WOC: The Hair Thread

[shontay07108]

I'm lucky in that the woman who has always done my hair is so fast! I don't have the patience to wait around. The longest I've ever waited for her is 10 minutes and once I'm in the chair, I'm out in about 30 minutes. She's fab, but the problem is me. I just hate going period. I'm like a child being dragged even though I needed my hair done. Now that I know how to do it, I don't have to leave my house and have anyone see me looking crazy. The few times in my life when I did gets braids or weaves, those were the worst experiences. You're there ALL day! It's like going to work. I don't know how women do that on a regular basis. It would piss me off.

 

[sss215]

Well, I'm so far from natural it's not even funny. I haven't been natural since I was about 10 years old. I have naturally thick, wavy hair. Even relaxed it's thick and the edges are especially wavy. I wear a half wig and I've been doing so for about 5 years now. I love it. I love the look of it and the fact that I can put it on in five minutes and throw it off when I get home. It's good quality and only $20. I wash my hair 1-2 times a week with Pantene shampoo for relaxed hair and I also use the conditioner. I use Infusium 23 leave in conditioner. To tame my edges I use castor oil and it works like a dream. I've tried other gels that are obvious and they flake and make my hair hard. Just gross. I use SuperGro on my scalp and Dudley's hair spray for added shine. I don't use much else. I've never cared to put too much product in my hair. Oh and I relax my own hair. I just got tired of going to the salon. I had a wonderful lady who did it for me for about 12 years, but I just learned to do it myself. I don't really care to have anyone's hands on my hair anymore.

Castor Oil for black hair is thee best! It works really well with all of the textures I've worked with. Slick edges , yeah that's why I love it the best. It's suppose to be great for hair growth as well. I also put a little bit In my home made makeup remover so when I'm working my mascara off, it's moisturizing my lashes.

I haven't owned a hair dryer for many, many years. When I flat ironed my hair, I stretched it out in twists and let it air dry overnight. Then I went through the flat ironing process the next day. It was comical since it was my first time. There was a ton of mishaps until I got the hang of it and it took forever, but I was very happy with the finished style. I expect to have a fluffy texture when I roller set since I don't blow dry my hair. I don't stretch it before I roller set. I just jump right in with the rollers after I wash it. I wonder if I'll get better results if I tried stretching it first. I've watched several roller set videos on YouTube, but this is the main one I refer to. I'd be happy if I could get my roller sets to even come out like this.

I'm going to try a roller set very soon. I'm curious to see how it's going to work for me. I like the old school vintage aspect of them as well.

I don't have the patience for a salon. I feel like too much time is wasted. I just want to go in, get my hair done and leave. There's always a bunch of wait time. I've had to learn how to do my hair myself just to avoid the experience. But there are some things I wont attempt to do myself if I want to keep the hair on my head.

Lol, me either. I go when I get tired of doing my own hair. Like every 8 weeks for some new layers and to be pampered. I also love to observe people getting their weaves, watching curling techniques and reading pro hair mags. It's an experience. I am a big advocate of doing my hair at home. I just rather spend the money on makeup, lol. My trips to the salon a few times a year are always eventful. I always go for New Year's, a new school year, my daughter's dance recitals and our birthdays. Those are my standing appointments!

 

[Dee Moncrieffe]

Big chopped the 10th of December 2011.
This was taken January of 2012. I still had some relaxed tips to remove.




This is a shrunken wash and go taken October 30th. I had trimmed three times before this photo... about 1.5 inches.




Description to the best of my ability:
Nape: Curl- 3b or c, Density- Sparse, Thickness- Fine

Crown: Curl- 4b or c, Density- Medium, Thickness- Medium

Front and Sides: Curl- 4a, Density- Dense, Thickness- Fine


My hair problems include single strand knots at the ends of my hair. I trim a lot to get rid of them.

My hair regimen is simple and random. I use cheap shampoos and conditioners + Deep conditioning with Organics hair mayonnaise + Olive oil every now and again.

