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

[Cruzankink]

I think the filter is doing something, so I may need to restructure my products and reggi. The quality of my curls feel different, it's puffier, doesnt feel as dense. I know I'm not losing hair cuz I would see it! THe hair is TOO soft. Not holding a style. It's absorbing everything! Probably because the chlorine and other mineral deposits arent built up anymore? Maybe I need a strong protein treatment? IDK. Plus it's at an awkward length.

DarkJoy Don't discipline your hair w/ protein because your filter is doing its job! Maybe your uncompromised hair is truly soft, fluffy and absorbant.

My hair is growing and starting to look crazy. I look like Chuckie from the Rugrats

faithVA Yes.... I remember those days.

 

[faithVA]

QUESTION: I want to clarify bi-monthly and poo is not an option. I am considering incorporating ACV rinses to my regimen to dissolve product build up and soothe my itchy scalp. I was thinking of doing the ACV rinse on wash day b/4 I preepoo, CW and DC since I don't want the rinse to undermine the benefits of the products I use. Is this a sound approach? TIA

Why do you clarify so often? What are you putting on your hair that is building up that often?

 

[faithVA]

I did search the thread on reviews on As I Am and Hair One. As you stated, ppl sounded like they like As I Am better. I probably will try it and see how my hair feels. You should definitely go out and buy a cleansing conditioner lol. U told me too lol

I know. When I read my name I was wondering, what am I thinking?

 

[faithVA]

I totally feel how u feel. I was thinking about putting another weave in my hair for a couple of months just so I didn't have to deal with the length. But then I realized I would be in the same predicament I was in 3 months ago. Not knowing anything about my hair and learning a regimen that grows my hair. That might not be for u. But don't u want to notice every time ur hair grows or likes a product and be happy on its progress. So I decided to stick with mine. Sorry for inspiration message or something. That's just how I felt about my hair.

I agree with this philosophy. The first time around I wore extensions and my hair grew nicely. But then when I took out the extensions I had no idea what to put in my hair. But I may put in some extensions myself but only wear them for 2 weeks at a time. That is enough for a break but it still keeps me in touch with my hair.

 

[JJamiah]

I like the As I am better then Most of the Hair Ones. I'd go for the Hair One Olive Oil or the As I am Coconut Cowash. BUT.... The coconut cowash by As I Am is cheaper, so for The sales this year I will be picking up 12 of them for the 2013 year . Plus I am gifting a package of hair products to my big sis

 

[DarkJoy]

QUESTION: I want to clarify bi-monthly and poo is not an option. I am considering incorporating ACV rinses to my regimen to dissolve product build up and soothe my itchy scalp. I was thinking of doing the ACV rinse on wash day b/4 I preepoo, CW and DC since I don't want the rinse to undermine the benefits of the products I use. Is this a sound approach? TIA

Hey Cruzankink--I'd say no. ACV also smooths and closes the cuticle so your CW and DC would not penetrate. I know people are wary of the baking soda, but I say just put less than 1/4 teaspoon in your cw (dissolved in water) and see what happens. Then rinse REALLY WELL. then continue your reggi. You might wanna acv afterwards since the soda completely opens the cuticle.
The question is why is your scalp itchy, tho? Is it dry? Maybe it's a product thats irritating you?

I totally feel how u feel. I was thinking about putting another weave in my hair for a couple of months just so I didn't have to deal with the length. But then I realized I would be in the same predicament I was in 3 months ago. Not knowing anything about my hair and learning a regimen that grows my hair. That might not be for u. But don't u want to notice every time ur hair grows or likes a product and be happy on its progress. So I decided to stick with mine. Sorry for inspiration message or something. That's just how I felt about my hair.

Prettycoach, thanks for your encouraging words! Sorry, I was just feeling frustrated. It's like I have a whole new head of hair. Feels like I have to start over! Weird. Didnt expect that!

 

[DarkJoy]

gahh! you gals are so fast! faithVA and @Cruzankink--thanks for reading my rant/diatribe/bytch session. lol

Everything is looking so different, all my styls are coming out...weird...not finding anything that works!

lol @ protein punishment! you made me laugh

I like your idea, faith. maybe just a couple weeks at a time..a month at most. might as well get my dollars worth for all the fake hair i'd have to buy.

