Why is your hair not growing?

[filthyfresh]

As I look around LHCF, I see so many ladies with great progress in such a small amount of time. Which motivates me to do better, but I also feel like "Damn, I been on LHCF for two years and I'm still barely touching SL!"

Personally, I think it's my heat usage, lack of protective styling, shaky regimen, and product choices. Also, I'm in college so sometimes I can't afford to run out and buy that hot new product, because Visa wants that $ every month or I need gas to get to work. LOL. Also, I had a health issue that had me on antibiotics for at least a month, which definitely messed up my progress.

So ladies, I ask, what do you think has hindered your growth during your hair journey? What's stopping you from getting to that next milestone? How do you think you can make a change for the better?

 

[MizAvalon]

Great thread. I think this could really help a lot of ladies who may not know what they're doing wrong.

 

[Dayjoy]

*Scissor happy stylist and me not speaking up
*Combing too roughly which contributes to breakage
*Not moisturizing enough which contributes to breakage
*Not protective styling enough

Hopefully as I have stopped the above, my hair will flourish.

 

[Crystal22]

I definitely feel you. In the big scheme of things I think I take care of my hair, and much better since I found LHCF!! But I think my hindered progress is due to my shaky regimen mostly. I don't have a concrete regimen or products etc. except for my shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. (which I'm still looking for a better moisturizer as we speak) and some products, such as pre poos, clarifying shampoos, diff types of oils, and interchanging moisturizing conditioner(s) with protein ones is still sporadic at times. (I blame all this on being a college student too) plus using more heat than I probably should all hinders my progress. I know that if I could devote more $$ and most of all time to my hair I would achieve my goals in a much shorter time. I just can't seem to nail down a regimen and the staple products I need for my hair to thrive.

 

[filthyfresh]

I definitely feel you. In the big scheme of things I think I take care of my hair, and much better since I found LHCF!! But I think my hindered progress is due to my shaky regimen mostly. I don't have a concrete regimen or products etc. except for my shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer. (which I'm still looking for a better moisturizer as we speak) and some products, such as pre poos, clarifying shampoos, diff types of oils, and interchanging moisturizing conditioner(s) with protein ones is still sporadic at times. (I blame all this on being a college student too) plus using more heat than I probably should all hinders my progress. I know that if I could devote more $$ and most of all time to my hair I would achieve my goals in a much shorter time. I just can't seem to nail down a regimen and the staple products I need for my hair to thrive.

YES! I am on the same page as you girl.
If I had more $ and time...I'd be all good.

 

[Platinum]

Not trimming the split ends?
Too much heat styling?
Poor diet?
Overprocessing?
Braids too tight?

 

[longhairdreamzz]

I feel mine is due to poor diet. I've stopped taking care of my body from the inside and I see such a difference. When I first started this hair journey I ate nutritious food and my hair thrived. But for the last few months my hair has sufferred it feels like my hair stopped growing and that could be due to the foods that I'm eating lately and lack of water in my diet.

 

[Dposh167]

i don't know if i made that much progress to even contribute in this thread....but lightly dusting every 6-8 weeks and baggying has been ESSENTIAL to me retaining length. I wouldn't be able to make it without it.

 

[graCeful_89]

Yes, I deff feel that that way sometimes.

Why? Full-time student, full-time job, bills, yada yada. I try and take my vitamins everyday and co-wash and the whole thing but I still feel like it should have grown more or something! I did have a setback as well, which was major breakage in the back (middle). I think from a mixture of under processed hair and those gosh awful too tight hair clips.

To improve? No more hair clips, less smoking (i know I KNOW bad i know!!), considering switching my vitamin E to flaxseed oil.

edit: bumping.

 

[filthyfresh]

bumping.

