too long?
in Hair Type 2
Hi ladies!
I think I am getting the hang of this CG routine but I still have a lot of work to do. I am wondering if my hair is too long and the curls are being weighed down. What do you think?
Thank you!
I think I am getting the hang of this CG routine but I still have a lot of work to do. I am wondering if my hair is too long and the curls are being weighed down. What do you think?
Thank you!
Fine texture
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
0
Comments
Sent from my SPH-D710 using CurlTalk App
I still feel like I am trying to figure all of this CG stuff out. Right now I am using Shea Moisture yellow label shampoo and conditioner once or twice a week and cowashing with SN coconut in between. I use KCCC on soaking wet hair and plop for about 30 minutes. Then I scrunch in some HETT gel and diffuse for a few minutes to set the gel. I clip some pieces at the top of my head so it doesn't lay flat. I SOTC later in the day and it seems to be working pretty well.
I wish I had more bouncy curls and that is why I am wondering if it is too long.
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
To be honest, your hair looks like a true type 2, I'd say 2b, and I doubt it would really spring up into tighter curl, regardless of what length you cut it. Wavy hair often needs more length to be wavy - with no or little root curl, I've seen a lot of wavies mention they need several inches to really get the waves wave-ing.
Have you tried any protein? Medium texture hair can sometimes benefit from protein, it's not as needed as it is for fine hair but it can help hair hold the structure of the curl better as well as repair damage.
How was your hair when you were a child? Was it straighter or curlier? Is it heat damaged or color damaged now? If you've noticed your curl pattern loosen because of damage, there's a good chance it could tighten back up some as you nurse it back to health.
If you love your hair long, leave it long. It's beautiful.
Co-wash: VO5 Volumizing
Poo: Giovanni 50:50
RO:TN, Nexxus Youth Renewal, Alba Coconut
LI: KCKT
PT: gelatin PT, ION EC
Stylers: Giovanni mousse, TIGI Curls Rock amplifier (a-cone), Curls Rock Strong Hold Mousse
Gels: SCC spray gel
Honestly I am not sure I am medium everything. I am sure I am on the fine side of medium texture so protein may be good but I am unsure how to go about that. Do I just buy a protein pack and try it out?
My hair is layered and the top layers and the front are curlier. My curls are mostly ringlets so that is why I was wondering if they would bounce up more if they were shorter.
My hair was straight when I was younger. I didn't know I had any curls until a year and a half ago when I went to a new hair dresser and complained of frizz. I don't think I have much damage. I haven't straightened it in a year and a half and its been that long since I colored it as well. Even before when I wore it straight it was a hassle so I wore it up most days.
I really appreciate the advice and suggestions. I would love bouncy curls like yours but I know all hair is different. I like the length of mine but I would be okay if it was shorter too, but still below my shoulders.
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
If there are dry or split ends your hair could probably benefit from a good trim at least. I've just learned from personal experience that I will never be able to make my hair be something it isn't. Acceptance of it took a while. My hair was 3b as a kid and I'd convinced myself I could get that back with enough TLC but it turns out time and age has changed and loosened my curl pattern. Straight hair as a child is a trademark of wavy hair, but curl pattern often tightens after going CG & learning proper styling techniques so yours could definitely change as you go on.
A good "starter protein" experiment is ION effective care conditioner, if you have access to a Sally's. Get a couple sample size packets & use it as an RO & see how it reacts. Protein overload will make your hair feel straw-like. ION EC is protein heavy, but also moisturizing. Some on here use it as a PT & follow it with a DT, but I use it as an RO. I can't DT. IAGirl has a great gelatin PT recipe posted on the recipe board. It's cheap, easy to make, & customize-able. It's normal for a PT to feel dry as you're rinsing it out, but not normal for it to stay that way after following it up with conditioner.
Also, fine haired wavies sometimes have issues with co-washing as it weighs down their waves. I low poo with coco betaine every time I wash, which is every other day, & use a sulfate poo once a week. Hard core CG did not work for me. It's all trial and error. My hair wasn't starved for moisture & some days I can use VO5, a popular co-wash, as an RO. Experiment for a while & do what works for you, even if it breaks the "rules." Every head of curly hair is different.
Hope all that helps! Feel free to keep asking questions!
Co-wash: VO5 Volumizing
Poo: Giovanni 50:50
RO:TN, Nexxus Youth Renewal, Alba Coconut
LI: KCKT
PT: gelatin PT, ION EC
Stylers: Giovanni mousse, TIGI Curls Rock amplifier (a-cone), Curls Rock Strong Hold Mousse
Gels: SCC spray gel
I will go to Sally's and get the PT. After I use it do I follow with regular conditioner or anything? Should I style as usual or should I just let it air dry with no other products?
