Shea Growth And Retention Regimen 2018

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro How do you keep your hair moisturized when it’s straight?

Short Answer:
At night, I lightly coat my ends with an oil. Usually, I coat the last 1 to 2 inches of hair ends. Then, I do a wrap and pin it. Then, I put a scarf over my head.



My Long Winded Musings:
I used to wrap with a satin wrap cap only. As shown here:

When 2019 hits, it will be going on five (5) years since I used heat or straightened my hair. But in the meantime, I've been collecting information and tools, like this wrap pictured below. I saw the Glamtwinzs use this in a video. I've never made the opportunity to try it. But I got two in my house!

I may add a dome cap to the mix.

Put on my normal scarf next,

And a bonnet, too!

I hope I don't sweat my hair out and wake up with puffy roots and an afro. That would defeat the purpose of putting all this stuff on my head.

5 step process:

1. Brush hair into a wrap.
2. Secure with velcro foam wrap scarf.
3. Put on satin wrap cap.
4. Put on dome cap (maybe/maybe not)
5. Put on satin bonnet cap over wrap.

 

[Chicoro]

Hi Shea Family! I took a break from the forum but not from Queen Shea.

Tried to post some end of year update pics but alas the forum wont let me.

So I guess I'll just post an end of year summary. The ways I use Shea butter has not changed much. However, I have also added Shea Nut oil to the mix. I use it to deep condition (I do add a little actual conditioner on top of it). I also use Shea Nut oil to seal in my leave in. In between wash days (as needed) I use my Whipped Shea Butter.

Changes in length:
I can't give an update here as I've been a trimming fool this entire year. Pospartum shedding hit me hard & I spent just about all of 2018 just focusing on damage control. I'll be back on the grow for 2019, so I'm excited to have Queen Shea in my corner & look forward to reaching great lengths.

The biggest change I have seen is in the QUALITY of hair. My hair is the softest and healthiest it has ever been in my entire life. It is darker, holds moisture like nobody's business and just so lush. My neice told me it looks like her baby doll's hair.

All hail Queen Shea. May she continue to reign!!

Squeals with joy! Excited to see you back.

ElevatedEngery said,"The biggest change I have seen is in the QUALITY of hair. My hair is the softest and healthiest it has ever been in my entire life. It is darker, holds moisture like nobody's business and just so lush. My neice told me it looks like her baby doll's hair."



YES! This. If I see someone's before hair and their current hair, I can spot a Shea Made head of hair. Shea butter really does improve the quality of each, individual hair strand. Congratulations for getting things under control and re-orienting to focus on growth in 2019!

 

[Daina]

Hi Shea Family! I took a break from the forum but not from Queen Shea.

Tried to post some end of year update pics but alas the forum wont let me.

So I guess I'll just post an end of year summary. The ways I use Shea butter has not changed much. However, I have also added Shea Nut oil to the mix. I use it to deep condition (I do add a little actual conditioner on top of it). I also use Shea Nut oil to seal in my leave in. In between wash days (as needed) I use my Whipped Shea Butter.

Changes in length:
I can't give an update here as I've been a trimming fool this entire year. Pospartum shedding hit me hard & I spent just about all of 2018 just focusing on damage control. I'll be back on the grow for 2019, so I'm excited to have Queen Shea in my corner & look forward to reaching great lengths.

The biggest change I have seen is in the QUALITY of hair. My hair is the softest and healthiest it has ever been in my entire life. It is darker, holds moisture like nobody's business and just so lush. My neice told me it looks like her baby doll's hair.

All hail Queen Shea. May she continue to reign!!

Welcome back sis, missed you and those lovely tresses!

 

[caribeandiva]

@ElevatedEnergy Welcome back!! I missed you!

 

[caribeandiva]

Short Answer:
At night, I lightly coat my ends with an oil. Usually, I coat the last 1 to 2 inches of hair ends. Then, I do a wrap and pin it. Then, I put a scarf over my head.



My Long Winded Musings:
I used to wrap with a satin wrap cap only. As shown here:

When 2019 hits, it will be going on five (5) years since I used heat or straightened my hair. But in the meantime, I've been collecting information and tools, like this wrap pictured below. I saw the Glamtwinzs use this in a video. I've never made the opportunity to try it. But I got two in my house!

