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

[DarkJoy]

After tons of dryness and ssks I broke down and clarified with a sulfate shampoo. My hair feels soft, it's shiny and silky and my waves were popping after I followed with a conditioner. Still frizzy at the top but I just brushed it down and now it looks great. So I guess my hair is not a big fan of the no-poo idea, either that or amodimethicone can only be cleansed with a sulfate. So I won't be using products with that in it anymore. I'll see how my hair does now and if I still need to clarify occasionally.

yuhlovevybz, yea that amodimethicone needs to be 'fated out. I belive it is partially water soluable but to get it gone you gotta clarify . glad your hair is feeling better now.

MzSwift! OMG!!!

 

[MzSwift]

ronie and DarkJoy

Aww, thanks ladies.

Ronie-
I PS most of the time but I use styles that suit my mood and the weather.

I wig it when it's cold out and I don't want my lil strands to freeze. I'm also a litte lazier in the winter. LoL

When it's warm, I rock the mini braids. They can be rinsed daily and they look better, to me, the frizzier they get. I only have to redo them every 2.5-3 weeks.

Every now and then I throw in some extensions just for something different.

Are you having difficulty retaining or leaving your hair alone?

 

[hnntrr]

Soooooo
I think my natural hair doesnt like the products I am using as much as it did when I had relaxed ends D:.

When I washed my hair wed/thurs it was feeling a little dry still and when I was putting my twists in it was a pain in the butt to part my hair cause my roots were sooo thick and dry that I had to rewet to part it so there wouldnt be any breakage.

Might have to look for new stuff for my hair. Looking into some shampoo's from Lush cause I dont think the coconut cowash is cuttin it anymore. My hair feels like theres some odd build up thats its just not getting off.

It def likes shea moisture more now than it did before i think.
I think I also have to go through in small sections and m/s instead of just doing a once or twice over my whole head. I noticed with I was parting small sections, spritzing with water, adding SM and creme brulee the curls were forming much better...and even more so after I put the eco styler on, than when I just do large sections. My mom said she used to have to m/s my head in 12 different sections when I was younger....sounds like I might have to get back into doin that....

My curl pattern is still really loose at the roots though...although I did notice spirals and waves mixed in..(THEY WERE SO CUTE).

 

[faithVA]

Soooooo
I think my natural hair doesnt like the products I am using as much as it did when I had relaxed ends D:.

When I washed my hair wed/thurs it was feeling a little dry still and when I was putting my twists in it was a pain in the butt to part my hair cause my roots were sooo thick and dry that I had to rewet to part it so there wouldnt be any breakage.

Might have to look for new stuff for my hair. Looking into some shampoo's from Lush cause I dont think the coconut cowash is cuttin it anymore. My hair feels like theres some odd build up thats its just not getting off.

It def likes shea moisture more now than it did before i think.
I think I also have to go through in small sections and m/s instead of just doing a once or twice over my whole head. I noticed with I was parting small sections, spritzing with water, adding SM and creme brulee the curls were forming much better...and even more so after I put the eco styler on, than when I just do large sections. My mom said she used to have to m/s my head in 12 different sections when I was younger....sounds like I might have to get back into doin that....

My curl pattern is still really loose at the roots though...although I did notice spirals and waves mixed in..(THEY WERE SO CUTE).

Before you splurge on Lush, try the 4Naturals Extra Moist Detangling Shampoo from Sally's. You may need to clarify your hair first though to get rid of the Coconut Cowash. I have a feeling your hair isn't fond of coconut.

 

[hnntrr]

Before you splurge on Lush, try the 4Naturals Extra Moist Detangling Shampoo from Sally's. You may need to clarify your hair first though to get rid of the Coconut Cowash. I have a feeling your hair isn't fond of coconut.

Hm, Ill try that too. It liked it with the relaxed ends but my natural hair is like Nope! The lady at lush gave me samples of two of their shampoo's so I am going to try them next time I wash in two weeks. They have sulphates but I am hoping they are super moisturizing...if those dont work out ill stop by sallys and try the 4 naturals...it really likes the reconstructor. I left it on for 15 minutes after I took my twists out and did a DC and i didnt get an overload which was great.

But I dont think my hair likes coconut either. I put coconut oil in my hair when I did flat twists on the days between taking out and my install and my hair was nottt feelin great dry and stiff...I thought that would have changed with it gettin warmer but its nott likin it.. I've had more success with using jojoba oil...but I think I need to find something else...jojoba by itself I think is too light and EVOO is too heavy. I wanna try castor oil but I know thats REALLY heavy.

