I'm new and confused!!!

[kweenameena]

Hello All! I just wanted to introduce myself (finally)! I've been lurking around for quite awhile and I've been amazed at all of the beautiful, positive, and knowledgeable black women that are here. Wow! I've been learning sooo much!
I never really had an appreciation for my hair. I've always been really confused about what to do with it! So now I have some micro braids in (they help my hair to grow). But my hair is extremely damaged!!!! I almost cried the other nite when I was in the shower untangling my hair because I swear about 1,000 strands of hair came out sooooo easily. Can your hair be just too soft?! My hair feels so soft but in a weak way. I swear if I touch it then some hair will come out. It's never been THIS damaged! Currently the length is just all over the place. My bangs are above my eyebrows, the back is just touching the nape of my neck, the sides are just at my ears. DAMAGED I tell ya! But I did go and get some of that NTM silk touch leave-in. (still trying to learn all the acronyms). I loved the smell. Don't know if it worked because to be honest I don't know what my healthy hair feels like anymore! My hair has no elasticity so it almost felt as if it were melting while the conditioner was on it!!! (see what I mean by too soft?!) But anyways, I was thinking about going natural but fell in love with some of the girls hair that are relaxed. So I have no real goal but just to get longer and healthier hair. I will be trying to keep my hair braided until the end of the year. It is in no shape to be wearing it out and won't be for a long time. I can't wait to hear all of your advice ! You all are such an inspiration. I wish I had found this site (and paid my $5) way earlier! Thanks in Advance!!!!!
Meena

 

[Legend]

Hello, and Welcome!!!

I'm sorry to hear about your hair woes. You seem to have your moisture in check, but have you tried a protein treatment to put some strength back into your strands? Definitely read SistaSlick’s primer on hair breakage in the "Sticky" section. It's a good one!

Here's the link as well: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=84746.

HTH!!!!

 

[BellaCranberry7]

Hey Meena I'm a newbie here too. I've been lurking around and have gotten some good advice from the different threads. I think the hardest part of this whole process is overcoming the brainwashing about what our hair should be in order to be seen as beautiful. My number one goal is health then length. I know this will probably be a frustating journey but we've got to hang in there.

 

[natasha]

Welcome!!! Try the thread on top of this forum from Don't speak defeat. For newbies! Really excellent in addition to sistaslicks thread!

You are in the right place! The ladies on this board are knowledgable and really helpful and kind!!

Natasha

 

[determined_to_grow]

Hey newbie- I am pretty new myself. its good that your hair is in braids right now that would give it a little break but make sure you moisturize your hair in the process when I had braids i would oil and use a leave in conditioner. While your hair is in braids you should attempt to develop some sort of regimen for your hair sistaslick and dontspeakdefeat have great start beginner instructions- their fotki was the first i found. anyway, you will find a wealth of knowledge on these boards.
Happy growing

 

[kweenameena]

Thanks!!! Happy to be a part of the fam! <------I just love using this smiley. nothing was really funny though.

 

[Tee]

Welcome Meena and Bella.

 

[shunta]

Hey there!! Welcome to LHCF. As far as your question, I think that you should probably give those micros a rest for a little while, and just try to pamper your own hair. This includes washing at least once a week, deep conditioning, and finding a good low manipulation style. Try to stay away from direct heat at this moment, as this will worsen the situation. I agree with the others about the thread for newbies. I found it to be extremely helpful. Good luck on your journey, and its great to have you apart of the LHCF family!

 

[NewYorkgyrl]

WELCOME!!!!!!!!

 

[caribeandiva]

hmm sounds to me like your hair needs a protein treatment. you can use something like Nexxus Keraphix. make sure it's followed by a moisturizing conditioner. you hair'll bounce back don't worry.

 

[WhipEffectz1]

Hey lady!

I'm sure that you will become more aware of your hair and what good for it. My hair was ridculous looking when I first started on my hair journey but thanks to all the helpful sisters on here, my hair has progressed tremendously. Just be patient and your hair will improve in no time. I wish you the best of luck in your hair endeavors!

 

[kweenameena]

Thanks all! I appreciate all the advice!

 

[kweenameena]

Thanks all! I appreciate all the advice!

 

[so1913]

Welcome and you will find the help you need here!

My advice as a first step to healthier hair goals is to start off with a GOOD cut to removed damaged hair to give yourself a good starting point. It may not be the most "popular" first step, but there is only so much treatments can do for severely damaged hair. Damage is pretty much irreversable and can actually slow down your progress. After a good cut, I'd pick up right where these ladies have left off with their recommendations for treatment and caring for your hair.

Good luck on your new journey!

 

[Jas123]

Sounds like you're in desperate need of a deep mprotein conditioner (w/heat) and follow-up with a moisturizing conditioner..hth

 

[tenderheaded]

Welcome to our hair family You've come to the right place for all your needs.

As time allows, please check out the archives. There are so many different products - and some work well for some and not others.

See you at the end of long and healthy lane

 

[renae226]

WELCOME!

 

[goldensensation]

Welcome!

The other ladies have given you great advice (especially about the protein). I agree that you should get rid of the micros. Can you put your hair into a ponytail? If not, I agree with with so1913 in that you should get a cut. Dont get a cut that requires heat for maintenance.

 

[InJesusName]

Welcome!

I just wanted to let you know that I was in the same boat with you a couple of months ago. I joined the board in July and wanted to try EVERYTHING. I too got braids (tree braids with micros around the edges) in an attempt to get my hair to grow and ended up setting myself back. Like the other ladies said, if your hair is really damaged, you might consider getting a good cut and starting from scratch. I just did this on 8/28/06, and I was like , but I started on a solid regimen since then and my hair is growing back much healthier now. Try a good protein treatment and develop a solid regimen. Your hair will thank you for it. HTH!

 

[secretdiamond]

Welcome and you will find the help you need here!

My advice as a first step to healthier hair goals is to start off with a GOOD cut to removed damaged hair to give yourself a good starting point. It may not be the most "popular" first step, but there is only so much treatments can do for severely damaged hair. Damage is pretty much irreversable and can actually slow down your progress. After a good cut, I'd pick up right where these ladies have left off with their recommendations for treatment and caring for your hair.

Good luck on your new journey!

ITA with this. This is the first step I tell people too.

 

[kweenameena]

Welcome and you will find the help you need here!

My advice as a first step to healthier hair goals is to start off with a GOOD cut to removed damaged hair to give yourself a good starting point. It may not be the most "popular" first step, but there is only so much treatments can do for severely damaged hair. Damage is pretty much irreversable and can actually slow down your progress. After a good cut, I'd pick up right where these ladies have left off with their recommendations for treatment and caring for your hair.

Good luck on your new journey!

Cut!!!! Ya'll I keep looking over that edge but I just can't jump. Not feeling froggy tonite!
No other alternatives? ........ just cut?! And what about the $200 I just paid for the micros? Think I could get a refund?