HELPPPP!!!!

in Hair Type 3
Hola fellow curlies:
I am at my wits end. First I would like to mention that I have been natural for my entire life except ages 17-21 and I am currently 24 so I don't have as much damage as I've seen with others. I do have a bit of a different problem and I have read almost every thread from 2-4b. I am a mixed textured curly (my mother is hispanic & my father is biracial), but my issue is slightly different. My texture splits into sections and I have a lot, a lot, a lot of hair. The entire right side of my head is 3b/3c and thiiiicccckkkk. Whereas the left is like 2a/2b. At first I thought the left side was all heat damage no its not its been this way for about 7 years now. I have given up on perms because it takes about 2-3 jars to get it stick straight like it was when I popped out. I later converted to flat ironing which is fine but my hair is well "unique."
I currently co-wash. I have used many, many different products but I'm ready to go back to wearing it straight so at least then everything looks umm balanced if you will. My other major issue is that the back of my head is really really dry in comparison to the front particularly in the center, where the crown is. I have tried almost everything which has resulted in my PJism but I was a PJ even when I was straight. Also I am frizz prone. My hair has no problem forming curls on its on in certain areas like the back and front right. In some areas I have curly roots, curly ends and straight in between. I have not had a perm since 2005 and have cut my hair umm maybe 3 times since doing a bc in 2005.
My current routine:
Co wash: Deva curl no poo
Condish: TJ Nourish
Deep Condish: Giovanni Smooth as Silk or Pantene
Condish: Deva curl one condish
(I don't use a leave in. Sorry! I used to used Mixed Chicks but it leaves a residue)
Stylers: [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Hair-Rules-Curly-Whip-p-902.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=Hair-Rules-Curly-Whip]Hair Rules Curly Whip[/buylink]
If you can offer any advice please help me. Here is the link to my fotki: http://public.fotki.com/wildcurlsraquelle/
I am at my wits end. First I would like to mention that I have been natural for my entire life except ages 17-21 and I am currently 24 so I don't have as much damage as I've seen with others. I do have a bit of a different problem and I have read almost every thread from 2-4b. I am a mixed textured curly (my mother is hispanic & my father is biracial), but my issue is slightly different. My texture splits into sections and I have a lot, a lot, a lot of hair. The entire right side of my head is 3b/3c and thiiiicccckkkk. Whereas the left is like 2a/2b. At first I thought the left side was all heat damage no its not its been this way for about 7 years now. I have given up on perms because it takes about 2-3 jars to get it stick straight like it was when I popped out. I later converted to flat ironing which is fine but my hair is well "unique."
I currently co-wash. I have used many, many different products but I'm ready to go back to wearing it straight so at least then everything looks umm balanced if you will. My other major issue is that the back of my head is really really dry in comparison to the front particularly in the center, where the crown is. I have tried almost everything which has resulted in my PJism but I was a PJ even when I was straight. Also I am frizz prone. My hair has no problem forming curls on its on in certain areas like the back and front right. In some areas I have curly roots, curly ends and straight in between. I have not had a perm since 2005 and have cut my hair umm maybe 3 times since doing a bc in 2005.
My current routine:
Co wash: Deva curl no poo
Condish: TJ Nourish
Deep Condish: Giovanni Smooth as Silk or Pantene
Condish: Deva curl one condish
(I don't use a leave in. Sorry! I used to used Mixed Chicks but it leaves a residue)
Stylers: [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Hair-Rules-Curly-Whip-p-902.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=Hair-Rules-Curly-Whip]Hair Rules Curly Whip[/buylink]
If you can offer any advice please help me. Here is the link to my fotki: http://public.fotki.com/wildcurlsraquelle/
0
Comments
from your pics, it looks like you just havent found the right products and/or styling technique. your hair definitely needs some sort of leave in. upping your hair's moisture level will most likely change your life and your hair. once your hair is properly moisturized, chances are, your curl pattern will become more uniform as well.
