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

[Cruzankink]

Missed y'all!!! I hope all is well w/ everyone. Just got back from vacation. Trust, I needed it.

UPDATE: I had my hair professionally done since my last salon visit in Oct. 2011. It was nothing elaborate just cornrowed up w/ hair extension/weave turned into a bun. All I wanted was something that would last throughout my vacation w/ no major maintenance. Its amazing that a style so simple can make you look so different. I got lots of compliments. The style made me miss my long hair too. I am definately going to incorporate hair pieces/extensions in my protective styling.

As you may know, I have been battling dry bushy ends. When I let out my cornrows yesterday my hair was still soft and supple and my ends never felt better!!! I guess keeping them protected for two weeks increased its moisture retention.

Unfortunately, I used a sulfate poo when cleasing my hair since I had some type of silcone based product the hair dresser used. Although I did an oil rince and moisturizing DC, my hair is not at its ultimate level of suppleness. In fact, it may not get there for at least 3 weeks. Once I feel my hair is well moisturize, I will get my first sew in. I already bought the hair and did my research. All that's needed is for me to take the plunge.

 

[nomadpixi]

Igotstripes: Try bentonite clay. works wonders. If you can't find that "Aztec" clay, try a clay mask you can get at the drugstore. Doesn't have many additives and works the same.

 

[nomadpixi]

Hey, I think I may have found my solution!!! (LONG, sorry)
You ladies have been such an inspiration and I am so glad I persisted.

Here's what I changed that seems to be working:

1. Tangle teezer
I know, I know lots of people say it's horrible and tears out their hair but I don't seem to be losing much more using it gently than I was using medium width combs to get my shed hair out. Sure does cut down on time. For the record, my hair is fine, low porosity with medium density.

2. Clay shampoo
I have hard water. No two ways about it. And it was screwing up my progress. If you always chelate your hair when water touches it, you never have to worry about your hair breaking off due to mineral deposits. My hair behaves in a way I can predict weekly. FINALLY

3. Yogurt hair conditioner
So thankful for tips from Naptural85. I love to eat Greek yogurt so I'm not wasting stuff brought in the house that doesn't get used. It's a conditioner, it's a breakfast food, it's both!

4.Aloe and water spray
This is cheap and does the trick of making my hair more acidified and curling
rather than frizzing. This is what I use as a moisturizer.

5. Sealing with "Jojoba Esters" and "Castorlene Gel"
On a whim, I ordered this stuff to bring my rhassoul clay order amount up to their $40.00 minimum order amount. It's been the best happy accident I've ever had (with the exception of how I met my current boyfriend). They are:

Castorlene Gel-Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (and) Hydrogenated Castor Oil (and) Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (and) Beeswax
and
Jojoba Esters-jojoba butter

I think the "thickness" of these products is what is currently protecting my hair. I add the jojoba butter to the hair, root to tip when hair is damp, then add the castorlene gel to the ends to seal. When I spray my ends with aloe/water, seal with jojoba butter then slick with castorlene gel, my ends curl perfectly.

5. Cocooning
This is what is keeping my hair stretched and the ends from doing the "knot".
After washing and blotting, or spraying my hair with aloe/water, I flat twist the roots, braid the rest down to the last inch of hair then cocoon the ends.
This consists of mainly a "bantu knot" on the end of my hair, where the ends are twisted up the braided section as the curler. If you use the castorlene
gel, the ends are "sticky" and mostly stay put on your braid/curler. Airdry overnight and wake to a really defined, consistent braid out.

I have been pretty happy with my hair doing this. Been on this for a month and I think I have found my regimen. All I want now is more length, so I'm looking into Viviscal and Bamboo Silica now.

Really hope this helps somebody. I'm just so excited my hair's stopped KNOTTING!!!!

 

[HanaKuroi]

The tangle teaser didn't tear out my hair it caused midshaft splits months down the road.

The damage wasn't apparent for a few months.

I loved it then hated it.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[faithVA]

Hey, I think I may have found my solution!!! (LONG, sorry)
You ladies have been such an inspiration and I am so glad I persisted.

