Thin/Fine Support Thread

[BrownEyez22]

Welcome BrownEyez22!

Your list looks pretty good, I just would like to add a few things.
pre-pooing always helps to soften the hair shaft and helps to detangle as well. I use ORS mayo, infusium23 conditioner and coconut oil, wrap it in saranwrap for 30 minutes then rinse the whole thing.
When I was texturized and washed, I'd detangle, then make 4 braids. I'd unbraid one at a time to finger comb with the pressure of the water, shampoothe roots and condition the hair then i'd rebraid. not a lot of manipulation in that.
In between washes I'd either co-wash or rinse my hair.

Sleeping with magnetic rollers and silver clips might pose a problem not only for confort but also for breakage. With the tossing and turing during the night, your hair would be brushing against the silver clips and would suffer some tension. I would either braids or pincurl...

HTH

Thank you for the welcome and the suggestions, I forgot to include my hair length, it's pretty short in a bob type cut, to the end of my neck in the back and almost to my chin on the sides, so im not sure if the pincurls are a option with the length of my hair. Also, I have a question since my hair is shorter, but I can wear it in a clip, if it's clipped up loosely and not touching my clothes would that be considered a protective style? Here's a picture.

 

[sweetpuff]

Yes, if it is not touching the clothes, I consider it a protective style. I see on this picture that it might be brushing the back of your clothes, you can pull the hair up a bit. imo.

HHG !

 

[DayStar]

fine hair checking in!

 

[Cloud06]

Fine haired girlie chiming in! Hey Hey Hey!

 

[Cloud06]

I'm new too and I have a question. Thanks in advance!
What should I do about thinning ends. My hair is fine textured, but usually not thin w/medium thickness. It is shoulder length and whenever it gets this length it starts to thin. WHat should I do to thicken them up?
I usually wash every two days(now I'm stretching going on 4months post, I wash once a week)
I use Creme of nature (green and white bottle)
Oil rinse with Hot Six Oils
Condition with Optimum, ManeNTail, and creme of nature nourishing con.
I deep condition w/ heat after every wash and since I'm stretching I choose not to airdry bcuz of breakage.
I do light protein once a week
Aphoghee once a month
Moisturize wth coconut oil and NTM creme
Currently using MN on scalp
Flat iron once a week

SO, what could I add or eliminate in order to retain thickness?

 

[KiniKakes]

I'm new too and I have a question. Thanks in advance!
What should I do about thinning ends. My hair is fine textured, but usually not thin w/medium thickness. It is shoulder length and whenever it gets this length it starts to thin. WHat should I do to thicken them up?
I usually wash every two days(now I'm stretching going on 4months post, I wash once a week)
I use Creme of nature (green and white bottle)
Oil rinse with Hot Six Oils
Condition with Optimum, ManeNTail, and creme of nature nourishing con.
I deep condition w/ heat after every wash and since I'm stretching I choose not to airdry bcuz of breakage.
I do light protein once a week
Aphoghee once a month
Moisturize wth coconut oil and NTM creme
Currently using MN on scalp
Flat iron once a week

SO, what could I add or eliminate in order to retain thickness?

Hey girl!

My recommendations:

Eliminate:

--Washing so frequently. Once a week should be fine. If your hair is as fine/fragile as mine, less manipulation is more. If washing multiple times per week includes simply con-washing and NOT combing out at all (just putting it straight into a protective style) than thats fine.
--flat ironing altogether (if you can). Try to opt for styles like roller sets, which will give you the look of more body and also reduce the need for direct heat
--wrapping at night, if you do this (you didnt say how you sleep with your hair. i would suggest pin curling or a loose bun, with a satin bonnet) All the combing that wrapping requires is no good for me, and if your hair is as delicate as mine, no good for you either

Incorporate:

--Biotin and a good multi-vitamin (permanent thickness)
--Henna treatments + extra moisture (temporary thickness... but it looks darn good while it lasts!)
--protective styles, since you are at the shoulder length point and also stretching. As you probably know, the shoulder length hurdle is a difficult one to pass, since your ends are constantly rubbing/brushing against the rough fabric of your shirt. So the more you can keep them up, the better

Everything else in your reggie sounds fabulous! Dont feel bad, my hair thins out a bit too as it gets longer. I just keep on taking care of it, dusting my own splits, and professionally trimming every 9 months. Since i usually wear my hair rollerset (rather than blown or flat ironed out), you cant really tell that my ends are that much thinner when i wear it down. The roller set tends to give it a nice, full look throughout (such an illusion! ). The ends arent split or anything... Your ends are just the oldest part of the hair, and for us naturally fine-haired gals we see it more. To me, gradually thinning ends are the natural toll my hair is going to take, as the new growth that comes in is thick and strong. Doesnt bother me too much, and when it does i just trim off what i cant tolerate. Since i do this regularly, its never anything major.

