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Struggling with your natural hair? Come in here.....
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Cruzankink
Well-Known Member
Well as promised I'm updating y'all with my progress. This post is long but I believe in describing as much detail as possible to assist someone else in their healty hair journey (HHJ). This weekend I did my usual hot-oil treatment (HOT) w/ EVOO under medium instead of med-high heat. I sat under the PIBBS for 30 min. I did not poo I just co-washed w/ Garnier Fructice Triple Moisture Condish. (I mentioned in one of my previous post that I'll poo every other weekend). I was apprehesive of just co-washing after a HOT but the oil rinsed out beautifully leaving my hair moisturized w/o feeling greasy. I did what was described on another thread as the "At home steam treatment". Since I don't have a steamer it is suggested to do this treatment to add moisture to the hair.
FYI: The treatment consist of using your favorite conditioners - I used a dallop of the Body Shop Rain Moisture Deep Con, a dallop of Kinky Curly Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix, appx. 1 tbsp of EVOO and 1/2 tbsp of veg glycerin, place a hot turbie thing on your condioner saturated hair (since I dont have one, I soaked a washcloth in water and placed in microwave for 1 min.), then wrap w/ a plastic bag, another hot turbie/washcloth and wrap with plastic bag. I sat under the PIBBS for 45 min on med-high heat to develop a steam.
I detangled my hair with the treatment in it. I can't say my hair was easy to detangle. Detangling wasn't worse but wasn't better either. I don't think the condish that I used have the slip you would find w/ most condish w/ silicone. However, once I rinsed, my hair felt so soft. I couldn't stop touching it! Then once it was half dry I used my Shea Moisture shea butter leave in and sealed w/ argan oil.
I trimmed my ends using the 2-strand twist method. I believe I cut the rest of the relaxed ends left from my BC since I didn't see any straight ends. I did my first twist out. It came out pretty good.
Pics are below from my cell a bit blurry but thats what I'm working with.
PROBLEMS/OBSERVATIONS:
1. I did not notice any breakage however I did notice that my ends are suffering from heat damage. They are not straight but feel brittle.
Since I'm only 7 mo post and 1 mo natural, I did not want to cut all the damaged ends b/c then I'm left with very short hair. However, I've recognized that there is a problem and I will address it w/ frequent trims.
2. I also notice that once my hair dries, it soaks up the leave in and oil. Shea Moisture shea butter leave in was great when I was relaxed but does not work as well as a natural. I am shopping for a heavier more moisturizing leave in or might just concoct one myself. Recommendations are welcomed.
3. My hair has grown so much in 1 month. I did not do a length check when I did my BC (stupid me) so I can't give you an amount but trust me, I didn't have hair to do a two strand anything - now, I do.
4. In my first month of being natural I've only used products that were sulfate and silicone free. This month I'm going to use products that are sulfate free but have silicone like the Loreal Ever Pure/Cream line. I want to see what my natural hair responds better to.
QUESTION: What are you using to maintain shine on natural hair. When I did my twist out there wasn't alot of shine. All recommendations are welcomed.
FYI: The treatment consist of using your favorite conditioners - I used a dallop of the Body Shop Rain Moisture Deep Con, a dallop of Kinky Curly Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix, appx. 1 tbsp of EVOO and 1/2 tbsp of veg glycerin, place a hot turbie thing on your condioner saturated hair (since I dont have one, I soaked a washcloth in water and placed in microwave for 1 min.), then wrap w/ a plastic bag, another hot turbie/washcloth and wrap with plastic bag. I sat under the PIBBS for 45 min on med-high heat to develop a steam.
I detangled my hair with the treatment in it. I can't say my hair was easy to detangle. Detangling wasn't worse but wasn't better either. I don't think the condish that I used have the slip you would find w/ most condish w/ silicone. However, once I rinsed, my hair felt so soft. I couldn't stop touching it! Then once it was half dry I used my Shea Moisture shea butter leave in and sealed w/ argan oil.
