Any Merit? Naptural85's New Hair Growth Theory

[LadyRaider]

Are curl formers that easy for other folks? I can't see it as a mid-step. I haven't used them in years. When I went to pull them out, I'd waaaaaay out grown the small/medium ones I'd purchased.

But it took me quite a long time to do my hair with that knitting needle. Any one else?

 

[imaginary]

Are curl formers that easy for other folks? I can't see it as a mid-step. I haven't used them in years. When I went to pull them out, I'd waaaaaay out grown the small/medium ones I'd purchased.

But it took me quite a long time to do my hair with that knitting needle. Any one else?

Well she does do them all the time and back when I was doing curlformer sets often, they took shorter and shorter times to install. Like from 2hrs (first time) to 45mins (after a month or so). The only issue was that because my hair is super duper fine and those needles are NOT super smooth (and I probably wasn't as gentle as I should've been).

I also had a ton of breakage from doing them every wash day. But her hair is really strong anyways, so I don't foresee that being an issue for her.

 

[Kookookiwi]

This is not a new theory as others have pointed out and this has been talked about on this forum so many times. A clean scalp plus the stimulation from the shower head helps to promote growth.

However for women with fine hair the over manipulation, over moisturizing can lead to breakage.

One can still get a pretty good amount of hair growth with a good diet, exercise, water and washing and DC once a week and not neglecting protein treatments.

As my hair gets longer, I don't have the time to be up in my hair more than once a week.

Best,
Almond Eyes

My regimen is similar in that I co-wash every 3 days or so. I wash and go 99% of the time though. I'm curious to see how she is going to be curl forming and twisting and whatnot. My hair is fine and couldn't take that much manipulation.

My hair is also very fine. Are there any special considerations that could help with prevent breakage? I'm thinking definitely no detangling with anything other than fingers and also keeping my hair in twists more often especially while washing so I'm not putting as much stress on individual strands.

I'm not sure how to avoid the over moisturization.

Sorry about the rehashing of something that's been spoken about. Nap85 presented it as a new theory so I thought the idea was novel.

 

[Kookookiwi]

Are curl formers that easy for other folks? I can't see it as a mid-step. I haven't used them in years. When I went to pull them out, I'd waaaaaay out grown the small/medium ones I'd purchased.

But it took me quite a long time to do my hair with that knitting needle. Any one else?

I'm with @imaginary. Although the time is no longer an issue and I've gotten gentler with using it I still get some breakage with every install. I also have very fine hair though so my strands aren't nearly as strong as Nap85's. Also, go ahead and get the XL. That way you can grow into them. Them being longer than your hair doesn't affect their install or effectiveness at all.

Still I use them to get my hair to a stretched state with no heat and if you're washing every three days I'm not sure why getting them THAT stretched would be necessary or useful anyway. I'd pass but we'll see how it goes for Nap.

 

[intellectualuva]

I'm in between weaves and have been doing wngs, but I don't think my fine strands could take twisting every 3 days. I've never tried curlformers, but I'm curious.

 

[Dreamer48]

My hair would turn to mush if I were to wash it that often. If the concern is root/scalp stimulation, you can just massage your scalp a few times a week.

 

[Kookookiwi]

I'm in between weaves and have been doing wngs, but I don't think my fine strands could take twisting every 3 days. I've never tried curlformers, but I'm curious.

I'm with you on the fine strands. I'm not sure how well twists hold in your hair, but I'm thinking I'd modify it by twisting it up for two weeks (15 days technically) at a time and leaving those twists in while I wash and condition. Redoing some twists if necessary. On the fifteenth day I'm thinking take them down and use shampoo for that wash, then retwist it up. I asked some ladies who have knowledge of this method with fine hair how they think it'll work but they haven't responded yet. I don't see why that shouldn't be enough to combat over manipulation though.

My hair would turn to mush if I were to wash it that often. If the concern is root/scalp stimulation, you can just massage your scalp a few times a week.

I know I need the scalp stimulation but I'm also concerned with scalp cleanliness. I think I get quite a bit of buildup that I need to find some way to handle.

 

[Kookookiwi]

My hair would turn to mush if I were to wash it that often. If the concern is root/scalp stimulation, you can just massage your scalp a few times a week.

Also, could the mush thing be combatted with the prepping with oil @overtherainbow suggested?

 

[mssoconfused]

My hair is also very fine. Are there any special considerations that could help with prevent breakage? I'm thinking definitely no detangling with anything other than fingers and also keeping my hair in twists more often especially while washing so I'm not putting as much stress on individual strands.

