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

[kurlllz]

Sigh, still seeing small broken pieces of hair, I don't think its something I can eliminate

Also the front edge of my hair from right to left seems to be thinning even though I've been finger detangling, trying to focus on using JBC to see if it helps

As far as the front edge: Do you smooth your edges with a boar brush or a toothbrush? If so, that could be causing thinning and breakage. You could try using your fingers or the back of a ?rat-tail comb? I just viewed a video on YouTube of a African African female doctor who specializes in hair. Really informative. I'll post a link if you're interested.

 

[SUPER SWEET]

My hair broke off from Eco gel, I've never had a problem with Ampro brown gel ...So I just too the scissors.

 

[Prettycoach]

I copied and pasted. I hope this helps.
Prettycoach

Water, The Great Frenemy?

…by Susan Walker of Earthtones Naturals
via ThreeNaturals

Before discussing what may be the most important step in your hair care regimen, I want to touch on an important practice that could make a huge difference in how your hair looks and feels after it’s washed and conditioned.

The reality is that if you want to have beautiful natural hair, you need to invest the time upfront to do what is necessary to take care of it. Your hair cleansing and conditioning process is not to be done hurriedly and without attention. You do need to make time for this because if it’s not done properly, dry brittle hair with resulting breakage could ensue.

Every time we shampoo and condition our hair or even add significant amounts of water to our hair the hair shaft needs to expand in order to accommodate the extra water. When our hair dries the opposite occurs – the hair contracts. Repeating this process over and over again can create damage to the hair cuticle initially because it can be chipped off. Subsequent damage can be caused to the hair fiber leading to split ends and breakage. Textured hair tends to absorb more water during this process than other hair types and is therefore more susceptible to damage. This contraction and expansion of the hair fiber is known as hygral fatigue.

Textured hair needs moisture; it thrives on it to ensure proper hydration. Additionally, when cleansing your hair water is pretty much a requirement if it’s to be done properly. So how can we minimize or prevent this damage that occurs from wetting our hair? Research has shown that using specific oils can protect the hair fiber against hygral fatigue. Not every oil has this ability but a well-researched oil is good old coconut oil.

How does this work? When coconut oil is applied to the hair as a pre-shampoo or pre-wetting treatment a small amount of the oil can be absorbed into the hair and can penetrate under the cuticle when the hair fiber swells. Coconut oil has a strong affinity for hair proteins and can protect the hair by binding to these proteins. This reduces the protein’s ability to bind to water molecules resulting in less swelling, less contracting and less trauma.

Try using coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment the next time you cleanse your hair. Coconut oil is typically solid at room temperature so you’ll need to heat it to liquefy it.

How to Pre-poo:

1. Apply coconut oil to the hair in sections.

2. Place a plastic cap over the hair and allow the oil to penetrate into the hair
shaft for at least 30 minutes.

3. Shampoo and condition as usual!
Pre-shampooing my hair with this treatment has improved my hair’s ability to maintain moisture and the shine softness to my styled hair. It’s made a huge difference.

What about you? Do you pre-poo? If so what are the results?

Thanks again. I used coconut oil as a pre poo and I have now added it to my regimen. It helped my detangle session get shortened. Love it love it. Thanks.

 

[daviine]

MaraWithLove I love QB ctdg. I love the QB burdock root creme and the alma olive oil heavy cream.

A couple of times a week I QB ctdg and the other days I oyin with jbco. I use the QB amla olive oil on my ends.

I like the Aubrey organics conditioners for dc. I also use silk dreams vsd.

I've missed this thread. Not sure why I stopped reading but trying to catch up now.

HanaKuroi I have the QB burdock root cream but not sure what to make of it. I used it once or twice but I didn't notice any difference-- good or bad.. It felt a bit sticky in my hands so I figured that was because of the glycerin. I put it away so that I can use it in the summer but I was wondering how you use yours.

 

[DarkJoy]

I haven't done my henna on the last couple of weeks. I ordered all sorts of ayurvedic powders from hennasooq and don't know how to use them! I wanted to mix some into my henna.

OMG @HanaKuroi--we are on the same wavelength! when I saw this post last week I had just come back from a trip to the Indian Market. Got amla oil and powder, shikakai, henna galor, aaand Dabur's Egg Protein Deep Conditioner. 2013 might be the year to join the Ayurvedic challenge .
____

Review!

Tried the Dabur Egg Protein Deep Conditioner (~$5.00), which is mostly natural. Smells like baby products. It's a 15min treatment that requires heat. No mineral oil, glycerin, or silicones.

I would say the protein strength is between GPB and Aphogee.

