Hello, I'm new!

Bklynqueen

Bklynqueen

Well-Known Member
Hello, I\'m new!

I've been lurking in this forum for a while and have officially decided to join. I was wondering if anyone could help me. I have shoulder legnth hair (when blow dried)type 4B and have been completely natural since 2000 when I did the huge gigantic chop! This was due to severe hair loss and balding from a spoiled relaxer ( African Pride) that I had used. My hair has gone been this length for 4 years and I wonder if it will grow any longer. My twin sister has the same problem. I wear weaves/ braids every now and then to give my hair a break. After washing, I would either 2-strand twist or blow dry it and wear a bun. I've been currently using Hair Formula 37 for the past 2 weeks so I hope it works. Also, my hair is very dry, it sucks up oil like water in a desert! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to help me? Also, how can I post a pic of myself and set up an hair album? Any response will be appreciated. Thanks!
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Welcome. You don't say what products you use on your hair? You'll find lots of help and answers here. You might want to check under 'Announcements, Suggestions and Q&A' under the main index of this forum for help on your questions.
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Welcome!!! This is a great site to help with pics. It's very easy to use.

www.photobucket.com
bouncy.gif
newbie.gif
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Congrats and Welcome to the forum!

Let's see if I can offer some suggestions.

The first thing that I'd suggest is to make sure that you are drinking enough water, at least half your body weight in ounces DAILY!!! Also be sure that you are eating enough fresh/raw fruits and veggies to get necessary vitamins and minerals. Healthy hair begins on the inside first. I'd also suggest that you NOT blow dry your hair. Heat is very damaging on hair. Natural hair MUST be moisturized!!! Never try to comb or brush natural hair without it being damp first! You will definitely cause problems for yourself. I'd also suggest that you check out the hair recipes section on this site and other sites such as www.nappturality.com and www.ourhair.com. They have a wealth of information for natural haired folks. If you don't do so already, you may need to spritz your hair. This will help keep it moist throughout the day. I have recipes for homemade spritzs and hair butters if you would like for me to share them with you. If you shampoo your hair, I'd check that. Shampoo is generally very drying on the hair. When diluted, it's okay for some. I use diluted Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap and I add Olive Oil and Vitamin E and sometimes Aloe Vera Gel to it. My hair is extremely soft after I do this. I then follow up with either Suave or Infusium 23 moisturizing conditioner. These things work for me.

As for the album, my hair album is located at www.fotki.com and so you may want to check them out.

Hope this helps!
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Hello, thanks everyone for their replies: I only blow dry my hair every 2 weeks ( when I wash my hair). Sometimes, I will goa month not washing or blowdrying ( usually when I have braids or weave- to wash my hair with extensions is suicide to my hair)I barely use shampoo in my hair anymore because as soon as I do, it mats and knots something terrible. If I do use shampoo, I use Cream of Nature for dry hair or for natural hair. Their shampoo and conditioners are excellent. When I do need to wash my hair, I first put a creme cholesteral conditioner ( tea tree, carrot oil, or plain- does not matter) which softens my hair immediately. I wash it out, slightly towel dry and afro pick it from ends to root (I lose less hair that way). If I blow dry, I put it to cool/medium or high and clip a 1/8 inch of hair just for grooming. If I don't blowe dry it, I put a lock and twist gel in my hair and a two- strand twist. I loose it out in the morning and it looks great! To keep my hair moisterized, I use BB Black $ Sassy oil sheen in a Jar. This is a miracle worker for my severely dry hair. I drink 3 liters ( 64 ounces) of water per day. I was usuing Biotin but I'm taking Hair Formula 37 and birthcontrol so I don't know if Biotin will affect it. When I was using Biotin shampoo- my hair was thick and wonderful- I may start doing this again. I don't put any grease in my scalp at all. Also, my hair is finally starting to return to normal after experiencing balding hairline due to preganacy hormones ( I had my first child 10 months ago). I find pure beeswax works well in growing out hair on my hairline. Ok, I said a mouthful! I hope this answers everyones questions and I will also try that product SURGE that everyone seems to be talking about.
smile.gif
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Hi Bklynqueen...I will give you a few tips that have helped me retain growth. My hair knots up when i wash it too, what I do is put my hair in about 10 braids and I wash and condition with the braids in. Also, if you're in braids or a weave, you shoud be using some kind of braid spray or moisturiser to keep your hair underneath moisturised, because extensions are drying to your hair, I also like to follow it up with an oil. I would also recommend washing once a week...why is it suicide to your hair when you are in braids? Are you using diluted shampoo?

It sounds like you are not using a moisturiser that contains water. Although I have read that some people prefer oil based moisturisers, but for me I need a leave in that contains water to use on my hair daily. I agree with spritzing your hair too, to keep it moisturised all the time.

Maybe you should try laying off the heat too, personally I lose alot of hair when I blowdry. If your hair is weak you could also try protein treatments to strengthen it.

HTH
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Welcome! I know I have alot of success when I use butter or pomade on my hair while it's wet. It doesnt get "sucked up" the same way that oil does, but it doesnt leave my hair oily. It's strange. At any rate, maybe it's worth a shot.

Are you noticing any breakage on the floor when you blowdry?
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

ITA with BettyDavis on using moisturizers with water.

