Not Retaining Length

[snookes]

My hair is still exactly the same length as it was in February and that is almost 7 months ago. Even though I deep condition once a week, clarity once a month and co wash weekly. I am natural and do not use any heat or colour whatsoever and pretty much follow the KISS regime. I haven't noticed any breakage since doing this routine so can not for the life of me understand why my hair isn't getting any longer.

I use Giovanni shampoo 50/50 to clarify

Deep condition/co wash with Giovanni smooth as silk or Aubrey's GPB

Then I moisturize with Giovanni direct leave in and seal with my shea butter mix (shea butter, coconut & olive oil).

And I also use the magic star seamless comb to detangle once a week. And braid my hair every night to prevent tangles.

 

[overtherainbow]

And I also use the magic star seamless comb to detangle once a week. And braid my hair every night to prevent tangles.

This to me sounds like your main problem. Seamless combs are okay in moderation, but if you're a type 4 natural, finger detangling before combing will cut down on manual breakage. I personally never use a comb because my fingers insure that I won't get unnecessary breakage. Also braiding every night is a lot of manipulation. I cut down on tangling by sleeping in very, very loose ponytails/banding over a satin pocket bonnet so that I avoid parting my hair in the same spot every night which could potentially lead to breakage. It also keeps the hair ties from getting tangled in my hair when I toss and turn at night.

 

[sgold04]

^^^I agree, it sounds like you are manipulating your hair a lot. I finger detangle with coconut oil, and then I use a wide tooth comb on damp hair with conditioner. I wear my hair in twists for 4-5 days out of the week, and then I wear a twist out on weekends, then repeat. I sleep with my hair in a high, loose ponytail and it preserves my curls. Whenever I feel like im not retaining, I do a long term protective style, my go-to is crochet braids. I do that almost back to back for 2-4 months, and I can then see a difference. @snookes

I'm a 4a natural and I have learned that I have to incorporate protein in my regimen as well. I do a protein treatment once or twice a month. I haven't done it in a while, but I also search and destroy every few months.

 

[cravoecanela]

How are you measuring length without heat? I also used no heat for a while and I thought that I my hair wasn't retaining. I blow dried it and I noticed a few extra inches that weren't there before. You won't get the full picture by just tugging at it, I've learned (not assuming that you do that, but that's what I did)

 

[snookes]

How are you measuring length without heat? I also used no heat for a while and I thought that I my hair wasn't retaining. I blow dried it and I noticed a few extra inches that weren't there before. You won't get the full picture by just tugging at it, I've learned (not assuming that you do that, but that's what I did)

Yes I do measure without heat, I could try it but need to get a comb attachment for my hairdryer first lol

 

[snookes]

This to me sounds like your main problem. Seamless combs are okay in moderation, but if you're a type 4 natural, finger detangling before combing will cut down on manual breakage. I personally never use a comb because my fingers insure that I won't get unnecessary breakage. Also braiding every night is a lot of manipulation. I cut down on tangling by sleeping in very, very loose ponytails/banding over a satin pocket bonnet so that I avoid parting my hair in the same spot every night which could potentially lead to breakage. It also keeps the hair ties from getting tangled in my hair when I toss and turn at night.

What even just combing once a week after I've washed my hair? I would love to leave the braids in for a few days but believe me they look like Celie from the color purple and not a cool look for work.

And twists don't stay in either they unravel as soon as I twist the next one even with gel in.

 

[snookes]

^^^I agree, it sounds like you are manipulating your hair a lot. I finger detangle with coconut oil, and then I use a wide tooth comb on damp hair with conditioner. I wear my hair in twists for 4-5 days out of the week, and then I wear a twist out on weekends, then repeat. I sleep with my hair in a high, loose ponytail and it preserves my curls. Whenever I feel like im not retaining, I do a long term protective style, my go-to is crochet braids. I do that almost back to back for 2-4 months, and I can then see a difference. @snookes

I'm a 4a natural and I have learned that I have to incorporate protein in my regimen as well. I do a protein treatment once or twice a month. I haven't done it in a while, but I also search and destroy every few months.

Twist unravel even when I use gel hence why I braid.