I trimmed my ends using the 2-strand twist method. I believe I cut the rest of the relaxed ends left from my BC since I didn't see any straight ends. I did my first twist out. It came out pretty good.
Pics are below from my cell a bit blurry but thats what I'm working with.PROBLEMS/OBSERVATIONS:
1. I did not notice any breakage however I did notice that my ends are suffering from heat damage. They are not straight but feel brittle.
Since I'm only 7 mo post and 1 mo natural, I did not want to cut all the damaged ends b/c then I'm left with very short hair. However, I've recognized that there is a problem and I will address it w/ frequent trims.2. I also notice that once my hair dries, it soaks up the leave in and oil. Shea Moisture shea butter leave in was great when I was relaxed but does not work as well as a natural. I am shopping for a heavier more moisturizing leave in or might just concoct one myself. Recommendations are welcomed.
3. My hair has grown so much in 1 month. I did not do a length check when I did my BC (stupid me) so I can't give you an amount but trust me, I didn't have hair to do a two strand anything - now, I do.
4. In my first month of being natural I've only used products that were sulfate and silicone free. This month I'm going to use products that are sulfate free but have silicone like the Loreal Ever Pure/Cream line. I want to see what my natural hair responds better to.
QUESTION: What are you using to maintain shine on natural hair. When I did my twist out there wasn't alot of shine. All recommendations are welcomed.
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NappyNelle
Kinky Coily 4A, Fine Strands, WSL
Imani used this for the first time last week and it is a keeper. No build up or remains, and no scalp dryness or tightness. I used to be a die hard shampoo bar fan, but I can get this in a store if need be.
Cruzankink Natural kinky hair has more of a sheen than a shine; things that help keep my hair with a healthy sheen are coconut oil and hemp seed oil. Bling bling.
ETA: Your TWA is super cute! It looks very healthy and thick to me. As you learn more about your hair and experiment with your regimen, you will be smooth sailing.
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kinkycurlygurl
Well-Known Member
I never found a product based solution to my SSK issues. I had to change my hair procedures to reduce my SSK's to a minimal level:
1- Comb my hair gently, with a wide-toothed comb daily, to detangle and remove shed hairs.
2- Moisturize with water and seal with a bit of coconut oil daily.
3- Keep my hair in braids, buns, and twists that stretch the hair and keep the knots from forming in the first place.
Hope that helps.
Since I've started following the procedure I outlined I have seen very few single strand knots in my hair.
1- Comb my hair gently, with a wide-toothed comb daily, to detangle and remove shed hairs.
2- Moisturize with water and seal with a bit of coconut oil daily.
3- Keep my hair in braids, buns, and twists that stretch the hair and keep the knots from forming in the first place.
Hope that helps.
Since I've started following the procedure I outlined I have seen very few single strand knots in my hair.
greenandchic
Well-Known Member
kinkycurlygurl Do you seal the entire length of your hair daily, or just the ends?
Cruzankink
Well-Known Member
@NappyNelle thanx for the compliment! I have coconut oil I will try it next time I twist out.
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darlingdiva
Well-Known Member
kinkycurlygurl
Well-Known Member
greenandchic I only oil the whole length when I wash. I usually seal from about the middle third of my length to the ends. My sebum gets to the top part of my hair pretty easily then it thins out. I find that my hair responds to coconut oil best if it's wet. So I spritz it with water then hit it with the coconut oil. By morning my hair has usually absorbed both the water and the oil. A little oil goes a long way.
greenandchic
Well-Known Member
That's pretty much what I do. When I do the GHE at night, it keeps my hair pretty moisturized.
