To..Newbies, lurkers and lazy ones...I could kick myself! LoL

[kandi1280]

I've been a member of LHCF since 2004, but you would never know it by looking at my hair! I had joined then got a bad case of the PJ'ism and had all kinds of routines and products trying to make my hair grow back out (I had gotten a bad relaxer that wasn't washed out properly and my hair fell out).

I finally gave up trying to recover the hair and went natural with encouragement from this board. After 9 months I went back to relaxing and my hair was healthy and thriving so….I got comfortable and [size=+1]I got lax with the boards[/size] for a year and a half and my hair suffered [size=+1]VERY BADLY[/size] for it. I would wrap it or cover it with a scarf at night. I wasn't moisturizing daily and I would not deep condition after EVERY wash! Basically my hair became healthy and strong and I took it for granted. I see albums from beautiful heads out here that started off AFTER I did or at the same time and they are mid back or BSL. It was discouraging to me at first, but now I look at it as a lesson learned.

Fast forward to March. I started back on the boards daily and look at many albums for inspiration, but got back on my game. In two months I've gotten my hair to thicken up and start growing back.

So basically....

Don't be discouraged if your hair isn't growing right now. It will shed-it will stop, it will grow fast-it will grow slow. Hair works in cycles for some people. If you panic or stress, your head will too.

Don't try to buy every product that is talked about on here, try to find samples to see what might or might NOT work on YOUR HAIR.

Keep your routine as simple as possible so that you don't get frustrated or lazy and stop.

[size=+1]DRINK WATER DRINK WATER DRINK WATER DRINK WATER.......[/size]

Moisturize Daily.......

Don't shampoo the length of your hair, try to shampoo your scalp and the rest will wash as the shampoo rinses through your hair.....

Clarify at least once monthly.......

Try to learn to roller set..... (some folks air dry, for others it doesn't work) My hair air dries well after clarifying but as the month goes on I rollerset, as the air dry becomes kinda "crunchy" for me.

Incorporate protein usage if you haven't.....


Best of Luck Ladies and remember......Do whatever you have to do to stay motivated. Keep checking this board and when you reach your goals...STICK WITH IT!!


ETA: Here are a few staples that I guess a majority of us Have to get you started..... I received some PM's suggesting I list these:
[size=+1]

• a good moisturizing shampoo
• a good moisturizing conditioner
• wide tooth comb
• silk/satin scarf or pillow case
• light oil ex. EVVO (extra virgin olive oil) jojoba, almond, coconut... (note: light oils do not work on everyone's hair, but it does for the majority here.
• clarifier - either shampoo or ACV(apple cider vinegar)
• spraying/misting water bottle

[/size]

With these items you should be well on your way!

 

[klb120475]

Good points!!! Thanks!

 

[Mook's hair]

Kandi's info is very valuable. It is east to get discouraged. These boards help so much with motivation and inspiration.

I also agree with the keep it simple practice. That is very important if you're going to stick to a routine.

And also it may seem slow growing at first because you sill be paying so much attention to every milimeter of progress. You can really kill your optimism if you over-obsess about the growth.

Also know that so many of us have hair disasters that we have survived. If you're in a hair crisis...you'l survive too.

Good Post!

 

[tkj25]

great post. thanks!

 

[kandi1280]

Thanks Ladies!


I just know full well how intense you can be when you first join the boards. You want to try any and everything to get your hair healthy and SHOW IT!! But in the meantime you're crying over each hair that's shed, analyzing evey inch of your scalp, looking at the length everyday and trying to do too much at once.

I look at the feature of the month section alot and notice that nearly all of them wash once or twice a week. Stay in buns, don't conditioner wash every day and pretty much keep it simple.

I will admit that I am trying to buy some BT and Vatika oil for my hair but that's about it. Other than that simplicity has been working wonders for me. Hmmm maybe I'll update my fotki soon.

 

[Hidden_Angel]

good post

 

[guesswho]

Great post and good luck this time around hang in there, trust me we have all been there, happy growing chica

 

[blac_quarian]

Excellent post Kandi! I agree 100%. I'm fairly new around here and length progress has been elusive (IMO). However, over the last 8/9 months or so, I've really simplified my previously scattered routine and I've decided to stay away from buying new products and jumping on bandwagons. It's sooo easy to become a serious PJ and wagonist when you're a newbie checking out each and every post/Fotki/progress pics of the ladies with impressive lengths! I've come to terms with the nature of my hair and the reality is, the health of my hair has improved greatly. This isn't a race! LHCF has been a god-send and is always here for inspiration and advice. HHG!

 

[lucy]

Great thread. Great inspiration. I will continue on this journey. I am very impatient and quick to come, try something, deem it a failure, and move on. Thanks alot for your perspective.