Am not really a fan off extensions, wigs or weaves. Thanks for your reply

 

[snookes]

^^^I agree, it sounds like you are manipulating your hair a lot. I finger detangle with coconut oil, and then I use a wide tooth comb on damp hair with conditioner. I wear my hair in twists for 4-5 days out of the week, and then I wear a twist out on weekends, then repeat. I sleep with my hair in a high, loose ponytail and it preserves my curls. Whenever I feel like im not retaining, I do a long term protective style, my go-to is crochet braids. I do that almost back to back for 2-4 months, and I can then see a difference. @snookes

I'm a 4a natural and I have learned that I have to incorporate protein in my regimen as well. I do a protein treatment once or twice a month. I haven't done it in a while, but I also search and destroy every few months.

Ps love your profile picture lol

 

[DarkJoy]

Never underestimate the power of dusting and light trimming. Its amazing how many times I thought my growth stalled out until I dusted 1/4" and was rewarded by a "growth spurt".

 

[overtherainbow]

What even just combing once a week after I've washed my hair? I would love to leave the braids in for a few days but believe me they look like Celie from the color purple and not a cool look for work.

And twists don't stay in either they unravel as soon as I twist the next one even with gel in.

Celie braids are my protective style this week . I'm experimenting with updos all week. I posted a pic in the random thoughts thread if you're interested. Since then I did french rolls, buns, pin tuck and rolls...And combing once a week is "ok" for some. I know my hair would suffer if I switched back to combs. But the main issue IMO is your nightly routine. I stopped twisting every night years ago because I realized I was over manipulating my hair. A lot of posters on here had the same problem. Whats your hair texture? Do you have fine strands?

 

[snookes]

Celie braids are my protective style this week . I'm experimenting with updos all week. I posted a pic in the random thoughts thread if you're interested. Since then I did french rolls, buns, pin tuck and rolls...And combing once a week is "ok" for some. I know my hair would suffer if I switched back to combs. But the main issue IMO is your nightly routine. I stopped twisting every night years ago because I realized I was over manipulating my hair. A lot of posters on here had the same problem. Whats your hair texture? Do you have fine strands?

My hair texture is in my profile picture, this is my natural hair bone dry without anything in it. I have no idea what my hair type is lol

 

[snookes]

Never underestimate the power of dusting and light trimming. Its amazing how many times I thought my growth stalled out until I dusted 1/4" and was rewarded by a "growth spurt".

Thanks I do dust my ends whenever they appear raggarty. Thank you for your reply.

 

[overtherainbow]

My hair texture is in my profile picture, this is my natural hair bone dry without anything in it. I have no idea what my hair type is

It looks to me like you have fine strands? It's hard to tell.

 

[snookes]

It looks to me like you have fine strands? It's hard to tell.

Yes I agree my stands are finer than a thread of cotton

 

[snoop]

What even just combing once a week after I've washed my hair? I would love to leave the braids in for a few days but believe me they look like Celie from the color purple and not a cool look for work.

And twists don't stay in either they unravel as soon as I twist the next one even with gel in.

I found that finger combing on shorter lengths was difficult. When I got to APL it felt more natural/easier to do so. That being said, I did adopt that process and tried to do it as much as possible. I think I got away with not styling nightly by finding a protective style that I could wear all week or longer. For me it was two strand twists. If you could do twists, flat twists, braids, buns, etc. Then restyle or detangle 1-2 times a week using your fingers you might see a difference in your retention.

 

[NappyNelle]

Are you wearing your hair in 'out' styles everyday? Protective styles can help you retain length better. I also have very fine stands; comb detangling weekly and braiding nightly would be very hard on my hair. If it didn't break off, it would stall in length.

Yes I do measure without heat, I could try it but need to get a comb attachment for my hairdryer first lol

You can use the tension method. The comb attachment could be detrimental.

 

[snookes]

Are you wearing your hair in 'out' styles everyday? Protective styles can help you retain length better. I also have very fine stands; comb detangling weekly and braiding nightly would be very hard on my hair. If it didn't break off, it would stall in length.



You can use the tension method. The comb attachment could be detrimental.

Yes I wear my hair out ever day, I didn't think I needed to protective style because my hair does not touch my shoulders like, it's only 4 inches long

 

[NappyNelle]

Yes I wear my hair out ever day, I didn't think I needed to protective style because my hair does not touch my shoulders like, it's only 4 inches long

Fine hair can be finicky like that. I would try a pinned up style or twists for one month; one that didn't require retwisting nightly.

