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

[HanaKuroi]

Okay ya'll. I used my honey child banana conditioner slapped on two beaten eggs and vatika oil.

I rinsed that out after 20 minutes of torture. It was running everwhere. I should have mixed everything together. It rinsed out well. My hair didn't feel too hard.

Since Curl Junkie was so prompt with their shipping, I got my box today. So I cowashed/rinsed with curl rehab. I applied what I thought was a different product because it was in a jar from curl junkie. It has identical ingredients. I am dumb. I put the same product in my hair for dc. I haven't rinsed but it feels soft and I see minimal breakage.

 

[faithVA]

^^Um, that sounded a little crazy But I'm glad it seems like it worked.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Look.



See one is in a jar and is thick. Lol. But they are the SAME product!

My hair is airdrying. I hardly saw and breaks in the shower.

I only wish I had asked earlier.

I am going to start keeping a journal now. I understand how important it is to keep track of your progress and remedies.

DarkJoy thanks I really needed protein. Gpb wasn't cutting it. I will up my usage of my moisturizing keratin conditioners. I may do egg and myc banana protein condtioner every month or month and a half. It is so cold and dry here I have to be heavy on dc,m/s and steam. I don't want overmoisturized hair.

It is -5 outside. That is not windchill!

 

[HanaKuroi]

HanaKuroi have you ever heard of Ultra Sheen Duo Tex? It is a protein conditioner and it is AMAZING!!! Probably the best protein conditioner I've ever used. Coconut milk, coconut cream, bananas, eggs (previously mentioned) are all great for protein too.

Have you considered a butter or crisco to seal instead of the JBCO? Crisco is just hydrogenated soybean oil & palm oil. I have heard a few people mention that their ends break while applying castor oil.

i have not heard of it. I will look for it! I will try crisco and see what happens. the jbco is thick and clingy. i was going to thin it out with grapeseed oil. i think i will use crisco and see what happens.

i wonder where they sell the ultra sheen duo tex?

Thanks BraunSugar

i cannot see any mentions on my phone y'all

 

[BraunSugar]

i have not heard of it. I will look for it! I will try crisco and see what happens. the jbco is thick and clingy. i was going to thin it out with grapeseed oil. i think i will use crisco and see what happens.

i wonder where they sell the ultra sheen duo tex?

Thanks @BraunSugar

i cannot see any mentions on my phone y'all

Sally carries DuoTex. It's about 5 bucks for a 32oz

 

[JudithO]

Hope everything is ok Cruzan.

I bought some coconut oil, but I'm not sure what to do with it. Mix it with shea butter?

Also still super bored with my hair. Now that it's long enough to pull back, I slick down my uneven bangs and edges with Eco styler (blue) and put it in a bun or a puff. I cannot wait until my bangs and edges grow out...while I'm glad I cut the heat damage off, the uneven length is killing me.

Also, does too much protein loosen your curl pattern??? I think I might have overdone it with the protein.

NewlyNature12 It doesn't get better than a coconut oil prepoo.... Prepoo overnight before you shampoo.... you'll love it!!

 

[felic1]

Cattypus1...love this studious cat!!

 

[Prettycoach]

i was wondering if it would help to deep condition before i wash my hair ? also what is the benefits of pre-pooing. I always wondered that.

 

[HanaKuroi]

i was wondering if it would help to deep condition before i wash my hair ? also what is the benefits of pre-pooing. I always wondered that.

I will try and answer your question if no one has this afternoon.

 

[Prettycoach]

I will try and answer your question if no one has this afternoon.

Thank you.

 

[greight]

HanaKuroi have you ever heard of Ultra Sheen Duo Tex? It is a protein conditioner and it is AMAZING!!! Probably the best protein conditioner I've ever used. Coconut milk, coconut cream, bananas, eggs (previously mentioned) are all great for protein too.

Have you considered a butter or crisco to seal instead of the JBCO? Crisco is just hydrogenated soybean oil & palm oil. I have heard a few people mention that their ends break while applying castor oil.

Duo tex changed my life. I'm going to get another bottle tomorrow just for the hell of it

I personally use it for conditioning AND for detangling.

