Natural 4b hair keeping it stretched....

[Chameleonchick]

How do you keep yor hair stretched? What do you use? Do you think that this has helped with your retention? I am asking because I am currently reassesing my regimen. Right now I am wearing twists under a wig when I am out. But the wig comes off if I am working out or at home. I co wash every other day, which feels so good, but my hair feels dry. I don't know if it is because of it shrinking down so much or what. I feel that my hair is growing at the average rate but lately it has been breaking off. Like it will make these little balls at the end that are annoying and if you accidentally tug at the end it will come off. I am sure that it has nothing to do with protein because I do use protein products on a rotation like once a month. I don't want to resort to wearing kinky twists and braids again because I will just take them down anyways when I want to see my hair again. Ok, I just need a few suggestions if possible.

 

[pookaloo83]

All I have to say is co washing ain't for everybody. When I used to co wash my hair broke off. I'm a 4b by the way. I keep my hair stretched by doing the tension method with the dryer or by doing braidouts. With twistouts, my hair doesn't stretch as much. The first braidout is stretched, but not stretched enough. By the second and third day of the braidout it gets more stretched.

Braidout on lightly blow dried hair. ^^

 

[ajargon02]

How do you keep your hair stretched?

I stretch with braids or twists pulled back with a goody clip, or just use the goody clips to stretch AFTER my leave-in has been applied to damp hair. I use water or shower steam or both to keep the moisture going after my hair's been sealed. Once or twice a week I will just rinse with water and re-apply the leave in ( I use the kimmaytube leave-in with either kckt or giovanni or taliah waajid leave in as a base )


Disclaimer:
EVERY HEAD OF HAIR IS DIFFERENT AND RESPONDS DIFFERENTLY TO STUFF. In the end, you will have to see, via trial and error what YOUR hair likes.
These

Goody Ouchless Flex Barrettes are what I am talking about:

I use several of these to stretch or I will use pantyhose cut up to make little elastic bands for banding.

What do you use?

refer to above

Do you think that this has helped with your retention?

Yes it has. I have found that when my hair is stretched, it's less prone to ssk and tangles, which in the end helps with retention.

I co wash every other day, which feels so good, but my hair feels dry.......but lately it has been breaking off. Like it will make these little balls at the end that are annoying and if you accidentally tug at the end it will come off.......I am sure that it has nothing to do with protein because I do use protein products on a rotation like once a month.

Ok, at the last part, there's a couple of concerns that I have. The first is that you are co-washing ( which is good ) but:
1. what are you doing to SEAL IN THAT MOISTURE AFTER the co-wash?

2. When was the last time you clarified then followed up with DC either with heat, steam or overnight?

3. When did you last trim your hair? Have you done s&d (search and destroys ) to rid your ends of splits?

4. What are you using as a leave-in conditioner, are you sealing that water/water based product in with oil?


Little balls at the end of hair, is telling me something as well. You might need to look at how you are detangling, and what you are doing for moisture, and when was the last time you s&d or trimmed? Little balls to me, sound like some of them could be little knots, possibly from improper handling of your hair in general, needing a trim to rid your hair of any resulting splits from the "little balls" if you aren't gently untangling them or if they are just "breaking off" or if you are pulling them off.

Also, what's your moisture routine like? I see you have the protein down pat ( which is great ) but going back to question 1, where's your moisture?

Cheapie conditioners ( which some use to co-wash ) are LOADED with protein, then with no leave-in that's water/water-based and sealed with an oil like coconut, shea, jojoba, almond ect. then once you co-wash and let your hair dry, usually it will dry hard, cause all that moisture evaporated since it wasn't locked in prior to drying.

There's TONS of threads here ( as you probably already know ) on moisturizing vs protein conditioners, leave-in's, sealing, stretching.

moisturizing conditioner threads:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/search.php?searchid=2529471

protein conditioner threads:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/search.php?searchid=2529495

leave-in conditioner threads:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=539425&highlight=leave+in+conditioner and http://www.longhaircareforum.com/search.php?searchid=2529509

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=507817&highlight=sealing+hair


Sites like: http://www.curlynikki.com/search/label/Hair Tips and http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/09/curlynikki-approved-recommended.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube
http://www.nappturality.com/
http://blackhairscience.com/select_moisturizing.html

also Sistaslick's site and artilcles like this:
Q. How often should I wash my hair?

