Help...I have taken my braids out.

[PeopleTalkDaily]

Ok Guys:
I said today I would have pictures to post up of my hair. I took pictures of my hair scalp and everything took it to be developed and of course they took those out.. Well at least they wasn't included so I can't wait any longer I am going to have to do it again with a digital camera.

Ok this is my issues...I just need to know where to start...I am anxious and need help..So let's get into this..Well my girlfriend took my braids out for me yesterday and it took me no time because she cut them down to where my hair was-She said I was pretending to have hair..LOL Back in Feb./March I mean it was probably about an inch due to the fact my hair was so badly damage it had to be chopped off. I have been wearing the weave since around Christmas time. The only section have I had a perm a in my hair was a square area in the front to cover the tracks. The last time I have had the front permed was in Feb. This is where the issues begin....
WE took the braids out(I brought Scurl stuff- I thought I saw somewhere that it helps with taking out briads) My girlfriend laughed at me and was like that mess don't work) and my edges are horrible most of them are gone..First question is what can I do about that?

Next we washed my hair with Suave Apple Shampoo-We then put Dudley's hair repair in my hair and then we blew dried my hair out. (painful) Not much of my hair came out-I think about the size of a golf ball or maybe smaller. Did I mention she is licensed to do hair and has been doing it for years? I was asking what type of hair did I have and she said I had medium texture and didn't I need a detangler and she was like no the dudley stuff works just as well. I didn't sit under a dryer or anything..I left that in my hair for about 20 minutes. After blow drying my hair she told me she could bump my hair with the curlers so it would loook straight. We did that it actually came out looking nice..We put very little oil in my hair. We did a flip style.. I know beggers can't be picky and I know I don't know much but I mean dayum I don't feel like my questions were answered and I didn't want to be a pest because she was doing it for free..Oh yeah she told me my hair was about three-four inches so when I cut it off in Feb/Mar. I think it was about one inch.. I also noticed when she was using the curls to do my hair my ends were really hard at the end. I had a color put in my hair that made my hair turn red that was another reason I had to cut it but it's on my ends now and almost out. What is causing my ends to be this hard. She did cut them and she told me i would have to keep cutting them until the color is completely off my ends. It's not that much left. I also asked her can we do the twist in my hair since it's been some time since i have a perm and she said in the front where I did have a perm over two months or more ago she said I had to wait because it wouldn't hold..Oh yeah she also told me my hair was knotting up when we were combing and blow drying because my hair was over processed? I haven't had a perm and she told me that's what was causing it and a detangler wouldn't of helped it..

As of last Saturday I started taking..Multi-Vitamin,Biotin and MSM Powder(1 tsp. in the morning)

So my questions to the board is the following...Gosh I hope someone has patience to read all of this...

What can I start using on my edges?
Can MTG be of help to me?
What type of shampoo/conditor would be good for my hair?
Should I incorporate the leave in conditor as well?
Should I have used a detangler?
Should i incorporate one?
What are causing my ends to be hard as a rock?
Do you think I need to cut them for the next few weeks?

I have read a lot of stuff on the board and have even started my notebook but I am one of those people that have to ask questions to make sure I understand. I normally have other people take care of my hair and I just trying to learn the basic myself. I noticed when I was getting my hair done every week it grew out really long before and I was so happy..

I just hate the way my hair is..I just don't have any confidence and I am sick of this..I want my hair back..I think I am going to change my name to I want my hair back..LOL

I have attached some pics..
One is before and one is after...

 

[MizaniMami]

What can I start using on my edges?
Personally, I never tried any growth aids but some ladies swear by MTG/Castor oil/MN (monitrate, heck I dunno lol). But personally when my sides thinned badly, I just gave them extra TLC. I gave them extra everything. Extra conditioner when conditioning, extra moisture when moisturizing, and treated them like silk.

Can MTG be of help to me?
Never tried MTG, but a lot of ladies have success with this. Maybe you should do a board search on MTG

What type of shampoo/conditor would be good for my hair?
Personally, anything moisturizing, I think would help. Keracare Detangling poo/Humecto conditioner or Creme of Nature shampoo/Humectress conditioner are very good to me. Make sure you deep conditioner (under a cap for 30 with heat or up to an hour without heat)

Should I incorporate the leave in conditor as well?
In my opnion a leave-in is crucial. but what I found was best was using some of my deep conditioner as a leave-in, works like a million bucks

Should I have used a detangler?
I think you should of. A detangler works on many diff. types of hair whether you need a relaxer or not!

Should i incorporate one?
Only if you need it. I know I had really bad troubles wit tangles but once I found a detangling poo/con the troubles ended.

What are causing my ends to be hard as a rock?
Lack of moisture, what do you use to moisturize your hair daily?

Do you think I need to cut them for the next few weeks?
No, it is up to you. I think you can nurse your hair back to health. But you have to do a lot of reading from this board. The ladies here will be able to help you.

