Just Took Out Cornrows....Now What?

[Hairsoaper]

I just took out my cornrows with extensions after wearing them for 2 weeks and now I don't know what to do with my hair. I plan on two-strand twisting it, but I don't know if I should do a moisturizing conditioner first, or a protein treatment. My hair is all natural, 4a/b, about 4 inches long. Before I put my hair in cornrows, I was wearing it in two-strand twists, but I got frustrated with the slow growth so I decided to hide it for a while in the cornrows. Well, I intended on keeping them longer than 2 wks but they were looking frizzy and my scalp was very dry and itchy. I washed my hair Monday night--well I did a conditioner wash with Burt's Bees Moisturizing Conditioner but it only made my scalp feel better about 2 days. Before I put in two-strand twists about a month ago, I co-washed my hair with a Humectant conditioner (I let it stay on about 30-45 min) and then rinsed it out, and I used Hempseed oil to twist my hair, and it was so soft and shiny. So about 2 wks later I decided to do the same thing, and the results were dramatically different. My hair was very dry and felt fragile, and my hair wasn't shiny. I was trying to figure out what I did differently, and I think maybe the first time I left some of the conditioner in my hair. I also used a different oil the second time--something similar to African Pride. Well I didn't know what to do with my hair, got scared, and just decided to hide it.

Well now I have taken my hair down and it feels dry, but not terribly dry. Also my scalp is itching like crazy. Should I shampoo my hair then do a moisturizing conditioner? Or should I put a moisturizing conditioner on it for about an hour then rinse it out? If so, all the way or just partially? Or should I use some kind of protein treatment? If so, any recommendations on what kind? I'm so confused!!erplexed

The products I have at home are: Burt's Bee's Moisturizing Conditioner (which I wasn't impressed with), Suave Humectant conditioner, Shea butter, Creme of Nature shampoo, coconut oil, Infusium 23 leave-in (the original formula), and Mane-n-tail conditioner.

I can go buy anything that's recommended, but I just thought I'd mention what I already have in case I can use some of that stuff.

Thanks in advance for advice!

 

[tocktick]

if i were in your situation i would:

1. clarify (with baking soda, a clarifying shampoo or acv)
2. follow up with an oil-rinse
3. dc for 15-20 mins
4. apply leave-in, shea butter or castor oil etc after washing.
5. air-dry

this should make your hair softer, provide protein and get rid of your itchy scalp.

hth.

 

[Mook's hair]

The first thing that occurs to me is that you may want to clarify because the infusium (which I also use while in braids) has Cones and they may need to be clarified out of your hair. Because you know they can jack up moisture levels.

But after you use a clarifying poo, you will need to use do a lot of moisturizing deep conditioning. I dont know if the conditioners you mentioned are great for deep conditioning I think those are better for cowashing.

If you already feel dry I think you may want to avoid protein for now.

 

[Hairsoaper]

Okay, thanks ladies. I have a Suave clarifying shampoo that I will use. But I have to go to the store to get a better deep conditioner and some more oil. This will probably take up my whole day. Oh well. Thanks for the advice!!

 

[cmw45]

if i were in your situation i would:

1. clarify (with baking soda, a clarifying shampoo or acv)
2. follow up with an oil-rinse
3. dc for 15-20 mins
4. apply leave-in, shea butter or castor oil etc after washing.
5. air-dry

this should make your hair softer, provide protein and get rid of your itchy scalp.

hth.

I agree with tocktick. If you have had cornrows in for two weeks and have been applying products than co-washing isn't enough and is contributing to the build up (i.e why your hair isn't shiney) and the dryness (which results from a build up of suffocants on your hair prevents it from being moisturized by the conditioner.) I follow this exact routine as above except I don't "oil wash." I also air-dry in big braids to prevent further retangling.