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

[hnntrr]

Update.
Washing my hair twice a week. Either putting it under a hat or doing a diffused wash and go. I duno what to do with my hair really. Trying bantu knots tonight.

I need to DC soon...I have not in about a month. But my hair still feels moisturized and is doing really well.

I took a picture of the progress my curls have made, they look pretty good! I don't know what they are, but I do know that regardless of diffusing they are still pretty frizzy by the end of it. It is clumping together better now that its longer though. This is a bit of conditioner as my leave in, and wet.

Post Wash- From top to bottom:

Left side of my head - nape
Right side of my head - crown
Right side of my head - temple
Left side of my head - above ear (its really like a few inches behind my ear but whatever.

 

[JudithO]

Hey ladies!

Sorry I haven't been posting much but I'm at a fork in the road with my hair right now.

I would like to keep my hair straightened more due to SSKs. However, I love daily rinsing, washing or cowashing. Usually, I keep it in mini braids since I don't have the texture to do WNGs without consequences. LoL But I also like wearing my hair out more often which has not been beneficial with my kinks, only when heat straightened.

I'm afraid of heat damage. What I would like to have is a simple regi where I cowash my hair and air dry in braids for a braidout every few days. I'm also interested in wet bunning as I've seen ladies get phenomenal retention that way. I would like to show my length as well without so much manipulation. If I heat straighten my hair, I can't wash it for a while or all of the HOURS of work I put into the style is lost.

My mini braids take 6-9 hours to put in and about that long to take down. I leave them in for about 3 weeks at a time so they're easy once they're in. And I LOVE the daily rinsing/cowashing. It's just a lot to install/take down.

I would like to texlax, which I wore for about 15 years on short hair prior to becoming natural. However, all of the natty ladies who have relaxed/texlaxed have seemed to regret doing it. I would hate to lose 5 years of progress. I've been thinking about this for the last few months and would appreciate some help brainstorming.

Sorry so long. Thanks ladies!

Be afraid of heat damage.... it's real... lol... Much easier to kill your hair with heat than with relaxers in my experience...

Wet bunning - depends on your hair... if you have really fine hair, it's probably not for you...

I relaxed my 4z natty hair at APL and grew it to WL in 2 years.... No regrets.. but be prepared to be a 100% DIY'er to guarantee yourself awesome results... I'm transitioning now because my ultimate preference is to be natural and I feel I conquered my relaxed hair journey... time for me to try to conquer a natural hair journey... If it gets too much, I'll be happy to slap a relaxer on my head again.

 

[MzSwift]

JudithO

Thanks so much for the reply! IA, heat damage is more damaging than texlaxing to me.

 

[faithVA]

JudithO

Thanks so much for the reply! IA, heat damage is more damaging than texlaxing to me.

I agree as well. My hair was fine with a relaxer. My scalp not so much. But heat damage pushed the reset button and I had to start all over. Won't be doing that again.

 

[hnntrr]

SSKs!!! I dunno how to fix this. It seems like the longer it gets the more SSK's I have, I didn't have as many when it was shorter...now that its nearing SL I am finding them more and more. What can I do to help prevent this? I do wash and goes about 90% of the time. Otherwise I bantu knot it or just pull it back in a pony tail....but especially today I was catching ssk's and ripping them out and I know thats gonna cause splits. Do I start doing a S&D every so often?

 

[BEAUTYU2U]

Three words: single strand knots. There is literally no other issue with my natural hair. I know what products work, styles aren't time consuming, my moisture level is great. My hair hasn't grown the past two years. The first two years were amazing, continuous growth - NO breakage. But now SSKs then snap. I'm consistent with trimming, nothing else has changed but the length. Steer me away from the relaxers, please.

 

[dicapr]

Three words: single strand knots. There is literally no other issue with my natural hair. I know what products work, styles aren't time consuming, my moisture level is great. My hair hasn't grown the past two years. The first two years were amazing, continuous growth - NO breakage. But now SSKs then snap. I'm consistent with trimming, nothing else has changed but the length. Steer me away from the relaxers, please.

I'm in a similar situation. I'm getting braids today for the first time in years.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Henna made my ssks disappear.

