Thin/Fine Support Thread

[sqzbly1908]

Artemis - sorry if I missed this in your previous post. When you go to the salon - is your stylist using any moisturizing condish on you at all or are you just doing your combos at home?

I think I will join the deep condish challenge and use this method...to think I used to do this out of laziness (mix protein/moisturizer) but never did for a long period of time.

 

[Artemis]

Artemis - sorry if I missed this in your previous post. When you go to the salon - is your stylist using any moisturizing condish on you at all or are you just doing your combos at home?

I think I will join the deep condish challenge and use this method...to think I used to do this out of laziness (mix protein/moisturizer) but never did for a long period of time.

No, she does not use what we would call "a moisturizing dc". When she rinses my hair from the protein treatment, it feels perfect. Not dry or rough or anything. My hair retains moisture well from the humectants in the 5n1. She does apply a moisture product to my hair before wraps after a rollerset or before she flat irons (depending on my style request). Salerm B5.

I wash my hair 2x/wk and I go to my stylist every 2 weeks. I am trying to decide if I will start going only 1x/month (for the DRC only) b/c I really enjoy doing my hair at home, but I like the salon experience for right now.

Anyways, at home I was deep conditioning with either moisture dc or doing a medium protein and following it with moisture, and putting moisturizer on daily. So when I would go in to the shop she'd feel my hair and determine that I needed stronger protein. Nowadays, I just use whatever products I need at the moment to maintain the "soft yet strong" feeling. It's getting easier b/c I was so used to the hair's "soft" feeling before--didn't even realize the hair was too, too soft I am constantly assessing the elasticity and feel of my hair so what I use can vary. But moisturizing shampoos are out of the question...

So I've deduced that the products I have at home are great for maintaining the protein treatments she does 1x/month. But those treatments are saving my hair

I hope that made sense, my brain is on holiday

ETA: Forgot to mention that now if I use a moisturizing dc by itself (like 1-2x/month nowadays), I follow it with something that has protein in it. Like a protein spray or a balanced leave-in. My hair just retains crazy moisture and can OD easily. This has been a "feel as you go" process

 

[Artemis]

I cowash everytime I shower and thats the only time I manipulate it. That has helped a whole bunch with retention. Also, I sleep with a shower cap and deep conditioner every night (I look pretty crazy in my dorm, lol). I haven't found anything to help thicken it, but until I can try some henna (which I just got gifted, yay!) I'm just trying to keep as much of my thin hair ON my head as possible! LOL

ETA: Whenever I try protein treatments my hair gets real dry and then I do everything I can to moisturize and lose hairs in the process...lots of hairs. So, for now I'm not going to do protein.

What kind of moisture products were you using after the protein? If the moisturizing products were not moisturizing the hair, then the problem is the moisture product not doing the job. It wasn't the protein's fault.

Some products say they are moisturizing but they don't contain the right ingredients

Sometimes I feel like healthy hair = 75% finding the right products , 15% patience, 10% consistency

 

[sqzbly1908]

Thanks Artemis!!!

By the way, have you tried ordering the DRC online? I forgot to add that you progress is great!!!! Especially that last rollerset, you can definitely see the volume and thickness. (I am a big advocate of rollersetting then wrapping hair - the only style I know how to do)...LOL

BTW - I will be in Atlanta next week for New Years and visiting the family - may I get the name of your stylist so that I may recommend to my mother? TIA

 

[Artemis]

Thanks Artemis!!!

By the way, have you tried ordering the DRC online? I forgot to add that you progress is great!!!! Especially that last rollerset, you can definitely see the volume and thickness. (I am a big advocate of rollersetting then wrapping hair - the only style I know how to do)...LOL

BTW - I will be in Atlanta next week for New Years and visiting the family - may I get the name of your stylist so that I may recommend to my mother? TIA

No problem!

Yeah, I thought about it, but it's a great salon, and she's becoming such a good friend to me, I couldn't not go to her, haha. We talk about products the whole time - she called me a PJ last weekend I actually can get DRC for almost 1/2 off from another stylist friend of mine, so that's not an issue at all.