I'm not sure how to avoid the over moisturization.

Sorry about the rehashing of something that's been spoken about. Nap85 presented it as a new theory so I thought the idea was novel.

I detangle with my fingers exclusively. It really does help to prevent breakage. Also, I deep condition with a protein conditioner or henna weekly. My hair CRAVES protein. I've also started using Aphogee Green Tea and Kertain leave in conditioner on my wash and go days. I find that co-washing and using my deep conditioner as a leave in/styler is all the moisture my hair really needs.

I don't wash in twists but my hair isn't that thick. Its enough for me to use 2-3 big twists and take down as I co-wash and style.

 

[Coilystep]

After my BC 8/2/14 I cowashed everyday with no issues. I now only wash once a week only because it's longer now and it's was taking to long to do everyday. I've also learned how to accomplish multiple day hair. I still wet it everyday.

 

[Lisa]

I decided to go natural last year and my last relaxer was very early in May. I did wash-n-go's all summer. I could never get second day hair so I usually ran a conditioner through my hair in the shower every morning. By August/September one of my (white) coworkers (I only mention her race because I didn't think they paid any attention to my hair) commented how fast my hair was growing. I really hadn't thought about it until she mentioned it. Now that I've been getting carried away with my scissors (trying to get rid of all of the relaxed ends) I'm hoping wetting my hair everyday will help! I'm not cowashing or doing WNG's but I wet my hair every night to do a rollerset (can't do a WNG now because of the drastic difference between my natural hair and my relaxed ends)! If I stop cutting my hair long enough I could probably tell if it was growing fast or not! (LOL)

FYI...the only trouble I had last year was when I started using a Keratin conditioner and I used it too often and made my hair hard (it started breaking off late September early October).

Now that you make me think of it I may need to start doing conditioner washes every night instead of just wetting my hair to see if it grows faster again.

 

[overtherainbow]

Also, could the mush thing be combatted with the prepping with oil @overtherainbow suggested?

Pre pooing with oil definitely made a huge difference in protecting ends from the mush. I only get that feeling though if I wash every other day with moisturizing products and don't alternate between protein and moisture. Mushiness was mainly a problem when I was relaxed

 

[Ann0804]

She has unicorn hair anyway so I'm sure no matter what she does to it, it will continue to flourish.

For me and minds I'm doing what works for me.

 

[nothidden]

This idea is probably only new to naptural85(?) because it just hadn't occurred to her to do it. Some people mentioned "Coily Queens Regimen", which I have never heard of, but I have been washing my hair at least every other day for over a year now, almost daily when it got warm. Also, daily washing is suggested in "Curly Girl, The Handbook". I do WnGs which call for very little maintenance. I started out w/low porosity hair and feel my 'garden' would not have flourished this past year had I not 'watered' it often.

 

[Nightingale]

I've never heard of Coily Queen or her regimen, but my routine is pretty much what Nap is trying now.

 

[SpicyPisces]

I think apart from the frequent use of Curlformers, it sounds good. Most people who wash frequently (and maintain moisture/protein balance) have improved retention due to their hair staying moisturized. The regimen basically boils down to keeping hair moisturized and stretched, which are key to retention

 

[JudithO]

I'm with you on the fine strands. I'm not sure how well twists hold in your hair, but I'm thinking I'd modify it by twisting it up for two weeks (15 days technically) at a time and leaving those twists in while I wash and condition. Redoing some twists if necessary. On the fifteenth day I'm thinking take them down and use shampoo for that wash, then retwist it up. I asked some ladies who have knowledge of this method with fine hair how they think it'll work but they haven't responded yet. I don't see why that shouldn't be enough to combat over manipulation though.

I know I need the scalp stimulation but I'm also concerned with scalp cleanliness. I think I get quite a bit of buildup that I need to find some way to handle.

I have experience with this routine and it works. The difference is, I don't touch it for the two weeks... no washing, no moisturizing etc... Just wash, twist up and leave it in for two weeks (up to a month even) and it works great for my extremely fine hair. On wash day though, I make sure to prepoo overnight with EVCO, clarify, DC with a conditioner that has protein and cones to thicken my hair, oil rinse and use a leave in to soften... no complaints and I've had near perfect retention using this method.

 

[yaya24]

I wear minitwists for 3-4 weeks at a time.
I've tried to skip the wash step, but my scalp disagrees.
I can go 3 weeks without washing, but my scalp feels tight, dry and starts to get scaly *yuck*.
Even with water spritzes on my scalp and /or oiling.

