Starting a hair journey - the trials and tribulations....

[Vintageglam]

Did any other ladies find that in the initial stages of your hair journey that you often had setbacks, breakage and other issues due to being a newbie and finding out what works for you?

I have fine 4a/b hair which I always thought was protein sensitive but if that aphogee 2 step is even 1 week late I pay the price. I also had my time with traditional roller-setting and just about lived to tell the story and then there is the Nexxus emergencee which got stuck in my hair and became an emergencee

Anyway please share your experinces ladies. I am in bed with a dehli belly in this tropical paradise at the moment so please entertain me

 

[darlingdiva]

I definitely had setbacks as a newbie because I was looking for what worked for me, and I was being stubborn. I was super-scared of protein b/c I heard so many stories of it making the hair hard. I definitely didn't want that, so I avoided it like the plague. I ended up with mushy hair that was constantly breaking. It didn't stop breaking until I started using protein.

There are a lot of trials and tribulations, buy being a DIYer & seeing the progress I've made makes my journey worthwhile. Growing up, I never did my own hair. My mother did it for me, or I went to the salon. When I started doing my own hair in January 2007, I didn't think I could survive without a hairdresser---but I did...and I do. You will, too.

P.S.: Don't be afraid if your hair changes and is no longer receptive to certain techniques and products as it grows. It's a part of the process.

 

[Vintageglam]

I definitely had setbacks as a newbie because I was looking for what worked for me, and I was being stubborn. I was super-scared of protein b/c I heard so many stories of it making the hair hard. I definitely didn't want that, so I avoided it like the plague. I ended up with mushy hair that was constantly breaking. It didn't stop breaking until I started using protein.

There are a lot of trials and tribulations, buy being a DIYer & seeing the progress I've made makes my journey worthwhile. Growing up, I never did my own hair. My mother did it for me, or I went to the salon. When I started doing my own hair in January 2007, I didn't think I could survive without a hairdresser---but I did...and I do. You will, too.

P.S.: Don't be afraid if your hair changes and is no longer receptive to certain techniques and products as it grows. It's a part of the process.

ITA agree with everything you said esp the bolded

 

[IDareT'sHair]

Yes....the Trials & Tribulations. The Bandwagons and the PJ-ism. The Trial and the ERROR!

What I did, after I lost my Hair due to a Salon Mishap; I researched for Months each problem I had encountered and I started to work on those issues. I knew I had overly porous hair, so I read, studied, etc....everything I could about Overly Porous Hair.

IK I wanted to make sure my Protein/Moisture was Balanced, so I focused heavily on those Threads. I spent the first 3-4 Months Reading and Researching.

This was all part of My becoming a DIY'er for the First Time. Same as you Ladies, My Mom was a Former Beautician turned Nurse, and it was from Her straight to the Salon (weekly).

So, I knew absolutely nothing about my own Hair or Hair Care (in general). So, after my Salon induced major set-back, this Board was a Lifesaver.

 

[bravenewgirl87]

Actually, my biggest setback was (and still is) getting past the nape-length hurdle. I start to see length, I want to do fun stuff and that is where the breakage comes through. Relaxing was hard, too. I always wanted to push the limits of how far I can stretch, which caused me damage and breakage. I had to cut relaxers out for that reason. I just couldn't keep playing russian roulette with length.
I went natural about a year ago and the first setback was finding styles for my length. I just decided to wear extensions instead of stressing over it. Now, my issue is moisturizing while wearing the extensions and perfecting the braidout/twistout. I need a product that holds the hair but does not flake when I unravel.

 

[Vintageglam]

bumping.....

 

[ms.blue]

I also thought b/c I was natural I would be protein sensitive but I realize that since I tend to use heat a lot(blowdrying) that protein has been truly beneficial to me. I do have heat damage in the front hair line that caused by me using a cheap flatiron w/ hardly any heat protection now I know technique plus a good flatiron will get me good results. Learning that all conditioners can't be deep conditioners & moisture & protein go together to achieve healthy hair. Will I continue making mistakes, yes b/c I'm human but hopefully I will learn from them so I will continue to grow my hair to healthiest.

 

[Vashti]

P.S.: Don't be afraid if your hair changes and is no longer receptive to certain techniques and products as it grows. It's a part of the process.

I'm glad you mentioned this because I'm coming to this realization right now. For two months I didn't have issues with tangles but now I'm finding that my ends are starting to get tangles and knots. Thankfully there are many examples and tutorials on the boards for different styles to wear as your hair grows out.

As for my HHJ I've noticed that many ladies with a lot of hair here, natural or relaxed, keep things simple and I strive to do the same and I haven't had setbacks so far (keeping fingers crossed)!

 

[ebonimama]

My mistake came when I decided to try different hair styles. My regimen was working (bun, baggy, moisture). Once my hair started growing I experimented a little too much. Should stayed doing what I had been doing.

In a moment of insanity I work my hair (relaxed) in a wash and go for about 3 days. When I tried to detangle I lost half of my hair (lower half). All the progress of 3 years was gone. As a result I still had long (top half), that was clearly see through. I still have not gotten my hair back in shape.

Long story short. Once you get your regimen down pat, no experimenting, and no jumping on bandwagons. Keep doing what you were doing and you'll get what you always got! Growth!

 

[julzinha]

My mistake was no moisturizer. I had braid extensions and I didn't use any form of braid spray. And the lady who did my braids always used a rattail comb so that cause unnecessary breakage, but I am done with that.

 

[LatterGlory]

Using the wrong products for my W&G dried my hair out and cost me 2 inches as a newbie. However, I learnt so much that my HHJ is now soo much easier.