For those wanting long hair...

I had my hair flat ironed today. I'm at tail bone length. This is my goal length, so I will just retain this length.
 
Just checking in. I'm 11 months since my last relaxer and have committed to deep conditioning with heat at least once a week.

I really see a difference in my hair since I got so religious about my deep cons.

I'm going to reniece's this week to get my hair weaved up for summer. Can't wait! Protective styling, here I come!
 
havilland said:
Just checking in. I'm 11 months since my last relaxer and have committed to deep conditioning with heat at least once a week.

I really see a difference in my hair since I got so religious about my deep cons.

I'm going to reniece's this week to get my hair weaved up for summer. Can't wait! Protective styling, here I come!
Click to expand...
havilland

I bet everyone would see a difference if they did regular deep conditionings.

Are you going natural (or are you admitting it just yet)? :look:
 
Phew, it took me a while to get through this thread and I’ve picked up quite a few ideas from it. Thanks a lot for the thread Allandra.

I’ve been wearing braids and wigs for most of my natural hair existence but after a stylist did too tight cornrows in March, I ended up with 2 bald spots in front. I was so annoyed with myself. I relaxed for over 10 years and never had any bald spots. Anyway, my goal for the rest of this year is as follows-

  • No heat at all
  • Keep hair in stretched styles. I usually twist and pin to dry (I saw this on naptural85’s channel). I’m going to start using curlformers soon.
  • PS without straining my edges. I do twists or bun or some form of pinning.
  • Massage my edges every night with my oil mix consisting of castor oil, carrot oil, coconut oil, emu oil and peppermint and tea tree essential oils.
  • Cowash and DC every 2 weeks – staple products rotated are lory’s shea butter conditioner, skala lissative, lory’s ceramides, AO GPB, Nature’s gate herbal conditioner and Tresemmes silk protein conditioner.
  • Henna & Indigo every 6 weeks – Lush Henna mixed with Amla powder. Indigo from Hennasooq.
  • Hot oil treatments here and there.
  • Shampoo 1 – 2 times a month – only thing that works on my hair is Logona repair shampoo which cleans my hair thoroughly, yet leaves it soft and moisturised.
  • Take my biotin and omega 369 everyday.
  • Wash hair with a beer rinse 2 times a month – not too sure about this but apparently it contains significant amounts of biotin. I haven’t tried it yet.
I go to the gym 6 days a week but I do mostly weight training. I don’t drink alcohol, soda, energy drinks or coffee. Just room temperature water. Juice occasionally.

For some reason, I automatically assumed I was 4B after I went natural but since I've become more familiar with my texture over the last few months, it seems it's a mixture of 3c, 4a and 4b.

My aim is full BSB or APL by the end of the year. If it’s longer, I don’t mind:grin:! So, is there something I should be tweaking?

 
msbettyboop

Is there something you should be tweaking? Girl please. Your regimen sounds good.

As far as the bald spots, do you think they came from the tension of the braids? Could you be allergic from any extensions (if you're using them) used for your braids? I don't have any experience in braid extensions.

I've never heard of washing the hair with beer. I'm guessing that works well for your hair?

I did henna YEARS ago, but I only did it a few times (just for the color). It was too much work and too messy for me, so I stopped that long ago. I just stick with my mild protein (Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner). I've been using it since 1999, and I still love it.

Room temperature water is what I drink. It's the only thing my body needs. :yep:


msbettyboop said:
Phew, it took me a while to get through this thread and I’ve picked up quite a few ideas from it. Thanks a lot for the thread @Allandra.

I’ve been wearing braids and wigs for most of my natural hair existence but after a stylist did too tight cornrows in March, I ended up with 2 bald spots in front. I was so annoyed with myself. I relaxed for over 10 years and never had any bald spots. Anyway, my goal for the rest of this year is as follows-

  • No heat at all
  • Keep hair in stretched styles. I usually twist and pin to dry (I saw this on naptural85’s channel). I’m going to start using curlformers soon.
  • PS without straining my edges. I do twists or bun or some form of pinning.
  • Massage my edges every night with my oil mix consisting of castor oil, carrot oil, coconut oil, emu oil and peppermint and tea tree essential oils.
  • Cowash and DC every 2 weeks – staple products rotated are lory’s shea butter conditioner, skala lissative, lory’s ceramides, AO GPB, Nature’s gate herbal conditioner and Tresemmes silk protein conditioner.
  • Henna & Indigo every 6 weeks – Lush Henna mixed with Amla powder. Indigo from Hennasooq.
  • Hot oil treatments here and there.
  • Shampoo 1 – 2 times a month – only thing that works on my hair is Logona repair shampoo which cleans my hair thoroughly, yet leaves it soft and moisturised.
  • Take my biotin and omega 369 everyday.
  • Wash hair with a beer rinse 2 times a month – not too sure about this but apparently it contains significant amounts of biotin. I haven’t tried it yet.
I go to the gym 6 days a week but I do mostly weight training. I don’t drink alcohol, soda, energy drinks or coffee. Just room temperature water. Juice occasionally.

