I'm loving this thread, thanks IDareT'sHair! I think I read every post and just wanted to say you ladies are giving some wonderful and useful advice and suggestions for stretching! Since I am now into my 8th month (WooHoo!!!) of my 1 year stretch, I will certainly be picking up on some of your advice in the future. I am learning lots about my hair. The first thing I learned was to listen to my hair, and to give it what it needs. My new growth is dryer, thicker, poofier, and way frizzier than it was 8 months ago.As my new growth gets longer, I will be tweaking, experimenting, and trying to give my hair what it needs. This is not an easy task, and I know the longer my new growth gets, the harder it will be to maintain. So thru trial and error, and experimenting, I have found a few products that work for me:
- coconut oil-for the hair and scalp
- castor oil for the edges
- henna/indian powders for cleansing, conditioning, and strengthening
- moisturizers-water based. Water is the best natural moisturizer for the hair. Use it daily-your hair will thank you later
- leave-ins that are light, creamy and water-based. You all know what my favorite leave-in is from my mane taming thread and video here:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=386130&highlight=mane+taming
- Roux porosity control after every shampoo,henna and DC
- DC after every shampoo. Use a thick conditioner, or cholesterol, and apply it to the roots and new growth like a relaxer. Spread it on thick and deep, then get under a heat cap for 30 minutes.
This list is not product dependent, I believe more in processes than specific products. The products are just tools to get you there. Everyone's hair is different, and everyone's hair responds differently to every product. Being able to experiment, and stay encouraged is important. Have the courage to move on if something is not working for you. You gotta enjoy the journey!
I recently added these products/procedures to my routine around the sixth month to help with tangles and knots:
- pure olive oil pre-poo-great for NG
- shampooing in braided sections using an applicator bottle filled with diluted shampoo to really get down close to the roots
- Patience-when tangles occur, try to unknot them by pulling straight up and out on individual hairs, strand by strand
- shampooing every 10 days instead of every week-less manipulation
While nothing will get that new growth straight like pressing, or perming, as long as you're consistent with your routine, and keeping the hair moisturized and conditioned daily in between shampoos, you will have softer, more manageable hair. I love new growth, because it means your hair is growing!!!!! The goal is to learn how to keep the NG soft and manageable with the right products and tons of TLC!