ETA - I'm one of those naturals who lives for protein. Moisturizing is overrated for conditioning unless I'm doing a hardcore protein for my hair. Suffered years of split ends even after cuts and cut my hair AGAIN decided to let go of moisturizing conditioners (I just focus on getting a good leave in) and voila. Split ends are non-existent.

 

[Taurusgirl]

Hello all
Im Definitely struggling with my hair.
Type: 4a/4b fine, cottony, coily strands
About 2 1/2 years post BC
Regimen: wash and deep condition weekly, detangle and wear in bun or puff, occasional braid outs

My main problem is shedding followed by split ends and detangling. Also finding quick styles. I have been wearing my hair straight lately which makes washing and detangling much easier. Still sheds a lot which has been a problem since day 1. And I still wear it up or in a pony since my ends don't look neat. I've done a few trims through out my journey but I'm thinking about doing a more serious cut to see if that helps. The split ends are driving me crazy. Nothing really seems to moisturize my hair. My relaxed journey was much easier. I am truly struggling with my natural hair. I'm trying to give it more time before I do anything drastic.

I just did an aphogee 2 step protein treatment. It really helped with the breakage and shedding. It's softer and easier to comb. I'm going to continue to do one every 6 weeks until my hair is back to normal.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Can I link to other boards? I wanted to link about prepooing but I didn't think I should copy and paste.

 

[DarkJoy]

I've seen posts with copy/paste from other boards, just not the link...@HanaKuroi
___
My update:

Allergic to the 'crochet synthetic hair' line from Rastafri. My scalp was burning, with welts and scabbing! damn near full body rash this weekend. No joke. The contact dermatitis spread anywhere I touched the hair then touched my body Had to wash everything the hair touched. Soap and lotion feel like acid on my skin. I'm healing but yucky flaking skin in areas as the rashes dry.
--------
Had to clarify twice this week from trying popular commercial stylers for breakage. I try one, breaks the next day when there werent any, clarify, tried another. Repeat.

To keep my hair on my head, I gotta mixtress everything. Is there just one styling product that I can buy off the shelf?! Help! I'm afraid to spend $20 on a Miss Jessie's type product that might break me off with the first use like everything else. Even the samples are $10!!!

This is a sample of stuff I tried this summer (w/results):

• SM Curling Souflee. breakage. greasy.
• Cantu Pomade. greasy wax.
• Fantasia IC & EcoStyler argan AND olive oil--breakage and eczema flares
• Lottabody & Mizani Setting Lotion--MASSIVE breakage (worst!)
• ORS & Creme of Nature Edge Control--takes out edges (the irony!)
• Let's Jam Curling Custard--Break city
• several Carol's Daughter's products--sits on top of hair and does nothing, greasiness

Just bought ORS Curl Pudding or whatever it is. I hope my hair likes this.

Noticed some splits AND SSKs--ALREADY & My hair hasn't been out a week! UGH! I will dust in a cpl days.

 

[HanaKuroi]

DarkJoy

I had an allergic reaction like yours in September to Eco gel! Go see the dermatologist! I dis and I still had breakage. One of my eyes swelled shut. It was horrible!

I cannot use anything from the bss. I can use kinky curly and the curls line from target.


I buy almost everything online. I would not use miss jessies. Try as natural as possible! Your skin is super-sensitive.

I am so sorry this happened to you!

You need some benadryl

 

[NefertariBlu]

Question, why is water seen as the "best moisturizer" for hair? The only time I use water on my hair is wash time. Water makes my hair super dry. Even when I spray it, then add a moisturiser to "lock the moisture". It doesn't work.

So I mainly re-moisturise my hair with SM curling soufflé or the mist bodifiyer spray but never water. Am I missing something? I'm confused

 

[HanaKuroi]

I think water is the best hydrator. I do not think it is the best moisturizer.

Water leaves me ashy. Moisturizer makes my skin supple and smooth. If I apply lotion too soon it doesn't work as well as it does if I am almost dry. The same goes for my hair. Almost dry is when I apply my products. If I apply on wet hair my hair is hard and strange.

 

[DarkJoy]

@DarkJoy

I had an allergic reaction like yours in September to Eco gel! Go see the dermatologist! I dis and I still had breakage. One of my eyes swelled shut. It was horrible!

I cannot use anything from the bss. I can use kinky curly and the curls line from target.


