What would YOU call this? & What should I DO?!!

[in_di_vi_du_al]

What length would you call this?
&
What could I do to get past it?

I currently have a pretty simple regimen..But Im finding it HARD to lay off of the heat (flat irons) once a week
erplexed

​

 

[LadyD]

I can't see your pics.

 

[winnettag]

I can't see your pics.

What she said.

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

What she said.

ok fixed!

 

[quasimodi]

Looks like shoulder length to me.

What is your regimen?

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

Looks like shoulder length to me.

What is your regimen?

I wash & deep condition 1-2 x's a week w/ GVP Joico Reconstructing Conditioner, EVOO, Mayo, (3-7 hours)
flat iron every 7-10 days
I wrap my hair nightly (with Pantene Pro-V relaxed & Natural wrap lotion or daily moisturizer or nothing)
co wash often w/ Suave (wash & go after wards)
use pine tar as a scalp treatment then wash out 3 days later ( I do that about twice a month)
Use Cocoa Butter Oil, Coconut oil often

 

[Americka]

Many of the ladies on the board have recommended getting the hair off of the shoulders. The hair rubbing/brushing against the shoulders might be a problem in retaining length. Perhaps you could try to incorporate a protective style that does not require flat ironing.

 

[msa]

I wash & deep condition 1-2 x's a week w/ GVP Joico Reconstructing Conditioner, EVOO, Mayo, (3-7 hours)
flat iron every 7-10 days
I wrap my hair nightly (with Pantene Pro-V relaxed & Natural wrap lotion or daily moisturizer or nothing)
co wash often w/ Suave (wash & go after wards)
use pine tar as a scalp treatment then wash out 3 days later ( I do that about twice a month)
Use Cocoa Butter Oil, Coconut oil often

Is the Reconstructing conditioner protein based? You may need to add a moisture DC, especially since you use Mayo as well.

I think you need to cut out the heat and protective style. But if you're going to keep the heat at least make sure your hair is strong, moisturized, and off your shoulders. You're rubbing your ends right off.

 

[winnettag]

I would say shoulder length.
Yea, let us know what you're doing now.....and, as you already know, try to find a way to lay off the heat.

ETA: nevermind, my comp is slow! lol

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

Many of the ladies on the board have recommended getting the hair off of the shoulders. The hair rubbing/brushing against the shoulders might be a problem in retaining length. Perhaps you could try to incorporate a protective style that does not require flat ironing.

Very true, I suppose Im at a critical length? I really don't know what to do. It's so easy to just unwrap and GO in the morning! lol

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

Is the Reconstructing conditioner protein based? You may need to add a moisture DC, especially since you use Mayo as well.

I think you need to cut out the heat and protective style. But if you're going to keep the heat at least make sure your hair is strong, moisturized, and off your shoulders. You're rubbing your ends right off.

My hair is very strong, When I comb I see very little breakage or shedding (THANK GOD) I just dont know what protective style I could keep up! Also, I do try to alternate between moisture and protein based conditioners. Would you personally suggest anything>

 

[winnettag]

Is the Reconstructing conditioner protein based? You may need to add a moisture DC, especially since you use Mayo as well.

I think you need to cut out the heat and protective style. But if you're going to keep the heat at least make sure your hair is strong, moisturized, and off your shoulders. You're rubbing your ends right off.

Totally agree.
Wash n go's are very pretty but that leaves your hair exposed a lot.
Have you noticed any dryness?

 

[LadyD]

Is the Reconstructing conditioner protein based? You may need to add a moisture DC, especially since you use Mayo as well.

I think you need to cut out the heat and protective style. But if you're going to keep the heat at least make sure your hair is strong, moisturized, and off your shoulders. You're rubbing your ends right off.

ITA. I use this conditioner for my protein and I could never do it weekly. It makes my hair hard and I have to follow with a moisturizing conditioner.

