5 Years Natural, Still Not Past Shoulder Length

[naturalmanenyc]

@MzSwift

I have been taking 50,000 units of Vit D per week for almost 6 months. Everything else was within normal levels.
I am nearly done with the prescription and need to go back for a check up. My nails started splitting a while ago which prompted the checkup.

@sikora I have no idea what my ferritin level is but will ask about that after I take my last 2 Vit D pills and get a checkup later this month.

 

[tryingto]

@tryingto
I rarely wear my hair straight and only get blowouts for trims 4 times per year.
I am actually okay without being at MBL (after years of wanting to be MBL) since my hair can still look pretty full at APL.

your hair looks beautiful, I enjoy the natural texture, more so than being straight, I have always wanted the texture in my hair, when my hair was relaxed, it always looked like a cow had licked me in the head, I didn't know at the time I was being over processed, spending all the time in protective styles, you never really enjoy your own hair, at least for me anyway, I think I'll appreciate what I have, if anymore grow's out, then that will be a bonus, tk's for sharing your photo's

View attachment 369861

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[tryingto]

Don't give up.

First get yourself a length goal shirt. Then wear protective styles, safely detangle (with a mixture of vinegar, aloe juice and water) and wash your hair, find a non happy scissors stylist to trim your ends every 3 months, take a good hair vitamin and watch it grow.

The less manipulation, the more length you'll retain. That's the sacrifice for length I tell you.

I've been wearing a wig (which I made myself, thank you very much) for 2 years. I'm mid-back length now and will be at waist length by next March.

People haven't seen my hair in years, except for the Mr. They'll be surprised when they do.

now, that's pretty impressive, tk you , mid back hair under a wig, how you pulling that off ?

 

[tryingto]

Excellent advice!! ITA!

To @tryingto :



It's totally possible for you! I've never had hair longer than 3-4" since I was a child until I started my healthy hair journey. I lurked in long hair threads to see what those ladies were doing - I wanted to learn from those who had what I wanted. The common trend I saw was to keep it simple, low manipulation and maintain my protein/moisture balance. I have fine stands (4b) and extremely low vitamin D as well. it's more about technique than products.

PSing is key to retention- you just have to find the right PS for you.

From 2010-2013, I alternated, 3 weeks at a time, between mini braids and wigs. I found that mini twists caused my ends to knot severely.

In wigs, I finger detangled and cornrow braided my hair on Saturday, washed and DC (light protein and moisture) on Sunday in those cornrows and then water rinse or cowash daily. I kept those same cornrows in until I redid them the next Saturday, one by one. I also kept my hair covered when I was home to prevent HIH and friction. I rarely used heat and rarely used a comb. Fine strands need low manipulation.

In mini braids, I just cowash or water rinse daily and do my weekly wash and DC (protein and moisture). I also covered those when I was home.

In essence, I kept my hair stretched in some form of braids 95% of the time and rarely messed with it. M&Sing my hair at night helped to keep it moisturized in conjunction with the cowash/water in the morning shower.

You can look at my album (I think) and see that I retained a lot using that low manipulation regi. I went from shaved head to APL in a short time. You can do it! Take Raven's advice: stop the cuts and track your progress using a shirt.

Regarding trims, I only believe in dusting and I did it once or twice per year. These days, I only dust once per year.

Here's my progress, if you're interested. BTW, I'm closing in on 40 so youth definitely did not play a factor in my progress. Lol.

June 2009

April 2011 (using my makeshift length check shirt)

April 2013

Wow, now i'm drooling, that is some progress, loving the progress shirt as well, always wanted one of those, DIY, here I come, thank you so much,

 

[tryingto]

How is your hair being detangled?

I detangle with vo5, I'm pretty good with that, I was horrible with deep conditioning, and moisturizing, I feel like i'm on a good path, now, will see in a bout 3 month's,

 

[naturalmanenyc]

your hair looks beautiful, I enjoy the natural texture, more so than being straight, I have always wanted the texture in my hair, when my hair was relaxed, it always looked like a cow had licked me in the head, I didn't know at the time I was being over processed, spending all the time in protective styles, you never really enjoy your own hair, at least for me anyway, I think I'll appreciate what I have, if anymore grow's out, then that will be a bonus, tk's for sharing your photo's

I've had a few stylists ask me why I ever relaxed since my hair can be straightened easily. It wasn't my choice. I got a relaxer as a child and just kept it up as an adult.
I didn't always want natural hair. My husband actually encouraged it. Now, when I straighten, I end up washing it out within a couple of days since I prefer my curly hair.

