Thin/Fine Support Thread

[thiccknlong]

First listen to your hair to determine what to do when certain things come up...


Take care of the inside and the outside. However your body responds to what you do, write it down and implement.

 

[thiccknlong]

You provided some very good advice.

A stylist once told me ur hair is at its weakest when wet. So washing,detaingling, wet hair combing, roller setting, is all unecessary manipulation for my hair. In addition it tangles more when wet. I thrive more with every 2 wk washes.

Another thing, ive been iron deficient. so this is why i've had to clip and cut so much, especiallly after alot of stress, i had to str8 up cut it! Its because my body was deficient in B's and Iron and my hair got what was left over like you said...which was basically nothing thats why it fell out

3 "Fine" Tips

1. Don't wash too frequently

1. This may shock some, but washing my hair once every week to two weeks is best for reducing the amount of manipulation and detangling when my hair is at its most vulnerable, i.e. wet.
   
   
   [*]Don't use direct heatI use my hood dryer for deep conditioning and roller sets and that is it.
   
   
   [*]Do eat a healthy, balanced dietThe body prefers to look out for vital organs first and hair gets what's left over, so deficiences in iron and other minerals and vitamins can lead to weakened hair. I make sure there are enough nutrients for all of me.

 

[shaydufblu]

Great thread!

I'm a fellow fine-haired lady, with lots of hair follicules. I'm posting my question here b/c it relates directly to fine haired ladies. I'm almost 10 weeks post and I want to get a weave. Because of my past bald spot issues and the amount of time since my last relaxer, I don't know if this is the right way to go (the weave). Should I go ahead with it, or get my relaxer?

 

[divinefavor]

Is anyone using Aveda here? I started last Saturday (08.04.07) and the first wash was normal as far as hair loss during the wash and fabulous hair after it dried. My co-worker asked if I had a fresh relaxer and I'm about 5 weeks post .

I did my second Aveda wash yesterday (08.09.07) and hair loss during the wash was amazing low and I'm not getting a lot of breakage either.

Also, I find that natural product do best for me. And b/c of that I think I will try to find a cheap baby poo and condish that will help me when my pockets are tight and I can't afford $95 for Aveda!

Yes, I use Aveda! I've noticed the same thing with Aveda (fewer strands of air when washing). However, for the past few weeks though I've been experiencing more shedding while washing. It could be that maybe I'm lacking something in my diet.

 

[SelfStyled]

Great thread!

I'm a fellow fine-haired lady, with lots of hair follicules. I'm posting my question here b/c it relates directly to fine haired ladies. I'm almost 10 weeks post and I want to get a weave. Because of my past bald spot issues and the amount of time since my last relaxer, I don't know if this is the right way to go (the weave). Should I go ahead with it, or get my relaxer?

Not so sure if the weave would be the right way to go. A few ?? for you, would the area with the bald spot be braided with a weft attached to it? Or would you be leaving that horseshoe area out to blend in with w/ the tracks? I think braiding that area up right now could lead to more hair loss, just because of the added tension. 10 weeks is a respectable stretch IMO, you could opt for a t/u and not even relax the spot where you were having issues. I just think you should treat that area with TLC. I think it's a harder for us thin/fine haired ladies to get "our own" hair to thrive under weaves.

 

[hOnii]

Great thread!

I'm a fellow fine-haired lady, with lots of hair follicules. I'm posting my question here b/c it relates directly to fine haired ladies. I'm almost 10 weeks post and I want to get a weave. Because of my past bald spot issues and the amount of time since my last relaxer, I don't know if this is the right way to go (the weave). Should I go ahead with it, or get my relaxer?

hm..personally i'd probably relax, because MY hair starts to break once I am too far post 8weeks, and i end up losing more hair than I would have had I relaxed on time.

But you could do a wig, or a ponytail... that way you wouldn't have to put the extra stress on your hair by wearing a weave.