Sure. Sending you a PM

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

Sometimes I feel like healthy hair = 75% finding the right products , 15% patience, 10% consistency

I think so, but I gotta stop with the PJism and just use what works. Consistently. Regardless of the cost. Getting cheap with it cost me some hair, I'm positive.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I was inspired last night and shampooed and used some Joico K-Pak reconstructor that I had sitting around. I then followed up with the Joico extreme hydrator (per instructions on the tube) and my hair feels great right now. I rollerset and it's nice and silky. Strong. No breakage. I jsut gotta keep this up. I'm gonna take some pics so I can track my progress on this new regimen.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I cowash everytime I shower and thats the only time I manipulate it. That has helped a whole bunch with retention. Also, I sleep with a shower cap and deep conditioner every night (I look pretty crazy in my dorm, lol). I haven't found anything to help thicken it, but until I can try some henna (which I just got gifted, yay!) I'm just trying to keep as much of my thin hair ON my head as possible! LOL

ETA: Whenever I try protein treatments my hair gets real dry and then I do everything I can to moisturize and lose hairs in the process...lots of hairs. So, for now I'm not going to do protein.

My hair was like that when I used aphogee on a regular basis. I decided my hair wasn't that damaged, so I didn't need it, but keraphix was like perfect to use on a regular basis for me. K-pak reconstructor is good too. Or Mizani Fulfyl (it's supposed to be a mix of protein & moisture in one condish).

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

Artemis, your hair does look great now. It looks like a complete transformation.

 

[taz007]

Subscribing ........

 

[gymfreak336]

I was inspired last night and shampooed and used some Joico K-Pak reconstructor that I had sitting around. I then followed up with the Joico extreme hydrator (per instructions on the tube) and my hair feels great right now. I rollerset and it's nice and silky. Strong. No breakage. I jsut gotta keep this up. I'm gonna take some pics so I can track my progress on this new regimen.

Sunshine, do you have the kpak daily conditioner? If so, you can also use that by itself. I like to follow it with paul mitchel the conditioner which is a moisturizing leave in. Try using the kpak shampoo and daily conditioner, and you only need to leave it on for a couple of minutes and then use a light leave in. If you like the kpak stuff, you also might like the paul mitchell hair repair. Its super creamy and works well.

 

[Artemis]

Sunshine, do you have the kpak daily conditioner? If so, you can also use that by itself. I like to follow it with paul mitchel the conditioner which is a moisturizing leave in. Try using the kpak shampoo and daily conditioner, and you only need to leave it on for a couple of minutes and then use a light leave in. If you like the kpak stuff, you also might like the paul mitchell hair repair. Its super creamy and works well.

Absolutely. The package says to use it weekly. I love it.

BTW, thanks SB for the kind words

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

Sunshine, do you have the kpak daily conditioner? If so, you can also use that by itself. I like to follow it with paul mitchel the conditioner which is a moisturizing leave in. Try using the kpak shampoo and daily conditioner, and you only need to leave it on for a couple of minutes and then use a light leave in. If you like the kpak stuff, you also might like the paul mitchell hair repair. Its super creamy and works well.

Yep, I sure do. Got it from Trade Secrets in one of those special packages awhile back. I will try this combo and report back.

And thanks for the PM hair repair rec. I haven't tried it yet, but I just googled and it looks fantastic. Guess who's gonna be shopping for this stuff tomorrow? ME!

ETA: Do you use the PM Hair Repair as a leave-in?

 

[Artemis]

Yep, I sure do. Got it from Trade Secrets in one of those special packages awhile back. I will try this combo and report back.

And thanks for the PM hair repair rec. I haven't tried it yet, but I just googled and it looks fantastic. Guess who's gonna be shopping for this stuff tomorrow? ME!

ETA: Do you use the PM Hair Repair as a leave-in?

I personally do not. I'm very orthodox with my products, following package directions. If the package says it's a leave-in, I use it as a leave-in, etc.

PM products are esp. very concentrated, so I don't deviate from what they're made for. I left PM Super-charged in overnight once, and my hair was so mushy, I thought my hair would stretch off.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

I personally do not. I'm very orthodox with my products, following package directions. If the package says it's a leave-in, I use it as a leave-in, etc.

PM products are esp. very concentrated, so I don't deviate from what they're made for. I left PM Super-charged in overnight once, and my hair was so mushy, I thought my hair would stretch off.

Oh ok. I wasn't sure if it was a leave-in product or rinse out.

