Naturally Flexible Support Thread

[havilland]

Long-term transitioner here (15 months post aiming for 24ish!) Can I join?? :]

Yes!!!! Welcome!

Tell us about your hair journey and your regimen and your fav products.

I did a long term transition myself. I went for 27 months.

 

[caliscurls]

I'm not sure where to put this so I'll put it here...and I think I more appropriately belong here in terms of my approach.

On with it!
It appears that my old wash and go from Friday is generally more detangled than when I twist/braid my hair after washing to stretch (no heat) and is equal to my tension blow dried hair (usually my go to).

It must be the layering of products and sealing of full strands/clumps with the gel starting at the root. Plus my ends are stretched...maybe because of how I banded my hair at night (?), the gel (?), the ends just relaxing over time(?), the light protein treatment(?).

Since the wash and go gives me so much time back I may experiment with doing a "wash n go" initially then after it dries doing my usual styling (some bun, crown braid, or up do variation). It's funny because initially it seemed like I was better off blow drying since air drying was causing me problems with dryness, tangles, and ends that were too fragile.

Has anyone else experienced hair that stays relatively detangled after a wash n go? Does anyone wash n go for a day or so then move to a different style until the next wash day habitually?

 

[caliscurls]

One more thing: this approach may also be more work out friendly because I won't have to worry about reversion. I workout 5-6 days a week, most times for an hour.

 

[DarkJoy]

My hair is very type 4ish to go from wng dry to another style. At the least I have to wet it to wrestle it into an updo.

As for tangled if I use the right amount of oil and gel from root to tip I can get a day tangle free.

 

[Coilystep]

caliscurls I primarily do wash n goes. I don't have tangling issues at all. My hair is very moisturized. I wet my hair daily. I primarily finger
Detangle in the shower. When I do use a comb or brush I only do so on wet conditioned hair.

 

[havilland]

caliscurls

I wash n go then Moisturize and bun it up on day two. So it doesn't get dry and tangled.

 

[havilland]

Here is my hair day one, day two and day three of wash n go. Sometimes I skip the bun and go straight to a bun.

The wash n go is worn down first. Then I will bun it or pony it up later.

 

[caliscurls]

Thanks all for the input! Let's me know it didn't happen by accident

havilland how has your retention been doing this? Your days 1 - 3 is exactly what I'm thinking of doing and then starting over sometime between days 5 - 7

 

[4evershika]

Yes!!!! Welcome!

Tell us about your hair journey and your regimen and your fav products.

I did a long term transition myself. I went for 27 months.

havilland

Yes, that's about where I'm aiming for - I really want to get to at least 24 months... I'm currently 15 months in! So far (knock on wood!) it hasn't been as hard as I thought being a 4b/4c girl. But I'm learning that the fact that my hair is not the most dense has worked in my favor! Plus even as a relaxed girl I stretched my relaxers 12-16 (many times even more) weeks. Been a hair girl (into forums and blogs) for the last 6-7 years (I totally remember you from another forum and a couple of other posters here too, I believe!!)

My regimen is definitely a simple one. I wash weekly to biweekly... depending on if my hair needs it (feels grimey or dry)/the style that I'm wearing. Sometimes I straighten (usually about once a month) otherwise I either lightly blow dry and bun or wear some sort of stretched style (twist & curls, twist outs, etc.)

I am a reformed PJ lol. I am proud to say that I pretty much stick to the following (though this might still seem like a lot to some...):

Shampoo:
Garnier Pure Clean clarifying 'poo
Head & Shoulders Smoothing Shampoo/Conditioner

Instant conditioner:
Treseme Naturals

Deep Conditioner:
SheaMoisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
Aunt Jackie's in control "Anti-Poof" Moisturizing & Softening Conditioner

Oils/Serums:
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Weightless Healing Oil

Leave-in Conditioners/Moisturizers:
Cantu Shea Butter leave-in
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie
Aphogee Pro-Vitamin Leave-in
Diluted VO5 (for re-wetting when wearing buns)

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

caliscurls

Has anyone else experienced hair that stays relatively detangled after a wash n go?

