hair growth

[jenn132013]

hi I cut my hair really short, like above my ears, 6 months ago. I want my hair to grow back long. I've been French braiding my hair ever since, but don't want to wear my hair like it when I go places, do you guys think if I leave my braided hair underneath a wig for a few months without washing it etc., it will grow longer? and how long do u think I can get to shoulder length?

 

[HanaKuroi]

hi I cut my hair really short, like above my ears, 6 months ago. I want my hair to grow back long. I've been French braiding my hair ever since, but don't want to wear my hair like it when I go places, do you guys think if I leave my braided hair underneath a wig for a few months without washing it etc., it will grow longer? and how long do u think I can get to shoulder length?

You still have to care for your hair under a wig. You must wash, deep condition, use protein and moisturize and seal your hair under the wig.

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

 

[HanaKuroi]

Bumping for more advice.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

Agreed with previous poster. Wigs are fine and will get you to where you need to be but you have to take care of your hair underneath as well. You cannot leave it like that months at a time. At least wash it every two weeks and braid it back up.

 

[jenn132013]

ok. do yall think i can reach SL

 

[MileHighDiva]

ok. do yall think i can reach SL

You can reach TBL if you want to and take care of your hair.

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[Jace032000]

I agree with the above responses; you can reach any length that you can dream of---as long as you're willing to put in the time and effort into caring for your locks. You may want to consider setting small goals for yourself each month -- because by doing this, you'll really grow to learn your hair which will ultimately result in better care. You may want to start thinking now how you plan on caring for your hair---perhaps deciding on an alternating schedule of protein treatments one week/DC the following week. You definitely want to ensure you have a good balance of protein and moisture.

Now is also the time to think about how you plan to moisturize (and seal in that moisture) into your hair. There are a number of products there to choose from, but I've found that the best moisturizers have water as the number one ingredient.

Bottom Line--we're all here to help.

 

[sunnieb]

jenn132013 what products do you use and how often? Are you natural, relaxed, transitioning?

 

[southerncitygirl]

I agree with the other posters but we need to know what products you use & your regimen. Also it would be good to have a trimming schedule... breakage & splits will hinder your growth journey. even if you protective style this is needed. if you trim 1/8-1/4 inch every 3-4 months thats more than enough. Its a must that your keep your hair & scalp clean & also moisturize and seal your hair under your wig. Deep conditioning is also good.

 

[jenn132013]

thanks for the help guys. my hair is relaxed btw. i can never seem to find the right products though. can i use leave in conditioners as a moisturizer. right now i am using garnier fructis sleek and shine as a moisturizer and coconut oil as a sealer. i wash my hair every two weeks. can you guys help me with products? do i have to wash every week? etc sometimes i feel like i dont know what i am doing!

 

[MileHighDiva]

Cleansing every two weeks okay, as long as your scalp can handle it. I cleanse every 10-14 days, but I don't have an angry scalp.

I'm not familiar with the Garnier product, but I'm sure someone is.

What are your hair properties? Are your strands fine, medium, or coarse? Is your hair low, medium, or high density. Is your hair low, normal, or high porosity?

You stated your hair is relaxed. Is it bone straight, or texlaxed? Are you double processed? Meaning is your hair colored? If so, with what? Are you a salon head or DIYer? What type of relaxer do you use? Lye or no lye? How frequently do you use direct heat on your hair? How frequently are you moisturizing your braids? Do you allow a break between braid installs.

How frequently do you dust your hair?

What is your ultimate hair goal? SL, APL and beyond, thickness etc.?

I'm sorry for the 50-11 questions, but as previous posters stated, it'll be easier to provide assistance.

ETA: Why did you cut to EL? Style choice, over processed hair, or weathered ends?

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[jenn132013]

my hair is bone straight i think and my hair is colored too. i use box dyes from drug stores and yes i am a DIY. i usually put motions relaxer in my hair. my goal is to reach SL.

 

[MileHighDiva]

my hair is bone straight i think and my hair is colored too. i use box dyes from drug stores and yes i am a DIY. i usually put motions relaxer in my hair. my goal is to reach SL.

You're going to have to choose your chemical of choice! Relaxer or permanent color. I'm not aware of anyone with healthy double processed hair.

Are you covering grays or being fashionable?

How frequently are you doing protein treatments to add strength back to your strands?

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[MileHighDiva]

sunnieb

Can you help get Jenn going in the right direction?

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[jenn132013]

i shaved my hair in the back and on the sides kinda like rihanna. i shaved it in oct. now its ear length half way. i want to reach atleast chin or shoulder length this year. also i was natural since i cut it. it was a big chop and when it grew back a little but i relaxed last month. what is some good deep conditioners and protien treatments? and how should DC? two times a week?etc. my hair is course i think.

 

[sunnieb]

jenn132013 let me go grab some info for you. Let's take this one step at time and get you on track. Brb.