Hey Girl, I answered your questions and bolded my answers. I hope someone here can give you better assistance because I am not too familiar with braids. But as I stated with you I would improve my moisture in my regimen. Find a moisturizing poo/con and a moisturizer to start off with. Good luck and welcome to the boards.

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

MizaniMami-thanks so much..I am printing everything everyone sends me in this tread..

Since I have just taken my braids out yesterday I haven't really put anything in my hair. I want to do this the right way..

Since I don't want to put any heat or anything to my hair I wanted to get twist with my hair. She(my girlfriend) told me It wouldn't hold b/c of perm still in the square in the front. I just want to get a style or something that will last me from week to week and just go about my bizness.

I will do a search on MTG and see what is what with that..

I am also taking my vitamins so hopefully that will help as well..

I just feel bold headed and hate it..

 

[MizaniMami]

MizaniMami-thanks so much..I am printing everything everyone sends me in this tread..

Since I have just taken my braids out yesterday I haven't really put anything in my hair. I want to do this the right way..

Since I don't want to put any heat or anything to my hair I wanted to get twist with my hair. She(my girlfriend) told me It wouldn't hold b/c of perm still in the square in the front. I just want to get a style or something that will last me from week to week and just go about my bizness.

I will do a search on MTG and see what is what with that..

I am also taking my vitamins so hopefully that will help as well..

I just feel bold headed and hate it..

You are ANYTHING BUT bald-headed. Don't worry about it. Your hair will grow back more beautiful than ever! Just listen to these ladies when they say, NO heat, moisturize, deep condition, and did I say moisturize! lol

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

thanks
I feel a lil better.I just know I have a big ole forehead and want my hair back..LOL

I just need to find a style that I can do and go. I don't want to press my hair every week..I want to just twist or something. I don't want to be looking crazy..LOL

My goal which I need to change is in Augst be able to get this strong engouh to weave back up..

I am going to listen..I am going to listen good..I got my note pad out and ready to go to spend..LOL

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

Looking at this before and after again..

I don't know what I am going to do with my head..
Can I have some of yours..LOL

 

[hopeful]

Well I don't have any advice but I just wanted to tell you to be encouraged. You have a pretty face and your hair is nowhere near bald-headed. Bless the hair you have and look forward to length and health you will get. Listen to these smart ladies on here, be consistent and stay positive. I wish you all the best.

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

Thanks-I will be thankful for what I have and keep striving for more..

I know I will learn a lot here...I have seen results.

 

[crlsweetie912]

Girl, you be thankful. There are lots of women who would love to have hair your length. I don't think that the twists would hold either, but it wouldn't hurt to try it! I am using MTG right now and I am having good results! I agree with what the other ladies have said. I think you are having a bad case of hair envy. Happy Growing!

 

[Radianthealth]

What can I start using on my edges?
I had the same problem from braids. In addition to treating my hairline with TLC. I use the growth serum from Organic Root Stimulator. I have used castor oil and a mixture of different oils and sulfur powder on my edges. I am still waiting to see results. I started a grow healthy hairline challenge a few days back. I will give updates periodically if you want to join feel free to do so.

Can MTG be of help to me?
It may, for me I didn't see the amazing growth others saw and I got sick of the smell and oiliness. I make my own sulfur oil with the same sulfur powder that is in MTG. Still haven't seen any extreme results. I haven't placed it on my never use again list but I am going to see how I do without it.

What type of shampoo/conditor would be good for my hair?
I like using Organic Root Stimulator Uplifiting Shampoo, their Olive Oil Shampoo for dry hair, and Pantene Clarifying shampoo to Clarify from all the stuff I put in my hair to make my relaxer stretch.

I really like VO5s Strawberry & Cream conditioner. This is what I use when I do my moisturizing conditioning. I use UBH conditioner for protein and Organic Root Stimulator Conditioner in the little yellow pack for moisture and the hair mayonaise for conditioner. I am looking at switching to Africa's Best which seems to be the generic version of ORS

Should I incorporate the leave in conditor as well?
Yes, I rotate mine depending on what my hair is doing. I like UBH (Cathy Howse) Moisturizer and dew, Africa's Best hair grease (no petrolatum or mineral oil) Jamaican Mango and Lime leave in, S-Curl texturizer spray and gel (These smell better) Infusium 23, and African Royale Braid Spray. I am still looking for a good cream moisturizer the carrot oil from Organic Root Stimulator makes my hair feel oily and stringy

Should I have used a detangler?
If you want I conditioner wash this detangles for me. I only comb while wet, no brushing or blow drying

Should i incorporate one?
If you want

What are causing my ends to be hard as a rock?
Could be inadequate protein moisture balance

Do you think I need to cut them for the next few weeks?
No..try to nurse it back to health, and wear protective styles, moisturize twice per day.

