Struggling with your natural hair? Come in here.....

[MsDes]

Either my hair hates the products im using or it is just going to be a frizzy curly mess forever.

I think I am going to change some things up to get more definition out of my hair. It's like a wavy frizzy mess until the end where it curls.

I wonder if sulphates or cones are my culprits.

Girl, I'm feeling the same exact way. My hair is just a frizzy mess. I am trying to cut out sulfates and cones to see if that'll help. Sigh...we gon get through this. Hopefully someone on here can chime in and help us.:attention:

 

[faithVA]

Girl, I'm feeling the same exact way. My hair is just a frizzy mess. I am trying to cut out sulfates and cones to see if that'll help. Sigh...we gon get through this. Hopefully someone on here can chime in and help us.:attention:

My disclaimer I am no expert but still experimenting with this. Frizzy hair lacks full hydration. It doesn't mean it isn't moisturized, it means it isn't fully hydrated or have all the water it seeks. Sulfates can dry your hair it taking out the little water the strands do have. And cones can prevent all the water the strands need from getting in.

And hydration is a process which happens over time. Its a combination of using the right products and techniques to get the water in the strands and leaving it there.

 

[HanaKuroi]

i use this comb.

My hair turned around when I started finger-combing only. You could comb from the ends ti the roots on wash day and only with product.

 

[HanaKuroi]

@Hankuroi: I've seen this on YT! And havent found an explanation why! Why the tshirt? I'm so ignant.

DarkJoy the tshirt absorbs excess water leaving your hair wet enough for your gels and products to work properly. Too much water= bad hold, too little=crunchy and stiff.

Towels make your hair frizzy and leave lint behind. They also absorb too much water. Also towel fibers wrap around our curls and then get tangled and then we have to pull it out. That can cause breakage.

Cruzankink too.

 

[Curlykale]

For those struggling with split ends or detangling: I used to have split ends (and mid shaft holes) all the time, now not anymore!
One thing that made the difference was: first I stopped using combs, and then, 1 year later, I stopped finger detangling under the shower.
I smooth my dry hair with a good amount of aloe juice, conditioner and coconut oil, let it marinade for 20 min with a shower cap on and then proceed with gentle finger detangling. (the 3 of them together work best for me). I concentrate on both the tips and the roots when lubricating.
It's my pre-shampoo.

How I finger detangle
I used to rake my fingers through. Wrong (=still split ends, pulling, breakage). I used to gently separate my strands from tip to root. Not enough (=my scalp was matted).
Now I do this:
I gently separate one very small section at a time from the rest. First from tip to root, then (very important) from the very root to tip, then I remove my shed hair from that section. When moving from root to tip, the shed hair comes out naturally without pulling or raking through.
If I find a knot, I gently pull my strands upwards while holding it and it works wonderfully.

That is all! I have been doing it for the past 5 months and I now actually like detangling.

Another good trick is: first this pre-shampoo/detangling, then co-wash or deep condition, and finally shampoo and style (with conditioning products).

@Taurusgirl
@Missjetta
@R.A.A.H
@Victoria44

 

[Curlykale]

For those struggling with SSK:
drenching your ends in aloe juice and sealing with a little bit of wheat germ oil every single day may work wonders. These 2 ingredients are especially effective for this purpose to me. I don't know if it's the aminoacids or hydration from aloe, the ceramides and thickness of wheat germ or what but they suddenly and surprisingly worked for me when I was having this problem.
There are a few threads where some ladies say that ceramide oils helped with their SSK issues.

PS: I have never worn wash and go's, only braidouts, and I air dry in braids, so this could be another factor.

 

[faithVA]

I'm starting over. Had my Komaza Hair Analysis and the verdict was I needed to cut my hair to 2" because there was no salvaging it. So cut it to 2" yesterday.

 

[Taurusgirl]

I'm starting over. Had my Komaza Hair Analysis and the verdict was I needed to cut my hair to 2" because there was no salvaging it. So cut it to 2" yesterday.

