Relaxed Hair Thread

[ItsMeLilLucky]

ITA. I've just been using YT as a visual supplement to this board. I'm not on any other SM platforms so no Facebook groups, IG or anything for me either. There are also blogs but a lot bloggers have gone natural.

I’ve been using Instagram and YouTube, but it’s more YouTube. I’d never thought I’d complain about not enough relaxed ladies to follow lol. I know about Hairlicious, April Sunny, ToyaJTV, MissMariamaaa, Brianna Rashay, Bee Russie, AlexisKimberly, and Twolala, but I’m trying to see if I missed anybody.

 

[MzSwift]

I’ve been using Instagram and YouTube, but it’s more YouTube. I’d never thought I’d complain about not enough relaxed ladies to follow lol. I know about Hairlicious, April Sunny, ToyaJTV, MissMariamaaa, Brianna Rashay, Bee Russie, AlexisKimberly, and Twolala, but I’m trying to see if I missed anybody.

I also watch BusyDoingMe, wilnique hart (she's gorgeous) and TheTabbi1

I primarily watch blow dry and maybe flat iron videos







TheTabbi1- does anyone know why she cut off her comments? I learn a lot in the comments bc I watch vids on mute.



And y'all know how I feel about Seun

 

[MzSwift]

@PlanetCybertron

Yayy!!! Congratulations!!
And how cute, you and hubby talking hair!

ITA, low to no manipulation is key to maximum retention and health for me too.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

I’ve been using Instagram and YouTube, but it’s more YouTube. I’d never thought I’d complain about not enough relaxed ladies to follow lol. I know about Hairlicious, April Sunny, ToyaJTV, MissMariamaaa, Brianna Rashay, Bee Russie, AlexisKimberly, and Twolala, but I’m trying to see if I missed anybody.

I forgot about Peggypeg_ (She lives in Paris and sometimes does videos in French) and Sw33tSparkl3

 

[Wenbev]

@MzSwift
Did it tonight! Used 1 tbs with castor oil and joico moisture recovery 15min with heat.
I choose to not use a washout condish after the dc. I noticed afterwards, my hair felt less tangled and took a very long time to air dry. Ended up having to tension blow a bit.
While flat ironing, the hair was straight and shiny.
Thanks so much! You were right! using the moremo and silicon mix was too much protein. I’ll have to use one or the other but no double protein again.
I’ll see how it feels in the morning to be sure.

 

[MzSwift]

I forgot about Peggypeg_ (She lives in Paris and sometimes does videos in French) and Sw33tSparkl3

Yeah, I forgot to mention her too. She just did a video on beach waves. I think I'm gonna try beach waves with bantu knots the next time I straighten my hair.

@MzSwift
Did it tonight! Used 1 tbs with castor oil and joico moisture recovery 15min with heat.
I choose to not use a washout condish after the dc. I noticed afterwards, my hair felt less tangled and took a very long time to air dry. Ended up having to tension blow a bit.
While flat ironing, the hair was straight and shiny.
Thanks so much! You were right! using the moremo and silicon mix was too much protein. I’ll have to use one or the other but no double protein again.
I’ll see how it feels in the morning to be sure.

YAY!! I'm glad you were able to counter it. Is your breakage still bad? Have you been able to treat your thyroid issue?

Protein overload is a fear of mine. I feel like it can be one of the harder things to reverse (along w heat damage). To me, it's easier to fix over moisturizing than protein overload.

 

[Wenbev]

YAY!! I'm glad you were able to counter it. Is your breakage still bad? Have you been able to treat your thyroid issue?

Protein overload is a fear of mine. I feel like it can be one of the harder things to reverse (along w heat damage). To me, it's easier to fix over moisturizing than protein overload.

