Struggling with your natural hair? Come in here.....

[Just11412]

@HanaKuroi I haven't used a brush in a month or so, I think. The only time I use a brush is to ATTEMPT to smooth my edges down before I put the scarf on. I wasn't having much luck with that so I stopped doing it. I use a comb once a week when I detangle my hair in the shower. Sometimes I don't use a comb and finger detangle instead. I haven't figured out which is better for me but it usually depends on my mood or how much help the conditioner I'm rinsing out needs in detangling. Even though I do own a seamless comb, I use my shower comb to detangle because it's there hanging in the shower.



I had a teeny weeny moisturizing breakthrough last night and I am going to continue to play around with the products I have at home. What I really need to focus on though, is on my health. I need to make sure I'm eating right and staying hydrated. Even though I'm really doing it for my hair, its a great thing for my body and for me. I know it should be the other way around, but I'm just being honest.My obsession with my hair has allowed me to see how poorly I have been treating my body and myself. Time to fix that.

same here. i only use mostly natural products on my hair and body. but my diet and exercise suck like hell. so i need to do something about that pronto. its a struggle though.

 

[Danewshe]

I want 4a hair, tired of dealing with this dry, brittle head of hair.

 

[NewlyNature12]

Really sad that the As I Am Leave In contains a sulfate in the ingredients. I really like it but I'm trying to do curly girl method. I used it with Shea moisture curling smoothie and my twist out looks super defined and moisturized. I might make an exception.

 

[faithVA]

NewlyNature12[/USER];16950275]Really sad that the As I Am Leave In contains a sulfate in the ingredients. I really like it but I'm trying to do curly girl method. I used it with Shea moisture curling smoothie and my twist out looks super defined and moisturized. I might make an exception.

I am not sure that Behentrimonium Methosulfate is truly considered a sulfate like SLS. It is supposedly very gentle. It is also pretty low on the list.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Behentrimonium Methosulfate is NOT a sulfate. It is created from non-genetically modified rapseed oil.

The blend consisting of Behentrimonium methosulfate (&) Cetearyl alcohol (or BTMS) is considered the mildest conditioning hair-detangling ingredient available today. This sophisticated ingredient is a hair thickener that unlike most, does not cause build-up on the hair. This is in part due to the fact that it does not coat, but actually penetrates the hair shaft. Because it is so extremely gentle, it is recommended for use in leave-on baby products. This ingredient is not the same as behentrimonium chloride, which is not nearly as mild or gentle.

 

[faithVA]

Behentrimonium Methosulfate is NOT a sulfate. It is created from non-genetically modified rapseed oil.

The blend consisting of Behentrimonium methosulfate (&) Cetearyl alcohol (or BTMS) is considered the mildest conditioning hair-detangling ingredient available today. This sophisticated ingredient is a hair thickener that unlike most, does not cause build-up on the hair. This is in part due to the fact that it does not coat, but actually penetrates the hair shaft. Because it is so extremely gentle, it is recommended for use in leave-on baby products. This ingredient is not the same as behentrimonium chloride, which is not nearly as mild or gentle.

oh thank you old wise hair grasshopper


I probably should look for leave-ins with this ingredient in it. I have the As I Am leave-in in my hair today. Its actually soft and fluffy for a change. It doesn't look like anything but it feels good

 

[daviine]

daviine and Leslie_C I wish I could be of assistance. I have been natural for appx 5.5 mos and I only recently figured out the loves and foes of my hair. I commend you both for your lenthy transitions and good luck! I transitioned for only 6 mos b/c I just could not cope w/ 2 textures. Can't wait for ya'll to be more active on this thread. We'll be waiting....

Lol @ "creamy crack sobriety". I was thinking I was going to BC in a few months but I need to learn how to moisturize my hair first.... No way I'm going to rock short dry hair when I can have long dry hair Good to know I have friends on the other side.

 

[NJoy]

Not having any struggles but, definitely subb'g for info.

 

[Bublin]

Mmm
I think I'm going to have to re-think the finger detangling.

Before
Used shampoo at every wash and used a comb. Hair was brittle and dry and I was ripping out hair every time but was also removing shed hair.