I don't do wash n go's often but when I do, it stays pretty detangled....even with my relaxed ends.

Does anyone wash n go for a day or so then move to a different style until the next wash day habitually?

Yes, wash and go on day 1, then a bun on day 2. That's all I can do before I start getting annoyed with them. I'll either have to drench it down with water to make it look decent or co-wash and I ain't about that washing/rinsing every day life. Plus my hair in it's natural state is super thick once it dries and buns/ponytails give me headaches from the weight.

 

[Rae81]

I need to get back to practicing my wash n go technique before summer

 

[caliscurls]

lulu97 yeah my hair is pretty thick too, I didn't think about the weight...but my hair isn't as long as yours just yet I may have to get creative with ponytail holders though.

 

[havilland]

Thanks all for the input! Let's me know it didn't happen by accident havilland how has your retention been doing this? Your days 1 - 3 is exactly what I'm thinking of doing and then starting over sometime between days 5 - 7

My retention has been perfect. As long as I don't trim away my progress I do fine.

 

[Prettymetty]

I just washed my hair. I did a pretreatment with Kerastase Metamorph oil, shampood with Kerastase Elixir Ultime bain ans I mixed a conditioner and mask from their Resistance line (protein). Both conditionrs are for volumizing fine hair. I'm airdrying right now and I will detangle/rebraid in about an hour. I'm going to put Initialiste on my scalp and Elixir Ultime serum on the length as a leave in. I may or may not seal with evoo. Depends on how my hair feels.

 

[havilland]

I just washed my hair. I did a pretreatment with Kerastase Metamorph oil, shampood with Kerastase Elixir Ultime bain ans I mixed a conditioner and mask from their Resistance line (protein). Both conditionrs are for volumizing fine hair. I'm airdrying right now and I will detangle/rebraid in about an hour. I'm going to put Initialiste on my scalp and Elixir Ultime serum on the length as a leave in. I may or may not seal with evoo. Depends on how my hair feels.

Sounds like a wonderful night! Your hair must be so happy

 

[mz.rae]

It's been awhile since I posted in here, can't wait to start doing wash and go's! I am not sure if I am going to use any heat during the summer. Though all the times I've tried to go heatless for awhile as a natural have been fails.

 

[Prettymetty]

I am almost out of leave in, but I'm not sure if I should repurchase or try something new. I have to figure something out soon, because I only have enough for one more wash.

 

[Mz.MoMo5235]

Did you cut your hair again?

Prettymetty Girl yes!!! I watched that darn Beyonce drunk in love video one too many times and decided to give my self an A-line bob and ended up looking like Phreak from the movie Hackers. I wasnt having it so I tried to cut it back to the way it was Sept 2013 when it started growing out from my buzz and looked super cute but instead went back to 2012 when I hated my hair the most lmfao

 

[havilland]

Ok Ladies. Question of the week. As we wrap up first quarter of 2015, we have had almost 3 months of hair growing for the year completed.

What changes have you made in your regimen so far this year? Any new products, techniques, styles, new stylist? If you haven't made any changes, do you plan to change anything for second quarter?


For me:

I have not trimmed my hair this year. Which is a big huge change for me because I cut my hair a lot. A habit I picked up during my long term transition while I was trimming away my relaxed ends. My plan is to not trim until June.

Also, starting next week or whenever my supplies come, I am going to incorporate daily fresh wheatgrass shots into my diet to see if that helps my retention and growth.

I am also planning to try bentonite clay for cleansing. I feel as my hair gets longer I need to be more and more gentle and careful of my ends. Especially if I want them to hold on to make it to hip length.


What about y'all?

 

[Evolving78]

I wanna join!
I'm a Fencer!
I'm currently relaxed, but I have decided to transition. I'm not making any promises, especially since the summer is coming. I plan on using at home keratin treatments to help me along.
I wash once a week and dc every two weeks. I use heat as well.
I wear my hair in a bun and when I want to be fancy, I throw a wig on.
I won't post any pics until I am six months post.

