Twisting FOR Growth Challenge Part 3!!!!!!

[Ms Lala]

I just tried EQP Creme Conditioning Shampoo It cleansed my hair but was gentle. No tangles or dryness afterward. I detangled w/ cholesterol, then followed up by shampooing and applied the EQP H-2 leave in. My hair feels good right now.

 

[Ms Lala]

Okay here is my starting point. I was so sad to see that my hair is the same length it's been for about 2 years now. Not to mention I think it looks less healthy. These are fat twists done on air dried hair. I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I need to adjust my hair routine. I know I slacked off this past month or so but that wouldnt' have ruined a year's worth of work. I don't know what to do. My hair breaks off in about 1/4 inch pieces everytime I comb. I've tried protein, moisture,and baggying, but it hasn't worked so now I don't know what to do.

 

[oooop2]

Okay here is my starting point. I was so sad to see that my hair is the same length it's been for about 2 years now. Not to mention I think it looks less healthy. These are fat twists done on air dried hair. I don't know what I'm doing wrong but I need to adjust my hair routine. I know I slacked off this past month or so but that wouldnt' have ruined a year's worth of work. I don't know what to do. My hair breaks off in about 1/4 inch pieces everytime I comb. I've tried protein, moisture,and baggying, but it hasn't worked so now I don't know what to do.

Your hair doesn't look bad, but I can understand your frustration on not seeing any growth in 2yrs.

How often do you wash your hair? Do you DC everytime you wash? How often do you trim your ends or do a search and destroy? What products are you using on your hair daily to help maintain your moisture balance? Do you used combs/brushes on your hair?

For me, I have great retention, but I tend to keep things simple. I cowash at least 3x/wk unless I'm in twistouts. I wear large/medium twist 90% of the time. I don't keep my twist in for longer than 10 days. I make sure to over my hair at night with a silk scarf. I don't use combs/brushes, but a lot of condish and my hands to detangle and remove shedded strands. I only use Herbal Essence condish on my hair. I make sure to mist my twist at least 2x/day with water,fFollowed by a mix of oils, shea butter, aloe, and some glycerine. This mix leaves my hair soft and moisturized.

I would say good through your regime, and tweek some stuff out that may not be working.

 

[Soliel185]

So far I'm sticking with the challenge, but my SO hates the twists and that's not helping.

I'm hoping he'll see the twistouts as a compromise.

 

[Dragone]

I kept finding ginormous splits in the crown of my head, so I decided to cut 1" all around that layer. So irritating, but I don't want my hair to break all off because I was too much of a wuss to trim. Hopefully they will get under better control now, maybe I'll buy some of that Garnier split sealer stuff.

 

[loolalooh]

CHECKIN: Going on week #2 in these twists. Not tired of them yet. It helps that I don't have time to do anything else with my hair either. LOL.

 

[RubyWoo]

I've been following along since the last challenge (once I bc'd) and plan to follow along with this one. I've been rocking twists for a week and a half and then a twist out for a few days and then retwist. Ultimately, I've been twisting my hair every two weeks.

I did some twists last week and was currently on week two. I did my twists much smaller this time and noticed some of my hair was starting to lock. I did shampoo and deep condition w/heat on Sunday. I took out my twists this evening to detangle. I plan to put some single strand twists/coils tonight to last me until Sunday (twist day).

How long are you leaving in you ladies leaving in your twists and what are you doing to prevent locking? I would like to start doing mini twists and don't want any issues with locking. I didn't have locking issues when my twists were a little bigger.

 

[Ms Lala]

Ooop2
Here are the answers to your questions. Maybe you ( or anyone else who wants to contribute) can help me w/my regimen.

Your hair doesn't look bad, but I can understand your frustration on not seeing any growth in 2yrs.

Thanks, it's hard to tell but it just looks more dull than I"m used to it looking. That may be because I usually blowdry it first. But I"m trying to cut back on heat again to see if that's the culprit.

How often do you wash your hair? When it's in twist I only wash once every 2 weeks. If I need to I cowash in between but it is rare I do it. I noticed I got alot of shedding when I cowashed often.

Do you DC everytime you wash? No, I used to, now I only DC 1x per month. I"ve gotten lazy w/that maybe I should get back to this.

How often do you trim your ends or do a search and destroy? Um, you got me on that one. I kind of trim randomly when I figure I need it and if I notice a split I cut it.

