Hey ! New Kinky girl needs help.

brown_bunny

Hello all.
i'm 15 and a type 4 (a or b I'm not entirely sure).My hair's always been in bad condition and of course I use to hate it. I love how it is now , but I hide it by wearing hats and bandanas every day. That's because the top is so much shorter. And my hair line is thin.And [/i]that's because I pull it back all the time. Which accentuates my already rather large forehead.
Also, my mom is pressing me to get braids or a perm. because she said that when I go out in public, people will think I'm homeless or something because of my messy hair. i told her I simply refuse to do that. Well at this time anyway. I want to find out how to take care of my hair before doing any of that stuff.
So, does anyone have any kind of styles for me so I don't have to wear hats all the time.
Thanks a lot !!

JuicyTube

How long is your hair?

brown_bunny

Besides the hair in the front, my hair is just shoulder-length when wet. but of course when it's dry, it draws back up.When I wear a pony tail ( actually a bunny tail for me, lol) however far out I put it , it stays until I take the hair bow off. Except the ends. I guess because they're exposed, the draw up pretty bad.

soon2b

moisture....moisture....moisture. Try using a good leave-in conditioner everyday. Do DT more often and try to stay away from heat. You may even want to try doing co-washes for moisture. If you are trying to elongate curls you can try happy nappy by blended beauty of -curly.

Suburbanbushbabe

Pulling it back tight can cause contact alopecia (losing your hairline). There's a website called

www.motowngirl.com

That has lots of ideas, product reviews etc. It's sort of a blog but more.

If you want to give your hairline a rest, you can do flat twists or two-strand twists as a protective style.

brown_bunny

thanks to all of you.
pardon my ignorance, but what does DT mean?

SapphireWingstar

DT means "deep treatment"...basically just doing a super-duper moisturising treament every so often (somepeople do it twice a week while others do it once a month...it depends on your hair). There are tons of different homemade DT recipes and some store-bought, ones, too. You usually put a DT on and leave it in a shower cap for 30 min-1 hour. It reeeeallly helps moisturise your hair if you have dry/frizzy/damaged hair.

embudini

I'd suggest also postin this on the 4a or 4b forum, because the ladies there will be more familiar with your hairtype.

JuicyTube

And if you haven't had a trim in a while i suggest doing that. Yes its a pain, but your hair will thank you!

one way street

www.blendedbeauty.com has great tips, too. There are also sites that will help you listed there.

Ela234

hi! have you tried two-strand twists? they're low maintainance and cute....especially when taken out- its also a great protective style

brown_bunny

what are two-strand twists?

Ela234

they are basically kinky twists- only shorter with your real hair......go to http://www.naturalhair.org/hg.htm for style ideas.....if you decide to do twists the best products to use are Loc and Twist Gel and Silk N' Mist- they work the best for me.

brown_bunny

thanks a lot

brown_bunny

thanks a lot

Zinnia

brown-bunny-
how is your hair? still natural?

brown_bunny

Hi wntrbloom,

Yes it is still. I was going to post on here how all of you all's advice really helped me out. My mom even said a month or two ago that it's appearance has improved 75% .
I 'm still having a bit of trouble with the front (and the tangles) but I still feel good about it all.

For styling I sometimes use foam curlers ( they kind of make me feel like an old woman ) with a setting lotion. After I wash my hair with conditioner I usually braid it before it dries completely so it won't tangle up as much.

I've learned that you have to experiment a bit with your hair because everyone's is different.
I've got a lot more experimenting to do but it's been put on hold because of the Holidays and the fact that I'm broke :roll: .
Anyway, thanks a lot for asking.
Bb

Zinnia

brown_bunny wrote:

Hi wntrbloom,
I've learned that you have to experiment a bit with your hair because everyone's is different.
I've got a lot more experimenting to do but it's been put on hold because of the Holidays and the fact that I'm broke :roll: .
Anyway, thanks a lot for asking.
Bb

brown_bunny,

glad to hear that you are enjoying your hair!

Experimenting is the key. Don't give up! Expensive, I agree. I am glad that I have finally found products that work.

Keeping a list of ingredients in products that your hair likes will help you choose products to try.

What do you do with your hair when sleeping?
How do you shampoo (if you shampoo)?
If you shampoo, what brand do you use?
What brand of conditioner do you use?
Do you use a leave in, if so, what brand?
What products are you using that you like?
Have you had a trim lately?

Sorry for all of the questions, just trying to help you with that dry spot and tangling.

For some people adding honey (from the honey bear) to conditioner helps with tangling problems.

brown_bunny

Hello again wntrbloom,

Of course I don't mind all of the questions;

(1) A lot of times I braid it before I go to bed but lately I've just been putting it into 2 loose little ponytails ( I make sure that they're very loose and that they're not pulling anywhere).

(2) I haven't used shampoo in a while.I just wash with conditioner. I think it's called no-poo or something .