A. by sistaslick:
Water cannot dry out the hair. It's the swift escape of water from the fiber (and the use of stripping shampoos w/ sulfates) that makes the hair feel dry. Similar to how the skin dries out once you've showered if you don't apply lotion to seal in and trap the moisture. Our hair is the same way. Black hair should be hydrated regularly, and the moisture should be sealed using natural oils and butter products (shea/ avocado/mango, etc) for best results.

It is also a matter of personal choice. Some black hair thrives on infrequent handling/conditioning, while other types require regular concerted shampooing/conditioning efforts (1-3 times a week). Swimmers of course, or those who work out regularly would be on the high end and would require more frequent washing. They to frequent washing is: gentle, sulfate free shampoos, and excellent super rich conditioner, and a low heat regimen.

I hope that helps! It's just to get you started, but that search option on here can be your bff I am sure others will chime in with their responses!

 

[LovelyNaps26]

i keep my hair stretched by putting it in braids/twist on wash day. if i'm tired/lazy i will put my hair in 10 jumbo twists and go to bed. the next day it will then style the hair for a braid out. b/c the hair is dry i will have more length.

i recently decided that using the blow dryer on the low setting is a good alternative to getting my hair dry quickly (it usually takes 12+ hours for my hair to fully dry in twists) without getting heat damage. i'm about bsl and it only take 30 min to dry the hair.

eta: i agree with pook. i'm not a co-washer and learned that years ago with my twa. i retained a solid 5 inches in 2010 and i washed my hair once a week and kept it in a stretched style. the key is to find a good moisturizer. for me, a good moisturizer is just as effective (if not more) than co-washing . the less i manipulate my hair the greater retention i have.

 

[Your Cheeziness]

I wash once a week and always twist my hair after washing and detangling with a shower comb. I make sure each section is detangled to the ends prior to twisting. I use a whipped butter mix and/or Qhemet's Olive & Honey Balm on my ends. And I never sleep with my hair loose. Tis all!

 

[pookaloo83]

Dang. So there aren't any 4b's stretching their hair?

 

[ajargon02]

Dang. So there aren't any 4b's stretching their hair?

Medwzi is 4b. I am a mix of mostly 4b with a little 4a mixed in. Don't be fooled by the avatar. With the right technique and products, you can make your hair look pretty much however you want

 

[MyAngelEyez~C~U]

whenI wear my hair stretched, I co-wash, moisturize with whatever leave in I'm using, and then band it it six or more sections to stretch as it dries. then to maintain it I just moisturize and re-band nightly.

 

[MzSwift]

I wash, dc and dry in celie braids. Then I'll band on day two after M&Sing.
But my main method of stretching is by banding the length of the hair.
Sometimes, I'll do little ponytails and then braid them for texture.

My siggie is a shrunken, end-of-the-night banded fro.
HTH!

 

[Foxglove]

Braidsouts stretch my hair more than blowdrying does. I just put my hair in ~12-16 braids each night. I'll use Qhemets AOHC after washing/cowashing and when my hair feels like it needs more moisture. That's really all I do to keep my hair stretched. In the morning I just unbraid and get to styling

 

[Rocky91]

I'm 4a/b, but here's my input.
Cowashing has never helped at keeping my hair moisturized, plus my hair doesn't appreciate all that much manipulation. Deep conditioning once a week is a much better way.
I keep my hair stretched either through heat or rollersetting, braidouts, and twistouts, etc.

 

[knt1229]

I keep my hair stretched by letting it air dry in twists or a twist n' curl. Then I re-twist and sometimes set on satin rollers each nite.

I get those little balls on my hair too that I can just pull out. But my hair is not breaking off and it's not dry. I only finger comb my hair so the little balls I had was shed hair that worked it's way out of my hair on it's own. Now that I comb thru my hair with a comb once a week on wash day I no longer have the little balls.

As far as your dryness and breaking it could be due to the frequent co-washes. Some conditioners coat your hair strands and leave build up. You may need to clarify your hair to remove the build up. If you continue the everyday co-wash you should also clarify your hair at least once a month.

I only wash my hair once a week and I don't manipulate my hair much at all. I use a leave in on wash day and re-apply as needed.

 

[greight]

Taking notes right now. I'm reassessing my regimen.

Honestly, 4bs need to keep their hair stretched. I'm against heat, but I've been thinking about it after I cut off some of my hair for the summer. If I go 7+ healthy inches into the fall, I'll be on a stretch or heat regimen.

 

[Victoria44]

i'm 4a/b and i keep my hair stretched 85% of the time in twists and braids. I don't see any other option. if i sleep on it out in a fro, it'll just tangle and be a dry mess.