I moisturise my hair in the shower with plain water and follow up by adding olive oil to damp hair. When my hair is out I rinse my scalp almost everyday, I wash with conditioner maybe every two weeks and I shampoo maybe every two months.

My hair goals are non-specific. I have no firm rules again heat or non-organic products etc. I just want to see my hair grow as long as it can, if I dont get bored and cut it off or something.

I am using protective styles a lot, mostly because I like to play with fake hair, but also it will reduce the amount of single strand knots I get from wearing afros etc.

 

[Dee Moncrieffe]

Jan 2012, 1 month post big chop




Oct 30 2012 after 3 trims about 1.5 inches

 

[PrettyGirlDoc]

I need to find a salon if I get the nerve to go through with it. Your birthday hair style is very pretty.

Thanks lady. I just saw a natural hair salon in Silver Springs Maryland featured in Essence Magazine. It is called the N Natural Hair Studio. Maybe you can check it out.

 

[MAChostage]

Thanks for this. I think I'll try to book an appointment for the next time I'm up there, which will be in a couple of months.

Thanks lady. I just saw a natural hair salon in Silver Springs Maryland featured in Essence Magazine. It is called the N Natural Hair Studio. Maybe you can check it out.

 

[TXBeautyBaby]

I actually live in DC, have you been to this salon before? I'm taking senior pictures and I want to get my hair straightened.

Thanks lady.  I just saw a natural hair salon in Silver Springs Maryland featured in Essence Magazine.  It is called the N Natural Hair Studio. Maybe you can check it out.

 

[PrettyGirlDoc]

Hi there

Sorry about the late reply. I haven't been to this salon but I know other salons in my area that have been featured. I hope that helps.....

 

[PrettyGirlDoc]

Thanks for this. I think I'll try to book an appointment for the next time I'm up there, which will be in a couple of months.

You are very welcome. Let us know how it goes.

 

[DILLIGAF]

Ok ladies. I want to try a protein treatment of some sort. Any suggestions?

 

[makeba]

the best natural protein treatment is
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup of your favorite conditioner
3 table spoons of extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup mayo
1 egg yolk
3 table spoons of jojoba oil

place a plastic cap on your hair and leave on the treatment for 30 minutes. do not apply heat because it will cook the egg. rinse your hair with cool water and voila

 

[CartoonChic]

the best natural protein treatment is
1 egg yolk
1/2 cup of your favorite conditioner
3 table spoons of extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup mayo
1 egg yolk
3 table spoons of jojoba oil

place a plastic cap on your hair and leave on the treatment for 30 minutes. do not apply heat because it will cook the egg. rinse your hair with cool water and voila

I learned this the hard way.

 

[sss215]

Ok ladies. I want to try a protein treatment of some sort. Any suggestions?

1 cup of yogurt 1 tbsp honey

 

[sss215]

I am using the As I Am coconut cowash and I am in love with it! It says its a cleansing cream, which is good because its not heavy like a conditioner and it leaves my hair very manageable and shiny. I also like their sulfate free shampoo. I had been searching for a few good shampoos/cleansing creams and I'm so glad I found these.

 

[CartoonChic]

I had been searching for a few good shampoos/cleansing creams and I'm so glad I found these.

I think I'm going to check this brand out. I only have one more washing/conditioning left with my current Shea Moisture shampoo and Giovanni conditioner, so I need to buy something anyway. I also just realized in my last washing that something in the Shea Moisture may be causing me to have sneezing fits.

 

[CartoonChic]

Alright, I'm making a new resolution to take better care of my hair in 2013. I started my new hair care routine in the summer of 2010. That's 2.5 years ago, so I should have about 15" of new length by now. I DO NOT. My hair only seems to be a few inches longer from where I started. Now my ends are thicker, so that's good. But not the progress I expect to have at this point. My hair should be at my tail bone by now, but it's only arm pit length.