 

[shaydufblu]

Not so sure if the weave would be the right way to go. A few ?? for you, would the area with the bald spot be braided with a weft attached to it? Or would you be leaving that horseshoe area out to blend in with w/ the tracks? I think braiding that area up right now could lead to more hair loss, just because of the added tension. 10 weeks is a respectable stretch IMO, you could opt for a t/u and not even relax the spot where you were having issues. I just think you should treat that area with TLC. I think it's a harder for us thin/fine haired ladies to get "our own" hair to thrive under weaves.

That's kind of what I'm thinking, esp. now that I am learning more about my hair thanks to you guys. Although I've been thinking about a weave for some time now, I think I'm going to just get my relaxer and consider the other options (wigs, ponytails, etc) for now until it grows back. Thanks! :blowkiss:

 

[Addie]

Hi,

I am totally new here...and totally lost. I have been reading this thread and I have learnt a good bit. The biggest thing I've learnt is that I dont know much about taking care of my hair and this might be my biggest problem.

I'd like to ask a few questions. I've been reading posts on this site for quite sometime as a guest and there are some things I just don't know. I was trying to use the search feature to find answers but it is giving me problems.

1. What is pre-poo?

2. How do you determine your hair type?

I have started my fotki album and I have started taking my Vitamins and drinking lot's of water (trying to...), but there's not much I can say about improvement because it hasn't been a month since I started taking them.

I am really looking forward to learning more about taking care of my hair and being a part of this forum!

Please take a look at my photos and tell me what you think...it's like my hair went from thick to thin...

 

[InJesusName]

This thread was right on time! I just read the whole thread and realized that I am not alone. I have been struggling for over a year with my hair and did everything WRONG! I have found that buns work pretty well for me, and surprisingly, the baggy method that helped me retain length. I learned early on that I did not have the time or energy to CO wash daily, and my hair did better when I stopped. I simply wash and DC once a week. If I feel like it, I may CO wash in the middle of the week,but only when I am bunning. I just wanted to say thanks for the support. This is a much needed sticky.

 

[MonaLisa]

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

 

[january noir]

Bumping this question for a response...

LOVE Sidr Tree and am on my 3rd jar. I hope the replacement will be something that I like or better. I have just a little left in my jar and I am using it sparingly until I can order it again.

I was thinking I would use the Qhemet's Amla and Olive Heavy Cream in it's stead. I would have to use that very sparingly because it's heavier and I have fine, thin hair.

Anyone with fine, thin hair use the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream? Likey or No?

 

[Addie]

Question.... what do you do to keep your growth looking nice before a retouch?

I mean, with my hair being fine I can't comb it out without clumps of hair staying in the comb. I can't decide to put any extra moisturizer either because it just makes matters worse. To be honest, if I have no where to go I just don't comb through my hair. If I have somewhere to go I just brave it out and comb it through. I really would like stretching my relaxer but the most I can bear to go is 6 weeks.... This time I am trying to go for at least 8 weeks... I'm on my 7th week now...and I think the only reason I'm able to go through with it is because I'm on vacation.

And since I'm on the subject of stretching out my retouch...anyone care to share their in-between hairstyles? When there's so much growth how do you cope with it?

I Will be trying the Optimum Care Bodifying Relaxer... my hair isn't all that soft but it relaxes very quickly and is very fine when relaxed. I notice that not many people talk about this relaxer here. I will try my luck with it and see what happens.

 

[january noir]

Hi Addie,
See my responses to your below in blue

Question.... what do you do to keep your growth looking nice before a retouch?

I mean, with my hair being fine I can't comb it out without clumps of hair staying in the comb. I can't decide to put any extra moisturizer either because it just makes matters worse. To be honest, if I have no where to go I just don't comb through my hair. If I have somewhere to go I just brave it out and comb it through.

Sometime, yes, you have to comb your hair through, but don't start at the root.

• Comb gently from the ends up, carefully detangling up the shaft. It takes more time, but handle your hair gently.
• Smooth it down and then tie it down with a silk or satin scarf to flatten and smooth out the new growith. If your hair is moisturized enough, it will be ok!
• Don't comb the NG while it is thick unless you wet and wash with a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner that can detangle as well.
• Don't comb your hair while wet, air dry to damp, smooth in your leave-in and detangle. Remember Wet hair is fragile hair.