 

[Serenity_Peace]

OMG, kandi1280! Thank you so much for this information and for the inspirational message. I have to try and not obsess over my hair. I look at it and sometimes I think it's too fine or too thin and will never grow. But then I have to pull myself back and consider: I have massive NG after only 3 weeks post-relaxer. Something's growing in there. This is going to take patience. I won't see change overnight.

The best tip that you gave for my vantage point was this one:

Don't shampoo the length of your hair, try to shampoo your scalp and the rest will wash as the shampoo rinses through your hair.....

I *always* shampoo the length of my hair because we've been taught all of our lives to do so, right? Can't get it clean any other way, right? Wrong! What's happening is that we are stripping away moisture from the hair. Shampoos contain harsh detergents. And since I am really fine and soft, this may be the best tip for me in terms of retaining moisture and avoiding dryness. I also like the idea of CWing only rather than adding shampoos all the time. Clarifying once or twice a month helps us fine-haired ladies avoid build-up.

Thank you again so much for inspiring me and others to stick with it, not become discouraged when we don't see results as fast as we think we should, and once we achieve our goals, not to become lackadaisical about continuing on with the health of our hair, bodies, minds and spirit.

 

[honey4real]

Thank you so much for the information Kandi1280 this is very helpful and inspiring.

 

[Cien]

Great post!!

I'm going to get more water right now!!

 

[taj]

This post is important! It's very informative and encouraging. I know that I have the tendency to slack at one point or another, regardless of what my hair length is. My hair has been shaved off in the back and it has also been to my mid-back. I take it for granted sometimes because my hair grows fast. So if a little is lost, I just say oh it will grow back next month. Now, I manage my hair like it's my job! I believe that consistency is the key to good hair care management.

 

[***Toy-Pisces***]

Thanx for the informative post. This info is so true. When I first started out,I was buying A LOT of different products. It is so easy to become a PJ. I came to my senses and realized that I won't even be able to use all the products because I will be mainly wearing a sew-in. I had to realize that for me less is best.

 

[AwesomelyNappy]

Wonderful Post!!! I agree with it 100% and can relate to most of it!

 

[tia123]

Great advice. I am a newbie that has lurked on this forum and filled my cabinet with products in hopes of seeing a glimpse of new growth. Lately, I had to realize that I must heal my insides by eating healthy, excecising, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Our bodies will only heal and become healthy from the inside and then the outside will prosper.

 

[kandi1280]

Great post and good luck this time around hang in there, trust me we have all been there, happy growing chica

Thanks so much girl! Trust me I've learned a VALUABLE lesson....love it, take care of it and let it grow.

 

[kandi1280]

Great post!!

I'm going to get more water right now!!

Drink it girl!!! LOL this has been a very important part of my regime. I was surprised actually of how my hair took to it.

 

[Ambrosia]

Thank you for the great advice-especially the stress warning.

 

[queenspence]

Excellent advice, definitely need to up water intake

 

[kandi1280]

Great advice. I am a newbie that has lurked on this forum and filled my cabinet with products in hopes of seeing a glimpse of new growth. Lately, I had to realize that I must heal my insides by eating healthy, excecising, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Our bodies will only heal and become healthy from the inside and then the outside will prosper.

ITA: But I have to admit that I am still trying to work on my inside. I have to battle sensitive skin (my skin marks so darn easily) and just overall better health. But working on my hair is causing me to take more notice of my body, because I want the whole package!

 

[misskris816]

Thanks for the great post and the helpful reminders. You are spot on with everything you said. I remember when I first joined..I bought almost every topical growth aid someone raved about, but those days over with (thank goodness!!) I'm sticking to BT and Vatika Oil and hoping that these products will work on my hair just as they seem to work on everyone elses.

 

[ajoyfuljoy]

thank you for that encouragement. I am new and it can be overwhelming looking at everyone's routines and trying to figure out what parts of my current routine need to stay and go. But I'll try my best not to compare myself to other people and really find what works for me. Thanks!

 

[Amour]

Great post!!

I'm going to get more water right now!!

co-signing just went and filled up my 75cl bottle

what measure is cl anyway

*how did I miss this thread.. good tips*

 

[chayil0427]

This is really on point cause the first say like 18 months I was lurking hard core, but I was being super laze and using every hair product anyone mentioned. I mean I found some good things, but I knew all along what my hair needed I just wasn't doing/using it.

So now I stick with my Nexxus. I use ApHogee (I tried Emergencee and Aveda DR, but I think I love ApHogee best and Aveda DR a close second) for protien

I moisturize, oil my hair as needed, and I NEEEEEEEEEVER let my hair come in contact with sheets, pillows, or the couch without my satin bonnet one.

The pay off? 6 months of sticking to this and my hair is the best it's EVER been...ends I though I was gonna have to hack off are silky smooth now...and one more little trim next January and I'll be done trimming for a while (trimming because of damage ... future trims will just be for shape).