 

[sunshinebeautiful]

Alright, I'm ready to get to hair growing now. I went to the salon today and got a nice hair cut. I'm back to neck length from SL, but it's all healthy hair, so I can live with it.

I reupped on all the products that I know worked. Trade Secrets had one of those Joico Kpak gift sets so I picked one up. This time the package had the shampoo, daily conditioner, and liquid reconstructor. It's supposed to be a daily leave-in treatment. Has anyone tried it before?

 

[Artemis]

Alright, I'm ready to get to hair growing now. I went to the salon today and got a nice hair cut. I'm back to neck length from SL, but it's all healthy hair, so I can live with it.

I reupped on all the products that I know worked. Trade Secrets had one of those Joico Kpak gift sets so I picked one up. This time the package had the shampoo, daily conditioner, and liquid reconstructor. It's supposed to be a daily leave-in treatment. Has anyone tried it before?

I love the liquid reconstructor, but I don't think a lot of ppl use it. It's strengthening properties are comparable to the regular reconstructor over time and do not weigh the hair down. Sometimes I like to spray it on my ends before bunning.

 

[gymfreak336]

Hey Ladies, I tried the whole liquid protein followed by creamy protein today and WOW

I used jheri redding liquid protein for 20 minutes. I then followed with 3 minutes of Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor. My hair was silky soft.

Despite the the fact that that the aphogee has protein, it also has moisturizing benefits, just check the label. It worked like a charm. This would be a good treatment 1-2 weeks after a relaxer.

 

[Aggie]

Hey Ladies, I tried the whole liquid protein followed by creamy protein today and WOW

I used jheri redding liquid protein for 20 minutes. I then followed with 3 minutes of Aphogee 2 minute reconstructor. My hair was silky soft.

Despite the the fact that that the aphogee has protein, it also has moisturizing benefits, just check the label. It worked like a charm. This would be a good treatment 1-2 weeks after a relaxer.

Thanks GF, this is an interesting idea. I think I'll try it on my fine hair when I take down my braids....but I don't have any of the Jherri redding treatemnt. Wil I be able to use Aphogee hardcore and the 2 minute keratin reconstr this same way?

 

[gymfreak336]

Thanks GF, this is an interesting idea. I think I'll try it on my fine hair when I take down my braids....but I don't have any of the Jherri redding treatemnt. Wil I be able to use Aphogee hardcore and the 2 minute keratin reconstr this same way?

I wouldn't try it with the hardcore. See if you can duo tex.

 

[Aggie]

I wouldn't try it with the hardcore. See if you can duo tex.

Okay thanks GF. I think I saw that in one of our BSS here in the Bahamas.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

Question.... How many fine haired naturals do we have on this thread?

I am one and I am rethinking my need for protein. I haven't been using any, my hair is so soft... I would like for it to feel a little stronger.

I wanted to get some input from other fine haired naturals on the thread.

 

[tatiana]

I am a fine haired natural and I use protein. I wash my hair about twice a week or every 2 to 3 days depending on what's going on with me. I use a protein conditioner with every wash followed by a moisturizing conditioner. I am a PJ so my current favorite protein conditioner is Capillo Eggs Lecithin conditioner.

Since being on my natural journey, I went from no protein, to very little protein to moderate protein. I have discovered that I retained more length when I am using protein on a regular basis.

I have also noticed I get less tangles and knots when I used protein. Well its a theory. I used get tangles, matts, and knots all of the time but now I don't. I have concluded that its either the protein conditioner or the tannins like alma and bhrani(?) or combination of both.

 

[LongiLox]

Artemis,

What about Mizani products? Do you think they have a protein/moisture balance? Specifically, I purchased the following Mizani products:

Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo - w/ Panthenol - repairs damage caused by chemical treatments and Polyquaternium-7 - strengthens and aids in the protection against split ends and breakage.

Moisturfuse Moisturizing Conditioner - w/ Polyquaternium-37 - moisturizes and aids in corrective conditioning and breakage control and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - helps build body and improves smoothness.

 

[Marley4920]

another fine haired lady checking in and subscribing...

I'm a product junkie so I have tried it all (or at least it feels that way)... I really like Joico K-Pak, DRC 28 (once every 6 weeks), affirm 5n1 mixed with a mositurizing condish, and a bunch of others. I just haven't found a consistent regimen to stick to... that's my goal for 2009 to find a regimen (that works for my hair) and stick to it!

