Grow It Long 2020 Challenge

snoop said:
This weekend I washed my hair after leaving my hair in mini twists for a month.

The pros were that I wasn't refreshing my hair often. The cons... I didn't wash my hair for a month.:look: I wasn't planning on doing this again any time soon, but if I do, I will be sure to cleans my scalp somehow weekly and then wash my strands at the end of the month.

I did have some breakage, but I always do. I think this is partly to do with how I handle my hair. It was WAY less than I normally get. I also had less shedding than I'm used to getting for my normal shed. Both of these things combined makes me wonder just how long my hair would have gotten over the past 8 years if I had learned how to properly detangle my hair.
Click to expand...
What are you doing differently now that you weren’t doing before? (When detangling, or just in general haha)
 
I am about WL now but I think I'm getting a cut soon. My hair is thinning mid twists in several areas and I have too much breakage. I've always had breakage visible on wash day but it's getting to me. Hopefully I will be back at WL by the end of the year but for now, I think it's time to let go :(
 
Last edited:
Mapleoats said:
What are you doing differently now that you weren’t doing before? (When detangling, or just in general haha)
Click to expand...

Normally, I was just moisten my hair with my super diluted spritz then take down my mini twists. These past two months I used fenugreek/coconut oil/shea butter/etc. and conditioner and I had much more slip. Even more than when I've done it with shampoo and coconut oil. I think that my next course of action is to see if I can make a detangling spray or detangling cream because having slip makes a world of a difference, especially since my hairs LOVES to curl around each other.
 
@NaturalShe94 @snoop @Mapleoats @everyone

Ladies, I need your help! Please let me know if you have any advice! Any advice would be good right now!

So after the protein overload debacle last week, I used the dollowing products :

Shampoo: usual shampoo bar
Conditioner: Suave coconut conditioner (first time using)
DC: Shea moisture manuka honey
Leave in: Beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner (first time using), shea butter, olive oil

So as soon as I began applying the DC, I knew that something was wrong. My hair just felt sticky and odd. It even felt like weird when I was detangling with my conditioner in the shower.

Fast-forward to styling and I am applying the products and my hair just feels wet and SUPER DRY and my curl pattern had basically disappeared. I powered through and braided up my hair as usual. Ladies, this was Monday... ITS THURSDAY NIGHT... and my hair is still not dry.... It feels soggy, like wire and super tangled.

I guess my question is... Is this protein overload? Or is this something else? If it is protein overload, what do I do?

I don't think my shampoo bar is gonna cut it this time, so I guess I need a clarifying shampoo?

Anything I need to do afterwards? How do I know when my hair is better?

Please help :cry3::cry3:

This is what I get for experimenting... You were right @NaturalShe94
 
mayoo said:
@NaturalShe94 @snoop @Mapleoats @everyone

Ladies, I need your help! Please let me know if you have any advice! Any advice would be good right now!

So after the protein overload debacle last week, I used the dollowing products :

Shampoo: usual shampoo bar
Conditioner: Suave coconut conditioner (first time using)
DC: Shea moisture manuka honey
Leave in: Beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner (first time using), shea butter, olive oil

So as soon as I began applying the DC, I knew that something was wrong. My hair just felt sticky and odd. It even felt like weird when I was detangling with my conditioner in the shower.

Fast-forward to styling and I am applying the products and my hair just feels wet and SUPER DRY and my curl pattern had basically disappeared. I powered through and braided up my hair as usual. Ladies, this was Monday... ITS THURSDAY NIGHT... and my hair is still not dry.... It feels soggy, like wire and super tangled.

I guess my question is... Is this protein overload? Or is this something else? If it is protein overload, what do I do?

I don't think my shampoo bar is gonna cut it this time, so I guess I need a clarifying shampoo?

Anything I need to do afterwards? How do I know when my hair is better?

Please help :cry3::cry3:

This is what I get for experimenting... You were right @NaturalShe94
Click to expand...

I’m not an expert, but to me sticky hair sounds like you have lots of product build up. I think your idea to clarify is a good one.
 
@mayoo Unfortunately, I don't have any advice. I think you should try clarifying then going back to all of your original, tried tested and true products (conditioner, dc, and leave in) to see if your hair feels closer to normal.
 
mayoo said:
@NaturalShe94 @snoop @Mapleoats @everyone

Ladies, I need your help! Please let me know if you have any advice! Any advice would be good right now!

So after the protein overload debacle last week, I used the dollowing products :

Shampoo: usual shampoo bar
Conditioner: Suave coconut conditioner (first time using)
DC: Shea moisture manuka honey
Leave in: Beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner (first time using), shea butter, olive oil

So as soon as I began applying the DC, I knew that something was wrong. My hair just felt sticky and odd. It even felt like weird when I was detangling with my conditioner in the shower.