 

[Bublin]

So for the first time ever I used a regular conditioner as a moisturiser. You know, it pains me that I have been on this site for so long and it's only now I'm trying some of the popular methods. I am so set in my ways and stubborn.....nah, that is never going to work for me!!! LOL

I realised the water spritz and shea mix to seal was not good enough on a daily basis.

I put a small amount of VO5 Give Me Moisture condish on my ends and proceeded to put into large braids. Well well, my ends had zero tangling and there were no broken bits at all on my hands. Even with all those shed hairs, my hair was a breeze.

It's nice when things start coming together.

 

[Cruzankink]

Why do you clarify so often? What are you putting on your hair that is building up that often?

@faithVA I have never clarified since my BC. Actually, I don't believe I have build up at all. But I ordered 'As I Am Twist Defining Cream' which contains lanolin. I feel that once I start using it, I may need to clarify more often. I posted the question so I'll know what to do in case I need to clarify.

Hey @Cruzankink--I'd say no. ACV also smooths and closes the cuticle so your CW and DC would not penetrate. I know people are wary of the baking soda, but I say just put less than 1/4 teaspoon in your cw (dissolved in water) and see what happens. Then rinse REALLY WELL. then continue your reggi. You might wanna acv afterwards since the soda completely opens the cuticle.
The question is why is your scalp itchy, tho? Is it dry? Maybe it's a product thats irritating you?

@DarkJoy My scalp itched terribly when I'ld CW only w/ regular cons. Now that I'm use cleansing cons the itching has stop. I was interested in ACV rinses b/c it also helps w/ itching. I've read that ACV closing cuticles but I didn't know how else to incorporate it in my reggie. I also read the article you posted re: baking soda. I don't mind trying your recommendation. But , my Ph.D. in mixology does not extend to chemistry so I'm afraid of using baking soda and ACV at the same time.
Follow up ?s:
If Iuse baking soda, can my cuticles close another way (i.e. a cold water rinse) after my DC or must I still use the ACV rinse?
Do you do ACV/baking soda rinses. If yes, how often?
How do you incorporate it into your reggie and why?
Does ACV/baking soda make your hair feel dry/rough?

 

[faithVA]

Cruzankink[/USER];16962653]@faithVA I have never clarified since my BC. Actually, I don't believe I have build up at all. But I ordered 'As I Am Twist Defining Cream' which contains lanolin. I feel that once I start using it, I may need to clarify more often. I posted the question so I'll know what to do in case I need to clarify.

Let me know how the twist defining cream works out. I bought the jelly I couldn't figure out whether I wanted the cream or the jelly. Still not sure but I am thinking long term a cream would be better for my hair.

Even if it does have lanolin, I don't think you will need to clarify more than once a month. I guess my mudwash is the closest I get to clarifying.

 

[Cruzankink]

Let me know how the twist defining cream works out. I bought the jelly I couldn't figure out whether I wanted the cream or the jelly. Still not sure but I am thinking long term a cream would be better for my hair.

Even if it does have lanolin, I don't think you will need to clarify more than once a month. I guess my mudwash is the closest I get to clarifying.

faithVA You're right, maybe clarifying bi-monthly is not needed. I got caught up w/ lanolin being thick and greasy. Some (including myself at one point) consider it to be a bad ingredient; thus, more difficult to remove (in my mind) w/o a clarifier. Speaking of mudwash, I started using SM PM which provides it detoxifies and removes product build up. I may not have to experiment w/ ACV/baking soda rinses afterall. But..... I still want to know how I can incorporate them into my reggie if I choose to.

I'll tell you how the TDC works for me. I'm happy w/ the butter I'm using for sealing my twists/bantu knots. I just thought a cream would provide more suppleness. I thought about buying the jelly but I didn't think it would work w/ my styling options since I only use gel/jelly for WnG 1-2x a week. Plus I'm already happy w/ the products I use for this style.

