HI EVERYONE!!! And...HELP PLEASE!!!

[BlackDiamond21]

Hi everyone! I am new here just found this site last week (SO EXCITED TO BE HERE!!!) and I am looking to become a hairstylist/salon owner w/in the next five years. My goal for myself and for other women of color is to help them obtain healthy hair with length.

I originate from MN and moved to NY about 6 years ago where I have been introduced to Dominican style of doing hair. I thank them for their regiment in helping me grow out my hair from about a T-Boz cut to the length it is now. I was into getting mircobraids but noticed how they pulled my hair around the edges leaving me with balding spots (NOT CUTE ). Thankfully it has all grown back.

I have been adamently growing out my hair for about 3+ years.

My hair:
I do not know all the codes yet so please excuse me for listing this out:
Color: 4
Length:almost bra strap in a V cut
Scalp: Dry
Texture: W/o relaxer - THICK & KINK-AY!!! W/relaxer fine and medium

My reg:
(BTW...I have hair that eats up moisture and I used to have very flaky scalp. Luckily due to my hair creame I don't have that problem anymore)
1x/week wash with moisture rich shampoo: Currently Aussie Moist
Deep condition or hot oil treatment every other week with: Aveda Deep Penetraiting Hair Revitalizer and a hot oil they give at salon; forgot name and I just bought last weekend a hair mask that I used it was wonderful but of course I forgot the name of that too. Sorry erplexed
Before being roller set apply: Matrix Sleek Styling Creame
After being roller set under a dryer to my scalp I apply:Soft & Beautiful Botanicals 3 in 1
On my hair shaft and ends: Take some of the 3 in 1, rub together on hands and then run through hair and ends.
Then I wrap it almost every night (luckily there has not been any thinning in my hair)
Relaxer: Switch between Optima and S&B Botanicals No-Lye Sensitive Scalp Regular every 6-8 weeks.

My GOAL:
1. I want to have my hair be thicker after relaxers. Downside, I feel that once I relax it, it is so bone straight, there is no thickness/body left in it. However the upside is I can slide a comb through it like a breeze.

2. Control my breaking. As far as shedding I don't have a lot but breakage I do have.

3. Control my split ends. Since doing Domincan style of hair upkeep, I RARELY use my curling iron. However I notice that my ends get so dry so quick and they do split.

4. Use moisture rich products without weighing down my hair

5. Length, of course!!!

Now you know a little about me, can you help me please??? Here are what I see are my problems or places I would like some guidance, advice, assistance, etc.

My Issues:
1. I read the protein/moisture thread and I am still not sure why exactly my hair breaks? I was so confused... is there a simplier way to break it down for a novice like me?

2. Is brushing bad for your hair? I picked up bits and pieces from here that it may not be recommended.

3. a. How do I manage my hair while trying to lengthen the time between relaxers? For me, after 6-7 weeks and I try to come through my hair it breaks all over the place.
b. Is lengthening really the thing to do for me? My hair rebels so badly w/o a touch-up. You slap some white cream in there and it is my best friend again.

Sidenote: This past relaxer was terrible... I was washing it at home w/o oiling my scalp during week 5 & 6 and it thicked up to the point pulling a comb through it hurt and also caused hair all over the floor. My ends, despite adding oil and mositurisers to it, looked like i put my hand in a light socket. By the time I made it to the salon not only was I getting a relaxer early, my scalp was burned from being so dry. I find that if I keep it well moisturized I don't burn at all. (I understand the applicator doing the relaxer maybe at fault however I don't believe any stylist can put a relaxer on someone and not have it touch the scalp. For me it has been about the condition of the scalp more than the persons capability in applying it.) So now I have to really deep condition my hair to make up for the "dry spell" I put it through. My stylist is ready to whoop my behind!

4. How could I ever maintain an at home wash/cond regiment without destroying my hair? I see a lot of women on here do that. It works for me during week 1-4 of my relaxer but after that, its just a mess.

5. I work in a very corporate business professional enviroment and want ideas on style to "protect my hair" however I am not trying to go up in here looking like the hood rat from up the block! Personally, I cannot do the ponytail thing, as my hair breaks in ponys. I use ouchless cloth type of hair bands and I notice if I put them in day after day, my hair breaks. And I really don't want to do a weave. So do you have any ideas for me that look professional?