I really would like stretching my relaxer but the most I can bear to go is 6 weeks.... This time I am trying to go for at least 8 weeks... I'm on my 7th week now...and I think the only reason I'm able to go through with it is because I'm on vacation.

Long stretches are not foreveryone - 8 weeks is a fair amount of time. You don't want your hair to break at the line of demarcation between the NG and the previously relaxed hair especially if your hair is fine or fragile. I tried stretching for 9 weeks and the amount of hair broken or lost hair maintaining the stretch wasn't worth it.

And since I'm on the subject of stretching out my retouch...anyone care to share their in-between hairstyles? When there's so much growth how do you cope with it?.

Wear protective styles (if you can wear your hair pulled back or up without tension on the hair is always good). Keep your hair tied down with a silk or satin scarf at night to keep the NG smooth. I pin my hair up or wear a bun or my UPA (undetectable pony tail attachment sold by a company called Laceflair.com)

 

[Cayenne0622]

Question.... what do you do to keep your growth looking nice before a retouch?

I mean, with my hair being fine I can't comb it out without clumps of hair staying in the comb. I can't decide to put any extra moisturizer either because it just makes matters worse. To be honest, if I have no where to go I just don't comb through my hair. If I have somewhere to go I just brave it out and comb it through. I really would like stretching my relaxer but the most I can bear to go is 6 weeks.... This time I am trying to go for at least 8 weeks... I'm on my 7th week now...and I think the only reason I'm able to go through with it is because I'm on vacation.

And since I'm on the subject of stretching out my retouch...anyone care to share their in-between hairstyles? When there's so much growth how do you cope with it?

I Will be trying the Optimum Care Bodifying Relaxer... my hair isn't all that soft but it relaxes very quickly and is very fine when relaxed. I notice that not many people talk about this relaxer here. I will try my luck with it and see what happens.

January Noir gave some very good pointers and she is right. So far I've only been stretching for 8 weeks. I think when my hair gets longer, I may be able to work in additional week or two...not sure yet. Kinikakes only goes about 8 weeks I think. I've found I can survive 8 weeks because I pretty much keep my hair bunned and I wash once a week during that time so that I'm not handling it too much. I run my fingers through it with moisturizer and light oil twice a day and in a bun it go's. I will either just pin it up in the back or I'll slap on a fall aka half wig or I'll put on a low drawstring ponytail and twist that up into a bun and pin it.

Good luck!

 

[Cayenne0622]

Bumping this question for a response...

LOVE Sidr Tree and am on my 3rd jar. I hope the replacement will be something that I like or better. I have just a little left in my jar and I am using it sparingly until I can order it again.

I was thinking I would use the Qhemet's Amla and Olive Heavy Cream in it's stead. I would have to use that very sparingly because it's heavier and I have fine, thin hair.

Anyone with fine, thin hair use the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream? Likey or No?

I only use it on my edges and nape now. And I only use it when I'm bunning. Its too heavy to use when you wear your hair down. I use a very small amount and mix coconut oil with it to thin it out even more before I apply it. I actually like it alot! I havent' reordered anything from Qhemet since I heard about the changes in the products so I probably won't order anything else going forward.

 

[gymfreak336]

Question.... what do you do to keep your growth looking nice before a retouch?

I mean, with my hair being fine I can't comb it out without clumps of hair staying in the comb. I can't decide to put any extra moisturizer either because it just makes matters worse. To be honest, if I have no where to go I just don't comb through my hair. If I have somewhere to go I just brave it out and comb it through. I really would like stretching my relaxer but the most I can bear to go is 6 weeks.... This time I am trying to go for at least 8 weeks... I'm on my 7th week now...and I think the only reason I'm able to go through with it is because I'm on vacation.

And since I'm on the subject of stretching out my retouch...anyone care to share their in-between hairstyles? When there's so much growth how do you cope with it?

I Will be trying the Optimum Care Bodifying Relaxer... my hair isn't all that soft but it relaxes very quickly and is very fine when relaxed. I notice that not many people talk about this relaxer here. I will try my luck with it and see what happens.