 

[Foxglove]

Just wanted to add for moisture I find DCing makes more of a difference than cowashing.
Also when I do cowash some conditioners left my hair dry (like all the HH conditioners, giovanni). I like trader joes nourish spa and aissie moist, although I have to shampoo more often with aussie moist

 

[bride91501]

I am a frequent co-washer (up to 3 days per week, possibly more during the summer months), but admittedly this only works for me b/c I'm in cornrows (under wigs) 95% of the time, so there's not much manipulation. I would not have this same regimen if I didn't PS as much as I do.

In terms of keeping my hair stretched, this is a constant battle I have. Twists only do the job about 50%; celie braids do a much better job of stretching my hair, although they don't do a complete job either. Blow drying is the only thing that completely stretches my hair, but since I'm trying to limit the amount of heat I use, I can only get this treat 3-4x per year

For my hair, I've found that any style that limits manipulation and allows me to keep my ends protected will keep my retention at near 100%. As long as these criteria are met, and my moisture-protein balance is in check, my hair seems to be happy.

HTH

 

[Bun Mistress]

I'm really doing to just cosign with the above. My hair is too fine for daily or every other day co washing, and the cheapie conditioners have never done anything good for my hair.

For about the last two years I have been D/Cing about once a week (or when I think I need it) either before I washed (if I didn't have alot of bluidup) or after rinsing. I rarely shampoo, (once a month or when I need it). That is the best way for me to retain moisture.

As for streching, I have never tried banding, I haven't been brave enough, hehe. I uesed to do twists, but I ca nget away with far fewer braids, so I do braid outs now.

Really I guess nothing different from the above. I will stress that the most improtant step for moisture throughout the week is D/C and sealing. This is the one thing that has kept the SSK and tangles at bay.

Doing this I have gone from above SL to MBL. Nothing elese. I always wear my hair loose. Rebraiding or twisting at night. Sometimes I will go one or two big twist if I'm really tried and don't want to redo my entire head.

If you are having dry hair, please clarify. Then moisture DC. Lastly add ceramides to your sealing this will help with retention.

 

[MissSenegal]

I keep my hair in braids to stretch if I do twist out it has to be on blowdried hair. I'm going to try banding next month. Blowdrying keeps ssk's away for me. Even with braids I still get them.

 

[Chiquitita]

During the week, I keep my hair flat twisted under my wig. Then on the weekends it's stretched for when I wear it out.

 

[Poohbear]

Blowdrying is the only thing that stretches out my hair really good. My hair shrinks if I airdry in braids or twists. I attempted banding once and my hair still would shrink up.

 

[hzlcreativity]

My hair enjoys frequent rendeavouz with moisturizer and the regular dates with a ph balanced shampoo. But without sealing even the best pre steps seem to be for naught...I'm currently PS under a wig... so I'm not really much help; BUT,

when I wear an out style, I throw some weather resistant spray on it -- but not too much -- it will get stiff!

Ditto on the 100% stretch=(achievable w/) heat (blowdryer+straightener)

 

[silenttullip]

Like everything... Nothing is for everyone. I use to wear twists under my wig
but it didn't help with stretching and made my scalp itch. So I switched to braids
with my regular hair about 4-20 braids under my wig. Your problem sounds like you
need more moisture. I'd say moisturize and seal more often. Also try a durag *hide the back flap* when u wear wigs instead of a wig cap. That helped me greatly with moisture

 

[Chameleonchick]

1. what are you doing to SEAL IN THAT MOISTURE AFTER the co-wash? I first use the same "kimmay" leave in then I seal with Almond Oil.

2. When was the last time you clarified then followed up with DC either with heat, steam or overnight?

I usually clarify once every two moths or so.
3. When did you last trim your hair? Have you done s&d (search and destroys ) to rid your ends of splits?
I haven't trimmed since I think July. The reason why I still haven't now is because my hair has only "retained/grown?" an inch and a half. I know this might be bad but I have been busy too.
4. What are you using as a leave-in conditioner, are you sealing that water/water based product in with oil?

Answered at question number one.

I stretch with braids or twists pulled back with a goody clip, or just use the goody clips to stretch AFTER my leave-in has been applied to damp hair. I use water or shower steam or both to keep the moisture going after my hair's been sealed. Once or twice a week I will just rinse with water and re-apply the leave in ( I use the kimmaytube leave-in with either kckt or giovanni or taliah waajid leave in as a base )


Disclaimer:
EVERY HEAD OF HAIR IS DIFFERENT AND RESPONDS DIFFERENTLY TO STUFF. In the end, you will have to see, via trial and error what YOUR hair likes.
These

Goody Ouchless Flex Barrettes are what I am talking about:

I use several of these to stretch or I will use pantyhose cut up to make little elastic bands for banding.


refer to above


Yes it has. I have found that when my hair is stretched, it's less prone to ssk and tangles, which in the end helps with retention.




