Hi all!
Looooong time lurker, first time poster! So please be gentle with me. I am about 9 months post relaxer (pics coming soon.) My hair is a wee bit past my shoulders. That said I have a few questions
1) My hair is apparently VERY VERY damaged as it simply comes out WITH KNOTS. This occurs when I style/comb and when I simply wash it. I see hair with pea sized knots in it going down the drain. I am in reasonably good-ish health. I am not on any hormonal birth control and have no health problems (I could stand to drink more water and eat better but who couldn't!). This occured when I was still relaxing and is part of the reason I stopped. It's like my hair simply KNOTS UP at the ends, again this occured even with the relaxer. I can understand the hair coming out in a knot when combing, but I cant figure out why it comes out like that when washing. I know shedding is a common problem mentioned on the board, but mine sheds quite a bit and has the KNOTS. I cannot find posts where the poster experienced the knotting as well.
2) I use Cantu Shea Butter Conditioning Creme for styling my hair which these days consists of ponytails and buns. When I use this for my ponytail it has the same effect as gel. My hair is "slicked down" and hardened. I even have product flecks in my hair when I comb after using. How bad is this for my hair? I say that because that effect cannot be good. It is my understanding this is not a styling product so where is this hold coming from? I experienced this same effect with I used ORS Hair Mayo, and discontinued it for this reason. I assumed it was something with that product but I am experiencing the same thing from Cantu. I'm thinking there is either a really high alcohol content in these products? Or..?
3) Since I stopped relaxing, I have an amazing amount of new growth and have no idea what to do with it! It tangles almost to the point of dreading or dread locking. I can thoroughly comb these roots and pull my hair into a ponytail or bun and later the same day be unable to get my fingers through the roots. This occurs even with I braid my hair, the roots puff up and become almost uncomb-able. Can any suggest ways to deal with these roots?
4) Lastly, I have read for hours and learned so much from this board, unfortunately I think I have learned a little too much! Can anyone suggest a simple regi to get a newbie started. I compiled a list of products and oils several pages long. I realize that everyone's results are different based on hair type, and the like, but I would like to copy someones regi at my own risk of course. The price of the products is not too much of a concern. I live near Chicago, so much of should be readily avaliable in my area. Please don't think I am too impatient to learn, or looking for a quick fix, but I literallty have written down about 30 possible shampoos, at least 50 different conditioners, from home made, to leave in, to DC and the like. It's very overwhelming! I have zero idea where to start when I head to the BSS.
So, I would like to thank any and all who respond! I would also like to apologize if this was too too long or if these answers were readily available using the search function. I did search and found really out of date threads or none that applied. So Thank you all so much!
Looooong time lurker, first time poster! So please be gentle with me. I am about 9 months post relaxer (pics coming soon.) My hair is a wee bit past my shoulders. That said I have a few questions
1) My hair is apparently VERY VERY damaged as it simply comes out WITH KNOTS. This occurs when I style/comb and when I simply wash it. I see hair with pea sized knots in it going down the drain. I am in reasonably good-ish health. I am not on any hormonal birth control and have no health problems (I could stand to drink more water and eat better but who couldn't!). This occured when I was still relaxing and is part of the reason I stopped. It's like my hair simply KNOTS UP at the ends, again this occured even with the relaxer. I can understand the hair coming out in a knot when combing, but I cant figure out why it comes out like that when washing. I know shedding is a common problem mentioned on the board, but mine sheds quite a bit and has the KNOTS. I cannot find posts where the poster experienced the knotting as well.
2) I use Cantu Shea Butter Conditioning Creme for styling my hair which these days consists of ponytails and buns. When I use this for my ponytail it has the same effect as gel. My hair is "slicked down" and hardened. I even have product flecks in my hair when I comb after using. How bad is this for my hair? I say that because that effect cannot be good. It is my understanding this is not a styling product so where is this hold coming from? I experienced this same effect with I used ORS Hair Mayo, and discontinued it for this reason. I assumed it was something with that product but I am experiencing the same thing from Cantu. I'm thinking there is either a really high alcohol content in these products? Or..?
3) Since I stopped relaxing, I have an amazing amount of new growth and have no idea what to do with it! It tangles almost to the point of dreading or dread locking. I can thoroughly comb these roots and pull my hair into a ponytail or bun and later the same day be unable to get my fingers through the roots. This occurs even with I braid my hair, the roots puff up and become almost uncomb-able. Can any suggest ways to deal with these roots?
4) Lastly, I have read for hours and learned so much from this board, unfortunately I think I have learned a little too much! Can anyone suggest a simple regi to get a newbie started. I compiled a list of products and oils several pages long. I realize that everyone's results are different based on hair type, and the like, but I would like to copy someones regi at my own risk of course. The price of the products is not too much of a concern. I live near Chicago, so much of should be readily avaliable in my area. Please don't think I am too impatient to learn, or looking for a quick fix, but I literallty have written down about 30 possible shampoos, at least 50 different conditioners, from home made, to leave in, to DC and the like. It's very overwhelming! I have zero idea where to start when I head to the BSS.
So, I would like to thank any and all who respond! I would also like to apologize if this was too too long or if these answers were readily available using the search function. I did search and found really out of date threads or none that applied. So Thank you all so much!