Follow-up ?s
How do you use the jelly?
How does it work as compared to other gels/jellies you've used?
Do you use a leave-in under it? If yes, which one(s)?
Any white residue?

 

[faithVA]

@faithVA You're right, maybe clarifying bi-monthly is not needed. I got caught up w/ lanolin being thick and greasy. Some (including myself at one point) consider it to be a bad ingredient; thus, more difficult to remove (in my mind) w/o a clarifier. Speaking of mudwash, I started using SM PM which provides it detoxifies and removes product build up. I may not have to experiment w/ ACV/baking soda rinses afterall. But..... I still want to know how I can incorporate them into my reggie if I choose to.


Follow-up ?s
How do you use the jelly?
How does it work as compared to other gels/jellies you've used?
Do you use a leave-in under it? If yes, which one(s)?
Any white residue?

Lanolin isn't high enough up on the list for it to make the product to heavy.

I am not currently using the jelly. Once I got my hair there was very little I could do with it so it's just sitting on the shelf. I won't start using it again until I start doing twists. I usually apply a gel to my twists to give them better hold. I did try it once when I first got it but I only had 2" of hair so I can't really give you a good idea of how it worked.

I have As I Am leave-in. I would need to use a leave-in under it. And that is the one I would use.

Maybe I will try it this weekend, applying the leave-in and then applying the gel to my twists before I twist it up. My hair has really good hold with just the leave-in which is why I haven't bothered with any stylers.

When I use it I will let you know.

 

[Cruzankink]

Lanolin isn't high enough up on the list for it to make the product to heavy.

True... true...

 

[Bublin]

Flax seed gel is making my hair too wet.
I airdry my hair in fat braids before applying product but the gel makes it soaking wet again.
Am I using too much? I read somewhere I was supposed to saturate my hair in it to make it effective. Will I still have a reasonable hold if I just use a little?

 

[JessieLeleB]

I need to take my own advice and go buy a cleansing conditioner

I'm rocking 3" of hair. I feel your frustration but have no advice.

Can some of you ladies list some cleansing conditioners so I can have a idea.

 

[faithVA]

Can some of you ladies list some cleansing conditioners so I can have a idea.

Sally's sells Hair One and As I Am.
Of Course there's the infamous Wen
L'Oreal also sells a cleansing conditioner.

Those are all I know on the ground.

 

[faithVA]

Flax seed gel is making my hair too wet.
I airdry my hair in fat braids before applying product but the gel makes it soaking wet again.
Am I using too much? I read somewhere I was supposed to saturate my hair in it to make it effective. Will I still have a reasonable hold if I just use a little?

I doubt that you have to saturate your hair That doesn't sound right. Maybe those wearing a WNG saturate their hair to get their curls to hold. Try using less. It will still be wet, but that's the case with any gel. What type of style are you doing?

 

[NikkiQ]

Sally's sells Hair One and As I Am.
Of Course there's the infamous Wen
L'Oreal also sells a cleansing conditioner.

Those are all I know on the ground.

Motions Naturally You moisturizing cleanser too

 

[frobellete]

Hi all, I hope you can help me.

I have been natural since May 2007 and I am still shoulder length. When I first BCd the intention wasnt to go natural but rather I was at a transitional point in my life and cutting my hair was just a way of marking a fresh start in my life. I had intended to be natural for one year then relax after retaining some length. I used to just wash and go with shampoo - no conditioner, no good hair care practices whatsoever. My hair got to a length where detangling was a very painful process. So I started researching for the 'magic product' to melt away my tangles then I came across many natural haired ladies on youtube and many forums. I then made a decision to stay natural. It took me till 2009 to start working on a healthy hair journey.

Deep conditioning saved my hair! I made most of my deep conditioners, avocado deep conditioner, honey and coconut oil were my staples (avocado one week and honey the other). I also experimented with henna during this period. Then I decided to do twists for a year - id keep a set for two months at a time. I retained some length but my hairline suffered. When I stopped twisting (with extensions) i also stopped using home made deep conditioners, and just bought some because I didnt have as much time to play with my hair.

