I am beyonf through with my hair,i did the vitamin taking thing, i did the no heat, i did the conditioner washes, i did the protein treatments, reconstructive treatments, intensive moisturizers....NOTHING WORKS,my hair has a serious breakage problem. Even if I dont touch it, it breaks like crazy, it's worse now because I have some rough new growth and the difference in textures is causing breakage, but dang it, its only 3 weeks post touch up i refuse to put any more chemicals in this soon. My hair is dry and drittle and splitting and every other thing hair can possibly do to himder health and growth...and BTW, I tried sealing my ends with vasaline the other day.....they came out dry abd raggedy. Ladies, I think im going to make an appointment and just get the mess cut or get a wig or something. I was crying earlier and first thing tomorrow, I am scheduling a consulation with at least 3 stylists to see what they say.. Im gonna even take pics with my webcam so you can see how distressed my hair is.....ok off to cry again.
I GIVE UP ON THIS STUPID SH.......
- Thread starter CheerBear
- Start date
itismehmmkay
Well-Known Member
hey girly...
I'd say...cut it!!!
If you're cool with the wig thing...go for it!
If you're cool with the braid thing...go for it!
Cut it and let it grow out natural until it's at a length that you can flatiron and wear out.
Whatever the case, it sounds like you just need to start over.
krys
I'd say...cut it!!!
If you're cool with the wig thing...go for it!
If you're cool with the braid thing...go for it!
Cut it and let it grow out natural until it's at a length that you can flatiron and wear out.
Whatever the case, it sounds like you just need to start over.
krys
bellydancer
New Member
I say cut it too! My hair was suffering from breakage when i had a relaxer and i went natural. It grew sooooooo much when it was natural. And this board will help you threw it all.
perfectpeace
Member
I'm sorry you are feeling this way. When I was lurking on the boards, before I became a member, my hair was in the same condition. I think part of the problem was that I became my own stylist at that time and really did not know what my stylist's routine was for my hair. I could not name one product she put in my hair. So when I took over, I was introducing my hair to new shampoos, conditioners, etc., and my hair did not like it or just was not used to it these new chemicals, etc. I switched changed relaxers.
Are you in the same situation? Was someone else previously doing your hair and did you recently take over?
It takes a while to find a hair routine. As a matter of fact, some say that you can expect shedding and breakage when switching products.
I think it is a good idea that you are going to see a consultant. This will give you some peace of mind if she is a good one--she/he will give you a good trim and will bring your hair back to proper condition. One thing I would suggest is to ask what products she is using on your hair. This way, in between the visits, you can follow the same course. (If she is reluctant to share this information, this is not the stylist for you. I simply never asked; I never thought I'd be doing my own hair in the future.)
Good luck. I know your hair will turn around.
Are you in the same situation? Was someone else previously doing your hair and did you recently take over?
It takes a while to find a hair routine. As a matter of fact, some say that you can expect shedding and breakage when switching products.
I think it is a good idea that you are going to see a consultant. This will give you some peace of mind if she is a good one--she/he will give you a good trim and will bring your hair back to proper condition. One thing I would suggest is to ask what products she is using on your hair. This way, in between the visits, you can follow the same course. (If she is reluctant to share this information, this is not the stylist for you. I simply never asked; I never thought I'd be doing my own hair in the future.)
Good luck. I know your hair will turn around.
I'm too scared to go natural, i keep thinking ill just look really ugly. And Bellydancer, how do you do it, im type 4a/4b and I remember when I was younger, it was such a hassle for my mom or anyone else to deal with. I may try to transition, I'm too much of a punk to make a super big chop. If i could learn how to, or find someone who could take good care of relaxed hair, i would much rather get a short cut and then go from there. I just dont get it though...I had a foolish "hairdresser" when i was younger who would ALWAYS put relaxer alllllllll througout my hair and it was never anything wrong with it, no I cant even comb the monkeys**t without getting a hand and comb full of hair everyday. It's not always like this though, imy hair goes through periods like this.