Ok, at the last part, there's a couple of concerns that I have. The first is that you are co-washing ( which is good ) but:
1. what are you doing to SEAL IN THAT MOISTURE AFTER the co-wash?

2. When was the last time you clarified then followed up with DC either with heat, steam or overnight?

3. When did you last trim your hair? Have you done s&d (search and destroys ) to rid your ends of splits?

4. What are you using as a leave-in conditioner, are you sealing that water/water based product in with oil?


Little balls at the end of hair, is telling me something as well. You might need to look at how you are detangling, and what you are doing for moisture, and when was the last time you s&d or trimmed? Little balls to me, sound like some of them could be little knots, possibly from improper handling of your hair in general, needing a trim to rid your hair of any resulting splits from the "little balls" if you aren't gently untangling them or if they are just "breaking off" or if you are pulling them off.

Also, what's your moisture routine like? I see you have the protein down pat ( which is great ) but going back to question 1, where's your moisture?

Cheapie conditioners ( which some use to co-wash ) are LOADED with protein, then with no leave-in that's water/water-based and sealed with an oil like coconut, shea, jojoba, almond ect. then once you co-wash and let your hair dry, usually it will dry hard, cause all that moisture evaporated since it wasn't locked in prior to drying.

There's TONS of threads here ( as you probably already know ) on moisturizing vs protein conditioners, leave-in's, sealing, stretching.

moisturizing conditioner threads:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/search.php?searchid=2529471

protein conditioner threads:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/search.php?searchid=2529495

leave-in conditioner threads:
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=539425&highlight=leave+in+conditioner and http://www.longhaircareforum.com/search.php?searchid=2529509

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=507817&highlight=sealing+hair


Sites like: http://www.curlynikki.com/search/label/Hair Tips and http://www.curlynikki.com/2010/09/curlynikki-approved-recommended.html
http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube
http://www.nappturality.com/
http://blackhairscience.com/select_moisturizing.html

also Sistaslick's site and artilcles like this:
Q. How often should I wash my hair?

A. by sistaslick:
Water cannot dry out the hair. It's the swift escape of water from the fiber (and the use of stripping shampoos w/ sulfates) that makes the hair feel dry. Similar to how the skin dries out once you've showered if you don't apply lotion to seal in and trap the moisture. Our hair is the same way. Black hair should be hydrated regularly, and the moisture should be sealed using natural oils and butter products (shea/ avocado/mango, etc) for best results.

It is also a matter of personal choice. Some black hair thrives on infrequent handling/conditioning, while other types require regular concerted shampooing/conditioning efforts (1-3 times a week). Swimmers of course, or those who work out regularly would be on the high end and would require more frequent washing. They to frequent washing is: gentle, sulfate free shampoos, and excellent super rich conditioner, and a low heat regimen.

I hope that helps! It's just to get you started, but that search option on here can be your bff I am sure others will chime in with their responses!

 

[Tiye]

I don't stretch anymore. My new philosophy of hair involves not fighting so hard against its physical properties. Granted I never wear it out right now but I probably will in the summer. I think you can work with your hair instead of fighting it and still look "kempt" .

 

[Foxglove]

^^ It's not so much about keeping it from looking unkempt. Shrunken hair (on me) leads to more tangles so I keep it stretched to prevent so many tangles

 

[Chameleonchick]

bump bump bump

 

[ebsalita]

I'm 4b and I stretch using a blowdryer - I've tried braiding and twisting, but m hair stays curled too tight to style neatly for work. I wish there was a way to keep it stretched without the blowdry and flatiron but I'm yet to figure it out My hair feels soft and healthy - I DC well and moisturise daily/ as needed.

 

[darlingdiva]

I stretch my hair by banding it and also blowdrying on cool in the summer. I also stretch my hair via twists and twistouts, as well as by washing and conditioning my hair while it's in braids.

 

[Platinum]

 

[30something]

I stretch my 4b hair by banding it while its pretty damp and letting it air dry for 10-20 mins and then put in bantu knots for a bantu knot out. The banding, twisting and then looping the hair around the twist tight helps to keep it pretty stretched. I try to keep them small for more stretching, and the smaller the longer the style last.