Here's what I changed that seems to be working:

1. Tangle teezer
I know, I know lots of people say it's horrible and tears out their hair but I don't seem to be losing much more using it gently than I was using medium width combs to get my shed hair out. Sure does cut down on time. For the record, my hair is fine, low porosity with medium density.

2. Clay shampoo
I have hard water. No two ways about it. And it was screwing up my progress. If you always chelate your hair when water touches it, you never have to worry about your hair breaking off due to mineral deposits. My hair behaves in a way I can predict weekly. FINALLY

3. Yogurt hair conditioner
So thankful for tips from Naptural85. I love to eat Greek yogurt so I'm not wasting stuff brought in the house that doesn't get used. It's a conditioner, it's a breakfast food, it's both!

4.Aloe and water spray
This is cheap and does the trick of making my hair more acidified and curling
rather than frizzing. This is what I use as a moisturizer.

5. Sealing with "Jojoba Esters" and "Castorlene Gel"
On a whim, I ordered this stuff to bring my rhassoul clay order amount up to their $40.00 minimum order amount. It's been the best happy accident I've ever had (with the exception of how I met my current boyfriend). They are:

Castorlene Gel-Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil (and) Hydrogenated Castor Oil (and) Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax (and) Beeswax
and
Jojoba Esters-jojoba butter

I think the "thickness" of these products is what is currently protecting my hair. I add the jojoba butter to the hair, root to tip when hair is damp, then add the castorlene gel to the ends to seal. When I spray my ends with aloe/water, seal with jojoba butter then slick with castorlene gel, my ends curl perfectly.

5. Cocooning
This is what is keeping my hair stretched and the ends from doing the "knot".
After washing and blotting, or spraying my hair with aloe/water, I flat twist the roots, braid the rest down to the last inch of hair then cocoon the ends.
This consists of mainly a "bantu knot" on the end of my hair, where the ends are twisted up the braided section as the curler. If you use the castorlene
gel, the ends are "sticky" and mostly stay put on your braid/curler. Airdry overnight and wake to a really defined, consistent braid out.

I have been pretty happy with my hair doing this. Been on this for a month and I think I have found my regimen. All I want now is more length, so I'm looking into Viviscal and Bamboo Silica now.

Really hope this helps somebody. I'm just so excited my hair's stopped KNOTTING!!!!

Sounds good. Sounds like you not only know what you want to do but why. Keep us up to date.

 

[nomadpixi]

The tangle teaser didn't tear out my hair it caused midshaft splits months down the road.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

Hey! Good to know. What do you use to detangle? Is a wide toothed comb still too much? I'm still really happy with the rest of the regimen so I'd be open to tossing the "brush".

 

[HanaKuroi]

Hey! Good to know. What do you use to detangle? Is a wide toothed comb still too much? I'm still really happy with the rest of the regimen so I'd be open to tossing the "brush".

I have a couple of wide toothed seamless combs that I use occasionally. I love them. I am mostly a finger detangler now. I use the combs a few times a month.

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[DarkJoy]

Unlike many, finger detangling caused me ssk. I am an ultra fine highly porous 4c. It wasn't enough to remove shed hair so they just got caught on the other hairs because the shafts are rough.

Fingers work to remove my larger tangles. For the spiderweb fine tangles, I use first start with a wide tooth comb, then move down to a fine tooth comb. All seamless of course. No probs with retention.

If you're not fine haired then nvm!

____________
*.~.*Sent from a distant Galaxy in the Unicorn-verse*.~.*

 

[MileHighDiva]

I have a hard time believing that nobody has been struggling for 1 1/2 months!

 

[hnntrr]

Ah, I have not posted on here in awhile.
Update then:
I BC'ed again last week....that was an ordeal. Cut off all my relaxed ends and heat damaged ends so my hair is abouttt 2-3 inches all over. Made the mistake of using a shampoo with coconut in it (still doing the CG method) and it kinda overloaded my hair, so now I am babying it and doing moisture treatments as much as possible. Also had a fine tooth comb pulled through it which messed up my curl patter so bad...so tryin to fix that as well.
Right now I am sitting in conditioner...not going to to a deep conditioner until I can get the proper kind, ive been using a cheap rinse out since I am broke but I really need to get a good DC soon.

