Best of CurlTalk
Re: My curls are clumping too much!
@Guide 65 , you're right, aloe vera juice/gel is not in itself a protein, since it actually contains a whole bunch of stuff. But one of the things that are in aloe vera is protein (at least, that's what it says here: https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/ingredients/the-science-of-aloe-vera-gel). I saw that there has been a whole bunch of discussion on the forum about whether or not aloe is a protein, so I guess it's not really clear what the deal is exactly...
For me, personally, I have found that anything high on aloe acts as a protein-product for my hair. It really strengthens, repairs and defines. But I am a bit protein-sensitive, so I guess even a small amount of protein, like in aloe, already does a lot for my hair
I guess I should have been a little clearer about that..
And, products will act differently for everyone's hair, so I guess all I can say to anyone about aloe vera is to just try it out and see what it does for your hair! But you're right, if you're looking for a protein treatment, the best way would probably be a product with a bunch of ingredients that are 100% for sure proteins . But even so: if your hair is overclumping and not looking as perky as usual, maybe a little protein can help! 
For me, personally, I have found that anything high on aloe acts as a protein-product for my hair. It really strengthens, repairs and defines. But I am a bit protein-sensitive, so I guess even a small amount of protein, like in aloe, already does a lot for my hair
I guess I should have been a little clearer about that.. And, products will act differently for everyone's hair, so I guess all I can say to anyone about aloe vera is to just try it out and see what it does for your hair! But you're right, if you're looking for a protein treatment, the best way would probably be a product with a bunch of ingredients that are 100% for sure proteins
. But even so: if your hair is overclumping and not looking as perky as usual, maybe a little protein can help! 
CURLife
1
Re: Moisturized hair is still frizzy?
@Glamourstruckk thank you so much for the tip, I hadn’t thought about that!! I’ll try that next wash day!! 
Cass1208
1
Re: Minoxidil?
I don't use it, but would it help to use some kind of dry shampoo spray to help soak up the oily residue?
If you're continuing to have a problem with hair loss, you could check out the Science-y Hair Blog. I believe she has some caffeine rinse recipes that are supposed to help with that. A former forum member (can't remember who) used to use topical caffeine for hair loss and said it helped her.
If you're continuing to have a problem with hair loss, you could check out the Science-y Hair Blog. I believe she has some caffeine rinse recipes that are supposed to help with that. A former forum member (can't remember who) used to use topical caffeine for hair loss and said it helped her.
Therese1
1
Re: Naturally Curly Hair Routine & Regimen 101 for Newly Naturals
THE IMPORTANCE OF STRETCHING TYPE 3C-4 HAIR
What does "stretching" your hair mean?
Natural hair tends to have a lot of shrinkage, meaning that due to the coils and bends in your hair, it draws tighter to your scalp. When you pull your hair, or straighten your hair, it stretches the texture to show its actual length. Stretching your natural hair means that you are styling your hair in a manner that you eliminate some of the shrinkage in your hair, thus eliminating a lot of knots and tangles. More importantly-- stretched styles eliminate a lot of dryness with your texture because you are able to smooth products into the cuticle of the hair from roots to ends and allow it to set vs just plopping some product on top of your fro and neglecting all of the coils and curls underneath.
Many naturals neglect to understand the importance of stretching for their texture and want to take the easy way out: a wash and go. My general rule of thumb is that if your hair shrinks down to even 25% less than when you pull it, you should wear stretched styles more often than wash and go styles.
What are some stretched styles you can wear?
Stretched styles are any styles in which your hair is not allowed to dry in its natural texture, but is allowed to dry with a somewhat stretched texture. **This does NOT mean that you have to apply heat to your hair or blow dry it out. Twist outs, braid outs, twist and rod sets, cornrows, updos, blow outs, flat ironed styles etc. are all examples of stretched styles that will eliminate a lot of tangles and dryness for your hair. (Be careful with any styles that involve heat).**Bantu knots and rod sets are protective styles, but technically not stretched as these styles typically tighten the texture of the hair.
The Benefits of Stretching Type 4 Hair:
**More Info HERE**
https://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/coils/the-benefits-of-stretching-type-4-hair
Is stretching your hair bad?
There are several reasons why overstretching or wearing your hair up in the same style too often is a bad idea, but let’s get into what safe and excessive stretching are first. Hair elasticity measures the strength of the hair strand and the ability of it to stretch without breaking and going back to its original state. Healthy hair is elastic with a healthy cortex (cortex is the strength bearing part of hair). According to The Natural Haven, low levels of stretching are just fine but excessive stretching or stretching hair over the safe limit (20-30% of the strand) can damage the hair’s cuticle. Excessive stretching can be wearing overly tight buns, ponytails, braids, or other updos and protective styles, especially with hair bands and extensions. Many are cautious about chemical and thermal damage but overlook the effects of mechanical damage. That part of your hair that seems stretched permanently may be where your bun is pulled the most and has the most damage.Try not to stretch or wear wet hair up and change up your go-to style.
**More Info HERE**
5 Essential Natural Hair Tips To Prevent Breakage:
https://www.fashionghana.com/site/5-essential-natural-hair-tips-to-prevent-breakage/
Re: Naturally Curly Hair Routine & Regimen 101 for Newly Naturals
Hi, welcome to CurlTalk.tosin_21 said:I am tired of my hair. I just discovered I am a 4c type. I don’t know product to use any more. It seems hair isn’t not growing. I have used curls products and it’s just a mess. I am a new natural and really thinking of going bald.
Help!!!
Sorry for the delay in responding. I know it can be a bit overwhelming, but breath... It's going to be alright!! Question. Do you have a routine for your hair? What oils do you use? Do you deep conditioned & or protein treat hair?--How often? & Do you maintain your hair in protective styles? I know these are a lot of questions, but it could play a big role while your hair stunts from growth.
ABOUT HAIR GROWTH:
Hair grows at an average rate of ½ inch per month. Black and or minority people's hair can sometimes grow a bit slower than this, but not much. Actually, the natural curly pattern of black hair can make it seem to grow more slowly because it is not stretched.
In addition, stress, illnesses (e.g. Vitamin D Deficiency) and not maintaining a healthy lifestyle (diet and exercise) could play a big role too. Also, it depends on your ancestry (genetics) and hormonal state (pregnant women grow hair a bit faster; it’s also thicker and shinier), your hair will grow at a higher or lower rate.
BTW, you do not have to buy expensive hair products to maintain natural hair (unless hair loss is due to illnesses such as ringworm and alopecia).
Re: Naturally Curly Hair Routine & Regimen 101 for Newly Naturals
@tosin_21, welcome to CurlTalk!
My hair is the complete opposite of yours, but there's great info right in this thread, and tons more throughout this site. Do some reading and give some of these techniques a try. Have you tried the Curly Girl Method? It really helps to get your hair in a good, well-moisturized condition, and then it should curl better and grow better.
Guide 65
1
Re: Naturally Curly Hair Routine & Regimen 101 for Newly Naturals
I am tired of my hair. I just discovered I am a 4c type. I don’t know product to use any more. It seems hair isn’t not growing. I have used curls products and it’s just a mess. I am a new natural and really thinking of going bald.
Help!!!
Help!!!
tosin_21
1