 

[MzSwift]

ITA with clarifying. Sometimes, our hair needs to start fresh.

Also, it's not uncommon (and it's really a good practice) to M&S in sections. It ensures that everything is more evenly distributed.

 

[Bublin]

What should I update it to? Did you see a pic I posted that I should use?

I looked at some pics I have taken lately and they all have that gray halo in the front Won't be using those

That semi-permanent color did nuffin. My hair all gray in the front again. Shoot!

faithVA
Whatchu talkinbout?

The pic you posted in post #1972 is lovely. I don't see a grey halo.
You had us all thinking you were still shaven headed when in reality you have a good head of hair.

 

[Bublin]

hnntrr have you tried Avocado Oil?
It's one of the few oils that absorb into the hair shaft, is light but not too light and has a silky texture. It has been described as the lighter version of Castor Oil.
I personally love it.

 

[JazzyOleBabe]

faithVA

I really like the wig it looks good on you. Where did you get it? I would wear it during winter. It would be too hot for me during the summer. My personal summer and the real summer would have me using the ambulance service like a taxi.

 

[ronie]

DarkJoy I hope youmpostboictures if you do it.

MzSwift I was wigging until about 2 months ago. My already thin and weak edges were suffering no matter how careful I was. I used a silk scarf under a wig cap, and never tied my wigs tight. I only used it 3 times a week for work only ( I m at work for 13 hours each of these days). My edges still managed to thin out, but I caught it on time, and threw my wigs away. Since then I have been wearing twist out, re twisting every other day. I think now its about time I seriously hide my hair in a ps style. I wanted to wear my hair out for my birthday this past week, which I did. Now I am ready for some twist with extensions.
I know I can't keep my hands from my hair, but I don't know how great my retention is yet. I just bc 3 months ago with a 1/2 half trim last month. To me it is longer than what it used to be, but when I see other people that are 14 month post relaxer, they have more length than I do. I ll just keep doing what I do and get my ps game on. We'll see.

 

[ronie]

hnntrr I think m&s in section is always a great idea. I am anal about every strand getting moisturized. I also apply my conditioners relaxer style for the same reason. Are you cow asking the coconut cowash with a moisturizing conditioner? I always do cause I find that it leaves my hair a bit dry. It is a great cleanser but I wouldn't just use it alone. It takes a while finding the right products, unless you are lucky, but you will, good luck.

 

[hnntrr]

hnntrr I think m&s in section is always a great idea. I am anal about every strand getting moisturized. I also apply my conditioners relaxer style for the same reason. Are you cow asking the coconut cowash with a moisturizing conditioner? I always do cause I find that it leaves my hair a bit dry. It is a great cleanser but I wouldn't just use it alone. It takes a while finding the right products, unless you are lucky, but you will, good luck.

ronie:
Yes, I always follow it with either AO WC or One n Only Hydrating Masque.
Yeah I think I might try that, I had better results that way...it just takes SO LONG. ugh.

Bublin:
No I have never even HEARD of avacado oil. I will look it up though, sounds yummy...I kinda just wanna eat it hahaha but I will look into it for sure

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

hi ladies

I think that I'm about 10 months post relaxer. So far I have been using microbraids to hide my hair from myself (for its own good, so that I wouldn't be tempted to do anything rash).

The last set of microbraids that I had didn't look too good after the first wash. Lots of frizz, and a noticeable difference between my natural hair and the straight extensions that were used. The braider says that my only option from here on out is to do single braids w/synthetic hair, because most of my hair is natural and very thick and it was a struggle for her to get the braids out. I'm not keen on synthetic hair because I remember the last that I used them they felt really heavy...and I just prefer the overall look of the micro braids.


I prefer not do weaves especially in the Summer. Any help/advice, words of wisdom? Can I do single braids with human hair?

Also, a friend of mine gave me some names to look up on Youtube regarding caring for natural hair (because i'm clueless) but right now I just feel overwhelmed and confused. Can anyone recommend a really good tutorial or series of tutorials on transitioning?

Thanks!

 

[DarkJoy]

LeftRightRepeat how long is your hair?

I did micros for years with human hair and just left the ends of the extensions loose. I'd leave it like that for 2 months at a time. At the time, I never had frizz because I was using beeswax to to coat the strands as I braided which left them silky-smooth. Now, with LHCF knowledge, I'd recommend a heavy butter (shea for example) which could work almost as well, it could be used during the braiding process and after a wash to tame the fly aways.

