HELP! Newbie here :-)

[Bellarisa]

Howdy all,

I'm Bella

. I've been trying to grow out my 'fro for several years now, but always end up damaging my poor hair with either a bad braid job or a bad home-texturizer. Last fall was the LAST time I will ever put chemicals in, I used a texturizer and went from a nice 5-inch fro to a rather heinous looking 2 inches of sadness

. I did a big chop in February, down to about 1/2 to 1 inch all around, and once that got a bit longer I put in braids in March. I just removed the braids yeaterday (too long, I know.) As of today it's about 3-4 inches, my goal is to grow it another 3 or 4 by the end of the year. This morning I began a regimen of Twinlab Hair formula plus MSM and primrose oil, along with my usual multi-vitamin and flaxeed oil (which I will be more diligent in taking daily).

I have a few questions, hope you kind folks can help:

A) how do you know if extensions (medium not micro) are harming your hair? It seems that sometimes it protects and I have a lovely 'fro after they're removed, while other times it's thin and fragile afterward.

B) How do you handle an itchy, non-dandruff scalp? My scalp itches constantly when my hair is growing the fastest, and I know that the scratching I do cuts up my scalp and hurts my hair.

Any help will be most appreciated, thank you!!

Bellarisa

 

[Keen]

For the itch try using an anti-itch scalp spray like sulfur8 for braids and as for the damaging ends, many ladies in here recommend not to leave extensions on for more then 5 weeks and to wash at least once a week.

There are some good post on maintaining braids so try to such the forum.

 

[SingingStar12]

Welcome to LHCF! I have no experience with extensions, but sulfur 8 has helped with my itching.

 

[henrilou]

Oh. first I would tell you that if individual braids are not the MOST protective style you can find. (IMO they seem to SHRED the hair. unless you are VERY vigilant.)From what I read, your hair needs some nursing back to health. If you are not prepared to style it I would suggest a full weave (the sew-in kind only) Also do not leave it in ANY longer that 2.5 months. Longer and you are destroying your hairs' health due to growth and matting. The best alternative is to not braid/weave but leave it out and try some protective styling and a good hair care regimen. I know that many (most) think that washing often is a good thing, and it is. But if you're a TANGLE-monster like me, your wet hair is fragile and will break with rough comb-outs, so keep washing to a minimum. I also found that petroleum just sits on my hair like the vaseline it is and that oils really make the difference.
LASTLY (and I'm on a roll here) vitamins DO WORK. And since your hair is short you'll really notice the difference pretty quickly as your hair grows out. But you have to take them everyday, because "every now and then" is a waste of time. (taking a breath) good luck.

 

[carletta]

some people can't do the braid thing. if you have major breakage with braids then I would't suggest you do them, although "some" shedding is expected with them. your other choice is putting your hair in a bun so you aren't tampering with it (hair) constantly. If you really want to do the braid thing I suggest you go here www.growafrohairlong.com -this site has helped me grow my hair with braids and keep my lenght. HAPPY GROWING