Isis
New Member
Don't give up yet! It looks like you're fairly new to this board and it may take some time for certain changes to show up. About the dryness, there is always a solution to dry, breaking hair without having to cut it all off (unless you really want to).
First, here's a hug.
I remember being frustrated to tears in the past over my hair. Please tell us your current regime so we can assist you along with your stylists.
First, here's a hug.
Isis
New Member
Besides an underactive thyroid, an iron defiency can cause the same problems - dry, brittle, breaking hair no matter what else you do or what you put on it. I suffered and cried about this before finally going to a doctor and learning I was anemic. In my case, taking iron corrected my hair situation within days. I agree with Soulchild, you may want to check with your doctor and see if there could be any internal problems.
bellydancer
New Member
I had a hairdresser that was the same way! I just got fed up and grew it out with braids. After two year all the permed hair eventually broke off. LOL but that was before I found this board! You won't be ugly wit it. You're going to think I'm full of sh*t for saying this, but working a style is all about attitude! The first time a sported an afro puff I was self concious then the second time I felt sexy (and got some hollas too! lol) Look at AFashionSlave's picture album. Baby girl be putting a hurtin on some natural styles. If you don't want to go natural you don't have to. There are PLENTY of other options. Just ask around the board. Natural, relaxed, texturized! There are a WHOLE lotta chicks running round here with healthy hair of all kinds.
sassygirl125
Professional PJ
If your hair is as damaged as you say it is and your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, you should cut off the damaged hair and start over. You can clip off a little at a time. And you don't have to go natural forever if you don't want to. But I'd lay off the chemicals for at least six months and then start over with a new head of healthy hair.
That was my original plan after my last disasterous touch-up. When I saw that my natural hair wasn't as awful as I'd imagined I decide to kick the relaxer to the curb. I think I'm one of those people whose hair does not thrive with a relaxer... Even after discovering hair boards, my relaxed hair didn't look that great.
That was my original plan after my last disasterous touch-up. When I saw that my natural hair wasn't as awful as I'd imagined I decide to kick the relaxer to the curb. I think I'm one of those people whose hair does not thrive with a relaxer... Even after discovering hair boards, my relaxed hair didn't look that great.
aprilbiz
New Member
Don't give up. We all experience setbacks. If you need to cut it, then do so. As someone said, you can do it a bit at a time. Perhaps cutting 1/2 inch will be all you need. Try moisturizing your hair with some Aphogee Essential Fatty Acids Oil Concentrate. It's helping me, maybe it will help you also.
Leshia
New Member
I think I'd wait to see what the stylists say, depending on the amount of breakage and current condition of the hair. If you're completely fed up with it and feel like there's no hope, by all means, cut it and start over again. I would think that someone could get you through this without cutting it all off though...
Natural_Girl
New Member
Be encouraged.I've had similar moments - breakage, chemicals and fast new growth issues, the endless crying, etc. I agree with one of the earlier posts with taking charge of your own hair - it does take time - time for you to get to know your own hair. With me it too a few failed appointments with stylists and bad choices b/f I LEARNED my hair and took charge. IT takes time and commitment to care for your hair. Even if you do go to a stylist, you are still in charge of the health of your hair after you leave the salon - you dictate what you want done to your hair. Be encouraged - whether you chop it off and go natural, the wig thang, or whatever. I went natural and my hair grew it's longest and healthiest EVER in this state. I'm not pro natural for everyone as your hair can grow to great lengths and be very healthy chemically treated - check out this board's photo gallery (though I love the versatility of my natural hair - curly, kinky, or straight) - I'm pro healthy hair which means taking back your hair and taking the time to care for it. For me, it's taking out 1/2 a day or even an entire day to pamper my hair at least once per week and I see the difference.
I encourage you to make the commitment to take your hair back. If you want professional consultation, I would suggest going to at least 3 like you mentioned but 3 who are well versed in a few different areas i.e. relaxers, natural, fake, etc. - that way you get more diversified info and can better filter out who's just slapping relaxer in your hair or supa tight braids and who's pro healthy hair
Be encouraged
This forum has some great tips and a great support system! We are rootin' for you!