HTH!

 

[Cloud06]

Thank you kinikakes, for the advice! I wil def. look into roller sets.(hopefully can stop being lazy) I used to do them a few years back but when I had to cut my hair to ear length I didn't know how to style it. At night I pretty much pincurl, bun, or braid-out my hair and tie with satin wrap. Since I've stopped wrapping my hair has grown all the same on both sides of my head. I just started taking the biotin along w/multivitamin. My best bet is to do like you and keep those ends up up and away!

 

[MonaLisa]

........................

 

[KiniKakes]

Thank you kinikakes, for the advice! I wil def. look into roller sets.(hopefully can stop being lazy) I used to do them a few years back but when I had to cut my hair to ear length I didn't know how to style it. At night I pretty much pincurl, bun, or braid-out my hair and tie with satin wrap. Since I've stopped wrapping my hair has grown all the same on both sides of my head. I just started taking the biotin along w/multivitamin. My best bet is to do like you and keep those ends up up and away!

No prob bob!

 

[Artemis]

Ok...so is the general consensus for those of us w/fine hair to wash 2x/week or less?? Or just the basic 1x/week?

Anyone washing more than that and not experiencing any ill effects? Or is 1x/week good enough? And like Gymfreak previously asked, are those of you who are washing 1x/wk doing "the works" on this one wash day?

I am currently washing 2x/wk, but one wash includes a DC, and the other is a regular wash/condition.

My thought process is like a previous poster who said it depends on how much product you apply in between washes, but I wanted to hear more thoughts on this...

Thanks!

 

[BrownEyez22]

Any fine/soft haired ladies tried thickening shampoos/ or conditioners with good results? I went to purchase two higher end conditioners for my hair (one protein K-Pak/moisturizing Moisture Discovery), but they had a sale buy 2 get one free. So I picked up Joico Body Luxe Thickening Shampoo and I must say my hair looks alot fuller. I have some breakage in about three spots, but it looks nice down and too see through in the spots where it broke. I added some pic, just wanted to share and was wondering if any other ladies had success with a thickening shampoo.

This is after wash/rollerset with saran wrap.

 

[prtybrwnis]

Okay ladies my hair is growing great, but I have a problem with my edges in the front. They're more fine than the rest of my hair and shorter which makes it hard to blend in at times. Any tips? It's not broken. It has always been this way but now it seems worse than ever. I need to get more growth around the edges or at least have it keep up with the growth of the rest of my hair

 

[sweetpuff]

for the edges, i'd go for either castor oil, bt, or a sulfur mix applied lightly and every other day to the edges.
do you brush your edges?

BrownEyez22, I'll check out that joico sampoo. thanks ! I can't think of any conditionner or shampoo that help thicken the hair though...

 

[prtybrwnis]

for the edges, i'd go for either castor oil, bt, or a sulfur mix applied lightly and every other day to the edges.
do you brush your edges?

BrownEyez22, I'll check out that joico sampoo. thanks ! I can't think of any conditionner or shampoo that help thicken the hair though...

I tried BT already and my hair shed too much and was very greasy. I will try the castor oil I guess. I have brushed my edges within the past week but usually don't at all, so I don't think that is the culprit. I'll let you know how the castor oil works for me.

 

[Ms.AmerAKA]

Fine haired girl checking in!

 

[SJT]

Hello Ladies

Another Newbie Here! I have been reviewing this site for several months and I finally decided to pay my $5.00! Yah!!!! I am almost past APL, my short term goal is BSL then MBL.

My hair is very fine and tangles very easily. I see that most ladies wash and dc weekly which I have been trying to follow. But I have major issues w/my hair tangling after I dc. I have attempted to try air drying which was a major mistake. So I then tried using a hooded dryer, I have also tried using my hand held dryer which both make my hair extremely brittle.
My question: How can I wash my own hair weekly w/out tangling and it becoming so brittle when it comes to drying? I also end up having to flat iron it to make it straight. Then my hair has no body and is sooo limp. I don't know what to do....I cant continue paying my hair dresser weekly I am making her rich! I dont know what I am doing wrong but it seems that I am doing my hair more harm then good. HELP!!!!!

