notsomebody
Active Member
That said 4ab hair doesn't grow very long because it eventually knots and breaks? I saw something about it on this board a few days ago and wanted to respond but wasn't able to get back on. Well, I have a combination of 4a and 4b hair and I say that long hair is completely possible. It takes more effort and more diligent maintenance but I am proof that it can be done. Before my set back, I had bra strap length hair.
I did have the problem with individual strands getting little tiny knots in them but once I noticed them I was able to figure out what caused them.
IF you have this problem, it is very important that you put down the hair comb. I know its a lot easier said than done, but the knotting is happening when you comb your hair. So deep conditioning and hot oil treatments become your best friend. Wet setting also helps (roller setting is best, but can be really time consuming).
How the knots happen:
4ab hair has several very tight curl patterns. Some of the curls will be in a tight S shape while others are in a Z or corkscrew shape. What tends to happen is these curl patterns are in layers. Like one type of curl will be close to the scalp, another type will be just on top of that and then another type will be on top of it. Usually, the individual strands are so thin or fine that it is not obvious just how thick (as in amount) the head of hair is. Well, when you comb the hair the curl bounces back and in some cases wraps around itself just a tiny bit. The next time the comb comes through you have tied the knot in the strand.
The best prevention is to get a regimen that cuts back on how much combing you have to do for your hair. On those few occasions when you absolutely have to comb it (say on a wash day), you should do it carefullly.
Here is what I do:
Section the hair in as many as I possibly can. Apply a leave in. I spray the ends with the fantasia IC hair repair (I think thats the name its in a clear spray bottle and has the picture of a mended split end on it). Then I spray the lenght (lightly with Ion anti frizz leave in) and apply profective break free. Breakfree gives my hair amazing slip when its wet.
Then slowly comb the hair starting at the ends to detangle and work your way up. As you start to comb downward through the length, follow the comb with your other hand to smooth the hair and help keep the curl from bouncing back into place. This is a lot easier if your hair is in sections because you can basically hold your hair straight as the comb comes through so long as your hand follows the comb downward.
If you need to apply more product do so. Also, if at any point you become impatient - PUT THE COMB DOWN. Instead opt for a quick set like pony tail, bun or twist and leave your hair alone until you are ready to deal with it. I never try to do anything to my hair when I am tired or angry or frustrated becuas I always end up taking it out on my hair.
Anyway, this post got much longer than I intended. This method has done away with knots in individual strands, which has cut down on how much I have to cut, which in turn leads to longer hair.
If you suffer from this problem I would love to know what you do to combat it or if this method is of any help to you.
I did have the problem with individual strands getting little tiny knots in them but once I noticed them I was able to figure out what caused them.
IF you have this problem, it is very important that you put down the hair comb. I know its a lot easier said than done, but the knotting is happening when you comb your hair. So deep conditioning and hot oil treatments become your best friend. Wet setting also helps (roller setting is best, but can be really time consuming).
How the knots happen:
4ab hair has several very tight curl patterns. Some of the curls will be in a tight S shape while others are in a Z or corkscrew shape. What tends to happen is these curl patterns are in layers. Like one type of curl will be close to the scalp, another type will be just on top of that and then another type will be on top of it. Usually, the individual strands are so thin or fine that it is not obvious just how thick (as in amount) the head of hair is. Well, when you comb the hair the curl bounces back and in some cases wraps around itself just a tiny bit. The next time the comb comes through you have tied the knot in the strand.
The best prevention is to get a regimen that cuts back on how much combing you have to do for your hair. On those few occasions when you absolutely have to comb it (say on a wash day), you should do it carefullly.
Here is what I do:
Section the hair in as many as I possibly can. Apply a leave in. I spray the ends with the fantasia IC hair repair (I think thats the name its in a clear spray bottle and has the picture of a mended split end on it). Then I spray the lenght (lightly with Ion anti frizz leave in) and apply profective break free. Breakfree gives my hair amazing slip when its wet.
Then slowly comb the hair starting at the ends to detangle and work your way up. As you start to comb downward through the length, follow the comb with your other hand to smooth the hair and help keep the curl from bouncing back into place. This is a lot easier if your hair is in sections because you can basically hold your hair straight as the comb comes through so long as your hand follows the comb downward.
If you need to apply more product do so. Also, if at any point you become impatient - PUT THE COMB DOWN. Instead opt for a quick set like pony tail, bun or twist and leave your hair alone until you are ready to deal with it. I never try to do anything to my hair when I am tired or angry or frustrated becuas I always end up taking it out on my hair.
Anyway, this post got much longer than I intended. This method has done away with knots in individual strands, which has cut down on how much I have to cut, which in turn leads to longer hair.
If you suffer from this problem I would love to know what you do to combat it or if this method is of any help to you.
