Question for natural sistas
- Thread starter DeSiRe
- Start date
What do you ladies use to reduce shrinkage?
Also what do u suggest for dry hair?
Thanks
I'm still figuring it all out, but I recently switched out to the curly custard and leave-in condition from kinky curly...given my hair length, it doesn't appear to lead to that much shrinkage, but I think that will happen no matter what
Someone probably with more years experience can help...I'm only a year and a half in and I have a LOT of textures up in here
Hey I just made a reply to MelP about natural hair in Random Thoughts.
I really like SET by Hairplay. It's pricey but it's a foam so a little goes a long way. It's a great all around detangler, conditioner, setting foam thingy. I get the 2 or the 3.
I always layer it over a leave in. I find my hair shrinks a lot less.
I found the only time my natural hair was super dry was when I used something like a gel in it. A good leave in conditioner if your hair likes water based products is the key to soft natural hair. Some people do really well with oil based heavy creams like Kemet Biolgics, but those aren't great for fine hair so I stick with conditioners like Giovanni Direct Leave In or Giovanni Deep Moisture. I also find oil can make your hair feel dry if you use it on dry hair so if you are using oils apply to damp hair.
How you set your hair can help control shrinkage too. Some people will pin their hair down with duck bill clips or use rubber bands. I don't but I know when I had locs the clips worked really well to keep my palm rolls stretched.
What's so bad about shrinkage?
I really like SET by Hairplay. It's pricey but it's a foam so a little goes a long way. It's a great all around detangler, conditioner, setting foam thingy. I get the 2 or the 3.
I always layer it over a leave in. I find my hair shrinks a lot less.
I found the only time my natural hair was super dry was when I used something like a gel in it. A good leave in conditioner if your hair likes water based products is the key to soft natural hair. Some people do really well with oil based heavy creams like Kemet Biolgics, but those aren't great for fine hair so I stick with conditioners like Giovanni Direct Leave In or Giovanni Deep Moisture. I also find oil can make your hair feel dry if you use it on dry hair so if you are using oils apply to damp hair.
How you set your hair can help control shrinkage too. Some people will pin their hair down with duck bill clips or use rubber bands. I don't but I know when I had locs the clips worked really well to keep my palm rolls stretched.
What's so bad about shrinkage?
I'm still figuring it all out, but I recently switched out to the curly custard and leave-in condition from kinky curly...given my hair length, it doesn't appear to lead to that much shrinkage, but I think that will happen no matter what
Someone probably with more years experience can help...I'm only a year and a half in and I have a LOT of textures up in here
Yeah it will happen no matter what to an extent.
I think you have to embrace it to a degree eventually or else blow it out or straighten it if you want to show length all the time.I think you also have to learn whether your hair is the type that grows down or "out." Some people's hair will develop more volume with time and others hair will naturally show more length regardless of shrinkage over time.
LoneStar29
Banned
The shrinkage is a part of our hair ... I really dont think there is a way around it ... my curls go "boing" lol like a slinky
For dry hair you need a leave in conditioner and lots of moisturizer ... also I dont know if you do this but I see sistas sometimes wetting their hair alot to keep up the curls but that can dry your hair out
For dry hair you need a leave in conditioner and lots of moisturizer ... also I dont know if you do this but I see sistas sometimes wetting their hair alot to keep up the curls but that can dry your hair out
I did that once a few years ago and it did definitely creates more crunch that softness. Once I went back to just washing once a week everything was cool again. If there's some frizz a light conditioner will knock it out, but I also think if you have afro-textured hair then fluffy frizz is just part of the game too sometimes and that's ok. As I mentioned in the other thread sometimes we need to shift our aesthethic. If I do an updo not every hair is in place, and I don't gel it down to death to get it that way because that's not the nature of my hair. It can still be neat and work appropriate without looking plastered down. Like Shinga.She rocks a nice balance of fluff and curl definition.
