Transitioners support thread

[Paradox]

Hi ladies...I've decided to transition also...I am 12 weeks post! I'm so excited

I really happy for you!!

 

[j'adore]

I'm 3 months into my transition and detangling is becoming a chore. Someone mentioned washing it in braids. I may try that and just wear braidouts since I don't want to flat iron. I also haven't been using a detangling shampoo or anything (up until this point oil rinses were helping) so I ordered some CON and I'll see if that works. I really hope I can make it to December!

 

[loulou82]

Good luck to all the new transitioners!

On August 22nd I'll be 15 months post relaxer. Half way done!

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

jennybean's hair, I don't think you'll need to use an egg again until after you run out of MTIR. Yes, keep doing regular co-washes.

Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll, that's how I feel. I'm enjoying being in control of my hair. I left a stylist that I went to for years and she called me. I feel like you feel about your former stylist. I think she misses my money because she did my hair every other week ($30) and she did relaxers every 6 weeks ($65, or $55 when I could convince her not to trim).

Elizabeth~ What gets me is how they show off the first few months they are doing your hair as a new stylist, they are On Point! Then, after you are a regular, it's like one drop of conditioner, no trims, no care of the hair, no listening to your concerns,,,,it's horrible! So yeah, I'm lovin' this life...and the thing is, I could always style my hair, i was just afraid of chemicals, relaxers, ya know? Now, i'm making my own all natural relaxers ie caramel, and life is sweet!

 

[Chromia]

Yes, I think a lot of stylists get too comfortable with their clients and they take them for granted. They assume you'll just keep coming in even if they pressure you to do things you tell them you don't want. Now I feel like my hair belongs to me and not a stylist. My hair is finally mine!

 

[Eisani]

I saw my old stylist this weekend @ a jazz festival. I still go to her for trims, but that's it. This lady walking by said my hair was really pretty (WnG) and my stylist said "Thank you! I'm her stylist." ****, no you're not! AND it's a Wash n Go-ain't nothing to do! She's so silly. She's a healthy hair junkie which I'm glad for but to take credit for hair you haven't actually done in about a year is more than a stretch of the imagination.

 

[Honey-Dip]

I will reach 9 months of transitioning on August 26th...whew! I want a cute "Smedium" puff already!

 

[Eisani]

I will reach 9 months of transitioning on August 26th...whew! I want a cute "Smedium" puff already!

This is as bad as extra medium-both of which I sayI'll be 9 months on the 13th. I'm scared I'm gonna punk out when it gets cold out .

 

[apemay1969]

Jennifer call me!! Im transitioning too, so we're in this together(Lol) I made my decision today and Im sticking with it, Im going to buy the maxiglide so I can straighten my hair for special occasions and I dont plan on BCING my hair till dec.25.2009.

My maxiglide has saved me from relaxing many a time. I use sabino moisture block and a hot a$$ maxiglide and I looked relaxed. I'm 7 months post and I look relaxed still with 4 inches of NG.

 

[Br*nzeb*mbsh~ll]

My maxiglide has saved me from relaxing many a time. I use sabino moisture block and a hot a$$ maxiglide and I looked relaxed. I'm 7 months post and I look relaxed still with 4 inches of NG.

Am I using Maxiglide wrong? It seemed to make my hair poofy? Was it not hot enough? Do I need a different heat protectant? I bought one, but I swear my hair looked more frizzy than before....ofcourse, i only did one piece of hair, i figured, oh noerplexed...i ain't making my hair worse......Can someone help me on this? I also have the older big one, which was he$$ to handle! Yikes! it's brand new, sitting in my closet....collecting dust..

 

[Nuelle]

This transitioning thing is getting really difficult!!!

