For the love of G-d, please HELP a sister out!

[Ms. Martina]

Okay ladies! I'm in need of help again. I have been transitioning for nearly 6 months now. I'm trying to figure out what my hair needs so I can determine what is best for helping it grow/retain length.. I have always cut the front of my hair in a layered bang look, and I now want to try growing it out into longer layers. The front of my hair is a little longer than my chin...maybe NL? I would like to grow the front to at least APL. And the back is BSL or MBL at this point, but I would like it to get to WL. I have always been able to retain at least MBL or BSL without really doing anything to my hair. But now that I am on a mission...I need to get serious...lol. I've always gone in for trimmings every retouch, and I even kept trimming during my transition. It's been a hard habit to shake...lol. So I think the 1st step is to step away from the scissors and stop trimming. I think I have been a bit too critical of my hair and have been doing unnecessary trims. Now I am trying to understand my hair type and etc, but this is where I need help.I've tried googling, searching and etc, but I'm still confused. Plus everyone's situation is different. I figured I would start a post specifically addressing my own issues. I've broken down my questions below, please chime in with any helpful tips...thanks

1.) Porosity:
I did a little porosity test on clean hair strands. I left the strands in the sink for a couple hours and they never sank. From what I gathered online, this is a good thing, but I'm still confused. What does this mean?


2.) Coarse VS. Normal VS. Fine:
I have just started learning what these terms mean...lol. I always thought coarse meant kinky...until now...lol. I was starting to wonder why so many straight haired Asians referred to their hair as coarse, but then I learned that coarse just meant large strands. So..I wanted to see what my type was. I looked online for examples, but came up empty handed. I decided to compare my strands to my hubby's(who is white). My strands were bigger than his. So I'm guessing his hair is fine. Still, I'm not sure if my strands are normal or if they are coarse. Does anyone have any graphs or actual images of hair strands that fall into any of the three categories???


3.) Hair type:
My head has several types of hair. I have some type 3, type 4, and some of what I believe to be type 2 in the crown. The crown is more of a wave, the nape and edges are curls.


4.) Hair density:
I have a lot of hair! I've cut several "test patches" to watch my new growth come in, and people would never even know I'm missing big chunks of hair right now. Also, every beautician always says I have a lot of hair. Even made me feel self conscious as a child. I had WL (maybe HL)hair, and I was soooo embarrassed of the comments beauticians would make bc I had so much hair. That's partially why I decided to get a relaxer in middle school...what was I thinking???? ugh!


5.) Moisture VS. Protein:
This is something I just learned about too! I really need help with this. I don't want to weigh my hair down with moisturizers when it is flat ironed. I never used moisturizers bc of that very reason. I just stuck to oil sheen only for all of these years, and my hair was fine. I quite using the oil sheen this month though since I have discovered Argon Oil. It is my new staple. That and CHI sillk infusion. I would like to incorporate moisturizers when I do braidouts and etc though. So what do you all recommend? Also what type of protein should I get, and how often should I use it?


6.) Shedding:
I tend to shed a lot. It has been this way for the past 14 years that I have had a relaxer(since around age 12 or 13). I always thought this was normal bc my hair still looks to be in good shape and everything. I have always had a serious case of "hand in head" syndrome, and I am constantly tossing it. So that could be why...idk. Either way, I figured I was fine since my hair still looks thick. Since joining this site I have learned to examine my shed hair to see if it is breakage or coming out from the root. Most of it has the white bulb on it, so it has come from the root. Although, I have been getting some shorter shed hair in the mix while combing lately. I'm guessing this is due to the transition??? It's not bad..but I would like to nip it in the bud before it becomes an issue. What should I do...should I be worried?

 

[Ms. Martina]

Bump

 

[LuvlyRain3]

Your porosity its good. If the hair sank it would mean that your hair has taken in so much water that it became heavy enough to sink which would mean that the outer layer of your hair is too open.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Long Hair Care Forum App

 

[LaFemmeNaturelle]

5.) Moisture VS. Protein:
This is something I just learned about too! I really need help with this. I don't want to weigh my hair down with moisturizers when it is flat ironed. I never used moisturizers bc of that very reason. I just stuck to oil sheen only for all of these years, and my hair was fine. I quite using the oil sheen this month though since I have discovered Argon Oil. It is my new staple. That and CHI sillk infusion. I would like to incorporate moisturizers when I do braidouts and etc though. So what do you all recommend? Also what type of protein should I get, and how often should I use it?