In order to look half decent with alot of newgrowth I have to deep condition every 4 days or so. I deep condition for atleast 30 mintues and rollerset with a creamy leave in to moisturize with out weighing my hair down. I wear it curly for 2 days by cross wrapping with big bobby pins. Once my curls start to fall some I smooth it lightly into a loose bun and use an octopus clip. I also only go 8 weeks. I risk too much breakage otherwise. Maybe I will be to go further as I work on my hair more but for right now 8-9 is it for me.

 

[Addie]

I would like to thank January noir , Cayenne0662 and Gymfreak for the advice!!!

Last night I combed my hair out the way January noir said... and very little hair came off! I took more time combing out my hair than usual but it was soooo worth it!


I washed my hair today and did the Aphogee 2 min Intensive treatment. My hair is airdrying right now. I don't have a detangling Shampoo or leave in so I guess I'll have to make do until I go to the store. I put some castor oil in my moisturizer. Used a little in my hair.

I did check the UPA... I really like what I see. I will see if I can get one when the cash is a little better

Cayenne, I will look for some fake hair alternative to wear when my hair isn't too co-operative. I just took off a weave 2 weeks ag because it itched too much!! so maybe a half wig or the UPA will work out fine for me.

Gymfreak ... I will try the curls. I did put curls in my hair once the night before I relaxed and I was very surprised the next day when a child at school asked my whether I did my hair and she commented how nice my hair looked ( I used to teach). I never really paid much attention to it ...but now that you mention it... I think I will try it again.

Thank you all so much!!

 

[january noir]

I only use it on my edges and nape now. And I only use it when I'm bunning. Its too heavy to use when you wear your hair down. I use a very small amount and mix coconut oil with it to thin it out even more before I apply it. I actually like it alot! I havent' reordered anything from Qhemet since I heard about the changes in the products so I probably won't order anything else going forward.

Thank you Cayenne! I really appreciate your response. I was beginning to think that NO ONE actually had used this product!

 

[january noir]

I would like to thank January noir , Cayenne0662 and Gymfreak for the advice!!!

Last night I combed my hair out the way January noir said... and very little hair came off! I took more time combing out my hair than usual but it was soooo worth it!


I washed my hair today and did the Aphogee 2 min Intensive treatment. My hair is airdrying right now. I don't have a detangling Shampoo or leave in so I guess I'll have to make do until I go to the store. I put some castor oil in my moisturizer. Used a little in my hair.

I did check the UPA... I really like what I see. I will see if I can get one when the cash is a little better

Cayenne, I will look for some fake hair alternative to wear when my hair isn't too co-operative. I just took off a weave 2 weeks ag because it itched too much!! so maybe a half wig or the UPA will work out fine for me.

Gymfreak ... I will try the curls. I did put curls in my hair once the night before I relaxed and I was very surprised the next day when a child at school asked my whether I did my hair and she commented how nice my hair looked ( I used to teach). I never really paid much attention to it ...but now that you mention it... I think I will try it again.

Thank you all so much!!

You are most certainly welcome Addie! Good luck and keep checking here for good tips and motivation!

 

[Cayenne0622]

You're welcome, ladies! Good luck with everything. I think I am going to have to really cover my hair in moisturizer everyday. I had been using a small amount but it continued to snap. Las night separated it into several sections and applied Elasta QP Oil Recovery Moisturizer from root to tip. I sealed with coconut oil, crosswrapped it and went to bed. Today, it really looks and feels moisturized even though I still experienced some snappage. I'm going to do this every night until my hair is sick of moisture!

 

[january noir]

You're welcome, ladies! Good luck with everything. I think I am going to have to really cover my hair in moisturizer everyday. I had been using a small amount but it continued to snap. Las night separated it into several sections and applied Elasta QP Oil Recovery Moisturizer from root to tip. I sealed with coconut oil, crosswrapped it and went to bed. Today, it really looks and feels moisturized even though I still experienced some snappage. I'm going to do this every night until my hair is sick of moisture!