After a while my hair started breaking and it has been that way for a while now. I got to almost bra strap and now I am back to SL. It occured to me that I eliminated protein altogether from my regimen. I bought aphogee 2min reconstructor and the two step protein treatment and used it once. Its only now that I am making the connection between lack of protein and hair breakage. As for my ends I started using MN (MN + Mega tek + beemine sulfur serum) and its working well I think.

Now I need help in building a regimen that will help maintain moisture - protein balance. Last week I did the aphogee two step protein treatment then I DC'd with Joico Moisture Recovery Balm (my hair loves this) then did a tea rinse which i rinsed out after a few minutes. Next week (I hope to DC every week) I am hoping to do the AE Garlic mask for a DC. I am not too sure what to do afterwards.

In my bathroom I also have:
DC
Aubrey Organics GBP Conditioner, Aphogee 2min reconstructor, Joico Moisture Recovery Balm, AE Garlic Mask, Elasta QP DPR-11.

Conditioners
Innecto, Tresemme Naturals (white and green one for moisture), Louise Galvin natural locks conditioner, mega tek, mane and tail

Leave - in
I use Kimmaytube's recipe but at the moment I am using Giovanni instead of Knot today

Moisturisers/butters
Shea butter (i mixed it with some oils cant remember which), Elasta QP mango butter, infusium 23

Oils
assortment of oils and essential oils

Phew seems like i have a product junky's bathroom .

I know different people have different 'equilibria' for moisture protein balance and I know there is no one fits all formula. But could you help me find what mine is based on the products that I have? I would greatly appreciate it. I am fed up of constant set backs! (I keep my hair in twists that last me a week, take them down, wash and dc then re-twist).

Sorry for a long message but I didnt want to leave out what could turn out to be important information.

I would greatly appreciate your help!

 

[frobellete]

Hi all, I hope you can help me.

I have been natural since May 2007 and I am still shoulder length. When I first BCd the intention wasnt to go natural but rather I was at a transitional point in my life and cutting my hair was just a way of marking a fresh start in my life. I had intended to be natural for one year then relax after retaining some length. I used to just wash and go with shampoo - no conditioner, no good hair care practices whatsoever. My hair got to a length where detangling was a very painful process. So I started researching for the 'magic product' to melt away my tangles then I came across many natural haired ladies on youtube and many forums. I then made a decision to stay natural. It took me till 2009 to start working on a healthy hair journey.

Deep conditioning saved my hair! I made most of my deep conditioners, avocado deep conditioner, honey and coconut oil were my staples (avocado one week and honey the other). I also experimented with henna during this period. Then I decided to do twists for a year - id keep a set for two months at a time. I retained some length but my hairline suffered. When I stopped twisting (with extensions) i also stopped using home made deep conditioners, and just bought some because I didnt have as much time to play with my hair.

After a while my hair started breaking and it has been that way for a while now. I got to almost bra strap and now I am back to SL. It occured to me that I eliminated protein altogether from my regimen. I bought aphogee 2min reconstructor and the two step protein treatment and used it once. Its only now that I am making the connection between lack of protein and hair breakage. As for my ends I started using MN (MN + Mega tek + beemine sulfur serum) and its working well I think.

Now I need help in building a regimen that will help maintain moisture - protein balance. Last week I did the aphogee two step protein treatment then I DC'd with Joico Moisture Recovery Balm (my hair loves this) then did a tea rinse which i rinsed out after a few minutes. Next week (I hope to DC every week) I am hoping to do the AE Garlic mask for a DC. I am not too sure what to do afterwards.

In my bathroom I also have:
DC
Aubrey Organics GBP Conditioner, Aphogee 2min reconstructor, Joico Moisture Recovery Balm, AE Garlic Mask, Elasta QP DPR-11.

Conditioners
Innecto, Tresemme Naturals (white and green one for moisture), Louise Galvin natural locks conditioner, mega tek, mane and tail

Leave - in
I use Kimmaytube's recipe but at the moment I am using Giovanni instead of Knot today

Moisturisers/butters
Shea butter (i mixed it with some oils cant remember which), Elasta QP mango butter, infusium 23

Oils
assortment of oils and essential oils

Phew seems like i have a product junky's bathroom .