I encourage you to make the commitment to take your hair back. If you want professional consultation, I would suggest going to at least 3 like you mentioned but 3 who are well versed in a few different areas i.e. relaxers, natural, fake, etc. - that way you get more diversified info and can better filter out who's just slapping relaxer in your hair or supa tight braids and who's pro healthy hair
Be encouraged
This forum has some great tips and a great support system! We are rootin' for you!
Height
New Member
I had the same problem with breakage. I decided not to relax my hair for awhile, then afterwhile I decided not to relax again. I made the mistake of not cutting the relaxed ends off. I transistioned - I didn't know at the time that there was a term for it - using protective styles like curly weaves and cornrolls.
KathyMay
New Member
Hi lady
Before lurking on this board I had a lot of breakage from a relaxer from my stylist and it was awful and I didnt know what to do but I found my new stylist and started lurking on this board for this tips and products and in two months time my ahir is going its act together.
Are you doing conditioning washes three times a week and moisturizing your hair around the clock. This winter can kill your hair if you let it, so try the deep conditioning thing.
Before lurking on this board I had a lot of breakage from a relaxer from my stylist and it was awful and I didnt know what to do but I found my new stylist and started lurking on this board for this tips and products and in two months time my ahir is going its act together.
Are you doing conditioning washes three times a week and moisturizing your hair around the clock. This winter can kill your hair if you let it, so try the deep conditioning thing.
[ QUOTE ]
Isis said:
Don't give up yet! It looks like you're fairly new to this board and it may take some time for certain changes to show up. About the dryness, there is always a solution to dry, breaking hair without having to cut it all off (unless you really want to).
First, here's a hug.
I remember being frustrated to tears in the past over my hair. Please tell us your current regime so we can assist you along with your stylists.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yep.
I also agree with the posters who suggested making a doctor's appointment to check if you have an underactive thyroid or iron deficiency. In the meantime, you don't necessarily have to cut your hair -if you don't want to. I see you joined the Board less than a month ago. That's not a long time.
Have you tried spritzing your hair daily with S-Curl Activator and smoothing it into a bun with activator gel? (No, I'm not kidding.) Have you tried spritzing it at night with distilled water, sealing with a light oil (like jojoba or meadowfoam seed) and covering with a silk or satin scarf? Have you tried doing conditioner washes several (or more) times a week? Please don't give up hope yet! There are still options for your hair to grow. It sounds like your hair isn't getting enough moisture.
Isis said:
Don't give up yet! It looks like you're fairly new to this board and it may take some time for certain changes to show up. About the dryness, there is always a solution to dry, breaking hair without having to cut it all off (unless you really want to).
First, here's a hug.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yep.
Have you tried spritzing your hair daily with S-Curl Activator and smoothing it into a bun with activator gel? (No, I'm not kidding.) Have you tried spritzing it at night with distilled water, sealing with a light oil (like jojoba or meadowfoam seed) and covering with a silk or satin scarf? Have you tried doing conditioner washes several (or more) times a week? Please don't give up hope yet! There are still options for your hair to grow. It sounds like your hair isn't getting enough moisture.
JenJen2721
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Have you tried spritzing your hair daily with S-Curl Activator and smoothing it into a bun with activator gel? (No, I'm not kidding.) Have you tried spritzing it at night with distilled water and covering with a silk or satin scarf? Have you tried doing conditioner washes several (or more) times a week? Please don't give up hope yet! There are still options for your hair to grow. It sounds like your hair isn't getting enough moisture.
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree...don't give up hope yet. Conditioner washes really do help soften the new growth.
Also, when you shampoo try doing a pre-shampoo hot oil treatment with honey. Honey is natural humectant and helps the hair hold in moisture.
Have you tried spritzing your hair daily with S-Curl Activator and smoothing it into a bun with activator gel? (No, I'm not kidding.) Have you tried spritzing it at night with distilled water and covering with a silk or satin scarf? Have you tried doing conditioner washes several (or more) times a week? Please don't give up hope yet! There are still options for your hair to grow. It sounds like your hair isn't getting enough moisture.