What products are you using on your hair daily to help maintain your moisture balance? I was using a cholesterol, glycerin, and oil mix that I made. I also was using Hawaian silky 14 n1. I stopped using those and now I'm trying EQP Mango butter and sealing w/shea butter and olive oil mix.

Do you used combs/brushes on your hair? I use a wide tooth comb to detangle on wash days. Sometimes I follow it up with the Add+Shine wide paddle brush to detangle. This is when I really notice breakage, when I am combing and brushing. It's horrible. Maybe I'm too rough w/my hair.

I noticed my hair seemed to like Hairveda products but I stopped buying them once I moved to TX because of shipping. Since then I've been trying different things and I think not having a consistent regimen isn't helping my hair.

 

[Fhrizzball]

Just throwing a question out there but what do you ladies twist your hair with?

 

[RubyWoo]

Just throwing a question out there but what do you ladies twist your hair with?

I use a leave-in (usually Giovanni Direct Leave-in) plus 1-2 styling products depending on how I feel. I usually use Frederick Fekkai Luscious Curls Cream, Fantasia IC Gel or Mizani Silk Defining Mousse. Using styling product helps to keep my ends smooth.

 

[oooop2]

So far I'm sticking with the challenge, but my SO hates the twists and that's not helping.

I'm hoping he'll see the twistouts as a compromise.

You're not alone. My husband of almost 12yrs HATES my large twist. He finds them WAY too chunky and unattractive. However, he LOVES the twistouts that they produce. But he ultimately believes that it is MY hair and I need to do to it what I see fit. So my compromise is wearing T/Os on the weekends if we are going somewhere. Or placing my hair in smaller twist and wearing an updo. Hopefully you guys can find a happy medium. If not, you've gotta do what makes you happy......

I kept finding ginormous splits in the crown of my head, so I decided to cut 1" all around that layer. So irritating, but I don't want my hair to break all off because I was too much of a wuss to trim. Hopefully they will get under better control now, maybe I'll buy some of that Garnier split sealer stuff.

So your splits are in the crown?? Do you know what's causing it? Is that area drier than the other sections on your hair?

CHECKIN: Going on week #2 in these twists. Not tired of them yet. It helps that I don't have time to do anything else with my hair either. LOL.

That's the reason I love wearing twist. You can do them 1x, then not have to fool with them (besides keeping them moisturized) for awhile.

I've been following along since the last challenge (once I bc'd) and plan to follow along with this one. I've been rocking twists for a week and a half and then a twist out for a few days and then retwist. Ultimately, I've been twisting my hair every two weeks.

I did some twists last week and was currently on week two. I did my twists much smaller this time and noticed some of my hair was starting to lock. I did shampoo and deep condition w/heat on Sunday. I took out my twists this evening to detangle. I plan to put some single strand twists/coils tonight to last me until Sunday (twist day).

How long are you leaving in you ladies leaving in your twists and what are you doing to prevent locking? I would like to start doing mini twists and don't want any issues with locking. I didn't have locking issues when my twists were a little bigger.

How are you moisturizing your twist. I find that my daily regime of spritzing my twist with water, then applying my shea butter mix give my hair good slip and as a result it doesn't lock. I have found that when I only spritz but don't add enough moisturizing cream, my hair tend to tangle/matte together more.

Ooop2
Here are the answers to your questions. Maybe you ( or anyone else who wants to contribute) can help me w/my regimen.

Your hair doesn't look bad, but I can understand your frustration on not seeing any growth in 2yrs.

Thanks, it's hard to tell but it just looks more dull than I"m used to it looking. That may be because I usually blowdry it first. But I"m trying to cut back on heat again to see if that's the culprit.

Yeah..Try removing direct heat from your regime and see if that works.

How often do you wash your hair? When it's in twist I only wash once every 2 weeks. If I need to I cowash in between but it is rare I do it. I noticed I got alot of shedding when I cowashed often.

If you are not going to cowash often, what are you doing/going to do in order to help maintain moisture in your hair?

Do you DC everytime you wash? No, I used to, now I only DC 1x per month. I"ve gotten lazy w/that maybe I should get back to this.

I RARELY DC. It's just something that isn't a priority to me. Yet, I still achieve and retain growth. So I'm definitely not one of those on the DC bandwagon....


How often do you trim your ends or do a search and destroy? Um, you got me on that one. I kind of trim randomly when I figure I need it and if I notice a split I cut it.

