Transitioning without BC'ing Support Thread

[daviine]

So I pulled down one of my front twists and my natural hair ends right at my eyebrows. I don't know if that's a good amount of growth or not. I don't want to measure my new-growth until I'm a year post to see if I really get 6 inches of growth a year. ....But in the mean time..I am applying a Sulfur Oil mix to my scalp at least 3 times weekly, taking biotin and msm daily and giving myself scalp massages as often as I can remember to TRY and speed up growth.

Hey! When I was relaxed I always thought my hair grew fast or at a decent rate, but now I'm not so sure. I can't really feel much new growth in the back and when I wash it, the back still feels relaxed so I'm starting to believe that part of my hair isn't even growing. I don't know what to think. I've cowashed with Giovanni Triple Tea Treat (or whatever it's called-- too lazy to verify) twice and got no tingles. That worries me for some reason. I'm starting to think something is wrong with my scalp, especially since I do have a bald spot in my crown area.

But I digress. I also massage my scalp when I remember, which isn't often. I'm going to try harder to remember and maybe do some head stands. I've been putting off on taking the biotin the dermatologist told me to take because I have problems with facial hair and don't want to speed that up. I can't keep up as it is. But today, I'm going to buy it and just tweeze every day I guess.

I'll keep you posted. Sorry so long.

 

[Dayjoy]

I was 22 weeks yesterday..yeah! Silly question....but do you count the months up by the number of weeks, or do you just count month to month from the date of your last perm? Its easier to count month to month, but I notice that counting by weeks puts you further ahead than I thought I was.

I would like to get a table top steamer Bc I already have a pibbs stand up dryer and I don't want another big appliance taking up a lot of space and having to store it out of the way. I didn't know they made tabletop steamers...do you know any good ones I should look at?

My hair has become much more manageable and the breakage is very little compared to how it was since it is finally accepting and retaining moisture. Its crazy..I must have the driest hair in the world because even what I considered soft before isn't anywhere near as soft as it has gotten now. My standard of moisturized then is still a little dry to me now...but what Im experiencing now is very moisturized hair and if it is getting dry and I add moisture, it accepts it without having to wash and start over like what was happening before. What a relief, I was getting so frustrated.

Style wise , I have been lazy and have been on a high bun kick bc it is easy and quick. Product wise, Ive discovered a couple of staples: CON Argan oil sulfate free shampoo, AG Recoil conditioner and AG Fast Food Leave In--exactly what my air needs. Slip, softness, detangling, shine. AG is part of the liter sale at Ulta right now for 14.99 plus you could use a $3.50 off $10 purchase coupon printable off their website. I like those conditioners so much, Im going back for more to make sure I have another bottle when I run out and maybe those would get me through to the next liter sale. 32 oz of salon quality product for 11.50 is very reasonable!

I count by weeks and by months. All the extra counting makes me feel like time is going by quicker!

That Huetiful steamer that MAHOGNEY329 mentioned seems to be the most popular table top model. I'm leaning toward a stand because of the difference in height between DD and me (I'll be using it off or her too) and because of the fact that I like to do my hair all over the house and needing a table would limit that.

I've been loving the high bun lately too.

MAHOGNEY329
Yesterday I was looking up salons but then thought to myself, "What would I get done?"? I thought it might be silly to ask. What do you have done when you go?

ETA: I'm intimidated by my hair for the same reasons. I am so lost.

When I go I get a wash, condition, blow and flat iron. I was going once a month before my kids got out of school. I know using a flat iron that often isn't good, but it really took the pressure off that I feel for doing my hair.

 

[MsDee14]

Hey! When I was relaxed I always thought my hair grew fast or at a decent rate, but now I'm not so sure. I can't really feel much new growth in the back and when I wash it, the back still feels relaxed so I'm starting to believe that part of my hair isn't even growing. I don't know what to think. I've cowashed with Giovanni Triple Tea Treat (or whatever it's called-- too lazy to verify) twice and got no tingles. That worries me for some reason. I'm starting to think something is wrong with my scalp, especially since I do have a bald spot in my crown area.

But I digress. I also massage my scalp when I remember, which isn't often. I'm going to try harder to remember and maybe do some head stands. I've been putting off on taking the biotin the dermatologist told me to take because I have problems with facial hair and don't want to speed that up. I can't keep up as it is. But today, I'm going to buy it and just tweeze every day I guess.

