Grow It Long 2026 Challenge!

[snoop]

Since you posted this, I've been wondering about why your hair is only occasionally resistant to stretching (don't want to put words in your mouth, but I'm assuming "tight" could be used to describe the resistance you experienced? I experienced a tight, squeaky-clean, if-I-pull-my-hair-any-harder-than-this-it'll-snap sensation back when I used ACV to wash my locs. That stopped once I started using different products)... So I did some poking around and though I'm no hair chemist, I wonder if the lack of elasticity and frizz you're seeing could be because your wash/mask ingredients are too acidic, and may need to balanced out with a conditioning component with a higher pH?

Just food for thought. I don't have answers but this is where the rabbit hole led me. Thought I should share!

Thanks! I will contemplate this further and see. They don't feel so tight that they'd snap? My hair usually does the opposite if I over-stretch it and will stay straight (also a sign of lack of elasticity?) but that happens with individual hairs and not the entire bunch. It almost feels like when I used to use komaza protein strengthener, but without using that product. I haven't pinpointed what the exact cause is (as you said, perhaps pH), but sometimes when I use raw protein I get that feeling and at other times they will make my hair soft and fluffy.

The feeling also lasts under running water...not sure if you've ever encountered this as well?

 

[i4ani]

Thanks! I will contemplate this further and see. They don't feel so tight that they'd snap? My hair usually does the opposite if I over-stretch it and will stay straight (also a sign of lack of elasticity?) but that happens with individual hairs and not the entire bunch. It almost feels like when I used to use komaza protein strengthener, but without using that product. I haven't pinpointed what the exact cause is (as you said, perhaps pH), but sometimes when I use raw protein I get that feeling and at other times they will make my hair soft and fluffy.

The feeling also lasts under running water...not sure if you've ever encountered this as well?

I only ever used ACV on my locs which I washed/wet really infrequently, so nope, I can’t really weigh in on that point.

My hair also had a similar reaction to protein earlier last year when I tried a moringa and shea butter mask. It was so stiff that it felt like the bottom of a broomstick, so I got freaked out and have left protein treatments alone entirely since then.

At any rate though, keep me posted! I think that your DIY approach to haircare is really interesting and hope to learn more about it!

 

[snoop]

Last night I did a water rinse after pre-pooing with babassu oil. My hair is getting easier to detangle. I'm considering not pre-pooing with oil on my next wash because I don't want my hair to get too stiff from the oils, but I also figure that if I do a clay wash I should be ok.

One thing that I'm noticing is that my hair seems to be hanging more. The last time it felt like this was when I hit around APL. Gravity is taking over.