SoopremeBeing
Well-Known Member
Hair profile? 4B, thick, unsure of porosity(hair holds water, reverts but does not complete poof. i can still comb when wet without any problems)
Reggie and products? wash and DC with Organic Olive Oil Shampoo and Organic Olive Oil Reconstructioning(i think?) Conditioner. DC for 45 min, then rinse. Let air-dry for 30 min, and blow dry for 5. I use Megatek on my scalp every other day, and Wild Growth Oil for non-Megatek days. I am using a temple balm for my edges and kitchen, forgot what it is called.
How do you style your hair? Mostly weaves, braids, or kinky twists. Maximum wear is 2 months. I will admit, I am very bad about not letting my hair breathe in between installs. But I am trying to be more serious about going natural, so for the next install, I let it out for a week. Right now, my hair is out; I tried to do an afro puff after I took my weave out(Blow dried my hair, then put my hair in twists overnight), didn't 'Fro at all.
But I made it work.
What problems do you have with your hair?
My hair condition has greatly improved since I BC'd and began my transition back in 2010, as far as feel and growth. My hair took a beating back in February when I lost my job. Lots of stress with job searching and wanting to relocate, my hair was placed on the back burner. Also lack of money(fighting with EDD), I ran out of some my fave hair products. The feel of my hair is the same but growth has basically stopped. Also, I cannot for the life of my get my kitchen to grow! The sides have some grip where it can be braided, but the middle does not budge. I also have heat damage at my center part.
ETA: now that I am employed again and back on my daily routine, I've hopped back on my regi, and I've added some more products. I finally bought some shea butter, as well as some Oyin Handmade products. I bought a deep conditioning spray, as well as some conditioner. Haven't changed my shampoo yet, as it is doing its work right now, but I am definitely trying to have more organic/natural products for my hair. Also I have decided to start heat training once I reach SL, I've put the flat iron away.
Reggie and products? wash and DC with Organic Olive Oil Shampoo and Organic Olive Oil Reconstructioning(i think?) Conditioner. DC for 45 min, then rinse. Let air-dry for 30 min, and blow dry for 5. I use Megatek on my scalp every other day, and Wild Growth Oil for non-Megatek days. I am using a temple balm for my edges and kitchen, forgot what it is called.
How do you style your hair? Mostly weaves, braids, or kinky twists. Maximum wear is 2 months. I will admit, I am very bad about not letting my hair breathe in between installs. But I am trying to be more serious about going natural, so for the next install, I let it out for a week. Right now, my hair is out; I tried to do an afro puff after I took my weave out(Blow dried my hair, then put my hair in twists overnight), didn't 'Fro at all.
But I made it work.What problems do you have with your hair?
My hair condition has greatly improved since I BC'd and began my transition back in 2010, as far as feel and growth. My hair took a beating back in February when I lost my job. Lots of stress with job searching and wanting to relocate, my hair was placed on the back burner. Also lack of money(fighting with EDD), I ran out of some my fave hair products. The feel of my hair is the same but growth has basically stopped. Also, I cannot for the life of my get my kitchen to grow! The sides have some grip where it can be braided, but the middle does not budge. I also have heat damage at my center part.
ETA: now that I am employed again and back on my daily routine, I've hopped back on my regi, and I've added some more products. I finally bought some shea butter, as well as some Oyin Handmade products. I bought a deep conditioning spray, as well as some conditioner. Haven't changed my shampoo yet, as it is doing its work right now, but I am definitely trying to have more organic/natural products for my hair. Also I have decided to start heat training once I reach SL, I've put the flat iron away.
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AtlantaJJ
Well-Known Member
We might be hair twins. I just bought a gang or Curlformers! I plan to use them to stretch my hair. I'll report back after my experiment.
Carmelella
Well-Known Member
I'm 4b
last relaxer I believe was dec. 2010, big chopped in october 2011, so now I'm 16 months post relaxer.
I've been wearing weaves since. I started wearing full head closures this january (bang) and i am soooooo tired of it!! but it was needed so that the front could catch up with retention.
Now I want to leave the front out with a part but how in the world do i match the textures without having to flat iron everyday. I'm tired of weaves now though they still look great, it limits my style, but I want more length. Right now the back is definitely at least full shoulder length stretched.