your shampoo and conditioner seem like they might be fine but like i said before, you definitely need a leave in. my personal favorite combo is [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Elucence-Moisture-Balancing-Conditioner-p-39.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=elucence-elucence-moisture-balancing-conditioner]elucence mb conditioner[/buylink] + [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Jessicurl-Weekly-Deep-Conditioning-Treatment-p-106.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=jessicurl-weekly-deep-conditioner-treatment]jessicurl wdt[/buylink] + a bit of oil. also, i dont think your dt's are offering enough moisture either. you can either try some new ones (once again [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Jessicurl-Weekly-Deep-Conditioning-Treatment-p-106.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=jessicurl-weekly-deep-conditioner-treatment]jessicurl wdt[/buylink] is amazing) or boost your current ones by mixing them with oil, honey, shea butter and/or veggie glycerine.
you may want to lighten up on products with protein (pantene, [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Hair-Rules-Curly-Whip-p-902.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=Hair-Rules-Curly-Whip]hair rules curly whip[/buylink], giovanni smooth as silk) because if youre already having issues with dryness, the protein wont do you any good until that problem is resolved.
have you had any trims? if not, that would be something you would definitely want to consider.
as for styling your hair to make it more uniform, it seems like you could really benefit from doing sets(twist outs, braid outs, and bant knot outs). most of us have several different textures on our heads and thats a really good way to disguise that.
addicted to henna
Fotki
I agree with Helloyellowbird in that your hair texture looks more like 3c/4a. Your hair is very pretty, and I hope you find a solution to your problem.
My pics:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=4tcfcwu.136flti6&Uy=w74a9e&Ux=0
addicted to henna
Fotki
My FOTKI - http://whatsnew.fotki.com/suburbanbushbabe/
Playing with my hair is a hobby. Fluffy, fine natural 4a. Goal= Healthy, beautiful hair that retains its length.
All of these issues are the source of my PJism and (I like trying new things). So I bought [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Jessicurl-Weekly-Deep-Conditioning-Treatment-p-106.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=jessicurl-weekly-deep-conditioner-treatment]jessicurl WDT[/buylink], AO White Camellia Shampoo and Jojoba & aloe condish.
I did make a breakthrough, I can not detangle with a comb as it breaks apart my curls. I searched and found my denman and noticed a remarked able difference and even softer roots and less hair loss while detangling.
I am going to try doing dt two times a week though from now till Dec. 20. I'm also going to try a regular condish as leave-in since my hair so parched.
I am bit concerned about styling products, only because I hate gel. I butters are ok but I might be a bit slow, I am kind of unsure of how to put them in. I do currently use unrefined shea butter but only when I do my buns to moisturize and lay down my hair.
I'm at my wits end. People have suggested twist out but my hair wont crimp or look twisted and the left side forget it. I curled the bottom of it with a roller for a good 24+ hours and it didnt really hold, because it was too straight.
Sorry for the long schpill but well I need a hair compass to find the way
Any help is appreciated.
addicted to henna
Fotki
I know how you feel...it is very trying when experimenting with different products to find what works best for your hair. But the most important thing to remember is moisture, moisture, and more moisture (did I forget to say moisture?). The aspects of your hair regimen that focus on moisture are your deep treatments/deep conditioners, leave-ins, and daily moisturizers. I noticed you've been focusing on your DTs/DCs and leave-ins, but, please don't neglect your daily moisturizer. In my opinion, that's the most important part of keeping your hair moisturized...otherwise, your hair will still look dry. Also, to piggy back off a previous comment, do be mindful of the protein in the products you choose because protein will make your hair dry and stiff, and should be followed by a moisturizing solution.
What do I love about my hair? It does such cool things!!
But I also went to consult with a natural hair care specialist who gave me some options. She offered to cut it because she didn't believe there could be so much shrinkage on one side versus the other. She then offered to add weave to my right side so that it is the same length. She then told me options were pretty limited because of the shrinkage and suggested I go back to flat-ironing and blow outs.
