AT MY WITS END, HELP CREATING A REGIMEN FOR NATURAL 4B HAIR

[scarcity21]

i have been natural for 4yrs now and it seems like my hair is at a standstill, i need help creating a regimen that will create visible results.
I DC once a week with either lekair cholesterol or mane and tail condish +nexxuse ensure+EVOO. I poo once every 3-4 months, dust every 4 months or so, have only straightened twice (last flat iron was 12/2007). After DCing, i 2 strand twist with moisturising gel and scurl spray, leave the twists in for 3-4 days and wear a twist out for 2-3 days, repeat the whole cycle.
For the last 2 months, i did notice an increase in shedding/breaking, so I did an emergence last month....followed by a moist DC. still some shedding evident.
The middle nape that Im always writing about (W-shape) doesnt seem to be improving, so when I wear a twist out, I have to apply moisture/water to left and right nape areas( about 8 inches but shrinks to 3 inches) inorder to shrink the hair there to blend in with the shorter middle nape(2-3 inches).
I used to be in micros (leave in 4-6 weeks) for the past 2-3 yrs and it helped me retain growth, but the last 2 times I did it last year june and september...I noticed bald spots( Not sure what caused it but i suspected it was keratin protein, I was using VS so sexy condish that had Keratin protein, but would leave in without washing out) .This is the reason I decided not to do braids this whole year...( cos im not certain of the cause of the bald spots, the VS condish is just a guess) Im trying...dont know if Ill be able to do it....now im thinking about doing a weave....i do not know what to do

My hair is not long enough to bun without adding phony pony....Itried using a phony pony for a couple months earlier this year but I got tired of it.

 

[Valerie]

The thing is you have to moisturise 4b hair a lot and it really come out. Try and buy quality shampoos and conditioners, aimed at the Caucasian market, either Salon products, such as Redken, Nexus, Aveda, Lazartique etc, shampoos and conditioners, which are very rich in products, such as Shea butter, aloe vera, or use Aubrey's organic, or Carol's Daughters, Jane Carter and they are many others.
Do not go to black beauty stores and buy your shampoos and conditioners from, unless they are for organic/natural based.
If your budget is tight, I get mine for my local supermarket, but I use shampoos and conditioners which are for permed and coloured treated hair, because they are extremely rich.
Deep condition your hair once a week, I used to just rinse it daily, but for me to see any difference, I had to deep conditioner my hair, ingredients to use castor oil, olive oil, 1 beaten egg, aloe vera gel, possible add black strap molasses, and amla and brahmi powders and mix in a paste, section and apply to damp hair and leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, cover with a plastic bag, then wash your hair out with a conditioner and style, Aveda and Carol's Daughter have nice style products you can use, so that it keep moisture for your twist outs, I also think Miss Jessie also has one too. Use flat twists to style your hair, make a daily rinse, make a rosemary, and or nettle tea, one teaspoon in a cup add boiling water to infuse, when the tea is cooled, strain and add rosewater and glycerine and pour over your hair, make sure that you cover your hair with a old stocking, so that your hair will not fizz, wrap your hair in a towel, for amount 20 minutes, that will remove the excess water, and your hair will be damp, make a moisturising spray, use aloe vera juice, rosewater, a little olive oil, one drop of castor oil add to your spray bottle, shake and spray on hair, also you can make a pomade for your roots and your hair hairs, buy some biotin and Vitamin B5 capsules, and MSM capsules, but they are easy to pull apart, dissolve in the rosewater in a small container, use a plastic one, then in another one make up, castor oil, glycerine, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, mix thoroughly, then add the biotin, vitamin B5 and MSM mixture and mix again, until pomade it very well mixed, you can apply to your hair, dry or damp and also to your roots.
Best of luck! also look at my blog and my hair albums and try out the different ingredients, I have listed.