I didn't transition so dont have any recommends there. Someone else wil though!

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

@LeftRightRepeat how long is your hair?

I did micros for years with human hair and just left the ends of the extensions loose. I'd leave it like that for 2 months at a time. At the time, I never had frizz because I was using beeswax to to coat the strands as I braided which left them silky-smooth. Now, with LHCF knowledge, I'd recommend a heavy butter (shea for example) which could work almost as well, it could be used during the braiding process and after a wash to tame the fly aways.

I didn't transition so dont have any recommends there. Someone else wil though!

DarkJoy, the last time my hair was straightened about 2 months ago I believe it was about CBL. The braider seems pretty adamant that if I do micros again with human hair that my hair is going to become matted and very difficult to take down without damage. She did them very reluctantly the last time.

It took her more than 2 hours to take them down. To be honest, from looking at how badly they frizz up after the first wash, I don't know how much shea butter would really help.

 

[faithVA]

Hm, Ill try that too. It liked it with the relaxed ends but my natural hair is like Nope! The lady at lush gave me samples of two of their shampoo's so I am going to try them next time I wash in two weeks. They have sulphates but I am hoping they are super moisturizing...if those dont work out ill stop by sallys and try the 4 naturals...it really likes the reconstructor. I left it on for 15 minutes after I took my twists out and did a DC and i didnt get an overload which was great.

But I dont think my hair likes coconut either. I put coconut oil in my hair when I did flat twists on the days between taking out and my install and my hair was nottt feelin great dry and stiff...I thought that would have changed with it gettin warmer but its nott likin it.. I've had more success with using jojoba oil...but I think I need to find something else...jojoba by itself I think is too light and EVOO is too heavy. I wanna try castor oil but I know thats REALLY heavy.

Try something like avocado oil or apricot oil. They tend to be in the middle.

Or you can mix a lighter oil with a heavier oil. You can try mixing the jojoba with the olive oil to get something in the middle. And if you want to try castor oil, try mixing it with the jojoba or some grapeseed or sunflower oil to thin it out a bit.

 

[faithVA]

Bublin[/USER];18280481]faithVA
Whatchu talkinbout?

The pic you posted in post #1972 is lovely. I don't see a grey halo.
You had us all thinking you were still shaven headed when in reality you have a good head of hair.

My bad. I didn't properly classify that picture. That was my hair in Jan 2012 before the cut. I'm not back there yet. I am so hoping I can get back there by the fall of this year.

And there is no gray halo cuz it was DYED.

 

[faithVA]

faithVA

I really like the wig it looks good on you. Where did you get it? I would wear it during winter. It would be too hot for me during the summer. My personal summer and the real summer would have me using the ambulance service like a taxi.

Thank you JazzyOleBabe. I like your username

I purchased it from an Ebay vendor. Don't remember which one. I think there were only 2 vendors selling her.

I don't think she will be hot. She has a ventilated cap. Last time I wore a wig in the summer I was surprised how cool it was. I will only wear her on the weekends anyway. I'm not comfortable wearing her to work. And I promised myself that I would wear these finger coils until August.

May be I will feel more comfortable wearing it in the fall

 

[faithVA]

ronie[/USER];18280709]......

Happy Belated Birthday. :birthday2

 

[faithVA]

LeftRightRepeat[/USER];18281149]hi ladies

I think that I'm about 10 months post relaxer. So far I have been using microbraids to hide my hair from myself (for its own good, so that I wouldn't be tempted to do anything rash).

The last set of microbraids that I had didn't look too good after the first wash. Lots of frizz, and a noticeable difference between my natural hair and the straight extensions that were used. The braider says that my only option from here on out is to do single braids w/synthetic hair, because most of my hair is natural and very thick and it was a struggle for her to get the braids out. I'm not keen on synthetic hair because I remember the last that I used them they felt really heavy...and I just prefer the overall look of the micro braids.


I prefer not do weaves especially in the Summer. Any help/advice, words of wisdom? Can I do single braids with human hair?

Also, a friend of mine gave me some names to look up on Youtube regarding caring for natural hair (because i'm clueless) but right now I just feel overwhelmed and confused. Can anyone recommend a really good tutorial or series of tutorials on transitioning?

Thanks!

I don't have any advice about the hair. I would use synthetic and perhaps not make them as long. But that's all I got.

