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
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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
So cute!! Will definitely help those with hair your length!!!
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!
Glad your routine is working for you..Definitely post some pics up Jax, so we can see everyone in this challenge starting point....
@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.
Try using Apple Cider Vinegar or Baking Soda to remove all the build up. That might help. And why are you using a leave-in daily? Does you hair need that much condish? Try reducing this also, to see if that helps.
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
Do you like Devacare and Jessie's? I've tried both and they didn't do anything for my hair. I use a shea mix similar to yours. I sometimes add aloe gel and whip it up.
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
How long do your twist normally last before you redo your entire head?
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!
I agree w/ limiting the washing/cowashing unless you are going to redo/touchup often.
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.
Good mix!!!
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
Hey..Thanks for the compliment. I truly appreciate it. Been natural since Feb 9, 2008. Wore my hair close to my scalp for 8 straight years and LOVED IT!!! That was truly my EFFORTLESS style. Then in Nov 2005, we relocated to Japan and I decided to left me hair grow. So my journey to this length started in Nov 2005.
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.
Missing your hair is definitely normal. I think that is why some only stay in twist for a few days and then wear twistouts.
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.
Definitely agree w/ the hair accessories. It's amazing what they can do to a boring ponytail....
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.
Your twist look fine. And I don't think you need to blowdry in order to lengthen or have neater twist. I twist large on damp hair. Then, the next day on dry hair, I separate the large twist and make them smaller. I then spritz with water and apply my shea mix. Doing it on dry hair gives me length, but blowdrying makes my hair hard.
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.
I did mini twist 1 time, and LOVED it. But it took way to long, so I haven't done them again. And I agree about not using a lot of product. Some use way too much......
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
Another suggestion is Curly Nikki's twist n curl. I bet that would look cute on you!!! My avatar pic is my TnC style.
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?
I'm at bra strap length and there still are times when my hair shrink up to my ears. Are you parting your hair. If so, try just grabbing hair and twisting. Sometimes the neat parts give too much of a scalpy look.
Hi ladies everyone's hair is looking so good. I just wanted to add my starting pic.
NICE!!!
which is the only reason my hair started to lock in small twists. You should be fine so long as you monitor your hair and don't overmanipulate it.