I tend to seek out knots when I am twisting my hair. If I feel them, I clip them off.

What products are you using on your hair daily to help maintain your moisture balance? I was using a cholesterol, glycerin, and oil mix that I made. I also was using Hawaian silky 14 n1. I stopped using those and now I'm trying EQP Mango butter and sealing w/shea butter and olive oil mix.

How does your hair feel after using this mix?

Do you used combs/brushes on your hair? I use a wide tooth comb to detangle on wash days. Sometimes I follow it up with the Add+Shine wide paddle brush to detangle. This is when I really notice breakage, when I am combing and brushing. It's horrible. Maybe I'm too rough w/my hair.

I noticed my hair seemed to like Hairveda products but I stopped buying them once I moved to TX because of shipping. Since then I've been trying different things and I think not having a consistent regimen isn't helping my hair.

That is EXACTLY why I had to stop using combs/brushes. I was just too rough and causing unnecessary breakage. Now I just use my hands and a lot of condish and that does the trick. It's RARE that I use a brush/comb on my hair.

Just throwing a question out there but what do you ladies twist your hair with?

On damp hair, I apply a blend of shea butter, castor or coconut oil, aloe gel, and a small amt of glycerin. I something change up my mix, and a consistent ingredient is my shea butter and some oil.

Update on me:

Wore twistouts for the past 4 days. Washed, detangled, and placed my hair in large twist last night. Will wear twistouts on the weekend, then retwist on Monday.

Hope everyone is doing well!!!

 

[bablou00]

Okay back from cleveland so I can post some starting pics now. I have been twisted up since last Thursday night. It took me a long time but well worth it being out of town and not worrying about my hair. My family who hasnt seen me in awhile loved my hair. I didnt get one nasty comment which I never expected from my family. Just the usually why did u cut of that hair !!!!
These pics are from last wk right after I washed, before I twisted and how my twist came out. I also updated my fotki. My routine is real simple as far as products and maintence. Im keeping it really low and simple. Washing when I work out and trying to stick with the same products for six months.
Happy twisting ladies

 

[Jaxhair]

Hello ladies! So sorry, not checked in yet. Been too busy changing jobs (applying, studying for interview etc), and well, it's all paid up, I've a new job - hurray!

I'm in twists right now, into the second week with them (might be trouble taking out but I'll be positive). I co-wash + sodium bicarbonate) and deep condition every week, mostly Saturdays post swimming with hubby and step son. I'm loving a simple routine, and here's to hoping it'll do my hair some good. Will post pics soon - my hair pics at the end of TFG pt 2 will be the same for the beginning of this one (makes sense?). Will endeavour to post these soon, I promise!

 

[rsmith]

I twisted my hair yesterday. I will post pics tonight.

 

[RubyWoo]

@oooop2: I use a creamy leave-in every single day including wash day. That probably is the problem. I even used a creamy leave-in after washing and when my hair was dry, it felt like there was buildup even though I just washed my hair. I think I may go back to my usual size twists or get a liquid leave-in for my small twists. I ended up twisting my usual size twists last night and I'm happy.

@bablou: I love your hair! It is sooo thick...I love it! I would love to do twists like yours and get similar results. Maybe in the future.

 

[bablou00]

@oooop2: I use a creamy leave-in every single day including wash day. That probably is the problem. I even used a creamy leave-in after washing and when my hair was dry, it felt like there was buildup even though I just washed my hair. I think I may go back to my usual size twists or get a liquid leave-in for my small twists. I ended up twisting my usual size twists last night and I'm happy.

@bablou: I love your hair! It is sooo thick...I love it! I would love to do twists like yours and get similar results. Maybe in the future.

Thank you it took a couple of trys to get it like I like it. I guess Im sticking with the small twist for now. Ull get there girl especially doing this challenge.

 

[bablou00]

Just throwing a question out there but what do you ladies twist your hair with?

I put on my leave in conditioner devacare one and jessi wkly deep con. Then I have a spray bottle and a shea mix with jojoba, coconut and EVOO oil next to my side. I usually dip my fingers in the shea on each twist or if my hair starts to get dry I will section off a chunk squirt with water then run some shea thru that section. The shea mix holds my twist well and keeps them moistured and gives them sheen

 

[bablou00]

I've been following along since the last challenge (once I bc'd) and plan to follow along with this one. I've been rocking twists for a week and a half and then a twist out for a few days and then retwist. Ultimately, I've been twisting my hair every two weeks.