[/ QUOTE ]
I agree...don't give up hope yet. Conditioner washes really do help soften the new growth.
Also, when you shampoo try doing a pre-shampoo hot oil treatment with honey. Honey is natural humectant and helps the hair hold in moisture.
Ok, this is my routine as of lately..I'll detail it as much as possible.
Morning- 1.Spray with either herbal essences or john frieida daily fortifying leave in conditioner
2. massage a little Africa's Best herbal oil in, and slick it back into a knot( it's just growing out of havinf it cut at end of october, not enough for a bun yet)
3. Leave it alone unless it feels or looks dry, then I'll spray some s-curl no drip on it various times during the day.
4. At night, I'll repeat the process, but add some carrot creme to my hair. Tie it down with my silk scarf or wear my satin bonnet.
When I wash, I use pantene pro v shampoo+conditioner, then follow with aussie moist, then I use one of the two already mentioned leave ins plus some oils and ill wrap it or tie it down. For conditioner washes, I use whichever one of my 10 conditioners i happen to pull out, and put in some cholestorol which i just let for a lil while. Thats about it
Morning- 1.Spray with either herbal essences or john frieida daily fortifying leave in conditioner
2. massage a little Africa's Best herbal oil in, and slick it back into a knot( it's just growing out of havinf it cut at end of october, not enough for a bun yet)
3. Leave it alone unless it feels or looks dry, then I'll spray some s-curl no drip on it various times during the day.
4. At night, I'll repeat the process, but add some carrot creme to my hair. Tie it down with my silk scarf or wear my satin bonnet.
When I wash, I use pantene pro v shampoo+conditioner, then follow with aussie moist, then I use one of the two already mentioned leave ins plus some oils and ill wrap it or tie it down. For conditioner washes, I use whichever one of my 10 conditioners i happen to pull out, and put in some cholestorol which i just let for a lil while. Thats about it
fine_beauty
Jesus, I Trust In You!
[ QUOTE ]
Nyambura said:
[ QUOTE ]
Isis said:
Don't give up yet! It looks like you're fairly new to this board and it may take some time for certain changes to show up. About the dryness, there is always a solution to dry, breaking hair without having to cut it all off (unless you really want to).
First, here's a hug.
I remember being frustrated to tears in the past over my hair. Please tell us your current regime so we can assist you along with your stylists.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yep.
I also agree with the posters who suggested making a doctor's appointment to check if you have an underactive thyroid or iron deficiency. In the meantime, you don't necessarily have to cut your hair -if you don't want to. I see you joined the Board less than a month ago. That's not a long time.
Have you tried spritzing your hair daily with S-Curl Activator and smoothing it into a bun with activator gel? (No, I'm not kidding.) Have you tried spritzing it at night with distilled water, sealing with a light oil (like jojoba or meadowfoam seed) and covering with a silk or satin scarf? Have you tried doing conditioner washes several (or more) times a week? Please don't give up hope yet! There are still options for your hair to grow. It sounds like your hair isn't getting enough moisture.
[/ QUOTE ]
Lord knows, I picked up the scissors a number of times and hated to look at myself in the mirror because the state of my hair always brought tears to my eyes. S-curl broke my hair but I found a way to make it work for me. I'm also a 4b and as a child with natural hair, my hair couldn't be combed. I recently did a 6-8 months pseudo-transitioning with a lot of protein conditioning and moisturizing, the result is a very healthy hair.
Give it all the tlc you can muster and pray like crazy. It worked for me! Good luck and God bless
Nyambura said:
[ QUOTE ]
Isis said:
Don't give up yet! It looks like you're fairly new to this board and it may take some time for certain changes to show up. About the dryness, there is always a solution to dry, breaking hair without having to cut it all off (unless you really want to).
First, here's a hug.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yep.
