I can't grow my hair! (vent)

[Glib Gurl]

Just came back from getting relaxed. I went to a different stylist than I usually go to (but one I've been to before and pretty much trust). Anyways, when she was blowdrying my hair she commented that I had a lot of breakage in the top and that my hair on my left side of my head was longer than my hair on the right - now this is definitely the first time anyone has pointed that out to me. I've heard that my hair tends to be longer in the back than the front, but left from right? erplexed She asked me what I had been doing and I told her that I'd been doing a lot of slicked back styles (I thought they were "protective" styles) but when I did I usually used clips that sometimes tugged at my hair - especially when I removed them.

Why is it that everytime I go to get relaxed someone always comments like, "Uhm, what are you doign to your hair?" I'm not abusing my hair, people - honest! At least not purposely . . . . .

I was just looking at a picture of myself from college when my hair was past my shoulders. (That's when my "play auntie" was doing my hair regularly.) Since moving away from home it has just been one mess after another. I am now at just below chin-length. With my round cheeks and when ended up being a bowl-shaped hair cut, I look like Effie from Dreamgirls. Grrr!

 

[Tee]

Dont Speak Defeat. Yes You Can.

 

[klb120475]

Effie, from Dreamgirls...lol. I'm sure it's not that bad.

I know how you feel though. I get that "What are you doing to your hair" mess all the time?"

 

[preciousjewel76]

Like someone's siggy quote says (paraphrasing):

"When it comes to hair, it's not how much you make, it's how much you keep".

Your hair does grow, you just aren't retaining length for some reason. So cough up your regimen, honey! We're here to help.

 

[Glib Gurl]

Your hair does grow, you just aren't retaining length for some reason. So cough up your regimen, honey! We're here to help.

Okay. I don't have a strict routine. I usually moisturize my hair whenever I remember (which tends to be every other day before I go to sleep). I will use whatever product seems most appropriate -- lately it has been olive oil.

I roll up my hair mosts nights using rods (the soft, cushiony kind, so I can sleep). I clearly admit that I'm not always careful when rolling the hair up and taking the rollers out -- especially because I'm usually taking them out quickly because I'm running late in the morning. Generally I finger comb my hair to style the curls. When rolling in the evenings, I use a wide brush and comb to section it off.

What else.

Um, I've been washing 2 times a week. I pre-condition sometimes (again when I remember - last couple of times I used Queen Helene). I use Motions shampoo and conditioner. Then I use some Motions hair protectant before blow drying on a low setting. (I bought the IC or Tasia or whatever the name of that brand is that folks here recommended to protect my hair before blow drying or flat ironing -when I used it it just weight my hair down. I suppose I can give it another shot, though.)

I always cover my hair at night - either a silk scarf or a silk bonnett to cover the rollers.

I try to use BT every evening to help with a bald spot I have in the front of my head. I haven't been consistent, though - I see some improvement, but nothing dramatic just yet.

I don't know what else I can do differently

 

[Radianthealth]

Hi GlibGirl

Your hair will grow, you seem like you are doing the right thing for the most part. Stay positive, reading your threads really makes me want to suggest that you check out some of the Law of Attraction threads

I think they would be really helpful

 

[neenee280]

Okay. I don't have a strict routine. I usually moisturize my hair whenever I remember (which tends to be every other day before I go to sleep). I will use whatever product seems most appropriate -- lately it has been olive oil.

I roll up my hair mosts nights using rods (the soft, cushiony kind, so I can sleep). I clearly admit that I'm not always careful when rolling the hair up and taking the rollers out -- especially because I'm usually taking them out quickly because I'm running late in the morning. Generally I finger comb my hair to style the curls. When rolling in the evenings, I use a wide brush and comb to section it off.

What else.