I may add a dome cap to the mix.

Put on my normal scarf next,

And a bonnet, too!

I hope I don't sweat my hair out and wake up with puffy roots and an afro. That would defeat the purpose of putting all this stuff on my head.

5 step process:

1. Brush hair into a wrap.
2. Secure with velcro foam wrap scarf.
3. Put on satin wrap cap.
4. Put on dome cap (maybe/maybe not)
5. Put on satin bonnet cap over wrap.

Thank you!

 

[Silverstreaks]

I’ve been using my Shea mix on my twists. It has been the best moisture retainer I’ve used so far. I don’t normally wear my hair out and haven’t for a number of years. On a day to day basis, particularly in the winter, it’s not practical for me. I wear a few large twists and put them in a bun. Very low maintenance.

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Welcome back sis, missed you and those lovely tresses!

@ElevatedEnergy Welcome back!! I missed you!

Missed you both too!

 

[ItsMeLilLucky]

Hey, I just realized the beer shampoo and conditioner has Shea butter in it too. It’s just further down the line. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, I posted a picture in the Random Hair Thoughts Thread.

 

[Chicoro]

Hey, I just realized the beer shampoo and conditioner has Shea butter in it too. It’s just further down the line. If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, I posted a picture in the Random Hair Thoughts Thread.

Can you give us the link, please?

I found your post!

 

[Chicoro]

Eight more days until the Extravaganza. Eight more days to out yourself as a Shea Made Hair Unicorn.

 

[Chicoro]

Okay, no new photos, but here are my measurement statistics for 2018. I guess my hair grows in 'spots'. Meaning, I didn't get cascading length in bulk, but I know my hair was dropping in length in spots all over my head.

How I measured: Lightly wet and undid a braided section, bobby pinned tape measure to lined part, or the upper parted part of section. Stretched and pulled my natural hair until the longest strands could go no farther.

Personal best for strands: 26 inches reached! [All three strands! ]

Hair Braid Length Tracker Map:

2018 Starting Statistics:

(December 23, 2017)

Front Crown Length =24.5 Inches
Front Side Burn Length =22.0 inches
Back Crown Length =24.0 Inches
Back Nape Length =21.5 Inches

2018 Ending Statistics:

(December 23, 2018)

Front Crown Length = 25.0 Inches (0.5 inches gained) -left side
Front Side Burn Length =21.5 inches (-.50 inches lost) -left side
Back Crown Length =26.0 inches (2 inches gained!) -right side
Back Nape Length =22.0 inches (0.5 inches gained) -left side

 

[cocomama]

Okay, no new photos, but here are my measurement statistics for 2018. I guess my hair grows in 'spots'. Meaning, I didn't get cascading length in bulk, but I know my hair was dropping in length in spots all over my head.

How I measured: Lightly wet and undid a braided section, bobby pinned tape measure to lined part, or the upper parted part of section. Stretched and pulled my natural hair until the longest strands could go no farther.

Personal best for strands: 26 inches reached! [All three strands! ]

Hair Braid Length Tracker Map:

2018 Starting Statistics:

(December 23, 2017)

Front Crown Length =24.5 Inches
Front Side Burn Length =22.0 inches
Back Crown Length =24.0 Inches
Back Nape Length =21.5 Inches

2018 Ending Statistics:

(December 23, 2018)

Front Crown Length = 25.0 Inches (0.5 inches gained) -left side
Front Side Burn Length =21.5 inches (-.50 inches lost) -left side
Back Crown Length =26.0 inches (2 inches gained!) -right side
Back Nape Length =22.0 inches (0.5 inches gained) -left side

Beautiful Sis!!!!

 

[blazingbeauty]

This thread has really encouraged me to jump back on the Shea train - not halfway like when I was mixing Vaseline in my shea butter mixes. Don’t get me wrong, grease has treated my hair right, it has improved my hair’s moisture retention and reduced friction.

However, I like the sound of shea butter improving the very condition of the individual strand, in a way that grease can’t. I’m gonna use this nice pre-mixed shea butter cream I purchased as my sealant in 2019. At least, I’ll try it out for a few month.

Hopefully, I’ll see great results like all of the lovely ladies in this thread. Thank you for starting this thread Chicoro! I remember reading this Afro sci-fi novel by Nnedi Okorafur where shea butter had special powers. Such a cute idea.

