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Transitioning without BC'ing Support Thread
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McBrides3
New Member
Hey McBrides3 ...How long has it been since you have had a relaxer? Have you tried doing a stretch test on wet hair? On a wet strand of shed hair, pull it and if it stretches and breaks like it is weak, it needs protein. If it just snaps without stretching much, it needs moisture. If it stretches a little and breaks but not easily then your balance is correct.
Under your moisture and seal list, you have hair butter and coconut oil and also wild growth oil for moisture. Those all sound like sealants you shoud be using on top of a leave in or water based moisturizer or even just on top of slightly dampened with a light mist of distilled water. Also are you working in at least 4 sections when you M&S? I find my hair gets moisturized so much better when I work in sections.
Have you tried Shea Moisture Products? Their Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Curl
and Style Milk make very good moisturizers. I had a hard time finding moistuizers that work for me too. My hair didnt care for the Cantu and shea
butter is pretty good if used on damp hair. I used it to two strand twist and my
hair was moist for days on end.
Is there a chance you might have buildup and need to clarify and start with a clean slate? Another thought is 3 times a week between cowashing and washing may be too much manipulation. I love frequent washing when my hair is all the same texture (for example when I was texlaxed)...but I try to limit it to twice a week now...one cowash, one wash. Id like to make it once a week, but my scalp isnt having it lol. I envy those who can make it two entire weeks.
Thats all Ive got lol
I am very thankful for the advice you have given. I think that I thought I was putting a lot of moisture in my hair when I wasn't. I think what my regimen is missing is a good moisture spray leave in and a intense moisture treatment. I didn't think I need an intense protein treatment. I think I will add my moisturizing products in my regimen and try the Shea Moisture products you suggested. I do clarify with Pantene when I feel it's needed I don't do it on a specific week because sometimes my hair just needs a co wash or a moisturing shampoo. Haveyou tried the mizzani intense moisture treatment?
Oh and yes I just did it and my hair did not break. But it did spring back some. I did pull on it quite hard lol. And my last relaxer was in mid April so I am going on a 3 month stretch and I haven't felt the need to relax my hair which is good.
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MarieB
Well-Known Member
Leslie_C
OMG...that was me around the same time...I air dried just to see where my new growth was, then had to put the pimp-hand on my scissor-happy self.
Reminded myself that I was on a specific journey for a reason, then walked away. I completely understand the inclination to get to cuttin', though! I am determined to at least try to make it through the holidays before I cut again. Stay strong, ladies!
OMG...that was me around the same time...I air dried just to see where my new growth was, then had to put the pimp-hand on my scissor-happy self.
Reminded myself that I was on a specific journey for a reason, then walked away. I completely understand the inclination to get to cuttin', though! I am determined to at least try to make it through the holidays before I cut again. Stay strong, ladies!
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Caramelangel247
New Member
I might be wrong but if you pull the hair and it flexes or springs back the elasticity means you have enough moisture. If it is gummy and too soft and stretchy then you need protein.
If you are relaxed then you need some protein in your regimine because the relaxer breaks down the natural keratin in order to straighten. If you have light protein in your products you might be fine. But if not you should consider getting one. I do a protein treatment every week or two since I moisturize and seal daily. Most people do it once a month and rarely if natural. But since my ends have been over processed I think ors is the only thing keeping my fragile ends strong. But now I know better than I did 8months ago.
If you are relaxed then you need some protein in your regimine because the relaxer breaks down the natural keratin in order to straighten. If you have light protein in your products you might be fine. But if not you should consider getting one. I do a protein treatment every week or two since I moisturize and seal daily. Most people do it once a month and rarely if natural. But since my ends have been over processed I think ors is the only thing keeping my fragile ends strong. But now I know better than I did 8months ago.
Meemee6223
Well-Known Member
Has anyone here used Carols daughter transitioning kit? Did it work well for you?
Meemee6223
Well-Known Member
MarieB said:
I have been transitioning with kinky twists. I recently took them down and before I could stop myself I had grabbed the scissors and chopped the entire front and top sections of my relaxed ends! So imagine, long shoulder/arm pit length sides and back, then 3 to 4 inches on the top and front. It's sad, really... So I immediately got the braids reinstalled.
I just finished retwisting my hair for tonight and got a little scissor happy on my thin relaxed end. I trimmed a good inch in the back but none in the front where my natural is still shorter than expected. I'll likely only have a BT in December as opposed to a BC.
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daviine
Well-Known Member
Random thoughts---that belong here because this is my home, lol.