 

[scarcity21]

The thing is you have to moisturise 4b hair a lot and it really come out. Try and buy quality shampoos and conditioners, aimed at the Caucasian market, either Salon products, such as Redken, Nexus, Aveda, Lazartique etc, shampoos and conditioners, which are very rich in products, such as Shea butter, aloe vera, or use Aubrey's organic, or Carol's Daughters, Jane Carter and they are many others.
Do not go to black beauty stores and buy your shampoos and conditioners from, unless they are for organic/natural based.
If your budget is tight, I get mine for my local supermarket, but I use shampoos and conditioners which are for permed and coloured treated hair, because they are extremely rich.
Deep condition your hair once a week, I used to just rinse it daily, but for me to see any difference, I had to deep conditioner my hair, ingredients to use castor oil, olive oil, 1 beaten egg, aloe vera gel, possible add black strap molasses, and amla and brahmi powders and mix in a paste, section and apply to damp hair and leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, cover with a plastic bag, then wash your hair out with a conditioner and style, Aveda and Carol's Daughter have nice style products you can use, so that it keep moisture for your twist outs, I also think Miss Jessie also has one too. Use flat twists to style your hair, make a daily rinse, make a rosemary, and or nettle tea, one teaspoon in a cup add boiling water to infuse, when the tea is cooled, strain and add rosewater and glycerine and pour over your hair, make sure that you cover your hair with a old stocking, so that your hair will not fizz, wrap your hair in a towel, for amount 20 minutes, that will remove the excess water, and your hair will be damp, make a moisturising spray, use aloe vera juice, rosewater, a little olive oil, one drop of castor oil add to your spray bottle, shake and spray on hair, also you can make a pomade for your roots and your hair hairs, buy some biotin and Vitamin B5 capsules, and MSM capsules, but they are easy to pull apart, dissolve in the rosewater in a small container, use a plastic one, then in another one make up, castor oil, glycerine, aloe vera gel, coconut oil, mix thoroughly, then add the biotin, vitamin B5 and MSM mixture and mix again, until pomade it very well mixed, you can apply to your hair, dry or damp and also to your roots.
Best of luck! also look at my blog and my hair albums and try out the different ingredients, I have listed.

Wow, thanks for your all your suggestions....I still have to check out ur blog
Do u recommend using the egg and aloe vera bcos of the breakage/shedding? My hair is protein senstive but i think i need a protein treatment due to the shedding/ breaking.

Is this pomade supposed to be for my bald spots?

 

[lashannasmall]

Probably is too much manipulation. See if you can make your twists last longer. Maybe two weeks before wearing a twist out. How are your detangling practices? That can also cause alot of hair loss from the ends if you are rough when detangling.

 

[loolalooh]

I agree with the above. Get quality products. Up your moisture game. Wear your twists for longer. Detangle carefully. Less manipulation is especially key. Etc.

Also, did I read right? You shampoo only 1x every 3-4 months? If you're using a DC with cholesterol 1x a week, I recommend cleansing more often. I say this because product buildup on the scalp can clog your follicles. Cholesterol, in particular, is known to clog pores.

Also, I believe Lekair and Mane & Tail both contain protein. If you're applying protein to your hair weekly and not washing much, there's room for protein buildup.

 

[remnant]

Hi lady
Don't forget to search if you don't have internal issues like anemia and check-out your diet too.
I found out that it really thwarted my hair growth before!

 

[scarcity21]

Probably is too much manipulation. See if you can make your twists last longer. Maybe two weeks before wearing a twist out. How are your detangling practices? That can also cause alot of hair loss from the ends if you are rough when detangling.

thanks but how can i wear my hair when i go out on the weekends? i guess i may have to invest in a wig (which i dont like but will if i have to)
i try to detangle gently but sometimes i do notice little knots on the ends

 

[scarcity21]

I agree with the above. Get quality products. Up your moisture game. Wear your twists for longer. Detangle carefully. Less manipulation is especially key. Etc.

Also, did I read right? You shampoo only 1x every 3-4 months? If you're using a DC with cholesterol 1x a week, I recommend cleansing more often. I say this because product buildup on the scalp can clog your follicles. Cholesterol, in particular, is known to clog pores.

Also, I believe Lekair and Mane & Tail both contain protein. If you're applying protein to your hair weekly and not washing much, there's room for protein buildup.

wow...didnt know that chlesterol clogs pores....ill def start pooing at least once a month or so and i didnt know mane and tail had protein..thanks gurl...what poo do u recommend? i poo less bcos i experience tangles with certain poos so i normally use kenra clarifying or suave clarifying poo.