(3) I really like to mix different things for deep treatments. A lot of times I'll mix 2 diff. conditioners with some olive oil and leave it on for 30 min.
My mother has a lot of conditioners she doesn't use in closets and stuff so I just snag some of those sometimes.
My conditioners:
Garnier Fructis Length & Strength: For Split Ends , Fragile or Hard To grow Hair

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine:For Frizzy, Dry or unmanageable Hair

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner:3- Mintue masque

Tresemme Moisture Rich w/ Vitamin E: For Dry or Damaged Hair ( My mother and I love how this one smells)

Aussie: 3-Minute Reconstructor

Someone suggested I try Queen Helene and VO5 . ( I use the VO5 for the tangles, it seems to help)

(4)Sometimes I leave in a bit of regular conditioner all day. The only leave in I use otherwise is Moisture Max (by Lustrasilk) Mega-Moist Creme Hairdress.
(5)I like the Setting lotion I use. The brand is Lotta Body. It makes my hair shiny and smooth looking.
The Culture 7-Day Relaxer ( don't get me wrong, I like my hair's natural texture but I think I might want to change it sometimes for fun). Although I haven't really tried it on myself ( can't find anyone to do it for me) , I really like what it did to my mom and my little sister's hair.

(6) That's a no on the trim.Do you think I should have one?

Phew. Hope that doesn't take too long to read.

Happy New Year !!! ( and thanks for the honey tip)

Zinnia

Hi brown_bunny...my answers are blue...good luck and keep us updated on your hair.

brown_bunny wrote:

Hello again wntrbloom,

Of course I don't mind all of the questions;

(1) A lot of times I braid it before I go to bed but lately I've just been putting it into 2 loose little ponytails ( I make sure that they're very loose and that they're not pulling anywhere).

(2) I haven't used shampoo in a while.I just wash with conditioner. I think it's called no-poo or something .

Have you clarified in a while? A good shampoo to try is Cream of Nature. I can't recall which bottle is sulfate free.


(3) I really like to mix different things for deep treatments. A lot of times I'll mix 2 diff. conditioners with some olive oil and leave it on for 30 min.
My mother has a lot of conditioners she doesn't use in closets and stuff so I just snag some of those sometimes.
My conditioners:
Garnier Fructis Length & Strength: For Split Ends , Fragile or Hard To grow Hair

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine:For Frizzy, Dry or unmanageable Hair

Garnier Fructis Fortifying Deep Conditioner:3- Mintue masque

Tresemme Moisture Rich w/ Vitamin E: For Dry or Damaged Hair ( My mother and I love how this one smells)

Aussie: 3-Minute Reconstructor

Someone suggested I try Queen Helene and VO5 . ( I use the VO5 for the tangles, it seems to help)

(4)Sometimes I leave in a bit of regular conditioner all day. The only leave in I use otherwise is Moisture Max (by Lustrasilk) Mega-Moist Creme Hairdress.

You may want to check the ingredients for cones in your conditions, especially since you are on the Curly Girl program. Cones are bad for some people. And most of the non water soluble ones have to be removed with shampoo.

Here is a link to a post about conditioners: http://www.naturallycurly.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=91196

Here is a link about cones:
http://www.naturallycurly.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=45874

(5)I like the Setting lotion I use. The brand is Lotta Body. It makes my hair shiny and smooth looking.

The Culture 7-Day Relaxer ( don't get me wrong, I like my hair's natural texture but I think I might want to change it sometimes for fun). Although I haven't really tried it on myself ( can't find anyone to do it for me) , I really like what it did to my mom and my little sister's hair.

I have not heard of this product. But hair is hair. If you want to try this product that is okay. Just be sure to take care of your hair so you don't cause any damage. Does this product wash out of hair or permanently relaxes the hair?

(6) That's a no on the trim.Do you think I should have one?

Trims are good. Trims can make all of the difference in how products work on your hair. You should get one ASAP. Also, it seems that you don't use a leave-in conditioner. A few drops of jojoba oil or olive oil can be used as leave-in if your hair likes oil. Or you can find a leave-in a the store. Some people also like a mixture of glycerin and water. Or aloe vera jelly. I waiting for this product, and hopefully it will work as the description states:
http://www.naanishoppe.com/product.php?productid=16507&cat=0&page=1

Phew. Hope that doesn't take too long to read.

Your post wasn't too long to read...:)

Happy New Year !!! ( and thanks for the honey tip)

Zinnia

I forgot to add:

Also make sure your conditioners or hair products don't contain mineral oil and petroleum.

brown_bunny

Hi,
Sorry I took so long to respond. I didn't do much on the internet all week besides checking my email ( I didn't see a topic reply notification, sometimes I get one, sometimes I don't) and Saturday we were gone all day. So anyway........

I think I'm due for a clarifying(?)

The Culture product is suppose to last until your next shampoo so it's temporary.