Yesterday I water rinsed my minitwists (hair and scalp), and my hair and scalp are soo happy. It felt like I had cowashed or shampooed).
I plan to incorporate water rinses into my minitwist regimen.. I'm thinking every 3-4 days or "as needed".

I get the best retention with minitwists. Just moisturizing them and leaving it the heck alone.

 

[BostonMaria]

Not sure if she's right or not. I am not 4A like her, but my hair did grow alot when I was co-washing 2-3 times a week. I don't do too much protective styling, but I take care of my hair by deep conditioning and using oils (coconut, almond, avocado, EVOO are my favorites).

 

[Kookookiwi]

I have experience with this routine and it works. The difference is, I don't touch it for the two weeks... no washing, no moisturizing etc... Just wash, twist up and leave it in for two weeks (up to a month even) and it works great for my extremely fine hair. On wash day though, I make sure to prepoo overnight with EVCO, clarify, DC with a conditioner that has protein and cones to thicken my hair, oil rinse and use a leave in to soften... no complaints and I've had near perfect retention using this method.

Thank you for checking in for the fine haired ladies! Your regimen above is what I currently do . I've had a tough time with retention though because the area I love in is EXTREMELY dry. Extremely. So I'm hoping adding in some extra washes or water rinses will help combat that and not cause the mush or overmanipulation.

I wear minitwists for 3-4 weeks at a time.
I've tried to skip the wash step, but my scalp disagrees.
I can go 3 weeks without washing, but my scalp feels tight, dry and starts to get scaly *yuck*.
Even with water spritzes on my scalp and /or oiling.

Yesterday I water rinsed my minitwists (hair and scalp), and my hair and scalp are soo happy. It felt like I had cowashed or shampooed).
I plan to incorporate water rinses into my minitwist regimen.. I'm thinking every 3-4 days or "as needed".

I get the best retention with minitwists. Just moisturizing them and leaving it the heck alone.

My hair looooves mini twists too. It just takes off. They are definitely my favorite style. I just need to figure out how to get my scalp cleaned well. I feel like I never get it quite clean.

 

[blackeyes31626]

Iono
my hair would probably end up smelling like mildew.

Anyone with long(mbl) 4c hair doing this?

 

[snoop]

I'm with you on the fine strands. I'm not sure how well twists hold in your hair, but I'm thinking I'd modify it by twisting it up for two weeks (15 days technically) at a time and leaving those twists in while I wash and condition. Redoing some twists if necessary. On the fifteenth day I'm thinking take them down and use shampoo for that wash, then retwist it up. I asked some ladies who have knowledge of this method with fine hair how they think it'll work but they haven't responded yet. I don't see why that shouldn't be enough to combat over manipulation though.

I've been experimenting with water only washing and I refresh my twists either every week or every two weeks. I wet my hair in the shower daily and so far my hair is not mushy and as long as I don't put my twists into a bun then I don't get the mildew smell. I also don't get that much shed hair when I detangle at the end of the week.

 

[GGsKin]

I have 4c/b hair and for the past 8 months or so, I've been washing my hair at least twice a week, with good progress (even though it feels slow to me). I water rinse, use a clay mix to cleanse/ moisturise, then oil rinse and seal with gel. I predominantly wear simply styled wash and gos at the moment.

I've previously grown my hair ear length hair to APL with 100% protective styling over an 18 month period and no washing (pre HHJ). So I'm interested to see how my hair retains this time round, with frequent washes.

 

[fifigirl]

That's what I'm wary of- the manipulation. I think it's definitely an interesting concept but I can't imagine how she's avoiding breakage from manipulation. I do like the scalp stimulation aspect of it though.

I'm guessing yall aren't willing to take one for the team and try it out ? We'll send you a wig if it doesn't work out.

HILARIOUS!!!

 

[Britt]

My hair grew fastest when I washed twice a week. I think maximizing your growth is all about scalp health. On the other hand, I was relaxed at the time, so the frequent manipulation wasn't that big of a deal. I would love to get back to twice a week washing, but the way my natural hair is set up....

This exactly! I've always been a believer in my hair growing faster or just feeling better being washed 2x/week. That's always been optimal for me all the years I've been relaxed. Washing 2x/week was the charm. With my straight hair I could wash and just slick back and keep it moving. Hmmm, with natural hair it takes more time and I don't even have a fraction of the amount of hair she does. I don't suffer from chronically dry hair and my scalp sings when it's clean. Technically, especially now in the summer time it's ideal for me to wash 2x/week but the retwisting on wet hair and then letting it dry sounds a bit daunting.