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

 

[oneastrocurlie]

Three words: single strand knots. There is literally no other issue with my natural hair. I know what products work, styles aren't time consuming, my moisture level is great. My hair hasn't grown the past two years. The first two years were amazing, continuous growth - NO breakage. But now SSKs then snap. I'm consistent with trimming, nothing else has changed but the length. Steer me away from the relaxers, please.

I hear that! So annoying.

 

[girlonfire]

Okay so I stopped using my den man for about 2 months now...y'all I'm STRUGGLING . Wash day used to take only 3 hours if I felt lazy I'm on my 6th hour right now . The tangles are too much!
Are there any waist length naturals here who cow ash daily? I think that make be what I need.

 

[krissyhair]

Okay so I stopped using my den man for about 2 months now...y'all I'm STRUGGLING . Wash day used to take only 3 hours if I felt lazy I'm on my 6th hour right now . The tangles are too much!
Are there any waist length naturals here who cow ash daily? I think that make be what I need.

Are you waist length now? How do you plan to dry your hair after cowashing daily? I saw a lot of threads about daily cowashers. It sounds like to me that you only need a more slippery conditioner to help the tangles go away.

 

[girlonfire]

Are you waist length now? How do you plan to dry your hair after cowashing daily? I saw a lot of threads about daily cowashers. It sounds like to me that you only need a more slippery conditioner to help the tangles go away.

Yes most of my hair is waist atm I'm thinking air dry or diffuse maybe I'll just wet bun since its not stupid cold anymore. I was looking for daily cowashers but I noticed many were relaxed. That could be my problem, the conditioner. I had NO clue where to look. I've grown ired of my tresseme flawless curls. I would like the try kckt since tat seems to be a crowd favorite. Do you have any suggestions?

 

[sgold04]

I'm thinking of doing a wash and go for the first time in 2 years. The last summer I wore wash n goes, I had to cut about 2 inches off, mainly due to how I detangled (this is pre-healthy hair practices). My friend is getting married in the DR, and I want to wear my hair out, no braids or anything, but I'm scurrrred. My ends are usually dry and I'm afraid I will end up with more ssks and tangles. Plus I have no idea what products to use since I'm starting from scratch. Any suggestions. My hair is 4b, high porosity, slightly longer than BSL stretched (last time I checked). Should I stay away from WNGs?

 

[DarkJoy]

I'm 4b, high porosity as well. WnGs should be wash and no! However, I am guilty but will pay the price in broke off ends.

I found I have less trouble if the strands are generously coated in oil or heavily sealed.

 

[Leslie_C]

I think wash n gos can be ok depending on technique, products, maintenance, and detangling. I'm type four and they have always been my go to style and my length retention has been good since I practice low manipulation..no rebraiding/retwisting, just style once a week or so and pineapple at night. The key for me is detangling gently and taking my time and since I've incorporated oil rinses my ssks are minimal.

 

[Lexsmarie]

Does anyone use a product that isn't all natural or bit even close? Just wondering as some of my favorite products has harsh ingredients.

 

[krissyhair]

Does anyone use a product that isn't all natural or bit even close? Just wondering as some of my favorite products has harsh ingredients.

I've been using sulfate shampoo every week. It doesn't dry my hair out as long as I oil well.

Plus, I really think we have to redefine what a natural product is. As a community we have more than enough power to set the standard. Because most of the "natural" products are generic, time tested chemical formulas with specialty additives.

 

[meka72]

Thank you ladies for helping me try to figure out how to moisturize my hair an how to retain that moisture. Your recommendations were really helpful. Here's an update:

Not long after posting my request for help, I realized that I'm actually high porosity. My BFF washed her hair and her hair was just as wet 12 hours after she washed it as it was when she finished washing her hair. Clearly we could not both be low porosity. I started researching high porosity hair tools and two things helped turn my hair around: being heavy handed when I apply products (read that on some random salon blog), use protein more often and acv rinses.

Since I had been using protein sparingly, I decided to make a homemade protein treatment and to use it every 4 days for 2 1/2 weeks. I used 1/2 an avocado, 1/2 a banana, AVJ, 1/4 cup coconut milk (I'm guessing), 1 Tbs castor oil, 1 Tbs olive oil and a drizzle of vitamin E oil. I usually left it on (under a conditioning cap) for at least 2 hrs. I followed it up with a moisturizing deep conditioner (curl rehab/curl renew) topped with EVOO, which I left on for at least 4 hrs. I really do think that increased used of protein helped my hair retain moisture better and credit it with turning my hair around. Although I unknowingly misused and abused protein in the past, I'm intentionally using it at least once a week and it has been working. I've added Millcreek biotin and keratin conditioners, Aubrey Organics GBP and Island Naturals, BASK whiskey soak and am currently waiting on some protein conditioners from Silk Dreams. I also have MYHC type 4 hair cream that has wheat germ butter.