 

[k_enitan]

Your iron might be fine, but what is your ferritin level? I was in your shoes last June (5 yrs natural with horrible progress) and did a hair analysis with Komaza.

Like you, my iron level is great, but my ferritin is in the toilet (mine was 10 in March) therefore my hair was barely growing. To put things in perspective, the minimum ferritin level for hair growth is 70 while the ideal minimum is 90.

How did you improve your ferritin level, mine is really low as well. TIA

 

[sgold04]

Search and destroy instead of trimming. I only trim about twice a year, but I will go through my strands every few months and check for knots and split ends. After a 4 inch "trim" in December, I decided to start trimming my own hair. I don't cut much because I'm scared it will look a mess, but I'm definitely retaining more

 

[tryingto]

I've had a few stylists ask me why I ever relaxed since my hair can be straightened easily. It wasn't my choice. I got a relaxer as a child and just kept it up as an adult.
I didn't always want natural hair. My husband actually encouraged it. Now, when I straighten, I end up washing it out within a couple of days since I prefer my curly hair.

same here, I love the texture and fullness that my relaxed hair did not have,

 

[nothidden]

...After a 4 inch "trim" in December...

It amazes me that some stylists are still baffled as to why naturals will not visit salons. Get a freakin' clue!!

 

[sikora]

How did you improve your ferritin level, mine is really low as well. TIA

I've been taking these since April. I have a doctor's appointment on the 26th so I'll know how much I increased when I get the lab report back
Ferretts Tablets Iron Supplement (325 mg Ferrous Fumarate)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QKJJE6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I take one pill at night (as much as possible on an empty stomach) with a shot glass of orange juice, two NOW Foods L-lysine 500 mg and two 250mg vitamin C. I read on another hair loss forum that using the L-lysine boosts the absorption of iron. In a few days my stool was dark green which is an indication that the iron is being absorbed by my body.

This is the thread: https://forum.womenshairlossproject.com/threads/holy-moly-ferritin-skyrocketed.5310/

Ferrous sulphate is the form of iron that most people complain about in regards to causing constipation. I've had no problems with ferrous fumarate.

I was doing more reading on ferritin last night and came across this iron supplement. I like that it has Vitamin C in it:
Iron Extra>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FL9F9...=UTF8&colid=RV2BKHDCW2SW&coliid=IKJR89BGZB525

@mzteaze recommended FerroFood to me. The reviews for this look great too:
https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Pro...UTF8&qid=1470934000&sr=8-2&keywords=ferrofood

It's expensive on Amazon. I've found lower prices on other websites.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I've been taking these since April. I have a doctor's appointment on the 26th so I'll know how much I increased when I get the lab report back
Ferretts Tablets Iron Supplement (325 mg Ferrous Fumarate)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QKJJE6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I take one pill at night (as much as possible on an empty stomach) with a shot glass of orange juice, two NOW Foods L-lysine 500 mg and two 250mg vitamin C. I read on another hair loss forum that using the L-lysine boosts the absorption of iron. In a few days my stool was dark green which is an indication that the iron is being absorbed by my body.

This is the thread: https://forum.womenshairlossproject.com/threads/holy-moly-ferritin-skyrocketed.5310/

Ferrous sulphate is the form of iron that most people complain about in regards to causing constipation. I've had no problems with ferrous fumarate.

I was doing more reading on ferritin last night and came across this iron supplement. I like that it has Vitamin C in it:
Iron Extra>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FL9F9...=UTF8&colid=RV2BKHDCW2SW&coliid=IKJR89BGZB525

@mzteaze recommended FerroFood to me. The reviews for this look great too:
https://www.amazon.com/Standard-Pro...UTF8&qid=1470934000&sr=8-2&keywords=ferrofood

It's expensive on Amazon. I've found lower prices on other websites.