I will be 6 months post in a few weeks and was hoping to transition for 15-18 months. Lately, I've just been having a hard time. These past few weeks, I've been co-washing, detangling in the shower, airdrying, doing twist-outs or braidouts, and it's just been a hot mess. My ng would start tangling/locking up each time especially in the crown where my hair is really thick ...It's tight 4a coils vs. bone-straight relaxed hair... I'm not ready to BC and I would hate to give up now.

So, I was thinking about getting my hair flat-ironed every 2 weeks once the semester start. What do you guys think? Any of you flat-iron or blow-dry your hair on a regular basis? Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Nuelle]

 

[KnottyGurl]

I had the new maxiglide in my closet b/c when I used it, I didn't exactly get the results I was looking for, so I went out and bought a flat iron. After reading these last couple of posts about using the maxiglide wrong, ya'll got me to thinking...and cruising youtube. I found a video that showed me a great way to use it. I tried it last night after co-washing and using Sabino Moisture Block, and today, my hair is not only straight but soft, shiny and moisturized! My ends feel great, which is a first. The biggest thing I learned was NOT to close the plates together. Just use the teeth as a guide. I'll post the link to the video below. I believe she's a member here too, but I can't remember her name. OT: I want to thank her for turning me on to Alice Smith too. I hope this helps!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3tec_9WnqQ

Am I using Maxiglide wrong? It seemed to make my hair poofy? Was it not hot enough? Do I need a different heat protectant? I bought one, but I swear my hair looked more frizzy than before....ofcourse, i only did one piece of hair, i figured, oh noerplexed...i ain't making my hair worse......Can someone help me on this? I also have the older big one, which was he$$ to handle! Yikes! it's brand new, sitting in my closet....collecting dust..

 

[sunnydaze]

Have any of you guys who are really struggling considered wigs or phony ponies? They helped TREMENDOUSLY during my current 16 month transition. I really cannot imagine making it as long as I have if I was trying to rely on blowing out or flat ironing my tranisitioning hair on a consistent basis (particulary in the humid climate I live)

I know some are really opposed to wearing fake hair..but if the only alternative is giving up..I think it should be considered an option. Or at the bare minmum, maybe a half wig and just leave out a little of your hair in the front and straighten that part.

Just trying to think what can help......

 

[NaturalBeauty87]

This transitioning thing is getting really difficult!!!

I will be 6 months post in a few weeks and was hoping to transition for 15-18 months. Lately, I've just been having a hard time. These past few weeks, I've been co-washing, detangling in the shower, airdrying, doing twist-outs or braidouts, and it's just been a hot mess. My ng would start tangling/locking up each time especially in the crown where my hair is really thick ...It's tight 4a coils vs. bone-straight relaxed hair... I'm not ready to BC and I would hate to give up now.

So, I was thinking about getting my hair flat-ironed every 2 weeks once the semester start. What do you guys think? Any of you flat-iron or blow-dry your hair on a regular basis? Any suggestions would be great!

I'm 22 weeks post and until recently I was cowashing daily and wearing a puff. But I felt like I was losing too much hair whenever I detangle, which had to be every other day. And those single strand knots are killing my length retention because I can't help but to cut or pull them out! So lately have been wearing my hair in a rollerset for the past 3 weeks. If you can do a rollerset I would suggest that instead of using the flatiron. It hides my new growth really well. But I recently flat ironed my bangs so it could lay down better.

 

[NaturalBeauty87]

Have any of you guys who are really struggling considered wigs or phony ponies? They helped TREMENDOUSLY during my current 16 month transition. I really cannot imagine making it as long as I have if I was trying to rely on blowing out or flat ironing my tranisitioning hair on a consistent basis (particulary in the humid climate I live)

I know some are really opposed to wearing fake hair..but if the only alternative is giving up..I think it should be considered an option. Or at the bare minmum, maybe a half wig and just leave out a little of your hair in the front and straighten that part.

Just trying to think what can help......

I would love to do that but I've never worn fake hair, so it would be extremely weird to me. I think I would feel insecure or feel that someone would come yank it off! and plus my fiance would have a fit! He hates fake hair!