 

[overtherainbow]

@snoop I had the opposite problem. I could not for the life of me figure out how to run a comb through my SL fro. I swear the lack of hand eye coordination struggle is real

Anywho @snookes if you have fine hair, then that is just contributing to the problem. I recommend joining the fine hair support group. The thread is not as active as it used to be but there is a ton of good info on there.

https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/thin-fine-support-thread.138027/

 

[snookes]

^^^I agree, it sounds like you are manipulating your hair a lot. I finger detangle with coconut oil, and then I use a wide tooth comb on damp hair with conditioner. I wear my hair in twists for 4-5 days out of the week, and then I wear a twist out on weekends, then repeat. I sleep with my hair in a high, loose ponytail and it preserves my curls. Whenever I feel like im not retaining, I do a long term protective style, my go-to is crochet braids. I do that almost back to back for 2-4 months, and I can then see a difference. @snookes

I'm a 4a natural and I have learned that I have to incorporate protein in my regimen as well. I do a protein treatment once or twice a month. I haven't done it in a while, but I also

Fine hair can be finicky like that. I would try a pinned up style or twists for one month; one that didn't require retwisting nightly.

So am I right in understanding that fine strands are more prone to breakage from manipulation etc??

 

[snookes]

@snoop I had the opposite problem. I could not for the life of me figure out how to run a comb through my SL fro. I swear the lack of hand eye coordination struggle is real

Anywho @snookes if you have fine hair, then that is just contributing to the problem. I recommend joining the fine hair support group. The thread is not as active as it used to be but there is a ton of good info on there.

https://longhaircareforum.com/threads/thin-fine-support-thread.138027/

Gee thanks overtherainbow I have bookmarked this thread

 

[HappyAtLast]

So am I right in understanding that fine strands are more prone to breakage from manipulation etc??

Yes. It sounds like multiple things are holding you back - fine hair, daily manipulation, wearing it out daily, sealing with shea butter. I believe I've seen others on this board with fine hair mention that shea butter was too heavy for their fine strands.

 

[sgold04]

Fine hair can be finicky like that. I would try a pinned up style or twists for one month; one that didn't require retwisting nightly.

I second this. When I wear my hair in twists (or braids), I pin them up to look nice, sometimes I'll throw a nice headband or decorative scarf on as well.

 

[snookes]

Yes. It sounds like multiple things are holding you back - fine hair, daily manipulation, wearing it out daily, sealing with shea butter. I believe I've seen others on this board with fine hair mention that shea butter was too heavy for their fine strands.

Oh my goodness lol!!! Thank you for your reply HappyAtLast

 

[snookes]

Well thanks guys for all your help and advice, it seems I never took into account my fine hair strands in my daily hair regime.

I now think that applying too much product, my shea butter mix weighs my hair down, frequent washing, manipulation, baggying, harsh combing is possibly contributing to me not retaining length.

I am gonna stop baggying, washing so much, use lighter oils & moisturisers, and cut down on my daily manipulation. Who would have thought!!! Thank god I got there in the end.

Many many thanks

Regards Michelle xx

 

[charmtreese]

Have you taken any pictures of your hair from month to month. I have fine hair and I can tell that my hair is growing when I review my picture trail.

Also, I know you said you are giving up the baggy. But I think that baggying is great, if done correctly. I use the baggy method nightly. Just make sure your hair is not dripping wet. Pretty much I apply my moisturizer and seal with oil and then baggy. When using the baggy method try not to use too much product. Baggying sopping wet hair, can make fine hair more fragile. The key is to moisturize and seal lightly and use the baggy as a way to keep the product from evaporating. By doing this your scarf, bonnet, and or pillow is not soaking up all of the product.

I do not wear any weaves or wigs and normally twist my hair weekly and wear twist outs on the weekends. I agree that if you can keep your twist in through the week and pin them up or style them in a way that you feel comfortable, this will allow your hair to have a break from daily styling.

 

[snookes]

Have you taken any pictures of your hair from month to month. I have fine hair and I can tell that my hair is growing when I review my picture trail.

Also, I know you said you are giving up the baggy. But I think that baggying is great, if done correctly. I use the baggy method nightly. Just make sure your hair is not dripping wet. Pretty much I apply my moisturizer and seal with oil and then baggy. When using the baggy method try not to use too much product. Baggying sopping wet hair, can make fine hair more fragile. The key is to moisturize and seal lightly and use the baggy as a way to keep the product from evaporating. By doing this your scarf, bonnet, and or pillow is not soaking up all of the product.