I left it in for 15mins with only 5 mins heat and my hair felt strong but not hard. It was soft after the rinse. Didn't need to do a moisture DC. Used it on 6 yo DD after her swim and clarify. It laid her cuticle flat and her hair was so silky (she's a type 2-3). She didn't like the 'baby wipe' smell as she called it !

I like it and will use it again when my braids are out.

 

[HanaKuroi]

I've missed this thread. Not sure why I stopped reading but trying to catch up now.

HanaKuroi I have the QB burdock root cream but not sure what to make of it. I used it once or twice but I didn't notice any difference-- good or bad.. It felt a bit sticky in my hands so I figured that was because of the glycerin. I put it away so that I can use it in the summer but I was wondering how you use yours.

Use much less than you think you should. I used it on the length of my hair and the amla/cream on the ends. It does coat. Try it on barely dry hair. I usually wear it under another product.

I prefer the cocoa tree detangling ghee. The amla comes in second. I can't really give an opinion on the burdock since I don't use it alone. I will always repurchase it though.

 

[HanaKuroi]

Sigh, still seeing small broken pieces of hair, I don't think its something I can eliminate

Also the front edge of my hair from right to left seems to be thinning even though I've been finger detangling, trying to focus on using JBC to see if it helps

Did you use protein? Did you list your regimen already? Do you have hard water?

 

[HanaKuroi]

DarkJoy yay!!! I want ti try that egg/powder dabur stuff! I should post a picture of all the powders I have. BF was crazy! Is the ayurdevic an ongoing challenge?

I have brahmi, bhringi, something with an s, cassia obovata, amla oil, cocoveda oil, camellia oil, burdock powder, alo Vera powder, hibiscus powder, and who knows what else.

 

[daviine]

All caught up now.... Except that I had read these posts already and didn't remember reading them. Oh well....

 

[DarkJoy]

@DarkJoy yay!!! I want ti try that egg/powder dabur stuff! I should post a picture of all the powders I have. BF was crazy! Is the ayurdevic an ongoing challenge?

I have brahmi, bhringi, something with an s, cassia obovata, amla oil, cocoveda oil, camellia oil, burdock powder, alo Vera powder, hibiscus powder, and who knows what else.

HanaKuroi the Ayurvedic is ongoing, but not posted in much... we should probably revive it

The Dabur Vatika Egg Protein is actually a creamy goop.

I cant find the ingredients list...at work. But anyway, there ya go. Mostly natural. There's a few chemical names--but my hair didnt break off which says something!

 

[Cruzankink]

Happy New Year!!!

I am so glad to be posting again... I missed y'all. For those who are curious as to my absence, in Nov. 2012 someone burglarized and burned our newly built house. We lost everything. Yet, God is good. My husband and I were not injured. But as you can imagine, my focus were on other things and not hair.

UPDATE: I celebrated 1 yr post relaxer in Oct w/ soft supple moisturized hair. I also posted goals that I want to accomplish in my HHJ. I was unable to stick to some of the goals mainly b/c my products were gone.
Most, if not all, my hair products I order online since I live in an area where I am unable to get them on the ground. During the wait, my hair became extremely dry. I finally got my products and decided to do a moisturizing protein treatment w/ quinoa after noticing some breakage. The dryness went from bad to worse. I was confused. I didn't do anything different than all the other times I used this treatment. Since then I use only moisturizing DC. My hair has recovered somewhat. I've received my coconut oil for my prepoos and will continue using moisturizing DC until I feel that I can introduce protein again.

One of my goals was to trim regularly and do length checks every 3 months. Last weekend, I trimmed about .5-1 in. of hair. Its amazing how great my hair feels after a trim. I have not done a length check yet but I plan to do so by the end of the month. I am not expecting much growth since I have not been taking supplements and the breakage I believe has taken a toll on my length retention. I'll post before and after pics.

PRODUCT REVIEW: While waiting for AIA Coconut CW and SH PM to arrive, I decided to use Loreal Evercream Cleansing Conditioner that was available in my area. The product is advertised as containing 3/4 moisturizer and 1/4 cleanser, it has triple hydration and low lather. The minute I put it on my hair I knew this was not going to work for me. I was expecting the slip I get w/ AIA and SH PM but instead it felt like a poo. As you all may already know my hair does not respond well to poo even low poo. The low lather stripped my hair. Also isopropyl alcohol is in the middle of the ingredients list which may have contributed to dryness. Not to mention, that detangling was a nightmare. Unfortunatly it was all I had at the time so I continued using it until my products arrived. By the time my products came my hair felt like straw.