 

[sunnydaze]

I would love to do that but I've never worn fake hair, so it would be extremely weird to me. I think I would feel insecure or feel that someone would come yank it off! and plus my fiance would have a fit! He hates fake hair!

I hear you 100%..I have never been a big fake hair advocate myself. I had never worn it either prior to my transitioning

BUT...people falling off the wagon cause they trying to daily straighten 7+month transitioning hair...some alternatives need to be considered.

My pony is on the shorter side and is curly/frizzy. I think it matches the texture of my hair well. And when I do wear a half wig, is is also on the shorter side and looks like rollerset relaxed hair (no shiny stuff here).

 

[Eisani]

I'll be 9 mos on the 13th . Things are cool, as long as I don't try to straighten. CWs w/a good moisturizing cond that I know will melt my tangles and soften the NG has helped a lot. When wearing buns, I smooth the edges w/aloe vera gel or IC and jbco and use a boar bristle brush then tie my hair w/a satin or silk scarf while I finish getting ready. I whip it off and I'm good to go. The waves are laying and behaving like they should.

Are there any texlaxers having issues w/different textures, or is it mainly the bone straight ladies? My hair is texlaxed and it's been a seamless transition so far. I don't have 2 different textures .

 

[jerjer29]

i'm only on my 3rd month..i haven't had any breakage..my shedding has actually been way less transitioning than when i was still relaxing lol. So far so good, i'm just kind of impatient, and not sure what to do with my hair. I've tried braid outs, and pincurls but my new growth is just so much obviously thicker than my relaxed ends it looks silly haha.

 

[Nuelle]

Have any of you guys who are really struggling considered wigs or phony ponies? They helped TREMENDOUSLY during my current 16 month transition. I really cannot imagine making it as long as I have if I was trying to rely on blowing out or flat ironing my tranisitioning hair on a consistent basis (particulary in the humid climate I live)

I know some are really opposed to wearing fake hair..but if the only alternative is giving up..I think it should be considered an option. Or at the bare minmum, maybe a half wig and just leave out a little of your hair in the front and straighten that part.

Just trying to think what can help......

Thanks for the suggestion! It has crossed my mind a few times but I'm not sure if wigs or phony ponies are for me. I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing them either... Although, I'm open to wearing breads or just getting cornrows with my own hair.

 

[Nuelle]

I'm 22 weeks post and until recently I was cowashing daily and wearing a puff. But I felt like I was losing too much hair whenever I detangle, which had to be every other day. And those single strand knots are killing my length retention because I can't help but to cut or pull them out! So lately have been wearing my hair in a rollerset for the past 3 weeks. If you can do a rollerset I would suggest that instead of using the flatiron. It hides my new growth really well. But I recently flat ironed my bangs so it could lay down better.

That sounds like a great idea! My rollersetting skills are lacking but I'm willing to give it a try... I might have to get my roommate to help me. And that's definitely less heat than blowdrying and flat-ironing my hair.

 

[Eisani]

That sounds like a great idea! My rollersetting skills are lacking but I'm willing to give it a try... I might have to get my roommate to help me. And that's definitely less heat than blowdrying and flat-ironing my hair.

You could also try the pony tail method of rollersetting if you're still working on improving your skills.

For those who don't' know, a ponytail rollerset is when u put 10-12 pony tails in your freshly washed hair and roll up the ponytails like a regular rollerset, take them down when they are dry, and you have the same results as a rollerset without the hassle. Once you take them down u can flat iron the band marks or wrap.

 

[Nuelle]

You could also try the pony tail method of rollersetting if you're still working on improving your skills.

For those who don't' know, a ponytail rollerset is when u put 10-12 pony tails in your freshly washed hair and roll up the ponytails like a regular rollerset, take them down when they are dry, and you have the same results as a rollerset without the hassle. Once you take them down u can flat iron the band marks or wrap.