I think I'm giving up on looking for a moisturizer. I'm just going to use diluted conditioner or diluted Giovanni Direct to moisturize my hair.
Is anyone else using the LOC method? So many damn steps and produsts. I just want a simple regimen.
Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and Humecto don't seem to work anymore. I'd be willing to give the set to my sister but I JUST paid $22.99 for the 16 ounce bottle of Humecto earlier this month. Too soon to forget about the investment.
I think I'm going to use the Humecto either before or after a cowash. It's not really detangling my hair anymore but I could use whatever deep conditioning properties it does have.
I usually use the Keracare shampoo right after my Head and Shoulders shampoo but now I'm thinking, why even bother with shampooing twice? I've been doing this for years but the Keracare doesn't seem to be hydrating or detangling my hair ,especially after the Head & Shoulders. I think I should just go straight from Head and Shoulders to a conditioner that I can rely on to soften my hair and then deep condition.
I'm going to be on unpaid leave soon so I feel pressured to find my staple products. I can't afford to be a PJ much longer.
I think I'm giving up on looking for a moisturizer. I'm just going to use diluted conditioner or diluted Giovanni Direct to moisturize my hair.
Is anyone else using the LOC method? So many damn steps and produsts. I just want a simple regimen.
Keracare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo and Humecto don't seem to work anymore. I'd be willing to give the set to my sister but I JUST paid $22.99 for the 16 ounce bottle of Humecto earlier this month. Too soon to forget about the investment.
I think I'm going to use the Humecto either before or after a cowash. It's not really detangling my hair anymore but I could use whatever deep conditioning properties it does have.
I usually use the Keracare shampoo right after my Head and Shoulders shampoo but now I'm thinking, why even bother with shampooing twice? I've been doing this for years but the Keracare doesn't seem to be hydrating or detangling my hair ,especially after the Head & Shoulders. I think I should just go straight from Head and Shoulders to a conditioner that I can rely on to soften my hair and then deep condition.
I'm going to be on unpaid leave soon so I feel pressured to find my staple products. I can't afford to be a PJ much longer.
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daviine
Well-Known Member
McBrides3
I think Leslie_C made good points about moisturizing and sealing. The only other thing I see is that when you use your protein, there seems to be a lot of it. I am not familiar with those products so they may all have gentle proteins for all I know. However, you have a protein shampoo, protein conditioner, and a protein leave-in conditioner. It could totally be fine since they are all from the same line and you only do this every other week. But given that you are using three protein products, I wonder if the Wheatgerm Conditioning Treatment is moisturizing enough ? Of course, only you would know the answer to this but that's just what I see from reading the regimen.
Just out of curiosity, why do you use this particular line anyway? Do you like how it makes your hair feel?
In any case, you (and I) have to learn to listen to our hair.
McBrides3
New Member
Well I was thinking about taking the protein shampoo and conditioner out my hair. I'm just not sure what shampoo and conditioner to use with my leave in and wheat germ conditioner. I think I may try to use a pre poo and then a moisturizing conditioner. And then follow up with my deep conditioner.
I have been trying to use Dominican hair product because I use to go to them all te time and I know that these products work for a fact.
I am looking for a moisturizer that is light enough for me to use in my hair out night and doesnt weigh it down in the day. I need something use with coconut oil. If you have any suggestions I will love to know what you use.
As well on new growth. I am going on a 4 month stretch and I am really starting to see the new growth
I'm almost 7 months post relaxer and i traded my braids for a sew in about a week ago. I'm NOT in love with it. It's a full sew in with a closure. This is my first full sew in and it's going to take some time for me to embrace this 
I will probably keep this for another 2 weeks (maybe) then look for some good wigs. Anyone with any suggestions on wigs please @me! Happy Hair Growing!
I will probably keep this for another 2 weeks (maybe) then look for some good wigs. Anyone with any suggestions on wigs please @me! Happy Hair Growing!
Lanea87
Natural Gang Gang Gang
Meemee6223
I am not about to play with you going crazy with them scissors. I wanna go back into braids but my edges are too fragile for them and they start twisting and pulling. I was getting my edges done every 4-5wks to prevent the twisting, but that wasnt much help. But I wasnt going to the Africans and they are a lil rough on your head, but the braids are soooooo cute 
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I am still M&S these raggedy braids (cornrolls) every other day, cant wait to redo them this weekend.
Meemee6223
Well-Known Member
ZebraPrintLover said:Meemee6223
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I am still M&S these raggedy braids (cornrolls) every other day, cant wait to redo them this weekend.