I buy almost everything online. I would not use miss jessies. Try as natural as possible! Your skin is super-sensitive.

I am so sorry this happened to you!

You need some benadryl

Oh sorry you had a terrible reaction too HanaKuroi! Your eyyyee! Scary! Glad you are better. Luckily none got in my eye. No benedryl (allergic to that too!!!), but claritin seemed to help. Today is better--the old skin is coming off. Unfortunately, I have some scarring on my face.

I been through this since an infant, particularly with jewelry so dont bother wasting time/money with a derm. In Sept, a cheap necklace clasp gave me a rash from the neckline to my waist, covering my whole back--and that was just from 3 hours of wear!! UGH!

Why not the Miss Jessies line? Is it too unnatural? If the KC line works for you maybe I'll give it a go...
__
OAN: My bonnet slipped off last night as usual, and I saw all these little broke off ends on my pillows. My hair is pissed! Will def trim Friday after another henna...

 

[HanaKuroi]

No
It didn't get in my eye my entire face swelled. My skin then peeled for a long time. I am super sensitive.

I have to watch the preservatives they use in hair products.

I am allergic to avocado oil too!

I am so sorry about your hair! Did you clarify or chelate? Have you tried bentonite clay? DarkJoy

 

[HanaKuroi]

Oh sorry you had a terrible reaction too HanaKuroi! Your eyyyee! Scary! Glad you are better. Luckily none got in my eye. No benedryl (allergic to that too!!!), but claritin seemed to help. Today is better--the old skin is coming off. Unfortunately, I have some scarring on my face.

I been through this since an infant, particularly with jewelry so dont bother wasting time/money with a derm. In Sept, a cheap necklace clasp gave me a rash from the neckline to my waist, covering my whole back--and that was just from 3 hours of wear!! UGH!

Why not the Miss Jessies line? Is it too unnatural? If the KC line works for you maybe I'll give it a go...
__
OAN: My bonnet slipped off last night as usual, and I saw all these little broke off ends on my pillows. My hair is pissed! Will def trim Friday after another henna...

You need allergy testing and a dermatologist. He can give you something fir your face. Don't suffer! I went during my reaction. He gave me stuff for my scalp, hair and skin. It really worked.

I am allergic to nickel too!

Make sure you slather your face with something like Vaseline when henna'ing and rinsing your hair to protect your sensitive face.

The skin shedding is awful too! My ears swell and peel and itch.

 

[HanaKuroi]

i was wondering if it would help to deep condition before i wash my hair ? also what is the benefits of pre-pooing. I always wondered that.

I copied and pasted. I hope this helps.
Prettycoach





Water, The Great Frenemy?

…by Susan Walker of Earthtones Naturals
via ThreeNaturals

Before discussing what may be the most important step in your hair care regimen, I want to touch on an important practice that could make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels after it’s washed and conditioned.

The reality is that if you want to have beautiful natural hair, you need to invest the time upfront to do what is necessary to take care of it. Your hair cleansing and conditioning process is not to be done hurriedly and without attention. You do need to make time for this because if it’s not done properly, dry brittle hair with resulting breakage could ensue.

Every time we shampoo and condition our hair or even add significant amounts of water to our hair the hair shaft needs to expand in order to accommodate the extra water. When our hair dries the opposite occurs – the hair contracts. Repeating this process over and over again can create damage to the hair cuticle initially because it can be chipped off. Subsequent damage can be caused to the hair fiber leading to split ends and breakage. Textured hair tends to absorb more water during this process than other hair types and is therefore more susceptible to damage. This contraction and expansion of the hair fiber is known as hygral fatigue.

Textured hair needs moisture; it thrives on it to ensure proper hydration. Additionally, when cleansing your hair water is pretty much a requirement if it’s to be done properly. So how can we minimize or prevent this damage that occurs from wetting our hair? Research has shown that using specific oils can protect the hair fiber against hygral fatigue. Not every oil has this ability but a well-researched oil is good old coconut oil.

How does this work? When coconut oil is applied to the hair as a pre-shampoo or pre-wetting treatment a small amount of the oil can be absorbed into the hair and can penetrate under the cuticle when the hair fiber swells. Coconut oil has a strong affinity for hair proteins and can protect the hair by binding to these proteins. This reduces the protein’s ability to bind to water molecules resulting in less swelling, less contracting and less trauma.