It took me a minute to figure out the right proportion of water:acv. The only way that I can keep the proportions right is if I fill a dasani water bottle almost to the top with distilled water and add 1 tablespoon of acv. Yeah, it is bootleg but it works. Lol.

I also credit Annabelle's Perfect Blends leave in and hair cream. I can use one of these with any combination of these 2 products and my hair feels great. I will definitely keep these in my rotation.

I cut out some of the steps and products in my routine. I'm a PJ so I sometimes backslide. Lol. Generally, I just do the LC or LLC method.

It is like I'm just discovering my hair. It is soft and moisturized most days unless I purposely don't moisturize it on wash day.

This week, I went to the dermatologist for a follow up about my hair and she was blown away by the hair growth over the last 2 months and how soft my Hair was.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me. My family and friends probably aren't happy about this newfound knowledge though because I keep telling them what they need to do to get their hair right. Lol.

Good morning ladies! I'm hoping that you can help me figure out to keep my hair moisturized. I wear a custom wig during the day most recently with a doo-rag underneath, do the LOC method in the AM and when I get home from work (I usually baggy for at least an hour), sleep in a bonnet (from Sally's) and/or sleep on a silk pillowcase.

Although I've been natural before, I'm much more aware of online resources and have become more educated this go around. In an effort to figure out what my hair likes, I've been changing my regimen monthly. This month's regimen:

Spritz hair with distilled water/fenugreek tea/AVJ mix
Use Verdeso foam (rx)
Kimmaytube leave in (using DB whip as LI)
DB hair whip
Ceramide oil mix (WGO, GSO, SaO, SuO, HsO)
LG Green Cream/Bask 7 fold butter

I remembered that my hair is funny with coconut oil so I just cut out the LG green cream. Last night, I used the Chicoro pre-poo using the turbid towel steam method. I didn't intend to rinse it or to wash it out. My hair was slightly moisturized. I put my bonnet on and went to bed. Now my hair feels hard and extremely dry.

I'm heavy handed with my products but recently started to back off using so much. Could that be the problem?

I have yet to figure out my hair's porosity because it has just as many lo-PO characteristics as it does hi-po. I have been following lo-po tips though.

I would greatly appreciate any help that you ladies could give me.

Sent from my iPhone using LHCF

 

[gn1g]

Is there a way to accomplish the wet look all day?

 

[Leslie_C]

Is there a way to accomplish the wet look all day?

gn1g I just discovered wet line xtreme gel and it gives a shiny soft hold that looks like it's still wet and I'm on day two of my wash and go. I think it's going to replace my HG eco styler gel. I've never gotten this much shine before.

 

[krissyhair]

Is there a way to accomplish the wet look all day?

I was just thinking, how can I get that extreme, wet, wavy, Michael Jackson Bad looking, slick smooth braid out. I might have a problem.

 

[charmtreese]

Does anyone use a product that isn't all natural or bit even close? Just wondering as some of my favorite products has harsh ingredients.

Most of the commercial products I purchase are not from natural hair care lines. However, I do use whole natural products, like oils and powders in my regimen.

 

[girlonfire]

So update (kinda)

For the past 2 weeks I've been on a well deserved vacation and in that time i've been in cornrows. I cannot begin to describe how free I felt! For the first time in forever Frozen reference lol I didn't have to think about my hair getting in the way! It was nice, but I missed my hair.

So 2 weeks of protective styling (technically 3 bc it's not like I've been wearing my crust dry scaly hair down this week) Probably no more corn rows for a while bc even though they were so care free, I remembered why I stopped getting them as a kid, I couldn't get to my scalp and I've always had dry scalp.

I got a tangle teezer as a gift and I think I'm in love :creatures:

It's like the denman where it's so thorough but doesn't break my hair! (believe me after that denman issue I am ON IT when it comes to sheddig vs. breaking. it's say (90% of the hairs lost had a bulb attached). thing is, the amount of hair I lost was crazy! I need to get back to my garlic pills asap.