I know different people have different 'equilibria' for moisture protein balance and I know there is no one fits all formula. But could you help me find what mine is based on the products that I have? I would greatly appreciate it. I am fed up of constant set backs! (I keep my hair in twists that last me a week, take them down, wash and dc then re-twist).

Sorry for a long message but I didnt want to leave out what could turn out to be important information.

I would greatly appreciate your help!

sorry its my edges i am using mn with not my ends excuse the typo.

 

[Arian]

I have started using protein, and although I see some moisture retention, my hair still dries out frequently. My ends get exceptionally dry. I know they need to be cut. About an inch or so...Oddly enough, my roots feel more moisturized, which leads me to believe that most of my hair needs to be cut off...

 

[faithVA]

Motions Naturally You moisturizing cleanser too

I was in Krogers and I checked out the L'Oreal. It has Isopropyl Alcohol in it That's too harsh for my hair.

Then I saw something Q Salon or something. But it had dimethicone in it So had to pass on that to. The prices were good though $5.99 and $6.99

I will pick up the As I Am over the weekend.

 

[faithVA]

Hi all, I hope you can help me.

I have been natural since May 2007 and I am still shoulder length. When I first BCd the intention wasnt to go natural but rather I was at a transitional point in my life and cutting my hair was just a way of marking a fresh start in my life. I had intended to be natural for one year then relax after retaining some length. I used to just wash and go with shampoo - no conditioner, no good hair care practices whatsoever. My hair got to a length where detangling was a very painful process. So I started researching for the 'magic product' to melt away my tangles then I came across many natural haired ladies on youtube and many forums. I then made a decision to stay natural. It took me till 2009 to start working on a healthy hair journey.

Deep conditioning saved my hair! I made most of my deep conditioners, avocado deep conditioner, honey and coconut oil were my staples (avocado one week and honey the other). I also experimented with henna during this period. Then I decided to do twists for a year - id keep a set for two months at a time. I retained some length but my hairline suffered. When I stopped twisting (with extensions) i also stopped using home made deep conditioners, and just bought some because I didnt have as much time to play with my hair.

After a while my hair started breaking and it has been that way for a while now. I got to almost bra strap and now I am back to SL. It occured to me that I eliminated protein altogether from my regimen. I bought aphogee 2min reconstructor and the two step protein treatment and used it once. Its only now that I am making the connection between lack of protein and hair breakage. As for my ends I started using MN (MN + Mega tek + beemine sulfur serum) and its working well I think.

Now I need help in building a regimen that will help maintain moisture - protein balance. Last week I did the aphogee two step protein treatment then I DC'd with Joico Moisture Recovery Balm (my hair loves this) then did a tea rinse which i rinsed out after a few minutes. Next week (I hope to DC every week) I am hoping to do the AE Garlic mask for a DC. I am not too sure what to do afterwards.

In my bathroom I also have:
DC
Aubrey Organics GBP Conditioner, Aphogee 2min reconstructor, Joico Moisture Recovery Balm, AE Garlic Mask, Elasta QP DPR-11.

Conditioners
Innecto, Tresemme Naturals (white and green one for moisture), Louise Galvin natural locks conditioner, mega tek, mane and tail

Leave - in
I use Kimmaytube's recipe but at the moment I am using Giovanni instead of Knot today

Moisturisers/butters
Shea butter (i mixed it with some oils cant remember which), Elasta QP mango butter, infusium 23

Oils
assortment of oils and essential oils

Phew seems like i have a product junky's bathroom .

I know different people have different 'equilibria' for moisture protein balance and I know there is no one fits all formula. But could you help me find what mine is based on the products that I have? I would greatly appreciate it. I am fed up of constant set backs! (I keep my hair in twists that last me a week, take them down, wash and dc then re-twist).

Sorry for a long message but I didnt want to leave out what could turn out to be important information.

I would greatly appreciate your help!

