Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread's for you!!!

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
miss_brown said:
Your progress is sooooo amazing

Keep it growing

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Thanks, Miss Brown!!!

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

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Leslie_C said:
wow diva, that is truly inspirational!
do u think the braids help with the shedding since u arent handling your hair? Another good option when and if u get tired of braids or in between braids is a phony pony! And we already know u are the wig queen so thats another option too!

what has your regimen been while in braids and how long do u leave them in?

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, Leslie C! You raise some valid questions. I think that if the hair wants to shed, it will, but at least I don't have to see it on a daily basis and get depressed over it. There is nothing I can do to prevent the shedding. This too shall pass. I try to focus on the blessing of having a healthy little boy. The braids also cut down on manipulation. The hair still gets TLC though. Here's my regimen in braids which is pretty much like the regular one I posted only I had to dilute shampoo and conditioner:
Ok, here's my braid regimen:

Wash with diluted Pantene Relaxed and Naturals shampoo or Keracare Hydrating/Detangling shampoo

Condition with diluted Pantene Relaxed and Naturals Conditioner or Keracare Humecto

Use a leave-in conditioner that consists of a 50/50 mix of Infusium's Pro-Vitamin Leave-In Hair Treatment in Original (for relaxed, permed, or color treated hair)and Moisturizing(for normal to dry hair)Formulas.

Spray scalp with Surge Revitalizer 14

Spray entire hair shaft with S-Curl for Moisture

Spray entire hair shaft with Wondergro Shea Butter Mega Moisture Protein Complex Fine Mist Hair & Body Oil to seal in moisture

I tried to go to 6 weeks this time which is my cutoff, but I got to the 5 week point and couldn't go any further. I'll do a protein and deep moisturizing treatment for the 2 weeks I'm out of braids before starting up again.

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

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Bklynqueen said:
Your hair looks wonderful and I KNOW you are happy the psot pregnancy shedding is gone! I still have a little post parten shedding going on (my child is a year old) but it is SLOWLY growing back in. What products do you use?

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, BklynQueen. See my regimen for the products used... I have it in this thread. Unfortunately, I don't think my postpartum shedding has ceased.

I'm hoping it won't affect the thickness of my hair appearance wise. The things we go thru for children. I mentioned in another thread that you looked great and asked if Sistagirl was a group.

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

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bunita said:
Hi AJD,
So it is safe to braid again without touching up your hair? Or will your relaxed hair break? Can you please tell me your hair regimen? I am very happy for you and for us 4 b's that you have proven we can also have long hair

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, Bunita! I'm glad you're being encouraged. I think it's safer to attach braids to the new growth than the relaxed hair. Your natural hair is stronger than your fragile, relaxed hair. I wait two months after a relaxer to re-apply braids... and since I want to braids back to back with a two week gap in between, it doesn't make sense to relax. My regimen is posted in this thread. We can do it! Happy growing, Girl!!!

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

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honeydrop215 said:
wow! thats all i can say *faints*

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Let me put you in bed. "Hello, may I please have an ambulance at um... ok, this is the world wide web. Never mind."

I'll drive you!

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
hotshot said:
im so happy for you!

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Thanks, Girl! We'll all celebrate together when I reach my goal. I live in the City and you're in Bklyn... not a problem!!!

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
BlackCardinal said:
I just looked at the back shots

WOW!! You are definitely up for the Inspiration of the Year Award

Proof that patience really is a virtue, and that low maintenence is the key

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, BlackCardinal... just so you know, I'm still in the brastrap by 2005 challenge!!!

 

[GinnyP]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

AJ congratulations! you grow, grow girl Keep on growing!

your hair goods so good!

 

[SweetNic_JA]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
AJamericanDiva said:
As per your request, here's my regimen:

Shampoo 1/wk with one of the following:
Pantene Relaxed and Naturals
Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo

Condition 2-3/wk with one of the following:
Panete Relaxed and Naturals
Keracare Humecto
Miss Key 10 en 1 Super Conditioner

Protein treatment every 6 weeks or so:
Nexxuss Emergencee followed by one of above conditioners

Leave-ins, varies:
Salerm 21
NTM Serum
50/50 Mixture of Infusium for Dry hair and Infusium for Relaxed and Damage hair

Moisturizer, dependant on how much I need at the time:
S-Curl
World of Curls gel

Oil to seal in the moisture:
Wondergroo Shea butter mega moisture Protein complex fine mist hair and body oil
Or any other light oil

To detangle massive new growth and take down braids:
Better Braids UnBraid Spray

Relax every 4+ months. There was 7 months between the last relaxer and this one that was done in April due to the fact that 1) I was pregnant and wanted to limit chemical exposure as much as possible and 2) my hairdresser went to Dominican Republic for a good while. I am now 4 months post relaxer. I'll wait until the end of my year long braid-a-thon to relax. I use Affirm Regular strength, but will request Affirm Mild as I don't want bone straight hair. When my hairdresser hits it with the heat, it'll be straight enough. Whenever I get a touch up, that's the ony time I get heat on my hair (you know relax, set and blow). It's not like I wear it down anyway and my hair is healthier with a little kink. I think Mild relaxers take longer to work, but I won't allow the hairdresser to go past the recommended time listed on the side of the tub.