I updated my fotki with my new results. I don't know if I should continue with the giovanni dli and mop as a leave in only because my hair felt real crunchy like I had just gotten it spiral curled crunchy. I squeezed out the crunch the next day but got a bunch of frizz so... Still searching.
addicted to henna
Fotki
When you wash your hair and first step out of the shower with it sopping wet, do you still notice any straight pieces, or do the straight pieces/sections form as your hair dries? Is all of your hair curly when it's wet?
As I'm sure you've found in your research, it's quite common for people to have different textures of hair one scalp, and sometimes the different textures respond differently when you apply product to them...which can be quite frustrating. For me, the top front sections of my hair (from the crown on forward to my face) are very wavy as opposed to curly. In contrast, the back half of my hair is full of curly tendrils/ringlets. The waves on top are so loose that it doesn't take much to pull them apart and straighten out the curl. For example, if I pull my hair back into a pony tail, all the brushing and manipulating and I have to do to those top pieces forces them straight. When I take the ponytail down, the top half of my hair is completely straight, while the bottom half remains curly. To make things even more confusing, even though both sections on top are wavy and have a tendency to lose curl, the right side of my hair loses way more curl and elasticity than the left side. This is particularly evident when I do twist-outs. The left side of my hair responds very well to twist-outs. I've found that twist-outs enhance the waves on my left side and leave them perfectly defined (it's very pretty). However, the right side of my hair is a different story. When I unravel the twists on the right side, if I do too much finger combing, the waves lose their definition, look messy, and almost straighten themselves out...It's very weird and annoying. At that point, it's like I have to hit the reset button on those sections of my hair and start over. So I take spritz bottle, fill it with water, and re-wet those sections of my hair. It takes a couple minutes, but those sections of my hair go right back to being curly...then I reapply the product I use for styling and moisturizing.
So, I'm saying all this to say that if your hair forms those straight pieces/sections when it's dry, then you need to focus your time on working with your hair when it's wet. Remember, water is the ultimate moisturizer and it's always your reset button when you're hair is not doing what you want it to do..lol! So once your hair is wet (presuming your hair is all one texture when wet), the next thing you have to do is apply the right styling/moisturizing product that will not only moisturize your curls, but will hold them in the pattern they have in their wet state. This brings me to my next point, which is the products you're using...
As you know, everyone's hair is different...which means that everyone's hair will react to products differently and there will be a difference in how much product is needed before the hair is sufficiently moisturized. So while it's great that you're trying all these products for washing, conditioning, and DTs, that is just the first step to healthy, strong hair. That will NOT keep your hair moisturized on a day-to-day basis and maintain the curl definition you're looking for. You've heard other ladies say you need to find a good leave-in conditioner. I would stress the importance of you finding a good styling/moisturizing product..which you don't seem to have right now. In my opinion (and ladies please correct me if I'm wrong), there can be a big difference between a leave-in and a styling/moisturizing product depending on the consistency of the product. My hair needs a lot of moisture to do what I want it to do, so I need a slightly heavier product to get sufficient moisture. I've found that some leave-ins are too light and aren't designed to provide heavy moisture sufficient for styling and all-day hold. So for me, I only use a light leave-in conditioner (Giovanni Direct Leave-in) if I plan to go to bed soon after I've washed my hair. The leave-in provides my hair with just enough moisture to keep my hair from getting frizzy during the night as I thrash about in my sleep. The next morning, my hair still needs additional moisture to weigh my curls down and define them like I want, so then I apply the products I use for styling and moisturizing. I guess it all depends on the look you are going for...if you like for your hair to be bigger and fluffier, then just applying the leave-in, with little to no styling product, and you should be fine. However, if you prefer for your curls to have more weight and definition, it is imperative that you apply a styling/moisturizing product in addition to your leave-in conditioner (if your leave-in is of a light consistency).