 

[crlsweetie912]

Believe it or not, when I first came on the boards (2 years ago so I am in the same boat as you OP) I was doing supplements like crazy! Mostly Nioxin and Biotin and my hair was growing so nicely. I stopped because it was getting too expensive. My hair really suffered. Along with a trip to the dominicans for a "trim" and a lot of stress. I have been through the ringer the past few years and my hair shows it. I am finally getting back on track and I can see a difference in my hair's overall healthiness coming back and the length will be soon to follow! Great thread!

 

[TLC1020]

I know my hair is growing but I'm not retaining as much length as I did before I reached APL. It's much harder for me to reach BSL than it was to reach APL. I am doing pretty much the same of bunning, moisturizing and stretching relaxers. I have noticed that my eating habits has changed to where I slacked a little do to school, personal and work . That's the only thing I can see unless my hair is in its resting stage.

 

[Queen V]

I actually think stress is the biggest culprit for me. I have a pretty hectic schedule, and the anxiety often takes its toll on me physically...and that may also be inhibiting hair growth. However, I am making a conscious effort to stop being so crazed and to slow down a bit when it's possible.

 

[LynnieB]

i have found for me that there are 3 very general things i need to remind myself of constantly:

1. Doing too much..
2. Not doing enough.
3. Not being able to leave well enough alone.

Each individual must find a routine/regimen that works for their hair throughout it's various stages and conditions (be willing to correctly identify your hair's condition, tweak that routine as needed and stick to it).

If you don't, you'll run into problems and not see progress.

I just feel that hair growth and retention of that growth are not in the rocket science category. It's not impossible to find the right products and routines to manage or maintain your hair while keeping it on your head but you do need to give yourself time and be very patient.

Hair growth and keeping that growth is a long term, ongoing project

 

[imstush]

^ I agree.

Doing too much/jumping on every bandwagon was a huge culprit for me.
Anemic, once it was confirmed I started back up on my iron pills and it's been helping a lot!

I am now protective styling, taking my iron pills/liquid, co-washing and leaving the conditioner in my hair has been huge in these past couple of weeks. Cutting out the junkfood and drinking/alternating green smoothies and or carrot juice. I am trying to work from the inside and KISS.

 

[blkbeauty]

I went natural because of my excessive hair breakage. Now as being a natural using minimum heat, low maintenance styles, no brushing I am still not receiving the results that I should.

I know the reasons are one: Hereditary. My mother suffers from Alopecia in some areas and two iron deficiency.

 

[MzOptimistic]

I see a coupla posters say money is hindering their progress. I will have to disagree with that. You can keep it simple and grow your hair out. Believe me I know. I have a closet full of stuff since joining LHCF....GOOD STUFF but I have narrowed my products down and I'm doing amazingly well. There's just some products I reach for more often than others. I see alot of women mention school, bills, etc. NO EXCUSE!!!! You can still grow your hair K.I.S.S All you really need is 2 shampoos, 1 clarifying one and 1 moisturizing one, 2 conditioners, 1 protein and 1 moisturizing one, conditioner to conditioner wash with, leave in conditioner, sealer to seal your ends, baggies, and then LEAVE your hair alone.erplexed that's right. I said it. LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE!!!!!! oh and stretch your relaxers to ATLEAST 10 weeks.


Disclaimer: This is in regards to the ladies on a budget. Holla @ me. Ya heard! I can help you develop a regimen....

 

[Ms.Honey]

We need a "Stick to your Regimens and Challenges" challenge

My hair is growing that's not my issue. My issue is that it's growing but grows at a snails pace. It's healthy and I have no breakage so I'm retaining my growth. If I find that it can't grow any faster I'll be satisfied but if I CAN make it grow faster without jacking me up in the end I'm all over itIt doesn't have to be 1in. a month but dang 1/4 in. a month is killing me

 

[aurora3140]

Yes, I deff feel that that way sometimes.

Why? Full-time student, full-time job, bills, yada yada. I try and take my vitamins everyday and co-wash and the whole thing but I still feel like it should have grown more or something! I did have a setback as well, which was major breakage in the back (middle). I think from a mixture of under processed hair and those gosh awful too tight hair clips.