Also still thinking of texlaxing when i give up the weaves later this year.
vent over
last relaxer I believe was dec. 2010, big chopped in october 2011, so now I'm 16 months post relaxer.
I've been wearing weaves since. I started wearing full head closures this january (bang) and i am soooooo tired of it!! but it was needed so that the front could catch up with retention.
Now I want to leave the front out with a part but how in the world do i match the textures without having to flat iron everyday. I'm tired of weaves now though they still look great, it limits my style, but I want more length. Right now the back is definitely at least full shoulder length stretched.
Also still thinking of texlaxing when i give up the weaves later this year.
vent over
Cruzankink
Well-Known Member
Quick Update:
I did my routine as usual but used silicone moisture based Loreal Ever Pure product line. This is my first time using hair products w/ silicone since my BC in April. It is still to early to give an opinion as to whether I'll use all natural products or products w/ silicone as permanent staples in my routine. But when it comes to detangling, so far silicone rules!!!! I deep condictioned w/ a dallop of EverPure Deep Conditioner, a dallop Joico Moisture Recovery Hair Masque and 1 tbsp of EVOO and detangled w/ treatment in my hair. Wow, my hair was super soft and easy to detangle, w/ hardly any knots. Consequently, shedded hair was alot less. I am relieved and encouraged that the Joico Moisture Recovery Mask, which was my go to conditioner when I was relaxed, continues to work its magic now that I'm natural. I would prefer to use all natural products. If I can find an all natural product that detangles the way silicone products do, I will give up silicone.
I did my routine as usual but used silicone moisture based Loreal Ever Pure product line. This is my first time using hair products w/ silicone since my BC in April. It is still to early to give an opinion as to whether I'll use all natural products or products w/ silicone as permanent staples in my routine. But when it comes to detangling, so far silicone rules!!!!
I deep condictioned w/ a dallop of EverPure Deep Conditioner, a dallop Joico Moisture Recovery Hair Masque and 1 tbsp of EVOO and detangled w/ treatment in my hair. Wow, my hair was super soft and easy to detangle, w/ hardly any knots. Consequently, shedded hair was alot less. I am relieved and encouraged that the Joico Moisture Recovery Mask, which was my go to conditioner when I was relaxed, continues to work its magic now that I'm natural. I would prefer to use all natural products. If I can find an all natural product that detangles the way silicone products do, I will give up silicone.
Cruzankink
Well-Known Member
Update: Not much to add since my last update. My hair is growing well (of course not as fast as I would like it to). Whenever I do my two strad twist it seems just a lil longer/stretched which is definately encouraging. I decided not to do a length check until I'm 1 yr post in October. (I don't want to drive myself crazy). 
New: I will try the curly girl method (CGM) for the next 8 weeks. I have been doing a modified version using some condish w/ silicones and I believed I did a sulfate free poo but this time no cones no poos. I'll keep y'all updated w/ my progress.
Struggles: My ends are still atrocious!!! I trimmed early May knowing that I would have to do frequent trims to get rid of heat damaged ends. One good thing is that there's still only minimal breakage which is a relief because I want my hair longer before I start trimming the brittle ends off. If my hair does not deteriorate, I'll trim after my CGM 8 week trial.
Whenever I do my two strad twist it seems just a lil longer/stretched which is definately encouraging. I decided not to do a length check until I'm 1 yr post in October. (I don't want to drive myself crazy). New: I will try the curly girl method (CGM) for the next 8 weeks. I have been doing a modified version using some condish w/ silicones and I believed I did a sulfate free poo but this time no cones no poos. I'll keep y'all updated w/ my progress.
Struggles: My ends are still atrocious!!! I trimmed early May knowing that I would have to do frequent trims to get rid of heat damaged ends. One good thing is that there's still only minimal breakage which is a relief because I want my hair longer before I start trimming the brittle ends off.