I honestly never thought it was protein overload until I realized how different my hair looks after using the salt. I started taking inventory of all the conditioners and realized out of the ten in rotation, only one is a moisturizing one so that on top of the moremo took me waaaay over the edge.
This morning, after combing out the wrap, I still saw some breakage, but it is far less than other mornings. My hair looks shiny - almost greasy looking of that makes sense. Even though the only leave in I used was tressemme heat protectant spray.
I also starting searching info about salt in hair and one India-based beauty blog suggested using salt in a conditioner seasonally to help rebalance hair. So that makes me wonder can this work for not only overuse of protein but for other hair issues like frizziness, or dull and lifeless or mushy hair?
Edited to add
In regards to my thyroid, I have a new doctor we are changing my diet. I’ve always eaten healthy but she’s had me remove all dairy, eggs on top of what I’ve already removed; gluten and soy. I’m hoping it works bc I’m tired of dealing with the complications of it. It’s not letting my hair be great!

 

[MzSwift]

I honestly never thought it was protein overload until I realized how different my hair looks after using the salt. I started taking inventory of all the conditioners and realized out of the ten in rotation, only one is a moisturizing one so that on top of the moremo took me waaaay over the edge.
This morning, after combing out the wrap, I still saw some breakage, but it is far less than other mornings. My hair looks shiny - almost greasy looking of that makes sense. Even though the only leave in I used was tressemme heat protectant spray.
I also starting searching info about salt in hair and one India-based beauty blog suggested using salt in a conditioner seasonally to help rebalance hair. So that makes me wonder can this work for not only overuse of protein but for other hair issues like frizziness, or dull and lifeless or mushy hair?
Edited to add
In regards to my thyroid, I have a new doctor we are changing my diet. I’ve always eaten healthy but she’s had me remove all dairy, eggs on top of what I’ve already removed; gluten and soy. I’m hoping it works bc I’m tired of dealing with the complications of it. It’s not letting my hair be great!

((BIG HUG)) to you! I wish you the best in your new course of action with your thyroid.


So before I decided to use salt, even in my desperation, I started reading up on it. I learned that natural ladies who tried it reported less frizz and more clumps. Usually indicative of properly moisturized hair. I didn't have the texture to wear my hair in a WNG so I could not confirm that but I can tell you that my hair immediately responded favorably. I used my salt DC weekly after my lite protein for 4 years and then sparingly after that. It consistently left me with soft hair and I saw no adverse effects.

 

[11228]

Guys, what does it mean when hair is sticky? My hair dries stuck together if I don't constantly detangle with a brush/comb while its drying

I think it may be that I haven't properly straightened my hair in a long time so my hair has gotten into a state where they just like to stick together. OR my hair loves protein more than it does moisturizer. I get the nice individualized shafts when I use Nexxus emergencee or polydemic for example

I am also thinking of reintroducing heat .. I bought the blow-dryer/brush combo to make it easier.

In short, my fear of properly detangling by only using wide tooth comb and heat straightening 4+ weeks after relaxer does ore harm than good in the long run.

 

[MzSwift]

Guys, what does it mean when hair is sticky? My hair dries stuck together if I don't constantly detangle with a brush/comb while its drying

I think it may be that I haven't properly straightened my hair in a long time so my hair has gotten into a state where they just like to stick together. OR my hair loves protein more than it does moisturizer. I get the nice individualized shafts when I use Nexxus emergencee or polydemic for example

I am also thinking of reintroducing heat .. I bought the blow-dryer/brush combo to make it easier.

In short, my fear of properly detangling by only using wide tooth comb and heat straightening 4+ weeks after relaxer does ore harm than good in the long run.

So I'm not sure what that means but I can tell you that my hair will clump like that too if I don't touch it while it's airdrying. So as I air dry, every once in a while I will use my fingers to fluff out and separate my hair so that there is less clumping. I wish I knew how to describe that better. Maybe you can try to do that as it's air drying? I don't think your minimal combing is causing a problem based on what you posted.

And I definitely think you're doing well to combine the minimal manipulation with using protein regularly.