I moisturize my hair with water, conditioner, and oil or grease but I've used many different things throughout my hair journey. To prevent you from going out to buy something, try diluting conditioner and sealing with an oil for your braidouts. You could also just spritz your hair with water and seal with the argan oil or silk infusion if you want. Silken Child Moisturizing Creme has given me great braidout definition as well but I've only used it once. For the most part, I just use conditioner and grease. There are so many different proteins you can use, but how often you use it is totally up to your hair. Only you can determine if you need a light, medium, or hard protein. ORS replenishing conditioner is said to be a light protein, but for me, it is strictly moisturizing. Aphogee 2 min is supposed to be a good light protein conditioner, but it does nothing for me. ORS Hair Mayonnaise and Mane N Tail conditioners are also supposedly good. You MAY need some harder proteins. The only hard protein I've ever tried and still use is Ultra Sheen Duo Tex and I don't have to use it often. I don't think I've used it since like April but I will soon because I straightened last week. I'm sure you've heard of all the recommendations and the only thing you can do is start trying stuff. I would start with the cheapeast to avoid too much money. The Aphogee 2 min and ORS replenishing comes in little 1-2 time use packs. ION from Sallys also has little protein packs you could try.



6.) Shedding:
I tend to shed a lot. It has been this way for the past 14 years that I have had a relaxer(since around age 12 or 13). I always thought this was normal bc my hair still looks to be in good shape and everything. I have always had a serious case of "hand in head" syndrome, and I am constantly tossing it. So that could be why...idk. Either way, I figured I was fine since my hair still looks thick. Since joining this site I have learned to examine my shed hair to see if it is breakage or coming out from the root. Most of it has the white bulb on it, so it has come from the root. Although, I have been getting some shorter shed hair in the mix while combing lately. I'm guessing this is due to the transition??? It's not bad..but I would like to nip it in the bud before it becomes an issue. What should I do...should I be worried?

Don't worry about it. If you've been a heavy shedder all your life, then it is natural. I shed alot too and I never understand when women here say that get little to no shedding. I shed at LEAST 50 strands a day and probably more but I can NEVER get all my shed hair out of my head. What do you mean by shorter shed hair? Does it still have a bulb or is it breakage? If it's breakage, then you need to figure out why your hair is breaking (moisture? protein?). If it has a white bulb, then again I wouldn't worry about it. Somewhere down the line, that hair broke off but now it is shedding.

Hope this helps!

 

[Myjourney2009]

my responses are in red
1.) Porosity:
I did a little porosity test on clean hair strands. I left the strands in the sink for a couple hours and they never sank. From what I gathered online, this is a good thing, but I'm still confused. What does this mean?

Your porostiy is fine


2.) Coarse VS. Normal VS. Fine:
I have just started learning what these terms mean...lol. I always thought coarse meant kinky...until now...lol. I was starting to wonder why so many straight haired Asians referred to their hair as coarse, but then I learned that coarse just meant large strands. So..I wanted to see what my type was. I looked online for examples, but came up empty handed. I decided to compare my strands to my hubby's(who is white). My strands were bigger than his. So I'm guessing his hair is fine. Still, I'm not sure if my strands are normal or if they are coarse. Does anyone have any graphs or actual images of hair strands that fall into any of the three categories???

Those types have to do with the strand. In the other thread talking about this they described it very well. Take a strand from the front, middle and back and compare them to a piece of thread. If they are smaller than a thread you have fine hair, same size than a thread your strand is normal and larger than a thread your strands are course.
a fine haired person does not have a much of a cortex so they need more protein especially if they use alot of heat
You have to determine for your head what you will need
As you move further into having more natural hair your hairs needs will change
An asian persons hair is considered course because they have more cuticles this is one reason why the hair does not hold a curl well.
I would consider their hair to be low density but course


3.) Hair type:
My head has several types of hair. I have some type 3, type 4, and some of what I believe to be type 2 in the crown. The crown is more of a wave, the nape and edges are curls.
I have seen your YT videos and so far you look like you are in the 4a family. Honestly it is hard to tell with relaxed hair especially when there is alot of it.