Hair is feelin dry again since I cut it, it seemed like the relaxed/heat damaged ends were holding onto moisture and now my hair is just like NOPE! So strugglin with getting moisture back in my hair...but I have been on a wig regimen for the past two months and its been alright so far.

Soon as my hair gets long enough I wanna start wearing it out every so often. I found a pic I could see myself wearing when I get to NL.

Hopefully it will work out, will be a few months before it gets that long though.
Still no real defined curls in the front of my head, I think I may be 3c/4a...though now I am leaning more towards a really loose 4a in the back and towards the front except for my wack patch that just grows out straight.

Semi-strugglin but its not too much to handle.

 

[faithVA]

I have a hard time believing that nobody has been struggling for 1 1/2 months!

It has been very quiet. I did enjoy the break

I for once in my life am not struggling. My hair still needs improvement but it isn't struggling. What a relief.

 

[DarkJoy]

Not really struggling cuz I been getting my PS on in these crochet braids. 2 straight months almost. I leave it in 2 weeks, take down, wash, protein, DC shea butter seal, and re install.

Glad to hear you're not really struggling faith! You were working hard this time last year after your BC!

____________
*.~.*Sent from a distant Galaxy in the Unicorn-verse*.~.*

 

[MileHighDiva]

Ah, I have not posted on here in awhile.
Update then:
I BC'ed again last week....that was an ordeal. Cut off all my relaxed ends and heat damaged ends so my hair is abouttt 2-3 inches all over. Made the mistake of using a shampoo with coconut in it (still doing the CG method) and it kinda overloaded my hair, so now I am babying it and doing moisture treatments as much as possible. Also had a fine tooth comb pulled through it which messed up my curl patter so bad...so tryin to fix that as well.
Right now I am sitting in conditioner...not going to to a deep conditioner until I can get the proper kind, ive been using a cheap rinse out since I am broke but I really need to get a good DC soon.

Hair is feelin dry again since I cut it, it seemed like the relaxed/heat damaged ends were holding onto moisture and now my hair is just like NOPE! So strugglin with getting moisture back in my hair...but I have been on a wig regimen for the past two months and its been alright so far.

Soon as my hair gets long enough I wanna start wearing it out every so often. I found a pic I could see myself wearing when I get to NL.

Hopefully it will work out, will be a few months before it gets that long though.
Still no real defined curls in the front of my head, I think I may be 3c/4a...though now I am leaning more towards a really loose 4a in the back and towards the front except for my wack patch that just grows out straight.

Semi-strugglin but its not too much to handle.

hnntrr, why are you sensitive to coconut? Are you associating it with protein like properties?

Do you have some honey and EVOO in your kitchen? I'm not a mixtress, but I believe you can make a basic moisturizing DC w/ those ingredients. We may have to get you a care package going. I'd hate to see you have a setback over DC. You've been working so hard! What kind of DC do you normally use?

 

[hnntrr]

hnntrr, why are you sensitive to coconut? Are you associating it with protein like properties?

Do you have some honey and EVOO in your kitchen? I'm not a mixtress, but I believe you can make a basic moisturizing DC w/ those ingredients. We may have to get you a care package going. I'd hate to see you have a setback over DC. You've been working so hard! What kind of DC do you normally use?

I have NO idea, I just know that every time I have used it my hair has NOT liked it, its felt extra stripped and dry and hard after I use anything with coconut. Coconut Co Wash, Hydrating Masque (both by AS I AM), Coconut oil...I think my hair treats it like protein. I was okay when I was relaxed but now that I am natural my hair HATES it.

And I am in the process of moving so I don't have it readily right now but I may have to pick some up next time I go to trader joes/stop n shop and get some.