 

[Britt]

When I first joined the boards this was mostly everyone's routine due to the popularity of Cathy Howse and Shamboosie who advocated washing every 3-4 days.

Yep! Remember the frequent washings back in the day? LOL! Lord, my hair was smelling good all the damn time lol.

 

[Britt]

I like a clean scalp, because I don't necessarily feel like washing twice a week, I find spraying cold aloe vera juice on my scalp helps some. I put some in a spray bottle and keep in my fridge. It's very refreshing and I feel it helps with scalp buildup that occurs naturally.

 

[ckisland]

Naptural85 is late, like waaaayyyy late . There ain't a dang thang new about want she's planning to do. The concept of wash n'goes is based on re-wetting/washing your hair every few days, if not daily. There's a whole thread from that was started back in the day by a poster who noticed that all of her WL+ friends washed their hair daily. A couple of bunning and cowashing challenges sprung out of this and from other naturals doing the same thing years ago. And what is the coilyqueen method? If it's wetting your hair every few days, then it's just recycling the same old news under a new name .

I did something similar to what Naptural85's planning a few years ago when I was trying to get to MBL. I was basing it off of what 1ballerina on youtube does, and she has butt length hair . Every 3-4 days I would cowash, set my hair in 12-16 twists, let them dry, then set the twistout in 3 braids. I did hot oil treatments with CO every week and clipped my hair up. I was super gentle with my hair, and oiled my ends every night before putting it in the 3 braids. My hair looked great and I had the most length retention ever!! That was what finally got me to MBL . Hmmm. . . Maybe I should go back to that

I know this method can work because 1) your hair doesn't have the chance to get dry 2) your hair doesn't get the chance to get tangled, but you need to keep your manipulation low. Personally, I couldn't imagine rolling my hair twice a week, but if it's low mani for Naptural85, her hair will likely flourish.

ETA: Just watched a recent 1Ballerina video, and her hair is now to the top of her thighs and she can sit on it !!! LOL!! She only washes her hair once a week.

 

[AgeinATL]

This exactly! I've always been a believer in my hair growing faster or just feeling better being washed 2x/week. That's always been optimal for me all the years I've been relaxed. Washing 2x/week was the charm. With my straight hair I could wash and just slick back and keep it moving. Hmmm, with natural hair it takes more time and I don't even have a fraction of the amount of hair she does. I don't suffer from chronically dry hair and my scalp sings when it's clean. Technically, especially now in the summer time it's ideal for me to wash 2x/week but the retwisting on wet hair and then letting it dry sounds a bit daunting.

I totally agree! I just don't have the time now that I am natural. My hair is so much thicker now, so my wash days take longer. I feel like I would do more harm than good going back to twice a week washing. I could maximize my growth but it would be at the cost of my retention which is totally counterproductive!

 

[mssoconfused]

Naptural85 is late, like waaaayyyy late . There ain't a dang thang new about want she's planning to do. The concept of wash n'goes is based on re-wetting/washing your hair every few days, if not daily. There's a whole thread from that was started back in the day by a poster who noticed that all of her WL+ friends washed their hair daily. A couple of bunning and cowashing challenges sprung out of this and from other naturals doing the same thing years ago. And what is the coilyqueen method? If it's wetting your hair every few days, then it's just recycling the same old news under a new name .

I did something similar to what Naptural85's planning a few years ago when I was trying to get to MBL. I was basing it off of what 1ballerina on youtube does, and she has butt length hair . Every 3-4 days I would cowash, set my hair in 12-16 twists, let them dry, then set the twistout in 3 braids. I did hot oil treatments with CO every week and clipped my hair up. I was super gentle with my hair, and oiled my ends every night before putting it in the 3 braids. My hair looked great and I had the most length retention ever!! That was what finally got me to MBL . Hmmm. . . Maybe I should go back to that

I know this method can work because 1) your hair doesn't have the chance to get dry 2) your hair doesn't get the chance to get tangled, but you need to keep your manipulation low. Personally, I couldn't imagine rolling my hair twice a week, but if it's low mani for Naptural85, her hair will likely flourish.

ETA: Just watched a recent 1Ballerina video, and her hair is now to the top of her thighs and she can sit on it !!! LOL!! She only washes her hair once a week.

I'd never heard of her before but just went to her youtube channel. Dammit. I didn't need anymore hair crushes, lol