I know this is alot of info... Blame it on my excitement, wanting to learn and to treat my hair better! I can't wait to hear from you!

THANK YOU for reading all this!

 

[CalJay]

HI!

I'm new too! YOu had a very detail list there! LOL thats great though at least you have a good idea of what is going on and all that. I, however, DONT... All I know is Im ready to get my hair back into shape! I guess I can say welcome as well! Even though I have just started actually posting!

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

Welcome to the board and there is a wealth of info that people have posted so hopefully you can find something that works for you. Right of the top of my head, i would say the baggy thingie that i do every so often...i think it might help you as well. I don't wet my hair, nor put any conditioners or oil on it. I simply add a dab of daily moisturizer, then i'll ponytail my hair and put a baggy on the ponytail. i usually do this on the weekends when i'm lazying around the house. when i take it out, my hair is very moisturized and seems thicker. It lasts for maybe 2 or 3 days...i do this when my hair is super dry. and as far as stretching relaxers...the only way i am able to do this without breakage is using heat. I blow out my roots so that they aren't hard to comb thru. I've decided that 10weeks is enough for me... And as far as protein/moisture balance... unfortunately each persons hair responds differently to everything so its gonna be a matter of trial and error for you. Just keep it basic, find a daily moisturizer and oil, find a conditioning poo and a clarifying poo, find a moisturizing conditioner, and find a light protein cond and a heavy protein cond. Use the heavy protein cond maybe like every 5 weeks, and then use the moisturizing cond after every wash, and use the light protein after every other wash (followed by moisturizing cond). this is the general idea... But then again, you are at BSL so maybe i should be asking you for tips, young lady! well those are all the tips that i have for you! Welcome to the board, much success to your salon you are opening. and happy hair growing!

 

[BlackDiamond21]

Hi CJ! Thanks for the welcome and welcome to you as well!!! We as newbies I think can welcome one another... lol Hopefully we both can reach our goals and post some of the amazing pics I have seen on here!!!

Mrs. M - Thank you for the baggie tip! I honestly thought it was for semi-wet hair only; glad to know it can be done dry as well. I will give the blow drying regiment a try for the roots. I used to get it done from root to tip the couple weeks before the relaxer but then my ends paid the cost of that. So I stopped all together. Also I am going tonite to look for light and heavy protein cond and a clarifying poo. I forgot to metion that another conditioner of mine is Pantene Relaxed and Natural Conditioner... LOVE IT!! Highly recommend!!! Left my hair so soft and shiny. My bf was very impressed. BTW, your pics look awesome!!! Inspiring for sure!

If anyone else wants to leave feedback, please do! I look forward to hearing from you!

 

[BlackDiamond21]

BUMP... looking for more feedback!

 

[secretdiamond]

Welcome!! You seem very excited to be here and that's great!

As for strecthing, try to do most of your combing when your conditioner is in or while rinsing the conditioner under the shower. This should help avoid breakge when your hair is dry.

Now for your problem with the ponytails, Sistaslick gave the great idea of using pantyhose that you cut up yourself to make ponytail holders. If they have lycra in it, it's better as your hair doesn't snag and it is smoother. I've tried it and I love it for higher ponytails.

OR you can try jaw clips to hold in your ponytail. This is what I always do and I've been getting NO breakage. They look sorta like this and hold ALL of my hair in so well for lower ponytails/buns (like at my nape):

It's from scunci (love their products). They look small here, but they really do hold thicker hair in tightly. HTH.

 

[tenderheaded]

Welcome to the fold You've covered a lot of ground in your first post - but everything won't come together for you at once!

For corporate styles - have you tried a french twist? It works very well and can go from the office to an elegant black tie affair with style. Also, a self contained bun - smooth back your hair twist it around itself and secure with a few pins.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Mestiza]

It's been almost 8 months since I last used a relaxer on my hair b/c I'm going natural. CO Washes and very moisturizing shampoo, Breakthru, has helped to make it a breeze. So, you may want to give the CW, in particular, a shot.

Some people don't like using a brush, however, it's been working fine for me. BTW, I use a boar bristle brush.

Wearing your hair in a bun may be a great option for you. It's a protective style, if that's what you want, and looks very professional, also.

HTH