 

[scarcity21]

Hi lady
Don't forget to search if you don't have internal issues like anemia and check-out your diet too.
I found out that it really thwarted my hair growth before!

hey sis...i know im anemic and ive started being compliant with my iron since March....makes me so constipated ( i know, TMI) but im tryna do the right thing here...i get checked again in June to see if my levels went up...thank you

 

[loolalooh]

^^^ Since you just started in March it could take some time to see benefits in your hair. (Soun made a good point about internal health.)

wow...didnt know that chlesterol clogs pores....ill def start pooing at least once a month or so and i didnt know mane and tail had protein..thanks gurl...what poo do u recommend? i poo less bcos i experience tangles with certain poos so i normally use kenra clarifying or suave clarifying poo.

You're welcome. I hear ya on the tangling. Creme of Nature (the old formula in the green bottle) works for me. Most SLS-free shampoos (e.g., Giovanni, etc.) should be fine. You can also add oil to your poos to lessen the tangles. In between washes, you can maybe co-wash or do ACV rinses. HTH!

 

[scarcity21]

^^^ Since you just started in March it could take some time to see benefits in your hair. (Soun made a good point about internal health.)




You're welcome. I hear ya on the tangling. Creme of Nature (the old formula in the green bottle) works for me. Most SLS-free shampoos (e.g., Giovanni, etc.) should be fine. You can also add oil to your poos to lessen the tangles. In between washes, you can maybe co-wash or do ACV rinses. HTH!

thanks...i know itll take a while for me to start seeing result from the increased iron . how do u do ACV rinses and what do they do? sorry for the questions but ive heard many versions on how to do ....kinda confusing


ETA: good point about adding oil to poos...would any oil do? like EVOO or coconut?

 

[msa]

thanks but how can i wear my hair when i go out on the weekends? i guess i may have to invest in a wig (which i dont like but will if i have to)
i try to detangle gently but sometimes i do notice little knots on the ends

I just wanted to say, I love wigs. Especially for retention purposes. It is the best protective style for me.

And, it's a ready made style for the weekend. I wear half-wigs and I don't leave any hair out in the front, just wear a headband and push it back. Right now, my hair just isn't long enough to do cute going out styles, so wigs are perfect for me in that regard. And they're cheap. Check out hairsisters.com. If you want any suggestions, let me know.

I also find that I get the most knots when I let my hair shrink up. Also, detangling helps shed hair from getting stuck and forming bigger tangles/knots. But, knots are going to happen no matter how diligent you are with your haircare so don't get too upset over them.

 

[scarcity21]

I just wanted to say, I love wigs. Especially for retention purposes. It is the best protective style for me.

And, it's a ready made style for the weekend. I wear half-wigs and I don't leave any hair out in the front, just wear a headband and push it back. Right now, my hair just isn't long enough to do cute going out styles, so wigs are perfect for me in that regard. And they're cheap. Check out hairsisters.com. If you want any suggestions, let me know.

I also find that I get the most knots when I let my hair shrink up. Also, detangling helps shed hair from getting stuck and forming bigger tangles/knots. But, knots are going to happen no matter how diligent you are with your haircare so don't get too upset over them.

i do have a half wig that i purchased 2yrs ago, i only wore it once I know glamazon does the same thing too...the headband? how do u get the sturdy headband to sit ontop of the part where the 1/2 wig starts and not poke up? i would image the headband (sturdy ones, the type i own) would be pushed up or are u placing the headband ontop of ur hair and not the demarcation? i hope u understand what im trying to ask? Gurl pls PM me some suggestions...the last time u posted a suggestion on a thread it was sold out b4 i could purchase

 

[loolalooh]

thanks...i know itll take a while for me to start seeing result from the increased iron . how do u do ACV rinses and what do they do? sorry for the questions but ive heard many versions on how to do ....kinda confusing


ETA: good point about adding oil to poos...would any oil do? like EVOO or coconut?