Shampoos I am using: Biolage Matrix (Hydrating) Occasionally use Nexxus: Biotainoil
Conditioners: Biolage Matrix, Occasionally use NTM Deep Conditioner
Oils: Olive Oil, Avocado Oil,
Butters: Mango butter, Avocado butter
Leave ins: NTM, Occasionally use Giovanni

 

[january noir]

Another Newbie Here!

My hair is very fine and tangles very easily.

Welcome SJT!
Enjoy your LHCF experience! Now a few questions...

• How are you washing your hair, in the shower or a sink?
• Do you scrub and manipulate you hair when washing?

 

[Moroni]

I tried BT already and my hair shed too much and was very greasy. I will try the castor oil I guess. I have brushed my edges within the past week but usually don't at all, so I don't think that is the culprit. I'll let you know how the castor oil works for me.

I'm using a mixture of mustard oil with shea butter nightly on my edges along with MN, MTG and whatever else I can get my hands on. They're growing back pretty well. I posted a thread about it: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=180697&highlight=growth+aids

 

[Moroni]

Hello Ladies

Another Newbie Here! I have been reviewing this site for several months and I finally decided to pay my $5.00! Yah!!!! I am almost past APL, my short term goal is BSL then MBL.

My hair is very fine and tangles very easily. I see that most ladies wash and dc weekly which I have been trying to follow. But I have major issues w/my hair tangling after I dc. I have attempted to try air drying which was a major mistake. So I then tried using a hooded dryer, I have also tried using my hand held dryer which both make my hair extremely brittle.
My question: How can I wash my own hair weekly w/out tangling and it becoming so brittle when it comes to drying? I also end up having to flat iron it to make it straight. Then my hair has no body and is sooo limp. I don't know what to do....I cant continue paying my hair dresser weekly I am making her rich! I dont know what I am doing wrong but it seems that I am doing my hair more harm then good. HELP!!!!!

Shampoos I am using: Biolage Matrix (Hydrating) Occasionally use Nexxus: Biotainoil
Conditioners: Biolage Matrix, Occasionally use NTM Deep Conditioner
Oils: Olive Oil, Avocado Oil,
Butters: Mango butter, Avocado butter
Leave ins: NTM, Occasionally use Giovanni

SJT, I had a similar problem while trying to organize my regimen. One of the things I found was that my hair tangled terribly when I needed to clarify. I used the Nexxus Aloe Rid shampoo 2 times, oil rinsed, DC'd and haven't had the problem since (with the exception of my 1st henna.....but that's another story). When was the last time you used a clarifying poo?

Another thing, I use shampoo maybe 1 or 2 times a month, and I cowash probably 3 or 4 times per week. Check out oil rinsing, prepoos, and DCing and see if that doesn't help.

Also, try another oil and see if your hair doesn't like it better. My hair HATES EVOO, except in henna or mixed with honey....seems to LOVE jojoba oil, though. HTH

 

[SJT]

Hello January Noir,

Thanks for the welcome and for replying to my novel of questions!!!! To answer your questions:

1. I wash in the sink
2. I do scrub and scratch my scalp...I am not sure if that is manipulating the scalp.



SJT

 

[january noir]

Hello January Noir,

Thanks for the welcome and for replying to my novel of questions!!!! To answer your questions:

1. I wash in the sink
2. I do scrub and scratch my scalp...I am not sure if that is manipulating the scalp.

SJT

Hi Sweetie!

I thought so! First things first!
If you can wash in the shower, do so. It cuts down on manipulation of the hair.

Smooth in your shampoo and conditioners from root to ends and only scrub your scalp (with fingertips) enough to clean. Unless you use TONS of any product, you do not have to scrub your hair. Remember that our hair is fragile and should be manipulated just enough.

Step out shower and pat your hair to remove excess water with a paper towel or towel. DO NOT RUB, just squeeze and blot.

Start to detangle GENTLY ends first. Slowly work your way up the hair shaft. Sistaslick has this technique on her site I think...

I'll find it and post it if it is.