STRUGGLES: Styling. I having difficulty making my styles last for 3 or more days. I know its possible b/c I've done it before. I believe that moisture is the culprit. Once my hair gets to its maximum level of hydration, my styles should last longer. We'll see...

 

[HanaKuroi]

Cruzankink I am so very sorry about your house. I cannot imagine! That is horrible! God is good you have your lives! I hope they catch them they are dangerous. Was it just your house, or is this a serial arsonist?

I can't see any mentions on my IPhone. PM me if it is a must see. Allons y

 

[faithVA]

Happy New Year!!!

I am so glad to be posting again... I missed y'all. For those who are curious as to my absence, in Nov. 2012 someone burglarized and burned our newly built house. We lost everything. Yet, God is good. My husband and I were not injured. But as you can imagine, my focus were on other things and not hair.

UPDATE: I celebrated 1 yr post relaxer in Oct w/ soft supple moisturized hair. I also posted goals that I want to accomplish in my HHJ. I was unable to stick to some of the goals mainly b/c my products were gone.
Most, if not all, my hair products I order online since I live in an area where I am unable to get them on the ground. During the wait, my hair became extremely dry. I finally got my products and decided to do a moisturizing protein treatment w/ quinoa after noticing some breakage. The dryness went from bad to worse. I was confused. I didn't do anything different than all the other times I used this treatment. Since then I use only moisturizing DC. My hair has recovered somewhat. I've received my coconut oil for my prepoos and will continue using moisturizing DC until I feel that I can introduce protein again.

One of my goals was to trim regularly and do length checks every 3 months. Last weekend, I trimmed about .5-1 in. of hair. Its amazing how great my hair feels after a trim. I have not done a length check yet but I plan to do so by the end of the month. I am not expecting much growth since I have not been taking supplements and the breakage I believe has taken a toll on my length retention. I'll post before and after pics.

PRODUCT REVIEW: While waiting for AIA Coconut CW and SH PM to arrive, I decided to use Loreal Evercream Cleansing Conditioner that was available in my area. The product is advertised as containing 3/4 moisturizer and 1/4 cleanser, it has triple hydration and low lather. The minute I put it on my hair I knew this was not going to work for me. I was expecting the slip I get w/ AIA and SH PM but instead it felt like a poo. As you all may already know my hair does not respond well to poo even low poo. The low lather stripped my hair. Also isopropyl alcohol is in the middle of the ingredients list which may have contributed to dryness. Not to mention, that detangling was a nightmare. Unfortunatly it was all I had at the time so I continued using it until my products arrived. By the time my products came my hair felt like straw.

STRUGGLES: Styling. I having difficulty making my styles last for 3 or more days. I know its possible b/c I've done it before. I believe that moisture is the culprit. Once my hair gets to its maximum level of hydration, my styles should last longer. We'll see...

I'm sorry you went through the ordeal with your home. I a glad that you and your husband are safe and healthy and will be provided for to rebuild from here.

I definitely feel you on the hair. With your new products and time to care for your hair it will respond soon.

 

[DarkJoy]

Cruzankink so sorry about your home. Now your hair! Sounds like it will bounce back with tlc. Maybe overnight moisture DC?

 

[softblackcotton]

Hey ladies,


I'm having problems with two strand twists no matter what I do I can't get them to look good. I want a long term protective style without extensions. Twists look so cute on a lot of ladies but mine ugh they look like Celie plaits!

Hair profile: 4b, high density, fine strands.

When I twist my hair, it isn't scalp-y, I can't see any scalp at all. Initially the twists are nice, full, and fluffy especially after freshly washed, but then after I sleep with them overnight they compress into these skinny looking things. So then I have to wear a twist out to keep my hair from looking flat. When I initially take out the twist it still looks flat in the morning but by the afternoon it's full and fluffy.

My problem is how do I get my twists to stay full and fluffy without compressing into skinny ropes! It's making me start to think my hair is thin, even though everyone one who ever sees or does my hair say its very thick.

Products used: Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, coconut oil, and jojoba oil.


What am I doing wrong. Is it because my hair strands are fine?

 

[BraunSugar]

Cruzankink I'm sorry that happened to you. I am glad to hear that you and your husband were not hurt.

 

[BraunSugar]

Hey ladies,


I'm having problems with two strand twists no matter what I do I can't get them to look good. I want a long term protective style without extensions. Twists look so cute on a lot of ladies but mine ugh they look like Celie plaits!

Hair profile: 4b, high density, fine strands.

