SelfStyled
Well-Known Member
^^^^That is the best thing you can do - is listen to your hair. Your hair will thank you for that. Congrat's for the 12 week stretches- that is my dream.
Thanks, I'll have to try it.
^^^^That is the best thing you can do - is listen to your hair. Your hair will thank you for that. Congrat's for the 12 week stretches- that is my dream.
Update: I didn't wait for the weekend- I tried my braidout last night after a fun trip to the BSS. I figured if I didn't like the results it would be Firday and I could suffer through one crazy hair day or if it was really bad I could call out and have a long weekend. But, I LOVE the results.
I used Hawaiian 14 in 1 silky stuff (new purchase - don't have much of a rave for this) to dampen my hair. I wanted to co-wash but got lazy. Then Kercare moisturizer followed with EVOO. 6 big plaits, some end paper and rods for the ends.
I couldn't get a good enough pic because I was using my phone, but I know how you girls are so I'll post what i have. I really need a pic of the back it HANGING !
and this one isn't good either
I was such a girly girl this morning with curly hair, makeup (rare for me) and 3 eyeshadow colors (again bare with me- this is rare for me.) LOL
Thank you! Yeah, that 14 in 1 stuff just sat on my hair and it made my hands feel funny. IDK how to describe it.It's cute! My braid out was a HAM when I tried it, I think I made my braids too small. BTW, I don't care for the 14 in 1 either.
Checking in. I am almost 8 weeks post and my new growth and I are fighting! I have the mane clip ordered and on its way. I hope to use it to stretch at least 4 more weeks. But man oh man!
FlowinLocks, I am so happy that you are on this board! You are such a motivator and an inspiration!
It's weird, but my hair seems to thrive when it's all one texture.
Update: I didn't wait for the weekend- I tried my braidout last night after a fun trip to the BSS. I figured if I didn't like the results it would be Firday and I could suffer through one crazy hair day or if it was really bad I could call out and have a long weekend. But, I LOVE the results.
I used Hawaiian 14 in 1 silky stuff (new purchase - don't have much of a rave for this) to dampen my hair. I wanted to co-wash but got lazy. Then Kercare moisturizer followed with EVOO. 6 big plaits, some end paper and rods for the ends.
I couldn't get a good enough pic because I was using my phone, but I know how you girls are so I'll post what i have. I really need a pic of the back it's HANGING !
and this one isn't good either
I was such a girly girl this morning with curly hair, makeup (rare for me) and 3 eyeshadow colors (again bare with me- this is rare for me.) LOL
Thank you.So Pretty! I wish I could braid!
Honestly, it's not weird at all that your hair started to break at your demarcation line. It is completely normal.
Where the two types of hair meet, that is where there is the most stress on the hair. Your newgrowth is causing tension on your previously relaxed, weaker ends. That's why stretching is something that you must experiment with and it depends on your own hair texture and other factors.
The closer your natural hair matches your relaxed hair, the least amount of damage you will incur by stretching longer. Basically, the straighter your hair is, the longer you can stretch.
That's why I am not concerned about threads with girls stretching for a whole year/six months, their hair is different from mine. My 4b hair does not approve of stretches beyond 14 weeks, that's why I stretch for 12.
I think too many of us worry ourselves about stretching when we really should be keeping our hair as strong as it can be. Stretching too long can lead to losing too many relaxed ends. Balance is key and a well-timed relaxer touch up can help you reach your hair goals faster than stretching too long.
Make sure you incorporate some some protein in your reggie. Good luck luck with your stretch.
I am! I've been doing joico 17 minute miracle once a week and using ayurverda powders for additional strength You are my ayurverda idol!
Also broke down and ordered a new charger. I'm growing and dying to compare pics!
Charger???? What is this? Is it a new tool that I do not know about???
I'm still going strong people. I dodged a set back this week. I did a deep protein treatment and I thought I reached for my Deep Conditioner and I made a mistake and used a reconstructor . So I rinsed really well and used my Deep conditioner and mix in some raw honey, almond oil and jojoba. I slept in it. I had some shedding but nothing to bad. I normally do a amla and shikakai rinse, but I omitted the Shikakai and just did a amla and rose powder rinse . I think that really helped with balancing out the moisture.
.shoot, I'll even take close to APL
Anyway here is my "progress" pic
Your hair is definitely thickening up though. It looks healthy from root to ends now.
Chemistry Girl- Your hair looks soooooo healthy in your avatar! I see increased thickness- the length will surely come.
Add me to the probably won't make APL this year list!
I did a touch up on Tuesday (05/26/2009) and I didn't make much progress . I did a 1" trim in April, but I still expected to see more length. Overall, I'm still happy though b/c my hair is so much thicker. I had a lot of new growth, so I know my issue is retention. I am struggling with my moisture/protein balance and I'm trying to find a good leave in that KEEPS my hair moisturized for more than 6 hrs. So I'm making some changes to my regimen.
- Up my DC and cowash to 3x a week until I figure out a way to keep my hair moisturized for longer.
- Just started using PC and so far it seems to be making a positive difference. My hair seems smoother and retains moisture a little better. Hopefully over time these will continue to improve.
- Keep playing around with leave-ins and moisturizers and home made concoctions.
- Today I just started my vitamin regimen for overall heath and hair growth. I'll be taking Nature's Plus Source of Life Liquid Multivitamin, Nature's Plus Ultra Hair, Vitamin Shoppe Biotin 5mg and Vitamin Shoppe Iron w/ vit C, B12, Folic Acid and Copper.
Anyway here is my "progress" pic
Lol, I think she means for her camera.
I can see progress. Your ends look much thicker and healthier.
ChemistryGirl,
Your hair is DEFINITELY thicker and healthier. Good job!!