I'll keep you posted. Sorry so long.

Your new growth in the back could be looser than other areas..so it may take a while to see the curls come in? Aww that stinks..you should probably visit a Derm if you haven't already. The Tea tree should help though

I have the same issue with Biotin. I have to tweeze daily..lol. I'm like..why can't the hair on my head grow as fast as the hair on my face!

 

[Rae81]

Leslie_C what brand is ag

Sent from my HTC EVO 3D

 

[shortt29]

Leslie_C
AG Fast Food is my favorite leave in! You gonna have me running to Ulta!

 

[daviine]

Leslie_C
AG Fast Food is my favorite leave in! You gonna have me running to Ulta!

Thank goodness I didn't see this post. I actually drove to Ulta so I could buy this and try it out. Then I decided it was best that I didn't pay for parking and risk coming out with more than I went in for--considering I've never even heard of the brand or product before I read Leslie's post. Smh..... Once a PJ,......

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

How many of you ladies wash your hair in sections?



I seen that too, I saved it to my phone. I THINK I am between 3c-4a throughout my head.

I do. Otherwise, I'd fight my hair each time.

 

[shortt29]

Thank goodness I didn't see this post. I actually drove to Ulta so I could buy this and try it out. Then I decided it was best that I didn't pay for parking and risk coming out with more than I went in for--considering I've never even heard of the brand or product before I read Leslie's post. Smh..... Once a PJ,......

AG products are like magic on my hair...now that I'm transitioning I want to see if I get the same results on natural hair but my hair was thriving when my Dominican Godmother/stylist was doing my weekly doobies and the smell of the fast food leave in is delish!

 

[Lanea87]

Then I realized I'm so close to shoulder length!!! The back is about an inch below my shoulders but they are thin so I figure I need another three months before I can claim shoulder length but I'm flipping excited!!!

Caramelangel247, are you going to cut the thin ends off?

I'm desperately looking for a super moisturizing conditioner....I've tried Silk Elements and Aubrey Organics....only problem with AO White Chamelia is that its hard to get a hold of and that gets on my nerves. So Im on the hunt for something new.

Smiley79, did you not like the SE?

I am seven months post relaxer today! I will be honest that I go to the salon more now but I love the idea of being chemical free.

My natural hair intimidates me because it's a lot different from my relaxed hair but I have you guys and I will learn. I think I am going to invest in a Huetiful because my stylist eliminated all of my hair woes by steaming it.......lol

MAHOGNEY329, what are YOUR hair woes? I just got my 1st steam session when I went to the salon last Friday, it was cool and all but Im not sure I wanna know what it is REALLY doing for ppl hair that a regular dryer or conditioning cap doesnt? I am looking into getting something but not really sure which yet LOL

So I pulled down one of my front twists and my natural hair ends right at my eyebrows. I don't know if that's a good amount of growth or not. I don't want to measure my new-growth until I'm a year post to see if I really get 6 inches of growth a year. ....But in the mean time..I am applying a Sulfur Oil mix to my scalp at least 3 times weekly, taking biotin and msm daily and giving myself scalp massages as often as I can remember to TRY and speed up growth.

MsDee14, how much you taking. I just started taking mines Friday; 5mg for me. I am also drinking my water so that I wont break out. Startted taking my multi vits again too bc I am anemic and I KNOW that it has been affecting my hair.

I do. Otherwise, I'd fight my hair each time.

chrisanddonniesmommy, I never done it before but I am thinking about doing it now since my relax hair is shorter.
How many sections do you use and how do you hold them while in the shower?

 

[Lanea87]

Got it, thanks!.......

 

[Highly Favored8]

I am currently 19 months post and I am loving it!...

 

[daviine]

Oh yea ladies, how do I get a "ticker" so that I can keep up with my post weeks/months and how do I enter it into my siggy.

ZebraPrintLover

Go to a site like ticker factory.com. Build your ticker and then copy the code into your siggy. I think you need BB code. Not sure bc I don't have my laptop to double check. I'm on my phone and can't see siggies/siggys right now.

ETA: I think it's BBC code and you can try lily pie or daisy path for tickers too.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

ZebraPrintLover
It depends on how much time I have. Sometimes I will do four large sections or I will do 6 smaller sections with clips.