Have you tried spritzing your hair daily with S-Curl Activator and smoothing it into a bun with activator gel? (No, I'm not kidding.) Have you tried spritzing it at night with distilled water, sealing with a light oil (like jojoba or meadowfoam seed) and covering with a silk or satin scarf? Have you tried doing conditioner washes several (or more) times a week? Please don't give up hope yet! There are still options for your hair to grow. It sounds like your hair isn't getting enough moisture.
[/ QUOTE ]
Lord knows, I picked up the scissors a number of times and hated to look at myself in the mirror because the state of my hair always brought tears to my eyes. S-curl broke my hair but I found a way to make it work for me. I'm also a 4b and as a child with natural hair, my hair couldn't be combed. I recently did a 6-8 months pseudo-transitioning with a lot of protein conditioning and moisturizing, the result is a very healthy hair.
Give it all the tlc you can muster and pray like crazy. It worked for me! Good luck and God bless
[ QUOTE ]
CheerBear said:
Ok, this is my routine as of lately..I'll detail it as much as possible.
Morning- 1.Spray with either herbal essences or john frieida daily fortifying leave in conditioner
2. massage a little Africa's Best herbal oil in, and slick it back into a knot( it's just growing out of havinf it cut at end of october, not enough for a bun yet)
3. Leave it alone unless it feels or looks dry, then I'll spray some s-curl no drip on it various times during the day.
4. At night, I'll repeat the process, but add some carrot creme to my hair. Tie it down with my silk scarf or wear my satin bonnet.
When I wash, I use pantene pro v shampoo+conditioner, then follow with aussie moist, then I use one of the two already mentioned leave ins plus some oils and ill wrap it or tie it down. For conditioner washes, I use whichever one of my 10 conditioners i happen to pull out, and put in some cholestorol which i just let for a lil while. Thats about it
[/ QUOTE ]
CheerBear, I'm glad you're not giving up!
<ul type="square"> [*]Now, my suggestion for the leave-ins is that you try creamy leave-ins instead of watery ones. One I really like is L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Unfrizz Taming Creme (not to be confused with LUST).
[*]Try spritzing your hair with distilled water before using your leave-ins and sealling with Africa's Best herbal oil. I have this oil but I like Hot Six Oil FAR better. My hair dries out with Africa's Best. I suggest distilled water because the water where I live is HARD, so hard it dried my hair out. Distilled water returned it to happily moisturized the very first time I used it and it continues to do so.
[*]Try using a phonytail and covering your knot (which I hope is loosely gathered, not tightly knotted) with a sandwich baggie (not the Ziploc kind with teeth) over your knot. Cover the baggie with the toe part of a nylon stocking. Place drawstring phonytail over the whole thing. I've bought drawstring phonytails from Sally's Beauty Supply for @ $9.95. This way, you're trapping in all that moisture that you've just completely drenched your hair with.
[*]You might try adding something to your S-Curl to increase the moisture or seal it in, like distilled water, jojoba oil or activator gel.
[*]At night, try either a conditioning wash or dampening all your hair with distilled water before using your carrot oil creme. One thing I used to do a couple of years ago but everyone else thought it was gross,
was to occasionally slept with a thin plastic shower cap or two over my freshly-moisturized hair (whether the cap was under or over my scarf didn't really matter, although I prefer the caps over my scarf). My hair was very moist in the morning. This only works well if you plan to wear your hair in a protective style, not if you want to wear it out.
[*]Finally, my hair does not like Pantene shampoos or conditioners *at all*.
I know this line is a hit with the majority of LHCFers who post, but I know that what works brilliantly for one (or many) doesn't mean it will work for me. I absolutely *love* Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo and Moisture Balance conditioner!
I also use their protein conditioner, Emergency Repair Treatment, because it leaves my hair so moisturized I don't need to follow it with a moisturizing conditioner (although you might). For this, I also like Aubrey Organics' GPB conditioner.
It occurred that to me that maybe your hair might be continuing to break if the relaxer isn't washed all the way out. I have a lovely shampoo for that too.
[*]Try also using -here it is again- distilled water as a final rinse. [/list]
Good luck!
