past threads? You were given great advice then, but based on your replies here it appears like you stuck with your same regimen.

You started a few threads at various stages, after your big chop asking what to do about your hair. Changing products can sometimes have an immediate result but it usually takes a while. You have to be consistent.

If you don't change what you are doing, how will you see a change in your hair?

What happened to your edges? Was is chemical or mechanical damage?

I think your entire problem could have been solved by advice given in one of your previous threads from 3 months ago. Your hair should not have been feeling the way you described back then. The ladies were very helpful in that thread. If their suggestions didn't work, I wish you would have come back and updated them. They would have come up with another plan for you.

You are using only 2 things on your hair. Dudu soap and oil. The ladies keep telling you it is too harsh. Especially since you use it several times a week. Harsh, stripping soap several times a week on any hair regardless of length would DRY IT OUT.

I will tell you flat out. Stop using Dudu soap on your hair. Period! Go back to your previous threads and follow that advice. Try all of those before going to the derm. I am not against seeing a derm. I give this advice all of the time. I have seen one.

Please share what happened to your edges. What have you been using on them in the past? There is a thread here for growing edges and crowns and wonderful advice on there. faithVA has shared wonderful advice and has had awesome results on filling in her crown.

You may have to consider another chop if after changing your regimen you don't start seeing a difference in the condition of your hair after a few weeks. Your twa will be the future ends of your hair. If you start of with bad ends you will have a hard time on your journey.

I don't know if you have splits from the dryness or if you brush your hair down. But I agree you should have more length. Can you tell if it is breaking?

S/N it is 5 am I hope this post made sense. Good luck Op and throw that soap away.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[HanaKuroi]

Nevermind faithVA I see that you already gave her advice.

Young lady (op) did you go to the derm way back in April when the entire thread told you to go?

Why did you not explain that you have bald patches due to a bad weave on top?

Why do you not take any advice but keep asking for it?

Back at the beginning you asked for and were given a proven regimen and solid advice given to you by ladies that had been where you were. Why didn't you do any of it? If you had followed the advice given in the beginning, you wouldn't be here now. If you followed any advice given in your other threads you wouldn't be here now.

Are you picking up what I am laying down?

Start following the advice from your April thread.

DR. Miracles hot gro or temple and nape balm is a horrible product. Trash that immediately. Google it.

That soap that you insist on using that you bought from an eBay seller, throw it out now.

I hope to see a thread a few months from now with pictures of your gorgeous, moisturized and full TWA.

Do your research on LHCF and reread your threads. Write out your new regimen and get started. If you are unsure about your new regimen start a thread.

OP, I have kids around your age. I had to pull out the mom voice on you. Here is a hug. Young lady, please get serious. Get moving.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[Royalq]

so your regimen is soap, leave in, and your shea mix. no scarf at night and washing to often. it may just be a retention issue. there's ladies here that treat a fade like its long hair. You should do the same. Please dont cut corners just because your hair is short, it needs just as much TLC as long hair.

Firstly you washing your hair too much. Is there a reason, is your scalp sweaty or oily? i recommend washing with a sulfate free shampoo ( i even heavily dilute mines) once a week. Some do it even less. Also your should be Deep conditioning or at least use a rinse out conditioner.

get a proper moisturizer, a leave in and moisturizer are not the same. And the coconut oil shea mix will be great as a sealant.

get a satin or silk scarf. That could be a major cause for why your hair is not retaining length. Your hair rubbing against the pillow can cause issues. It protects your hair from breaking and dryness from constant rubbing.

and additionally do more research here. there's a wealth of info on twa care and natural hair care if you search for it in the search box. I personally prefer going through Google. Like in google you could type in something like " Bald edges LHCF" usually within the first few results it will have threads from this site. And there are many sticky threads for newly naturals so dive in there and take note of the suggestions and apply them to your hair care journey.

side note: look at me giving advice, ive come a loong way

 

[Stephanay]

Op did you try any of the suggestions given to you in your past threads? You were given great advice then, but based on your replies here it appears like you stuck with your same regimen.

You started a few threads at various stages, after your big chop asking what to do about your hair. Changing products can sometimes have an immediate result but it usually takes a while. You have to be consistent.

If you don't change what you are doing, how will you see a change in your hair?

What happened to your edges? Was is chemical or mechanical damage?

I think your entire problem could have been solved by advice given in one of your previous threads from 3 months ago. Your hair should not have been feeling the way you described back then. The ladies were very helpful in that thread. If their suggestions didn't work, I wish you would have come back and updated them. They would have come up with another plan for you.

You are using only 2 things on your hair. Dudu soap and oil. The ladies keep telling you it is too harsh. Especially since you use it several times a week. Harsh, stripping soap several times a week on any hair regardless of length would DRY IT OUT.