It looks nice and healthy. I miss my twa sometimes but i know ill miss my length sooner than itll take for me to grow it back so I'm hoping mine isn't damaged beyond repair. But if it is i Doubt if I do another big chop. Probably try to cut it off little by little.

 

[faithVA]

It looks nice and healthy. I miss my twa sometimes but i know ill miss my length sooner than itll take for me to grow it back so I'm hoping mine isn't damaged beyond repair. But if it is i Doubt if I do another big chop. Probably try to cut it off little by little.

I didn't miss it

Your's probably isn't as damaged as mine was. If I had waited any longer it would have spread to my roots and I would have had to shave. So I was at least about to salvage 2".

Your hair will be fine.

 

[virtuenow]

Curlykale where can you get wheat germ oil (in person)? Is this in the grocery store? Does it need to be unrefined or a particular type?

 

[virtuenow]

I didn't miss it

Your's probably isn't as damaged as mine was. If I had waited any longer it would have spread to my roots and I would have had to shave. So I was at least about to salvage 2".

Your hair will be fine.

faithVA what do you mean, spread? Why would it spread? Did it already spread from a certain point/how much? I'm wondering if this is what happened to me.

 

[faithVA]

virtuenow[/USER];16559889]@faithVA what do you mean, spread? Why would it spread? Did it already spread from a certain point/how much? I'm wondering if this is what happened to me.

Sorry. I can't remember what I posted in which thread

The hair analysis showed that I had heat damage and the protein structure was damaged beyond repair. That resulted in mid strand splits and those splits were traveling up the strand causing further breakage. I had 8 inches of hair in January and the splits just ate their way up until I only had 2" of healthy hair left. I was trimming regularly but because the protein was damaged it wasn't enough. The splits were traveling faster than I was cutting it.

 

[Taurusgirl]

Sorry. I can't remember what I posted in which thread

The hair analysis showed that I had heat damage and the protein structure was damaged beyond repair. That resulted in mid strand splits and those splits were traveling up the strand causing further breakage. I had 8 inches of hair in January and the splits just ate their way up until I only had 2" of healthy hair left. I was trimming regularly but because the protein was damaged it wasn't enough. The splits were traveling faster than I was cutting it.

Oh no!! This is exactly what's going on with my hair! Splitting all the way up. It seems like the strands are unraveling or something. I cut a couple inches off but still having the same problem. Spread?! Now I'm sick lol. How did you get an analysis? From other ppl in the forum I had all ready self diagnosed my hair as having a moisture/protein imbalance and heat damage.

 

[Curlykale]

virtuenow I am in Europe and I usually buy all my oils from local soap making supplies (online), but I have seen wheat germ oil in some health food stores or herbalists as well, in the essential oils/ massage oils area: maybe Whole Foods and Trader Joe's in the US?

 

[darlingdiva]

virtuenow: Wheat germ oil is sold at the Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, and in health stores.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

For those struggling with SSK:
drenching your ends in aloe juice and sealing with a little bit of wheat germ oil every single day may work wonders. These 2 ingredients are especially effective for this purpose to me. I don't know if it's the aminoacids or hydration from aloe, the ceramides and thickness of wheat germ or what but they suddenly and surprisingly worked for me when I was having this problem.
There are a few threads where some ladies say that ceramide oils helped with their SSK issues.

PS: I have never worn wash and go's, only braidouts, and I air dry in braids, so this could be another factor.

Keeping the hair stretched helps with ssk issues in general! I never thought about using wgo on my ends! Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone 4S using LHCF app

 

[faithVA]

Taurusgirl[/USER];16560445]Oh no!! This is exactly what's going on with my hair! Splitting all the way up. It seems like the strands are unraveling or something. I cut a couple inches off but still having the same problem. Spread?! Now I'm sick lol. How did you get an analysis? From other ppl in the forum I had all ready self diagnosed my hair as having a moisture/protein imbalance and heat damage.

