New Member- Need Help!

[MyJa]

Hi Everyone-

I've been a "lurker" since 2006.

I am a recovering weave addict. I began experimenting with weaves in 2002. It all began when I used a hair weave to achieve a prom hairstyle-after this, I became an addict! I wore hair weaves and micro-braids all throughout my college years. My hair has always been short (the bottom of my neck). I was of the mindset that it didn't matter what I did to it, since it wouldn't grow.

In 2006, I began researching hair care for black woman and found Cathy Howse's book. I wanted to apply the techniques that she recommended, but my hair was so damaged that I decided to keep wearing weaves. I know this doesn't make sense to many, but at the time I had grown accustomed to the longer hair and the ability to create fancy hairstyles. Also, I no longer knew how to care for my real hair. Every time I would try to style my real hair, I looked hideous.

I have been wearing my real hair out for 3 weeks. Length wise- I'm at the bottom of my neck in the back and raggedy chin length on the sides. I've only used the flat iron 3 times since I started wearing my real hair. I co-wash every 3-5 days, deep condition weekly, and moisturize daily. I've been wearing my hair in a "baby" bun.

Here's my problem...

I look like a H.A.M. I work in a corporate environment and I don't think my current hairdo is "professional". My "baby" bun has less hair in it then my 4 year old niece! I'm going to the salon on Saturday. I'm ready to chop this mess off or throw the weave back in. Please help!!!

 

[SunySydeofLyfe]

Welcome!! I am new on my hair journey and also a weave addict . What I have learned since removing the lie about black hair not growing long unless you are mixed from my mindset is that you can wear a weave or braids (protective style) if you also care for your hair PERIOD! If you dont want to go back to weaves a great haircut is a good fresh start on your journey to healthy long hair. Happy Hair Growing!!

 

[tiffers]

What kind of weave are you wearing? Glue in? If it's glued in, that's a HUGE problem

A lot of members here grow their hair with weaves (braided in) because it keeps your hair protected. You just have to know how to take care of your hair underneath the weave. Try doing a search, I'm sure there are plenty of threads on it

If you don't want to go back to back to weaves, get your hair cut in a cute, short style. What about a nice bob? That way you can get rid of your damaged ends and still look professional and cute

 

[MyJa]

Typically, I would wear glue-ins. I would go to the salon and get one done every two weeks. The back of my head broke off so bad one time that my boyfriend asked if I had shaved the back of my head. I was so embarrassed.

I started wearing sew-ins around October of 2007. My hair has grown quite a bit from using this method, but it still feels weak whenever I take the sew-in out. I only keep the style up for about 6 weeks. When I can afford to, I take it out after 4 weeks.

I don't know if it's better for me to cut my hair into a mini-bob and start from there or to use the sew-ins to help me achieve my desired length.

 

[Mook's hair]

I had a sew in once and learned that they are a no-no for me.

The string ripped through one section of my hair like a razor at the top of my head.

It sounds like your cowash regimen in good. Do you think you might want to get a good aggressive trim or maybe even cut and then wear a half wig for the work environment? Those are really cute and allow you to avoid the issues of glue & string.

-OR-
Maybe get a phony bun to wear over top of your baby bun.

 

[MyJa]

I think I will go with the trim and take it from there. If I don't like the style, I will probably try a phony pony or bun.

 

[Platinum]

Welcome to the site! If you're not comfortable wearing a short style, then maybe you should try the half wig like Mook suggested. Good luck and happy hair growing!

 

[classi123]

I think that you should do a nice chop and get a protein treatment and put the weave back in. (if you dont like the cut) I got my most growth from weaves, once I learned how to take care of the hair under. (weekly washes, conditioning and moisturizing) Now I am comfortable with my length and the health of my hair. Weaves also help because it low manipulation.

 

[drasgrl]

 

[MyJa]

My family thinks I'm crazy when I tell that I don't want a short style. If it was up to my mother, I would keep my hair in a short Toni Braxton or Halle Berry style for the rest of my life. My family always uses the same stupid excuse, "Well you should be happy you have the face for a short cut." What?

My hair has been short all my life. *Also, I wasn't carrying an extra 20 pounds of weight on me when I was rocking those styles. (When I gain weight, it shows all in my face).*

I didn't start wearing weaves until I was almost 18. I'm ready for my real hair to grow! I'm tired of trying to cover up tracks.

I'm going to start looking for wigs and other hairstyles that I can wear until my real hair grows out a little more.

Thanks for the advice ladies!

 

[MyJa]

Classi123-

Did you use sew-ins or glue-ins? Any tips?!