I am going to let the protein experts help you. It's really far out of my area of knowledge.

 

[faithVA]

I have started using protein, and although I see some moisture retention, my hair still dries out frequently. My ends get exceptionally dry. I know they need to be cut. About an inch or so...Oddly enough, my roots feel more moisturized, which leads me to believe that most of my hair needs to be cut off...

Just my recommendation, try staying with your current protein/moisture regimen and trim your ends. And ever 6 to 8 weeks trim again if you need to.

I had something similar going on where my roots felt moisturized and the rest dry. But after I big chopped, it all felt dry

Sometimes cutting it off makes it better and sometimes not. Maybe see how your hair responds over the next 2 months. Then re-evaluate.

 

[faithVA]

Cruzankink[/USER];16963339]@faithVA You're right, maybe


Follow-up ?s
How do you use the jelly?
How does it work as compared to other gels/jellies you've used?
Do you use a leave-in under it? If yes, which one(s)?
Any white residue?

I cowashed tonight so I decided to pull the jelly out. Cowashed with deva curl one. Then mixed the As I Am leave-in with AVG and saturated my hair. I didn't use as much as usual but I used a lot. I separated my hair into about 20 sections . Then I applied the jelly to each section, sometimes finger combing it through and sometimes just combing it through and twisted it up. After about 30 minutes I took out the twist spritzed my hair with oil and sealed my ends with JC Nourish and Shine and put in 2 strand twists.

One thing I do like about the gel is that it is not as sticky as other gels I have used. It almost looked like I could do a WNG but I didn't trust letting it dry overnight and then I end up with this stuck to my head fro Wore one of those today and it was painful.

I will take my twists out in the morning and let you know how it goes.

 

[Cruzankink]

Hi all, I hope you can help me.

Deep conditioning saved my hair! I decided to do twists for a year - id keep a set for two months at a time. I retained some length but my hairline suffered. When I stopped twisting (with extensions) i also stopped using home made deep conditioners, and just bought some because I didnt have as much time to play with my hair.

After a while my hair started breaking and it has been that way for a while now. I got to almost bra strap and now I am back to SL. It occured to me that I eliminated protein altogether from my regimen. I bought aphogee 2min reconstructor and the two step protein treatment and used it once. Its only now that I am making the connection between lack of protein and hair breakage. As for my ends I started using MN (MN + Mega tek + beemine sulfur serum) and its working well I think.

Now I need help in building a regimen that will help maintain moisture - protein balance. Last week I did the aphogee two step protein treatment then I DC'd with Joico Moisture Recovery Balm (my hair loves this) then did a tea rinse which i rinsed out after a few minutes. Next week (I hope to DC every week) I am hoping to do the AE Garlic mask for a DC. I am not too sure what to do afterwards.

I know different people have different 'equilibria' for moisture protein balance and I know there is no one fits all formula. But could you help me find what mine is based on the products that I have? I would greatly appreciate it. I am fed up of constant set backs!

Sorry for a long message but I didnt want to leave out what could turn out to be important information.

I would greatly appreciate your help!

@frobellete Welcome!!! No need to apologize for the long post. The more details you add, the better it is for us to pinpoint possible obstacles in your HHJ.

First, let me say that I am not a protein expert. Consequently, I cannot tell you what your specific moisture/protein balance should be. However, I can advise you based on my experience/research.

Moisture/Protein Balance: You are correct that most people have differnent "equlibria" for moisture/protein balance. The general rule is to alternate moisture and protein treatments every week. You can tweak it depending on your hair needs. Many ladies on this thread rave of AO GBP. I've also read great reviews on Aphogee 2min so I believe your protein enriched products will provide the breakage protection you need.

Products: I am familiar with most of the products you listed. Some contain non-water soluble silicones (i.e. Joico Recovery Balm - when I was relaxed my hair loved this too ). Often times silicone laden products cause hair to feel soft and moisturize but actually blocks moisture and protein from penetrating your hair which may eventually dry hair and cause breakage. I would not discontinue use if you've had success with them. However, you may want to use clarifying poo to dissolve the cones once a month maybe more/less depending on your silicone product use, . That way your protein and moisturizing treatments have a better chance of penetrating your hair.