If my hair does not deteriorate, I'll trim after my CGM 8 week trial.
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Poohbear
Fearfully Wonderfully Made
It's been a while since I've been in this thread. I have decided to try the Curly Girl Method again by co-washing with silicone free conditioner and doing wash and go styles. I got tired of twisting and untwisting my hair. Plus, I think my hair is in need of some moisture. I think that's why it's had stagnant growth. My hair has been APL forever and I want my hair to be waist length one day! So now, I'm just letting my hair do what it wants to do for the most part now.
greenandchic
Well-Known Member
I'm thinking about looking into a topical growth aid. I'm not sure what else I can do internally (diet supplement) and with my retention. I'm just a slow grower!
faithVA
Well-Known Member
I never filled out a profile but so here it is
Hair profile? 4B, fine strands, medium density, low porosity
Reggie and products? Conditioner only method
Mudwash 1x a month
Cowash 3x a week with Tresemme Naturals
DC 1x a week with AO Blue Chamomile under heat cap for at least 30 minutes
Use Tresemme Naturals as my leave-in
Finger Detangling/Combing
M&S ends daily with water/condish, sta sof fro and seal with castor oil/wheat germ oil
How do you style your hair? E.g I wear it out, or bun etc
Flat twists or 2 strand twists.
What problems do you have with your hair?
My ends are always terrible and I haven't retained. I actually had to trim from CBL to between EL and NL depending on the area.
Really understanding that my hair does not like protein or anything that acts like protein, even mild ones. I am hoping the consistent cowashes and DCing helps turn my hair around.
Hair profile? 4B, fine strands, medium density, low porosity
Reggie and products? Conditioner only method
Mudwash 1x a month
Cowash 3x a week with Tresemme Naturals
DC 1x a week with AO Blue Chamomile under heat cap for at least 30 minutes
Use Tresemme Naturals as my leave-in
Finger Detangling/Combing
M&S ends daily with water/condish, sta sof fro and seal with castor oil/wheat germ oil
How do you style your hair? E.g I wear it out, or bun etc
Flat twists or 2 strand twists.
What problems do you have with your hair?
My ends are always terrible and I haven't retained. I actually had to trim from CBL to between EL and NL depending on the area.
Really understanding that my hair does not like protein or anything that acts like protein, even mild ones. I am hoping the consistent cowashes and DCing helps turn my hair around.
MrsJaiDiva
Embracing the Light
Hair profile? 3a/b/c
Reggie and products: Co-cleanse whenever I feel like with Ren, Wen, Deva-Curl No Poo. Overnight DC weekly with MT Mix. Moisture DC whenever, and for no reason....just to use my hothead really. Seal with coconut & castor oil mix. Detangle using Tightly Curly method with Renpure MPHIP.
How do you style your hair? Cowash, oil, detangle, then scrunch in gel and go! When I'm home I just pineapple in pigtails, or keep it in braids. I keep it under a satin cap.
What problems do you have with your hair? It's frizzy. Only the back 3c hair clumps without product, and the rest just turns into a shrunken frizzy fro. Not happy with that At. All. 
. It doesn't straighten well unless I use high heat either...just stays a big poofy poof. I had forgotten how crazy it was, since I haven't really dealt with it since I was a teen. Smh. It looks a Lot like 80's Tina Turner hair. 
Reggie and products: Co-cleanse whenever I feel like with Ren, Wen, Deva-Curl No Poo. Overnight DC weekly with MT Mix. Moisture DC whenever, and for no reason....just to use my hothead really. Seal with coconut & castor oil mix. Detangle using Tightly Curly method with Renpure MPHIP.
How do you style your hair? Cowash, oil, detangle, then scrunch in gel and go!
When I'm home I just pineapple in pigtails, or keep it in braids. I keep it under a satin cap.What problems do you have with your hair? It's frizzy.