 

[SJT]

Hello Moroni,

Thanks for that information. You will have to pardon me as I am still trying to learn how to reply to messages I haven't gotten the hang of that yet...
I actually have already purchased Nexxus Aloe Rid but have not used it yet. I don't think I have ever clarified...just used regular shampoo. I guess I should try using it now. I think I have become a product junkie since I began lurking this site and buying alot of the products. It seems that alot products I have purchased don't work for me and tangle and weigh my hair down even more.

Here are some questions I know I should know the answer to but I rather know the correct answer!

1. Now when you say you oil rinse how do you do that?
2. Cowashing is that when you wash with conditioner?
3. Do you dry w/a hooded or hand dryer?

 

[Lavendar]

SJT, washing in the sink is a huge no-no for me. I'd be detangling for days. I have to always wash in the shower to leave my hair hanging. It's inconvenient sometimes, but not as inconvenient as detangling for hours and losing lots of hair. Also, my hair gets extra dry and tangly in the winter. Adding oil to my rinsing conditioner has been great. I mix the oil and conditioner in my hand and apply it to my, I cover with a cap and let it sit for about 5 minutes while I do my shower duties. The extra oil makes a world of difference in retaining moisture. I only detangle with my fingers under running cool water. This makes detangling with my leave-ins much easier. HTH!

 

[SJT]

Hi Sweetie!

I thought so! First things first!
If you can wash in the shower, do so. It cuts down on manipulation of the hair.

Smooth in your shampoo and conditioners from root to ends and only scrub your scalp (with fingertips) enough to clean. Unless you use TONS of any product, you do not have to scrub your hair. Remember that our hair is fragile and should be manipulated just enough.

Step out shower and pat your hair to remove excess water with a paper towel or towel. DO NOT RUB, just squeeze and blot.

Start to detangle GENTLY ends first. Slowly work your way up the hair shaft. Sistaslick has this technique on her site I think...

I'll find it and post it if it is.

Wow,

Well I seem to do the exact opposite. I have never washed my hair in the shower! I also totally rub to dry my hair with a towel. I use a detangling comb and spray a detangler in my hair when combing it but I do not always start at the ends I generally start at the roots and work my way down. I will try this method next time. Thanks so much!!!

 

[january noir]

You are welcome! Remember to detangle slowly and gently. Do not rip through your hair even if it is conditioned. Let us know if this works for you. Your products look fine so far.

 

[SJT]

SJT, washing in the sink is a huge no-no for me. I'd be detangling for days. I have to always wash in the shower to leave my hair hanging. It's inconvenient sometimes, but not as inconvenient as detangling for hours and losing lots of hair. Also, my hair gets extra dry and tangly in the winter. Adding oil to my rinsing conditioner has been great. I mix the oil and conditioner in my hand and apply it to my, I cover with a cap and let it sit for about 5 minutes while I do my shower duties. The extra oil makes a world of difference in retaining moisture. I only detangle with my fingers under running cool water. This makes detangling with my leave-ins much easier. HTH!

Hi Lavendar

I think this seems to be my issue. I seem to spend 15-20 mins if not more detangling. It is so annoying I told my husband this morning again how much I hate washing in my hair! Besides that my hair looks horrible after I wash and dry it. Of course he says I don't know why you just don't go back to the hair dresser. He just doesn't understand that I need to learn to care for my own hair.

 

[Lavendar]

And that's just it SJT, it's a learning process and you will eventually get the hang of it. You'll have to do a lot of reading, asking questions, and experimenting, but eventually you will be a pro!

 

[prtybrwnis]

I can't find castor oil anywhere but I am worried that it might be too greasy. But where do I find it anyway? Also, I have been growing my hair out wearing a roller set until I get to a length to wear protective styles. I am not a little under my chin in length. My problem is my front edges. They are shorter than the rest of my hair and seem broken. What to do? I wear headbands daily. Should I stop doing that? The headband rests in the middle of my hair and not the edges though. I have been brushing more the past month or so, so I will stop that.

 

[sweetpuff]

prtybrwnis, I don't know where you could find castor oil but like othere peole said before, a little goes a long way. a very little amount of castor oil on the edges would not do any harm I believe but then again, you should make the experience to see what works best for you.

By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my fine hair buddies !!


I also had a question for you: I saw on the early pages that some fine hair people experienced bad shedding from boundless tresses (BT). Did others experience good things from it???

 

[sweetpuff]

bump