There is thread for transistioners, I would start there.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=410134

 

[Nonie]

hi ladies

I think that I'm about 10 months post relaxer. So far I have been using microbraids to hide my hair from myself (for its own good, so that I wouldn't be tempted to do anything rash).

The last set of microbraids that I had didn't look too good after the first wash. Lots of frizz, and a noticeable difference between my natural hair and the straight extensions that were used. The braider says that my only option from here on out is to do single braids w/synthetic hair, because most of my hair is natural and very thick and it was a struggle for her to get the braids out. I'm not keen on synthetic hair because I remember the last that I used them they felt really heavy...and I just prefer the overall look of the micro braids.

I prefer not do weaves especially in the Summer. Any help/advice, words of wisdom? Can I do single braids with human hair?

Also, a friend of mine gave me some names to look up on Youtube regarding caring for natural hair (because i'm clueless) but right now I just feel overwhelmed and confused. Can anyone recommend a really good tutorial or series of tutorials on transitioning?

Thanks!

I have worn extension braids (singles) with human hair for years and wouldn't have it any other way. I don't understand why your braids got frizzy after one wash: either they were badly done or your wash method involves a lot of manipulation. The other reason I think that would cause this to happen is if you straightened your hair before braiding. I think hair should be braid stretched before braids are put in or just left in its shrunken state. That way, when you wash your hair there is no shrinking that will create an accordion effect on the braids.

I don't understand braiders' excuses that they need hair to be straightened in order to braid. I mean they work on a small section at a time. If they plaited all the hair and undid a small section and parted a row of hair that they will be putting several braids in, that narrow section should be easy to manage/comb through and add hair to w/o any problem. I think stylist just don't give a fig about days beyond the moment they work on your hair. If they did, commonsense things like how your hair will react when you wash it should be factored in so they make sure not to leave clients with a problem waiting to happen by straightening the hair knowing it won't stay that way. Also the other excuse that it is necessary for hair to blend in is BS. I have the nappiest hair and I use human hair that is silky and wavy and my hair blends in just fine. Another thing braiders do that can lead to damage is using too much hair per section of your own. That may lead to the added hair yanking your own out.

If you will be doing your own braids, then I can share my regimen as it is a self-maintenance regimen and involves redoing the braids one at a time and breaks a lot of rules, but it does not cost me retention and I wash my hair twice a week without messing the braids up.

If you will not be putting the braids in yourself, or if braid extensions are new to you, you need to read this website to learn a good braid regimen: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/braidreg.html

I don't know what you use as your moisturizer. I am not a fan of braid spray as I think it works like glue and makes hair sticky and hard to undo. I also believe in keeping product away from your scalp or base of braids so you don't get the product collecting at the base of the braid and matting hair up. I think if you must use some moisturizer, S Curl is easier to wash off. Otherwise I say just maintain moisture from washes involving conditioners as part of the wash and baggy every night to give your hair a moisture infusion.

 

[Cruzankink]

UPDATE: This washday I applied my homemade quinoa protein con along w/ EVCO for my prepoo to continue the protein/moisture balance.

I also tried the L.O.C. (liquid/water based moisturizer, oil, cream) method of moisturizing. Actually it was more of an improvised LOC. I was so eager to do it that I inadvertently reversed a step. While my hair was dripping wet after my CW, I massaged EVOO, then I applied Giovanni DLI and sealed w/ Karen's Body Beautiful Super Duper Hydrating Cream. Anyway, so far so good. My hair feels smoother/softer than it did w/o using the cream. I honestly didn't think my hair could get softer/moisturized since I've been doing so well w/ my regimen. But it has.

KBB SDHC is a light oil-based cream but still provides a good seal. So far, my fine strands prefers it to QB AOHC. The only downside is that it is $16 + shipping for 6.7 oz. Then I have pay again to ship it from my contact in FL to my rock in the Caribbean. I love the cream's texture, light and pleasant fragrance (I got the lavendar/vanilla), the way it feels going on my hair and softness/smoothness/suppleness that it gives my twist out. But I can't afford to continue to pay that much + 2 different shipping costs for so little product. I'm open to suggestions from you ladies on a reasonably priced oil-based cream to incorporate in LOC reggie.

@faithVA Love the wig!!! That's the look I'm going for w/ a sew in.

 

[faithVA]

Thank You Cruzankink!

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

Nonie Thank you! I wish that I could do my own braids, but I'm very hair challenged in that sense.