For some reason, I automatically assumed I was 4B after I went natural but since I've become more familiar with my texture over the last few months, it seems it's a mixture of 3c, 4a and 4b.

My aim is full BSB or APL by the end of the year. If it’s longer, I don’t mind:grin:! So, is there something I should be tweaking?

Click to expand...
 
gabulldawg said:
Congrats! Are you going to update your siggy?
Click to expand...
gabulldawg I updated the information in my siggy, but I didn't update the pic because I didn't get Reniece to take any pics on Saturday. I will say this though, there's only a few inches difference between hip length and tail bone length. Taking a pic of the back of hair all looks the same at this point. :ohwell: When I get my hair flat ironed again (around November or December), maybe I'll get some pics taken then.
 
jenaccess said:
My cousin recently cut 6 to 8 inches off my BSL hair and was suppose to only cut the very ends.
As of now I am on a mission to grow that hair back within a year.
No heat, moisturize and seal ends daily,DC weekly, Henna every 2 wks, protective style cornrows in a bun, take vitamins MSM, Biotin, Women Ultra Mega vitamin.
Cardio 5 -6 days wkly
Click to expand...

6 TO 8 INCHES AND SHE WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO DO A TRIM?! That is absolutely devastating.

The same thing happened to me two years ago and I was so emotionally devastated that I gave up my hair journey totally and completely. I'm back now though. :-)
 
I haven't used extensions in over a year. The bald spots definitely came from the tension caused by the cornrows in March.

I haven't tried the beer rinse yet but researching it currently before going ahead with it.

I hear you on the water. Nothing quite as healthy as water. I drink tons of it everyday especially since I started on biotin. I will update again my mid July.

Allandra said:
@msbettyboop

Is there something you should be tweaking? Girl please. Your regimen sounds good.

As far as the bald spots, do you think they came from the tension of the braids? Could you be allergic from any extensions (if you're using them) used for your braids? I don't have any experience in braid extensions.

I've never heard of washing the hair with beer. I'm guessing that works well for your hair?

I did henna YEARS ago, but I only did it a few times (just for the color). It was too much work and too messy for me, so I stopped that long ago. I just stick with my mild protein (Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner). I've been using it since 1999, and I still love it.

Room temperature water is what I drink. It's the only thing my body needs. :yep:
Click to expand...
 
I have finally read through this entire post. I have a simple regimen that works for me.

When my hair is loose, I co-wash 3-4 times per week. I shampoo with low or no sulfate shampoo 1-2 times per month. I apply aloe vera gel directly to my wet hair. Afterwards, I apply a sulfate free conditioner that I use as a leave in and I seal with either olive oil, castor oil or argan oil. The oil I use depends on the season. Heavier oils in the colder months and lighter oils in the warmer months.

When my hair is braided (without extensions), the only thing I do differently from above is the frequency of washing and co-washing. In order to keep the frizz at bay, I wash or co-wash once very 2 weeks. I box braided my hair in April and refresh the braids once a month. I am attempting to keep them in for a total of 3 months. I also use Jane Carter N&S on my hair when braiding it up. It keeps my hair moisturized the entire time between washes.

I also henna in the braids. It is so much easier to apply and remove the henna from my braided hair. I also noticed that I have gained about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of new growth 2 weeks after I apply the henna. I can tell from the all the new silver roots 2 weeks after I henna. :lachen:
 
Im still taking care of my hair. I havedecided to enjoy my length and attempted some bantu knots out which Im spotting at the moment.. I havent changed or added anything in my regime.
 
Allandra,

No I'm natural but I like to trim regularly because the sight of split ends makes me want to scream lol and I've noticed that my hair grows and appears 'healthier'.
 
Grrrr, frustrated because my hair (ends of my crown) are as dry as weed. I had a few broken pieces last night and don't know what to account for the excessive dry/hard feeling. I don't use protein and I moisturize and seal daily. Any takers?
 
greenandchic said:
Grrrr, frustrated because my hair (ends of my crown) are as dry as weed. I had a few broken pieces last night and don't know what to account for the excessive dry/hard feeling. I don't use protein and I moisturize and seal daily. Any takers?
Click to expand...
greenandchic

Do you think the moisturizer is penetrating through your hair?

I wonder if your hair has a build up on it.

Do you use any type of product that contains any cones?

What products are you using to moisturize and seal with?

I moisturize, but I don't do it daily because my hair doesn't need it. I don't seal at all, but this is what works for me.
 
Allandra said:
@greenandchic

Do you think the moisturizer is penetrating through your hair?

I wonder if your hair has a build up on it.

Do you use any type of product that contains any cones?

What products are you using to moisturize and seal with?

I moisturize, but I don't do it daily because my hair doesn't need it. I don't seal at all, but this is what works for me.
Click to expand...

Allandra

Do you think the moisturizer is penetrating through your hair?
It feel like it does at the time when I apply it.

I wonder if your hair has a build up on it.
I do shampoo about once a week or every other week. I cowash or use a cleansing conditioner at other times.