Cayenne (or anyone for that matter)... I was too lazy to search through this thread )plus the search function isn't working now) to see who is using Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I just got mine. I wanted to know, if you are using it, how soon do you notice a change? Immediately after applying or after several applications? Does the thickening effect it has get washed away when you wash?

 

[Cayenne0622]

Cayenne (or anyone for that matter)... I was too lazy to search through this thread )plus the search function isn't working now) to see who is using Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I just got mine. I wanted to know, if you are using it, how soon do you notice a change? Immediately after applying or after several applications? Does the thickening effect it has get washed away when you wash?

I want to try it so bad but I've been reading that regular castor oil works the same so I've been using regular castor oil off and on so I'm not sure if its having an impact.

 

[gymfreak336]

Cayenne (or anyone for that matter)... I was too lazy to search through this thread )plus the search function isn't working now) to see who is using Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I just got mine. I wanted to know, if you are using it, how soon do you notice a change? Immediately after applying or after several applications? Does the thickening effect it has get washed away when you wash?

I haven't used it yet but I have heard that regular applications of castor oil in scalp massages and such helps your hair grow thicker. I read that in some of the old castor oil threads.

 

[january noir]

I haven't used it yet but I have heard that regular applications of castor oil in scalp massages and such helps your hair grow thicker. I read that in some of the old castor oil threads.

This is the second night I'm using it. I applied to my scalp and roots and massaged a little and then spread some on my ends. My hair is feeling nice and moist; not really oily or anything. It made it easier to put my hair in in 2 twists that I set on curlers to curl the ends. Because I use henna/indigo my hair really looks thick and glossy! Hmmmm...l like it!

Let's see what the next several weeks hold. Whenever I try something new, I expect that consistent use is the key. I'll try it for at least 3 touch-ups to see if I notice a difference.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

I haven't used it yet but I have heard that regular applications of castor oil in scalp massages and such helps your hair grow thicker. I read that in some of the old castor oil threads.

Yep . This is what I'm doing with my Jamaican Black Castor Oil. But I've been getting tips from lovely-haired ladies like La Flaca who suggests adding castor oil (doesn't really matter which one) to your conditioners and leave-ins. You can also use it as a pre-poo, which I've done, along with Alma Oil. I added my Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my daily moisturizer (Kids Organic Shea Butter Moisturizing and Detangling Leave-In from African Pride...thanks Trimbride ). It is terrific! My hair is getting thicker and BIGGER (I'm diligently working on buying that digital camera .)

So, ladies, today I visited one of my fave Indian markets to buy more mangoes that they had on sale. While there, I picked up Dabur Alma Oil, but I wanted to try the "Gold" one. Well, ladies when I got to the register, my Indian "boyfriend" complimented me by telling me that my hair looks healthy and full. He then pointed to the Alma Oil that I had picked up and told me that it is the BEST conditioning treatment for the hair. I was like "really?" He told me to keep using Alma Oil and don't give up using. Use it consistently for at least several months for the best results.

 

[SelfStyled]

Yep . This is what I'm doing with my Jamaican Black Castor Oil. But I've been getting tips from lovely-haired ladies like La Flaca who suggests adding castor oil (doesn't really matter which one) to your conditioners and leave-ins. You can also use it as a pre-poo, which I've done, along with Alma Oil. I added my Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my daily moisturizer (Kids Organic Shea Butter Moisturizing and Detangling Leave-In from African Pride...thanks Trimbride ). It is terrific! My hair is getting thicker and BIGGER (I'm diligently working on buying that digital camera .)

So, ladies, today I visited one of my fave Indian markets to buy more mangoes that they had on sale. While there, I picked up Dabur Alma Oil, but I wanted to try the "Gold" one. Well, ladies when I got to the register, my Indian "boyfriend" complimented me by telling me that my hair looks healthy and full. He then pointed to the Alma Oil that I had picked up and told me that it is the BEST conditioning treatment for the hair. I was like "really?" He told me to keep using Alma Oil and don't give up using. Use it consistently for at least several months for the best results.

Work it girl!!!!!

