Just making sure it isn't just me...

Tash609

Hello everyone. I've been transitioning for almost 11 months now. I didn't actually decide to do it until I stopped getting my extensions almost two mths ago. I am embracing the journey and have no plans to perm. However, this is TOUGH. I have one relative and one friend who are natural and if it weren't for them and youtube I don't know what i'd do. Anyway, my biggest issue is hairstyles. I've been doing flat twists for the most part because they have come out better than braid outs and two strand twists. My issue is that they would be fine if i didn't have to pull my roots out for volume. Within minutes my hair turns into a poof. Like today, I usually end up with some version of a curly half fro. I can't keep going to work like this! I tried yesterday to not pull them out as much and they still turn into a dull, dry mess after a few hrs. After spending a lot of $$$ on products, i'm beginning to think it's just my hair! I only have about one or two inches of permed ends left. I need a style. At leastsomething presentable. I'm lost. I moisturize, oil, every healthy thing I read. Is this just a weird phase or is this my hair forever?! Help, pls. Btw, I am a bit limited because I try to headband it and not pull my edges since I got severe breakage from the braids. Hairstyles? Advice? Or just support. Tx.

curlicious13

I would say cut your permed ends ASAP. The permed ends are weighing down your hair as well. I would suggest a Bantu knot out & get it done by a professional because they will know how to do it without further damaging your edges. Also get some Jamaican black castor oil because it will help bring back your edges. I wouldn't put a weave in or wear a wig as these will worsen your edge problem. But instead protect your edges with a scarf.

eveechazaree

It's just an awkward phase!! I'm transitioning I have been for about 9 months, my hair is long, natural my hair is 3c/4a I had a texturizer to loosen my curl up, some places have an awkward straight ends just trim regularly and it will get better!!! Good luck!! When I do my flat twists out, I use perm rods on my ends and it makes it blend better!! Also when fluffing your roots add an oil to your hands if or if you use a pick put oil directly on your roots!! It will minimize the frizz, also wait until your hair is COMPLETELY dry before taking the twist out

Tash609

Thank you both! I do cut a little after every wash, but am afraid of a bc because itvwill be so short. I do most of what u both said...jamaican castor oil on my edges, use oil when I take my hair down, perm rods, wait for it to be completely dry. I didn't realize wigs would make my edges worse, however. Why is that if I wear a cap? And I didn't think to put oil in the roots before taking my hair down. Tx. And I agree, seeking a professional stylist may help.

curlicious13

It helped me a lot going to a pro. It saved me money on products because I found out that my hair doesn't like a lot of product. It gets REALLY greasy if I use too many products.

Tash609

The dryness is unbelievable. I tried cold rods last night. Nothing but fuzz and dryness this morning. After all of that work, I ended up with my wig on.

Firefox7275

What is your full routine? Have you considered your hair properties and dew points in your choice of products and ingredients? If your hair is that dry there is something awry with your moisturising/ hydrating.

Tash609

I usually cowash or shampoo, deep condition, use a leave in conditioner, use an oil (olive, castor, coconut or avocado) then a styler. As I Am defining twist cream has defined best. I started using Shea Moisture's curl enhancing smoothie under the oil as a moisturizer since it didn't work well as a styler. I've been reading as much as I can about this natural journey and I did read that glycerin could possibly dry out hair. I found one product with glycerin low on the list of ingredient list, but no styler completely w/o so I don't know if that is the culprit. I've tried eco styler gel, aloe vera gel. Nothing helps. I can get defined curls, but they poof as soon as I pull from my root for a little volume. Last week I did a bunch of twists so I wouldn't have to pull out for volume and though the twists lasted throughout the day this time, the roots were a mess within a few hours. I'm lost. I was thinking of trying ACV, but at this point, I'm sick of spending $ and trying things when I just don't know what the problem is.

makinm0ves

Tash609 wrote: »

I usually cowash or shampoo, deep condition, use a leave in conditioner, use an oil (olive, castor, coconut or avocado) then a styler. As I Am defining twist cream has defined best. I started using Shea Moisture's curl enhancing smoothie under the oil as a moisturizer since it didn't work well as a styler. I've been reading as much as I can about this natural journey and I did read that glycerin could possibly dry out hair. I found one product with glycerin low on the list of ingredient list, but no styler completely w/o so I don't know if that is the culprit. I've tried eco styler gel, aloe vera gel. Nothing helps. I can get defined curls, but they poof as soon as I pull from my root for a little volume. Last week I did a bunch of twists so I wouldn't have to pull out for volume and though the twists lasted throughout the day this time, the roots were a mess within a few hours. I'm lost. I was thinking of trying ACV, but at this point, I'm sick of spending $ and trying things when I just don't know what the problem is.

Hi Tasha. I can relate to your frustrations. I'm newly transitioning myself and finding my way. How often do you wash your hair? This is my routine: My curls last for about 3-4 days. so My wash days are on Friday, or Saturdays depending on how busy I get. I Pre Poo for about 1hr - 2 hrs (max) I Pre poo using water, organic coconut oil & some cheap conditioner. Then I twist as I go along. When I'm done my hair is parted in 6 sections and 6 braids. I shampoo like that and rinse. Then put some conditioner & leave it for about 15 mins. Rinse out. I have some curl definer product that I use and I either French braid 6 sections, twist out, or flat twist. I use some light gel on top of that & put coconut oil on the ends of my hair and bone rollers after I oil them. Tie a silk scarf. And the next day when it's completely dry I take some coconut oil in my finger tips as I'm taking the braids a loose. This helps so that it won't frizz and I'm careful not to manipulate too much so I don't mess up my curl pattern. It's a process but the more I'm getting use to everything the more I'm loving it. (:

curlicious13

I use a daily water spritz to moisturize my hair & I grease my scalp with coconut oil. I spritz my hair twice a day in the morning & night. I combine the curl enhancing smoothie & milk together & they work like a charm. Stay hydrated will help too.

Tash609

I have no plans to take my wig off until I can find a protective hairstyle with all of this heat and humidity. However, after my wash on Saturday, I did an ACV rinse and flat twisted it and did my regular regimen. I have to say, I actually saw a difference. And despite the humidity, my hair even held the curls. The biggest difference was that it didn't turn into a puff when I pulled a little from the roots for volume. A few parts acted up, but most of my roots actually stayed straight. I was a little nervous about the ACV rinse, but I think it really did help to close my hair strands a bit and added some shine, FINALLY. It was a very small victory, but at least I know for sure now that a part of my issue is that I have high porosity hair.

SCarrin

You don't have to cut your permed ends off it you are not ready. I transitioned for almost 2 years before my last bit of ends were gone.

I wore a lots or Bantu knots/chiney bumps when I transitioned. I loved did this as my go to style. It would last me a week if I used gel. If I didn't do my hair and went to the salon, I would get flat twist going all back and take them out which also lasted me a week. These were my go to styles when i was transitioning unless I wore half wigs.