On the flip side, there are some leave-ins that have a heavier consistency and, when used in the right amount, can provide your curls with great moisture and definition. Those can be used as styling/moisturizing products. For example, I use SheaMoisture Shea Butter Leave-in as my styling/moisturizing product, and it is technically a leave-in conditioner. But it is thick, leaves my curls with great hold, softness, and definition without any crunchiness. So it's all about what leaves your curls the most moisturized and defined. From your description, what you are using as your leave-in is not working when it comes to moisturizing your hair and defining your curls how you want. This brings me to final point (I promise I'll be done soon...lol): Products with heavy protein content.
I know I mentioned the protein issue to you in my last post. I've never used MOP products, however, I do know the Giovanni direct leave-in conditioner contains a sufficient amount of protein. The protein in the leave-in is what is making your hair crunchy. If your hair gets too hard and crunchy, that's probably a sign that you are either protein sensitive, or you are using way too much of the product. Try using less of the Giovanni DLI...you'd be surprised how a little goes a long way with that product. I have a tendency to be very heavy handed when using products because that's usually what my hair needs to get sufficient moisture. So, the first time I used GDLI after a wash, I used way too much. I twisted my hair before I went to bed, and I noticed the crunchiness forming as my hair dried throughout the night. It gave my hair great hold and shine, but it left my hair VERY crunchy. I noticed the crunchiness forming as my hair dried throughout the night. I took each individual twist and scrunched them in my hands and that got rid of the crunchy feeling. When I took the twists out the next morning, my hair had great shine and hold, but when I finger combed my hair the waves/curls exploded into frizziness all over my head, to the point where I had a curly afro! lol...I tamed it with the SheaMoisture and as the day went on, my curls fell to how I like for them to be. However, on the next wash, I used much less GDLI (about a dime/quarter size for each section of hair) and there was no crunchiness. With that said, I'm only using GDLI as an over night leave-in after washing, and now I'm going to try using it as my detangler when I get ready to do twist-outs in between washes...but only after diluting with water first. So try modifying the amount of GDLI you use and see if that reduces or eliminates the crunchiness (diluting with water also works well).
So after reading my dissertation on hair (lol), here is the take away:
(1) Find a good styling/moisturizing product!! If you choose a leave-in for this purpose, make sure it moisturizes and defines your curls to your liking. Don't use a leave-in with lots of protein as your moisturizer, because that will make your hair crunchy and will dry it out.
(2) Try applying your styling/moisturizing product when your hair is wet. If your hair is all one texture when it's wet, then applying product at this time, should lock in the curls in hopes of avoiding those straight ends. OH...and one more thing on this point that I didn't say above...(if you haven't already tried this) when you apply product, make sure to section your hair beforehand. Applying product to sectioned hair ensures maximum coverage and saturation. This made a world of difference for me! I usually put my hair into 4-6 sections.
(3) Be patient and keep trying until you find what works best for your hair!
Once again, I'm so sorry for the extremely long post (I have a tendency to be long winded). But I hope you find some of this helpful. Good luck!
What do I love about my hair? It does such cool things!!
But I got very frustrated and decided to flat iron my hair on Sunday. (SORRY!) I was also tempted to cut my hair again (this is why it hasn't grown a lot since my bc. my frustration = scissors). But I was reminded by hair idol the former curly Kelis that its ok. I did purchase some styling products today (I hate gel) but I got some FOTE and some Aveda. Now you mentioned moisturizer and that went way over my head. Do you have any suggestions?
I am so lost as far as this regime I should have. It sounds funny but I thought if I even just switched up the order in which I detangled it might make a difference. In the past when I wore my hair curly (which was only in the summer) I did less manipulation. It really was wash and go, without a leave-in or styling product. I would just water rinse daily and co-wash every two days and poof. I had best hair this summer when i was using mixed chicks but i learned that it had sulfates and ditched it and also it made my hair dry,:sad9: thus my pjism came back in full effect only this time for curl products and before it was just for moisturizing products. And the only reason I went full-time curly from season is because I had a really bad hair cut and it wasnt noticeable with curls.
