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

[Dragone]

Just checking in. I'm overnight conditioning with HE anti-frizz conditioner and will twist in the morning. I wore my twists up until the weekend last week and then twist-outs this weekend.

 

[Ms Lala]

Haha...I wanted to start a thread about this awhile ago but Im sure theres thousands but ever since Ive BC'd I can not keep my hands out of my hair either. I am always pulling and playing and feeling. I just cant get enough. I think Im gonna join you on that because I have it bad!!!

It's so hard not to put my hands in my hair!!!! I need an intervention.

 

[tallnomad]

Ms Lala--I LOVE your hair. Is it possible for you to wear a big claw clip or put it in one of those Goody rubberbands so it's out of your reach?

I've been wearing my twists in buns because I definitely have the hands in hair disease. My bangs are out, so I'm constantly messing in them and cutting off random splits.

And like you, I also use heat in my hair first before making my twists. I either twist on already pressed hair (usually 2 week-old pressed hair) or have a friend lightly press my roots, however, I want to try something different next time.

I typed my new plans for heat in the old Twisting thread. I plan on washing and deep conditioning in big twists and then sitting under the hooded dryer as I believe this will "set" my hair and make it much more loose (almost like a roller set). Then, I will undo the big twists, lightly press the roots and then re-twist into small twists.

I haven't tried this yet, but will post my results in about 2 weeks when I try this.

Well I am checking-in. I have figured out part of the reason why I am not retaining length. Today I noticed that while I am working (studying, on the computer etc...) I literally pull on my hair.l I didn't realize I was doing this. I had little broken hairs on my shirt from pulling and tugging. So my new goal is to keep my hands out of my hair.

 

[Ms Lala]

Ms Lala--I LOVE your hair. Is it possible for you to wear a big claw clip or put it in one of those Goody rubberbands so it's out of your reach?

I've been wearing my twists in buns because I definitely have the hands in hair disease. My bangs are out, so I'm constantly messing in them and cutting off random splits.

And like you, I also use heat in my hair first before making my twists. I either twist on already pressed hair (usually 2 week-old pressed hair) or have a friend lightly press my roots, however, I want to try something different next time.

I typed my new plans for heat in the old Twisting thread. I plan on washing and deep conditioning in big twists and then sitting under the hooded dryer as I believe this will "set" my hair and make it much more loose (almost like a roller set). Then, I will undo the big twists, lightly press the roots and then re-twist into small twists.

I haven't tried this yet, but will post my results in about 2 weeks when I try this.

Thank you so much because I'm not feeling my hair right now. I have been wearing my twists in a bun at work. The problems start when I get home and take my hair down. That's when I catch myself pulling on it. I'm going to try leaving it pinned up until bed time though and just make myself leave it alone. I started thinking about it and realized that I got the most growth when I did the hide your hair challenge where I either wore wigs or my hair pinned up and just left it alone. I was also using little heat then since my hair was usually hidden or pinned up. So I'm staying away from the heat and I am really going to try and keep my hands out of my hair.

Please let me know how sitting under the dryer in twists turns out. I would like an alternative to air drying w/o using the blowdryer. It takes sooooo long for my hair to dry which is why I started blowdrying. Plus I find that my twists are less fuzzy when I use heat first but I want to retain length so I'm willing to sacrifice and deal with the fuzz.

 

[Soliel185]

^^^ I typically twist my hair the day after a wng.

Then I just need my spray bottle of water to coil the ends and smooth the sections as I twist. It's been working out well for me so far.

Today was my first time wearing my hair out since we started the challenge. I had a twist out, but then part of it got wet in the shower so it was all kinds of loosy goosey semi puffed gloriousness this afternoon.

I shook it out like a champion and wore it proudly around town with some giant earrings.

 

[oooop2]

Hi ladies!

Apologies it's taken me 2 weeks, but here are my starting pics:

Thanks for posting

I look so dorky, lol! Anyway.... I'm hoping my hair at the front is closer to my chin at the end of the challenge, and the side is well at or past the collarbone. Still unable to take pics of the back but I'm aiming for APL back there. Whether I can achieve that in the next 3 months is doubtful, but I want to be able to hold a strand and take a pic, lol!

You need to do what I do and have your camera on timer, then have your hubby pull on your hair...LOL

Your shots look good no dorkness in these parts! I'm sure u will get there in three months wtih twisting. I have see a nice amt of growth since I've bc'd and been twisted up the whole time. I think we all will see some good results if we stick with this till the end.