Um, I've been washing 2 times a week. I pre-condition sometimes (again when I remember - last couple of times I used Queen Helene). I use Motions shampoo and conditioner. Then I use some Motions hair protectant before blow drying on a low setting. (I bought the IC or Tasia or whatever the name of that brand is that folks here recommended to protect my hair before blow drying or flat ironing -when I used it it just weight my hair down. I suppose I can give it another shot, though.)

I always cover my hair at night - either a silk scarf or a silk bonnett to cover the rollers.

I try to use BT every evening to help with a bald spot I have in the front of my head. I haven't been consistent, though - I see some improvement, but nothing dramatic just yet.

I don't know what else I can do differently

Do you hot curl alot?

 

[bLackButtaFly]

Okay. I don't have a strict routine. I usually moisturize my hair whenever I remember (which tends to be every other day before I go to sleep). I will use whatever product seems most appropriate -- lately it has been olive oil.

I roll up my hair mosts nights using rods (the soft, cushiony kind, so I can sleep). I clearly admit that I'm not always careful when rolling the hair up and taking the rollers out -- especially because I'm usually taking them out quickly because I'm running late in the morning. Generally I finger comb my hair to style the curls. When rolling in the evenings, I use a wide brush and comb to section it off.

What else.

Um, I've been washing 2 times a week. I pre-condition sometimes (again when I remember - last couple of times I used Queen Helene). I use Motions shampoo and conditioner. Then I use some Motions hair protectant before blow drying on a low setting. (I bought the IC or Tasia or whatever the name of that brand is that folks here recommended to protect my hair before blow drying or flat ironing -when I used it it just weight my hair down. I suppose I can give it another shot, though.)

I always cover my hair at night - either a silk scarf or a silk bonnett to cover the rollers.

I try to use BT every evening to help with a bald spot I have in the front of my head. I haven't been consistent, though - I see some improvement, but nothing dramatic just yet.

I don't know what else I can do differently

I thought Effie was cute, at least the movie version. So to me you must be looking pretty darn good.

A couple things that might help

- Stop using the clips to hold it back especially if you know you're not being careful
- You shouldn't use olive oil alone. Usually when it's used here it's to seal a moisturizer. Oils seal, they don't moisturize. Try Mizani H2O or keracare, or I'm sure some of the other ladies have some great suggestions. And don't forget ot put it in.

To me it seems like moisture and maybe protein might be what your hair is missing. Are you deep conditioning? Have you done any protein treatments. If you're having alot of breakage you might want to try new products. And try a moisturzing shampoo as well something that's made if you're having breakage issues.

Good luck and lots of hair blessings!

 

[lizjoseph]

First: Try to be consistent with moisterizing your hair and applying BT!! BT is good stuff! Also, make sure your moisterizer is water based.

Second: You didn't mention deep conditioning. I would strongly suggest doing that at least once a week.

Third: Maybe instead of a shampoo and conditon 2x a week, you co-wash one time and then the second time you do the shampoo and wash.

Also, what rollers exactly are you using? You said you use the soft cushiony ones. Do you mean the pink soft rollers from like back in the day. (Memories of when my mom used to put those in my hair... ...LOL)If so, I know alot of ladies here have said that the material it is made out of tends to dry out hair as well as make it break off since it's so rough against the hair strands.

Those are just my thoughts; however there are tons of people here far more knowledgeable than I am, so I'm sure they'll chim in and have you on the fast track to healthy hair! HTH!!

 

[Glib Gurl]

Do you hot curl alot?

Hardly ever . . . like once every 6 months or so. (This does not include when I get that done at the salon - but even that's only every other month.)

 

[WhipEffectz1]

You need to TOTALLY utilize all of the information on this forum, set up a regimen, find what works for you, and take it from there. You're definitely no stranger when it comes to asking questions sooooooo ask a couple questions on the hair forum!!!! Hair doesn't grow long overnight. You have to be patient. You will retain growth but you've got to be willing to provide that TLC that your hair so desperately needs!