 

[11228]

So I'm not sure what that means but I can tell you that my hair will clump like that too if I don't touch it while it's airdrying. So as I air dry, every once in a while I will use my fingers to fluff out and separate my hair so that there is less clumping. I wish I knew how to describe that better. Maybe you can try to do that as it's air drying? I don't think your minimal combing is causing a problem based on what you posted.

And I definitely think you're doing well to combine the minimal manipulation with using protein regularly.

That is exactly what happens to my hair during air drying if I don't keep my fingers/comb in constantly.

I want to do something to prevent the clumping. That is why I am thinking of using low heat to aid in the drying process

 

[MzSwift]

That is exactly what happens to my hair during air drying if I don't keep my fingers/comb in constantly.

I want to do something to prevent the clumping. That is I am thinking of using low heat to aid in the drying process

Ahhh, ok. I thought you were trying to avoid using heat. Yes, I have stopped air drying loose as well. I use my hot air brush dryer and love it. My hair feels softer when I use low heat than when I air dry loose.

The only way I airdry now is if I put it in one or two braided ponytails. Then, my hair feels softer once it's dry. I think the tension may have something to do with it for me, perhaps due to porosity.

 

[MzSwift]

So I bought this u-wig back in Feb 2018 and never installed it. I think I'm going to rock this instead of wearing my actual hair out. This will be my first time doing a PS with leave out. If I like it, I'll be buying more half wigs! *fingers crossed*



Janet Collection Retro Glam U-type Wig

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@MzSwift Good luck! I think u parts are something I haven’t tried yet lol

 

[11228]

So I bought this u-wig back in Feb 2018 and never installed it. I think I'm going to rock this instead of wearing my actual hair out. This will be my first time doing a PS with leave out. If I like it, I'll be buying more half wigs! *fingers crossed*

View attachment 451655

Janet Collection Retro Glam U-type Wig

When you say install you mean like, braids and sew-in?

I was looking at lace-fronts and those things seem like a chore to put on. And they stay on for only a few days. Maybe I just don't get how it works

 

[Lymegreen]

I can not get past collarbone length there is one patch on the side that always starts breaking at that point. The back and right side grow but the left side just will not!

Well. I just cut a chunk of hair off to even it out. Looks nice and doesn’t feel short (feels medium) guess I’ll have to be satisfied with that.

 

[MzSwift]

@MzSwift Good luck! I think u parts are something I haven’t tried yet lol

Thanks sis! For some reason I thought it was a half wig when I bought it and I got it in a 1B, my hair is a 4 and in the winter a 2. Aaannnd, I think my hair is longer than the wig. LOL. But you betta believe I'm about to try this out! It's way too easy not to. I guess I'll just have minimal leave out. SMH.

When you say install you mean like, braids and sew-in?

I was looking at lace-fronts and those things seem like a chore to put on. And they stay on for only a few days. Maybe I just don't get how it works

ITA! I am not brave nor skilled enough to venture into lace wigs. LOL. And I'm not too good with sew ins so I'm excited about U-part wigs. They're more natural looking because you leave hair out up top and sometimes along the edges. They clip right into your braids. So you just slide in the combs or clips, blend your hair and go! I'm gonna try not taking it off for 2 weeks and see what happens.

It has 6 small combs to secure it

And it's super easy to install



u-wigs in general seem very easy to install and that's appealing to me

 

[MzSwift]

I can not get past collarbone length there is one patch on the side that always starts breaking at that point. The back and right side grow but the left side just will not!

Well. I just cut a chunk of hair off to even it out. Looks nice and doesn’t feel short (feels medium) guess I’ll have to be satisfied with that.

Sorry to hear that

And I refuse to believe that CBL is your terminal/predestined length. So let's brainstorm!!

How much manipulation do you have in your regi?
Do you sleep on your left side?
Do you have regular protein in your regi?
Do you wrap your hair? If you do, do you alternate directions?
Are you left handed? Do you subconsciously mess with that side of your head more?

Since you're able to grow to CBL without the breakage, maybe once you start getting close to or hit CBL, you could change up your regi to help you get over the CBL hump? In the past decade I've been on the hairboards, that seems to be a common remedy. Sometimes the change is small, sometimes it's a total revamp (such as rinsing/washing your hair more/less often, etc).