 

[Leslie_C]

Leslie_C what brand is ag

Sent from my HTC EVO 3D

Rae81 ag is the actual brand ...I think it is going to be my staple, and I got a liter for the same price I paid for 8 oz of wzkinky curly knot today, which after all the hype did nothing for my hair.
shortt29 and daviine...this stuff is truly impressive in my book...the comb went through my hair like a knife through butter! If you buy it and hate it I will take it off your hands!

 

[MsDee14]

ZebraPrintLover I take 5,000 mcg, but I have been taking them for at least 3 months now and haven't seen much of a difference. I only have about 20 capsules left, so if I don't see a noticeable growth spurt..I won't be repurchasing.

 

[Lanea87]

ZebraPrintLover
It depends on how much time I have. Sometimes I will do four large sections or I will do 6 smaller sections with clips.

chrisanddonniesmommy, do you wash the front first with your head going back? Sorry for all the questions.

ZebraPrintLover I take 5,000 mcg, but I have been taking them for at least 3 months now and haven't seen much of a difference. I only have about 20 capsules left, so if I don't see a noticeable growth spurt..I won't be repurchasing.

MsDee14, what brand do you take also? I am taking the GNC and I think it came with 120caps so Imma see how that goes for me. I wanna take it for atleast 6 months in order to give it the benefit of the doubt. My stylist recommends some type of HSN vit and my Biotin bottle states its for HSN. I dont wanna be on those expensive vits that ppl are running around here taking that basically do the same thing.

 

[Z-kitty]

I tried the AG fast food but it seemed to leave my hair feeling kind of waxy. I used it under my other natural products so that may have been the problem.

BTW, I did a twist out on my curlformer stretched hair and for the first time since I was relaxed my hair had tons of movement. I'm thinking those things were a good investment and you couldn't tell me my twist out wasn't the bomb.

 

[daviine]

I only wash in two sections. If that. I don't have the patience. I'll do more sections if it becomes an issue.

I went to Sally's for the Curlformers but they didn't have what I was looking for.

Replying from my phone sucks bc I don't remember what else I wanted to respond to. Oh well ;D

 

[Z-kitty]

I'm desperately looking for a super moisturizing conditioner....I've tried Silk Elements and Aubrey Organics....only problem with AO White Chamelia is that its hard to get a hold of and that gets on my nerves. So Im on the hunt for something new.

Me Being a PJ in training and alll...... I love the DC by BEE Mine and Hairveda. Both are extremely moisturizing with good slip.

 

[Leslie_C]

I tried the AG fast food but it seemed to leave my hair feeling kind of waxy. I used it under my other natural products so that may have been the problem.

BTW, I did a twist out on my curlformer stretched hair and for the first time since I was relaxed my hair had tons of movement. I'm thinking those things were a good investment and I you couldn't tell me my twist out wasn't the bomb.

Z-kitty that is one issue for me....my hair has moisture finally but all the products used to achieve it are weighing it down so movement doesn't exist lol.....do you think the curlformers are the secret? I def did have some bouncy curls with them.

 

[MsDee14]

I want to retain as much length as possible and I get the most breakage from detangling..so I wash my hair in ponytail sections.

 

[MsDee14]

what brand do you take also? I am taking the GNC and I think it came with 120caps so Imma see how that goes for me. I wanna take it for atleast 6 months in order to give it the benefit of the doubt. My stylist recommends some type of HSN vit and my Biotin bottle states its for HSN. I dont wanna be on those expensive vits that ppl are running around here taking that basically do the same thing.

I take the Vitamin Shoppe Brand. I usually break open the capsule and put it in my Orange Juice.
I would take a HSN vitamin, but I'm scared of getting break-outs which I fortunately don't get with Biotin or MSM.

 

[chrisanddonniesmommy]

ZebraPrintLover
Ask away! I don't mind. I start with the front left, then back left, and then follow with the back right, and end with the front right. I don't know why, lol. It's just one of those quirks I have.

 

[Z-kitty]

Z-kitty that is one issue for me....my hair has moisture finally but all the products used to achieve it are weighing it down so movement doesn't exist lol.....do you think the curlformers are the secret? I def did have some bouncy curls with them.

Usually my hair is soft only when wet and still dries a little crunchy with no bounce. I used my same leave-in but with Jane Carter's wrap and roll so maybe that variable change caused the outcome. I'm going to try it again on Thursday to make sure it wasn't a fluke.