As far as the length goes, I had a few inches cut off about a month ago. I guess I will just wait and see what it is like when it is time for the next one.
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
Follow it with conditioner or a DT if your hair feels dry after you rinse it out. I find it moisturizing enough that I don't need to. However you style it is up to you. If you want to leave it naked to see if it's any different, by all means do it. Since I use it as my RO step I almost always style afterwards.
Co-wash: VO5 Volumizing
Poo: Giovanni 50:50
RO:TN, Nexxus Youth Renewal, Alba Coconut
LI: KCKT
PT: gelatin PT, ION EC
Stylers: Giovanni mousse, TIGI Curls Rock amplifier (a-cone), Curls Rock Strong Hold Mousse
Gels: SCC spray gel
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
So I tried the ION Protein treatment today and I am not sure what to think. I feel like my clumps are a little better but the curls seem a lot looser. My hair feels nice and soft which is good, but I wish the waves were stronger. How do I know if my hair "liked" it or not and if there is something else I should do.
Thank you!!!
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
cleanser: Redken Fresh Curls Shampoo, CJ Daily Fix
rinse out: GVP Conditioning Balm, CJ Beauticurls, CJ Smoothing
jellies/creams: CR Curl Maker, KCCC
gels: CJ CQ, CJ Pattern Pusha, BRHG
I suggest trying to make IAgirls gelatin PT. it's a packet of unflavored gelatin (Knox brand, for an example) dissolved completely in 1/4 - 1/2 cup of very hot water. You can add in whatever you want as long as you get the gelatin dissolved COMPLETELY lol. I add in NPF because my hair looooves protein, and a small squirt of a light condish like VO5 or SN. Distribute evenly & let it sit for however long. It's trial and error. I cover mine with a shower cap & let it sit for 30 mins.
Rinse out & follow with either a deep conditioner or a light one depending on how your hair feels. A good reaction to protein is usually a stronger curl pattern that holds up better during the day. A bad one is straw hair. ION EC has enough protein in it that if your hair hated it, you'd probably know by now so I wouldn't be too scared to try another PT. if it does go dry, baby it with moisture for a week or so.
A lot of curlies who have protein-happy hair also look for products with protein in them to help maintain the structure throughout the day. I probably need to do more of this.
This post turned into a protein tutorial lol. I don't know what kind of difference protein may make in your hair, i just know it was the missing link for me for quite some time because i was afraid to try it. Hope all this helps!
Co-wash: VO5 Volumizing
Poo: Giovanni 50:50
RO:TN, Nexxus Youth Renewal, Alba Coconut
LI: KCKT
PT: gelatin PT, ION EC
Stylers: Giovanni mousse, TIGI Curls Rock amplifier (a-cone), Curls Rock Strong Hold Mousse
Gels: SCC spray gel
This is also true. I haven't met a protein I don't like, but some people can only use keratin or whatever. The gelatin PT is collagen which is one of the strongest proteins out there.
Co-wash: VO5 Volumizing
Poo: Giovanni 50:50
RO:TN, Nexxus Youth Renewal, Alba Coconut
LI: KCKT
PT: gelatin PT, ION EC
Stylers: Giovanni mousse, TIGI Curls Rock amplifier (a-cone), Curls Rock Strong Hold Mousse
Gels: SCC spray gel
I bought the gelatin tonight. How long should I wait to use it?
What kinds of products have protein in them for during the day?
Low/ Med porosity
Med density
Wash: SM MR, GTTT
RO: SM MR, GTTT
LI: SM CSM or SM MR
Styling:AVG, KCCC, Volumax MEGA (HG), Joico Curl Definer
I don't have a lot of, if any, styling products that have protein in them so I can't give recommendations. I probably ought to get some.
You can use the gelatin PT whenever, if your hair doesn't feel dry from the ION stuff. If you're nervous, do a small section as a test first. Or start with only leaving it on for a few minutes & if that doesn't have any adverse reactions, do it once a week & leave it on a few mins longer until you find what works best for you. I believe after 30 mins your hair will have absorbed all it's going to although I've seen some people leave it on for an hour or more.
Co-wash: VO5 Volumizing
Poo: Giovanni 50:50
RO:TN, Nexxus Youth Renewal, Alba Coconut
LI: KCKT
PT: gelatin PT, ION EC
Stylers: Giovanni mousse, TIGI Curls Rock amplifier (a-cone), Curls Rock Strong Hold Mousse
Gels: SCC spray gel