 

[sunnieb]

Courtesy of a former LHCF member - Sistaslick


Learning to Build a Regimen that WORKS
Feeling overwhelmed by the slew of information on hair care is almost a rite of passage when beginning a healthy hair journey. There are so many techniques and methods for doing everything, from daily moisturizing to airdrying and relaxing. The options are endless. Your regimen, in order to be successful, should contain products that work together to address your two most important hair needs: moisture and protein. It should be basic, flexible, and be able to evolve based on your ever-changing hair needs.

The key to building a solid regimen is finding your own hair tolerance. The information in this article will help you develop the solid foundation you need to successfully build your healthy hair regimen.

One Size Does Not Fit All

As you progress in your hair knowledge, you will soon discover that very few things about hair care are sound gospel. Even the tips in this article are only presented as guides and suggestions to help you on your way! The simple fact is that hair is seasonal. Our hair experiences changes from day to day and week to week depending on a myriad of influencing factors including: humidity, hard water, and bitter cold or sizzling hot temperatures. Hair that was thoroughly moisturized and hydrated one week may become excessively dry and lifeless the next. A regimen that does not take these circumstances into consideration is ultimately a recipe for failure.

Let's Begin!

Now, I will introduce you to the important factors you must consider when choosing the products to support your hair growing regimen. There are two main types of product categories: protein based products and moisture based products. A rule of thumb is: The more you do to your hair chemically, the more of both protein and moisture you will need. The following sections will briefly outline the basic product components of healthy hair regimens based on these categories. A more indepth understanding of protein and moisture and their usefulness for the hair can be found here.

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Now that you know what protein and moisture are, here is a sample of the regimen you will be building for yourself. You will select one or two products from each category below. A list of product examples or suggestions is also included below, but keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive. There are just far too many products to list! Building a good regimen also means that you will need to experiment with a wide variety of products before you find The Ones! You will need:

1 Moisturizing Shampoo:

This product should be used once or twice weekly depending on your schedule. The best moisturizing shampoos are sodium/ammonium lauryl sulfate free and do not leave the hair feeling stripped, tangly, or squeaky, squeaky clean. These shampoos are gentle cleansers that leave the hair feeling soft and detangled.

Examples: Crème of Nature (red and green label) Shampoo, Neutragena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo, Softsheen Breakthru Shampoo , Dax Vegetable Oil Shampoo, Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo, Design Essentials Moisture Retention Conditioning Shampoo, Aveda Sap Moss Shampoo, Queen Helene Mint Julep Shampoo, Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, Aubrey Organics, Abba Creme Moist shampoo, Neutrogena Triple Moisture Shampoo, Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo, Jason Natural, Salon Selectives Completely Drenched

1 Clarifying Shampoo/ and or Chelating Shampoo if you are a swimmer or have hard water:

This product should be used once per month, or twice per month if you use heavy products/greases oils quite often. Clarifying shampoos strip the hair of product buildup and are great for starting the hair off fresh each month. Your hair will and SHOULD feel squeaky, squeaky clean after clarifying.

Examples: Kenra Clarifying Shampoo, Pantene Pro-V Purity Shampoo, Infusium 23 Moisturizing Shampoo, Suave shampoos (entire line), V05 shampoos (entire line), Shampoo Three' by Paul Mitchell, Aveda Detox, RESOLVE® Chelating Shampoo from Joico, Elucence Moisture Acidifying Shampoo, Nexxus Aloe Rid Shampoo, Nexxus -Phyto Organics Kelate Purifying Shampoo, Ouidad Water Works Shampoo, Artec Texturline Daily Clarifying Shampoo

1 Moisturizing and 1 Protein- based Deep Conditioner:

This should follow your moisturizing shampoo at every wash. Use of your protein or moisture based product should depend on what your hair needs at the time. (See my Hair Breakage article for more details on this topic.) I recommend deep conditioning for 30-45 minutes once per week, preferably with heat (hooded dryer). If you wash your hair twice weekly, only one of those washes need to be a deep conditioning. You can simply apply your deep conditioner for 10-15 minutes with or without heat for that second weekly washing.

Examples: (Moisturizing) Crème of Nature Nourishing Conditioner, Herbal Essences Replenishing Conditioner, Nexxus Humectress, Kenra Moisturizing Conditioner, Dove Intense Moisture, Neutragena Triple Moisture Daily Conditioner, Neutragena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask, Elucence Moisture Balancing conditioner, Keracare Humecto, Mizani Moisturefuse, Elasta QP DPR-11 (Protein) Any Instant Conditioner like Suave and V05 (light/mild), Got2B Soft 1 Minute Emergency (light/mild), Rusk Sensories 60 second Revive (light/mild), ORS replenishing pak (light/mild), Garnier Fructis Long N Strong (mild), Motions Moisture Silk Protein conditioner (mild), Aubrey Organics GPB (mild/moderate), Mane N tail (moderate/heavy)

Protein Treatments:Used for rebuilding the hair. Frequency of use depends on the strength of the treatment you are using and the level of damage you are attempting to correct. Please follow manufacturer's instructions for these products! Some protein reconstructors have specific time schedules and directions for use. Select one (1) protein treatment on the light to mild end of the spectrum for light touch ups and select another (1) protein treatment on the moderate to heavy end for more intense protein conditioning. Protein reconstructors should be followed by moisturizing deep conditioners to restore moisture and pliability to the hair.