4.) Hair density:
I have a lot of hair! I've cut several "test patches" to watch my new growth come in, and people would never even know I'm missing big chunks of hair right now. Also, every beautician always says I have a lot of hair. Even made me feel self conscious as a child. I had WL (maybe HL)hair, and I was soooo embarrassed of the comments beauticians would make bc I had so much hair. That's partially why I decided to get a relaxer in middle school...what was I thinking???? ugh!

You appear to have medium density. When the beautician was commenting on you having alot of hair this has to do with how many strands are on your head. Yeah WL to HL hair is alot of hair no matter the density

5.) Moisture VS. Protein:
This is something I just learned about too! I really need help with this. I don't want to weigh my hair down with moisturizers when it is flat ironed. I never used moisturizers bc of that very reason. I just stuck to oil sheen only for all of these years, and my hair was fine. I quite using the oil sheen this month though since I have discovered Argon Oil. It is my new staple. That and CHI sillk infusion. I would like to incorporate moisturizers when I do braidouts and etc though. So what do you all recommend? Also what type of protein should I get, and how often should I use it?

It is difficult to suggest moisturizers because everyones hair responds to something different. many people rave on Neutrogena Triple moisture leave in or Herbal essence long term relationship leave in. Start with Aphogee 2 min as a protein and use it as you see fit not from what you see on the boards.
6.) Shedding:
I tend to shed a lot. It has been this way for the past 14 years that I have had a relaxer(since around age 12 or 13). I always thought this was normal bc my hair still looks to be in good shape and everything. I have always had a serious case of "hand in head" syndrome, and I am constantly tossing it. So that could be why...idk. Either way, I figured I was fine since my hair still looks thick. Since joining this site I have learned to examine my shed hair to see if it is breakage or coming out from the root. Most of it has the white bulb on it, so it has come from the root. Although, I have been getting some shorter shed hair in the mix while combing lately. I'm guessing this is due to the transition??? It's not bad..but I would like to nip it in the bud before it becomes an issue. What should I do...should I be worried?

What is alot, many people freak out over shedding but it is normal, the average head sheds btwn 25-100 strands a day. The average strands life is 6 years. If you have alot of hair then you will shed alot. Also some shed more in one season over the other, for me it is in the spring. Take all shedded hair for each week for 1 month and compare it to the next two months. If it is about the same then your shedding is normal for you. Since you are transitioning and I am assuming not combing alot then on your wash days you will look like you are going bald once you comb. Dont be alarmed take this shed hair and do what I suggest.

 

[Ms. Martina]

Thanks ladies! You have offered some great tips! I will have to try aphogee on my next wash. Also, I have never heard about the thread test to determine strand size. That makes perfect sense. Off to try that now. Also, when it comes to typing my hair I compared some of my hair, and it seems to be about the size of a drinking straw. I thought that was type 3 hair. And then my hair in the crown was way looser than that after I cut off the relaxed hair a few months ago. It is very loose, and the curls are pretty large. And this was after I cut off the relaxer hair. I do however have these spots near the back that are surely type 4. They are really tight spirals that look more like a coffee stirrer in size...very cute I will probably post updated pics in a few weeks since I will be hitting my 6 month mark on Dec 7th...yay!

If anyone else has suggestions, feel free to keep them coming

 

[Tiye]

I also looked at your ytube texture video and I think your hair type is 3C, medium weight with with mid - to high density. Every hair texture has fine, medium and coarse variations. I agree that people with super kinky hair often tend to have coarse hair but not all afro hair is coarse, and you can also have coarse wavy and coarse straight hair.

The wavey part of your hair could be the weight of your relaxed hair pulling on a curly base. That's why it can be hard to tell texture while it's at the base of relaxed hair. But ... pics and videos don't tell the full story - a stylist who can see and touch in person can give you better info.