When I twist my hair, it isn't scalp-y, I can't see any scalp at all. Initially the twists are nice, full, and fluffy especially after freshly washed, but then after I sleep with them overnight they compress into these skinny looking things. So then I have to wear a twist out to keep my hair from looking flat. When I initially take out the twist it still looks flat in the morning but by the afternoon it's full and fluffy.

My problem is how do I get my twists to stay full and fluffy without compressing into skinny ropes! It's making me start to think my hair is thin, even though everyone one who ever sees or does my hair say its very thick.

Products used: Shea moisture curl enhancing smoothie, coconut oil, and jojoba oil.


What am I doing wrong. Is it because my hair strands are fine?

Are you twisting on wet or dry hair? My twists turn out better and last longer when I twist my dry hair. Are you twisting tight enough? When you twist, do you start with your hands close to your scalp and then work your way down with the twist, or do you start at the middle or the end of your hair? Have you considered slightly smaller twists?

 

[softblackcotton]

Are you twisting on wet or dry hair? My twists turn out better and last longer when I twist my dry hair. Are you twisting tight enough? When you twist, do you start with your hands close to your scalp and then work your way down with the twist, or do you start at the middle or the end of your hair? Have you considered slightly smaller twists?

I usually twist on dry or slightly damp hair. I don't twist too tight or too loose. I usually start about an inch from my scalp. I did try smaller twists, medium, large. They all compress and end up looking like plaits.

 

[faithVA]

softblackcotton[/USER];17681933]I usually twist on dry or slightly damp hair. I don't twist too tight or too loose. I usually start about an inch from my scalp. I did try smaller twists, medium, large. They all compress and end up looking like plaits.

I don't have an answer to your twists questions. But it sounds like you have high density (lots of strands) but either fine or normal strands. You probably don't have thick hair but high density hair which is why you can't see your scalp.

My twists do the same as yours, compress down, especially if I try to stretch them to make them longer. I usually do my twists on fairly wet hair to get some plumpness. My twist look bad if I do them on dry hair.

Have you tried misting your twists with water or a spritz to try to plum them back up?

 

[BraunSugar]

I usually twist on dry or slightly damp hair. I don't twist too tight or too loose. I usually start about an inch from my scalp. I did try smaller twists, medium, large. They all compress and end up looking like plaits.

I think you should try twisting a little more tight. I also start my twists about 0.25 of a inch from my scalp. That's how I manage to keep my twists in for longer periods of time. For twist outs I don't do all of that.

Also, have you ever tried rope twists or three strand twists? That could possibly make a difference too.

 

[softblackcotton]

I don't have an answer to your twists questions. But it sounds like you have high density (lots of strands) but either fine or normal strands. You probably don't have thick hair but high density hair which is why you can't see your scalp.

My twists do the same as yours, compress down, especially if I try to stretch them to make them longer. I usually do my twists on fairly wet hair to get some plumpness. My twist look bad if I do them on dry hair.

Have you tried misting your twists with water or a spritz to try to plum them back up?

No that's one of the only things haven't tried yet I will have to do that next time. Wash day is Sunday so I will def try it on wet hair. Or should I twist it dry and then spritz?

 

[softblackcotton]

I think you should try twisting a little more tight. I also start my twists about 0.25 of a inch from my scalp. That's how I manage to keep my twists in for longer periods of time. For twist outs I don't do all of that.

Also, have you ever tried rope twists or three strand twists? That could possibly make a difference too.

That's something else I will try. I saw a tutorial for 3 strand twists on YouTube and my fingers keep braiding instead of twisting. It's a learning curve.

 

[greenandchic]

Last night I cornrolled my nape across from left to right as a protective measure. I think my clothes rub on that area too much...

Sent from my ADR6350 using LHCF

 

[*SkolarStar*]

So I'm washing my hair and first it starts braking in a few strands and then it starts coming out in droves. Damn. Another setback.

Last week wednesday I did an aphogee treatment. The breaking stopped. I resumed with regular activity and the breaking continued. Regular activity includes daily moisturizing and sealing with sheamoisture curling smoothie and castor oil. HOT every few days with amla, wheat germ, castor, olive, eucalyptus EO, tea tree EO.

Today I guessed that maybe it's product build up and so I clarified, aphogee 2 min, deep conditioned with AO HSR for 30 min under heat and reapplied it then went back under the heat for 15 more min, and used roux porosity control after the final rince.

What am I doing wrong?

ETA: The breaking has stopped somewhat. My last trim was 6 weeks ago. And it was damn near a BC.

