Tips for SL hair that wont grow =(

[I Am So Blessed]

What's the significance of DCn in dry hair??

becuase that way, the hair is soaking up nothing else but the conditioner.

if you think of a sponge soaked with water, that sponge cant soak up anything else after, same goes for hair.

its wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better to DC on dry hair

 

[Foufie]

becuase that way, the hair is soaking up nothing else but the conditioner.

if you think of a sponge soaked with water, that sponge cant soak up anything else after, same goes for hair.

its wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better to DC on dry hair

WoW! Totally makes sense, thanks!!

 

[I Am So Blessed]

your welcome^^^^^^^^^^^ another lhcf'er explained it to me this way lol

 

[lilsparkle825]

You're double processed and didn't mention that till post 22...I would say that's a culprit. Or at least I think you are....you ARE relaxed and coloring your hair right, or did I miss something?

How often are you getting touchups? And is it all that stuff you've named (wearing your hair up. moisturizing regularly, applying MN) that you've been doing for the past year and you're still stuck at SL? How often are you getting trims?

For the record, I don't always DC on dry hair, but I will admit it's easier timewise....kinda takes the place of a prepoo, and I don't have to keep jumping in and out of the shower. What "regular conditioner" were you using as a DC? Some can be used as a DC, which is why I ask....we don't want you buying too many unnecessary products when you already have something that will work.

 

[supermodelsonya]

^^I agree there seems to be more to the story here.

I do know when I hit SL I got so excited because I experimented with new styles and used heat and did some other things that were not really good instead of continuing with my regimen.

Nonie made a really good point in another thread as to the hair on the ends are the oldest part and they have been abused much more. It's the weakest part and continued strain on that hair by wearing it down will lead to breakage.

I didn't see a lot of breakage when I started acting a fool because it happened so gradually I just really didn't notice until my ponytails and other hair styles begin looking thinner and thinner.

 

[Solitude]

Thanks for replying ladies, but I been taking care of my hair for about a good year now...but it never gets past this....I cant even recall when last I had it long. But my regimen is i use carrot oil mixed w/ mn (oil my scalp w/ it) then use profectiv products to moisturize the ends of hair. I wash once a week. (I admit i just stared deep conditioning, lol) I wrap my hair nightly. I either wear my hair down or pinned up like the one in the pic below. but it still wont get anywhere, am I doing something wrong?

1. How often do you relax?
2. How often do you use direct heat?

I literally put the blow dryer and the flat iron away, like in the back of my close while trying to push past SL and I started stretching my relaxers (even thought stretching isn't for everyone).

*Please* keep your regimen simple....don't go and buy a bunch of products. Only get the basics that you need and focus on technique. Also, I hate protective styling, but it does work.

 

[shasha8685]

Hmmm.....

The first thing I would suggest is to cut down on the manipulation. As it stands right now, the wrapping your hair nightly may be too much manipulation for your hair. The constant combing/brushing may be too much for your ends right now. If at all possible, limit the combing to your wash days.

Second, you have to protective style. As boring as that is, you have to do it. Since you're starting out, try to PS 4 days out of a 7 day week and then work your way up. Also, keep in mind that protective styling isn't limited to buns. For example, since summer is coming up, you can get braids or something.

Third, you have to find good DCs that work for your hair. I believe that keeping your hair moisturized starts at the level of washing, so I use a good moisturizing shampoo followed by a good DC (which I do on damp-not sopping wet-hair for an hour).

Fourth, you should evaluate the products that you are using. They may not be the best for your hair.

HTH! And don't fret!

 

[Janet']

I, too, was a serial SL girl . What helped me was wearing my hair up, as previous posters have suggested...I started alternating between buns and rollersets (the key being keeping my hair off my shoulders) in January...by March, I was able to break through the shoulder length curse!!! Check out my album to see my start point and feel free to browse my pitiful fotki to see the growth. HTH (Hope This Helps) and HHG (Happy Hair Growing)!!!

 

[LadyRaider]

But it's soooo hard to put shoulder length hair up because your hair is shoulder length and shorter and you have to deal with all the short, frizzy ends! Argh!

 

[Janet']

Lady Raider, That's why rollersets work so well for me because the hair is automatically going to shrink to above shoulder and then you can pin your hair up so many different ways, so the rollerset actually turns into a low manipulation style (at least that's how it works for me). HTH...