Only the back 3c hair clumps without product, and the rest just turns into a shrunken frizzy fro. Not happy with that At. All. . It doesn't straighten well unless I use high heat either...just stays a big poofy poof. I had forgotten how crazy it was, since I haven't really dealt with it since I was a teen. Smh. It looks a Lot like 80's Tina Turner hair.
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faithVA
Well-Known Member
[USER=333081 said:MrsJaiDiva[/USER];16135085]Hair profile? 3a/b/c
Reggie and products: Co-cleanse whenever I feel like with Ren, Wen, Deva-Curl No Poo. Overnight DC weekly with MT Mix. Moisture DC whenever, and for no reason....just to use my hothead really. Seal with coconut & castor oil mix. Detangle using Curly Girl method with Renpure MPHIP.
How do you style your hair? Cowash, oil, detangle, then scrunch in gel and go!
What problems do you have with your hair? It's frizzy.
I look forward to following your progress. I don't have much curl definition with product. Only certain areas have curl definition with product. And once it dries it sounds like yours. It's just a shrunken frizzy fro. Its like that even if I twist it up. So even though you are a 3 and I am a 4 we are experiencing some of the same conditions.
MrsJaiDiva
Embracing the Light
Yes...it's frustrating. My curls only clump with product, otherwise they just bush out...curling however they like. I'm trying to find a gel strong enough that I don't have to use a ton of it (EcoStyler), but doesn't dry my hair out as well. I don't think a curl cream is gonna fit the bill either.
I like my hair to feel light, and clean...not hard, or gooey. *sigh* 
erplexed
DarkJoy
Bent. Not Broken.
If I may chime in...
I don't get curl def either unless I load on heavy product to weigh it down. Having fine 4b hair sucks that way. Esp because those products tend to be greasy. Only the "out" styles give me def but I don't get 2nd day hair. I end up twisting every night. And gel for edges or slicking is a joke. I found a pomade but my hair doesn't like it.
Last week I decided to flatiron. the straight hair revealed a horrible mess of end. Those ssks ate me alive. Chopped 2" and back at nl. My longest layers were just at my shoulders.
Glad I straightened it cuz its impossible to tell (for me) what my ends are like in its puff state. However thanks to lhcf, the ng looks waaaaay better than it has in years! So that's encouraging.
The plan is to do a very low heat flat iron and then twist out weekly to avoid wet and super kinky mani cuz that may be the issue. will try this for a month and see.
My hhj is still new so will try anyything to see what works. Keepin it movin...
I don't get curl def either unless I load on heavy product to weigh it down. Having fine 4b hair sucks that way. Esp because those products tend to be greasy. Only the "out" styles give me def but I don't get 2nd day hair. I end up twisting every night. And gel for edges or slicking is a joke. I found a pomade but my hair doesn't like it.
Last week I decided to flatiron. the straight hair revealed a horrible mess of end. Those ssks ate me alive. Chopped 2" and back at nl. My longest layers were just at my shoulders.
Glad I straightened it cuz its impossible to tell (for me) what my ends are like in its puff state. However thanks to lhcf, the ng looks waaaaay better than it has in years! So that's encouraging.
The plan is to do a very low heat flat iron and then twist out weekly to avoid wet and super kinky mani cuz that may be the issue. will try this for a month and see.
My hhj is still new so will try anyything to see what works. Keepin it movin...
greenandchic
Well-Known Member
I still have this hard, rough patch of hair in the back. I believe its from protein damage, but not quite sure. I can't say its heat damage because I haven't used direct heat in 10+ years. Funny thing is it feels JUST like heat damage by a very hot iron. Washing 2x a week has been helping, but I may need to find a really good DC and keep dusting until its gone.
Thankfully I haven't used a heavy protein treatment since the beginning of the year and threw out the Aphrogee.
Thankfully I haven't used a heavy protein treatment since the beginning of the year and threw out the Aphrogee.