I did some twists last week and was currently on week two. I did my twists much smaller this time and noticed some of my hair was starting to lock. I did shampoo and deep condition w/heat on Sunday. I took out my twists this evening to detangle. I plan to put some single strand twists/coils tonight to last me until Sunday (twist day).

How long are you leaving in you ladies leaving in your twists and what are you doing to prevent locking? I would like to start doing mini twists and don't want any issues with locking. I didn't have locking issues when my twists were a little bigger.

Here in the last 2mons I have been washing my hair almost daily (no shamppoo just running water in my hair or with a little bit of conditioner) while in twist. I make my twist small too but I think what really helps me is running my fingerst thru my hair and finding pieces that I feel need to be retwisted. That way they dont look frizzy or lock up. I think the water helps but I dont go to bed with wet hair. Learned that the first wk I was natural...lol

 

[loolalooh]

Okay back from cleveland so I can post some starting pics now. I have been twisted up since last Thursday night. It took me a long time but well worth it being out of town and not worrying about my hair. My family who hasnt seen me in awhile loved my hair. I didnt get one nasty comment which I never expected from my family. Just the usually why did u cut of that hair !!!!
These pics are from last wk right after I washed, before I twisted and how my twist came out. I also updated my fotki. My routine is real simple as far as products and maintence. Im keeping it really low and simple. Washing when I work out and trying to stick with the same products for six months.
Happy twisting ladies

I HEART your hair texture and color! So gorgeous.

 

[loolalooh]

I've been following along since the last challenge (once I bc'd) and plan to follow along with this one. I've been rocking twists for a week and a half and then a twist out for a few days and then retwist. Ultimately, I've been twisting my hair every two weeks.

I did some twists last week and was currently on week two. I did my twists much smaller this time and noticed some of my hair was starting to lock. I did shampoo and deep condition w/heat on Sunday. I took out my twists this evening to detangle. I plan to put some single strand twists/coils tonight to last me until Sunday (twist day).

How long are you leaving in you ladies leaving in your twists and what are you doing to prevent locking? I would like to start doing mini twists and don't want any issues with locking. I didn't have locking issues when my twists were a little bigger.

The last time I wore mini twists, I had them in for 6 weeks and co-washed every other day to daily. My hair started to loc and it was a disastrous takedown. Never again with the frequent co-washing.

Right now, I'm wearing medium twists for 4 weeks and just washing weekly. My hair should be alright. Eventually I'll go back to mini twists, but wash weekly instead of as frequently as I did the last time.

To prevent locking I HIGHLY recommend keeping washing/co-washing to a minimum. Weekly works for me; I've heard of some who are able to wash 2x a week. While washing, try not to overmanipulate your roots; washing in plaits or with a stocking cap. Keep the hair sufficiently moisturized but don't overdo the products; that'll contribute to meshing. Oh, and it helps to redo the perimeter ... that area tends to lock faster for me. Lastly, you can further minimize locking by braiding the roots, though it's not necessary. HTH!

 

[loolalooh]

Just throwing a question out there but what do you ladies twist your hair with?

I currently use a homemade whipped shea butter mixture. (Unrefined shea butter mixed with safflower oil, olive oil, and coconut oil.) I've also started using gel on my edges and the twists in the front for a "neater" appearance.

 

[Anew]

Okay..Here is my update:

Length at the end of Dec 2008

In Feb 2009, I cut off about 1/2 to 1in from my ends due to knots/split ends/incomplete splits. Check out my FOTKI Feb 2009 album to see pics of my trim. So I took it between the 5 and 5.5 mark on my shirt. Sorry didn't capture pics with my length shirt after the trim.

My hair AFTER I did the cut:

Here is my growth as of today:

My husband is still learning, but I'm at the 7.5 mark. This is after I trimmed in Feb. 09. My current length is a little below BSL. Aiming for the 8.5 mark by the end of this challenge.

My plan is to continue doing my detangling process like I've posted in the fotki album. I think I overdid my henna treatments during TFG #2 and as a result, my hair was overly dry. Will now only henna every 4-6wks. Also, wearing large twist (about 15-20) works best of me. It's easy to do, easy to detangle, and leaves me with nice/thick/bouncy twistouts. So I will be maintaining this sz twist t/o this challenge.