Supplements, per day:
Designer Whey Protein shake Chocolate flavor 2 (2 scoop) shakes made twice a day

GNC Women's Ultra Mega- 2 caplets
Evening Primrose- 1000mg
Flaxseed oil- 1000mg
Freeda Super Dec B-Complex-1 caplet
Freeda Biotin- 10,000mg

Hope this helps and I didn't leave off anything.

[/ QUOTE ]

AJD, I really appreciate the detailed run down.
Thank you and congrats

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
jancan7 said:
AJ congratulations! you grow, grow girl Keep on growing!

your hair goods so good!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, Jancan7!

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

You are most welcome, Nicky! I think I better save it in a word document so I can share it with others when they ask.

 

[dreemssold]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

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AJamericanDiva said:
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dreemssold said:
Congrats!! I needed to see that today, because I am sick, sick, sick of my hair right now! Thanks

.

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I'm glad to see that you found this in the nick of time... Why are you sick of your hair?

What's going on? Braids are especially good when your "Sick" of your hair. That was the case with me and the excessive shedding.

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol, it's not growing, and I think I need a trim

. Braids have been my downfall in the past, but I am thinking about just a few cornrows. Anyway, I am encouraged after seeing your progress...keep up the good work

!

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
dreemssold said:
[ QUOTE ]
AJamericanDiva said:
[ QUOTE ]
dreemssold said:
Congrats!! I needed to see that today, because I am sick, sick, sick of my hair right now! Thanks

.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm glad to see that you found this in the nick of time... Why are you sick of your hair?

What's going on? Braids are especially good when your "Sick" of your hair. That was the case with me and the excessive shedding.

[/ QUOTE ]

Lol, it's not growing, and I think I need a trim

. Braids have been my downfall in the past, but I am thinking about just a few cornrows. Anyway, I am encouraged after seeing your progress...keep up the good work

!

[/ QUOTE ]

Correction, Girlfriend! Your hair is growing, you just may not be accumulating length.

Is your hair damaged? In this case of damage I'd advise a trim of the damaged parts. What exactly is your regimen? Do you use a lot of heat? Do you wear protective styles???

 

[AJamericanDiva]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Also, if you don't think you can handle the braids as you said they were your downfall, there are other protective styles you could try...

 

[TigerLily]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Thanks so much Diva for posting this for I was getting a little discouraged about my hair. I have braids in right now. I have to chop my hair down to a TWA to get my hair even

I so needed to see this right now!

Congrats on your hair growth!

 

[asummertyme]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

girl, u are definity an inspiration!!
ur hair has progressed so nicely!!

 

[Nonie]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

A-J-a-m-e-r-i-c-a-n-D-i-v-a...

Oh hi

I was just adding you to my list of idols, and didn't realize you were sitting there reading this.

Diva, Diva, Diva...is Miracle Gro part of your supplement regimen?

Dayuuuum!!!

I'm simply blown away.

 

[inthepink]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Your hair grew really well! Congrats on finding something that really works for you.

 

[Sweetyb]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

That really is inspirational. I only hope one day I can reach such a length.

 

[HOTCHOCOLATE]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

You have done a wonderful job on your hair!

 

[FlowerHair]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Thanks for an inspirational thread, your progress is amazing!

 

[bunita]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Hi AJD,
Thanks for replying. I see in your regimen that you also take the whey protein shakes. Do those shakes help alot by achieving hairgrowth? Just asking..

 

[ccd]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

[ QUOTE ]
AJamericanDiva said:
[ QUOTE ]
ccd said:
WHOA!!!!That is wonderful!!!!!!! Congrats on yout hair, length and health! it looks really strong!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks, CCD. If I stretch out my hair and find out that I'm really close to my goal, I'll be doing your avatar's lil' dance... probably won't have that hair swinging as I'm 4 months post relaxer though

[/ QUOTE ]

you're welcome

 

[cupcakecutie5]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Great Progress!

 

[KathyMay]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

thanks for the motivation AJD. Your little boy is a cutie pie. Dont worry about the shedding I had a lot of it after I had my son.

I am starting to do another "braid a thon". I haven't had a relaxer since March and my hair loves me for that. I thought I couldnt deal with it in its natural state but between taking my cornrows out and using all my hair products my hair feels great

 

[keylargo]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Thanks so much for sharing. I enjoy looking through your album. So, what's your next step? Are you redoing braids after the two weeks?

 

[anks]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Congratulations AJD!!!!

Great progress, and you will be at your goal in no time!!!

I think I need to start back applying my braids. I did the same exact thing last year to grow out my short tapered cut. I started like January 2003 and by Novemeber 2003 my hair was at the top of my neck, and now August 2004 my hair is at the very bottom of my neck. I'm trying to grow out these layers I got back in February which set me back on my hair length.

I'm also a true believer that, braids do give excellent growth!!!

 

[Nay]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Grow on, with yo' bad self

 

[greAtness333]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

Hi AJD

I'm so happy for your progress. Your hair has grown so much, it's definately an inspiration.

Keep up the good work.

 

[caligirl2385]

Re: Discouraged 4a/4bs... this thread\'s for you!!!

your hair looks amazing. congrats, ajd. u r truly an inspiration. *saving this post to favorites for encouragement*