What kind of ponytail holders do you use? I just want to make sure that I don't damage my hair in the process.

 

[jerjer29]

is this post still alive?

i have a question about the line of demarcation ...what does it feel like? is it more of an invisible line, because before i'd say that it was kind of rough feeling, i'm not sure if it's suppose to be like that or not..i personally think it's a knot. Lol at first i thought it was the line of demarcation, but now i'm not so sure as i see my hair doing this kind of 'dread' thing. when a strand falls out, sometimes i can see a little black dot in the middle of the strand where the curly and straight meet. is that normal, is it ok?

 

[Eisani]

What kind of ponytail holders do you use? I just want to make sure that I don't damage my hair in the process.

I use the Scunci No Damage ponytail holders and as the hair dries, slide it down a bit to get the part under the ponytail holder dry. Some people use rubberbands, but I don't play well with those.

 

[Likeyouneverseenme]

Do people still check this thread...it's been pretty quiet lately...

 

[Eisani]

I'm thinking only when someone bumps it, like you did. That's what made me stop by. Maybe everyone is just quietly maintaining. I know I'm doing boring buns, and there isn't a whole lot to say about that! Speaking of buns, I've been looking at the metal hair sticks for wet hair. I wonder if any local stores carry them? I'm so bored, I'm seriously considering texlaxing again soon. I'm just torn I guess...it'll be a year November 13, so I feel like I've come too far to punk out, but I get tired of the same styles. I want to be chemical free, just don't know if I can handle my hair.

 

[Chromia]

is this post still alive?

i have a question about the line of demarcation ...what does it feel like? is it more of an invisible line, because before i'd say that it was kind of rough feeling, i'm not sure if it's suppose to be like that or not..i personally think it's a knot. Lol at first i thought it was the line of demarcation, but now i'm not so sure as i see my hair doing this kind of 'dread' thing. when a strand falls out, sometimes i can see a little black dot in the middle of the strand where the curly and straight meet. is that normal, is it ok?

For me the line of demarcation is where my hair goes from kinks/coils to bone straight. When I look at my shed hair I see bone straight hair hanging from a coil. There's no black dot or knot.

 

[aramaticart]

I need some help. I recently reached the 1 year post mark (yay) by rollersetting and then using wigs and sew-ins later down the road. While I was hiding my hair, I was moisturizing and doing all the right stuff.

A few weeks ago, I took a sew in out and went to a salon to get it washed and pressed. That was a joke. So I went back to rollersetting (using perm rods and wearing it curly), but the texture feels... wrong. It feels kinda dry no matter what I put on it. At first, the relaxed ends were too, but now they're kinda soft and shiny.

Any suggestions for really moisturizing the natural part of my hair?? I was alternating between hollywood beauty carrot oil cream and cantu growstrong. I also use a mixture of a little suave conditioner, scurl spray and water. All of these products made my hair SO nice until now...

 

[Likeyouneverseenme]

I'm thinking only when someone bumps it, like you did. That's what made me stop by. Maybe everyone is just quietly maintaining. I know I'm doing boring buns, and there isn't a whole lot to say about that! Speaking of buns, I've been looking at the metal hair sticks for wet hair. I wonder if any local stores carry them? I'm so bored, I'm seriously considering texlaxing again soon. I'm just torn I guess...it'll be a year November 13, so I feel like I've come too far to punk out, but I get tired of the same styles. I want to be chemical free, just don't know if I can handle my hair.

Bored? Girl, I'm considering relaxing and I swore to NEVER do it again.. I'm about to be 45 weeks post in a couple of days with 7" of NG and my hair does not seem to be budging (hairorexia, i suppose). It's growing on top but not in the back. I don't understand..I won't relax though, I'm just depressed about my hair. Anyway, enough rambling. Eisani, I don't know what to do either, I don't like to wear my hair straight so I guess I'll just keep on bunning...boring as it is.