I need help caring for my natural hair . Advice please

[Cassie6]

Ok . I've been natural for about three years . I stumbled across this blog researching Shima's hair products. Which I bought BTW . I really want long natural hair but after reading some of these blogs I realize I don't know what I'm doing . So far I know what my hair type is 4a/b . I've been using oil in my hair but I read that oil only seals moisture it . What moisturizer should I use ? And co- washing . I just learned about that also . But what conditioner should I use ? How often should I do it ?How do I dry my hair when its in braids . Air dry ? Ughhhhh . Also washing my hair.. what types of shampoo should I use and how often ? I want to try Njoy's hair concoction but I need to know how to treat the rest of my hair. I mostly wear braids , weaves and wigs . I've learn that these are protective styles.

I just took senegalese twists out of my hair . I've been using marley hair. I will never use this again. I believe its breaking my hair and it has left my hair extremely dry .

My hair is currently shoulder lenght but I plan on cutting an inch off because I have split ends . ( Should I blow dry and straighten my to do this ? )

I will really appreciate some advice . I reallllllly need it thanks in advance.

 

[NappyNelle]

Welcome to the board Cassie6!

Everyone's hair is different, so we can only suggest certain products for you. If you do a search, many threads will provide options and reviews for moisturizers, oils, conditioners, etc. To start off, you will need a basic regimen that can get your hair back to its optimal health.

You will want to look into:

• Shampoo: One that clarifies and one that moisturizes
• Conditioner: Light, moisturizing conditioner and light protein conditioner
• Deep Conditioner: Heavy protein/ restructizing conditioner, and a heavily moisturizing conditioner
• Moisturizer- Water based spray, liquid, or cream that leaves your hair feeling juicy and healthy
• Oil or Oil Based Product - To 'seal' the moisturizer into your hair strands

From what you've shared, your hair sounds very dry, so the following is a template for a basic regimen. If you find that your hair is breaking and in need of strength, you substitute the moisturizing conditioners with light or heavy protein conditioners. If you do choose to use a protein conditioner, remember to use a moisture rich conditioner afterwards.

Basic Regimen Cycle 1:

• Shampoo
• Deep Condition - Moisture
• Moisturize
• Protective Style

Basic Regimen Cycle 2:

• Co-Wash - Moisturizing Conditioner
• Deep Condition - Protein
• Deep Condition - Moisture
• Moisturize
• Protective Style

There are many variations that you can do after you figure out what your hair needs. Will you want to attend to your hair weekly? Bi-weekly? Some people like to coat their hair in oils before washing (pre-poo) or apply deep conditioner on dry hair (before shampoo or co-washing), and sealing with an oil after moisturizing your hair (to lock the water in). Some people prefer BSS products, SLS and non Mineral-oil products, all natural products, or products that are owned and created by black and ethnic people. You have countless choices.

Can you list the products that you already have and how often you are using them, when was your last trim, etc?

Weaves and wigs have proven to be a great way to retain your length, strength, and moisture as long as you do not neglect the basics. I know this was a long read, but I hope this helps to start you off and that you come back with more information!

 

[newgrowth15]

Welcome Cassie6. I understand your frustration with not knowing what to do. First you have to find a shampoo and a conditioner that your hair likes. Develop a regular regimen of shampooing, conditioning, deep conditioning,moisturizing and sealing. Once you get used to how your hair feels and acts on a regular basis, you will then know what you need. Some people can blow dry their hair while others air dry. You have to find what works for you. Keep your ends protected and moisturize and seal as often as your hair needs it.

Perhaps a mild protein treatment like Aphogee Keratin 2 Minute Reconstructor followed by a moisturizing conditioner will help with the dryness you feel. I know that for me, every time I use shampoo, I need to restore my ph balance. I apply about a quarter sized amount of aloe vera gel directly to each side of my hair before styling. I always use a conditioner after every shampoo.

I am certain others will provide input that will help you along your HHJ.

 

[MzSwift]

NappyNelle -- You rock!!

Welcome Cassie! You'll find lots of good information here and it can become overwhelming. Be sure to start with the basics and then add in other techniques as you go along (if your hair says it's okay, LoL). Have fun and HHJ (happy hair journey)!

 

[virtuenow]

NappyNell gave you excellent advice. I may have to copy and past that in the future (tehe). Welcome to the board.

 

[pre_medicalrulz]

Hello there!!

I'm relaxed but it seems like 90% of this hair forum are natural heads so trust me, somebody is bound to help you or point you in the right direction. When I first started my journey and this website, I stayed up all night until the sun came up just reading posts relevant to my hair situation and youtubin' like crazy. Information is everywhere and you'll be on top of everything in a few months.

WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE YA!

 

[FoxxyLocs]

Welcome to the board! I agree with NappyNelle's post. Try not to be overwhelmed by all the info you find on this site. Start with just a basic, simple regimen. Then if your hair is still missing something, you can add or remove steps later.

The basics are shampoo, condition, moisturize, seal.

I shampoo and deep condition once a week, then moisturize with a little bit of my conditioner and seal with a heavy oil (like castor oil) or grease.

If you're looking for a shampoo you can find locally, I like Dr. Bronner's soaps. They're mild and don't dry your hair out like most other shampoos, but you still get a good lather and clean hair.

For a deep conditioner, most naturals here like Aubrey Organics - you can buy from Whole Foods or Vitamin Shop.

Tressemee has a good moisturizing conditioner that you can try for detangling or co-washing.

The Shea Moisture line has good products also, and they can be purchased locally. They have a couple of good moisturizers. Other than that, lots of ladies here order products online. If you want to go that route, there's plenty to choose from. Right now I'm using the Silk Dreams line and I like it a lot.

Whatever you choose, try not to buy a too many products at once. You really don't need that many and it can be hard to tell what your hair likes if you try too many things.

Once you have a good conditioner, you can usually mix some with water and use that as a leave in spray or moisturizer. Seal with oil and you're done. I usually use a light oil for the length of my hair and then something heavier on the ends.

 

[virtuenow]

I'm back again. ^^Foxxy is correct, Aubrey Organics is hands-down the best conditioner for a natural. Their Glycogen Protein Balancing (GPB) and Honey Suckle Rose (HSR) deep conditioners are the most moisturizing.

 

[Cassie6]

Hello there!!

I'm relaxed but it seems like 90% of this hair forum are natural heads so trust me, somebody is bound to help you or point you in the right direction. When I first started my journey and this website, I stayed up all night until the sun came up just reading posts relevant to my hair situation and youtubin' like crazy. Information is everywhere and you'll be on top of everything in a few months.

WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE YA!

Love your hair . Thanks for the positively .

 

[lamaria211]

Welcome Cassie6 the ladies already gave a ton of great advice mine is to start at the beginning check out some of the old stickies dedicated to newbies

 

[Cassie6]

Welcome to the board Cassie6!

Everyone's hair is different, so we can only suggest certain products for you. If you do a search, many threads will provide options and reviews for moisturizers, oils, conditioners, etc. To start off, you will need a basic regimen that can get your hair back to its optimal health.

You will want to look into:

• Shampoo: One that clarifies and one that moisturizes
• Conditioner: Light, moisturizing conditioner and light protein conditioner
• Deep Conditioner: Heavy protein/ restructizing conditioner, and a heavily moisturizing conditioner
• Moisturizer- Water based spray, liquid, or cream that leaves your hair feeling juicy and healthy
• Oil or Oil Based Product - To 'seal' the moisturizer into your hair strands

From what you've shared, your hair sounds very dry, so the following is a template for a basic regimen. If you find that your hair is breaking and in need of strength, you substitute the moisturizing conditioners with light or heavy protein conditioners. If you do choose to use a protein conditioner, remember to use a moisture rich conditioner afterwards.

Basic Regimen Cycle 1:

• Shampoo
• Deep Condition - Moisture
• Moisturize
• Protective Style

Basic Regimen Cycle 2:

• Co-Wash - Moisturizing Conditioner
• Deep Condition - Protein
• Deep Condition - Moisture
• Moisturize
• Protective Style

There are many variations that you can do after you figure out what your hair needs. Will you want to attend to your hair weekly? Bi-weekly? Some people like to coat their hair in oils before washing (pre-poo) or apply deep conditioner on dry hair (before shampoo or co-washing), and sealing with an oil after moisturizing your hair (to lock the water in). Some people prefer BSS products, SLS and non Mineral-oil products, all natural products, or products that are owned and created by black and ethnic people. You have countless choices.

Can you list the products that you already have and how often you are using them, when was your last trim, etc?

Weaves and wigs have proven to be a great way to retain your length, strength, and moisture as long as you do not neglect the basics. I know this was a long read, but I hope this helps to start you off and that you come back with more information!

Thank you . I just bought Shima's hair line products . I just started using it the other day . Her hair is waist length . She was the first woman I've ever seen with that lenght .( That's until I found this site . ) I realize I can make the same oil she sells. She doesn't have natural hair so her protective styles doesn't work for me . I started using her products after I took out my twists . I used the Shima hair cream and my hair soak it up so fast . Lol . It's really watery smh .

Before using Shima's hair line I used un sented garlic shampoo and conditioner and coconut oil .