Now
Co-washing only and only using fingers to remove shed hair: I now have soft hair but now after 2 week of this routine my head is full of shed hairs and is causing breakage at the ends when I re-braid at night.

My plan is to stick with the co-washing but go back to using a comb only on wash days. Now that my hair is softer I am thinking ripping out hair won't be an issue anymore.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Products that I use that contain Behentrimonium Methosulfate are qhemet biologics ctdg, oyin hair dew and luv naturals leave-in. I am in the dr's office so I can't check whether or not QB's burdock root or the heavy amla contain this too.

faithVA are you sure you don't want me to send you some samples of QB? I have empty jars and it wouldn't cost you anything.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Mmm
I think I'm going to have to re-think the finger detangling.

Before
Used shampoo at every wash and used a comb. Hair was brittle and dry and I was ripping out hair every time but was also removing shed hair.

Now
Co-washing only and only using fingers to remove shed hair: I now have soft hair but now after 2 week of this routine my head is full of shed hairs and is causing breakage at the ends when I re-braid at night.

My plan is to stick with the co-washing but go back to using a comb only on wash days. Now that my hair is softer I am thinking ripping out hair won't be an issue anymore.

Do you detangle under running water with condish while in the shower?

 

[faithVA]

Products that I use that contain Behentrimonium Methosulfate are qhemet biologics ctdg, oyin hair dew and luv naturals leave-in. I am in the dr's office so I can't check whether or not QB's burdock root or the heavy amla contain this too.

@faithVA are you sure you don't want me to send you some samples of QB? I have empty jars and it wouldn't cost you anything.

Aw HanaKuroi... That's so kind of you. I do remember you offered before and I was in a funk . I don't mind paying you for them. Definitely let me pay for shipping.

 

[Bublin]

Do you detangle under running water with condish while in the shower?

Yea but i'm a heavy Shedder. My fingers only seem to be good enough for detangling not removing all the shed hairs.

 

[greenandchic]

Yea but i'm a heavy Shedder. My fingers only seem to be good enough for detangling not removing all the shed hairs.

I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that finger detangling isn't for my hair either.

Detangling in the shower for me only causes more use of Drano (which I hate using) and calls to my landlord. The building is well over 100 years old so I got to be careful with the pipes. I try to get all of the hairs before they fall into the tub, but I can't get them all.

 

[Leslie_C]

I have been lazy about looking up their current products for lesliec and diivine. I will I keep feeling like I am getting sick.

I think you both are transitioning. That is hard. I have no experience with that. I will do the best I can with recommendations.

I think qhemets biologics are great for softening new growth. The moisture retention in these products is wonderful.

I'll reply more tomorrow or later.

HanaKuroi Sorry you are feeling bad and I Hope you feel better! No worries, Im learning lots from this thread and taking notes for future reference anyway....you have plenty of other knowledge to school us on that isnt related to transitioning, but still very useful nonetheless. Im slowly, but surely figuring my hair out--but I hope I dont figure out my transitioning hair and then have to start all over when fully natural. I hope what works on it now will still work on it then...crossing fingers bc I treat it like its natural and blend the relaxed hair with the natural hair versus the other way around. Thanks for all you do and the information you provide!

@HanaKuroi

Thanks so much for your time. Yes, we are both transitioning.

I've been wanting to try QB products but they seem pricey, especially after you factor in shipping.

Rest and relax. I hope you feel better soon.

daviine, you need to get out of my head re the bolded...my exact thoughts! ...

@daviine and @Leslie_C I wish I could be of assistance. I have been natural for appx 5.5 mos and I only recently figured out the loves and foes of my hair. I commend you both for your lenthy transitions and good luck! I transitioned for only 6 mos b/c I just could not cope w/ 2 textures. Can't wait for ya'll to be more active on this thread. We'll be waiting....

Cruzankink I really enjoy watching you guys progress through your natural journey and cant wait to start mine! It may be sooner rather than later, but I hope to hold out until at least 1 year post.

same here. i only use mostly natural products on my hair and body. but my diet and exercise suck like hell. so i need to do something about that pronto. its a struggle though.