 

[Joigirl]

My regimen hasn't changed a lot, but I've committed to adding more protein in my regi. Because I primarily cowash, I have to be sure to alternate my moisture and protein DCs. I've also done less WNGs the last 3 months to reduce my ssks. Other than that it is the same:

Cowash and DC weekly with heat or steam
Shampoo monthly
LOC method to style
Henna and indigo quarterly to cover my gray

 

[havilland]

shortdub78

Fencers are Welcome!

 

[havilland]

shortdub78

Fencers are Welcome!

 

[Evolving78]

shortdub78 Fencers are Welcome!

thanks! I'm really serious too! I have a spot that I am working on (filling it back in) and right now I don't want to relax that area because the relaxer will be directly on my scalp. I had a bad coloring experience and it ate up my hair. I had to cut off 4 inches in that area! Plus I'm sick of doing self relaxers! I would rather go to the salon, but I never have the time!

 

[havilland]

shortdub78

I hear you on that. It took me a long time to decide to transition. But after stretching relaxers for months and months at a time I decided to take the plunge. I'm glad I did. Natural for me is way easier than self relaxing and then stretching.

Take your time and hang out with us. No judgements here. If you decide to relax again, it's all good. Lol!

 

[Prettymetty]

I think my Loreal repair extreme split end serum is causing my ends to break a bit. I had a few tiny broken hairs when I moisturized tonight. In the trash it goes.

 

[havilland]

I think my Loreal repair extreme split end serum is causing my ends to break a bit. I had a few tiny broken hairs when I moisturized tonight. In the trash it goes.

That's so odd! I wonder why?

What are you gonna replace it with?

-----------

I was having a moisture issue too.


I just tried a new moisturizing regi tonight myself. I seem to always have little broken hairs when I Moisturize. I thought it was from manipulation, but tonight I changed my products. I'm trying something new. Instead of using standard leave ins and liquid oil.....I did the LOC method with regular conditioner and Vatika frosting (a thick buttery oil)

We will see how it turns out tomorrow but I didn't have small hairs when I applied it. So wish me luck.

 

[Prettymetty]

I was probably overmoisturizing my ends. I use a protein dc after each wash and I usually only moisturize twice a week. This week I have been moisturizing daily and using that serum because it has ceramides. I only dug out the split end stuff, because of the ceramides and initially it made my hair feel smooth like butter.

I guess I'll just splurge on another bottle of Elixir Ultime. The first bottle of elixir serum was given to me, but it costs $56 for a 4oz bottle. I know that is steep, but it gives my hair the perfect blend of oils and it has cones to help me detangle.

 

[havilland]

I was probably overmoisturizing my ends. I use a protein dc after each wash and I usually only moisturize twice a week. This week I have been moisturizing daily and using that serum because it has ceramides. I only dug out the split end stuff, because of the ceramides and initially it made my hair feel smooth like butter. I guess I'll just splurge on another bottle of Elixir Ultime. The first bottle of elixir serum was given to me, but it costs $56 for a 4oz bottle. I know that is steep, but it gives my hair the perfect blend of oils and it has cones to help me detangle.

Girl sometimes you have to get what works. I hate when the product my hair loves and declares holy grail is at the 5star price point! She can be such a diva. Lol but she will get what she wants.

 

[gemruby41]

I was probably overmoisturizing my ends. I use a protein dc after each wash and I usually only moisturize twice a week. This week I have been moisturizing daily and using that serum because it has ceramides. I only dug out the split end stuff, because of the ceramides and initially it made my hair feel smooth like butter.

I guess I'll just splurge on another bottle of Elixir Ultime. The first bottle of elixir serum was given to me, but it costs $56 for a 4oz bottle. I know that is steep, but it gives my hair the perfect blend of oils and it has cones to help me detangle.

Elixir Ultime is my favorite serum. Just bought another bottle last week.