Overcomplicated

[CurleeDST]

Ok folks I have read some people's routines and wanted to ask - why are people mixing up so many convoluted concoctions (i.e. mixing V05 with 8 different oils, 2 additional conditioners and honey for good measure)? Are you all really seeing that much improvement in hair condition and or length with it or are we overthinking this entire thing?

I read routines of some of the members with waistlength hair and one thing seems to be consistent - they kept it very simple and low manipulation. They use the conditioners as instructed, shampoo as instructed and a moisturizer and then pin it up. Voila - with consistency their hair grew and remains thick and strong.

Why all the complication? Also, this is not meant to offend but meant to start a discussion about it b/c to some point I think we can be a bit fanatical with length to the point we jump on every bandwagon there is.

 

[Healthb4Length]

Ok folks I have read some people's routines and wanted to ask - why are people mixing up so many convoluted concoctions (i.e. mixing V05 with 8 different oils, 2 additional conditioners and honey for good measure)? Are you all really seeing that much improvement in hair condition and or length with it or are we overthinking this entire thing?

I've noticed this as well. I used to mix up every and anything but I really got lazy...it's time consuming. I've found great products that really don't require me to mix up XYZ...the only thing I mix up are my oils now. But as for adding oils to my conditioners/relaxers, I don't do it as often as I used to. I only use them to mix up crappy conditioners that I don't want to throw out.

I read routines of some of the members with waistlength hair and one thing seems to be consistent - they kept it very simple and low manipulation. They use the conditioners as instructed, shampoo as instructed and a moisturizer and then pin it up. Voila - with consistency their hair grew and remains thick and strong.

I've been reading the FOTM files and I saw the beauty of simplicity in all of their routines. I find that my hair is thriving much better.

Why all the complication? Also, this is not meant to offend but meant to start a discussion about it b/c to some point I think we can be a bit fanatical with length to the point we jump on every bandwagon there is.

Extactly, last year I tried Jumped on a lot of bandwagons/PJ Bandwagons and I didn't notice any drastic changes. I've made it my goal to Keep it really simple for 2007, so far so good...

 

[preciousjewel76]

You have a good point. I'm currently trying the "less is more" approach. When I first joined, I went out and bought some of everything to try. I'm now using up a lot of the things I bought initially and I won't repurchase most of them. I admit to mixing up my conditioners though, just so I can use them all up faster!

I'm going to try braiding up my hair soon, hopefully that will really force me to scale back my regimen.

 

[SweetCaramel1]

when i first joined i was excited and wanted to try everything so i went out and bought several products that were recommended. there was always something new and exciting so i kept trying different products.

now i'm down to three products and not as quick to try the lastest rave. i think it's easy to get caught up with wanting long hair and the desire is so strong that we will purchase almost anything that worked for another member. i do agree that little manipulation and moisture is key.

 

[Arcadian]

Dunno and good question. I know I used to do some pretty complicated stuff but found it not as necessary as my hair grew.

I know when I started out on my hair journey that I had such an info overload that I was trying a little of everything. it was crazy. I ended up paring down once I got my staples though.

I still mix my DC though. Its one of thing I'll always mix up because otherwise It'll take me all day.erplexed

I still experiment which is a good thing, but I think these days my experimentation is much more simplified because the longer my hair gets, the harder it is to detangle and handle. (and the more I don't want to do either!)

-A

 

[Lotus]

I'm a mixer- and I've seen improvement. I mix mostly to cut back on steps or to increase (IMO) the effectiveness of products.

For example, I need heavy protien, so Aphogee for me is a must. Then after Aphogee, I normally have to do some heavy moisture treatment or my hair snaps. I read here (dont remember poster, but thanks!) about mixing cond. w/Aphogee for deep treatement.. tried it and it worked.

I like mixing stuff. Mixing, for me, cuts back on the time I spend doin' my hair and makes caring for my hair, kinda personal. I'll probably all ways mix somthing (clay, cake mixes, lotions, perfumes). I'm a mixer for life... I think it's just my nature (I mixed before the board). I'ma get my hands in/hands wet kinda person.

 

[CurleeDST]

My husband clowns me b/c I have several failed experiments under my bathroom sink and when he finds something in the trash - OH HE JUST BUSTS out laughing at me.

From that I realize that this one particular year when I started focusing on length and trying all of these items my hair grew NO FASTER than normal. I ran 5 to 6 miles a day, drank fresh fruit 100% natural smoothies DAILY, and took those raved about supplements. I still gained oh .5 inch a month I guess no more and no less.