 

[KathyMay]

What can I start using on my edges? Sulfur 8 grease and or WGO

Can MTG be of help to me? Yes it is good for growth if you can tolerate the smell

What type of shampoo/conditor would be good for my hair? When I take my braids I do I pre poo with EVOO and Elasta QP DPR11 just a tiny bit to sit on my ends, then I shampoo with Nexxuss Therappe or Botanoil, wash out do treatment with Nexxus Emergence and then deep condition with Silicon Mix.

Should I incorporate the leave in conditor as well? Depends on how the hair feels after deep conditioning

Should I have used a detangler? Yes especially blow drying new growth

Should i incorporate one? Yes

What are causing my ends to be hard as a rock? Not deep conditioning??

Do you think I need to cut them for the next few weeks? I am not sure

HTH. Take care

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

i wonder if I can every do braids again?
I just want my hair to not be touched..I hope I can get it stronger to do something else by August..

LOL-I will walk around with stinky hair to get my hair back to the picture by my name..

Call me stinky MTG and WGO...LOL

I guess it would be bad to press it every week..I gotta find some other styles or maybe I can just roll it up and do it that way..

 

[Radianthealth]

If you want you can try crown and glory method with a gently sew in weave. Leave your edges out and take care of the hair underneath (cornrows) by spritzing 1-2 times per day and washing 1-2 times per week. Use the treatments (Castor Oil, Wild Growth Oil, Sulfur Oil or MTG, or Organic Root Stimulator Serum) on your hairline until your hairline is strong enough again for braids. I think the reason why weaves have such a bad rap is because people haven't cared for the hair underneath.

I will be getting a weave in about a weak with the first inch or 2 in the front left out for my wedding and honeymoon. I will wear headbands and experiment with different styles. This should make it easy to style, avoid sun dammage, swim, and look somewhat glamorous while still nurturing my hair with good products.

www.growafrohairlong.com is the website for the crown and glory method.

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

I have been there..
I think I am going to hold off until the end of July begining of August..I am going to try and build my hair up first.

I am going to Miami and would prefer to do braids vs the weave but if I can get a hang of taking care of my hair with the basics it would be ok.

Girl enjoy yourself on the honeymoon...Post some pics..

I think our hair is the same...I think you are going to be my twin head..LOL

 

[meek&quietspirit]

Don't leave your braids in too long. Also, when you take them out, be extremely gentle with your hair because it can be very fragile.

Your hair IS growing. You would never need a touch-up if it didn't.

I want to encourage you because, in 2003, my hair was barely touching my nape area. It is now bra strap length.

So, keep following this site. You will find what works for you.

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

Cheesin' hard....OK

I only leave braids in for about a month..No long than that..
But see in the past I never really kept it mositurized..I just up and go but now I know..

I have my books of notes..LOL

 

[Jaelin]

I think you could try the twists but you would need a gel or beeswax. I never did them when I was relaxed but once I started to texturize, I used beeswax to get my twists to hold. And when I would get them done professionally they used some sort of dark brown gel. Now that I'm all natural, I don't need to use wax or gel anymore. I wouldn't just buy any gel though, since the relaxed portions could be overprocessed, a gel with too much protein might cause problems.

It depends on how your hair responds I guess, but I don't think you should put any sort of stress on the edges. I have never done weaves, how easy would it be to massage the scalp and apply product to it, and not mess up the style? I ask because I think you should try putting on something for the edges and also massage the area daily or several times daily. I have used surge, mtg, temple balm and lenzi's request on my trouble spots. They have all worked to a degree, and right now I am sticking to mtg and lenzi's request because I apply them less frequently than the others and still get the same and better results. When my mtg runs out in a few weeks, I think I'll try mn before restocking the mtg. The results that I see people getting from it are too intriguing.

In terms of the vitamins, it could take a month or two before you start to notice any difference.

 

[PeopleTalkDaily]

The twist sound good but i am so mad that the front may not take. I am going to try it though because everything else is natural expect for a smal square in the front..

I mean it looks as if I have a perm but I didn't perm it and really don't plan on perming it at all.

Thanks..

 

[kandegirl]

What can I start using on my edges? MTG, Doo Gro (has worked for others),or Pure Shea Butter (helped me)
Can MTG be of help to me? I've seen it thicken up hair
What type of shampoo/conditor would be good for my hair? I use Creme of Nature Shampoo, Suave Clarifying Shampoo (when I take my braids out), Le Kair Cholestrol Conditioner w/ olive oil
Should I incorporate the leave in conditor as well? f Yes, try NTM Creamy Leave in or Salerm
Should I have used a detangler? Try to detangle while the conditioner is in your hair, if that doesn't help then you may need one
Should i incorporate one? maybe
What are causing my ends to be hard as a rock? Not enough moisture and oil to seal your ends
Do you think I need to cut them for the next few weeks? I say condition your hair first then see.

I'd say deep conditioner your hair and try cornrows with the hair feed in so your edges will be o.k. And spray your hair with braid spray and infusium while they are in to rebuild your hair. It helps not to see your hair everyday if your not sure whether your ready to cut/trim it yet.