I'm sorry to hear that. I had the same problem, I would trim and within a week or two my ends felt the same. I found I wasn't cutting high enough up.

I got a hair analysis through Komaza Care. There is a Komaza thread on it and I also posted on it in my blog. I wish I had done it years ago. I would have saved my hair and not done 2 years worth of unnecessary work.

 

[cocomama]

Hair profile? not sure

Reggie and products? DeepPrePoo weekly, then shampoo with african black soap shampoo, and put Mowrah butter or Avocado oil or Grapeseed oil to seal.

How do you style your hair? many different buns, twist, twist outs, & bantu knots.

What problems do you have with your hair? I used to have knots/and detangle issues...BUT since I been doing the DeepPrePoo on dry hair I don't have that problem anymore! My only problem now is that I was in a little bit of a style rut, now thanks to YT I'm starting to experiment with new Buns.

 

[lamaria211]

Curlykale where can you get wheat germ oil (in person)? Is this in the grocery store? Does it need to be unrefined or a particular type?

I have Viobin Wheat Germ Oil its unrefined ans awsome

 

[pinkchocolatedaisy]

I honestly didn't think I would need to post in this thread. I'm no hair expert but I thought I pretty much had it all figured out with my hair. Yet...here I am.

Hair profile? 4a?? fine, dense

Reggie and products? Up until recently, it was to cowash 2-3 times a week and wear WnGs using Tresemme Naturals and KCCC. I would put my hair in 4 ponys/pineapples and fluff in the morning. I suppose I could still get away with this if I could find a condish that was a little more strengthening (I think the cowashing is bit of a mositure overload for me) and if I could be a little more gentle with detangling. I shampoo once a week with DevaCare Low Poo and use Joico Kpak (protein) and DC as needed (Jessicurl or Lustrasilk Shea Butter and Mango).

How do you style your hair? WnGs

What problems do you have with your hair? I lack styling skills! This weekend I decided to twist my hair. I twisted on dry, stetched hair (banded) and put a bunch of small/med twists in. This took me 5 hours (w/interruptions) but I can already tell I will barely make it a week in this style. I used V05 conditioner as my leave in and eco styler (argan oil) for hold. I sealed with monoi butter. My hair is soft, the twists look nice and the ends curl up perfectly. But my roots are puffy and I don't know how to make them look less "scalpy" lol. How do you do it w/o parting your hair? When I do that I seem to grab strands that "belong" to another section and end up with tangles and frizz. How are you ladies making your twists last for weeks? I would love to be able to go 2 weeks (one week in twists; one week twistouts).

 

[natural2008]

I honestly didn't think I would need to post in this thread. I'm no hair expert but I thought I pretty much had it all figured out with my hair. Yet...here I am.

Hair profile? 4a?? fine, dense

Reggie and products? Up until recently, it was to cowash 2-3 times a week and wear WnGs using Tresemme Naturals and KCCC. I would put my hair in 4 ponys/pineapples and fluff in the morning. I suppose I could still get away with this if I could find a condish that was a little more strengthening (I think the cowashing is bit of a mositure overload for me) and if I could be a little more gentle with detangling. I shampoo once a week with DevaCare Low Poo and use Joico Kpak (protein) and DC as needed (Jessicurl or Lustrasilk Shea Butter and Mango).

How do you style your hair? WnGs

What problems do you have with your hair? I lack styling skills! This weekend I decided to twist my hair. I twisted on dry, stetched hair (banded) and put a bunch of small/med twists in. This took me 5 hours (w/interruptions) but I can already tell I will barely make it a week in this style. I used V05 conditioner as my leave in and eco styler (argan oil) for hold. I sealed with monoi butter. My hair is soft, the twists look nice and the ends curl up perfectly. But my roots are puffy and I don't know how to make them look less "scalpy" lol. How do you do it w/o parting your hair? When I do that I seem to grab strands that "belong" to another section and end up with tangles and frizz. How are you ladies making your twists last for weeks? I would love to be able to go 2 weeks (one week in twists; one week twistouts).