I have been twisted since last wk this Wednesday will be two wks. I am going to see if I can keep these in for 3 to 4 wks with just retwisting as needed. I love seing my hair out so that's going to be a challenge keeping them in for so long! I still co wash daily. I'm thinking if I make it to 3wks I will have a good shampoo day to get some residu from products out. Will keep u ladies posted

I wish I could keep them in that long. But FRIZZ central sets in and I have to redo.

CHECKIN: Okay, so I'm with Bablou ... I'm wrapping week #2 in these twists. I did a prepoo, wash, condition, and seal this morning. Tomorrow morning I'll redo the perimeter. Two more weeks to go and I'll take these babies out for a break.

That's what I like...KISS!!!

Well I am checking-in. I have figured out part of the reason why I am not retaining length. Today I noticed that while I am working (studying, on the computer etc...) I literally pull on my hair.l I didn't realize I was doing this. I had little broken hairs on my shirt from pulling and tugging. So my new goal is to keep my hands out of my hair.

OMG..I have the SAME problem. My hand is CONSTANTLY in my head. The only time it is not is when I am in twistouts or TnC b/c I don't want to mess up my style.

When you learn how to stop, let me know...LOL

Ms Lala--I LOVE your hair. Is it possible for you to wear a big claw clip or put it in one of those Goody rubberbands so it's out of your reach?

I've been wearing my twists in buns because I definitely have the hands in hair disease. My bangs are out, so I'm constantly messing in them and cutting off random splits.

And like you, I also use heat in my hair first before making my twists. I either twist on already pressed hair (usually 2 week-old pressed hair) or have a friend lightly press my roots, however, I want to try something different next time.

I typed my new plans for heat in the old Twisting thread. I plan on washing and deep conditioning in big twists and then sitting under the hooded dryer as I believe this will "set" my hair and make it much more loose (almost like a roller set). Then, I will undo the big twists, lightly press the roots and then re-twist into small twists.

I haven't tried this yet, but will post my results in about 2 weeks when I try this.

I've tried twisting on straightened hair and it didn't say. I ended up spritzing it with water in order to get more hold.

^^^ I typically twist my hair the day after a wng.

Then I just need my spray bottle of water to coil the ends and smooth the sections as I twist. It's been working out well for me so far.

Today was my first time wearing my hair out since we started the challenge. I had a twist out, but then part of it got wet in the shower so it was all kinds of loosy goosey semi puffed gloriousness this afternoon.

I shook it out like a champion and wore it proudly around town with some giant earrings.

I bet it looked cute!!


Update on me....In week old medium sz twist. Hair feeling a bit dry. Need to amp up the moisture. Planning on wearing t/o starting tomorrow for the next 3-4 days, then I will retwist.

Glad to see everyone is still on course and doing well!!

 

[loolalooh]

Well I am checking-in. I have figured out part of the reason why I am not retaining length. Today I noticed that while I am working (studying, on the computer etc...) I literally pull on my hair.l I didn't realize I was doing this. I had little broken hairs on my shirt from pulling and tugging. So my new goal is to keep my hands out of my hair.

I'm a serious hair puller too. Have you tried pinning up your ends into an updo? I do this and it seems to be helping. Whenever my hands wander into my hair, they can't find the ends ... well, because they are pinned up and hidden. LOL.

 

[loolalooh]

Ms Lala--I LOVE your hair. Is it possible for you to wear a big claw clip or put it in one of those Goody rubberbands so it's out of your reach?

I've been wearing my twists in buns because I definitely have the hands in hair disease. My bangs are out, so I'm constantly messing in them and cutting off random splits.

And like you, I also use heat in my hair first before making my twists. I either twist on already pressed hair (usually 2 week-old pressed hair) or have a friend lightly press my roots, however, I want to try something different next time.

I typed my new plans for heat in the old Twisting thread. I plan on washing and deep conditioning in big twists and then sitting under the hooded dryer as I believe this will "set" my hair and make it much more loose (almost like a roller set). Then, I will undo the big twists, lightly press the roots and then re-twist into small twists.

I haven't tried this yet, but will post my results in about 2 weeks when I try this.

Cosign! What she said.

 

[Ms Lala]

I'm a serious hair puller too. Have you tried pinning up your ends into an updo? I do this and it seems to be helping. Whenever my hands wander into my hair, they can't find the ends ... well, because they are pinned up and hidden. LOL.