 

[msa]

My hair is very strong, When I comb I see very little breakage or shedding (THANK GOD) I just dont know what protective style I could keep up! Also, I do try to alternate between moisture and protein based conditioners. Would you personally suggest anything>

Well there are a few easy protective styles...buns for one thing. You could try out the SouthernTease Bun...check her blog maneandchic.com.

Just get creative. Wear some french rolls or pinned up styles. Instead of flat ironing do a rollerset or braid out.

Hmm as far as moisture based conditioners...I'm a fan of honey, olive, and coconut oil. But since you straighten you may need something with advanced chemicals...a lot of people like the Aveda Damage Remedy line.

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

Totally agree.
Wash n go's are very pretty but that leaves your hair exposed a lot.
Have you noticed any dryness?

Surprisingly, no! If anything my hair is still wet at the end of the day lol

I try to keep my ends up & off my shoulder as much as possible.. maybe its time to get some braids?

 

[newflowers]

If your regime has gotten you to this point, then keep going because your hair looks great. I too suggest more moisture, back away from the flat iron, and keep your hair up. Wrap as usual if you'd like, and then in the morning, a french roll or a french braid or a bun - do whatever it takes to find a protective style that works for you. Keeping your ends off your clothing, strong, and moisturized are key to getting to the next point. As easy as you find your current style, you'll find the bun, one french braid down the back with ends tucked under, or a french roll even easier - and you'll not need to flat iron so frequently if at all.

Oh - are you relaxed or natural?

 

[in_di_vi_du_al]

If your regime has gotten you to this point, then keep going because your hair looks great. I too suggest more moisture, back away from the flat iron, and keep your hair up. Wrap as usual if you'd like, and then in the morning, a french roll or a french braid or a bun - do whatever it takes to find a protective style that works for you. Keeping your ends off your clothing, strong, and moisturized are key to getting to the next point. As easy as you find your current style, you'll find the bun, one french braid down the back with ends tucked under, or a french roll even easier - and you'll not need to flat iron so frequently if at all.

Oh - are you relaxed or natural?

Thank you! Im actually relaxed. I just took those pictures today. Im 4 weeks post.. I would like to strech my relaxers but my hair will be nappy within 2-3 weeks..its hard!

 

[swalker31]

How long have you been at this length? Maybe eliminate the mayo, add a growth aide to your reggie and protective style. Phony ponies and buns are good ones because it allows you access to your hair, vs braids or sew ins. Good luck

 

[unique4lyfe33]

Shoulder Length

 

[shadylane21]

O.K. so when I started my journey I was at your length and no idea what to do! So here is what I learned and what I was told.

1. Kepp your hair up off of your shoulders or it will rub them right off! It summer right now, but in the winter you have to watch out for coats and scarfs as well.

2. Protective styling is your friend! I fell in love with hairzings when I was your length! I had the cutest updos and I loved it!! Bantu knots are also a great option. I also liked to wear phony ponys and falls or full wigs as well. I feel like variety is the spice of life right!

3. Try your best to avoid the heat! I would try to flat iron only 2 times a month and them move it to 1 time a month slowly so you can get use to wearing styles that don't require heat. I would usually keep my hair wrapped for a week and then the next week would be bantu knots and then the next week a pony tail and then the last week i would wear a wig and then start over the rotation.

4. Mouisture vs protien balance, I would only use the protien tx once a month and the rest of the time I would be using mouisture, this depends on your hair type, but I think you are using to much protien. As for condishes I love a\Aussie moist,ORS,LTR,Redken smooth down,matrix condish balm. Those are just a few that are in my rotation, as I sit here typing this I am d/cing under a dryer with ors in my hair, because I just got done relaxing after a 12 week stretch!

5. Try to stretch your relaxers if you can, because it just lessons the amount of chemicals that you have on your hair.

6. Try not to jump on every bandwagon you see.

7. Be patient your hair will grow just sit back and injoy the ride lol!