Would you all mind if I just posted some of my recipes on my website instead of in the thread? It'll make it a little easier for me...
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Welcome!
wave.gif

I would suggest taking notes and finding out what works for your hair and what doesn't. We're all here to help!
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

hey! i'm new too. i don't have any advice for you, just wanted to say hi to a fellow newbie.
-aregee
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Hair butters have been my saving grace, I kid you not!

I use Carol's Daughter, Some of Marguerite's Magic during the fall/winter/spring and FNWL avocado butter during the summer. I use it on soaking wet hair and it's been working for me. I can't stop raving about the jojoba oil either. I hope some of this info helps you some.

All in all, just find some products that work for you and stick with 'em.
smile.gif
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Hey there bklynqueen. Welcome
wave.gif
I don't know how to post up pics, I'm a newbie too but, I do have a few things you could use for your hair. I use Hollywood Beauty Carrot Cream on my hair twice a day. It gets it really soft and moisturized. I also deep condition my hair for about 40-60 min using Lekair Cholesterol every week. My hair gets really soft afterwards. And every four weeks use a clarifying shampoo instead of a moisturizing one to get rid of build up. If you're consistent you'll definetly see progress. Be Blessed. And its good to have you.
trampoline.gif
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

[ QUOTE ]
deeplyrooted said:
Hair butters have been my saving grace, I kid you not!

I use Carol's Daughter, Some of Marguerite's Magic during the fall/winter/spring and FNWL avocado butter during the summer. I use it on soaking wet hair and it's been working for me. I can't stop raving about the jojoba oil either. I hope some of this info helps you some.

All in all, just find some products that work for you and stick with 'em.
smile.gif


[/ QUOTE ]
smile.gif


along with me being a MAJOR lover of the healthy hair butter and shea butter. i use some of marguerites magic on my twists/flat twists etc..along with shealoe.
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

Okay, I don't think posting on the site's going to work. Here are a few recipes:
Using an 8oz spray bottle:
15 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil
1 TB olive oil
1 tsp. Vit. E
1 tsp. Jojoba oil
1 Tb. of conditioner (I like Suave Naturals Coconut)
Shake well before each use


Hair/body butter...
Using approx. an 8 oz. container:
Equal parts melted Coconut Oil, Unrefined shea butter and 1/2 stick of cocoa butter (the amount is up to you...just don't go above half)
~1 tsp. Jojoba oil
~1 Tb. Vitamin E
~1 Tb. Honey
15 drops Lavender EO
20 drops Rosemary Eo
25 drops Sweet Orange Eo
The rest will be Olive Oil

Using a double boiler (a small boiler inside of a large boiler that's filled with water), melt and blend all of the ingredients using a wooden spatular or spoon. When completely mixed, pour into your container. Fill the rest of the container with Olive oil. Put in the refridgerator or freezer and allow it to cool and solidify. When ready to use, take out, let sit for about 5-10 minutes depending on climate and use. If a room is too warm, it will become very liquidy (is that a word). Be careful not to use too much. It's very concentrated.

**Note: You may use the essential oils of your choice. I use these because they are all that I have at the moment. Be sure that you DO use the Rosemary oil. It's supposed to be good for hair growth and the honey works as a humectant**

Using an 8oz. spray bottle:
20 drops of Rosemary essential oil
~4 capsules of Vitamin E
1 tablespoon Olive oil
Fill rest of bottle almost to the top with water
Shake before use and spritz

Another combo that I've used:
~1 Tb. spoon olive oil
~1tsp. Jojoba oil
5 capsules Vit. E
2 Tb. Suave Coconut conditioner
Fill rest of bottle with water
Shake well before each use

Another one:
10 drops Rosemary Essential oil
25 drops Sweet Orange Essential oil
4 capsules of Vit. E
~1Tb. olive oil
~1 Tb. conditioner of your choice (I like Suave)
Fill rest with water
Shake well before each use...

I hope these work for you. Have fun!
 
Re: Hello, I\'m new!

These are all great suggestions! Thanks everyone? Also, when my hair is wet or deeply conditioned, it's looks like 3 A/B hair. But once its dry, it looks like 4 A/B. Cn anyone tell me how I can retain the curl? And how can I put a pic next to my name? Thanks! Also, to answer Betty David question; the reason I don't shampoo my hair w/ weaves or extentions is because the first time had braids, I washedf it weekly. By the time I took them out, the dirt slid way in the middle of the braid and I had dreadlocks ( I only had my braids in for a month). Needless to say, that was my first big chop( I was 17). I never washed my hair during weaves or extentions since, and my hair has grown from both experiences. Also, my hair doesn't smeel from lack of washing either.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

C
Hello, I'm New Here
Replies
10
Views
1K
Janet'
Janet'
Kitamita
Aveda Smooth Infusion Or Mizani Thermasmooth
Replies
6
Views
3K
mg1979
mg1979
mrslollis
Hello i'm new here...
Replies
21
Views
2K
queenspence
queenspence
S
Hi everyone! I'm new...
Replies
18
Views
1K
jadore03
J
Nappyafro
Hello Im New
Replies
15
Views
1K
Peachtree
Peachtree
Back
Top