To improve? No more hair clips, less smoking (i know I KNOW bad i know!!), considering switching my vitamin E to flaxseed oil.

edit: bumping.

Hi Graceful,

I'm a smoker, too. I didn't know that it affects the hair (other than making it smell if I don't co-wash often). How does smoking affect hair growth and retention?

I'm scared now. This may be one of the reasons I haven't made as much progress as I would like and I didn't even know it .

 

[noemi]

I see a coupla posters say money is hindering their progress. I will have to disagree with that. You can keep it simple and grow your hair out. Believe me I know. I have a closet full of stuff since joining LHCF....GOOD STUFF but I have narrowed my products down and I'm doing amazingly well. There's just some products I reach for more often than others. I see alot of women mention school, bills, etc. NO EXCUSE!!!! You can still grow your hair K.I.S.S All you really need is 2 shampoos, 1 clarifying one and 1 moisturizing one, 2 conditioners, 1 protein and 1 moisturizing one, conditioner to conditioner wash with, leave in conditioner, sealer to seal your ends, baggies, and then LEAVE your hair alone.erplexed that's right. I said it. LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE!!!!!! oh and stretch your relaxers to ATLEAST 10 weeks.


Disclaimer: This is in regards to the ladies on a budget. Holla @ me. Ya heard! I can help you develop a regimen....

ITA!!! When I first got started, I had soo much time and my regimen was down to a science. I had one family emergency and it knocked everything out of whack. I do what I can do when I can do it. Even with my array of products, I'm trying to use what I can up and stick to just the basics.

I am determined to limit my products to what can fit under my sink and only have 1 products in each of the categories listed above. And less expensive the better. I added up what I spent of products and it was mind boggling. Cheapies work for me just as well if not better than salon quality, sometimes after concotining it up with stuff. I know now all too well what products work and are staples and need to stop this PJ business.

 

[Buttercreme]

I see a coupla posters say money is hindering their progress. I will have to disagree with that. You can keep it simple and grow your hair out. Believe me I know. I have a closet full of stuff since joining LHCF....GOOD STUFF but I have narrowed my products down and I'm doing amazingly well. There's just some products I reach for more often than others. I see alot of women mention school, bills, etc. NO EXCUSE!!!! You can still grow your hair K.I.S.S All you really need is 2 shampoos, 1 clarifying one and 1 moisturizing one, 2 conditioners, 1 protein and 1 moisturizing one, conditioner to conditioner wash with, leave in conditioner, sealer to seal your ends, baggies, and then LEAVE your hair alone.erplexed that's right. I said it. LEAVE YOUR HAIR ALONE!!!!!! oh and stretch your relaxers to ATLEAST 10 weeks.


Disclaimer: This is in regards to the ladies on a budget. Holla @ me. Ya heard! I can help you develop a regimen....

I was thinking the EXACT same thing! You put it into words so nicely.
I know a few ladies on the board with fewer than 5 products (all can be purchased @ local BSS, instead of on-line and K.I.S.S. and leave it alone. Their hair is thriving!

Since I don't work, I only comb my hair on wash day. I'm also making great progress. Almost APL from K.I.S.S.

 

[victorious]

Ok, it's time for me to come out of denial and confess ...

- inconsistency with regimens, especially moisturizing and sealing

- diet isn't as good as it should be.

- often slack on water and vitamin consumption.

- not always combing hair from ends and upwards (too rough if I'm rushing)

- should have done a major chop instead of salvaging

- could have used better products before/now???

- protective styles helps to retain the back portion of my hair from ear to ear, but the rest of it splits/breaks or barely grows.


I don't put too much tension on my hair when styling, and I rarely use heat. My hair has grown past apl so many times, but it's just the back. I hate thin ends!

 

[AtlantaJJ]

As I look around LHCF, I see so many ladies with great progress in such a small amount of time. Which motivates me to do better, but I also feel like "Damn, I been on LHCF for two years and I'm still barely touching SL!"