I think I need to go ahead and pin it up. My hands were in my hair all day today.

 

[tallnomad]

I've tried twisting on straightened hair and it didn't say. I ended up spritzing it with water in order to get more hold.

This is exactly what I do to. I lightly spray my pressed hair with water and then use the ORS gel which is really wet and gives good hold. My hair has a beautiful shine and is very sleek and doesn't revert . . . and I'm used to getting frizz, so I'm going to continue using heat, but only once a month.

 

[Rocky91]

um...so i'm not in the challenge, but i have a teensy question for all of you, pretty please??
is there any way to prevent shrinkage while washing in twists? i just did a set on sunday on dry, stretched out hair, and i love them...but then i was a beast in the gym today, and my scalp feels itchy. how can i wash them to soothe my scalp and yet preserve some of the length?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Ms Lala]

um...so i'm not in the challenge, but i have a teensy question for all of you, pretty please??
is there any way to prevent shrinkage while washing in twists? i just did a set on sunday on dry, stretched out hair, and i love them...but then i was a beast in the gym today, and my scalp feels itchy. how can i wash them to soothe my scalp and yet preserve some of the length?
Thanks in advance!

I have had the same issue. I can't really prevent the shrinkage but I have found ways to stetch my hair back out. I have rolled my hair on big rollers after washing. I have also done braid outs on my twist. I like the braid out look because it hides the fuzziness.

 

[bablou00]

um...so i'm not in the challenge, but i have a teensy question for all of you, pretty please??
is there any way to prevent shrinkage while washing in twists? i just did a set on sunday on dry, stretched out hair, and i love them...but then i was a beast in the gym today, and my scalp feels itchy. how can i wash them to soothe my scalp and yet preserve some of the length?
Thanks in advance!

^^^Agree!! I workout too and wash pretty much everyday. My hair doesnt shrink up too bad from where it was originally. Maybe if your hair is long enough I would suggest after you was pulling it back in a loose pony or updo.

 

[Rocky91]

^^thanks Ms Lala and bablou00 for your suggestions!!
the pony idea sounds like it might work...guess i'll find out

 

[bablou00]

^^^anytime sweets

Ok so I was on another forum a bit ago and they were talking about wash and gos and if they are good or not. However someone mentioned that they get way more breakage when in twist for longer then a week..yada yada yada. I, being new at this natural game, have only gone longer than a wk twice prior to what Im in now. The first time was after my trip to Mexico and I did experience some breakage due to taking my hair down extremely dry and fast to make it out to the club w/ my girls...ooppps!!! The second time I used water and a whole lot of conditioner and took my time but started to rush because it was after a 13hr shift and I wanted to go to bed sososo bad!!! So my question to you all who have been natural a little longer than me...is what is the best way to take down your twist to eliminate breakage? I think most of what I see on the floor around me and my shoulders is shed hair from having my hair in twist for so long but now Im a little curious as to if Im causing more damage then good....especially with always doing small twist.
Sorry so long just something that was on my mind. I dont like bigger twist on me (yet) because my hair is not long or fuller then I would like to hide my scalp. Thanks in advance

 

[rsmith]

Usually I wear my twist for a week and a half or two weeks. The longer you wear them, the more shed hair you have. In order to prevent breakage. I keep my twist moisturized with shea butter, coconut oil and water. When I take my twist out, I usually wear a twistout for about 3 to 4 days. On wash day, I take sections of my hair and use HSR conditioner or ORS and condition and detangle my hair. Once I am finished I let the conditioner sit for about 30 min to an hour. I get in the shower and detangle some more. I usually detangle with fingers first then I use my denman or shower comb. If my hair is really tangled, I rinse my hair with ACV and water. The ACV really softens the hair. Once my hair is tangle free. I put more HSR conditioner and let it sit for about five minutes and rinse out. Most of the shedding you see is shed hairs. People can lose up to 50 or more shed hair a day. So if you keep your hair is in twist for longer than a week. You will definitely see a lot of shed hair. Just make sure you are very gentle when detangling.

I hope this helps.