 

[LadyRaider]

Lady Raider, That's why rollersets work so well for me because the hair is automatically going to shrink to above shoulder and then you can pin your hair up so many different ways, so the rollerset actually turns into a low manipulation style (at least that's how it works for me). HTH...

I think you might be on to something. I did a rollerset last weekend but tried to do the dooby wrap thing which led to massive failure and fuzzy hair. Perhaps I will just keep it curled next time!

 

[Nonie]

But it's soooo hard to put shoulder length hair up because your hair is shoulder length and shorter and you have to deal with all the short, frizzy ends! Argh!

It's not that hard if you're creative. Plaiting hair stretches it if you're natural and so you can get it to do things. If you're not natural, even a cross wrap and tucking the ends under as I used to do can help. Also I believe DSD has a tutorial of how to make a bun with short hair using additional hair and a sock. And there's also Adrienne's method that I shared, where you add on a phony pony. A French braid is another way to tuck ends. I think the downside is you don't get to show your hair length but the end result is well worth the sacrifice if you want to get past SL badly.

To inspire you, here's Yvette's story for those who don't know it.

 

[Ms. A.Sunshine]

OP I was in the same boat for so long.....BUT you are manipulating your hair way too much......bunning, baggying and moisturizing and sealing have pushed me from NL closer to APL in just 8 months....I hate wearing this bun but when I do wear my hair down it's like BAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I love the high I get from that....heheheehe!!! So like the other ladies have said put your hair up and retain what is most definitely growing from your scalp.......sacrificing now reaps HUGE benefits in such a short time.

P.S. I love co-washing too especially in these warmer months.

 

[Salsarisma]

I agree with what all the others mentioned: DCing is essential. Find a good dc that will IMPROVE your hair, not just coat it. Protective styling: My starting lenght is SL and I PS 5 days a week. I've noticed a difference in hair loss already. I'm 14 weeks post relaxer stretching to 26 weeks, so I'll see if PS has helped retain as much as I think it has.

One thing no one has mentioned is your work out schedule. You said you work out three days a week, but you only wash one day a week. What do you do on a work out day that is not a wash day? If you sweat and leave that sweat on your hair, and still add product, etc, it can be detrimental. Make sure you either co wash or at least rinse your hair with water on work out days. Leaving salty sweat on your strands drys them and makes them prone to breakage.

 

[Ijanei]

Wow I guess I was really doing to much too much 2 my hair. I never really looked at it like that. Hmm u guys take hair seriously, now I see why mine was damaged and broken off. I normally get relaxers about 3-4 times a year. My most recent was the beginning of this month because I couldnt take ironing it but I didnt let it process the whole way. Usually i use heat in my hair once a week (blow dryer/flat iron). So today Im just going to DC, and pin my hair up for the next cpl days. That way I wont have to touch it. And I forgot who mentioned it already, but i didnt know wrapping your hair nightly may not be a good idea. Idk what to do with it then. Can I sleep w/ it pinned up somehow or in a braid? but you would think, that would dry my hair out. Also I decided to wait on the color =)

 

[shasha8685]

Wow I guess I was really doing to much too much 2 my hair. I never really looked at it like that. Hmm u guys take hair seriously, now I see why mine was damaged and broken off. I normally get relaxers about 3-4 times a year. My most recent was the beginning of this month because I couldnt take ironing it but I didnt let it process the whole way. Usually i use heat in my hair once a week (blow dryer/flat iron). So today Im just going to DC, and pin my hair up for the next cpl days. That way I wont have to touch it. And I forgot who mentioned it already, but i didnt know wrapping your hair nightly may not be a good idea. Idk what to do with it then. Can I sleep w/ it pinned up somehow or in a braid? but you would think, that would dry my hair out. Also I decided to wait on the color =)

Yes, you can put your hair in a loose ponytail and cover with a silk or satin scarf and be done with it. You can also braid it, cover it with a silk or satin scarf and be done with it. A lot of ladies also pin curl. Not wrapping will not dry your hair out. As long as your hair isn't rubbing against your cotton pillowcase, you'll be fine. HTH!