Fast-forward to styling and I am applying the products and my hair just feels wet and SUPER DRY and my curl pattern had basically disappeared. I powered through and braided up my hair as usual. Ladies, this was Monday... ITS THURSDAY NIGHT... and my hair is still not dry.... It feels soggy, like wire and super tangled.

I guess my question is... Is this protein overload? Or is this something else? If it is protein overload, what do I do?

I don't think my shampoo bar is gonna cut it this time, so I guess I need a clarifying shampoo?

Anything I need to do afterwards? How do I know when my hair is better?

Please help :cry3::cry3:

This is what I get for experimenting... You were right @NaturalShe94
Click to expand...

When henna made my hair hard and NOTHING I tried to DC with would help, I added 2 tbsp of salt (yes, table salt) to a moisturizing DC and that was the only thing to help soften my hair. After that, salt in my moisturizing DC became a staple since 2010. I have used it on both natural and texlaxed 4b/a hair. I mix salt into Queen Helene Cholesterol with a little EVOO or Grapeseed oil. I've used both iodized salt as well as sea salt with no discernible difference. Whichever DC you use, try to make sure it's a thick one. The salt will make it more watery once it's mixed in.

For extra moisturizing, you can add baby food bananas (trust me on that) and a little honey. DC with heat under a plastic cap. GL to you sis! ((BIG HUG))

Protein overload scares the mess out of me *shivers*

BTW, Suave Tropical Coconut has also been my staple all-purpose condish since 2019 (cowash, leave in, daily moisturizer, ayurveda mixes, moisturizing sprays and braid sprays), it has silk protein in it so I dunno if you wanna keep trying that right now.
 
mayoo said:
@NaturalShe94 @snoop @Mapleoats @everyone

Ladies, I need your help! Please let me know if you have any advice! Any advice would be good right now!

So after the protein overload debacle last week, I used the dollowing products :

Shampoo: usual shampoo bar
Conditioner: Suave coconut conditioner (first time using)
DC: Shea moisture manuka honey
Leave in: Beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner (first time using), shea butter, olive oil

So as soon as I began applying the DC, I knew that something was wrong. My hair just felt sticky and odd. It even felt like weird when I was detangling with my conditioner in the shower.

Fast-forward to styling and I am applying the products and my hair just feels wet and SUPER DRY and my curl pattern had basically disappeared. I powered through and braided up my hair as usual. Ladies, this was Monday... ITS THURSDAY NIGHT... and my hair is still not dry.... It feels soggy, like wire and super tangled.

I guess my question is... Is this protein overload? Or is this something else? If it is protein overload, what do I do?

I don't think my shampoo bar is gonna cut it this time, so I guess I need a clarifying shampoo?

Anything I need to do afterwards? How do I know when my hair is better?

Please help :cry3::cry3:

This is what I get for experimenting... You were right @NaturalShe94
Click to expand...

Ohhh noooo!! I would definitely clarify with the next wash. I’m not sure if it’s too much protein causing this but I would probably just do a super moisturizing DC that you know works for your hair, and stick to tried and true products until your hair is back to normal?
 
MzSwift said:
When henna made my hair hard and NOTHING I tried to DC with would help, I added 2 tbsp of salt (yes, table salt) to a moisturizing DC and that was the only thing to help soften my hair. After that, salt in my moisturizing DC became a staple since 2010. I have used it on both natural and texlaxed 4b/a hair. I mix salt into Queen Helene Cholesterol with a little EVOO or Grapeseed oil. I've used both iodized salt as well as sea salt with no discernible difference. Whichever DC you use, try to make sure it's a thick one. The salt will make it more watery once it's mixed in.

For extra moisturizing, you can add baby food bananas (trust me on that) and a little honey. DC with heat under a plastic cap. GL to you sis! ((BIG HUG))

Protein overload scares the mess out of me *shivers*

BTW, Suave Tropical Coconut has also been my staple all-purpose condish since 2019 (cowash, leave in, daily moisturizer, ayurveda mixes, moisturizing sprays and braid sprays), it has silk protein in it so I dunno if you wanna keep trying that right now.
Click to expand...
Salt... I’ve never heard of adding it to a DC. What is it supposed to do? If anything I thought it would be drying...
 
I got a haircut a few weeks ago and based on my pictures my hair doesn’t look any longer than 2 months ago. But since I want to have a shape to my hair I will probably get a trim every 12-16 weeks. Plus the last 10 inches of my is in pretty bad shape, so regular cuts are necessary.