DarkJoy
Bent. Not Broken.
greenandchic: do you tie a bun in that same place all the time? Used to happen to me from that years ago. Also just last week realized part of my issues with the back/crown is because that's where I rest my head on the couch headrest. Dangit...not the best at keeping it wrapped when I get home. Just a thought if its possible for you since its just one spot as well...greenandchic said:
greenandchic
Well-Known Member
I don't always wear a bun, but I do wear my hair up a lot in the same spot. I haven't used ponytail holders in a while (just a bunch of Good Hair Day clips and bobby pins), but the style is very similar.
Thanks for the heads up, Ill keep my eye on any stress I may be putting in that area.
stacy
Active Member
I have allowed my natural hair to roam free about 3-4 times over the last 10 years. I am still quite clueless in many respects, so this thread is very much needed. Here's the stats:
Hair profile: KK (Kunte Kinte or 4 something;look at my hair pics and you tell me), 3-5 inches stretched out.
Regimen and products: I wash every 1-2 weeks. I currently use Miss Jessie shampoos (one is a cowash and one is super slip), Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo (generic), Creme of Nature w/Argan Oil shampoo, or NTM shampoo. If I have time, I do a conditioner or I just overnight condition. I use Creme of Nature w/Argan oil conditioner, One and Only Argan Oil conditioner, or NTM conditioning mask. I usually use a leave-in conditioner when I am really strapped for time or just lazy. I use a Profective cream leave-in conditioner and/or Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1 conditioner, then spray Better Braids unbraid spray or use Creme of Nature faoming wrap lotion with Argan oil.
How do you style your hair? I don't. At home I let it roam wild in a fro. I wear a wig most days (brush hair back and put on wig cap), did try a sew-in weave one time.
What problems are you having with your hair? My hair is not as moisturized as I would like. After shampooing (even with Miss Jessie shampoos), my hair is as dry as straw. My conditioners do not seem to help keep my hair moisturized for more than a day or two. My scalp feels a bit dry. I also noticed knots, split ends, and some strands that are damaged along the shaft. I do not know if this is from brushing the hair before putting on the wig cap or what. I can't blame color, relaxers, or heat. I barely manipulate my hair at all, yet, it seems more damaged than when I relaxed.
I would love to be able to grow healthy, long, natural hair and have the option of straightening when I want it straight (without chemicals). I'd like to find a good moisturizing shampoo, deep conditioner, and leave-in conditioner that will keep my hair moisturized (not greasy and weighed down). I would love to learn how to wear my hair in a cute, feminine fro or two strand twists. Right now, I just hope to find a decent, reasonably priced braider so that my wigs fit better.
Hair profile: KK (Kunte Kinte or 4 something;look at my hair pics and you tell me), 3-5 inches stretched out.
Regimen and products: I wash every 1-2 weeks. I currently use Miss Jessie shampoos (one is a cowash and one is super slip), Paul Mitchell Tea Tree shampoo (generic), Creme of Nature w/Argan Oil shampoo, or NTM shampoo. If I have time, I do a conditioner or I just overnight condition. I use Creme of Nature w/Argan oil conditioner, One and Only Argan Oil conditioner, or NTM conditioning mask. I usually use a leave-in conditioner when I am really strapped for time or just lazy. I use a Profective cream leave-in conditioner and/or Hawaiian Silky 14-in-1 conditioner, then spray Better Braids unbraid spray or use Creme of Nature faoming wrap lotion with Argan oil.
How do you style your hair? I don't. At home I let it roam wild in a fro. I wear a wig most days (brush hair back and put on wig cap), did try a sew-in weave one time.
What problems are you having with your hair? My hair is not as moisturized as I would like. After shampooing (even with Miss Jessie shampoos), my hair is as dry as straw. My conditioners do not seem to help keep my hair moisturized for more than a day or two. My scalp feels a bit dry. I also noticed knots, split ends, and some strands that are damaged along the shaft. I do not know if this is from brushing the hair before putting on the wig cap or what. I can't blame color, relaxers, or heat. I barely manipulate my hair at all, yet, it seems more damaged than when I relaxed.