 

[nymane]

Wow I guess I was really doing to much too much 2 my hair. I never really looked at it like that. Hmm u guys take hair seriously, now I see why mine was damaged and broken off. I normally get relaxers about 3-4 times a year. My most recent was the beginning of this month because I couldnt take ironing it but I didnt let it process the whole way. Usually i use heat in my hair once a week (blow dryer/flat iron). So today Im just going to DC, and pin my hair up for the next cpl days. That way I wont have to touch it. And I forgot who mentioned it already, but i didnt know wrapping your hair nightly may not be a good idea. Idk what to do with it then. Can I sleep w/ it pinned up somehow or in a braid? but you would think, that would dry my hair out. Also I decided to wait on the color =)

There's a lot of good advice in this thread...

Blow drying & flat ironing double processed hair weekly can be very damaging...lol I feel like we're taking all your favorite options away, but in the long run your hair will thank you.

Try air drying and doing heat free styles (bantu knot outs, braid outs, twist outs, flexi-rod sets etc...), you can also incorporate co-washing with cheapy conditioners (Suave, V05) for extra moisture.

And try cross wrapping it's less manipulation than traditional wrapping

http://www.ehow.com/how_4915703_hair-using-cross-wrap-way.html <---Here's a nice tutorial (she has long hair but you can adjust it according to your length) hth...and WELCOME!

 

[Ijanei]

Thats exactly what I did, i put plaits in my hair today w/ pin-curls, it looks nice actually, thanks for the tips ladies! i feel much better now

 

[Chevelure618]

In my opinion I'd change up EVERYTHING because its not working. Stop the MN. Stop the Carrot oil. For me, carrot oil was sticky and caused build-up right away. If you haven't been deep conditioning well you have to start today, because that is the day your hair will start to grow. Deep conditioning is a MUST. I think you have to do it on stripped hair. I don't like to say clarify because when relaxed hair has build-up it is such a source for breakage. The hair must be stripped to it little floppy cuticles and filled in with a good quality reconstructor/deep conditioner.

Have you tried Ateyaa's old technique? Not what she does now with the crazy wigs. The Aphogee line with the progressive products one on top of the other might work great for you. Just my opinion. I've been there and deep conditioning is what gives the hair the strength to push on to the next level along with protective styling.

 

[imaccami]

One thing no one has mentioned is your work out schedule. You said you work out three days a week, but you only wash one day a week. What do you do on a work out day that is not a wash day? If you sweat and leave that sweat on your hair, and still add product, etc, it can be detrimental. Make sure you either co wash or at least rinse your hair with water on work out days. Leaving salty sweat on your strands drys them and makes them prone to breakage.

I agree with this especially the highlighted part.

I recommend infrequent trims, careful detangling with a seamless comb, covering your hair with a scarf at night not wrapping, and to be careful that you're not adding too many products to your hair.

 

[sharifeh]

Buns are your friend if they are a quality bun that protect your hair. Also how you sleep is oh so important. So is moisture. If you have dry hair, I can guarantee you that your hair will stay at SL for quite some time. Our hair has this thing where it likes to stay at SL if you don't take those extra steps So do that deep conditioning and get a quality moisturizer.
And please don't go near the color.

 

[Ijanei]

In my opinion I'd change up EVERYTHING because its not working. Stop the MN. Stop the Carrot oil. For me, carrot oil was sticky and caused build-up right away. If you haven't been deep conditioning well you have to start today, because that is the day your hair will start to grow. Deep conditioning is a MUST. I think you have to do it on stripped hair. I don't like to say clarify because when relaxed hair has build-up it is such a source for breakage. The hair must be stripped to it little floppy cuticles and filled in with a good quality reconstructor/deep conditioner.

Have you tried Ateyaa's old technique? Not what she does now with the crazy wigs. The Aphogee line with the progressive products one on top of the other might work great for you. Just my opinion. I've been there and deep conditioning is what gives the hair the strength to push on to the next level along with protective styling.

The mn was only a month and honestly just started the carrot oil about 3days agoso i havent used it long, lol but so far i like and I never heard of the Aphogee line, I will look that up once I log off of here. I think i will get some type of braids or sew-in for a while so I can make sure to keep my hands out of it, which i have a hard time doing. smh But thanks 4 the tips

 

[Ijanei]

Buns are your friend if they are a quality bun that protect your hair. Also how you sleep is oh so important. So is moisture. If you have dry hair, I can guarantee you that your hair will stay at SL for quite some time. Our hair has this thing where it likes to stay at SL if you don't take those extra steps So do that deep conditioning and get a quality moisturizer.
And please don't go near the color.

lol ok, im really trying. I honestly am. Im just so eager 2 leave this stage

 

[Ijanei]

I agree with this especially the highlighted part.