Personally, I think it's my heat usage, lack of protective styling, shaky regimen, and product choices. Also, I'm in college so sometimes I can't afford to run out and buy that hot new product, because Visa wants that $ every month or I need gas to get to work. LOL. Also, I had a health issue that had me on antibiotics for at least a month, which definitely messed up my progress.

So ladies, I ask, what do you think has hindered your growth during your hair journey? What's stopping you from getting to that next milestone? How do you think you can make a change for the better?

For me, one word Relaxer. I'm natural since Dec 21, and I have 3 inches of thick healthy new growth, brand new hair!! I'll keep it this time, relaxer no more!

 

[silvergirl]

scissors...
heat....
not letting my hair be....
relaxing......i retain more length while natural

 

[locabouthair]

Two things:

bad diet/lifestyle
bad stylist

I was doing nearly everything right I would Dc every week without fail, and moisturize AT LEAST once a daily, and I would NEVER EVER use direct heat. PLUS I was protective styling every single day. And I wouldn't relax less than 10 weeks.
BUT

I had a stylist who would overlapp the relaxer and not wash out the relaxer out properly and my nape is pretty much gone right now. The pics are in my fotki.

I don't get eough sleep and my diet is crappy, I'll start out eating better and then I'll start slacking off and going back to my old ways of not enough fruit, veggies, protein, or water. Plus I don't exercise. All these things affect my skin so I KNOW it affects my hair. I barely get 1/4 inch per month. Plus I would trim like 3/4 inch per month because of thin ends(due to overlapping). So I wasn't retaining any length.

 

[locabouthair]

silvergirl your hair looks so pretty with the curlformers.

 

[carib_n_curly]

my hair is shooting out my scalp BUT the bun broke my ends more spefic my ouchless bands broke it. i guess my ends can't handle it. now i am rocking a puff (not rubbing against my shoulders or clothes though) and moisturising more my hair is softer, more moisturised and my ends are not breaking. i am defo retaining more lenght this way

 

[Radianthealth]

I am probably at the same length I was two years ago. I have been consistent

I don't brush my hair
I don't use heat
I deep condition twice per week
I protective style at all times
I wrap my hair at night
I stretch relaxers and texlax
I only use seamless combs

I have been doing all of this for the last two years and my hair is still not as healthy looking or long as I would like. I am about the same length as when I started. It may be an internal thing but I will keep trying to figure out what is going on erplexed

I have a spot on the crown of my head that I baby and it has gotten a little better, but it still hasn't caught up with the rest of my hair.

 

[metalkitty]

Heh, I should be the poster for standstills! My hair's pretty healthy but could better I imagine, especially when it comes to retaining length. What's probably holding me back is...

-Not taking my iron for my anemia, need to jump on that.
-Being impatient and combing my hair roughly.
-Not using my Tangle Tamer Comb enough.
-Not using my secret weapon to combat breakage due to laziness. ( Surge mixed with castor oil on the scalp 1-2x daily)
-Washing my hair in the sink months and months post relaxer.
-Stretching way too long because of being broke/ not able to decide to transition or not.

Wow, I never realized how many bad habits I have until now....

 

[ebonylocs]

Also, I'm in college so sometimes I can't afford to run out and buy that hot new product, because Visa wants that $ every month or I need gas to get to work. LOL.

I really don't think this should prevent you from growing out your hair.

I've done my growth on a minimal budget.
For example, I think most people can grow their hair using the Crown and Glory method and that is hella cheap. A few packs of extension hair at a couple of bucks each, a bottle of S-Curl (or some glycerine and water), and a liquid strengthening leave-in (e.g. Infusium or Elasta QP).

What's more it's perfect for college students because all you do each days is spritz with your moisturising and strengthening mixture, and go. Wash and deep condition every week / fortnight. Redo some key braids now and then to prevent matting.

Then when you have your hair out of braids, moisturise and bun daily.

No hot products needed.