Edited to Add: If you're not deep conditioning with heat, try that with both your moisturizing and protein conditioners. I agree with Umsummayah's suggestion that you clarify every now and then. I've done it whenever my hair looked dull or my usually-reliable products didn't seem to work as well. I've clarified once a week, twice a month, and (now) every six weeks. It's whatever schedule my hair needs at the time.
CheerBear said:
Ok, this is my routine as of lately..I'll detail it as much as possible.
Morning- 1.Spray with either herbal essences or john frieida daily fortifying leave in conditioner
2. massage a little Africa's Best herbal oil in, and slick it back into a knot( it's just growing out of havinf it cut at end of october, not enough for a bun yet)
3. Leave it alone unless it feels or looks dry, then I'll spray some s-curl no drip on it various times during the day.
4. At night, I'll repeat the process, but add some carrot creme to my hair. Tie it down with my silk scarf or wear my satin bonnet.
When I wash, I use pantene pro v shampoo+conditioner, then follow with aussie moist, then I use one of the two already mentioned leave ins plus some oils and ill wrap it or tie it down. For conditioner washes, I use whichever one of my 10 conditioners i happen to pull out, and put in some cholestorol which i just let for a lil while. Thats about it
[/ QUOTE ]
CheerBear, I'm glad you're not giving up!
<ul type="square"> [*]Now, my suggestion for the leave-ins is that you try creamy leave-ins instead of watery ones. One I really like is L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Unfrizz Taming Creme (not to be confused with LUST).
[*]Try spritzing your hair with distilled water before using your leave-ins and sealling with Africa's Best herbal oil. I have this oil but I like Hot Six Oil FAR better. My hair dries out with Africa's Best. I suggest distilled water because the water where I live is HARD, so hard it dried my hair out. Distilled water returned it to happily moisturized the very first time I used it and it continues to do so.
[*]Try using a phonytail and covering your knot (which I hope is loosely gathered, not tightly knotted) with a sandwich baggie (not the Ziploc kind with teeth) over your knot. Cover the baggie with the toe part of a nylon stocking. Place drawstring phonytail over the whole thing. I've bought drawstring phonytails from Sally's Beauty Supply for @ $9.95. This way, you're trapping in all that moisture that you've just completely drenched your hair with.
[*]You might try adding something to your S-Curl to increase the moisture or seal it in, like distilled water, jojoba oil or activator gel.
[*]At night, try either a conditioning wash or dampening all your hair with distilled water before using your carrot oil creme. One thing I used to do a couple of years ago but everyone else thought it was gross,
[*]Finally, my hair does not like Pantene shampoos or conditioners *at all*.
[*]Try also using -here it is again- distilled water as a final rinse. [/list]
Good luck!
Edited to Add: If you're not deep conditioning with heat, try that with both your moisturizing and protein conditioners. I agree with Umsummayah's suggestion that you clarify every now and then. I've done it whenever my hair looked dull or my usually-reliable products didn't seem to work as well. I've clarified once a week, twice a month, and (now) every six weeks. It's whatever schedule my hair needs at the time.
UmSumayyah
Well-Known Member
don't forget to clarify now and then. Maybe build-up is contributing to your problem.
elaine
Member
ONE LAST TRY. TRY THE APHOGEE LEAVE IN TREATMENT FROM SALLY'S. IT WILL MAKE YOUR HAIR HARD WHILE THE CONDITIONER IS IN IT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THE BIG BOTTLE. SALLY'S HAS THE PACKETS FOR $1.49-$1.99.
DON'T GIVE UP YET.
Remember the water where you live is horrible. I have the water from the same place and I experience the same thing especially with the weather change.
DON'T GIVE UP YET.
Remember the water where you live is horrible. I have the water from the same place and I experience the same thing especially with the weather change.
jellynote
Member
Don't give up yet. I would try some of these suggestions before i cut my hair. You going to 3 different hair consultations is a good idea. If whatever you decide to do still doesn't work than cut it or get braids. We've all had set backs a time or two. I wish you the best at finding what will work for you. Distilled water is very good the ladies hipped me to it an now I can't do w/o it.
soulchild
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Nyambura said:
[ QUOTE ]
CheerBear said:
Ok, this is my routine as of lately..I'll detail it as much as possible.