 

[bablou00]

Usually I wear my twist for a week and a half or two weeks. The longer you wear them, the more shed hair you have. In order to prevent breakage. I keep my twist moisturized with shea butter, coconut oil and water. When I take my twist out, I usually wear a twistout for about 3 to 4 days. On wash day, I take sections of my hair and use HSR conditioner or ORS and condition and detangle my hair. Once I am finished I let the conditioner sit for about 30 min to an hour. I get in the shower and detangle some more. I usually detangle with fingers first then I use my denman or shower comb. If my hair is really tangled, I rinse my hair with ACV and water. The ACV really softens the hair. Once my hair is tangle free. I put more HSR conditioner and let it sit for about five minutes and rinse out. Most of the shedding you see is shed hairs. People can lose up to 50 or more shed hair a day. So if you keep your hair is in twist for longer than a week. You will definitely see a lot of shed hair. Just make sure you are very gentle when detangling.

I hope this helps.

Thanks!! I figured most people and myself see a lot of shed hair when wearing hair in protective styles for a period of time. I have been using ACV lately so I will make sure to try that when I wash after I take these twist down. I just have a problem with washing my hair in sections. One I think its because its too short and two Im really impatient...lol!!! Thanks so much for breaking it down for me...appreciate it girly

 

[loolalooh]

um...so i'm not in the challenge, but i have a teensy question for all of you, pretty please??
is there any way to prevent shrinkage while washing in twists? i just did a set on sunday on dry, stretched out hair, and i love them...but then i was a beast in the gym today, and my scalp feels itchy. how can i wash them to soothe my scalp and yet preserve some of the length?
Thanks in advance!

Cosign with lala and bablou about rollersetting, braiding, or doing a ponytail to stretch them out. I like length with my twists, so after washing, I put it into 1 or 2 frenchbraids until its done airdrying.

 

[loolalooh]

^^^anytime sweets

Ok so I was on another forum a bit ago and they were talking about wash and gos and if they are good or not. However someone mentioned that they get way more breakage when in twist for longer then a week..yada yada yada. I, being new at this natural game, have only gone longer than a wk twice prior to what Im in now. The first time was after my trip to Mexico and I did experience some breakage due to taking my hair down extremely dry and fast to make it out to the club w/ my girls...ooppps!!! The second time I used water and a whole lot of conditioner and took my time but started to rush because it was after a 13hr shift and I wanted to go to bed sososo bad!!! So my question to you all who have been natural a little longer than me...is what is the best way to take down your twist to eliminate breakage? I think most of what I see on the floor around me and my shoulders is shed hair from having my hair in twist for so long but now Im a little curious as to if Im causing more damage then good....especially with always doing small twist.
Sorry so long just something that was on my mind. I dont like bigger twist on me (yet) because my hair is not long or fuller then I would like to hide my scalp. Thanks in advance

Cosign with rsmith about the shed hair buildup.

Also, patience is super key for the takedown process. Impatience = breakage.

As for technique, find what works for your hair. I find that the takedown process goes better for me if I use shea butter on dry hair.

 

[Soliel185]

um...so i'm not in the challenge, but i have a teensy question for all of you, pretty please??
is there any way to prevent shrinkage while washing in twists? i just did a set on sunday on dry, stretched out hair, and i love them...but then i was a beast in the gym today, and my scalp feels itchy. how can i wash them to soothe my scalp and yet preserve some of the length?
Thanks in advance!

Maybe you can band your twists once you've washed so they airdry stretched..?

 

[bablou00]

Cosign with rsmith about the shed hair buildup.

Also, patience is super key for the takedown process. Impatience = breakage.

As for technique, find what works for your hair. I find that the takedown process goes better for me if I use shea butter on dry hair.

Yes I definitely need to be more patient in the taking down process. My sister uses shea butter to take down her hair dry so I might try that next!! Thanks for the suggestions

 

[Soliel185]

Yes I definitely need to be more patient in the taking down process. My sister uses shea butter to take down her hair dry so I might try that next!! Thanks for the suggestions

I take the twist and turn it in the opposite direction than the one it was twisted in. Then with my other hand I stick my finger into one of the gaps that will form near the top and begin sliding my finger downward while continuing to untwist.

They pop right out.

To give more slip you can coat your fingers with a little oil first.

 

[sheava]

I'm twisting tonight; I had a hell of a detangling session this afternoon...grr. Anyhoo, I attached my starting length pics...I couldn't get a back shot because I was too lazy, lol. I hope to be BSL in the back by the end of the year. Based on my growth in the last challenge, I think it's feasible. I'm thinking of buying a tub of shea butter also...anyone ever done this?