 

[Chicoro]

This thread has really encouraged me to jump back on the Shea train - not halfway like when I was mixing Vaseline in my shea butter mixes. Don’t get me wrong, grease has treated my hair right, it has improved my hair’s moisture retention and reduced friction.

However, I like the sound of shea butter improving the very condition of the individual strand, in a way that grease can’t. I’m gonna use this nice pre-mixed shea butter cream I purchased as my sealant in 2019. At least, I’ll try it out for a few month.

Hopefully, I’ll see great results like all of the lovely ladies in this thread. Thank you for starting this thread Chicoro! I remember reading this Afro sci-fi novel by Nnedi Okorafur where shea butter had special powers. Such a cute idea.

"I remember reading this Afro sci-fi novel by Nnedi Okorafur where shea butter had special powers. Such a cute idea."

Excuse me? What book...that mentions...the power of Shea butter? What chapter, verse and page?

 

[ElevatedEnergy]

Hi Shea Family! I took a break from the forum but not from Queen Shea.

Tried to post some end of year update pics but alas the forum wont let me.

So I guess I'll just post an end of year summary. The ways I use Shea butter has not changed much. However, I have also added Shea Nut oil to the mix. I use it to deep condition (I do add a little actual conditioner on top of it). I also use Shea Nut oil to seal in my leave in. In between wash days (as needed) I use my Whipped Shea Butter.

Changes in length:
I can't give an update here as I've been a trimming fool this entire year. Pospartum shedding hit me hard & I spent just about all of 2018 just focusing on damage control. I'll be back on the grow for 2019, so I'm excited to have Queen Shea in my corner & look forward to reaching great lengths.

The biggest change I have seen is in the QUALITY of hair. My hair is the softest and healthiest it has ever been in my entire life. It is darker, holds moisture like nobody's business and just so lush. My neice told me it looks like her baby doll's hair.

All hail Queen Shea. May she continue to reign!!

Quoting myself. This is the picture I was trying to upload showing the QUALITY of my hair improving this year.



Upwards & Onwards! Shea Train, I'm riding you FO LIFE!

 

[yamilee21]

5 step process:

1. Brush hair into a wrap.
2. Secure with velcro foam wrap scarf.
3. Put on satin wrap cap.
4. Put on dome cap (maybe/maybe not)
5. Put on satin bonnet cap over wrap.

My head is already sweating just from reading this, !

I don't know... seems a bit too much. Be sure to tell us how this works out!

 

[mzteaze]

I just made a batch of henna / cassia gloss bars using a mix of Shea butter and cocoa butter.

My hair feels so luxurious after that treatment.

 

[Chicoro]

My head is already sweating just from reading this, !

I don't know... seems a bit too much. Be sure to tell us how this works out!

 

[Chicoro]

Quoting myself. This is the picture I was trying to upload showing the QUALITY of my hair improving this year.

View attachment 440023

Upwards & Onwards! Shea Train, I'm riding you FO LIFE!

Looking pretty! Can you walk us through the timeline and the differences of these two posted photos, please? How long had you been using Shea butter in each one? What is the style steps done on each hairstyle: air dry, Shea butter placed on it wet, etc... I think your photos are a great example and capture the difference that Shea butter makes on natural, afro-textured hair. Can you give us a detail by detail breakdown, please?



This is what I was saying about how Shea butter grown hair looks "otherworldly". It changes the way the hair looks. It's usually much thicker, fuller AND longer. If I see before and after pictures, I can literally see when someone employed Shea butter at some point in their hair journey.

 

[Chicoro]

Shea Made Hair Unicorn Spotted in another thread!

https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/2018-progress-photos.841037/#post-25038717

 

[Chicoro]

Quiet people...let's see if we can get this beautiful hair unicorn to come out into the open. Let me sprinkle a few treats...

Ohh @Pygmy_puff ....Woo whoooo! Can you come in here for a moment, please?

Quiet now. Nobody move. Anybody wearing perfume needs to step their hooves to the back. We don't want to alarm her.

 

[Pygmy_puff]

Quiet people...let's see if we can get this beautiful hair unicorn to come out into the open. Let me sprinkle a few treats...