I would love to be able to grow healthy, long, natural hair and have the option of straightening when I want it straight (without chemicals). I'd like to find a good moisturizing shampoo, deep conditioner, and leave-in conditioner that will keep my hair moisturized (not greasy and weighed down). I would love to learn how to wear my hair in a cute, feminine fro or two strand twists. Right now, I just hope to find a decent, reasonably priced braider so that my wigs fit better.
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DarkJoy
Bent. Not Broken.
oooo stacy welcome to our troubled crew!
That pic looks like fine hair. Fine AA hair is particularly persnickety. I'm finding mine doesn't like much of anything. Right now, I'm experimenting with very low heat flat irons. Just enough to keep the ends from tangling on themselves so they don't SSK on me and do what's happened to you.
Co-washing just about killed my strands. I noticed it after I'd done it for a week--SSks galore. Sudsy shampoos? I saw little 1/8 inch pieces of my ends washing down the drain no matter what brand of shampoo as well as the drying you describe. I kept it up tho thinking it was something else, then switched to a mudwash from reading lhcf and voila! no more broke off bits running down the drain.
Using anything with protein? Those products have soy, wheat germ, stuff like that? Hardness after washing and conditioning could be from too much of that. Some oils like coconut also have protein. I use coconut oil now only when my hair starts to feel too soft. Otherwise, it makes it feel stringy.
Your utensils: Invest in a seamless comb if you havent already. I love mine and I've noticed less midshaft splits!
Wigs: Your cap could also be causing damage. Maybe braid your hair down to minimize friction between your ends and the cap. Also careful of the combs! Wig combs started thinning my sides.
Conditioners: In the long run, for some not all, they find the silicon containing conditioners to be drying overtime. My hair tells me this too. So I switched to less chemical containing ones.
That pic looks like fine hair. Fine AA hair is particularly persnickety. I'm finding mine doesn't like much of anything. Right now, I'm experimenting with very low heat flat irons. Just enough to keep the ends from tangling on themselves so they don't SSK on me and do what's happened to you.
Co-washing just about killed my strands. I noticed it after I'd done it for a week--SSks galore. Sudsy shampoos? I saw little 1/8 inch pieces of my ends washing down the drain no matter what brand of shampoo as well as the drying you describe. I kept it up tho thinking it was something else, then switched to a mudwash from reading lhcf and voila! no more broke off bits running down the drain.
Using anything with protein? Those products have soy, wheat germ, stuff like that? Hardness after washing and conditioning could be from too much of that. Some oils like coconut also have protein. I use coconut oil now only when my hair starts to feel too soft. Otherwise, it makes it feel stringy.
Your utensils: Invest in a seamless comb if you havent already. I love mine and I've noticed less midshaft splits!
Wigs: Your cap could also be causing damage. Maybe braid your hair down to minimize friction between your ends and the cap. Also careful of the combs! Wig combs started thinning my sides.
Conditioners: In the long run, for some not all, they find the silicon containing conditioners to be drying overtime. My hair tells me this too. So I switched to less chemical containing ones.
greenandchic
Well-Known Member
stacy - Many people reported problems with Miss Jessie's shampoos (and the entire product line in general).
I'm not sure what the ingredients are in the rinse out and leave in conditioners you're using, but I had to get rid of anything that has silicon or my hair can be as dry as a desert.
I also have to be careful when I use products with glycerin (depending on the dew points in the air).
Brushes pretty much almost took out my hair. I had to get rid of them.
I'm not sure what the ingredients are in the rinse out and leave in conditioners you're using, but I had to get rid of anything that has silicon or my hair can be as dry as a desert.
I also have to be careful when I use products with glycerin (depending on the dew points in the air).
Brushes pretty much almost took out my hair. I had to get rid of them.