From that I think about when I did have longer hair and how I did not pay attention to my hair. I didn't abuse it but I did minimal amount of things to maintain and style it and it just did its magic. So when I read about some of these complicated concoctions and cocktails I wonder if that person will really see the difference they are hoping for or is that a bunch of money down the drain wasted.

 

[camellia]

I read about adding honey to conditioner and I decided to try it. It really works for my hair. Other than this bit of "tweaking" my routine is very simple.

I add a little warmed honey and a little bit of oil to my conditioner (Alterna or Nexxus) and it works like a charm. By heating the honey and oil and then adding conditioner to it I have warm conditioner to put on my hair which works a lot better for me than sitting under a dryer for a deep conditioner.

The combination of honey and certain oils seems to make the conditioner work even better than it does without them. My hair is silkier and retains even more moisture. I have virtually NO breakage and I'm retaining all of my length. I don't think it makes my hair grow any faster but it makes it soooo soft and silky. Of course I realize this may not work for everyone, but my hair is thriving with it.

 

[CurleeDST]

I did read one tip that I tried that DID actually work for me: Take ORS Mayonnaise, heat it up for 30 seconds in the microwave, apply it to your hair, put on a plastic cap and let sit for 1 hour and then wash and condition as normal!

My hair was SOOOOO soft and cottony and cushy - I was like THIS IS A KEEPER and much better than sitting under a hair dryer for 1 hour. I even saw "fog" in the cap from my own body heat. Hair was very strong!

I have used honey intermittently and it was just ok for me. I do swear by organic ACV rinses and since I buy these items ANYWAY I do not see them as a waste of money. But trying or using overly expensive conditioners and shampoos my hair laughs at them while my wallet cries. LOL

 

[Lotus]

My husband clowns me b/c I have several failed experiments under my bathroom sink and when he finds something in the trash - OH HE JUST BUSTS out laughing at me.

LOL- Yep, you and me both. I have about $500 worth of essential oils sitting under my sink. *gonna come in handy someday... I need my stuff-hump!* Dont let me get started on the (OT) skin mask, lotions, and scrubs. I am a mess!

From that I realize that this one particular year when I started focusing on length and trying all of these items my hair grew NO FASTER than normal. I ran 5 to 6 miles a day, drank fresh fruit 100% natural smoothies DAILY, and took those raved about supplements. I still gained oh .5 inch a month I guess no more and no less.

From that I think about when I did have longer hair and how I did not pay attention to my hair. I didn't abuse it but I did minimal amount of things to maintain and style it and it just did its magic. So when I read about some of these complicated concoctions and cocktails I wonder if that person will really see the difference they are hoping for or is that a bunch of money down the drain wasted.

I cant say that i've used anything consistantly enough (MTG *couldnt stand the smell*) to say if my hair grew faster. But I've found a few products/mixed a few that has cut back on my PCOS hair shedding.

 

[sowhut]

I never jumped on product bandwagons but i did hop on vitamin bandwagons (MSM, Biotin, Flaxseed oil) and im glad i did! They definitely improved my hair condition. I would have never tried these supplements had i not started lurkin hair boards. My hair never responded well to most products so i was never tempted to try topical agents, or "mixing this with that". I do believe that a lot of ladies that do mix and make concoctions actually have fun doing so. Eventually most realize that its probably not necessary.

 

[dynamic1]

I am a "mixologist" But not necessarily for growth.
Most of my routine is simple. But sometimes I experiment with different things. Primarily, I create mixes for curly wash and gos or kinky fro.
For starters, it is a whole lot of fun. Besides if no one experimented, we wouldn't have some of the start ups out there now.

 

[CurleeDST]

Does anyone have any thoughts about possibly getting the opposite results when we do not follow the manufacturer's directions on using their products? I ask b/c I once went to get my hair straightened and the beautician there told me if a conditioner says leave on for no more than 2 minutes, I should not leave it on overnight b/c I might find my hair feeling mushy over time b/c conditioners have chemicals in them and the manufacturer made for it to work a certain way within a certain amount of time.

Ever since she said that I was a stickler to not stray far away from the directions on the bottle b/c that is the way the developer meant for it to work. Just wondering if anyone had any adverse reactions by not following the directions as instructed.

 

[frostydoll]

This is funny I was just talking to my stylist about the crazy regimens I see a few weeks ago. Personally, when I went natural I wasn't trying to grow my hai rsuper long I just wanted healthy hair and to love it the way God made me. Needless to say my hair has grown tremendously without me even trying in the last two years. I just recently added Boundless Tresses to my pretty much nonexistent regimen because I want a certain goal by my birthday and because my scalp has been itchy so I figured it would kill two birds with one stone.
Less really seems to be more for a lot of people even if you don't wear protective styles.