Ohh @Pygmy_puff ....Woo whoooo! Can you come in here for a moment, please?

Quiet now. Nobody move. Anybody wearing perfume needs to step their hooves to the back. We don't want to alarm her.

LMBO
I’m here!! Yes, I lurk sometimes, but I’ve been here
Love me some Shea buttah!

 

[Chicoro]

Okay, @Pygmy_puff says she's been using Shea butter for three years. I think she deserves an honorary mention. I take that back. The growth she has for 2018 is this year! So, she is definitely Shea Made THIS year!

I, Chicoro, hereby nominate and induct @Pygmy_puff into the Shea Made Hair Unicorn Hall of Fame, on this 24th day of December 2018.

@caribeandiva , do your thing please!

 

[Chicoro]

LMBO
I’m here!! Yes, I lurk sometimes, but I’ve been here
Love me some Shea buttah!

Can you please post those photos here that you posted where I first spotted you?

 

[Pygmy_puff]

Can you please post those photos here that you posted where I first spotted you?

Sure! I’ll copy paste here. Hope it works lol:
_____________

Top row is December 2017, bottom is from the end of November 2018. Yes, I did a lazy job flat ironing in November haha my ends were so poofy.

View attachment 440053
My regimen varies, but when I’m not protective styling (probably about 75% of the time), I wash 1X per week and try to DC weekly as well. I stretch my hair in braids with Shea butter and wear roll/tuck/pin styles, ponytails, buns, or just down. I also like to wash and go here and there. I flat iron maybe 3-5 times per year.

I want to do more protective styling this year. I also need a good trim/shape up.

Edit: yikes!! Sorry about the dirty mirror, I promise we don’t always live like that

2nd edit: here’s some bonus pics from this year
View attachment 440061
Stretched hair

View attachment 440063
Roll/tuck/pin style for work

View attachment 440055
Failed flat iron (check the dew point before you go outside, kids!!)

View attachment 440057
Kind of a “meh” twist out

View attachment 440059
Wash n go with purple/blue hair paint wax. I had a lot of fun with this one, can’t wait to try again!

 

[Chicoro]

Thank you @Pygmy_puff for posting above!

We kind of lazy to click links and we like instant gratification ...so I just went ahead and stole your photos out the other thread. With your permission of course...


Top row is December 2017, bottom is from the end of November 2018.

Chicoro comment: It looks like she retained about 4 to 5 inches (minimum). It might be more than that in some places of her hair!

 

[Chicoro]

Picture 1: December 24th, 2018 (Dropping in Length Stage)

My hair is dropping to newer longer lengths. This section looks like it is getting thinner. That is because, it is! BUT, my hair is wet with water and SCURL and slathered with Shea butter. And I am pulling on it really tautly. I think I've had some breakage. I discovered why I was losing whole curls. Some of the breakage is due to that. I think I have remedied that and I am ready for 2019.

My hair reaches the top of my robe pocket. That's about a difference of 2 inches. It may be 3 inches if I were to straighten my hair and remove the waves.

Picture 2: January 9th, 2018 (Dropping in Length Stage)

My hair is wet with water and SCURL and slathered with Shea butter. And I am pulling on it a little less tautly. The hair is thicker here. It is about an 2 inches from the top of my pocket.

Picture 3: November 14th, 2017 (Thickening Stage)

My hair is not wet and I am just holding it. I am not pulling it tightly. Also, the belt is lower on my body and sagging here so this picture is not a true comparison photo.

I can see that my hair ends had thickened at this newer length. Whenever my ends are all the same length and thickness, I know my hair is about to drop in length again. It did that and gained length in 2018.

I expect the hair to thicken up in 2019, barring any set backs such as severe tangles and breakage.

2019: Full tailbone length in December!​

 

[caribeandiva]

@Pygmy_puff Welcome to the Shea made unicorn hall of fame!!

 

[caribeandiva]

Quoting myself. This is the picture I was trying to upload showing the QUALITY of my hair improving this year.

View attachment 440023

Upwards & Onwards! Shea Train, I'm riding you FO LIFE!

Holy smokes!!

 

[Pygmy_puff]

@Pygmy_puff Welcome to the Shea made unicorn hall of fame!!

View attachment 440085

Wow! Thank you guys!!!! I feel so special