 

[Aidenberry03]

Well I totally understand where you are coming from. I am the same way. Don't get me wrong, I want long, beautiful healthy hair, but I don't have a lot of time. Since I am familar with a few of the products you have, maybe I can create something easily for you to follow. Keep in mind consistancy is the key, but its easy.

Okay lets start.

Prepoo-Queen Helene Cholestrol (makes sure you leave it on for more than an hour (without heat) if you decide to use heat I am sure 30 minutes is good enough.

Shampoo-Motions Lavish Shampoo

Condition-Motions Plus Conditioner

Leave In/ Moisturizer- ? Whatever you like. I personally use the B & B Oil Moisturizer b/c I can seem to find a creamy leave in that I like. I also use the Dove Moisture Mist---I like the way it smells.

Air dry---try to cut out that hair dryer, but if you can't you do need a good heat protectant. The ones you have are fine. I prefer a spray over a serum, but its personal preference.

Daily Style----I am bunning, and it works, since you about chin length, you may need to fake it until you make it, but its worth it. Plus I dont have to do my hair everyday, more like every other day

Protein Treatment-Duo Tex is good, but if you have major breakage Aphogee is the way to go.

As far as the BT---I have this too! You need to keep it on the scalp only. I use it about 3x a week with good results. Also, make sure you moisterizer with something waterbased before you apply it, (that way the oil doesn't seal out your moisture) HTH

Do this 2x's a week
Clarify once a month-or as needed, you will be able to tell
Protein treatment---lets say if you a doing something mild like duo tex, every two weeks should be okay, make sure you deep condition (moisture) afterward.

Just came back from getting relaxed. I went to a different stylist than I usually go to (but one I've been to before and pretty much trust). Anyways, when she was blowdrying my hair she commented that I had a lot of breakage in the top and that my hair on my left side of my head was longer than my hair on the right - now this is definitely the first time anyone has pointed that out to me. I've heard that my hair tends to be longer in the back than the front, but left from right? erplexed She asked me what I had been doing and I told her that I'd been doing a lot of slicked back styles (I thought they were "protective" styles) but when I did I usually used clips that sometimes tugged at my hair - especially when I removed them.

Why is it that everytime I go to get relaxed someone always comments like, "Uhm, what are you doign to your hair?" I'm not abusing my hair, people - honest! At least not purposely . . . . .

I was just looking at a picture of myself from college when my hair was past my shoulders. (That's when my "play auntie" was doing my hair regularly.) Since moving away from home it has just been one mess after another. I am now at just below chin-length. With my round cheeks and when ended up being a bowl-shaped hair cut, I look like Effie from Dreamgirls. Grrr!

 

[Glib Gurl]

Also, what rollers exactly are you using? You said you use the soft cushiony ones. Do you mean the pink soft rollers from like back in the day. (Memories of when my mom used to put those in my hair... ...LOL)If so, I know alot of ladies here have said that the material it is made out of tends to dry out hair as well as make it break off since it's so rough against the hair strands.

No, not those things! *bad flashbacks to endpapers and pink fuzz*

I will either use these:

Or a similar roller with a cloth covering (can't find a pic online).

I would really appreciate any recommendations for a protein treatment - I don't use any.

Also, what's this about not using olive oil as a moisture sealant???

 

[Glib Gurl]

Thanks for your responses, guys. I'm wondering, though - what is an example of a water-based moisturizer?

Also, Loreal, I never thought of using Motions Plus Conditioner (which you wash out) and then using the leave-in conditioner . . . I thought it was supposed to be one or the other . . . . Hmm . . . .

 

[Divine Inspiration]

I would really appreciate any recommendations for a protein treatment - I don't use any.

This probably has contributed to the breakage.

I recommend Joico's K-Pak Reconstructor or Nexxus Keraphix for maintenance. For heavy duty stuff, I love Nexxus Emergencee.

Tomorrow, I'll be trying Nexxus Phyto Organics Enphuse for the first time. I've heard EXCELLENT things about it so you may want to consider it as well.