Morning- 1.Spray with either herbal essences or john frieida daily fortifying leave in conditioner
2. massage a little Africa's Best herbal oil in, and slick it back into a knot( it's just growing out of havinf it cut at end of october, not enough for a bun yet)
3. Leave it alone unless it feels or looks dry, then I'll spray some s-curl no drip on it various times during the day.
4. At night, I'll repeat the process, but add some carrot creme to my hair. Tie it down with my silk scarf or wear my satin bonnet.
When I wash, I use pantene pro v shampoo+conditioner, then follow with aussie moist, then I use one of the two already mentioned leave ins plus some oils and ill wrap it or tie it down. For conditioner washes, I use whichever one of my 10 conditioners i happen to pull out, and put in some cholestorol which i just let for a lil while. Thats about it
[/ QUOTE ]
CheerBear, I'm glad you're not giving up!
<ul type="square"> [*]Now, my suggestion for the leave-ins is that you try creamy leave-ins instead of watery ones. One I really like is L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Unfrizz Taming Creme (not to be confused with LUST).
[*]Try spritzing your hair with distilled water before using your leave-ins and sealling with Africa's Best herbal oil. I have this oil but I like Hot Six Oil FAR better. My hair dries out with Africa's Best. I suggest distilled water because the water where I live is HARD, so hard it dried my hair out. Distilled water returned it to happily moisturized the very first time I used it and it continues to do so.
[*]Try using a phonytail and covering your knot (which I hope is loosely gathered, not tightly knotted) with a sandwich baggie (not the Ziploc kind with teeth) over your knot. Cover the baggie with the toe part of a nylon stocking. Place drawstring phonytail over the whole thing. I've bought drawstring phonytails from Sally's Beauty Supply for @ $9.95. This way, you're trapping in all that moisture that you've just completely drenched your hair with.
[*]You might try adding something to your S-Curl to increase the moisture or seal it in, like distilled water, jojoba oil or activator gel.
[*]At night, try either a conditioning wash or dampening all your hair with distilled water before using your carrot oil creme. One thing I used to do a couple of years ago but everyone else thought it was gross,
was to occasionally slept with a thin plastic shower cap or two over my freshly-moisturized hair (whether the cap was under or over my scarf didn't really matter, although I prefer the caps over my scarf). My hair was very moist in the morning. This only works well if you plan to wear your hair in a protective style, not if you want to wear it out.
[*]Finally, my hair does not like Pantene shampoos or conditioners *at all*.
I know this line is a hit with the majority of LHCFers who post, but I know that what works brilliantly for one (or many) doesn't mean it will work for me. I absolutely *love* Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo and Moisture Balance conditioner!
I also use their protein conditioner, Emergency Repair Treatment, because it leaves my hair so moisturized I don't need to follow it with a moisturizing conditioner (although you might). For this, I also like Aubrey Organics' GPB conditioner.
It occurred that to me that maybe your hair might be continuing to break if the relaxer isn't washed all the way out. I have a lovely shampoo for that too.
[*]Try also using -here it is again- distilled water as a final rinse. [/list]
Good luck!
Edited to Add: If you're not deep conditioning with heat, try that with both your moisturizing and protein conditioners. I agree with Umsummayah's suggestion that you clarify every now and then. I've done it whenever my hair looked dull or my usually-reliable products didn't seem to work as well. I've clarified once a week, twice a month, and (now) every six weeks. It's whatever schedule my hair needs at the time.
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A lot of good advice!
Nyambura said:
[ QUOTE ]
CheerBear said:
Ok, this is my routine as of lately..I'll detail it as much as possible.
Morning- 1.Spray with either herbal essences or john frieida daily fortifying leave in conditioner
2. massage a little Africa's Best herbal oil in, and slick it back into a knot( it's just growing out of havinf it cut at end of october, not enough for a bun yet)
3. Leave it alone unless it feels or looks dry, then I'll spray some s-curl no drip on it various times during the day.
4. At night, I'll repeat the process, but add some carrot creme to my hair. Tie it down with my silk scarf or wear my satin bonnet.