 

[11228]

Thanks sis! For some reason I thought it was a half wig when I bought it and I got it in a 1B, my hair is a 4 and in the winter a 2. Aaannnd, I think my hair is longer than the wig. LOL. But you betta believe I'm about to try this out! It's way too easy not to. I guess I'll just have minimal leave out. SMH.



ITA! I am not brave nor skilled enough to venture into lace wigs. LOL. And I'm not too good with sew ins so I'm excited about U-part wigs. They're more natural looking because you leave hair out up top and sometimes along the edges. They clip right into your braids. So you just slide in the combs or clips, blend your hair and go! I'm gonna try not taking it off for 2 weeks and see what happens.

It has 6 small combs to secure it

And it's super easy to install



u-wigs in general seem very easy to install and that's appealing to me

Um. Where can I buy one just like what she's using in the second vid.

My PJ self is psyched!

 

[Sosoothing]

I'm LOVING using whole milk yogurt in my hair. Just loving it! I don't lose a single hair when I use it. God (and @MzSwift ) is good .

My other protein treatments worked well, but I'd still lose a few strands. This is perfect for me so far. This last time, I mixed equal parts of yogurt and my ultra moisturizing DC.

 

[Lymegreen]

Sorry to hear that

And I refuse to believe that CBL is your terminal/predestined length. So let's brainstorm!!

How much manipulation do you have in your regi?
Do you sleep on your left side?
Do you have regular protein in your regi?
Do you wrap your hair? If you do, do you alternate directions?
Are you left handed? Do you subconsciously mess with that side of your head more?

Since you're able to grow to CBL without the breakage, maybe once you start getting close to or hit CBL, you could change up your regi to help you get over the CBL hump? In the past decade I've been on the hairboards, that seems to be a common remedy. Sometimes the change is small, sometimes it's a total revamp (such as rinsing/washing your hair more/less often, etc).

I received a really bad relaxer burn at a salon no less in that area when I was a teenager and the area is thinner and more brittle. And literally grows to a certain length then stops. I’ll start a hair journal to see if I can find a method that can work to get me over the hump but for now I’m ok at collarbone that’s still plenty long in the streets

 

[MzSwift]

I received a really bad relaxer burn at a salon no less in that area when I was a teenager and the area is thinner and more brittle. And literally grows to a certain length then stops. I’ll start a hair journal to see if I can find a method that can work to get me over the hump but for now I’m ok at collarbone that’s still plenty long in the streets

Oh wow, so you're saying it may have permanently changed your follicles? Journaling is definitely a good way to document and troubleshoot whenever you're ready. I use this thread as my journal -- sorry ladies. And yes, as someone who's had 3"-4" or less of hair most of my life, IA that CBL is long.

 

[MzSwift]

Finally finished my hair around 0030-0100 this morning so these pix are not the best. It's still tied up and I don't plan to do anything special to it. I plan to rock it in a low ponytail or bun most days but at least it's loose hair for hubby to enjoy -- even if it isn't mine.

I slept in it last night and it felt better than any of the other wigs I've slept in. Perhaps it's because I broke down and did cornrows to help secure the combs better. I suck at cornrowing, always tangling my hair, but at least they're not tight. Either way, if all goes well, this will be a keeper. Fits my busy mommy uniform (tank top, sports bra and yoga pants - shoes optional). Being able to rock a low ponytail without having to worry about friction/damage is very freeing.

I love the shape of this wig. I prefer layers to blunt cuts. It's so pretty. I think my hair naturally grows in this shape as well it's just not as dense.

OH! OMG, my hair was shiny!! My cornrows have a very healthy looking shine to them. I think it's the hibiscus/brahmi/bhringraj tea I used in my braid spray on my jumbo twists these past few weeks. Last time I added ayurveda tea to my braid/moisturizing spray, I had the same results. This might be a keeper!

