Hi, I'm New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

[JenJen2721]

Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

/images/graemlins/newbie.gifI just want to say that you guys are SO awesome with your wealth of knowledge on hair care. I'm going to make my 1st post a short one because I'm at work (hee hee), but on Jan. 9th of this year, I had to get my hair cut really short due to damage. I am going through a vicious cycle of growing hair and then having to start all over again. My major problem in the past has been too much heat. The reason for the cut this last time was that my coat was rubbing against my hair which caused a lot of breakage in the back of my hair. I now know to use a silk scarf to line my coat.. anyway I'm hoping you guys can get me back on the right track /images/graemlins/driver.gif to growing my hair and keeping it on my head. /images/graemlins/whyme.gif Can you recommend a good shampoo and moisturizing conditioner?

I also got a relaxer on the 9th (Affirm) so should I use a protein conditioner or a moisturizing conditioner?

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated!

Thx in advance!
Jen

 

[Cleo]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

JenJen, I would use both. The protein will help strengthen your hair making it stronger after the use of the alkaline relaxer which is damaging to the hair's cuticle. It is always best to follow a protein conditioner/treatment with a moisturizing conditioner as proteins tends to make the hair dry and sometimes brittle. After this wash I would continue to deep condition on a weekly basis and use a good moisturizing conditioner whenever you wash your hair. /images/graemlins/antlers.gif

 

[pebbles]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Hi JenJen,

Welcome to the board! /images/graemlins/smile.gif If you use the Affirm, then you probably had a protein treatment done at the time of the relaxer. I would hold off until about 4 weeks to do another one, unless your hair is still breaking.

Cream of nature Shampoo for dry/damaged hair is very good. You can also try ORS Hair Mayonnaise on a weekly basis for deep conditioning treatments. Keeping your hair moisturized is key to keeping it on your head. Good Luck!! /images/graemlins/wave.gif

 

[nita4]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Welcome to the board Jen Jen!!! You can also go back and do a "search" on favorite shampoos and/or conditioners for recommendations. Good Luck!!
/images/graemlins/dance7.gif

 

[sweetcocoa]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Welcome! /images/graemlins/wave.gif I agree with the others about how to use a protein and moisturizing conditioner. Creme of Nature is a good shampoo. That was my first one when I was just getting started on keeping my hair healthy. I went through 2 more and now I'm sticking to Elucence shampoo and the conditoner. As for a protein one( which I don't do as often anymore since I'm completely natural) I really liked Motion's CPR(mixed with a little olive oil).

 

[hairfanatic]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Hi JenJen,

Welcome /images/graemlins/newbie.gif! We definately can put you on the right track.

A lot of members on the board swear by:

Motions Shampoo
Motions Conditioner
Cholesteral Conditioners
Cream of Nature
ORS Mayonnaise
Infusium Leave In spray
Elucense Shampoo
Elucense Conditioner

There are a lot more that I can't think of off the top of my head...but I guarantee you will get more suggestions! /images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[brownrelaxedhair]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Hey Jen,

Read the post entitled 'Out of all the products you bought last year' which gives a concise listing of fave shampoos and conditioners this board uses and likes or dislikes (and the reasons why for some too).

You'll find some consistent thumbs up products running through alot of them and it'll just give a 'one stop' snap shot of what alot of girls here, me included, like using.

That may help alot /images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[JenJen2721]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Guys, thanks for the love. It has really been a blessing to find this board. I was so depressed this last time I had to get my hair cut. I really thought I was making progress...anyway, I just spent literally 2 hours going through all the previous posts here and still have lots to read!!! /images/graemlins/bookworm.gif

There were a lots of things here that I just didn't know. Also visited the site www.longhair.org and it was right on point about "traditional salons"! I look at this as a fresh start and hope to have 6 inches (at least) of healthy growth by the end of the year. Right now my hair is not long enough to curl in the back and sides. So wish me luck! I'm going to try to do the picturetrail thing so you guys can see my progress.

Thanks again!
Jen

 

[AmilLion]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Welcome to the board.

As far as shampoos, I really enjoy Elucence and Arosci. The Arosci I find is very moisturizing for my hair and it smells quite delicious.

For protein Conditioner, I use Motions CPR every other week followed by Mizani Moisturfuse. The other week, I use only the Moisturfuse.

I follow my moisturfuse with a dominician rinse to additionally help with detangling and smoothing.

After I spray my hair with Arosci Leave in condition, roller set and dry under a cool setting. Viola!.

 

[LondonDiva]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

JenJen Welcome to the board.

were you using a lye or a no lye relaxer with the affirm brand?

 

[JenJen2721]

Re: Hi, I\'m New..need help out of this vicious cycle>>

Hi LondonDiva /images/graemlins/wave.gif,
I'm sorry I didn't see your last post until today. Honestly, I don't know if it was lye or no-lye. I'll ask when I go back. Are hairdressers usually receptive to switching from no-lye to lye or do they usually try to talk you out of it? /images/graemlins/orders.gif

I would really, really like to find a good hairdresser here in the St. Louis area (or even Chicago). Are any posters here from either city?