LoneStar29
Banned
Yeah when I was first learning about my hair I used to wet it every morning and it really dried my hair out alot ... I find washing it once or twice a week is enough
One of the guys on here said we're supposed to wash our hair every single day ... no we cant do that ... it steals our natural moisture and can eventually cause alot of damage
Bottom line is we cant treat our hair like other races do cuz our hair is completely different in every way ... also make sure not to use any hair products that arent specially for black hair ... their products arent for our hair texture and some of their shit can damage our hair ... I know for me their shampoos make my hair get even more twisted and their mousses dry my hair out like crazy ... and it wont even hold the curl lol
I used to struggle with that then realized its just the way it is
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The hardest thing is investing the time (and money) into figuring out what works for you, I guess...I have tried a few products and am still trying...for example, the curly custard make my ends "crunchy." The "smoothie" product I was using didn't, but I had frizz
Work in progress
here is my issue with shrinkage
my hair is pretty long...its maybe 12 inches...but i cant pull it back in a ponytail or anything..all it wants to do is fro up....and for as long as my hair is my fro is pretty small (imo cause my hair is so curly/shrinkage)...my curl pattern is a 3c
right now i wet it...put some miss jessies curl pudding in it and let it air dry.....it will fro up and u can see my coils...but towards 5pm it start looking fuzzy....and i noticed that it can use alot more moisture
any tips on what i could do better?...i thought about 2 strain twisiting but all that does is make my curls more defined and bigger
my hair is pretty long...its maybe 12 inches...but i cant pull it back in a ponytail or anything..all it wants to do is fro up....and for as long as my hair is my fro is pretty small (imo cause my hair is so curly/shrinkage)...my curl pattern is a 3c
right now i wet it...put some miss jessies curl pudding in it and let it air dry.....it will fro up and u can see my coils...but towards 5pm it start looking fuzzy....and i noticed that it can use alot more moisture
any tips on what i could do better?...i thought about 2 strain twisiting but all that does is make my curls more defined and bigger
here is another random issue
this is my first time rocking a fro...ive rocked everything else in between before this
and one thing ive noticed when wearing the fro is the looks...
lots and lots of looks....from men...women...everybody....ive gotten compliments...dont get me wrong...but lots of looks from strangers
anyone else notice this once they started wearing their hair natural or am i trippin?
this is my first time rocking a fro...ive rocked everything else in between before this
and one thing ive noticed when wearing the fro is the looks...
lots and lots of looks....from men...women...everybody....ive gotten compliments...dont get me wrong...but lots of looks from strangers
anyone else notice this once they started wearing their hair natural or am i trippin?
LoneStar29
Banned
My hair does the same thing ... if I have it out its so big but the second I put it into a ponytail its like half my hair is gone lol Also when its wet it would be to the middle of my back but once it starts to dry it goes all the way up to my shoulders ... people are always surprised when I stretch out a curl and show them the real length
The only thing I can suggest is maybe a mousse instead of a curl gel ... with my hair I noticed the mousse more plays into and enhances my curls and leaves a bit more length ... the gel more holds it stiff in a greasy way
I dont really like curl gels anyways
But honestly our boings is just how it is, I dont think there is too much we can do to avoid it
I've never rocked an actual fro as an adult but my hair is big so it looks fro-ish from far
Yeah I get alot of stares, questions, compliments
Its like people expect me to have a weave and when they realize I dont all of a sudden its like I'm an animal at the zoo ... its a guarantee that someone will say something about it everytime I leave my place
LoneStar29
Banned
You know what problem I have ... I cant find a shower cap big enough for my curls ... so the moisture from the steam gets in my hair and sometimes dries it out inbetween washings smh
When I cut my hair to the new growth this time, my fam saw it before I went to get it braided and they loved it. However, that next morning when I went to CVS (I swear I go there every day) they were looking at me like
It makes me feel like my braids are "natural enough" but a fro..No.
I want my hair like the chick Izzy posted and the chick I posted in random thoughts. Then I wouldnt feel so....Awkward
It makes me feel like my braids are "natural enough" but a fro..No.
I want my hair like the chick Izzy posted and the chick I posted in random thoughts. Then I wouldnt feel so....Awkward
Nothing new for me to say here. Ya'll got it all covered. I still suggest you guys making your own natural hair care products though. And don't be fraid of your fro! If you got it? Love it. Rock it for as long as you want too. Shrinkage is just part of some hair textures. Nothing to really be done. That's your DNA.