I can only blame myself. I definitely have not been doing what I should be doing to retain growth. I was really into it for like the first 6 months when I started. But I wasn't seeing progress as fast as I wanted. I had the watched pot syndrome. Then I got bored with my hair after that. I was tired of wearing it in twists all of the time, but was too afraid to do anything else to it. For the past year and half, it's been completely down hill from there. Too much stress and poor maintenance brings me to the point where I am now.

But I'm determined to get to where I want. I'm going to do what I know I should be doing as far as maintenance goes. I am happy to say that I have at least experimented more with different hairstyles during this time, so I won't be afraid to wear it out more and have more fun with it to avoid being bored. I'm also going to learn from past mistakes and not watch my progress like a hawk. I've never measured my hair or did official length checks, but I used to tug on it frequently to see if it grew longer. Like several times a day as if I was magically expecting it to grow an inch within a few hours.

I'm just going to do my routine and see if there's progress 6 months from now. I should have 3" come June.

 

[sss215]

I think I'm going to check this brand out. I only have one more washing/conditioning left with my current Shea Moisture shampoo and Giovanni conditioner, so I need to buy something anyway. I also just realized in my last washing that something in the Shea Moisture may be causing me to have sneezing fits. :blink:

Right now and until 1/31, Sally's has all the entire product line for $2.00 off. You just have to get the sales booklet and give the cashier the coupon code. The Coconut CoWash is only 5.99 with the savings. I am definitely going back for another jar before the month is over. Their shampoo and cleansing cream feels more hydrating than any Shea moisture or Nubian Heritage item I've used. Let me know what you think once you've tried it all out.

 

[CartoonChic]

Their shampoo and cleansing cream feels more hydrating than any Shea moisture or Nubian Heritage item I've used. Let me know what you think once you've tried it all out.

Will do and thanks for the coupon info. I'll grab one of the booklets before I buy. I thought Shea Moisture was pretty hydrating for my hair, so now I'm really eager to try As I Am.

 

[sss215]

Alright, I'm making a new resolution to take better care of my hair in 2013. I started my new hair care routine in the summer of 2010. That's 2.5 years ago, so I should have about 15" of new length by now. I DO NOT. My hair only seems to be a few inches longer from where I started. Now my ends are thicker, so that's good. But not the progress I expect to have at this point. My hair should be at my tail bone by now, but it's only arm pit length. I can only blame myself. I definitely have not been doing what I should be doing to retain growth. I was really into it for like the first 6 months when I started. But I wasn't seeing progress as fast as I wanted. I had the watched pot syndrome. Then I got bored with my hair after that. I was tired of wearing it in twists all of the time, but was too afraid to do anything else to it. For the past year and half, it's been completely down hill from there. Too much stress and poor maintenance brings me to the point where I am now. hboy: But I'm determined to get to where I want. I'm going to do what I know I should be doing as far as maintenance goes. I am happy to say that I have at least experimented more with different hairstyles during this time, so I won't be afraid to wear it out more and have more fun with it to avoid being bored. I'm also going to learn from past mistakes and not watch my progress like a hawk. I've never measured my hair or did official length checks, but I used to tug on it frequently to see if it grew longer. Like several times a day as if I was magically expecting it to grow an inch within a few hours. :lol: I'm just going to do my routine and see if there's progress 6 months from now. I should have 3" come June.

Have fun with trying new things! I really love some of the 2 braid hair styles, which is a great way to keep your hair protected after its been moisturized. I think they are a good option especially with hair your length. Bunning is also a good protective style option too.

 

[CartoonChic]

Have fun with trying new things! I really love some of the 2 braid hair styles, which is a great way to keep your hair protected after its been moisturized. I think they are a good option especially with hair your length. Bunning is also a good protective style option too.

I've never been good at styling my hair whether it was relaxed or natural. I typically have it in some sort of ponytail/bun because that was about all I was able to do. That's why I want to wear it out more. It's weird. My hair is normally in some sort of protective style by default, but I haven't been moisturizing or sealing regularly. It's been whenever I felt like getting around to it. I know that's a huge no-no, but I'm going to get back into the swing of things.