I recently read that baggying may causing long term damage, I baggy everyday so now I'm concerned all of my progress will go to waste. Has anyone else had experience with baggying causing damage?

In any event, this thread is great! Ladies, thank you for your wonderful & helpful posts.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

I am a fine haired natural and I use protein. I wash my hair about twice a week or every 2 to 3 days depending on what's going on with me. I use a protein conditioner with every wash followed by a moisturizing conditioner. I am a PJ so my current favorite protein conditioner is Capillo Eggs Lecithin conditioner.

Since being on my natural journey, I went from no protein, to very little protein to moderate protein. I have discovered that I retained more length when I am using protein on a regular basis.

I have also noticed I get less tangles and knots when I used protein. Well its a theory. I used get tangles, matts, and knots all of the time but now I don't. I have concluded that its either the protein conditioner or the tannins like alma and bhrani(?) or combination of both.

I tried Googling this product but couldn't find it ( Capillo Eggs Lecithin)
I have a few good protein products to use up around here with my PJ self!
I have MillCreek Keratin, I think I'll use it today.

After straightening my hair for the first time I realized how fine my hair is. Its healthy, but it feels like the strands could use some plumping up, it just felt like fine cotton or silk threads... I guess I am only used to seeing it in its natural textured state so that caught me off guard

ETA: I am going to get back on the MT case as well ... I don't know why I let myself fall off that wagon! I'm going to purchase a new bottle of MT today from a local Tack shop.

 

[gymfreak336]

another fine haired lady checking in and subscribing...

I'm a product junkie so I have tried it all (or at least it feels that way)... I really like Joico K-Pak, DRC 28 (once every 6 weeks), affirm 5n1 mixed with a mositurizing condish, and a bunch of others. I just haven't found a consistent regimen to stick to... that's my goal for 2009 to find a regimen (that works for my hair) and stick to it!

I recently read that baggying may causing long term damage, I baggy everyday so now I'm concerned all of my progress will go to waste. Has anyone else had experience with baggying causing damage?

In any event, this thread is great! Ladies, thank you for your wonderful & helpful posts.

Baggying is not good for us. Bagging causes too much moisture to be retained in our hair. Our cuticle layers are not plentiful enough to hold and it stretches our hair too far in one direction and that makes it weaker and eventually it breaks.

 

[Artemis]

Artemis,

What about Mizani products? Do you think they have a protein/moisture balance? Specifically, I purchased the following Mizani products:

Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo - w/ Panthenol - repairs damage caused by chemical treatments and Polyquaternium-7 - strengthens and aids in the protection against split ends and breakage.

Moisturfuse Moisturizing Conditioner - w/ Polyquaternium-37 - moisturizes and aids in corrective conditioning and breakage control and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein - helps build body and improves smoothness.

The conditioning shampoo is questionable as far as being "balanced" is concerned, but I'm pretty sure that's just a moisturizing shampoo. If that's what you're looking for, then give it a shot. To me, a more balanced conditioning shampoo would be Motions Lavish, b/c it has silk proteins and keratin amino acids. I used this shampoo for one month straight and experienced no breakage (I wonder why the "aha" moment didn't click back then...)

The moisturefuse is a moisture-based deep conditoner, typically used for relaxer day dc or excessively dry hair. Wheat protein adds more moisture to the hair. Please see the many threads regarding the different types of protein.

A more balanced conditioner from Mizani that I have seen is the Fulfyl (sp?) conditioner. Perfect for weekly at-home use.

HTH

 

[Marley4920]

Baggying is not good for us. Bagging causes too much moisture to be retained in our hair. Our cuticle layers are not plentiful enough to hold and it stretches our hair too far in one direction and that makes it weaker and eventually it breaks.

Wow. I didn't know that. Thanks for the information. I guess I need to find another way to keep my ends moisturized... back to the drawing board...

 

[Marley4920]

I love the liquid reconstructor, but I don't think a lot of ppl use it. It's strengthening properties are comparable to the regular reconstructor over time and do not weigh the hair down. Sometimes I like to spray it on my ends before bunning.

ditto. I love the k-pak liquid reconstructor. I spray it on my ends every now and then along with the Jane Carter leave-in.