My twist flat/ singles don't last longer than a week either. I also run everyday and sweat lots on my head.

 

[aquajoyice]

This thread is right on time

Hair profile? 4A medium to fine strands

Reggie and products? Wash weekly with Terressentials or African Black soap or co-wash weekly.

How do you style your hair? M-F buns..buns and more buns. Weekend high buns or co-wash

What problems do you have with your hair? I don't have the time to spend styling my hair and the boredom of buns is making me consider texlaxing. The problem is I LOVE my natural hair even though I don't get much support from Family. I've gotten accustomed t oseeing myself in buns I feel stuck in a rut. It will be two years into my transition and i've cut the texlaxed end along the way. I'm probably 90% natural but can't tell since chemically treated hair blended in so well. I want to wear my hair straight for a while but flat ironing on my hair is lack luster. I'm going back and forth with the idea of texlaxing and almost bought one.

 

[CurlsOnFire23]

Right now it's a cluster-**** of BS going on on top of my head right now. Last night I saw breakage, with a knot (or two), and a god damn 3 way split at the end. WTF. All 3 on one stand of hair?! UGH!! There wasn't enough curse words in the english language so I screamed NO in German for like 5 minutes...

 

[JudithO]

This thread is right on time

Hair profile? 4A medium to fine strands

Reggie and products? Wash weekly with Terressentials or African Black soap or co-wash weekly.

How do you style your hair? M-F buns..buns and more buns. Weekend high buns or co-wash

What problems do you have with your hair? I don't have the time to spend styling my hair and the boredom of buns is making me consider texlaxing. The problem is I LOVE my natural hair even though I don't get much support from Family. I've gotten accustomed t oseeing myself in buns I feel stuck in a rut. It will be two years into my transition and i've cut the texlaxed end along the way. I'm probably 90% natural but can't tell since chemically treated hair blended in so well. I want to wear my hair straight for a while but flat ironing on my hair is lack luster. I'm going back and forth with the idea of texlaxing and almost bought one.

Unfortunately, i dont have good news for you... even if you texlax/relax you'll be bunning daily too.. except you'll lose the fullness of the bun. If that's your only problem, sweetie ill leave the hair as it is, and try to incorporate other styles... two strand twist for a while, watch Naptural85 too on YT.. goodluck.

 

[CaliiSwagg]

This thread is right on time

Hair profile? 4A medium to fine strands

Reggie and products? Wash weekly with Terressentials or African Black soap or co-wash weekly.

How do you style your hair? M-F buns..buns and more buns. Weekend high buns or co-wash

What problems do you have with your hair? I don't have the time to spend styling my hair and the boredom of buns is making me consider texlaxing. The problem is I LOVE my natural hair even though I don't get much support from Family. I've gotten accustomed t oseeing myself in buns I feel stuck in a rut. It will be two years into my transition and i've cut the texlaxed end along the way. I'm probably 90% natural but can't tell since chemically treated hair blended in so well. I want to wear my hair straight for a while but flat ironing on my hair is lack luster. I'm going back and forth with the idea of texlaxing and almost bought one.

aquajoyice

I am in the same boat as you! all I wear are puffs and as much as I love my natural hair, I want the managability looser curls may bring me. Only thing is my hair is my nape is like 3c and the rest is like a wavy 4a. I fear over processing one or parts of my hair if I do decide to texlax.

 

[AtlantaJJ]

This thread is right on time

Hair profile? 4A medium to fine strands

Reggie and products? Wash weekly with Terressentials or African Black soap or co-wash weekly.