When I wash, I use pantene pro v shampoo+conditioner, then follow with aussie moist, then I use one of the two already mentioned leave ins plus some oils and ill wrap it or tie it down. For conditioner washes, I use whichever one of my 10 conditioners i happen to pull out, and put in some cholestorol which i just let for a lil while. Thats about it
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CheerBear, I'm glad you're not giving up!
<ul type="square"> [*]Now, my suggestion for the leave-ins is that you try creamy leave-ins instead of watery ones. One I really like is L'Oreal Nature's Therapy Unfrizz Taming Creme (not to be confused with LUST).
[*]Try spritzing your hair with distilled water before using your leave-ins and sealling with Africa's Best herbal oil. I have this oil but I like Hot Six Oil FAR better. My hair dries out with Africa's Best. I suggest distilled water because the water where I live is HARD, so hard it dried my hair out. Distilled water returned it to happily moisturized the very first time I used it and it continues to do so.
[*]Try using a phonytail and covering your knot (which I hope is loosely gathered, not tightly knotted) with a sandwich baggie (not the Ziploc kind with teeth) over your knot. Cover the baggie with the toe part of a nylon stocking. Place drawstring phonytail over the whole thing. I've bought drawstring phonytails from Sally's Beauty Supply for @ $9.95. This way, you're trapping in all that moisture that you've just completely drenched your hair with.
[*]You might try adding something to your S-Curl to increase the moisture or seal it in, like distilled water, jojoba oil or activator gel.
[*]At night, try either a conditioning wash or dampening all your hair with distilled water before using your carrot oil creme. One thing I used to do a couple of years ago but everyone else thought it was gross,
[*]Finally, my hair does not like Pantene shampoos or conditioners *at all*.
[*]Try also using -here it is again- distilled water as a final rinse. [/list]
Good luck!
Edited to Add: If you're not deep conditioning with heat, try that with both your moisturizing and protein conditioners. I agree with Umsummayah's suggestion that you clarify every now and then. I've done it whenever my hair looked dull or my usually-reliable products didn't seem to work as well. I've clarified once a week, twice a month, and (now) every six weeks. It's whatever schedule my hair needs at the time.
[/ QUOTE ]
A lot of good advice!
Laela
Sidestepping the "lynch mob"
Cheerbear, could you also be under stress? That can cause severe damage.. I don't konw how long you hair is, but I'm all for cutting down it as well. Just start over.. it'll grow back quicker/thicker when you start from scratch. I know that's a big deal, but it's well worth it!
Lucia
Well-Known Member
I'm so sorry to hear this is happening to you but Don't give up, you've gotten great advice here, I also think you should grow it out with braids, you can grow it out 100% natural or keep relaxing but if your hair is damged it will just break more and you wouldn't have broken the vicious cycle of overprocessing hey being a natural isn't all that bad.
And I agree with Nyabura she made a good point about the "right" products for your hair. My hair also hates pantene the whole entire line, it revolted and up and left(fell out in spots). You may be using the wrong products for you or too many, do a haircare product inventory and evaluate how each product works for you if it doesn't dump it and stay away from it foever.
hth
And I agree with Nyabura she made a good point about the "right" products for your hair. My hair also hates pantene the whole entire line, it revolted and up and left(fell out in spots). You may be using the wrong products for you or too many, do a haircare product inventory and evaluate how each product works for you if it doesn't dump it and stay away from it foever.
hth
Supergirl
With Love & Silk
Remember the change won't come overnight. I see that you have 20 posts and joined the board on Nov. 30--so I'm assuming that alot of these hair care tips, techniques, and strategies are pretty new to you. Give it some time. Chances are that you are still dealing with hair that you had prior to your coming to the hairboards and taking in all of this knowledge. That hair is still affected by past damage even though you've started a great new haircare routine. Give it time...
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