Any ideas on what I can add as a humidity blocker??? I had a fro at the end of the day.

 

[Sade18]

I'm in. I've been lurking around this site for forever now, finally decided to join lol I've been on a hair journey for almost a year, but I've only been transitioning for 11 weeks now. I'm super excited about it!!!!

 

[Leslie_C]

Usually my hair is soft only when wet and still dries a little crunchy with no bounce. I used my same leave-in but with Jane Carter's wrap and roll so maybe that variable change caused the outcome. I'm going to try it again on Thursday to make sure it wasn't a fluke.

Any ideas on what I can add as a humidity blocker??? I had a fro at the end of the day.

Z-kitty I used Elasta QP setting foam when I did my curlformer set. You are much further into your transition so Im sure that is a factor, but that and some coconut oil gave me very little frizz by the end of the day. I even had second day hair by pincurling them and I rarely if ever get 2 day hair lol.

 

[daviine]

I'm in. I've been lurking around this site for forever now, finally decided to join lol I've been on a hair journey for almost a year, but I've only been transitioning for 11 weeks now. I'm super excited about it!!!!

Welcome Sade18

Thanks for coming out of lurk mode. Happy hair growing!

 

[Leslie_C]

Usually my hair is soft only when wet and still dries a little crunchy with no bounce. I used my same leave-in but with Jane Carter's wrap and roll so maybe that variable change caused the outcome. I'm going to try it again on Thursday to make sure it wasn't a fluke.

Any ideas on what I can add as a humidity blocker??? I had a fro at the end of the day.

I'm in. I've been lurking around this site for forever now, finally decided to join lol I've been on a hair journey for almost a year, but I've only been transitioning for 11 weeks now. I'm super excited about it!!!!

Sade18 congrats on your decision to transition and welcome How long do you plan to transition? What is your current reimen?

 

[Lanea87]

I only wash in two sections. If that. I don't have the patience. I'll do more sections if it becomes an issue.

I went to Sally's for the Curlformers but they didn't have what I was looking for.

Replying from my phone sucks bc I don't remember what else I wanted to respond to. Oh well ;D

daviine, which ones are you looking for?

I want to retain as much length as possible and I get the most breakage from detangling..so I wash my hair in ponytail sections.

I take the Vitamin Shoppe Brand. I usually break open the capsule and put it in my Orange Juice.
I would take a HSN vitamin, but I'm scared of getting break-outs which I fortunately don't get with Biotin or MSM.

MsDee14, I get the most from detangling to, so I dont do it at ALL on wet hair and I add an moisturizer (extra TLC on the NG) before I do it normally.
And the HSN vit is not needed if you take a multi and Biotin already bc GNC UltraNourish has everything a multi has and only 1.2 -2 mg of Biotin. Ppl are getting breakouts from the Biotin not bc its HSN.

Basically your fine w/o the HSN.

ZebraPrintLover
Ask away! I don't mind. I start with the front left, then back left, and then follow with the back right, and end with the front right. I don't know why, lol. It's just one of those quirks I have.

chrisanddonniesmommy, Ok coolbeans LOL. I am trying to play it out in my head LOL, dont wanna make the process all long and stuff. I just added EVCO to my hair in 4 sections, imma sleep on it and wash it out in the morning with the CW.

Usually my hair is soft only when wet and still dries a little crunchy with no bounce. I used my same leave-in but with Jane Carter's wrap and roll so maybe that variable change caused the outcome. I'm going to try it again on Thursday to make sure it wasn't a fluke.

Any ideas on what I can add as a humidity blocker??? I had a fro at the end of the day.

Z-kitty, cones block huh? My understanding is that if your hair is super moisturized wheather it be DC or what it cant pull moisture from the environment. I read that somewhere, havent really tried it out cause I didnt care to keep my hair str8. Imma see how it works out for me over the weeks.

I'm in. I've been lurking around this site for forever now, finally decided to join lol I've been on a hair journey for almost a year, but I've only been transitioning for 11 weeks now. I'm super excited about it!!!!

Sade18, WELCOME HUN!!!!!!!!
What made you want to switch over?

 

[NJoy]

At 15 months post, and having a lot more natural hair, I'm njoy'g seeing my natural hair taking shape. It's no longer puffy roots but thin ends. I'm no longer worried about the dreaded line of demarcation and am learning how to handle my natural hair. I'm feeling pretty good about my transition and growth.