How do you style your hair? M-F buns..buns and more buns. Weekend high buns or co-wash

What problems do you have with your hair? I don't have the time to spend styling my hair and the boredom of buns is making me consider texlaxing. The problem is I LOVE my natural hair even though I don't get much support from Family. I've gotten accustomed t oseeing myself in buns I feel stuck in a rut. It will be two years into my transition and i've cut the texlaxed end along the way. I'm probably 90% natural but can't tell since chemically treated hair blended in so well. I want to wear my hair straight for a while but flat ironing on my hair is lack luster. I'm going back and forth with the idea of texlaxing and almost bought one.

aquajoyice

I am in the same boat as you! all I wear are puffs and as much as I love my natural hair, I want the managability looser curls may bring me. Only thing is my hair is my nape is like 3c and the rest is like a wavy 4a. I fear over processing one or parts of my hair if I do decide to texlax.

Think about having two textures of hair again and doing retouches. I never want to go back to that nightmare!

Just get some braids or twists for a change of pace. You are less likely to regret this in the long run.

 

[aquajoyice]

Thank-you ladies for the responses I am having an internal battle with my hair. CaliiSwagg , my hair is similar since the perimeter of my hair is a looser texture some 3C areas and the crown is 4A. The reason i've thought about texlaxing is because my hair has thrived and wasn't thin at all. I started here at LHCF since 2004 so I know how to manage chemically treated hair. For me it's more about shortening my styling time so I can wear it out more. But, with that being said I love my hair but have no time to do any other style but buns. I wash once a week on Sat do twist-outs and wash-n-go's. This can take me at an hour to condition, detangle and style then dry.

Don't get me wrong I love not being bound by the creamy crack, not having multiple textures and my snap back coils. But the ssk's and bun blues are killing me softly. I'm waiting it out because I have a feeling once texlexed i'm going to regret it and 2 years under my belt is nothing to take lightly. I'm torn but decided to weigh my options and take all of your advice seriously before doing anything.

 

[CaliiSwagg]

Thank-you ladies for the responses I am having an internal battle with my hair. @CaliiSwagg , my hair is similar since the perimeter of my hair is a looser texture some 3C areas and the crown is 4A. The reason i've thought about texlaxing is because my hair has thrived and wasn't thin at all. I started here at LHCF since 2004 so I know how to manage chemically treated hair. For me it's more about shortening my styling time so I can wear it out more. But, with that being said I love my hair but have no time to do any other style but buns. I wash once a week on Sat do twist-outs and wash-n-go's. This can take me at an hour to condition, detangle and style then dry.

Don't get me wrong I love not being bound by the creamy crack, not having multiple textures and my snap back coils. But the ssk's and bun blues are killing me softly. I'm waiting it out because I have a feeling once texlexed i'm going to regret it and 2 years under my belt is nothing to take lightly. I'm torn but decided to weigh my options and take all of your advice seriously before doing anything.

aquajoyice

I completely understand where your coming from. I havent even tried styles that take more than 30 mins to do lol I honestly doubt I will texlax or anything because I know I will regret it. I just keep telling myself that I am in an ackward stage and that once my hair gets longer, everything will make sense.

Your hair is soo pretty!! I can only hope that mine looks like that once it gets some more length.

 

[CaliiSwagg]

Think about having two textures of hair again and doing retouches. I never want to go back to that nightmare!

Just get some braids or twists for a change of pace. You are less likely to regret this in the long run.

I tried braids but they didn't last long because they started to slip out.
Idk whether my hair is too soft or what but I was mad as well.

But your right! My next attempt at changing things up will be a curly weave. I want to try something I can blend my hair with and not have to worry about but still be fly. We will see how that works out.

 

[aquajoyice]

aquajoyice

I completely understand where your coming from. I havent even tried styles that take more than 30 mins to do lol I honestly doubt I will texlax or anything because I know I will regret it. I just keep telling myself that I am in an ackward stage and that once my hair gets longer, everything will make sense.

Your hair is soo pretty!! I can only hope that mine looks like that once it gets some more length.

Thank-you The styles on siggy and avatar give me life but it takes a minute for me to get it there. I've been telling myself the same thing, "just let is grow out more and I will work itself out". Then I think more hair means more time to style which will turn into bigger buns lol. Whatever I do will probably happen within the next week. I'm feeling texlaxed may be it for me. I'll create an official thread soon to get a consensus on what to do.