Questions, Questions...

[keeshesfromindy]

Ok, my hair is in better shape than it has ever been, but I still have frustrations. The right side is definitely longer than the left side. I'm not going to cut my hair, but I can
not put it up, because It's not long enough. It's just beyond my chin, but it is not long enough to put up. What should I do? Ok, about conditioner wash, I put an affirm reconstructor on my hair because I notice shedding each day, not sure if it is from new growth, or lack of protein. I eat more red meat now, and take a daily iron pill. Is it bad to use the reconstructor on and follow it with my Kenra conditioner or what? I try not to put any heat on my hair, which is pretty good. I usually dry it just enough, rewrap and throw on a scarf until it's time for me to go to work. I want to know why does my hair still feel hard, sometimes. I got over the poofy part, by not putting too much product on my hair, but it still feels hard. Other information: I get a relaxer every 6 weeks, I go to the hair dresser every two weeks, but I still conditioner wash, and regular wash each week. Am I stripping the natural oil of my hair, by conditioning it durin the week(because of working out)? I also use a clarifying shampoo when I have to do a full wash.

Help!

 

[keeshesfromindy]

Oh yeah, I guess I would be considered a 4a/4b.

 

[webby]

First off, I've heard from my stylist and other members here that you should never relax your hair any sooner than 8 weeks. So, it's possible that your hair may be overprocessed and one side, the side that is shorter may be the most damaged (if you are experiencing damage).

Secondly, I personally find that clarifying shampoos are harsh and drying. I only use them when I swim, to remove the chlorine or when I have major product buildup. In facf, my husband used my clarifying shampoo this morning and complained that his hair was super dry.

You may also be using conditioners that tend to leave the hair stiff feeling. For instance, I used to use liquid leave ins before rolling my hair. My hair always had a stiff, crunchy feeling. I switched to cream leave ins and it's made all of the difference. I have a bunch of protein packs that I mix with creme to prevent my hair from feeling hard.

Also, if your hair is short on one side, again, it could be the sign of overprocessing in that area, of you may be wearing your hair in a certain style that is damaging. You may want to get frequent trims or dustings until the hair is one length again.

 

[keeshesfromindy]

Well, let's see If I go more than 6 weeks, my hair will shed like a cat.

I work In factory, so the stuff in the hair makes my hair super dirty, but I might every two weeks with the clarifying shampoo, because I do conditioner wash it during the week.

I like the kind of creamy conditioners, I use Kenra, Smooth and sleek, Jason's Sea Kelp, and sometimes Bumble and Bumble
super rich conditioner. I use Iso Bouncy cream as a leave-in, sometimes I use the V05 leave in.

We do frequent trims and dustings. It's just that right side just likes to grow. The left side is trying to catch up though.

Webby, What type of protein packs to you have?

 

[webby]

Kee, I have little vails of Hask Placenta, Super strength. I gave a bunch of them away, as I really don't like the way my hair feels. I prefer my hair free flowing, not stiff of weighted down.

Kee, I've never done a co wash. I'm going to try this this summer, but I believe that if you have product build up you are going to see more shedding, because your hair is holding on to dirt.

I also, cannot imagine that having a touch up every 6 weeks is healthy for your hair. You may want to try different conditioners. I use a deep conditioner each time I wash: I use Sebastion Penetraitte, Bone Marrow, Sebastion 2+1, Biolage Hair Masque and a bunch of Dominican products. I use a different conditioner each time I wash.

Granted, each head of hair is different and responds differently, I'm just wondering if it may also be a product issue.

One other thing...you may want to invest in a decent pair of hair scissors and do your own dusting, on the side with the extra growth.

 

[lonei]

Motions lavish shampoo and conditioner leaves hair soft and manageable with extra slip.

 

[Poohbear]

oil your ends daily
moisturize your roots
do not wrap your hair too much...it can cause breakage, shedding, and thinning
at night, put your hair up in 6 rollers and put a satin/silk scarf around it
have any questions, feel free to PM me

 

[northernbelle]

Wrapping the hair improperly can cause shedding, breaking, and thinning. Also, it is a good idea to wrap in the opposite direction from time to time. As a method in and of itself, wrapping is very beneficial to the hair. However, I do roller set two to three times a week. My hair is very fine, and tends to get too flat. So, the roller sets give it a body boost.

You could be over-using your products. One can over-use protein-based products, such as reconstructors, because they leave the hair hard. So, lay off the reconstructor for a while. In fact, you should not have need for such a product but once a month, at the very most.

Did I understand you to say that you used a reconstructor for a conditioner wash? You may not want to continue to do this. I am not a proponent of conditioner washes, nor have I used them. So, perhaps someone who is and does can advise better than I on the subject.

Don't be afraid to use heat on your hair. I realize that many of the LHCF shun heat, but some hair types like and benefit from heat, if used moderately and correctly, i.e. with protectant on the hair.

As for being shorter on one side, I think almost every woman who has worn a relaxer experiences this dilemma periodically. Somethimes sleeping on the same side, or combing the hair back on one side versus the other can cause this to occur. So, alternate from time to time.

northernbelle

 

[keeshesfromindy]

Thanks, I will take your suggestions, I'm not sure about sleeping in the rollers at night. Which rollers should I use that are safe and comfortable. I will lay off the reconstructor for a while too. Use different conditioners each time. I always wear a silk scarves, which I purchase at TJ Maxx. I will oil my ends everyday. Use a little heat with a protectant. Buy some Motions Lavish shampoo. I did not like the Hask Placenta for my hair. Oh yeah, where can I find the Sebastian products? I think I saw them at Wal-Mart, but not sure what.

Keeshes

 

[moneychaser]

Hmm.. Do you use a water-based moisterizer? I would recommend using one before applying your oils.

 

[keeshesfromindy]

Denali03: I will look into it. I always thought I should apply oils first.

 

[moneychaser]

[ QUOTE ]
keeshesfromindy said:
Denali03: I will look into it. I always thought I should apply oils first.

[/ QUOTE ]
Nope, well unless it is a moisturizing oil, like jojoba. Oils seal in moisture if moisture is there but only coats the hair when it is just layed on the hair without heat!