4221F2AE-3271-4E6C-A5C5-A6FCD9FAA349.jpeg
 
Mapleoats said:
Salt... I’ve never heard of adding it to a DC. What is it supposed to do? If anything I thought it would be drying...
Click to expand...

Back in 2010, I read about salt on another hair board. It sounded like something I'd need to try after my henna mishap. I figured I had nothing to lose since I had already tried 3 other moisturizing DCs with no success :(

On that board back then, the ladies were talking about how salt makes one retain water and how the effects transfer into haircare. All I can say is I used it weekly in my moisturizing DC for years since 2010, religously, LOL, with no adverse effects. Grew from shaved Ceasar cut to WL in 4.5 years. My hair was always butter soft after using it.

Then recently, I was answering this question for someone else in another thread and learned @divachyk did a blog post about using salt to counter protein overload. In her post, she mentions how salt breaks down protein bonds. Makes sense to me! LOL

http://adaybyjay.com/correct-protein-overload-hair-salt/

HTH! :)
 
MzSwift said:
Back in 2010, I read about salt on another hair board. It sounded like something I'd need to try after my henna mishap. I figured I had nothing to lose since I had already tried 3 other moisturizing DCs with no success :(

On that board back then, the ladies were talking about how salt makes one retain water and how the effects transfer into haircare. All I can say is I used it weekly in my moisturizing DC for years since 2010, religously, LOL, with no adverse effects. Grew from shaved Ceasar cut to WL in 4.5 years. My hair was always butter soft after using it.

Then recently, I was answering this question for someone else in another thread and learned @divachyk did a blog post about using salt to counter protein overload. In her post, she mentions how salt breaks down protein bonds. Makes sense to me! LOL

http://adaybyjay.com/correct-protein-overload-hair-salt/

HTH! :)
Click to expand...

Thank you sis! :2inlove:
 
Natural, Relaxed, Texlaxed: Completely Natural

Current Length: Midback, almost WL again

Goal Length: Tailbone Length

Plan to reach goal length: Bunning Mon-Thurs; Co-wash twice a week, Shampoo & Deep Condition weekly.

Regimen: Co-wash with Aussie Moist or Aussie Curls Conditioner or Shea Moisture Conditioners twice a week (I will co-wash more often in the Summer), Shampoo with Aussie Shampoos or Shea Moisture shampoos, and deep condition with Shea Moisture Deep Conditioners. I use EcoStyler Crystal and the Curl Enhancing Smoothie as well as an oil to style a wash n go or a bun.

Protective Styles: Buns!!! Buns have always grown my hair out, especially wet bunning. :yep:

Staple Products: Mainly Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus, JBCO, and Raw Shea Butter Lines, despite the changes that have happened with their formulas over the years, I find that Shea Moisture still works great on my hair. I also love Aussie's products, I do also plan to use Camille Rose, Mielle, etc. but Aussie and Shea Moisture have been growing my hair back out since the major set back I had with Devacurl & Diet change back in 2018.

Starting Pic: REQUIRED

20191219_120226(1).jpg

I don't understand why I can't upload pics here :look: What's good?
 
Last edited:
Yesterday, I detangled my hair using a comb. I think that I'm going to start doing this more often, to see if my hair responds better to it. The only problem is that I get a lot of breakage combing, however, combing my hair leaves it smoother (and therefore softer) and gets rid of the tangles that I miss by finger detangling. I feel like I miss so many of them, that they turn into knots which causes me to loose more hair than necessary. I was thinking of detangling each time I wash, but that may be too often so I'll try monthly and if anything go back to once every 3 months. I have been doing annually for the past two years from 3 to 4 times per year.

That said, I threw my hair into 8 plaits. Even though I try to avoid braids -- I hate taking them down -- I figure that I'd get a better stretch than if I put them into twists.

Also, I need to get better and putting my twisted ends into bantu knots. As I type, I realize that I didn't do that last night, so I'll have to remember to do so before bed.
 
Soooo.... I washed on Friday last week and decided I’d try washing again today to see if multi week washing could be a thing for me...

Um, no thanks. Too much hassle and manipulation. And more than anything I just don’t have the energy for it. Halfway through washing the conditioner out I gave up and got out the shower :lachen:. I set my hair in 9 braids and now I’m just hoping that the Giovanni smooth as silk also works as a leave in :look:.
 
snoop said:
Yesterday, I detangled my hair using a comb. I think that I'm going to start doing this more often, to see if my hair responds better to it. The only problem is that I get a lot of breakage combing, however, combing my hair leaves it smoother (and therefore softer) and gets rid of the tangles that I miss by finger detangling. I feel like I miss so many of them, that they turn into knots which causes me to loose more hair than necessary. I was thinking of detangling each time I wash, but that may be too often so I'll try monthly and if anything go back to once every 3 months. I have been doing annually for the past two years from 3 to 4 times per year.