If the teezer can work on my damp hair and my dry natural hair, this deal is done!

I dug deep inside myself and realized that I'm just not a wet bun person at least not now. I'd like to be but some time in the future. I'm thinking banding may be a good thing for me. I tried it once and one section turned out perfect so I think I know what the problem was.

I need a smoothing product for banding. I have my hicks edge control that I used last time but that is too expensive erplexed maybe a serum, probably not gel though, but maybe, you ever know, but probably not, idk.

I also want to try the it's a 10 and I've been meaning to pick it up i just hate spending money but if it means that my hair will look a hot mess less of the time, shouldn't that be a motive? idk. I should just bite the bullet. If I don't like it I guess someone on the forum would.

Well that's my rambly update

 

[HanaKuroi]

So update (kinda)

For the past 2 weeks I've been on a well deserved vacation and in that time i've been in cornrows. I cannot begin to describe how free I felt! For the first time in forever Frozen reference lol I didn't have to think about my hair getting in the way! It was nice, but I missed my hair.

So 2 weeks of protective styling (technically 3 bc it's not like I've been wearing my crust dry scaly hair down this week) Probably no more corn rows for a while bc even though they were so care free, I remembered why I stopped getting them as a kid, I couldn't get to my scalp and I've always had dry scalp.

I got a tangle teezer as a gift and I think I'm in love :creatures:

It's like the denman where it's so thorough but doesn't break my hair! (believe me after that denman issue I am ON IT when it comes to sheddig vs. breaking. it's say (90% of the hairs lost had a bulb attached). thing is, the amount of hair I lost was crazy! I need to get back to my garlic pills asap.

If the teezer can work on my damp hair and my dry natural hair, this deal is done!

I dug deep inside myself and realized that I'm just not a wet bun person at least not now. I'd like to be but some time in the future. I'm thinking banding may be a good thing for me. I tried it once and one section turned out perfect so I think I know what the problem was.

I need a smoothing product for banding. I have my hicks edge control that I used last time but that is too expensive erplexed maybe a serum, probably not gel though, but maybe, you ever know, but probably not, idk.

I also want to try the it's a 10 and I've been meaning to pick it up i just hate spending money but if it means that my hair will look a hot mess less of the time, shouldn't that be a motive? idk. I should just bite the bullet. If I don't like it I guess someone on the forum would.

Well that's my rambly update

The denman snatches/pulls your hair out of your scalp. The tangle teaser causes mid shaft splits. This doesn't happen immediately. One day you will notice your ponytail is thinner or your braid out is flatter. It takes a few months. Many ladies loved both of these but ended cursing them. I am one. Be careful.

If you search on here you can read about some of our setbacks.

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

 

[shyekiera]

The denman snatches/pulls your hair out of your scalp. The tangle teaser causes mid shaft splits. This doesn't happen immediately. One day you will notice your ponytail is thinner or your braid out is flatter. It takes a few months. Many ladies loved both of these but ended cursing them. I am one. Be careful.

If you search on here you can read about some of our setbacks.

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

I was thinking about getting the tangle teezer...is there a better brush that's similar?

 

[HanaKuroi]

I was thinking about getting the tangle teezer...is there a better brush that's similar?

I do not use any brushes after my two setbacks. I even modified the denman.

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

 

[NefertariBlu]

I finger detangle or use s seamless comb to come my hair. I find finger detangling works best.

 

[HanaKuroi]

I finger detangle or use s seamless comb to come my hair. I find finger detangling works best.

Yes, that mess with those brushes is what led me to finger detangling. I have two seamless combs around here that I don't even use.

What a difference finger detangling has made! I love it!

Sent from my iPad using LHCF

 

[shyekiera]

I was just thinking, how can I get that extreme, wet, wavy, Michael Jackson Bad looking, slick smooth braid out. I might have a problem.

I wonder how curl activator would work

 

[KinkyRN]

Been reading the posts on this thread and the struggle is real!! I just recently found the coily queens regimen and am braided up for the next 10 weeks. Just wondering have any of you looked at the pH of your products? I noticed a big difference in my hair when I became conscious of pH of products. Made my curls pop and I stayed moisturized for days when before I was M&Sing every day.