Do you use any type of product that contains any cones?
Nothing. I eliminated cones a while back.
What products are you using to moisturize and seal with?
I use either Yes to Carrots Conditioner (I like it because its glycerin and silicon free and I can get it on the ground. I usually seal with a combo of jojoba, grapeseed, olive, hemp seed, coconut oils (not all at once) and a butter for the ends

I moisturize, but I don't do it daily because my hair doesn't need it. I don't seal at all, but this is what works for me.
Unfortunately my hair needs it - sometimes badly.
 
greenandchic does your hair like aloe vera at all? I found it to be the missing link for me as far as getting very moisturized hair. Maybe you could mix some aloe vera gel with an oil to seal with? I've been essentially doing that with my crisco mix (crisco, grapeseed oil, castor oil, and aloe vera gel) but it can be done with a lighter mixture like just mixing with the grapeseed oil... just throwing a suggestion lol
 
greenandchic

It sounds like you are doing well with what you're doing.

Now when it comes to moisture, my hair gets most of it's moisture through deep conditioning (which I do once a week). Are you deep conditioning? This is the only thing I can think of that you didn't mention in your post.

greenandchic said:
@Allandra

Do you think the moisturizer is penetrating through your hair?
It feel like it does at the time when I apply it.

I wonder if your hair has a build up on it.
I do shampoo about once a week or every other week. I cowash or use a cleansing conditioner at other times.

Do you use any type of product that contains any cones?
Nothing. I eliminated cones a while back.
What products are you using to moisturize and seal with?
I use either Yes to Carrots Conditioner (I like it because its glycerin and silicon free and I can get it on the ground. I usually seal with a combo of jojoba, grapeseed, olive, hemp seed, coconut oils (not all at once) and a butter for the ends

I moisturize, but I don't do it daily because my hair doesn't need it. I don't seal at all, but this is what works for me.
Unfortunately my hair needs it - sometimes badly.
Click to expand...
 
Allandra said:
@greenandchic

It sounds like you are doing well with what you're doing.

Now when it comes to moisture, my hair gets most of it's moisture through deep conditioning (which I do once a week). Are you deep conditioning? This is the only thing I can think of that you didn't mention in your post.
Click to expand...


Hi Allandra,

I do DC about once a week. Maybe its WHAT I'm using is the issue:

Giovanni Smooth As Silk
L'Oreal EverCreme Conditioner
Tresemme Naturals (mixed with oils)

I try to avoid protein as much as I can since I henna about once every month anyway.

BraunSugar - I will try using aloe vera gel more. Thanks for the tip!
 
hmm since being natural for almost 7 months, my hair is still a TWA. I have the dreaded SSKs, knots, and split ends that go way up the hair shaft on some strands. S&D seems impossible since the strands that are damaged are completely random. so my best bet is to continue growin and get braided up when i gain enough hair in the middle. (i suffer from trich, a hair pulling disease), i got bald patches in my head that are filling in. I think by mid aug, i will have enough to pull. I just have to keep positive thinking and growth aids and a good regime (if i can finally decide on one!)
 
greenandchic said:
Grrrr, frustrated because my hair (ends of my crown) are as dry as weed. I had a few broken pieces last night and don't know what to account for the excessive dry/hard feeling. I don't use protein and I moisturize and seal daily. Any takers?
Click to expand...

Are you using green tea to mix your henna? Green tea acts like a tannin and coat the hair and make it feel overly dry. When I stopped using gt my hair felt much better. Just a thought.
 
IronButterfly said:
Are you using green tea to mix your henna? Green tea acts like a tannin and coat the hair and make it feel overly dry. When I stopped using gt my hair felt much better. Just a thought.
Click to expand...


I stopped using green tea a long time ago. I don't know why, I just didn't think it was worth it.
 
greenandchic, when you mix your henna, do you add 1 cup of moisturizing conditioner to your mix? I found when I switched the brand of henna to Nupur and added the conditioner, I no longer experienced the dry, hard hair. Also I apply straight aloe vera gel directly to my hair and scalp after washing to restore the pH balance.
You may also want to try a Kiya Fizzie once or twice a month. {Add 1 tsp. Of salt or baking soda and lemon juice to your DC for buttery soft hair.}
 
Hello All,

I have been lurking in this thread for days ... I have finally read through all 33 pages of this joint and I love every bit of it. Allandra- you are doing a great job with providing feedback and encouragement, thank you!!

greenandchic ~ Just throwing something out here (forgive me if you have addressed this) but do you think the issues that you are having with your crown area could be related to having highly porous hair? I have issues with porosity and regardless of how well I took care of my hair, it would be super/hella dry, and little pieces of hair would break off with gentle touching. I did some research on the issue I was having and learned about highly porous hair; I began using Roux Shampoo and Conditioner (Porosity Control and Corrector) and had great results. The product has sulfates in it (I don't know how you feel about that) but I have not experienced/I am not aware of any negative effects of using them. Initially I used it weekly but now (about a year later) I dilute the shampoo, which I use once a month. This is just a shot in the dark but I hope this helps.
 
NaturalfienD Yes, my hair is porous at the crown and in some other secotions. Does the Roux products have protein? I'm shying away from heavy protein these days since it kind of fried my hair late last year.

Thanks for the suggestion!
 
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