I am going to try henna this weekend. Hopefully it will resolve some of my moisture issues but possibly relax the curl a little so that there is a bit of balance. I dont know I am willing to try anything that does not sacrifice the health and length of my hair.
addicted to henna
Fotki
addicted to henna
Fotki
My FOTKI - http://whatsnew.fotki.com/suburbanbushbabe/
Playing with my hair is a hobby. Fluffy, fine natural 4a. Goal= Healthy, beautiful hair that retains its length.
addicted to henna
Fotki
I know the text of my hair changes a little as it grows and I have had to change products. The last time I got my hair straightened was in March and before that it was September 2007 (maybe). I have a little heat damage in the front...it's worse on the right then it is on the left. Those pieces of your hair look like mine (where I have heat damage).
Don't give up!! This should just motivate you to take care of it and try new things with it.
Mostly 3c with 4a in the back.
I'm sorry it took me so long to respond...I forgot to come back to this thread. In terms of moisturizers, there are so many out there that you could try, and it just comes down to finding something that works best for your hair. I'm not familiar with FOTE; however, with Aveda, I may have a suggestion. Last month, I went to the Aveda store looking for a heat protectant for when I straighten my hair. The sales associate kept trying to push all these different curly hair products off on me that she felt would work for my hair. The moisturizer she recommended to me was the Brilliant Humectant Pomade. Here is a link to their site with a description of the product:
http://www.aveda.com/templates/products2/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY14954&PRODUCT_ID=PROD5822
I've never tried anything by Aveda (other than the heat protectant spray I bought), so I can't attest to whether or not this product works. However, the Brilliant Humectant Pomade is supposed to be made for African American women with more coarse curly hair, and the reviews on the site are all positive. It may be worth a shot.
In terms of other moisturizers, like I said there are tons out there. I see a lot of ladies on NC swear by [buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Kinky-Curly-Curling-Custard-p-778.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=kinkycurly-curling-custard]Kinky Curly Curling Custard[/buylink] ([buylink=http://www.curlmart.com/Kinky-Curly-Curling-Custard-p-778.html?utm_source=naturallycurly.com&utm_medium=text-link&utm_content=curltalk-post-text&utm_campaign=kinkycurly-curling-custard]KCCC[/buylink]) or products by Miss Jessie's. The only moisturizers I've tried have been Curls whipped cream and curls souffle (which smelled wonderful, but didn't work for my hair), Blended Beauty Curly Frizz Pudding, and now I use (and swear by) SheaMoisture Shea Butter Leave-In. Just off the top of my head, here is a list of websites of different product lines that have moisturizers that often come highly recommended on this site:
www.curls.biz
www.blendedbeauty.com
www.kinky-curly.com
www.missjessies.com
www.karensbodybeautiful.com
www.carolsdaughter.com
There are way more out there, but I'm having a mental block right now (Ladies, please chime...I know I'm missing alot) You may want to surf through the threads and find posts on the moisturizers people use. Also, don't be afraid to combine products to achieve your desired moisture.
Remember, this all about patience and experimentation. Keep working until you find what works best. If you achieved the best results with Mixed Chicks (first, consider yourself lucky because I read so many reviews from women who hate that product) then go with that.
Hope this helps! Keep us updated on your progress.
What do I love about my hair? It does such cool things!!
Thank you everyone for all of your help and suggestions. I am extremely grateful. Because I was ready to cut all my hair off about a week ago, so thanks for all your words of encouragement.
addicted to henna
Fotki
http://www.agbangakarite.com/
http://shop.agbangakarite.com/category.sc?categoryId=2
Once again thanks ladies.
addicted to henna
Fotki
Good to see that things are working for you! Your hair definitely looks different and honestly I take back what I said. I do not know what hairtype you are! Some of your roots look straight at the temples. Regardless, your hair is looking healthier than it was a couple weeks ago. Whatever you're using is working and congrats!