 

[Cruzankink]

@MzSwift Your siggy pics gives me hope. That is tremendous length retention in 3 years.

But I dont think my hair likes coconut either. I put coconut oil in my hair when I did flat twists on the days between taking out and my install and my hair was nottt feelin great dry and stiff...I thought that would have changed with it gettin warmer but its nott likin it.. I've had more success with using jojoba oil...but I think I need to find something else...jojoba by itself I think is too light and EVOO is too heavy. I wanna try castor oil but I know thats REALLY heavy.

@hnntrr Some people don't get along w/ coconut oil. I'm not sure if it was mentioned before but try sweet almond oil. I don't know if it has penetrating capabilities like EVCO but its light and seals well w/o leaving hair heavy or coated. I use it daily as a sealer. I tried castor oil but it was to heavy and suffocated my fine strands. My hair actually felt dry.

 

[MzSwift]

Thanks girl! And you sound like you're on your way to great retention as well.

 

[Just11412]

i'm doing better with my hair now that i'm exercising, increasing the water intake and taking my vitamins regularly. i'm trying to stick with my regimen as well.

 

[NikkiQ]

Lately I've noticed that I've been plagued with SSKs like no other. Since this is my first time really dealing with them, I had to do a little research and decided to get over my heart stopping fear of heat and use it at least once a month.

Does anyone have any experience with using heat frequently without the damage? Any other suggestions on how to combat SSKs?

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using LHCF.Boom.

 

[faithVA]

NikkiQ[/USER];18289545]Lately I've noticed that I've been plagued with SSKs like no other. Since this is my first time really dealing with them, I had to do a little research and decided to get over my heart stopping fear of heat and use it at least once a month.

Does anyone have any experience with using heat frequently without the damage? Any other suggestions on how to combat SSKs?

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using LHCF.Boom.

Are you doing something differently? Are you wearing a different protective style than you use to?

You know I don't know anything about heat But with the SSK's I am wondering if you changed your regimen or your protective style of choice. I know your hair is getting longer but I'm wondering why now.

 

[mariefof]

I have worn extension braids (singles) with human hair for years and wouldn't have it any other way. I don't understand why your braids got frizzy after one wash: either they were badly done or your wash method involves a lot of manipulation. The other reason I think that would cause this to happen is if you straightened your hair before braiding. I think hair should be braid stretched before braids are put in or just left in its shrunken state. That way, when you wash your hair there is no shrinking that will create an accordion effect on the braids.

I don't understand braiders' excuses that they need hair to be straightened in order to braid. I mean they work on a small section at a time. If they plaited all the hair and undid a small section and parted a row of hair that they will be putting several braids in, that narrow section should be easy to manage/comb through and add hair to w/o any problem. I think stylist just don't give a fig about days beyond the moment they work on your hair. If they did, commonsense things like how your hair will react when you wash it should be factored in so they make sure not to leave clients with a problem waiting to happen by straightening the hair knowing it won't stay that way. Also the other excuse that it is necessary for hair to blend in is BS. I have the nappiest hair and I use human hair that is silky and wavy and my hair blends in just fine. Another thing braiders do that can lead to damage is using too much hair per section of your own. That may lead to the added hair yanking your own out.

If you will be doing your own braids, then I can share my regimen as it is a self-maintenance regimen and involves redoing the braids one at a time and breaks a lot of rules, but it does not cost me retention and I wash my hair twice a week without messing the braids up.

If you will not be putting the braids in yourself, or if braid extensions are new to you, you need to read this website to learn a good braid regimen: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/braidreg.html

I don't know what you use as your moisturizer. I am not a fan of braid spray as I think it works like glue and makes hair sticky and hard to undo. I also believe in keeping product away from your scalp or base of braids so you don't get the product collecting at the base of the braid and matting hair up. I think if you must use some moisturizer, S Curl is easier to wash off. Otherwise I say just maintain moisture from washes involving conditioners as part of the wash and baggy every night to give your hair a moisture infusion.

I have had my hair in braids mostly for my transition period for about 14 months and I have noticed that my hair was dry after I remove the braids. I have a bottle of S Curl handy and I will try to spray it over my braids so when I take them out, they are not as dry.After I remove the braids, I usually shampoo and DC followed by moisture before braiding again.

Gladly my hair or edges have not suffered from the braiding (cornrows mostly).

What else am I not doing? I am trying to retain moisture as much as I can.