I was using One N Only Hydrating Masque before and it worked out decently, no sulphates, parabens, or cones, got good slip and it was the only DC I really had to watch on my hair because if I left it overnight I would get mushy...but I have been out for about 2 months and have just been using a regular wash out conditioner to DC with and overnight DCing with the rinse out I am using is no bueno. The One N Only is only like....11 bucks at the BSS? But haha right now I just don't have it, so the EVOO and Honey might have to be in for awhile.

I also just switched from Shea Moisture to Giovanni Leave in, so we will see how that goes. I liked the cream base but the Shea started leaving my hair feeling a little hard as well. I dont know whats goin on with my hair every time I cut it, it goes into a hissy fit and freaks out.

 

[Dilettante]

I also just switched from Shea Moisture to Giovanni Leave in, so we will see how that goes. I liked the cream base but the Shea started leaving my hair feeling a little hard as well. I dont know whats goin on with my hair every time I cut it, it goes into a hissy fit and freaks out.

The Giovanni leave in is very moisturizing. In the summertime it can be too much for my fine strands, so I really think it could help you.

I second the olive oil and/or honey deep conditioner route. I do prefer my store bought products, but a hot oil treatment can do wonders for dry ends and make hair really soft.

 

[uofmpanther]

I have NO idea, I just know that every time I have used it my hair has NOT liked it, its felt extra stripped and dry and hard after I use anything with coconut. Coconut Co Wash, Hydrating Masque (both by AS I AM), Coconut oil...I think my hair treats it like protein. I was okay when I was relaxed but now that I am natural my hair HATES it.

And I am in the process of moving so I don't have it readily right now but I may have to pick some up next time I go to trader joes/stop n shop and get some.

I was using One N Only Hydrating Masque before and it worked out decently, no sulphates, parabens, or cones, got good slip and it was the only DC I really had to watch on my hair because if I left it overnight I would get mushy...but I have been out for about 2 months and have just been using a regular wash out conditioner to DC with and overnight DCing with the rinse out I am using is no bueno. The One N Only is only like....11 bucks at the BSS? But haha right now I just don't have it, so the EVOO and Honey might have to be in for awhile.

I also just switched from Shea Moisture to Giovanni Leave in, so we will see how that goes. I liked the cream base but the Shea started leaving my hair feeling a little hard as well. I dont know whats goin on with my hair every time I cut it, it goes into a hissy fit and freaks out.

Sally's sells the one use packets of One n Only. I think I got 1 for $1.

 

[MileHighDiva]

hnntrr, I was going to offer to send you some Silk Dreams Vanilla Silk or Shea What!, but I don't think the ingredients in either will agree with your hair.

I've never used One n Only, but please explore at least getting a sample pack as uofmpanther suggested, so you don't have a set back.

Sent from my Speak & Spell using LHCF

 

[Cruzankink]

I have a hard time believing that nobody has been struggling for 1 1/2 months!

Oh, I am still struggling but I'm doing so in silence.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Oh, I am still struggling but I'm doing so in silence.

Oh no!

What is going on?

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[faithVA]

Oh, I am still struggling but I'm doing so in silence.

We don't want you to struggle in silence. We really do want to help you if there is any way we can.

 

[kandake]

I haven't been struggling per se. But I've been having some serious issues with humidity ruining my braidouts and twistouts. I can also wear a bun but I've grown tired of those. Thank goodness for wigs. I pulled one out the other day and I've been wearing it for the last few days. Now I don't feel so discouraged.

 

[DarkJoy]

OMG kandake! Is that your bun in your avatar?!?!

For the humidity, there are anti-humectant pomades that would keep the reversion at bay. I hear Aveda has a really good one. Havent tried it yet, but plan to during the rainy season since I keep my hair out most of the time.

 

[kandake]

DarkJoy. Aww thanks. Yes, it's a puff bun. Doing the puff makes it bigger.

Anywho, you're the second person to mention the Aveda product. I was looking at YouTube videos the other day and a young lady said it works.

I guess I'll have to see for myself. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[NefertariBlu]

Ladies, I am having problems with retaining length at the nape area of my hair. The rest is doing good in terms of growing/retaining but the back is like 3 inches shorter than the rest. I keep it moisturised and I protective style, 99% of the time. I have only worn my hair out twice this year so I don't get why it's taking so long to grow. The texture at the back is a lot more dryer and finer than the rest. I keep it moisturised so I am not sure what else to do.