 

[Cleve_gryl]

When I first joined I went out and bought a ton of products to try too . After many different experiments and a few months, I've scaled waaay back. I do like to mix deep conditioners though, or add a little honey to them for shine. But, other than that I've gotten over doing way too much to my hair.

 

[Lotus]

Yep. My mom *yep, I gotta it from my momma * made come conditoner and gave me a bottle of it. It was great. I used it for my co-washing/leaving protective styles. She kept saying 'your supposed to wash it out. But I ignored her and left it in. I was, at that time co-washing every other day and I mean whatever she put in it was the bomb. Anyway, I ran out so I asked for more. After a while I notice my hair was feeling hard and breaking... so I asked her if she used the same things. NOPE! This new patch (she'd decided to "tweek it") had more hask placenta in it. Teach me not to listen.

 

[dynamic1]

Does anyone have any thoughts about possibly getting the opposite results when we do not follow the manufacturer's directions on using their products?

Just wondering if anyone had any adverse reactions by not following the directions as instructed.

Good question. I have left conditioner on overnight, in the gym, etc. But I know which ones are mild or too strong, protein or moisture, etc.
Too much of anything is not good. For those who actually take the time to research the ingredients and have insight into their hair needs, I think it is okay.

However, I sometimes ponder the implications of certain carrier oils, condtioners mixed into relaxers.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

Ok folks I have read some people's routines and wanted to ask - why are people mixing up so many convoluted concoctions (i.e. mixing V05 with 8 different oils, 2 additional conditioners and honey for good measure)? Are you all really seeing that much improvement in hair condition and or length with it or are we overthinking this entire thing?

I read routines of some of the members with waistlength hair and one thing seems to be consistent - they kept it very simple and low manipulation. They use the conditioners as instructed, shampoo as instructed and a moisturizer and then pin it up. Voila - with consistency their hair grew and remains thick and strong.

Why all the complication? Also, this is not meant to offend but meant to start a discussion about it b/c to some point I think we can be a bit fanatical with length to the point we jump on every bandwagon there is.

Yes I am in total agreeance with you.

I just think people want to do 'everything' to their hair an they don't want their hair to be deprived of anything. Some people's hair require more than others. But even with that being said, the most I htink we need is poo/con, moisturizer, (maybe an oil), and some kind of dressing of some sort (serum, etc).

That's why I can't get with the henna, growth potions, etc. It would be TOO much. I noticed when I cut down on the number of products that I use, I barely have to clarify. It's not that deep IMHO.

 

[LocksOfLuV]

I read about adding honey to conditioner and I decided to try it. It really works for my hair. Other than this bit of "tweaking" my routine is very simple.

I add a little warmed honey and a little bit of oil to my conditioner (Alterna or Nexxus) and it works like a charm. By heating the honey and oil and then adding conditioner to it I have warm conditioner to put on my hair which works a lot better for me than sitting under a dryer for a deep conditioner.

The combination of honey and certain oils seems to make the conditioner work even better than it does without them. My hair is silkier and retains even more moisture. I have virtually NO breakage and I'm retaining all of my length. I don't think it makes my hair grow any faster but it makes it soooo soft and silky. Of course I realize this may not work for everyone, but my hair is thriving with it.

I actually take your regimen as a simple regimen.

 

[Lavendar]

I read about adding honey to conditioner and I decided to try it. It really works for my hair. Other than this bit of "tweaking" my routine is very simple.

By heating the honey and oil and then adding conditioner to it I have warm conditioner to put on my hair which works a lot better for me than sitting under a dryer for a deep conditioner.

The combination of honey and certain oils seems to make the conditioner work even better than it does without them.

My sentiments exactly! I only mix with my DC. I may add something extra like herbs or EO for smell, but it's really not complicated at all. It's actually really fun and extremely relaxing when adding a heat cap and a good book!

 

[senimoni]

I think its a phase most of us go through and one point in time or another. I think if a person is having problems then simplyfying the routine may be something to look at...otherwise, if it ain't broke.....don't fix it.

 

[CurleeDST]

My girlfriend went natural 3 years ago. She transitioned 1.5 years. She cut out the remaining relaxer and in another 1.5 years she is past BSL. I asked her what she does and it was so simple it was ridiculous. In the summer she shampoos and conditions, adds C Dhair ilk and wears it curly. In the winter she washes and conditions adn then straightens with her maxiglide and puts it up in a bun and calls it a day.