Thanks for sharing!

I'm anemic and want to replace the current iron pills I take.

I'm excited about these. Is there ANYWHERE they can be obtained on the ground? I'm so sick of ordering stuff and paying for shipping and having stuff sit in the hot sun in the mailbox. Arggh!

 

[sikora]

Thanks for sharing!

I'm anemic and want to replace the current iron pills I take.

I'm excited about these. Is there ANYWHERE they can be obtained on the ground? I'm so sick of ordering stuff and paying for shipping and having stuff sit in the hot sun in the mailbox. Arggh!

I have no clue, sorry! I don't even bother looking for certain things in stores anymore If you know someone with Amazon Prime they can order it for you so it arrives in 2 days.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I have no clue, sorry! I don't even bother looking for certain things in stores anymore If you know someone with Amazon Prime they can order it for you so it arrives in 2 days.

Thanks. I have Prime. One of the reviewers said they most likely got a swapped out product from Amazon. I'm VERY careful about what I order from Amazon nowadays. To be ingested? Nope--not ordering from Amazon anymore!!! But that's my personal issue.

 

[Misseyl]

Five years is a long time to have nothing show for it. I know I would be pissed too if I don't see any progress in that many years. I'm at year two and I cannot wait until year three to see how much length I've retained. If I was you, I would revisit my regimen and start over. Are you doing the basics? Wash, deep condition, the LOC/LCO method. If so, then, your styling technique might be off off. If you are wearing protective styles, stop. Maybe you just need to flat twist, bantu knots or something and stay away from the wigs, weaves and such. Also please do not comb your hair when it's dry. Our type of hair needs to be combed when it's damp or wet but definitely not dry.

 

[nothidden]

Five years is a long time to have nothing show for it. I know I would be pissed too if I don't see any progress in that many years. I'm at year two and I cannot wait until year three to see how much length I've retained.

Honey...every time I see this thread title I'm like

@tryingto, do you have a water filter installed where you wash your hair? Your hair may have mineral build up in which case you'd need to clarify a few times to remove it.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Honey...every time I see this thread title I'm like

@tryingto, do you have a water filter installed where you wash your hair? Your hair may have mineral build up in which case you'd need to clarify a few times to remove it.

@tryingto, hi!

A note: If you do indeed have mineral build up, a regular clarifying shampoo likely won't suffice. You'll need to get a CHELATING shampoo -- a shampoo specifically designed to remove mineral build up.

ETA:

Here's a link to a brief, to-the-point article about clarifying versus chelating shampoos and some examples: http://michellephan.com/deep-clean-chelating-shampoo/

 

[Napp]

Welp I'm in the same boat. My hair just grows to full apl and stops. For some reason I can't grow it longer. I kinda gave up on my length goals and just wear wigs when I want extra length and fullness.

 

[tryingto]

Five years is a long time to have nothing show for it. I know I would be pissed too if I don't see any progress in that many years. I'm at year two and I cannot wait until year three to see how much length I've retained. If I was you, I would revisit my regimen and start over. Are you doing the basics? Wash, deep condition, the LOC/LCO method. If so, then, your styling technique might be off off. If you are wearing protective styles, stop. Maybe you just need to flat twist, bantu knots or something and stay away from the wigs, weaves and such. Also please do not comb your hair when it's dry. Our type of hair needs to be combed when it's damp or wet but definitely not dry.

i have indeed stopped, and currently doing flat twist, and pin and tuck, I need to pay more attention to deep conditioning as well, tks for you input , I have gotten a lot of good information, tips, and some humor from this thread you ladies are the best,

 

[tryingto]

Honey...every time I see this thread title I'm like

@tryingto, do you have a water filter installed where you wash your hair? Your hair may have mineral build up in which case you'd need to clarify a few times to remove it.

I do not, well worth looking in to , and your right I have seen so many ladies go to mid-back like twice, and i'm like , but on a good note, I am feeling confident armed with a lot of good info, I will update this thread or a new one with progress, tks again

 

[rileypak]

If you're inclined to buy one, a good clarifying/chelating shampoo is Redken Hair Cleansing Creme. I've been using it for years now and it really gets the job done without leaving your hair feeling like straw after.
I leave shampoo on for almost an hour most of the time and it's NEVER done me wrong (I apply my shampoo before I get in the shower).