Any suggestions?

 

[faithVA]

Ladies, I am having problems with retaining length at the nape area of my hair. The rest is doing good in terms of growing/retaining but the back is like 3 inches shorter than the rest. I keep it moisturised and I protective style, 99% of the time. I have only worn my hair out twice this year so I don't get why it's taking so long to grow. The texture at the back is a lot more dryer and finer than the rest. I keep it moisturised so I am not sure what else to do.

Any suggestions?

How are you wearing your hair? It sounds like it may be breaking off.

 

[NefertariBlu]

I think that could be the problem, but I am not sure how

Since Feb I have been twisting my hair. I never leave it down, so it doesn't touch my clothes. I always have it pinned up or in a hair band. I have noticed more split ends on the back than in the front and sides.

I have extensions in a the moment and when I took one out of the back yesterday it had quite a few splits. I have trimmed that section before, so not sure why the splits keep popping up

 

[faithVA]

I think that could be the problem, but I am not sure how

Since Feb I have been twisting my hair. I never leave it down, so it doesn't touch my clothes. I always have it pinned up or in a hair band. I have noticed more split ends on the back than in the front and sides.

I have extensions in a the moment and when I took one out of the back yesterday it had quite a few splits. I have trimmed that section before, so not sure why the splits keep popping up

My hair tends to split more in the back as well and I have more SSKs.

Is it possible that the hair band is rubbing and since your back is finer it is more susceptible? I know when I tried to wear puffs at the beginning of the year I destroyed the back of my hair but the rest of my hair was fine. It was something about the tension of the band.

Are your hair bands silk? satin? oops (almost wrote satan )

And since your hair is finer and drier in the back, you may need to moisturize and seal with something different than the rest of your hair. Maybe S-Curl and a butter or something to hold the moisture in.

 

[NefertariBlu]

Hmmm, didn't think about that. The hair bands are not silk, just normal cotton bands without the metal bit.

I have just started using Scurl a month now and I really like it.

Your right, when wearing a bun or puff the back of my hair takes the most damage. That's why I cut back on wearing them. I'm going to continue using the s curl and see if that helps with keeping it supple.

Thanks for your help Faitva

 

[lana]

I'm natural in the nape and texlaxed at the tope and sides. Can you guys please still help me?

I'm trying to avoid heat because it's damaging...so I wear a twist out and then I bun the rest of the week. My wet hair shrinks up a LOT and even more where I'm natural - in the nape area. So...my 1st day twist out...looks short, shrunken and not too cute (to me). The more I twist and the more time that passes, the better the hair looks.

My hair looks great if I blow dry it first or dare I say...flat iron it first and then twist it up. Yikes!

How can I get an elongated twist out without the heat (blow dryer or flat iron) first? Help! Please tag me, so that I see your answer by placing an @ before my name (Lana).

 

[faithVA]

lana[/USER];18747945]I'm natural in the nape and texlaxed at the tope and sides. Can you guys please still help me?

I'm trying to avoid heat because it's damaging...so I wear a twist out and then I bun the rest of the week. My wet hair shrinks up a LOT and even more where I'm natural - in the nape area. So...my 1st day twist out...looks short, shrunken and not too cute (to me). The more I twist and the more time that passes, the better the hair looks.

My hair looks great if I blow dry it first or dare I say...flat iron it first and then twist it up. Yikes!

How can I get an elongated twist out without the heat (blow dryer or flat iron) first? Help! Please tag me, so that I see your answer by placing an @ before my name (Lana).

How long does it take the back of your hair to dry? When are you twisting up your hair morning or evening?

Let your hair in the back stay loose, maybe just use a barrette or clamp to keep it together loosely until it dries. Let it dry as much as possible before you twist it. Then twist it up. Wait an hour or two, take it down and then retwist it. Repeat if you have time. Each time you take it down and retwist it , you will stretch it out.