No problem. ACV rinse instructions (and a whole no-poo routine) can be found here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Go-No-Poo/ . I don't think it'll hurt to this between your regular shampoo washes. You can go for the baking soda and then ACV rinse ... or just the ACV rinse. ACV can remove some, though not all, buildup from products applied to the hair. After the baking soda wash, it'll also restore the pH balance of your hair. Oh, and ACV supposedly has antiseptic properties.

For oil, I lean towards EVOO for slip.

 

[msa]

i do have a half wig that i purchased 2yrs ago, i only wore it once I know glamazon does the same thing too...the headband? how do u get the sturdy headband to sit ontop of the part where the 1/2 wig starts and not poke up? i would image the headband (sturdy ones, the type i own) would be pushed up or are u placing the headband ontop of ur hair and not the demarcation? i hope u understand what im trying to ask? Gurl pls PM me some suggestions...the last time u posted a suggestion on a thread it was sold out b4 i could purchase

I am dying laughing at the bold Let me stop giving links...I always forget about the lurkers. They always wanna buy stuff up.

Well for a head band I don't use the sturdy (plastic) kind. I went to the fabric store, bought a yard of silk, and then cut it up to fit my needs. I made headbands out of it, strips to make my puff, and a scarf.

Basically I have a wide piece that I tie on and it covers the part that I leave out and the beginning (and like an inch more) of the wig. Then I just push it back so you can see part of my hair at the front. It works our perfectly because it kind of bunches up a little, which disguises the wig bump (if there is one at all).

I've also found that taking out the front combs and using bobbypins to pin the wig makes this easier because it's flatter in the front.

Lemme see if I can find a picture...

 

[ryanshope]

Im sorry u are having such a hard time...and I just BC in Feb so I am a natural "newbie" but here are some tips that are helping me:


1. Daily Cowash. Even if it is fifteen minutes; that is the foundation of moisture that i need to carry my hair through the day.

2. Leave-in Conditioners. Creamy or water based. I ALWAYS use a leave-in...again this is a part of my "layer" moisturizing approach.

3. Shea butter!. I <3 shea butter.

4. Castor oil. OMG. Castor oil hot oil treatments are like heaven to keep my nappies happy

5. Stacking the moisture--Cowash;leave-in conditioner; a lil gel and some "oil" to act as a sealant.

6.Porosity checks---I use Vitale Porosity Control or Nexxus Ensure to "smooth" my hair cuticles. Affirm also has the Positive Link Conditioner which I may try(not sure though)
I know we talk ALOT obout proteins but maintaining pH balanced hair and keep the cuticles closed are also essentially for happy nappies. Closed cuticles=more moisture retention=smoother hair=happy nappies. The formula is really simple once you "know" your hair.

And the basics--head covering at night; shower detangling; protective styles..yada, yada..


Now that I have a reggie; my 4b is looking more like 4a and my "behaves" much better--easier to detangle, twistouts looked better, afro has more "sheen".

 

[scarcity21]

No problem. ACV rinse instructions (and a whole no-poo routine) can be found here: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Go-No-Poo/ . I don't think it'll hurt to this between your regular shampoo washes. You can go for the baking soda and then ACV rinse ... or just the ACV rinse. ACV can remove some, though not all, buildup from products applied to the hair. After the baking soda wash, it'll also restore the pH balance of your hair. Oh, and ACV supposedly has antiseptic properties.

For oil, I lean towards EVOO for slip.

Thanks so muchhhhhhhhh

 

[scarcity21]

I am dying laughing at the bold Let me stop giving links...I always forget about the lurkers. They always wanna buy stuff up.

Well for a head band I don't use the sturdy (plastic) kind. I went to the fabric store, bought a yard of silk, and then cut it up to fit my needs. I made headbands out of it, strips to make my puff, and a scarf.

Basically I have a wide piece that I tie on and it covers the part that I leave out and the beginning (and like an inch more) of the wig. Then I just push it back so you can see part of my hair at the front. It works our perfectly because it kind of bunches up a little, which disguises the wig bump (if there is one at all).

I've also found that taking out the front combs and using bobbypins to pin the wig makes this easier because it's flatter in the front.