So sorry you're going through this but everyone is here to help and support

 

[tryingto]

@tryingto, hi!

A note: If you do indeed have mineral build up, a regular clarifying shampoo likely won't suffice. You'll need to get a CHELATING shampoo -- a shampoo specifically designed to remove mineral build up.

ETA:

Here's a link to a brief, to-the-point article about clarifying versus chelating shampoos and some examples: http://michellephan.com/deep-clean-chelating-shampoo/

If you're inclined to buy one, a good clarifying/chelating shampoo is Redken Hair Cleansing Creme. I've been using it for years now and it really gets the job done without leaving your hair feeling like straw after.
I leave shampoo on for almost an hour most of the time and it's NEVER done me wrong (I apply my shampoo before I get in the shower).

So sorry you're going through this but everyone is here to help and support

tk you, much appreciated, how often do you use it, like monthly or as your hair needs ?

 

[rileypak]

tk you, much appreciated, how often do you use it, like monthly or as your hair needs ?

I used to shampoo weekly to biweekly and until earlier this year, I was using the Redken every time. It never affected my hair badly. YMMV but my hair was okay with it.

I'd say listen to your hair. Try a wash or two or maybe one wash leave it on for 10 minutes and see if it helps.

 

[tryingto]

I used to shampoo weekly to biweekly and until earlier this year, I was using the Redken every time. It never affected my hair badly. YMMV but my hair was okay with it.

I'd say listen to your hair. Try a wash or two or maybe one wash leave it on for 10 minutes and see if it helps.

ok, thank you

 

[LStreeter]

I just wanted to say that I appreciate this thread so much. I'm in the same boat, and I KNOW I have a solid routine and apply great technique when caring for my hair. I only bun or do 2 plaits. I think I'm going to try the Komaza analysis and go from there.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I just wanted to say that I appreciate this thread so much. I'm in the same boat, and I KNOW I have a solid routine and apply great technique when caring for my hair. I only bun or do 2 plaits. I think I'm going to try the Komaza analysis and go from there.

Ask around LHCF before doing a Komaza analysis. I've read that they basically tell everybody the same thing, now, though they USED TO give very individualized analyses.

It could have changed BACK by now, or I may be wrong altogether, so please check behind me. I know there is at least one other place where you can send your hair and get an analysis. Hopefully someone will chime in!

 

[LStreeter]

All that doggone money to tell people the same thing?!! That's not acceptable.

 

[sj10460]

Your iron might be fine, but what is your ferritin level? I was in your shoes last June (5 yrs natural with horrible progress) and did a hair analysis with Komaza.

Like you, my iron level is great, but my ferritin is in the toilet (mine was 10 in March) therefore my hair was barely growing. To put things in perspective, the minimum ferritin level for hair growth is 70 while the ideal minimum is 90.

I'm not very familiar with ferritin levels but ferritin contains iron, right? How is your ferritin level low but your iron was fine? Low ferritin would mean an iron deficiency, so your iron level wouldn't be fine.

 

[LStreeter]

Your iron might be fine, but what is your ferritin level? I was in your shoes last June (5 yrs natural with horrible progress) and did a hair analysis with Komaza.

Like you, my iron level is great, but my ferritin is in the toilet (mine was 10 in March) therefore my hair was barely growing. To put things in perspective, the minimum ferritin level for hair growth is 70 while the ideal minimum is 90.

How's your hair doing since your Komaza analysis last year?

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

All that doggone money to tell people the same thing?!! That's not acceptable.

I hear that Komaza is an EXCELLENT company and that their products are the BOMB!

People started sharing their Komaza results here, and they all read really similarly, from what I read and what folks were reflecting on. But I was reading REALLY QUICKLY and could be 1,000% wrong. I just felt compelled to tell you to read through the forums here or ask around. Komaza analyses might be great, for all I know. I never tried to get one. If the shoes were reversed, though, I would hope you would post a little warning to me to check up on it, if you thought something could be better for me.

Good luck with it! I'm getting my hair checked out in a salon tomorrow, and I hope I learn a bit!