Try using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment the next time you cleanse your hair. Coconut oil is typically solid at room temperature so you’ll need to heat it to liquefy it.

How to Pre-poo:

1. Apply coconut oil to the hair in sections.

2. Place a plastic cap over the hair and allow the oil to penetrate into the hair
shaft for at least 30 minutes.

3. Shampoo and condition as usual!
Pre-shampooing my hair with this treatment has improved my hair’s ability to maintain moisture and the shine softness to my styled hair. It’s made a huge difference.

What about you? Do you pre-poo? If so what are the results?

 

[DarkJoy]

No
It didn't get in my eye my entire face swelled. My skin then peeled for a long time. I am super sensitive.

I have to watch the preservatives they use in hair products.

I am allergic to avocado oil too!

I am so sorry about your hair! Did you clarify or chelate? Have you tried bentonite clay? @DarkJoy

Hello @HanaKuroi!

Yes, bentonite clay'd a couple times. Used it on my face and scalp it ed help a lot which is probably why it didnt get worse. I clarified. Almost healed now. Just peeling, no soreness. Some mild scaring on my chin and cheek where it was worst. Should be good as new by Monday. Will get some fancy cream and do some micro-dermabasion to get rid of scars.

Hair update: Went to the BSS and bought some inexpensive human hair for my crochet install --no more synthetic!! My hair is acting up so I have to hide it again to retain. Will wash immediately after it's in just in case. Gonna co-wash and band tonight to stretch.

Tomorrow: henna, deep dusting, DC (protein if nec), crochet braid install. Gonna start at 6am UGH! Need to be done with everything by 2. Got stuff to do.

 

[HanaKuroi]

DarkJoy I am glad you are doing better!


Don't forget to smooth!

Your hair needs a break. How long are you putting your hair away?

 

[DarkJoy]

Thanks for the smooth remind! I will! My installs are good for about 3 weeks. I still cowash once a week and M&S daily.

How is your hair after the protein snafu @HanaKuroi? Any breakage?

 

[HanaKuroi]

DarkJoy than you again! My hair has done soooo much better!

I have been adding CJ repair me during the week. I have also been using Mill Creek henna conditioner and their keratin conditioner. I really wanted to use My Honey Child Banana conditioner but she never wrote me back about the shelf life.

I haven't done my henna on the last couple of weeks. I ordered all sorts of ayurvedic powders from hennasooq and don't know how to use them! I wanted to mix some into my henna.

 

[JudithO]

I've seen posts with copy/paste from other boards, just not the link...@HanaKuroi
___
My update:

Allergic to the 'crochet synthetic hair' line from Rastafri. My scalp was burning, with welts and scabbing! damn near full body rash this weekend. No joke. The contact dermatitis spread anywhere I touched the hair then touched my body Had to wash everything the hair touched. Soap and lotion feel like acid on my skin. I'm healing but yucky flaking skin in areas as the rashes dry.
--------
Had to clarify twice this week from trying popular commercial stylers for breakage. I try one, breaks the next day when there werent any, clarify, tried another. Repeat.

To keep my hair on my head, I gotta mixtress everything. Is there just one styling product that I can buy off the shelf?! Help! I'm afraid to spend $20 on a Miss Jessie's type product that might break me off with the first use like everything else. Even the samples are $10!!!

This is a sample of stuff I tried this summer (w/results):

• SM Curling Souflee. breakage. greasy.
• Cantu Pomade. greasy wax.
• Fantasia IC & EcoStyler argan AND olive oil--breakage and eczema flares
• Lottabody & Mizani Setting Lotion--MASSIVE breakage (worst!)
• ORS & Creme of Nature Edge Control--takes out edges (the irony!)
• Let's Jam Curling Custard--Break city
• several Carol's Daughter's products--sits on top of hair and does nothing, greasiness

Just bought ORS Curl Pudding or whatever it is. I hope my hair likes this.

Noticed some splits AND SSKs--ALREADY & My hair hasn't been out a week! UGH! I will dust in a cpl days.