 

[blazingthru]

First: Try to be consistent with moisterizing your hair and applying BT!! BT is good stuff! Also, make sure your moisterizer is water based.

Second: You didn't mention deep conditioning. I would strongly suggest doing that at least once a week.

Third: Maybe instead of a shampoo and conditon 2x a week, you co-wash one time and then the second time you do the shampoo and wash.

Also, what rollers exactly are you using? You said you use the soft cushiony ones. Do you mean the pink soft rollers from like back in the day. (Memories of when my mom used to put those in my hair... ...LOL)If so, I know alot of ladies here have said that the material it is made out of tends to dry out hair as well as make it break off since it's so rough against the hair strands.

Those are just my thoughts; however there are tons of people here far more knowledgeable than I am, so I'm sure they'll chim in and have you on the fast track to healthy hair! HTH!!

I agree, you must deep condition your hair. I have no breakage, I have not had any breakage since just about after I did the BC. I wash my hair twice a week sometimes more and I condition wash just about every day. I alternate with protein conditioner and moisture conditioner. No matter what I use I follow it up with Nexxus Humectress as a rinse and then I leave some in. You can get some conditioner and use a bonnet dryer and watch tv for a while and then go rinse it out. For me its all about my comforts, if its not comfortable then I dont' want to do it and I love watching movies so I would put the conditioner in turn on a movie and watch it while I relaxer on my bed with the bonnet on my head its been wonderful for me. Now sometimes I dont' want to wet my hair twice in one day so the day before I will wash and condition it and the next day Preferably (sp) Saturday I will deep condition or protein condition it before I take my daily shower. Trust if I can grow my hair - you can grow yours. Try to come up with more styles that will not put tension on your hair. Its easy for me since I am natural and very very comforable with my hair. I wear a head band and thats it. I love that style very much. Less stress on my hair and I don't have to do anything. I even stopped watching in grow. (yeah right) Good luck. Let us know how you do. This is truly what saved my hair and got my hair to grow strong - without no breakage or damaged areas. I only trimmed once in a year.

 

[Aidenberry03]

Yes you do need some type of "leave in" I use a moisturizer because it works the best. But there are all kinds protein based, moisture based, creamy, liquid, whatever your hair wants. I believe you need to use something extra b/c you rinse out the conditioner

 

[Glib Gurl]

Yes you do need some type of "leave in" I use a moisturizer because it works the best. But there are all kinds protein based, moisture based, creamy, liquid, whatever your hair wants. I believe you need to use something extra b/c you rinse out the conditioner

After applying the leave-in conditioner, would I then follow up with another moisturizer?

 

[Aidenberry03]

well you can do a few several things. this all depends on what your hair likes

----seal with oil ( i see you like olive oil)
----apply a moisturizer-----i do this, i have very dry hair, keep in mind I do an air dried bun so by doing this, i dont have to moisturize for a day or two
----apply a serum ( does the same thing as an oil, or you can use a heat protectant serum and have your "protection' 2 in 1
----put more leave ins in(a lot of ladies use more that one for different purposes)

 

[Aidenberry03]

you can use some rinse out conditioners as leave ins too (hey I am cheap)

 

[lizjoseph]

You can check the ingredients list and the first thing should be water. Avoid moisterizers that contain petrolemn and/ or mineral oil.Som examples of water baed mositerzers are:

Profective Mega Growth Hair Lotion
BB Moisterizer/ Hair Lotion (I know a few ladies here enjot that)
Organic Root Stimulator Hair Lotion

Thanks for your responses, guys. I'm wondering, though - what is an example of a water-based moisturizer?

Also, Loreal, I never thought of using Motions Plus Conditioner (which you wash out) and then using the leave-in conditioner . . . I thought it was supposed to be one or the other . . . . Hmm . . . .

 

[Kimberly]

Everyone gets frustrated sometimes, I'm sure. But you can't give up. Come whenever you feel frustrated...

{{{hugs}}}

I really couldn't offer any more hair advice than you've already gotten...