ZebraPrintLover
My edges were starting to get a little thin but I took the braids out in the areas that were thinning. I'd rather have a few braids missing in the front than have no edges at all... As much as I'd love to keep getting braids I don't want to sacrifice my edges to keep them. At the same time, what am I supposed to do with my hair? The front of my hair begs to reach my ponytail in the back.
WTH was I thinking? When I take these braids out I'll have to get pretty creative.
Leslie_C
Well-Known Member
@ZebraPrintLover
My edges were starting to get a little thin but I took the braids out in the areas that were thinning. I'd rather have a few braids missing in the front than have no edges at all... As much as I'd love to keep getting braids I don't want to sacrifice my edges to keep them. At the same time, what am I supposed to do with my hair? The front of my hair begs to reach my ponytail in the back.
Meemee6223
OMG what you did sounds like something I would do, except if I did half my head Id just go ahead and cut the rest too lol. Are you still able to style it like that? My hair is shorter in the front/top than the sides/back but I can slick it down to get it into a puff, bun, etc. If you cant do any styles in its current state Id just BC and braid/wig/weave until you are comfortable enough with the length to wear it out. A positive spin on it could be that you can practice your styling on the all natural hair and by the time you wear it out you will have it down to a science and it will look really good. How many months post are you? Nevermind my suggestion if you can still work with it and do a few styles.
Lanea87
Natural Gang Gang Gang
ZebraPrintLover
My edges were starting to get a little thin but I took the braids out in the areas that were thinning. I'd rather have a few braids missing in the front than have no edges at all... As much as I'd love to keep getting braids I don't want to sacrifice my edges to keep them. At the same time, what am I supposed to do with my hair? The front of my hair begs to reach my ponytail in the back.
Wigs??
Quickweaves??
U-Parts????
Do you like any of them?
TokyoReina
New Member
If I don't get a weave soon, I'm going to give in an BC.
I'm a year post, and while I love that I've finally got enough natural hair to see... it's a mess to deal with. And has been for the entire year. I can't wait to put it away and give myself a break. A chance to think about something other than hair.
I'm a year post, and while I love that I've finally got enough natural hair to see... it's a mess to deal with. And has been for the entire year. I can't wait to put it away and give myself a break. A chance to think about something other than hair.
daviine
Well-Known Member
MsDee14
I have two sections from breakage. They are the unruly edges I'm always talking about. Thing 1 and Thing 2. I think a section in the back, also from breakage but not too sure.
If I don't get a weave soon, I'm going to give in an BC.
TokyoReina
I know how you feel even though I'm not a year post. I'd like to try wigs but my husband has very strong feelings against wigs, weaves, and braids. He thinks I should BC but I don't know. I'd like to think about something else than hair but sometimes its a nice distraction.
Oh my goodness...I meant to post this earlier and forgot. I went out today and forgot my headband. I looked like a derelict with Thing 1 and Thing 2 fuzzing and acting out. If anyone was thinking about going natural, I'm sure my hair discouraged them.
I am so not "that girl". 
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Shelew
Well-Known Member
Meemee6223 said:
Yes I bought it. Nothing to write home about. The second step where you have to "part hair" and put some scalp treatment was a no go for my 4a hair. I can not be doing all that manipulation while hair is wet. I had hairs everywhere. The conditioner was just ok. I will not be purchasing again.
MystiqueBabe
New Member
Yes but it was due to breakage(which was my fault) I trimmed it so it can grow healthy again. And I have purposefully cut off some relaxed ends just so I can play the the NG I keep my hair in buns so it's easy to hide lol.
MsDee14
I have two sections from breakage. They are the unruly edges I'm always talking about. Thing 1 and Thing 2. I think a section in the back, also from breakage but not too sure.
I know how you feel even though I'm not a year post. I'd like to try wigs but my husband has very strong feelings against wigs, weaves, and braids. He thinks I should BC but I don't know. I'd like to think about something else than hair but sometimes its a nice distraction.
Oh my goodness...I meant to post this earlier and forgot. I went out today and forgot my headband. I looked like a derelict with Thing 1 and Thing 2 fuzzing and acting out. If anyone was thinking about going natural, I'm sure my hair discouraged them.
Hey girl!
LOL @ thing 1 and thing 2. I'm sure once you get more growth they won't even bother you anymore.
Have you tried twist with your own hair, clipped up? That's what's holding me down during this transition.