I do not wear any weaves or wigs and normally twist my hair weekly and wear twist outs on the weekends. I agree that if you can keep your twist in through the week and pin them up or style them in a way that you feel comfortable, this will allow your hair to have a break from daily styling.

Well actually I loved the way baggying made my hair feel the day after, it was not sopping wet just moist. And I hardly ever put product in it daily as I found baggying reactivated the products already in my hair. I found I didn't need to put any extra product in it between wash days either.

But I've just been on the fine hair thread and lots of ladies were saying baggying was no good for fine hair and caused their hair to break.

I dunno I just seem to see so much conflicting advice on the Internet it makes my head spin & hair break lol.

And the thing is which confuses me is I don't see any breakage not nearly as much as before I started weekly deep conditioning.

Thank you for your reply charmtreese

 

[charmtreese]

Well actually I loved the way baggying made my hair feel the day after, it was not sopping wet just moist. And I hardly ever put product in it daily as I found baggying reactivated the products already in my hair. I found I didn't need to put any extra product in it between wash days either.

But I've just been on the fine hair thread and lots of ladies were saying baggying was no good for fine hair and caused their hair to break.

I dunno I just seem to see so much conflicting advice on the Internet it makes my head spin & hair break lol.

And the thing is which confuses me is I don't see any breakage not nearly as much before I started weekly deep conditioning.

Thank you for your reply charmtreese

I would say if you are not seeing breakage and your hair feels good keep doing what you are doing. The Baggy method is a technique that was really hot back in the day and then later abandoned. A lot of time these techniques go through phases. The most important thing is to listen to your hair. Also, I would not change too many things at one time. I would make small adjustments to your regimen and then see how your hair responds.

I feel you on the growth thing! From Feb to now my hair (to me) doesn't look too much different (it's slightly fuller looking, but doesn't look longer even when worn in stretched styles), but I pulled out the measuring tape and low and behold I've gained inches. Natural hair, especially type 4 can really hide growth. PLEASE go by how your hair feels, the amount of shedding/breakage you have, and asses your hair growth by past photos and or measuring tape.

Even with having fine hair...what one person experiences with product, technique, etc. can be completely different from your experience. Most importantly if you have a solid regimen that you feel is working but you are not seeing growth be patient. Just like weight loss hair growth is not linear. One month you may not see the growth and the next you may have a growth spurt!

Again, the ladies here have given you great advice. Just try not to change too many things up at once. Slowly adjust your regimen and be patient, growth will come!

 

[snookes]

I would say if you are not seeing breakage and your hair feels good keep doing what you are doing. The Baggy method is a technique that was really hot back in the day and then later abandoned. A lot of time these techniques go through phases. The most important thing is to listen to your hair. Also, I would not change too many things at one time. I would make small adjustments to your regimen and then see how your hair responds.

I feel you on the growth thing! From Feb to now my hair (to me) doesn't look too much different (it's slightly fuller looking, but doesn't look longer even when worn in stretched styles), but I pulled out the measuring tape and low and behold I've gained inches. Natural hair, especially type 4 can really hide growth. PLEASE go by how your hair feels, the amount of shedding/breakage you have, and asses your hair growth by past photos and or measuring tape.

Even with having fine hair...what one person experiences with product, technique, etc. can be completely different from your experience. Most importantly if you have a solid regimen that you feel is working but you are not seeing growth be patient. Just like weight loss hair growth is not linear. One month you may not see the growth and the next you may have a growth spurt!

Again, the ladies here have given you great advice. Just try not to change too many things up at once. Slowly adjust your regimen and be patient, growth will come!

Brilliant post charmtreese, I will take heed. Thank you very much

Regards Michelle

 

[Crystalicequeen123]

Then I moisturize with Giovanni direct leave in and seal with my shea butter mix (shea butter, coconut & olive oil).

And I also use the magic star seamless comb to detangle once a week. And braid my hair every night to prevent tangles.

Ahhhh....this might be the problem right here. You might be manipulating your hair a little more than necessary??

I know for me too I haven't been seeing the results I have wanted to (I feel like my hair has basically stayed the same length for almost 2 years It should be MUCH longer than this) and when I looked at my regimen I noticed that I was not being gentle w/my natural hair, and I was manipulating it, wearing it out, and styling it way too often than I probably should have been. I've now changed up my regimen some and have decided to do more protective styling and keeping my ends covered (since those are the oldest---and weakest--part of the hair). We'll see what happens.