 

[kimpaur]

*SkolarStar* maybe its the HOT. Ive heard people experiencing breakage before with certain oils (someone memntioned it up thread) lile jojoba or castor,so you may want to look into it. Maybe all the oils are too much for your strands.

 

[faithVA]

SkolarStar[/USER]*;17692023]So I'm washing my hair and first it starts braking in a few strands and then it starts coming out in droves. Damn. Another setback.

Last week wednesday I did an aphogee treatment. The breaking stopped. I resumed with regular activity and the breaking continued. Regular activity includes daily moisturizing and sealing with sheamoisture curling smoothie and castor oil. HOT every few days with amla, wheat germ, castor, olive, eucalyptus EO, tea tree EO.

Today I guessed that maybe it's product build up and so I clarified, aphogee 2 min, deep conditioned with AO HSR for 30 min under heat and reapplied it then went back under the heat for 15 more min, and used roux porosity control after the final rince.

What am I doing wrong?

ETA: The breaking has stopped somewhat. My last trim was 6 weeks ago. And it was damn near a BC.

Maybe you are doing too much. How are you wearing your hair?

Is it possible to moisturize and seal every other day since you are using such heavy products? I assume you are doing a HOT then rewashing? Please share more of your regimen. I am missing something.

 

[faithVA]

I am happy to say that I am not struggling nearly as much as I was last year. I am sure it is a combination of things 1. cutting off the damaged hair 2. finally understanding product layering.

Thank you ladies for all of your help. divachyk, thanks for sharing your regi. I was having a hard time working it but I think I finally made some headway.

I still have a more learning to do, since I think I need a different regimen when I wear my hair out vs in a PS. I also am still doing something crazy with my ends but I can live with that for right now.

I have eliminated shampoos. They just don't work. So I am sticking with my mudwash and will be adding a cleansing conditioner. If I have build up I will use the mudwash.

I am sticking with my AO Blue Chamomile. But I am learning that if I have a heavy DC, just dilute it with water and my hair can do a little something with it.

After rinsing out the DC, I scrunch my hair to get water into it. Then I shake, put on a plastic cap. I then sit under a heat cap for 15 minutes to let my hair absorb the water.

When I take off that cap, the surface water is going to evaporate quickly, so I am rushing to apply my oil. Right now I am using Jane Carter Nourish and Shine. But in the future I will be sticking with regular oils: Sunflower, Apricot, Avocado, Olive Oil.

Then I apply an extra layer of something to my ends because they are a wreck as usual.

I do one of the following after this:
Spritz, apply a creamy leave-in/moisturizer, spritz and apply a gel.
Spritz, apply a creamy leave-in/moisturizer, spritz and apply a curling cream
Spritz, apply a curling cream.

I haven't determined if I need the creamy leave-in before the curling cream or not.

One thing I am working on is spritzing and smoothing the hair to work the water in. My hair is still short so this step is hard and time consuming. I'm hoping with each added inch, I improve my regimen. Hopefully by the summer I will have narrowed this down even more.

Sorry for the book.

 

[Cruzankink]

HanaKuroi faithVA DarkJoy BraunSugar Thanx for your well wishes. We do not believe that it was a serial arsonist. We think we were targeted b/c of our profession.

softblackcotton Judging from your pic and products mentioned, you may just need a product that gives more hold. My experience w/ SM CES is that it does not provide significant hold for type 4 hair. I suggest using a product specifically made for twisting hair.

 

[Cruzankink]

Another setback.

Last week wednesday I did an aphogee treatment. The breaking stopped. I resumed with regular activity and the breaking continued. Regular activity includes daily moisturizing and sealing with sheamoisture curling smoothie and castor oil. HOT every few days with amla, wheat germ, castor, olive, eucalyptus EO, tea tree EO.

Today I guessed that maybe it's product build up and so I clarified, aphogee 2 min, deep conditioned with AO HSR for 30 min under heat and reapplied it then went back under the heat for 15 more min, and used roux porosity control after the final rince.

What am I doing wrong?

*SkolarStar*I agree w/ faithVA maybe you are doing too much. Generally when there is that amount of breaking it means heat or mechanical damage. I suggest getting a komaza hair analysis done. It helped me understand my kinks as to what products it responds better to.

 

[TopShelf]

Hair profile? E.g 4B, really fine strands, very dense

Reggie and products? E.g wash and DC weekly with various poos but mostly shea moisture moisture retention and dc with various products as well

How do you style your hair? mostly two strand twists or braids

What problems do you have with your hair? Breakage that i know comes from heat damage and possible excessive shedding. I say possible because I am not sure what is normal shedding when you protective style so much. Split ends. I have been finding quite a few lately and of course SSK's