This thread is right on point Listen up girls!!! Dont' procrastinate...every day ... every week makes a difference so get on it and get growing!!!

oke: USE YOUR STAPLES, COVER YOUR HAIR, ROLLER SET ON COOL OR AIR DRY, PUT PROTIEN IN YOUR REGGIE, USE WIDE TOOTHED COMBS, MOISTURIZE/OIL YOUR HAIR!!!

 

[cocoa32]

This post is right on time! I was just starting to get very discouraged. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[kandi1280]

This is really on point cause the first say like 18 months I was lurking hard core, but I was being super laze and using every hair product anyone mentioned. I mean I found some good things, but I knew all along what my hair needed I just wasn't doing/using it.

So now I stick with my Nexxus. I use ApHogee (I tried Emergencee and Aveda DR, but I think I love ApHogee best and Aveda DR a close second) for protien

I moisturize, oil my hair as needed, and I NEEEEEEEEEVER let my hair come in contact with sheets, pillows, or the couch without my satin bonnet one.

The pay off? 6 months of sticking to this and my hair is the best it's EVER been...ends I though I was gonna have to hack off are silky smooth now...and one more little trim next January and I'll be done trimming for a while (trimming because of damage ... future trims will just be for shape).

This thread is right on point Listen up girls!!! Dont' procrastinate...every day ... every week makes a difference so get on it and get growing!!!

oke: USE YOUR STAPLES, COVER YOUR HAIR, ROLLER SET ON COOL OR AIR DRY, PUT PROTIEN IN YOUR REGGIE, USE WIDE TOOTHED COMBS, MOISTURIZE/OIL YOUR HAIR!!!

Congratulations on your hair success!!!! I'm happy to hear your hair is better than ever. Isn't it crazy? I had to lose my hair to learn how to care for it! But the thing about going through trials now that its shorter than it was, I is that I know how to maintain it and deal with these same trials when its longer.

I think I have to listen to you about the couch. That's my main culprit. I will lay on the couch watching a movie or lay on my BF without my head being covered. Now I will lay my satin scarf across his chest. He's so used to it, he will grab a blanket (I keep my house pretty cool all year) and my head scarf, lay it across his chest and then I'll bring the snacks and we get into the movie. Its helpful sometimes, when someone else remembers what you may forget.

 

[kandi1280]

This post is right on time! I was just starting to get very discouraged. Thanks for the encouragement.

Awwww

It will get better. This board is great for helping us get through those rough humps. Lovsofluv just cut her hair back a little and she has GORGEOUS healthy hair. We all go through it.

 

[LadyPaniolo]

Sistahgurl, sistahgurl! You are speaking directly to me with this!

I'm really struggling right now... I've been natural for about 9 months after a BC and I've got about 5-7 inches of growth depending on the area of my head. This is after a cut to remove some fried relaxed tips and damage.

I just can't seem to find the products that will both work well on my hair AND be so cheap as to be damned near free.

Our budget is teeny-tiny itsy-bitsy and I just spent $8 for a giant bottle of Infusium 23 leave-in so I can do the Crown and Glory method. After using it my hair looks and feels terrible. For some of you rich sistahs that sounds dirt cheap, but for me it's a lot of money.

I am despairing that I will be able to care for my natural hair in a way that will allow me to keep the length and not look like a bird's nest...

I dont want to C&G for two years only to reveal damaged crusty BSL hair that breaks off!

 

[kandi1280]

Sistahgurl, sistahgurl! You are speaking directly to me with this!

I'm really struggling right now... I've been natural for about 9 months after a BC and I've got about 5-7 inches of growth depending on the area of my head. This is after a cut to remove some fried relaxed tips and damage.

I just can't seem to find the products that will both work well on my hair AND be so cheap as to be damned near free.

Our budget is teeny-tiny itsy-bitsy and I just spent $8 for a giant bottle of Infusium 23 leave-in so I can do the Crown and Glory method. After using it my hair looks and feels terrible. For some of you rich sistahs that sounds dirt cheap, but for me it's a lot of money.

I am despairing that I will be able to care for my natural hair in a way that will allow me to keep the length and not look like a bird's nest...

I dont want to C&G for two years only to reveal damaged crusty BSL hair that breaks off!

Girl money is an issue at every level! Tell you what - PM me with your address I will ship you a bottle of Vatika, I have a few and GOD has blessed me so I can bless you right back.

Relax and feel your hair. Infusium may not be that great for it. Mist your hair with a little water and glycerin. Your hair will dry out a little, mine did my first couple of months natural then, I learned to breathe.

Also, I have the Kenra shampoo and conditioner. It didn't do that great for my hair. I like my keracare and mizani shampoo and conidtioner better. But a lot of ladies on this board did ok with them. I could send those to you too. They are half way used up, because I was determined to use them and not waste my money, but I could send those to you too.

I've never done the crown and glory method so I don't have any recommendations for that. But what I used to do was carry my misting bottle of distilled water, oil and glycerin and mist my hair whenever it felt dry all day everyday, until my hair learned to do it by itself.



I got your back! Just relax through it.