Just11412 my "healthy lifestyle" or lack therof definitely leaves much to be desired as well....but Ive really started to lean towards natural ingredients for hair and body...hopefully my diet will follow!

Mmm
I think I'm going to have to re-think the finger detangling.

Before
Used shampoo at every wash and used a comb. Hair was brittle and dry and I was ripping out hair every time but was also removing shed hair.

Now
Co-washing only and only using fingers to remove shed hair: I now have soft hair but now after 2 week of this routine my head is full of shed hairs and is causing breakage at the ends when I re-braid at night.

My plan is to stick with the co-washing but go back to using a comb only on wash days. Now that my hair is softer I am thinking ripping out hair won't be an issue anymore.

Bublin I have this exact problem...Ive tried finger detangling only and all that happened was I get shed hairs that wrap around the other hairs and get tangles/knots that I could have prevented with a simple gentle weekly detangling with a shower comb. Im pretty sure Im not a person who can strictly finger detangle.

 

[faithVA]

I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that finger detangling isn't for my hair either.

Detangling in the shower for me only causes more use of Drano (which I hate using) and calls to my landlord. The building is well over 100 years old so I got to be careful with the pipes. I try to get all of the hairs before they fall into the tub, but I can't get them all.

a drain cover is less than $10 at bed bath and beyond.

 

[greenandchic]

a drain cover is less than $10 at bed bath and beyond.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Cruzankink]

Mmm
I think I'm going to have to re-think the finger detangling.

My plan is to stick with the co-washing but go back to using a comb only on wash days. Now that my hair is softer I am thinking ripping out hair won't be an issue anymore.

I'm starting to come to terms with the fact that finger detangling isn't for my hair either.

Detangling in the shower for me only causes more use of Drano (which I hate using) and calls to my landlord.

I have this exact problem...Ive tried finger detangling only and all that happened was I get shed hairs that wrap around the other hairs and get tangles/knots that I could have prevented with a simple gentle weekly detangling with a shower comb. Im pretty sure Im not a person who can strictly finger detangle.

Bublin, greenandchic and Leslie_C I agree w/ all of you. When I converted to CG, I was 'gung ho' about finger detangling the more my hair retained moisture and softness. Although, FD allows my hair to clump better, I find that it works best for me after I've worn styles that stretch my hair or when my hair isn't as tangled. If not, FD only rips and pulls out my hair. My last wash day I used my magic star. Detangling didn't take as long and I had less hair in the drain. I'm definitely not going to FD exclusively anymore.

faithVA thanks for the drain cover tip!

 

[Prettycoach]

Good afternoon ladies,

So I took advice from @ faithVA and @ HanaKuroi. I started a DC this past weekend and I started using a cleansing conditioner. Thanks LadiesNo more clarifying shampoos lol or just shampoo for a while. I could tell there was a difference in my hair. I cut some more of the keratin treatment from my ends. I am just frustrated that my twists r short now.. I know I need to be patience but its so frustrated bc my hair used to be SL when I had it flat ironed and natural. Any advice?

 

[greenandchic]

Good afternoon ladies,

So I took advice from @ faithVA and @ HanaKuroi. I started a DC this past weekend and I started using a cleansing conditioner. Thanks LadiesNo more clarifying shampoos lol or just shampoo for a while. I could tell there was a difference in my hair. I cut some more of the keratin treatment from my ends. I am just frustrated that my twists r short now.. I know I need to be patience but its so frustrated bc my hair used to be SL when I had it flat ironed and natural. Any advice?

Prettycoach - Which one are you using?

 

[faithVA]

Good afternoon ladies,

So I took advice from @ faithVA and @ HanaKuroi. I started a DC this past weekend and I started using a cleansing conditioner. Thanks LadiesNo more clarifying shampoos lol or just shampoo for a while. I could tell there was a difference in my hair. I cut some more of the keratin treatment from my ends. I am just frustrated that my twists r short now.. I know I need to be patience but its so frustrated bc my hair used to be SL when I had it flat ironed and natural. Any advice?

I need to take my own advice and go buy a cleansing conditioner

I'm rocking 3" of hair. I feel your frustration but have no advice.

 

[Prettycoach]

Prettycoach - Which one are you using?