That said, I threw my hair into 8 plaits. Even though I try to avoid braids -- I hate taking them down -- I figure that I'd get a better stretch than if I put them into twists.

Also, I need to get better and putting my twisted ends into bantu knots. As I type, I realize that I didn't do that last night, so I'll have to remember to do so before bed.
Click to expand...
Are you saying you have only been detangling once a year? Or, only using a comb once a year?
 
im getting back to oiling. i made another mix with less of a smell. also, i have been spraying with aloe vera/rose water and an essential oil blend. i fell off with my vitamin drink, but i have been pretty consistent with B12 drops. I should probably mix it in with the vitamin drink in order to combine the habits.
 
@ItsMeLilLucky I don’t like the fact that my hair grows in layers either. The front of my hair grows slower than the back. I also go through a thickening phase, where new hair will start to grow, but I do not gain length. It’s different.

@GettingKinky Your hair has definitely grown. I can tell by the way it lays and your hair looks denser.

I just cut an inch off the back of my hair and my curls look so much better. I should have taken a before and after pic. I will take a pic tomorrow morning. I started taking vegan supplements (sea moss, bladderwrack, iron) and noticed a difference in my energy levels. I think it’s too soon to see what it will do for my hair.
 
@keranikki mine grows the opposite lol not to mention I believe I have coarse and fine strands, multiple textures, and I may be low porosity. I relax when my natural hair gets on my nerves too much, I shave it off when I miss my natural hair instead of transitioning like a normal person. Transitioning takes too long lol. It’s the circle of strife :lachen: :lachen::lachen:

It’s like I can’t make it past two years without dramatically changing my hair texture. That’s why I try to say never, but we know how flaky I get lmao. It’s just I believe in (whatever I’m saying I will/won’t do) it with all my heart at the time, but a few months down the line my heart changes:angeldevil:

I tell you one thing, I’m glad hair grows back :laugh:
 
I would suggest that you get a good old fashioned sulfate shampoo and scrub all of that stuff out of your hair. I learned a very long time ago to treat shampoo bars like co-washes (and I LOVE my co-washes!), but they don't completely cleanse your hair or your scalp. Pull out a real shampoo every 1-2 weeks and follow with a good deep conditioner. I would even suggest getting Aussie Moist 3 minute miracle deep conditioner. It's very thick and creamy and it will definitely give you moisture :yep:


mayoo said:
@NaturalShe94 @snoop @Mapleoats @everyone

Ladies, I need your help! Please let me know if you have any advice! Any advice would be good right now!

So after the protein overload debacle last week, I used the dollowing products :

Shampoo: usual shampoo bar
Conditioner: Suave coconut conditioner (first time using)
DC: Shea moisture manuka honey
Leave in: Beautiful textures tangle taming leave in conditioner (first time using), shea butter, olive oil

So as soon as I began applying the DC, I knew that something was wrong. My hair just felt sticky and odd. It even felt like weird when I was detangling with my conditioner in the shower.

Fast-forward to styling and I am applying the products and my hair just feels wet and SUPER DRY and my curl pattern had basically disappeared. I powered through and braided up my hair as usual. Ladies, this was Monday... ITS THURSDAY NIGHT... and my hair is still not dry.... It feels soggy, like wire and super tangled.

I guess my question is... Is this protein overload? Or is this something else? If it is protein overload, what do I do?

I don't think my shampoo bar is gonna cut it this time, so I guess I need a clarifying shampoo?

Anything I need to do afterwards? How do I know when my hair is better?

Please help :cry3::cry3:

This is what I get for experimenting... You were right @NaturalShe94
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

snoop
  • Poll Poll
Grow It Long 2024 Challenge!
10 11 12
Replies
351
Views
22K
faithVA
faithVA
snoop
  • Poll Poll
Grow it Long 2023 Challenge!
8 9 10
Replies
270
Views
25K
faithVA
faithVA
Mapleoats
  • Poll Poll
Grow it Long 2022 Challenge!
9 10 11
Replies
324
Views
39K
Miadoll
M
faithVA
  • Poll Poll
Apl - Bsb 2020 Length Challenge
6 7 8
Replies
212
Views
39K
felic1
F
faithVA
2021 Shoulder Length Challenge
15 16 17
Replies
504
Views
52K
faithVA
faithVA
Back
Top