My shiny braid base -
View media item 130363
My leave out-
View media item 130365
Leave out blending - feels good to rest my edges a bit after those jumbo twists -
View media item 130369
Top blending - I tried my best, I'm no pro -
View media item 130367
The back - unstyled
View media item 130359
The side - unstyled
View media item 130361

 

[MzSwift]

I'm LOVING using whole milk yogurt in my hair. Just loving it! I don't lose a single hair when I use it. God (and @MzSwift ) is good .

My other protein treatments worked well, but I'd still lose a few strands. This is perfect for me so far. This last time, I mixed equal parts of yogurt and my ultra moisturizing DC.

Yay!! I know, yogurt is awesome!

Like I said, everytime I try to find a shelf product that gives me the same results, I'm not successful.

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

@MzSwift Yess indeedy! Looks natural af I love it on you. You have definitely inspired me to try it sometime in the future. When? Idk. Y’all know how fickle I am

 

[MzSwift]

Um. Where can I buy one just like what she's using in the second vid.

My PJ self is psyched!

@MzSwift Yess indeedy! Looks natural af I love it on you. You have definitely inspired me to try it sometime in the future. When? Idk. Y’all know how fickle I am

Y'all, I have been on Amazon like a maniac! A lot of cute wigs there and reasonably priced.

I'll give it a couple of weeks but I'm thinking U-wigs and half wigs will be my wigging future. The only full wigs I like are the shorter ones.

 

[11228]

Finally finished my hair around 0030-0100 this morning so these pix are not the best. It's still tied up and I don't plan to do anything special to it. I plan to rock it in a low ponytail or bun most days but at least it's loose hair for hubby to enjoy -- even if it isn't mine.

I slept in it last night and it felt better than any of the other wigs I've slept in. Perhaps it's because I broke down and did cornrows to help secure the combs better. I suck at cornrowing, always tangling my hair, but at least they're not tight. Either way, if all goes well, this will be a keeper. Fits my busy mommy uniform (tank top, sports bra and yoga pants - shoes optional). Being able to rock a low ponytail without having to worry about friction/damage is very freeing.

I love the shape of this wig. I prefer layers to blunt cuts. It's so pretty. I think my hair naturally grows in this shape as well it's just not as dense.

OH! OMG, my hair was shiny!! My cornrows have a very healthy looking shine to them. I think it's the hibiscus/brahmi/bhringraj tea I used in my braid spray on my jumbo twists these past few weeks. Last time I added ayurveda tea to my braid/moisturizing spray, I had the same results. This might be a keeper!

My shiny braid base -
View media item 130363
My leave out-
View media item 130365
Leave out blending - feels good to rest my edges a bit after those jumbo twists -
View media item 130369
Top blending - I tried my best, I'm no pro -
View media item 130367
The back - unstyled
View media item 130359
The side - unstyled
View media item 130361

It's only $15 on Amazon.

Sold!

 

[MzSwift]

So I just sewed down this wig. The combs were making me nervous about alopecia and giving me a headache from the tension. So it is definitely secure enough if you use it for a day. I didn't want to sleep in bobby pins again because they hurt too. Why did I wait so long to try out sewing it down?!! It feels great. There's no tension and I'm not worried about hair loss!

I had one sew in done when I was 18 and after that I had only used glue for my weaves. So I'm no pro at this. But the relief is so great. I don't have access to my hair but I see it as a sew in with less work. I hope I can make this last for a few weeks.

 

[Wenbev]

So one week later from the salt dc and my hair retained moisture.
I only added oil every other day. Either ouai or olaplex oil.
Washing tonight and using salt once more hopefully same or even better results

 

[Rozlewis]

I am 15 weeks post and I used Carol Daughters Olive Oil Infusion as a pre-poo and my new growth was so moisturized and soft. I have had this hidden in my stash and had not used it. I planned to relax at 17 weeks but if my new growth remains this manageable I will hold off until 21 weeks. Also, I have close to 2 inches of new growth.