I tried Hair One for Curly hair. I used a sample. I am trying to decide to either buy Hair One or As I Am Coconut.

 

[Prettycoach]

I need to take my own advice and go buy a cleansing conditioner

I'm rocking 3" of hair. I feel your frustration but have no advice.

Rotfl. I feel ya. Well it's great to know that there r naturals starting where I am. It makes me feel a lot better.

 

[faithVA]

I tried Hair One for Curly hair. I used a sample. I am trying to decide to either buy Hair One or As I Am Coconut.

Overall I think I have read better reviews for As I Am vs Hair One. But I have not tried either. You can do a search on the board and see what comes up.

I think I am going to try the As I Am. I have the leave-in and it works decently in my hair.

 

[DarkJoy]

Heck, I'm frustrated too!

Was driving in to work and was just annoyed with my hair. I think the filter is doing something, so I may need to restructure my products and reggi. The quality of my curls feel different, it's puffier, doesnt feel as dense. I know I'm not losing hair cuz I would see it! THe hair is TOO soft. Not holding a style. It's absorbing everything! Probably because the chlorine and other mineral deposits arent built up anymore? Maybe I need a strong protein treatment? IDK. Plus it's at an awkward length.

I'm thinking of gettin some dang braids and PSing for the next cpl months. I just hate losing 2 days to braiding (I do them myself). Driving me up the wall!

 

[faithVA]

Heck, I'm frustrated too!

Was driving in to work and was just annoyed with my hair. I think the filter is doing something, so I may need to restructure my products and reggi. The quality of my curls feel different, it's puffier, doesnt feel as dense. I know I'm not losing hair cuz I would see it! THe hair is TOO soft. Not holding a style. It's absorbing everything! Probably because the chlorine and other mineral deposits arent built up anymore? Maybe I need a strong protein treatment? IDK. Plus it's at an awkward length.

I'm thinking of gettin some dang braids and PSing for the next cpl months. I just hate losing 2 days to braiding (I do them myself). Driving me up the wall!

DarkJoy, girl you need to take a breath I got tired just reading all of that. Give yourself some time and you will work it out.

 

[faithVA]

I am taking a breathier today. My hair is growing and starting to look crazy. I look like Chuckie from the Rugrats

 

[Cruzankink]

QUESTION: I want to clarify bi-monthly and poo is not an option. I am considering incorporating ACV rinses to my regimen to dissolve product build up and soothe my itchy scalp. I was thinking of doing the ACV rinse on wash day b/4 I preepoo, CW and DC since I don't want the rinse to undermine the benefits of the products I use. Is this a sound approach? TIA

 

[Prettycoach]

Overall I think I have read better reviews for As I Am vs Hair One. But I have not tried either. You can do a search on the board and see what comes up.

I think I am going to try the As I Am. I have the leave-in and it works decently in my hair.

I did search the thread on reviews on As I Am and Hair One. As you stated, ppl sounded like they like As I Am better. I probably will try it and see how my hair feels. You should definitely go out and buy a cleansing conditioner lol. U told me too lol

 

[Prettycoach]

Heck, I'm frustrated too!

Was driving in to work and was just annoyed with my hair. I think the filter is doing something, so I may need to restructure my products and reggi. The quality of my curls feel different, it's puffier, doesnt feel as dense. I know I'm not losing hair cuz I would see it! THe hair is TOO soft. Not holding a style. It's absorbing everything! Probably because the chlorine and other mineral deposits arent built up anymore? Maybe I need a strong protein treatment? IDK. Plus it's at an awkward length.

I'm thinking of gettin some dang braids and PSing for the next cpl months. I just hate losing 2 days to braiding (I do them myself). Driving me up the wall!

I totally feel how u feel. I was thinking about putting another weave in my hair for a couple of months just so I didn't have to deal with the length. But then I realized I would be in the same predicament I was in 3 months ago. Not knowing anything about my hair and learning a regimen that grows my hair. That might not be for u. But don't u want to notice every time ur hair grows or likes a product and be happy on its progress. So I decided to stick with mine. Sorry for inspiration message or something. That's just how I felt about my hair.