Lemme see if I can find a picture...

hmph...gurl...shoot the link for that twistout looking phony tail u posted is what im talking about...and they havent restocked the last time i checked...lol...ok now that makes sense....i was thinking the only it would work it do get a piece of material/use a scarf as a head band...in my case tho i may have to use one of those cloth headbands that go all the way around so i dont have to knot and add extra stress the my middle nape area....
about the bobbypins, im gonna have to learn how to place them...waiting impatientlly for the pics...lol
Thanks so much

 

[msa]

I was really trying to find a good picture...but I can't find one. They're all too blurry...when I take another I'll pm you.

 

[msa]

hmph...gurl...shoot the link for that twistout looking phony tail u posted is what im talking about...and they havent restocked the last time i checked...lol...ok now that makes sense....i was thinking the only it would work it do get a piece of material/use a scarf as a head band...in my case tho i may have to use one of those cloth headbands that go all the way around so i dont have to knot and add extra stress the my middle nape area....
about the bobbypins, im gonna have to learn how to place them...waiting impatientlly for the pics...lol
Thanks so much

I need to go order some more wigs then. This is a picture of me wearing this wig...
http://www.hairsisters.com/ver2/ViewDetail.php?product_id=7783

It is a horrible quality picture but hopefully you can kind of see what I'm talking about.

 

[scarcity21]

Im sorry u are having such a hard time...and I just BC in Feb so I am a natural "newbie" but here are some tips that are helping me:


1. Daily Cowash. Even if it is fifteen minutes; that is the foundation of moisture that i need to carry my hair through the day. wh at do u co wash with? cowashing leaves my hair dry...maybe im using the wrong products...how u cowash loose or in twists/jumbo braids?

2. Leave-in Conditioners. Creamy or water based. I ALWAYS use a leave-in...again this is a part of my "layer" moisturizing approach. what leavein do u use?

3. Shea butter!. I <3 shea butter. how do u use? just purchased this a month ago

4. Castor oil. OMG. Castor oil hot oil treatments are like heaven to keep my nappies happy interesting, neva tried a CO hot oil tx....

5. Stacking the moisture--Cowash;leave-in conditioner; a lil gel and some "oil" to act as a sealant.

6.Porosity checks---I use Vitale Porosity Control or Nexxus Ensure to "smooth" my hair cuticles. Affirm also has the Positive Link Conditioner which I may try(not sure though)
I know we talk ALOT obout proteins but maintaining pH balanced hair and keep the cuticles closed are also essentially for happy nappies. Closed cuticles=more moisture retention=smoother hair=happy nappies. The formula is really simple once you "know" your hair.

And the basics--head covering at night; shower detangling; protective styles..yada, yada..


Now that I have a reggie; my 4b is looking more like 4a and my "behaves" much better--easier to detangle, twistouts looked better, afro has more "sheen".

Thanks so much for ur response

 

[scarcity21]

I need to go order some more wigs then. This is a picture of me wearing this wig...
http://www.hairsisters.com/ver2/ViewDetail.php?product_id=7783

It is a horrible quality picture but hopefully you can kind of see what I'm talking about.

OMG ive been eyeing this wig for a min now but wasnt quite sure how it would look ...wow from what i see, it looks good...yea ill be on the looking for more pics when u take them. Lemme hurry up and order b4 they sell out...lol

 

[msa]

OMG ive been eyeing this wig for a min now but wasnt quite sure how it would look ...wow from what i see, it looks good...yea ill be on the looking for more pics when u take them. Lemme hurry up and order b4 they sell out...lol

It's a great looking wig. Everyone though I had just blow dried my hair (they're used to seeing me in a puff).

I was taking that picture for something else and I didn't think to get a good hair shot (which is surprising considering how much I'm on the board). Anyway, tomorrow when I go to work I'll take a good pic outside so that it's more obvious.

It's definitely a good looking wig though. Very very believable. I'm actually going to see what happens if I do a braidout and a bantu knot out on it.

 

[rosalindb]

I am natural also and just wear my hair in cornrows without extensions. I try to keep it my regime as simple as possible. I only use natural products and have posted it below if it helps:

Hot Oil Treatment twice a month on dry hair
- Week 2: Mixture of Aubrey Organics HSR, Raw Castor Oil & Organic Honey. (Organic molasses if needed)
- Week 4: Mixture of Aubrey Organics GBP, Raw Castor Oil & Organic Honey.