Breakage: You may be correct in attributing your breakage to lack of protein in your reggie. However, another culprit may be your twist extensions thus your thinning hairline. I've read several post in LHCF where ladies linked breakage to extensions/weaves, particularly if left in for a long time. Styling tools can also cause breakage. I'ld recommend that you buy a seamless comb if you haven't already. Also do not brush your hair - denman brush included. Hair brushes and the seams in regular combs rip and pull hair plus they cause breakage/midshafts splits. Finally, reduce, or if you can, eliminate heat styling since it causes heat damage. I've learned this the hard way.



Reggie: Kinky/Curly hair needs moisture to thrive. Develop a reggie that allows for a moisture filled environment. I took me appx 5 mos to figure my hair out. For others it takes longer. Unfortunately this is leg work you have to do on your own. But the following are some factors to consider:

• What is your porosity, hair length, hair density?
• Is your hair fine, medium, coarse?
• How often should you do protein treatments?
• What ingredients/products best for your hair characteristics?

This is what I can come up w/ off the cuff. Others can chime in. Hope this helps!

 

[faithVA]

Cruzankink,

Here is the update on the jelly. My twists had a nice shine. The felt good on the 1st division. They frizzed out on the 2nd division but not as much as when I just use my leave-in. It did flake a bit but only after I started picking my hair out. But it was only in sections. So that means in those sections I either applied too much jelly or I didn't apply enough oil. Not sure which. I want to say I applied too much jelly and the excess is flaking off. But it wasn't enough to ruin my style. And it won't require me to wash again.

My hair feels soft and moisturized. It is a bit crunchy but it's always crunchy. I think if my hair was longer it would have come out better because I wouldn't have to separate it so much.

 

[DarkJoy]

Well I'm in good company greenandchic and Bublin. Finger detangling is useless here too. First, its too fine. I don't get even 1/4 of them out because some are the size of pins! Second, for that reason I get more breaks that way.

Seamless combs, the kind with the regular side and fine side work fine for this 'fro. I never brush tho...

 

[NaturalEnigma]

I have started using protein, and although I see some moisture retention, my hair still dries out frequently. My ends get exceptionally dry. I know they need to be cut. About an inch or so...Oddly enough, my roots feel more moisturized, which leads me to believe that most of my hair needs to be cut off...

My hair was acting weird for months. It wouldn't stay moisturized and it was breaking off like crazy, even though I deep conditioned weekly with protein and moisture. I haven't had a trim in over a year, so I decided to get one last week. OMG, my hair is literally reborn. My breakage stopped completely, my hair is so much more moisturized, softer, and looks great. At first I was pissed because the stylist cut a lot of my hair off, at least 2 inches off, but I realized I that wouldn't be able to retain any length or reach my goals holding on to damaged ends. Now I'm grateful that all that dead weight is gone, and my hair is growing beautifully. I think I'm going to start dusting every 3 months to keep my ends healthy. You should consider trimming your hair, it'll definitely turn the health of your hair around.

 

[Arian]

My hair was acting weird for months. It wouldn't stay moisturized and it was breaking off like crazy, even though I deep conditioned weekly with protein and moisture. I haven't had a trim in over a year, so I decided to get one last week. OMG, my hair is literally reborn. My breakage stopped completely, my hair is so much more moisturized, softer, and looks great. At first I was pissed because the stylist cut a lot of my hair off, at least 2 inches off, but I realized I that wouldn't be able to retain any length or reach my goals holding on to damaged ends. Now I'm grateful that all that dead weight is gone, and my hair is growing beautifully. I think I'm going to start dusting every 3 months to keep my ends healthy. You should consider trimming your hair, it'll definitely turn the health of your hair around.

Yes, I am trimming in two weeks. My hair analysis proved that a trim was needed, but everytime I made an appointment, I had to cancel due to other events. It will probably be one to two inches for me, then a protective style, then another inch or so. After that, I will trim every four months.