Examples: Joico K-Pac (mild), Aphogee 2 Min Keratin Recon. (mild/moderate), Elasta Qp Anti Breakage serum, LeKair Cholesterol (mild/moderate), Motions CPR(mild/moderate), Nexxus Emergencee (moderate), Nexxus Keraphix (moderate), ORS Mayo (moderate), Elucence Extended Moisture Repair, Affirm 5 n 1, Dudley's DRC (heavy), Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair (heavy)

Leave In Conditioner (1 Moisturizing and 1 Protein): Used after washes, or may be used as a daily water-based moisturizer!

Examples: (Moisture) Neutragena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave in, Profectiv Anti-Tangle Leave In, Kenra Daily Defense (Protein) Infusium 23, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In, Salerm 21(moisture w/ protein), Mane N Tail (Conditioner can also be used as leave in), Profectiv Break Free Leave In, Elasta QP Oil Recovery Moisturizer

Water-Based Moisturizer (1 Moisturizing and 1 Protein): Used for daily moisture supplementation. The best water-based moisturizers are products that do not contain mineral oil, petrolatum, or lanolin. I recommend moisturizing the hair once or twice per day, at night before bed and once again in the morning.

ExamplesMoisture) Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) olive oil, ORS carrot oil, Luster's S-Curl, StaSoFro, Hollywood Beauty Carrot and Olive Oil, Most Braid Sprays, all of the leave in conditioners mentioned above can double as moisturizers! (Protein) Cantu Shea Butter Break Cure, Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong, Elasta QP Mango Butter, Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioner, Profectiv Mega Growth, Profectiv Healthy Ends, Salerm 21

Natural Oils: Used for sealing in water based moisturizers and helping improve the shine and pliability of the hair. Simply apply a light coating of the oil to the ends of the hair first, and work your way up. A dime sized amount should be enough for your entire head of hair. You don't want limp oily hair!

Examples: Coconut oil, Olive oil, Almond oil, Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond oil, Carrot oil, Tea Tree Oil, Castor Oil, Vatika Oil, Amla Oil

Essential Oils (optional):Scalp stimulants! These must be diluted in a heavier, carrier oil because they are extremely potent. Sweet almond and jojoba are my carrier oil favorites. Only a few drops need to be used. per application They can also be added to conditioners, moisutirzers, leave ins, and shampoos. They are great for scalp massages, and very regimen friendly!

Examples: Rosemary, Peppermint, Thyme, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Cedar Wood

 

[sunnieb]

<continued >

Other hair tools:

Wide and medium toothed seamless comb

A boar or soft bristle brush- (optional)

Hair pins/clips

Rollers

Satin Scarf, Bonnet, and or Satin Pillowcases (for night care)

Plastic Shower Caps (for deep conditioning)

A pair of shears (be sure that they are only used for hair)

A ceramic flatiron *optional* (and heat protectant product)

Protective Styling

Protective styling should be part of any hair growing regimen. A protective style is any style that reduces hair manipulation/combing, cuts back on heat use, or keeps the hair up and off of the shoulders. Buns, spiral curls, rollersets, braids, twistouts, and clipped up/updo styles are all examples of popular protective styles. Some ladies wear protective styles daily, while others reserve these styles for certain days during the week. Keeping the ends protected from the elements is absolutely essential for faster hair health and growth results, so I advise protective styling the hair more often during the week than not.

Heat Reduction

Another critical component for building a healthy hair regimen is reducing your heat use! Heat destroys protein bonds in the hair and depletes your hair's moisture content. Frequent use of heating tools, even with heat protectants, can spell disaster for your hair. Hooded dryers offer the safest heat you'll find, but even those have hot spots that may damage your hair over time. If you must use heat, only use one heating implement at a time. and ALWAYS use a product that specifically states that it is to be used for heat protection. For example, air dry your hair and then flatiron, or blow dry your hair and then bun it up. Limit your use of heat to once weekly, or less if possible.

Sit Back and Take an Honest Look

Just as it is equally important to know which methods to incorporate and use, you must also know when to stop and re-evaluate your methods. When something is not working for you, your hair will let you know either by feeling dry, breaking, or not showing any new length after a given time. It may take you weeks or even months of trial and error to get your regimen customized enough for you to start showing some progress, but it will come. For many of us, it took years of mishandling to get our hair to the place it was, so it will take time to get it back on track! Hope you found this article to be a great starting point!

Good Luck!

 

[jenn132013]

thanks. I love it! hope I get some good results