Fortnightly
Shampoo with Aubrey Organics White Camellia
ACV rinse with added organic tea tree & lavender essential oils
Deep condition with Aubrey Organics White Camellia.

Condition wash with diluted Aubrey Organics White Camelia or rinse with during the week.

Week 4: Clarify with Bicarbonate of Soda in preparation for protein treatment.

Daily moisturise with spritz of 100% organic rosewater.

Seal in moisture with homemade oil concoction and oil scalp as needed.

 

[glamazon386]

wow...didnt know that chlesterol clogs pores....ill def start pooing at least once a month or so and i didnt know mane and tail had protein..thanks gurl...what poo do u recommend? i poo less bcos i experience tangles with certain poos so i normally use kenra clarifying or suave clarifying poo.

Clarifying poos are stripping. They get the build up off your hair. You should be using a moisturizing poo preferably a non SLS one if you use poo at all.

 

[glamazon386]

i do have a half wig that i purchased 2yrs ago, i only wore it once I know glamazon does the same thing too...the headband? how do u get the sturdy headband to sit ontop of the part where the 1/2 wig starts and not poke up? i would image the headband (sturdy ones, the type i own) would be pushed up or are u placing the headband ontop of ur hair and not the demarcation? i hope u understand what im trying to ask? Gurl pls PM me some suggestions...the last time u posted a suggestion on a thread it was sold out b4 i could purchase

I put it on top of the wig's line and leave some of my edges showing. If that doesn't work you can try using a scarf as a headband.

 

[Newtogrow]

Cowash daily. Flat twist hair and wear a half wig.

 

[Mook's hair]

You said you are protein sensitive but you also said that you use hard proteins.
My hair only likes silk protein. So perhaps you should try changing to Silk Amino Acids for a while and eliminate the harder ones and the cholesterol might be disagreeable to your hair. Try ors replenishing for deep conditioning. It is a light protein but its mostly moisturizing.

Olive Oil tends to make hair hard. I agree with switching to coconut oil or castor oil.

And you may need to increase your external & internal moisture.

 

[winniebread]

Hi there Scarcity,

I just wanted to provide a few quick tips:

1) I used to get those darn knots in my hair and my hair also EASILY locks if I am not careful. It sounds like your hair could really use a lot of moisture. I recommend Shea Moisture Leave In (this is THE BEST leave in I have ever ever used...it will leave your hair super soft and moisturized and prevent those knots)

2) Only comb your hair when soaked with conditioner and use your fingers first and then a wide tooth or a Denman brush.

3) Also I agree that you should definitely watch your diet. Eat foods rich in iron instead of taking so many pills. That will keep you from getting constipated.

4) I recommend No Poo shampoo by Deva Curl, Creme of Nature Ultra Moisturze Shampoo and / or doing conditioner washes. I recommend condition washing with a moisturizing conditioner at least once or twice a week. You may be getting too much protein.

5) If you eat a lot of sugar, cut it drastically and replace with sweat fruits, yogurt and other substitutes that still give you your fix without being unhealthy. I am finding that sugar may actually stunt hair growth.

I hope these tips help.

- winniebread

 

[scarcity21]

I am natural also and just wear my hair in cornrows without extensions. I try to keep it my regime as simple as possible. I only use natural products and have posted it below if it helps:

Hot Oil Treatment twice a month on dry hair
- Week 2: Mixture of Aubrey Organics HSR, Raw Castor Oil & Organic Honey. (Organic molasses if needed)
- Week 4: Mixture of Aubrey Organics GBP, Raw Castor Oil & Organic Honey.

Fortnightly
Shampoo with Aubrey Organics White Camellia
ACV rinse with added organic tea tree & lavender essential oils
Deep condition with Aubrey Organics White Camellia.

Condition wash with diluted Aubrey Organics White Camelia or rinse with during the week.

Week 4: Clarify with Bicarbonate of Soda in preparation for protein treatment.

Daily moisturise with spritz of 100% organic rosewater.

Seal in moisture with homemade oil concoction and oil scalp as needed.

thanks...is the Organic rose water enough to moisturise ur hair?