Meemee6223
Well-Known Member
ZebraPrintLover said:
I've never worn wigs or quick weaves... What's a "u part"? I've been curious about half wigs for a while. I may look into that. Depending on how my edges look after I take these braids out I may try to get one more install. That would get me through 6 months (with the previous, current and the next instalment). ZebraPrintLover
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Meemee6223
Well-Known Member
Shelew said:
Well, I guess I should've asked BEFORE I purchased it.
I thought the spray would be good for my scalp since I'm in braids. I need something for my scalp because it itches with the braids. I have to wash at least once a week. I recently read that listerine would help with the scalp issue. I'm surprised to say it helped my scalp but I'm afraid it will dry out my hair.My hair appears to be 4a in the back, 4b on the sides and 4c on the top and front.
erplexed I have no idea what kinds of products to use.
MVPMOM
New Member
Hello everyone! I am coming out of "lurk" mode to post.... I am hoping to do a long term transition. I am about 9 weeks post and am about bra strap length. I really want to not cut any hair until I can pull my natural hair into at least a puff or maybe longer. This is going to be a BIG challenge for me, as I have very little patience for tangles. I have been natural several times before, but I am hoping to stay with it this time.
Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful tips so far!
Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful tips so far!
toyas08
Well-Known Member
Leslie_C, see I have a tiny ponytail when its on top of my head and thats where I wear my buns. Plus you can rocks the scraves, see my head shape must be too slick or something cause they just slide on back....right off my head
I seen this YT video of a wigged up bun, I will either make one or buy one and rock that for like a month or so off and on.
I know thats what I was looking at How many months post are you toyas08?
I'm super late replying... I'm 13 months post relaxer today. I'm pretty sure I'll be BCing sooner than 18 months post.
Im so mad my twist outs and braid outs look a hot mess. I can't wait to cut all the relax ends off.
toyas08
Well-Known Member
Thank you
Meemee6223
Well-Known Member
Leslie_C said:
I am 11 months post. The front of my hair grows much slower than the rest and is very coarse. I think working out and drinking green smoothies made it grow faster in the beginning of my transition.
There is no way I can style it the way it is. I just ordered some hair skin and nails vitamins in hopes that it will grow just a tad faster. I'll definitely need to get reacquainted with more weave styles when I take these braids out. I've also been thinking about a sew in. can u wash your hair when you have a sew in?
Leslie_C
Well-Known Member
MsDee14
I cut my hair at the nape to be all natural bc it had some breakage anyway...I love to play with it lol. I can still gel it up and make it lay down when I wear my hair up. I have an area on my left side in the middle that I need to just chop bc it feels rough and has breakage and just random thin ends and the natural part has SSKs in it (I think thats why it feels rough when I feel it. But I havent bc I need those ends so when I do my two strand twists on my own hair that were inspired by none other than YOU!
Speaking of which, can you give me some tips on maintaining them? I just put a set in today and they took forever..I would like to at least make them last a week or more this time.daviine You are cracking me up! I think you are too hard on yourself, Im sure it isnt as bad as you think and like someone else said, when you get more length thing 1 and 2 will be easier to tame.@MsDee14
I have two sections from breakage. They are the unruly edges I'm always talking about. Thing 1 and Thing 2. I think a section in the back, also from breakage but not too sure.
@TokyoReina
I know how you feel even though I'm not a year post. I'd like to try wigs but my husband has very strong feelings against wigs, weaves, and braids. He thinks I should BC but I don't know. I'd like to think about something else than hair but sometimes its a nice distraction.
Oh my goodness...I meant to post this earlier and forgot. I went out today and forgot my headband. I looked like a derelict with Thing 1 and Thing 2 fuzzing and acting out. If anyone was thinking about going natural, I'm sure my hair discouraged them.
My hubby doesnt like weaves/wigs,etc either. Then again, neither do I but those u part wigs look very tempting! You could sew them around the perimeter of your braids/twists for security with just a few pieces of thread and take it down every week in like 5 minutes and get to your own hair to give it some TLC. It would be a nice break! But I know what you mean about hair being a good distractions sometimes too...its kind of my hobby now, but Im sure that will get old as time passes lol.
Meemee6223
I just started taking a hair skin and nails vitamin too. My front grows slower as well. I have only had a sew in once several years ago, but yep Im pretty sure you can still wash you hair, you just have to be sure it gets dry bc the hair on top blocks it fom getting much air.
Can you get your hair into a high puff and slick the top down? Or wear headbands/scarves in the front with the back out?