 

[january noir]

Yep . This is what I'm doing with my Jamaican Black Castor Oil. But I've been getting tips from lovely-haired ladies like La Flaca who suggests adding castor oil (doesn't really matter which one) to your conditioners and leave-ins. You can also use it as a pre-poo, which I've done, along with Alma Oil. I added my Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my daily moisturizer (Kids Organic Shea Butter Moisturizing and Detangling Leave-In from African Pride...thanks Trimbride ). It is terrific! My hair is getting thicker and BIGGER (I'm diligently working on buying that digital camera .)

CONGRATS SERENTIY!! I can't wait to see pics of your results!


So, ladies, today I visited one of my fave Indian markets to buy more mangoes that they had on sale. While there, I picked up Dabur Alma Oil, but I wanted to try the "Gold" one. Well, ladies when I got to the register, my Indian "boyfriend" complimented me by telling me that my hair looks healthy and full. He then pointed to the Alma Oil that I had picked up and told me that it is the BEST conditioning treatment for the hair. I was like "really?" He told me to keep using Alma Oil and don't give up using. Use it consistently for at least several months for the best results.

This "Gold" - are you referring to the Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil? or is this another product

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Work it girl!!!!!

Girl, I'm trying. I was hoping homeboy would give a sister a discount. Maybe next time. He sho' was flirting a lot.

@ January Noir: It's the Dabur Alma Oil GOLD. There's a regular Dabur Alma Oil, which the heavier one that is the original formula, (2) the Dabur Alma Oil Light, which is lighter than the original, and this one that I'm referring to: (3) Dabur Alma Oil Gold. The packaging is a green box with GOLD writing and it says on the box Dabur Alma Oil GOLD. I hope this helps. I got a huge bottle for about $5. The Jasmine Oil is different. That box is yellow with red writing on there.

 

[hOnii]

I added my Jamaican Black Castor Oil to my daily moisturizer Kids Organic Shea Butter Moisturizing and Detangling Leave-In from African Pride

what do the ingredients look like? any mineral oil/petroleum? this sounds like it may be good... and i'm always looking for a good mouisturizer!

 

[Serenity_Peace]

Ladies, I apologize. The name of the moisturizer is Africa's Best Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Moisturizing Hair Lotion. I always confuse "Africa's Best" products with "African Pride" and "African Royale." This is Africa's Best. Here are the ingredients and some reviews on this site:


http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=304656&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod399965

Ingredients

Water , Propylene Glycol , Polyquaternium-37 , Propylene Glycol , Dicaprylate/Dicaprate , PPG-1 Trideceth-6 , PEG 150 Distearate , Soybean Oil , Cetyl Alcohol , Glycerin , Phenyltrimethicone , Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copo , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Hydrolyzed Soy Protein , Milk Protein , Cholesterol , Honey , Silk Amino Acids , Corn Oil , BHA , BHT , Coconut Oil , Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil Safflower , Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary , Urtica Dioica Extract Nettle , Equisetum Hyemale Extract Horsetail , Stearalkonium Chloride , Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil , Cocoa Butter , Shea Butter , Glyceryl Stearate , PEG-100 Stearate , Cyclomethicone , Carrot Oil , Fragrance , Dye , DMDM Hydantoin

Description

• Instantly removes tangles
• Prevents breakage
• Restores moisture
• Softens and conditions organically.
• Detangle and Moisturize at the same time!
• Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Moisturizing Hair Lotion allows for easy, tangle free combing, while restoring a healthy moisture balance.
• Using all-natural conditioners, and formulated with Shea Butter for extra shine and softening.
• Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Moisturizing Hair Lotion is deep penetrating and helps to prevent breakage.
• Gentle enough for daily use and is an excellent detangler and moisturizer for all hair types.
• Contains no petrolatum or mineral oil.

I really like either adding some castor oil to this because it can be a little watery. Either that, or adding the moisturizer, sealing it with a VERY light oil and just using castor oil on the ends ONLY. Both methods seem to work for me. Thanks again to Trimbride who has been a lifesaver for helping me discover this great, inexpensive product.