Your hair is very pretty.

 

[Ms Lala]

Can too much shea butter make your hair hard? My hair felt really soft when I first used shea butter for twisting. But after using it a couple of days in a row for sealing a I noticed my hair feeling hard. I didn't use it yesterday or today and my hair feels soft again. Did I use too much? It seemed to make my hair soft b4.

 

[bablou00]

I take the twist and turn it in the opposite direction than the one it was twisted in. Then with my other hand I stick my finger into one of the gaps that will form near the top and begin sliding my finger downward while continuing to untwist.

They pop right out.

To give more slip you can coat your fingers with a little oil first.

Thanks ladies I tried y'alls suggestions when I retwisted a bit ago and yes I need to take me time(which I did) and I used my shea butter mix and coconut oil when taking them down. I just did the top of my hair and on the sides where I saw some hair sticking out. Here is a pic of what my hair now 2wk post today with a touch up.

 

[bablou00]

Can too much shea butter make your hair hard? My hair felt really soft when I first used shea butter for twisting. But after using it a couple of days in a row for sealing a I noticed my hair feeling hard. I didn't use it yesterday or today and my hair feels soft again. Did I use too much? It seemed to make my hair soft b4.

I personally have had some experience with shea butter making my hair hard when I use it more than just for twisting or a day style. I would try to just use a little bit of conditioner or coconut/olive oil on your twist for sealing. HTH

 

[productjunkie814]

I agree .. you'll be BSL in no time; it's definitely feasible. Love your hair!

I've bought bulk shea butter before (5lbs). I like it and it'll last me for quite a while. What stores are you looking at?

Thanks loolalooh. I have to do a search on it in the forum to see where people are getting theirs...any suggestions?

Well I am checking-in. I have figured out part of the reason why I am not retaining length. Today I noticed that while I am working (studying, on the computer etc...) I literally pull on my hair.l I didn't realize I was doing this. I had little broken hairs on my shirt from pulling and tugging. So my new goal is to keep my hands out of my hair.

I had to join the HIH challenge last year because of my obsession. Not only do I like to twirl my ends with my fingers, but like you I like to pull on a curl or a twist to see the bounce-age, lol!

^^^ I typically twist my hair the day after a wng.

Then I just need my spray bottle of water to coil the ends and smooth the sections as I twist. It's been working out well for me so far.

Today was my first time wearing my hair out since we started the challenge. I had a twist out, but then part of it got wet in the shower so it was all kinds of loosy goosey semi puffed gloriousness this afternoon.

I shook it out like a champion and wore it proudly around town with some giant earrings.

That's one of my favorite parts about my natural hair. It sucks when water or rain messes a style up, but I can still rock the messed up look as if that was the look I was going for!

 

[productjunkie814]

um...so i'm not in the challenge, but i have a teensy question for all of you, pretty please??
is there any way to prevent shrinkage while washing in twists? i just did a set on sunday on dry, stretched out hair, and i love them...but then i was a beast in the gym today, and my scalp feels itchy. how can i wash them to soothe my scalp and yet preserve some of the length?
Thanks in advance!

Hmm. Have you tried banding them in sections afterwards? I would wait until they were damp as opposed to soaking wet before putting the bands in though because you don't want the indentation marks.

 

[productjunkie814]

Thanks ladies I tried y'alls suggestions when I retwisted a bit ago and yes I need to take me time(which I did) and I used my shea butter mix and coconut oil when taking them down. I just did the top of my hair and on the sides where I saw some hair sticking out. Here is a pic of what my hair now 2wk post today with a touch up.

I LOVE your twist out!!! I wish I had better twisting skills when I was first starting out...mine never looked this fabulous! And by the way, I also use an oil whenever I untwist...just a little dab on my palms.

Well, here's my check-in for the week. On Friday night I deep conditioned until Saturday night. I washed and did about 20 twists with shea butter and kept them in a loose pony until Monday morning when I did a twist out. This set came out super nice! I wore it out on Monday (first two pics), Half up on Tuesday (last two pics), and messy bun on Wednesday (forgot to take pics). I cowashed Wednesday night and repeated. Still in the twists today and will take down tomorrow morning.

 

[Rocky91]

^^@ productjunkie, thanks for that banding idea!! that sounds like it would work. i band all the time on loose hair-i just never thought to do it with my twists.
and your twist-out looks super gorgeous!! do you twist on damp, wet, or dry hair?