I will tell you flat out. Stop using Dudu soap on your hair. Period! Go back to your previous threads and follow that advice. Try all of those before going to the derm. I am not against seeing a derm. I give this advice all of the time. I have seen one.

Please share what happened to your edges. What have you been using on them in the past? There is a thread here for growing edges and crowns and wonderful advice on there. faithVA has shared wonderful advice and has had awesome results on filling in her crown.

You may have to consider another chop if after changing your regimen you don't start seeing a difference in the condition of your hair after a few weeks. Your twa will be the future ends of your hair. If you start of with bad ends you will have a hard time on your journey.

I don't know if you have splits from the dryness or if you brush your hair down. But I agree you should have more length. Can you tell if it is breaking?

S/N it is 5 am I hope this post made sense. Good luck Op and throw that soap away.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

I'm not just using Dudu and oil. My thread clearly states I am using a Shea butter whip containing various oils and a Shea moisture intense leave in conditioner. I was using a natural hair shampoo but it finished and I didn't replace it. So I did fake advice from my last thread.

It was chemicals and gel that did that to my edges.
I don't think my hair is breaking as when I comb it nothing breaks.

 

[Evolving78]

so your regimen is soap, leave in, and your shea mix. no scarf at night and washing to often. it may just be a retention issue. there's ladies here that treat a fade like its long hair. You should do the same. Please dont cut corners just because your hair is short, it needs just as much TLC as long hair.

Firstly you washing your hair too much. Is there a reason, is your scalp sweaty or oily? i recommend washing with a sulfate free shampoo ( i even heavily dilute mines) once a week. Some do it even less. Also your should be Deep conditioning or at least use a rinse out conditioner.

get a proper moisturizer, a leave in and moisturizer are not the same. And the coconut oil shea mix will be great as a sealant.

get a satin or silk scarf. That could be a major cause for why your hair is not retaining length. Your hair rubbing against the pillow can cause issues. It protects your hair from breaking and dryness from constant rubbing.

and additionally do more research here. there's a wealth of info on twa care and natural hair care if you search for it in the search box. I personally prefer going through Google. Like in google you could type in something like " Bald edges LHCF" usually within the first few results it will have threads from this site. And there are many sticky threads for newly naturals so dive in there and take note of the suggestions and apply them to your hair care journey.

side note: look at me giving advice, ive come a loong way

I'm giving side eye on this. Using soap and Shea butter ain't cuttin it!

 

[Evolving78]

I'm not just using Dudu and oil. My thread clearly states I am using a Shea butter whip containing various oils and a Shea moisture intense leave in conditioner. I was using a natural hair shampoo but it finished and I didn't replace it. So I did fake advice from my last thread.

It was chemicals and gel that did that to my edges.
I don't think my hair is breaking as when I comb it nothing breaks.

I stand corrected. Go see the derm about your edges.

 

[Stephanay]

Nevermind faithVA I see that you already gave her advice.

Young lady (op) did you go to the derm way back in April when the entire thread told you to go?

Why did you not explain that you have bald patches due to a bad weave on top?

Why do you not take any advice but keep asking for it?

Back at the beginning you asked for and were given a proven regimen and solid advice given to you by ladies that had been where you were. Why didn't you do any of it? If you had followed the advice given in the beginning, you wouldn't be here now. If you followed any advice given in your other threads you wouldn't be here now.

Are you picking up what I am laying down?

Start following the advice from your April thread.

DR. Miracles hot gro or temple and nape balm is a horrible product. Trash that immediately. Google it.

That soap that you insist on using that you bought from an eBay seller, throw it out now.

I hope to see a thread a few months from now with pictures of your gorgeous, moisturized and full TWA.

Do your research on LHCF and reread your threads. Write out your new regimen and get started. If you are unsure about your new regimen start a thread.

OP, I have kids around your age. I had to pull out the mom voice on you. Here is a hug. Young lady, please get serious. Get moving.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

I don't appreciate the tone Im picking up from your response. I couldn't give a damn if you have a dozen kids my age there's no need to be patronising on something so trivial as hair.
Like I said before I did follow the regime advice given to me and you can't say I didn't.

I didn't go to a dermatologist because I know the problem didnt stem from scalp issues or a physiological condition and the patches has since grown in it's just my edges.

I don't use the Dr miracles if I did I would have listed it as part of my regime, why don't you try being attentive also.

Thanks so much for your advice but I wouldn't like anymore from you Ma

 

[Evolving78]

I don't appreciate the tone Im picking up from your response. I couldn't give a damn if you have a dozen kids my age there's no need to be patronising on something so trivial as hair.
Like I said before I did follow the regime advice given to me and you can't say I didn't.

I didn't go to a dermatologist because I know the problem didnt stem from scalp issues or a physiological condition and the patches has since grown in it's just my edges.