I always check for cones and so far I haven't had a problem avoiding them.Or maybe I just didn't realize there were some in my products :shock:

I must admit, I don't like the idea of cutting my hair but if you say it'll make it better, I might just to do it.

I forgot to say before that the leave-in I use just about everyday is olive oil. I also have some oil called Hot Six Oil ( brand name: African Royale) and it has Olive oil,canola oil,wheat germ oil,sweet almond oil,safflower oil,castor oil,sesame oil, and a lot of other natural ingredients except Cyclomethicone which I just realized is a cone. Because it ends in -cone. Can't belive I didn't notice that before. :? Guess I'll have to stop using it now...

I checked out the link for the stuff you ordered ; it sounds very interesting I think I'd actually like to try it. ( and I really like that woman's hair that was at the top)

Until next time

Zinnia

brown_bunny wrote:

I think I'm due for a clarifying(?)

definitely clarify before getting a trim. if your hair is still misbehaving get a small trim. just trimming 1/4 or less of inch can make a huge difference! also, your hair may be the type that enjoys a cleansing with a gentle sulfate free shampoo once or twice a month.

I forgot to say before that the leave-in I use just about everyday is olive oil. I also have some oil called Hot Six Oil ( brand name: African Royale) and it has Olive oil,canola oil,wheat germ oil,sweet almond oil,safflower oil,castor oil,sesame oil, and a lot of other natural ingredients except Cyclomethicone which I just realized is a cone. Because it ends in -cone. Can't belive I didn't notice that before. :? Guess I'll have to stop using it now...

red flags popped into my head while reading the above. perhaps your hair doesn't like olive oil. i would stop using the olive and and african oil for at least two weeks and see how your hair feels and looks. a good conditioner is tigi bed head moisture maniac. you can buy it at trade secret and quick hair cut salon type places. also pick up a bottle of elasta qp feels like silk gel. try conditioner washing with the conditioner, rinse and then reapply some as a leave-in...then apply some of the gel. with both products, you will probably spend $20. the gel can be found at sally's.

to get your hair moisturized, you may have to rinse and condition daily for a weeks. sounds horrible, but it not too bad. i have to rinse with conditioner daily otherwise, my hair doesn't look good.

I checked out the link for the stuff you ordered ; it sounds very interesting I think I'd actually like to try it. ( and I really like that woman's hair that was at the top)

i know! i can't wait until it arrives! hopefully, it will arrive sometime this week. i will post my results. i do hope it works, because i just want a shampoo, conditioner and a styler. not a lot of products.

keep us updated and don't give up! we will find a solution for you.

Until next time

brown_bunny

You've mentioned that Tigi conditioner a couple of times so it must be good.

I forgot to mention that when I put Aussie 3 minute miracle Reconstructor on as a product I have that I hadn't yet used it. Well now I've used it a couple of times along side another conditioner I recently bought . I think it's one of the new things of shampoo and condtioner that Dove has put out. It's called Advanced Care Conditioner Therapy ( it's the one in the blue bottle and I know it's beside the point but it smells divinely). The two together make my hair feel smooth and soft and just good. I don't know if one is working better than the other or if the combination is what's working. I guess I'll have to try them alone one day.

I've read on here before that mineral oil and petroleum are to be avoided. I guess I understand the reason behind the petroleum but why the mineral oil? I thought oil was good ( depending on the person of course) :?:

Zinnia

oil can be good for some people's hair. some people love straight olive oil. my hair doesn't like it at all. my hair really doesn't like straight oils. same with shea, jojoba and other oils. oils are good for mixing with conditioners that aren't very moisturizing.

mineral oil can build up on hair, clog your scalp and impede hair growth. bad stuff. although, some people can tolerate products with very small amounts of mineral oil. my hair doesn't like any mineral oil...it gets very frizzy.

keep using the aussie and dove for a few weeks to see how your hair reacts. if hair looks and feels good, why switch to new products?

i finally received the naani product. i used it last night, and not bad. i used it again this morning...but at the last minute i layered it with some of my feel like silk gel. wednesday, i will try curly custard by itself and see what happens.

brown_bunny

Yeah. That sounds pretty bad. I'll avoid it like the plague. lol


I will continue with my aussie and dove and let you know.


Glad you got your stuff. Hope it works as good as it sounded.

brown_bunny

It's been a while but I just wanted to give a bit of an update on what I've been doing:

Thursday I went to Sally's and got a Denman D4 brush,3 Ion Hot n' Moist protectivd Hair and Scalp treatment , and something called Cerafix ( claims to instantly repair all types of damaged hair).

That's the most I've ever paid for a brush ( even with the $1 I got off for using my Sally's card) and hurt my little 15 year old budget a bit , but I felt like I had to get it after I've read about it so many times before on here.

That other stuff was on sale, though ( plus my mom paid for it )
It was any 10 things on a little table for $5. woot.

Anyway, I'm going to start researching about my brush on here to see how I should use it and everything. .....