WHY AM I DOING THIS AGAIN??????

[InJesusName]

I officially had a hair breakdown this morning, ya'll!! I have only been doing the healthy hair thing for two weeks (daily co washing, bunning, etc.), but it just got to me this morning!

Let me explain the OLD me...I got relaxers every 5 weeks faithfully, I would go to the salon twice a week to get touch ups so my hair was always "tight" (as damaged as it was) , and I avoided water like the plague because it made my hair "go back" to it's natural state. Hot curlers, flat irons, and blow dryers were part of my daily routine. Then came LCHF...

I have done well. I have not relaxed since February, and I have a solid regime, but I HATE my hair!!!!!!!!!!!!! It took all I had not to break out the pink oil and flat iron this morning. My buns look terrible b/c I have no edges, I have tried braid outs and twist outs (they took like TWA's and they don't dry all the way), and my husband and fellow church members keep asking me "what happened to your hair?" I need some encouragement. I want long hair, but I don't know if I can endure the process.

 

[MissFallon]

What products are you using? Are you using gel to "tame" your hair a bit? The IC Fantasia gel (w/ no alcohol or mineral oil) is very good. Also, what is your regimen?

 

[sareca]

Girl, go get your hair did. If you're just stretching (not transistioning) then it's probably just time. A 4 month stretch is more than admirable and what most people say is a good stopping point.

 

[goldensensation]

Girl, go get your hair did. If you're just stretching (not transistioning) then it's probably just time. A 4 month stretch is more than admirable and what most people say is a good stopping point.

I agree. And stretching will be easier once your hair gets longer.

 

[Dynamic]

Perhaps you need to find a middle ground. You should feel good about yourself.

I think of this haircare thing like exercise. You hate to do it, but in a week or two you begin to feel better, have more energy, etc. If you don't then you need to change your routine. Now you may not lose weight quick, fast, in a hurry, but the overall effect will be positive.

Instead of relaxers every 5, go for 8 at first. Go to the salon once a week or once every two weeks. Find a stylist that cares about hair health, not just style, so that s/he can help you along in your journey.

HTH.

 

[Mahalialee4]

Use pure aloe vera gel to smooth your edges. This works wonders and you can do it with your hands or smooth with a soft brush. bonjour

 

[InJesusName]

Thanks for the encouragement ladies. I am going to try tree braids as a protective style. Then I am going to get a much needed, much missed RELAXER !!!

As for my regimen, I CO wash 5 days a week and wash twice a week. As for the gel, I will try the IC to tame my edges. For some reason, I thought gel was a serious no-no.

As for a stylist, that is going to be my biggest challenge. My former stylists loved brown gel and Pump-It-Up. Like I said before, my hair was damaged, but it looked GREAT!!

Any Charlotte ladies out there that could recommend a "healthy hair" stylist (preferably a man--they tend not to be scissor happy)!!

 

[Synthia]

Why don't you consider a lace front wig.

Buns are not for everyone. IF you have no edges don't expose that by pulling your hair back for all the world to see. Everything suggested on this board is not for everyone.

Find a protective style that still allows you to look good. At church and at home for your dear husband.

But first -- I agree with the others -- go get your hair done. Stretching since February. Oh my!

Anyway, glad you're here.

It's going to get better.

Throw that pink lotion away.

 

[Arcadian]

Also, stretching is a science. some people begin stretching in 1 week increments. So maybe instead of relaxing at 8 weeks, try going to 9 next time.

There's nothing exact about it, and I find stretching to be a challenge especially when I get growth spurts.

Hang in there!

-A

 

[leleepop]

This thread was so cute it made my day. Anyhoo dont give up,its a learning experience at first because your whole way of treating your hair is totally different. Instead of curling everyday you have to find ways to perserve one style without heat,excessive handling etc. You treat you hair totally different and your styling options become broader than just the regular hot curl in the morning. I agree with what the other ladies say and dont be afraid to try alot of these different styling options because thats how you find you signature look. Trust after time your hair will thank you.hhg