That is it. It is so simple it is ridiculous and her hair is long and lustrous and smooth.

Yes I am in total agreeance with you.

I just think people want to do 'everything' to their hair an they don't want their hair to be deprived of anything. Some people's hair require more than others. But even with that being said, the most I htink we need is poo/con, moisturizer, (maybe an oil), and some kind of dressing of some sort (serum, etc).

That's why I can't get with the henna, growth potions, etc. It would be TOO much. I noticed when I cut down on the number of products that I use, I barely have to clarify. It's not that deep IMHO.

 

[sweetwhispers]

i personally never follow the instructions on the bottle word for word.
ETA. I used a very simple regimen for years- wash/cornrow. My hair did not get past shoulder length. Now that i've began experimenting i'm nearly APL- like all things hair related it depends on the person.

 

[la flaca]

I agree, less is more I think that hot oil treatment, shampoo and a DC is all my hair needs. but I do like to mix my conditioners like today I mixed the ORS pak, ORS Mayo and Toque Magico 'cause I did not want to do a strong protein treatment and let me tell this is the best protein treatment I've ever had in my life, my hair feels/looks great. It's a keeper! The only way to know what works is trying

 

[Poohbear]

I've wondered the same thing, CurleeDST! I've also noticed simplicity in the hair regimens of the FOTM ladies and other ladies with long hair. A simple routine is best for me and my hair as well (and saves me money too).

Btw CurleeDST, I like your hair in your avatar! I love the shape of it!

 

[Angelicus]

I mix conditioners together based on ingredients (wheat germ, silk worm, mink oil, etc). Works for me. Honestly I think my regimen is very simple (and extremely frugal)even with all the mixing. I think mixing 2342034920 isn't frugal...

whatever works for people... It's a psychological thing, too, I guess.

 

[B_Phlyy]

Even though I am a PJ, my routine is very simple. I do a CWC or co wash and use a leave-in or grease. Yes, I have 50/11 products, but I never really use more than one at a time. So my co wash conditioner is usually the same as my deep conditioner, I just use more or less for a shorter or longer amount of time. So I rarely follow the directions on the bottle.

Not everyone finds their staples and hair routine at the same time or as fast as others. Also, what may be a simple routine for some is actually very complicated to others. For example, a lot of ladies like the "simplicity" of bunning, but my hair would tear up and thin out if I did that. It's all relative.

 

[CurleeDST]

Why thank you ma'am. That was taken Easter 2005 I believe and I really liked the shape from the front and back. I let it grow out more but then started messing with it and eventually big chopped again September 2006. So I am starting over but she gave me the same shape so hopefully in 2 years I will have that shape again! YIPPEE!

I think in order for ME to hit that target I am going to have to chill and not overmanipulate or use 20,000 products. My hair says "I ain't gonna grow any faster". LOL

I've wondered the same thing, CurleeDST! I've also noticed simplicity in the hair regimens of the FOTM ladies and other ladies with long hair. A simple routine is best for me and my hair as well (and saves me money too).

Btw CurleeDST, I like your hair in your avatar! I love the shape of it!

 

[CurleeDST]

I hear you and I understand the art of experimenting to find what works best for your hair. I am guilty of this, I have seen those of us have a perfectly good routine and then jump on the latest bandwagon I do not know - perhaps in search of something just that much better? At least I think that is what I was doing. Adn then when it doesn't work I reflect back on what did and end up right back where I started.

For me, I define complicated when mixing 3 or more items together for a cocktail plus including 3 or more steps in a routine.

But that is just me. If I can't memorize the routine after reading it twice - it is too complicated for me. Or I have a short attention span - one of the two! LOL

Even though I am a PJ, my routine is very simple. I do a CWC or co wash and use a leave-in or grease. Yes, I have 50/11 products, but I never really use more than one at a time. So my co wash conditioner is usually the same as my deep conditioner, I just use more or less for a shorter or longer amount of time. So I rarely follow the directions on the bottle.

Not everyone finds their staples and hair routine at the same time or as fast as others. Also, what may be a simple routine for some is actually very complicated to others. For example, a lot of ladies like the "simplicity" of bunning, but my hair would tear up and thin out if I did that. It's all relative.

 

[CurleeDST]

I wonder about placebos too.....what really does work and what is all in our heads?

And who is getting rich off of all of it?

I mix conditioners together based on ingredients (wheat germ, silk worm, mink oil, etc). Works for me. Honestly I think my regimen is very simple (and extremely frugal)even with all the mixing. I think mixing 2342034920 isn't frugal...

whatever works for people... It's a psychological thing, too, I guess.