Im so sorry you are going thru this.... sincerely, im not sure what to tell you other than a 24 hr prepoo with coconut oil to heal your scalp...... then clarify and dc..

About controlling edges... the only 2 that work for me....

Curls holding paste from sallys.... little amber 2oz jar for 9 bucks _ works great

Bee mine curly butter.... u can get sample for 5 bucks... it may not work for u as u r natural, but may work if you apply it, then tie a scarf tight for it to dry flat

 

[Just11412]

hair is doing better. i made some changes.

-got a real satin bonnet. those beauty supply store ones... please...i just want to torch them. they were totally clipping off my hair little by little and i thought it was. i inspected one of my bonnets and i saw little pieces of hair that was breakage. so now i have a real bonnet. cost a little more but worth it. hair is definitely keeping moisture better overnight.

-revamped my LOC method.

i'm doing a little experiment with my products just to see what i should keep or take out.

also working on the internal. taking my vitamins and doing a veggie cleanse. exercising as well.

 

[ajoke]

hair is doing better. i made some changes.

-got a real satin bonnet. those beauty supply store ones... please...i just want to torch them. they were totally clipping off my hair little by little and i thought it was. i inspected one of my bonnets and i saw little pieces of hair that was breakage. so now i have a real bonnet. cost a little more but worth it. hair is definitely keeping moisture better overnight.

-revamped my LOC method.

i'm doing a little experiment with my products just to see what i should keep or take out.

also working on the internal. taking my vitamins and doing a veggie cleanse. exercising as well.

So if you don't mind sharing, where did you get the Satin bonnet?

 

[Prettycoach]

I copied and pasted. I hope this helps.
Prettycoach





Water, The Great Frenemy?

…by Susan Walker of Earthtones Naturals
via ThreeNaturals

Before discussing what may be the most important step in your hair care regimen, I want to touch on an important practice that could make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels after it’s washed and conditioned.

The reality is that if you want to have beautiful natural hair, you need to invest the time upfront to do what is necessary to take care of it. Your hair cleansing and conditioning process is not to be done hurriedly and without attention. You do need to make time for this because if it’s not done properly, dry brittle hair with resulting breakage could ensue.

Every time we shampoo and condition our hair or even add significant amounts of water to our hair the hair shaft needs to expand in order to accommodate the extra water. When our hair dries the opposite occurs – the hair contracts. Repeating this process over and over again can create damage to the hair cuticle initially because it can be chipped off. Subsequent damage can be caused to the hair fiber leading to split ends and breakage. Textured hair tends to absorb more water during this process than other hair types and is therefore more susceptible to damage. This contraction and expansion of the hair fiber is known as hygral fatigue.

Textured hair needs moisture; it thrives on it to ensure proper hydration. Additionally, when cleansing your hair water is pretty much a requirement if it’s to be done properly. So how can we minimize or prevent this damage that occurs from wetting our hair? Research has shown that using specific oils can protect the hair fiber against hygral fatigue. Not every oil has this ability but a well-researched oil is good old coconut oil.

How does this work? When coconut oil is applied to the hair as a pre-shampoo or pre-wetting treatment a small amount of the oil can be absorbed into the hair and can penetrate under the cuticle when the hair fiber swells. Coconut oil has a strong affinity for hair proteins and can protect the hair by binding to these proteins. This reduces the protein’s ability to bind to water molecules resulting in less swelling, less contracting and less trauma.

Try using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment the next time you cleanse your hair. Coconut oil is typically solid at room temperature so you’ll need to heat it to liquefy it.

How to Pre-poo:

1. Apply coconut oil to the hair in sections.

2. Place a plastic cap over the hair and allow the oil to penetrate into the hair
shaft for at least 30 minutes.

3. Shampoo and condition as usual!
Pre-shampooing my hair with this treatment has improved my hair’s ability to maintain moisture and the shine softness to my styled hair. It’s made a huge difference.

What about you? Do you pre-poo? If so what are the results?

Thank you soooo much i appreciate it. i will definitely pre-poo for the first before i wash my hair.

 

[fairyhairy]

Sigh, still seeing small broken pieces of hair, I don't think its something I can eliminate

Also the front edge of my hair from right to left seems to be thinning even though I've been finger detangling, trying to focus on using JBC to see if it helps