Can't wait to see everyone growth come Dec

Gosh I love your hair! Hhow long have you been natural and did you bc or transition? I'm sure all that info is in your fotki but I can't see fotki at work

 

[Soliel185]

I know I'm being a baby, but I miss my hair!

Hopefully I'll get more used to having it all put away soon. It is really easy to care for and keep moisturized, but at the same time now it feels so.....normal.

I will post pics later today of the updo I semi invented this morning.

 

[loolalooh]

I know I'm being a baby, but I miss my hair!

Hopefully I'll get more used to having it all put away soon. It is really easy to care for and keep moisturized, but at the same time now it feels so.....normal.

I will post pics later today of the updo I semi invented this morning.

Awww ... you're not alone. It's fine to feel that way especially after a fresh BC. Try to keep in mind that twisting is your ticket to growth retention. That's why I ran back to this challenge. LOL.

Like you and Oooop, my SO hates my twists, but I basically tell him "whatever". He also wishes my hair were longer so I tell him the only way I can get there is by twisting. Now he puts up with it.

Also, you can spice up your twists when you get bored. Throw on a flower, do smaller twists for more versatility, undo a few twists, or go for an allout twistout.

Hang in there.

 

[Soliel185]

Awww ... you're not alone. It's fine to feel that way especially after a fresh BC. Try to keep in mind that twisting is your ticket to growth retention. That's why I ran back to this challenge. LOL.

Like you and Oooop, my SO hates my twists, but I basically tell him "whatever". He also wishes my hair were longer so I tell him the only way I can get there is by twisting. Now he puts up with it.

Also, you can spice up your twists when you get bored. Throw on a flower, do smaller twists for more versatility, undo a few twists, or go for an allout twistout.

Hang in there.

I know, I know.

I also kinda think my twists look like used up doody but the only way to improve them is to keep trying.

I was thinking about trying smaller twists, but after reading about the locking issues some ladies were having earlier in the thread I'm a bit scared. Hopefully I can find a good balance between the two and come up with the perfect size.

I had considered lightly blowdrying my hair in order to lengthen and neaten the twists, but I haven't used direct heat since...uh....April-ish(?) and the idea of blowdrying THEN twisting my hair is so daunting I don't even want to consider it.

 

[bablou00]

I HEART your hair texture and color! So gorgeous.

Thanks so much!!! Im trying girl!! I luv ur hair by the way and am always on your blog....so informative

 

[bablou00]

I know, I know.

I also kinda think my twists look like used up doody but the only way to improve them is to keep trying.

I was thinking about trying smaller twists, but after reading about the locking issues some ladies were having earlier in the thread I'm a bit scared. Hopefully I can find a good balance between the two and come up with the perfect size.

I had considered lightly blowdrying my hair in order to lengthen and neaten the twists, but I haven't used direct heat since...uh....April-ish(?) and the idea of blowdrying THEN twisting my hair is so daunting I don't even want to consider it.

I know smaller twist take a little bit longer to do but I think you should try it to switch it up a little. You just have to be careful with what you put in your hair I feel in order to prevent locking. I havent experienced locking and maybe thats because my hair is short but I think its because I dont use a lot of product but a little bit of conditioner and coconut oil or shea butter when I think its getting to dry. Smaller twist can give you longer results and you can retwist here and there if needed.

 

[Ms Lala]

I know, I know.

I also kinda think my twists look like used up doody but the only way to improve them is to keep trying.

I was thinking about trying smaller twists, but after reading about the locking issues some ladies were having earlier in the thread I'm a bit scared. Hopefully I can find a good balance between the two and come up with the perfect size.

I had considered lightly blowdrying my hair in order to lengthen and neaten the twists, but I haven't used direct heat since...uh....April-ish(?) and the idea of blowdrying THEN twisting my hair is so daunting I don't even want to consider it.

I just peeked at your fotki and your twists don't look anything like doody. YOu have a gorgeous face and I can't imagine any style looking bad on you. I would suggest doing some flat twists in the front to accent your face and smaller twists in the back. When my hair was about your length I used to roll my twists on small rollers for a fuller effect. ALso doing them on dry hair that has been stretched some way helps w/length. IHTH

 

[aprils13]

Ladies, how long was your hair before you were able to get a cute set of bob-style twists? My hair is almost sl but my twist come up shorter and plus you can see still my scalp.

Soliel185, how long is your hair?

 

[rsmith]

Hi ladies everyone's hair is looking so good. I just wanted to add my starting pic.