I recommend infrequent trims, careful detangling with a seamless comb, covering your hair with a scarf at night not wrapping, and to be careful that you're not adding too many products to your hair.

ur right i was trying to stall on the trim, my last one was back in January

 

[darlingdiva]

I agree with this especially the highlighted part.

I recommend infrequent trims, careful detangling with a seamless comb, covering your hair with a scarf at night not wrapping, and to be careful that you're not adding too many products to your hair.

This is true too! Adding too many products to your hair will lead to product build-up, which can cause dryness & breakage.

 

[Nameless]

The mn was only a month and honestly just started the carrot oil about 3days agoso i havent used it long, lol but so far i like and I never heard of the Aphogee line, I will look that up once I log off of here. I think i will get some type of braids or sew-in for a while so I can make sure to keep my hands out of it, which i have a hard time doing. smh But thanks 4 the tips

At the bolded. You should try the 2 minute treatment. It's a light protein treatment that can be used every other week. I, however, use it every week and it has made such a difference. My hair feels stronger. I wash my hair, put the protein in (with a shower cap) and leave it on for 5 minutes and rinse it out. I then follow it up with a moisturising deep conditioner.
DO NOT MIX IT UP WITH THE 2 STEP TREATMENT!!! (That's a hard core protein treatment). I think you should start with the mild and then determine if you're protein sensitive. If you feel that your hair can handle it, move onto the 2 Step (this should only be done every 6 weeks though - I'd double check just to make sure). Personally, I haven't tried the hardcore.
You said you're getting new growth, so obviously, your hair is growing. It's just the ends that are breaking. Try getting a trim and stopping your ends from touching your shoulders. Make sure you moisturise your hair with a water based moisturiser and seal ur hair with an oil (don't use too much, or your hair may appear limp and/or greasy).
TBH, I'm not a fan of protective styling and I'm near APL (well, pass SL and more than half way to APL). What I did was moisturise my hair whenever it seemed dry. The only time I did protective styling was when it was extremely cold and I knew my hair would dry out. Now it's warmer, I don't do it and I've done this even before my HHJ and I've been fine.

HTH OP.

 

[Nameless]

becuase that way, the hair is soaking up nothing else but the conditioner.



if you think of a sponge soaked with water, that sponge cant soak up anything else after, same goes for hair.



its wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better to DC on dry hair

That sounds like a good idea. But what if you do a protein treatment every week?
And I know this sounds silly but if you do a clarifying wash, wouldn't it get rid of the benefits of the DC?

 

[Nameless]

Can someone please answer my question?

 

[~NanCeBoTwin~]

Hi Op.....I used to think I couldn't grow past shoulder length. I always DC'd, and trimmed. However, I'd get breakage all the time due to overuse of heat and other things that were well within my control. Here are some of the things I think helped me:

combing only on co-wash day hair loaded with conditioner under the shower head
stretching relaxers
adding additional moisture products when I am 12+ weeks post in between co washing

And I stopped wrapping my hair nightly, mostly because of wearing bant knots/braid /twist out styles and bunning.
I now only wrap up to 6weeks post relaxer, after that I wear my bonnet if I've rollerset or blowdried my hair straight.

and I beleive incorporating Ayurvedic tea rinses have also helped.

ETA:
:welcome3:
Welcome to the board and HHG!!!!

 

[Salsarisma]

Can someone please answer my question?

I'm not sure I understand your question? Clarifying removes product build up from your hair. After clarifying, you WILL need to follow up with a good DC. Ohhh....are you asking about clarifying AFTER you have DCed on dry hair? I'm no expert, but I would advise against this. Clarifying is going to remove product from your hair....seems like dcing before this would defeat the purpose. Plus, I hate how dry and lifeless my hair feels after clarifying! I couldn't imagine not using a moisturizing dc afterwards. Hth!

You definitely don't want to try to dc over hair with product build up bc it may not be able to penetrate the hair(the sponge is already full).