I don't use the Dr miracles if I did I would have listed it as part of my regime, why don't you try being attentive also.

Thanks so much for your advice but I wouldn't like anymore from you Ma

Just check to make sure there is no trama or nutrient deficiency.

 

[Royalq]

I'm giving side eye on this. Using soap and Shea butter ain't cuttin it!

i didnt say that. I said shampoo, dc or conditioner, moisturizer, and sealant. Those are the basics.

 

[HanaKuroi]

I don't appreciate the tone Im picking up from your response. I couldn't give a damn if you have a dozen kids my age there's no need to be patronising on something so trivial as hair.
Like I said before I did follow the regime advice given to me and you can't say I didn't.

I didn't go to a dermatologist because I know the problem didnt stem from scalp issues or a physiological condition and the patches has since grown in it's just my edges.

I don't use the Dr miracles if I did I would have listed it as part of my regime, why don't you try being attentive also.

Thanks so much for your advice but I wouldn't like anymore from you Ma

Okay. I wasn't patronizing. I was talking to you like I would my own kids. I mentioned them only because of my tone. I don't patronize my kids I tell them straight. Sugar coating and making suggestions didn't seem to be getting through to you.

You used the dr miracles in the past mixed with Shea according to one of your various threads.

The dermatologist is able to determine the various issues you had/have going on with your scalp. I am sure the cause for the bald spots was present back in April when you decided you not to go. They use magnifying glasses and scrape cells from your scalp and prescribe shampoos, lotions and creams.

Hopefully you are fired up now and will be more proactive in your journey.

I don't think either one of us thinks hair is trivial since we are members of a hair board.

I don't know that I gave you any real advice other than repeating what others keep telling you. I do hope you follow the advice given.
I am unsure that you have since each new thread has the same regimen and you never mentioned trying any new methods. You never said what happened after trying the new regimen that I am aware of.

I hope in a few months time you will have some nice pictures of your hair to share and some advice to give others.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[HanaKuroi]

Just check to make sure there is no trama or nutrient deficiency.

She had trauma due to a bad weave back in April.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[snookes]

Maybe you should stop massaging your edges. I think sometimes too much is counteractive to rubbing your edges out. If I remember correctly, you had a weave (sew in and/or glue) that took your hair out. In that thread, I suggested you go to a dermatologist and I am suggesting it again. It sounded like follicular damage and it still does; or extreme inflammation. If you do not have the means to go, the suggestions above are good. You products are NOT working for you; its time to try something more effective. Natural products will be best for your very sensitive scalp. Aubrey GPB is great for balancing your protein/moisture-- is great for scalp-- and can be your regular DC. I've never seen anything better. Oil rinses w/castor oil are also good for hair & scalp. You should consider diluting your shampoos and using a sulfate free, like Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo.

I so want to try the Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo, I think this will be my next order once my Giovanni 50/50 Shampoo runs out. I find it still too drying even though it's says hydrating. But then I guess I still need a clarifier. Can you recommend a cruelly free natural one, clarifier that is? @virtuenow TIA

 

[Kinky4Agirl]

Op, try the Aphogee line... And use Dudleys PCA for moisture. I know this is old school but it works wonders for me. I know people who swear by these products... Oh, and massaging your edges every day may be putting too much stress on them... Good luck!

 

[claud-uk]

@Stephanay - I have to step in here, it seems like you don't seem to hear when people talk in a natural tone. You already posted thread/s and appear to have taken little or none of the advice given by the ladies previously, @HanaKuroi and all of us want you to have the very best head of hair that you can but we can't help you unless you help yourself and start listening and taking action. We all take this seriously, if you think hair is a trivial subject why post on a forum asking for help?

 

[Kindheart]

I would suggest a few things. That dudu-osun stuff if really drying. Maybe try a gentle shampoo. My favourite is Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo.

I takes a while for bald patches to recover. Be patient. Use your JBCO and massage in directly onto the bald patches.

You haven't mentioned any rinse out conditioner in your regimen. After you shampoo use a rinse out conditioner. Try a few until you find one you like. hth

Yeah ,I agree Dudu osun is harsh ,it's not "real " black soap and not ideal to use on hair imo. You could use Shea moisture black soap or alaffia brand . Either way I would go for something gentle and moisturising

 

[SuchaLady]

@Stephanay - I have to step in here, it seems like you don't seem to hear when people talk in a natural tone. You already posted thread/s and appear to have taken little or none of the advice given by the ladies previously, @HanaKuroi and all of us want you to have the very best head of hair that you can but we can't help you unless you help yourself and start listening and taking action. We all take this seriously, if you think hair is a trivial subject why post on a forum asking for help?

This thread is 2 years old and the OP hasn't been active in over a year. What are you referring to?