BC'd and need helpppp and encouragement! (yes, there are pictures(:!)

[DesireeElla]

Okay ladies, I cut off the rest of my relaxed ends on Sunday, so three days ago. I've been trying to keep it in a (pathetic and unruly) bun since then because I have no idea what to do with this mop of hair. So today I tried to let it dry and see the shape, how much it shrinks up, etc and its REALLY bad. I have a mullet
Oh! and also the top layer of hair, as it all died up, frizzed up terribly! all i have in it is conditioner, i left it in from my shower. help? that's why i tried to pull the front/top back. which didn't really work because the front is shorter. idk. i think i have a few whisps of ends left here and there, or maybe the front doesn't curl, but right now my biggest concern is how to style this mess and keep it from frizzing. now it's picture time!!

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

Now comes the fun of figuring out which products work for your natural hair. It's going to be hit and miss I think. Personally I don't think it looks as bad as you think it does. I actually like it.

There's a HUGE learning curve with natural hair. My grass loves something one week and the next it gives it the finger.

Be patient, check out alot of youtube vids, and listen to your hair.


Hopefully the other ladies will chime in with advice.

 

[hair4romheaven]

Your hair looks cute. Try a twist or braid out. If you don't like it you can pin it up.

 

[ChrissyB]

Congrats on your BC! Your hair looks nice, I think you did a good job with your chop. What conditioner did you leave in your hair? If it has protein and your hair doesn't like protein, that could be an issue, maybe try leaving in a different protein-free conditioner or just using an actual leave-in conditioner. It's gonna take some trial and error for you to discover what products leave your hair frizzy, feeling coated, tangled, dry, moisturized, curly, etc.

What, if any, styles have you tried so far? You could try a braidout, doing slightly smaller braids in the front since it has less of a curl pattern. Or do 2 strand twists all over then roll each one on a roller for a twist and curl. I'm not a pro at styling and tend to primarily do wash and gos and ponypuffs for now, but when I did a twist and curl it came out cute.

I don't know if it will work for you, but one of my best discoveries since going natural in Oct is that I get less shrinkage if I wrap my hair in a 100% cotton t-shirt after washing it, THEN remove it about 20 min later, shake my head left and right, then add my leave-in. Also, there is a wash and go thread somewhere that has been pretty helpful as well if you'd like some more tips on that.

 

[Prudent1]

This thread is just for those who have recently done a BC. I hope it helps you. BTW- you have very pretty hair.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=462862&highlight=bc

 

[daydreem2876]

I BC'd recently and my hair is at that funky length. What has helped most is using SLS free shampoo most of the time. It has helped combat dryness and allows my hair to use moisture better there for making it easier to manage.

I also use natural/ organic products most of the time. My theory is since my hair is in its natural state, the product I use need to be as close to it as possible. I do have a different regimen when I plan to straighten my hair. Again, it helps with manageability.

I have been working on braid out's, bantu knot out, and blow drying it straight. I have a feeling for the summer it will be up most of the time.

 

[AwesomelyNappy]

Congrats on your bc. I think your hair looks nice. your hair reminds me of mines when i bc'd. even down to the texture difference from front and back.

To that i say, is it possible that the front could have heat damage? or are there still relaxed ends left? If it is and you're not ready to cut, then you could transition those parts and do twist-outs and braid-outs to blend it some. also, I think doing bantu knot out's are an easy and nice style to try for pretty curls and uniformity.

If it's over heat damage left over from when you were relaxed and straightening the new growth (if this is the case), then in the future, you may note that your front is more sensitive to heat and more prone to heat training or damage, and if you want to avoid that, then using lower heat settings (and more heat protective products) in those areas may help.

Product wise, i think clarifying, doing a deep conditioning treatment, followed by an oil rinse may help. Hopefully you'll find a leave in that works for you (tends to be a trial and error thing really, imo).

Hope you get more responses.

 

[Ms. Martina]

Congrats! I jut wanted to spread some love. I know what you are going through because I just bc'd last month. I am not a veteran yet, so all I have to offer is a hug.

 

[jillian93]

Fotki Fotki Fotki! Find some hair twins that have reached the HEALTH and retained length(if thats your goal) to stay inspired. Also check YouTube for hair twins that have shared their progress to stay inspired.

 

[havilland]

I would try brushing the front down with some gel and tie a headband on so you can push it back off your face and hide the shape(since you don't like the shape)

finding products is gonna be a journey but until you do, slick a headband and roll! Your hair is beautiful!

I also agree that finding a hair twin is a good idea.


Sent from my iPhone while out living my best life!

 

[Curlykale]

beautiful hair! styling will get easier and easier with time! I would baby the top area: I would avoid using heat, combs and brushes on it and I would twist it overnight with conditioner/gel/a little oil and undo it in the morning. as for ideas for styling try youtube, bobby pins, elastic bands, flexirods, sealing with an oil, a thick protein free conditioner as a leave in, gel on top of the conditioner, stretched styles... Hope it helps!

 

[TruMe]

OMG, your hair looks JUST like mine!

I was actually planning on doing a chop (really an "LC") this weekend but am starting to chicken out the closer I am getting. My husband may hold me down and do it himself though as he is tired of my complaining about the straight pieces.

I have the same problem with my crown area having no real curl pattern but EXTREMELY frizzy most of the time. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to use Mixed Chicks Leave-In Conditioner as this product really does an awesome job at coating my hair (I am very generous). I also like to use some kind of product to seal in the moisture and prevent frizz in humidity. Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue or KCCC does the trick. You could try doing flat two strand twists with a holding product. If you don't like these types of gels/creams, I just experienced CD's Healthy Hair Butter. I used this product for a braidout and it held the style ALL DAY long. I was truly amazed. Also, what a previous poster mentioned about slicking down the front edges and wearing your hair in a puff in the back would work.

You definitely need to try different products to see what works for you. Just seeing your pictures made me super excited to do my chop. Thanks for your post. Your hair looks GREAT!!!

 

[DesireeElla]

ahhhh! thank you so much for all the suggestions! i think in the very front i just have some straight pieces left, i really don't think its heat damage. but i think twisting the front up overnight is a good idea! thanks again for all the suggestions! i can't wait to find something that works!