It'll twankle and glisten though if you keep it naturally conditioned.
Lone as for the hair cap they should have ranging sizes at a hair care supply store. Or ask your beautician where she gets hers from.
It'll twankle and glisten though if you keep it naturally conditioned.
Lone as for the hair cap they should have ranging sizes at a hair care supply store. Or ask your beautician where she gets hers from.
The hardest thing is investing the time (and money) into figuring out what works for you, I guess...I have tried a few products and am still trying...for example, the curly custard make my ends "crunchy." The "smoothie" product I was using didn't, but I had frizz
Work in progress
Yeah it is at first, but once you got it down its easy. For products I always tried to use one at a time to see what the real effect on my hair was. Naturals have a tendency to overdo things in the beginning like layer 3-4 things and then put more stuff on during the week. Stick with some basics then move out products one by one to see.
Yeah air drying (I do that often) will create more shrinkage. You can try sitting under a cool hood dryer for 30 minutes and then let it air dry the rest of the way. That tends to keep things smoother. Also, try a flat twist instead of a two strand to dry your hair.I find flat twists create more volume on finer hair and it allows your natural curl pattern to set. Now that my hair is longer I don't let it dry loose if I can help it. Keeping it bundled with a braid or flat twist keeps it from getting tangly.
It's half trippin and half true. You do get more looks, but I also think you just tend to notice it more or wonder if people are looking at you because of your hair. If you have type 3 hair some people are also probably wondering if you have a weave because many black people have no idea the diversity of hair textures black people have.
LI I can do my own lotions, but my home made hair products were a disaster! I think it's because a lot are oil based and those are too heavy and sticky for my hair. I used to use shea butter but that was a hot mess. I tried to make my own flaxseed gel too- disaster.
The only thing I can manage is a good henna treatment once a month. You are right too about the shine! I used to believe that type 4 hair naturally had a dull look, but that's not true. When your hair is balanced moisture wise it will have a nice sheen.
When I cut my hair to the new growth this time, my fam saw it before I went to get it braided and they loved it. However, that next morning when I went to CVS (I swear I go there every day) they were looking at me like
It makes me feel like my braids are "natural enough" but a fro..No.
I want my hair like the chick Izzy posted and the chick I posted in random thoughts. Then I wouldnt feel so....Awkward
Some folks have fro-phobia, but definitely if you feel awkward I think that projects too. Look at the bright side, you can take advantage of the short phase to go swimming and exercise a lot because your hair is truly wash and go! I still exercise, but don't swim as much because I have so much more hair to deal with now. I hate being at work with wet hair.
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LI I can do my own lotions, but my home made hair products were a disaster! I think it's because a lot are oil based and those are too heavy and sticky for my hair. I used to use shea butter but that was a hot mess. I tried to make my own flaxseed gel too- disaster.
lol all these disasters! What are you doing iz? I've been doing this stuff for years, No disasters. I posted a bunch of recipes in the for black women thread on this board. See if some of these gig ya fancy.
Will do! I don't have the mixtress gene when it comes to hair, but I can make a hell of a homemade version of icy hot!
What do you ladies use to reduce shrinkage?
Also what do u suggest for dry hair?
Thanks
I use this coconut oil or occassionally, raw shea butter. I braid my hair upwards and wrap it, that knocks out alot of the curls...
LoneStar29
Banned
Naw ... pink lotion is the devil lol that shit ruins your hair
And of course no perming or dying ... thats why we're talking about natural hair right now lol
lol it's cute. He tryin to participate n stuff.
But no Mr. Katdaddy. This is bad information sweetie. It's entirely artificial products made from basically crude oil. It's basically going to the auto store getting a thing of motor oil and putting it on your head everyday.
LoneStar29
Banned
GETS BEATG WITH THE SHOES AND RUNS OUT THE THREAD
Naw naw its not like thatthanks for at least trying
I use this coconut oil or occassionally, raw shea butter. I braid my hair upwards and wrap it, that knocks out alot of the curls...
A dab of coconut oil can be very beneficial.
I love this
You can so have that look. It's a really nice in between stage look too. I did finger coils a lot when my hair was shorter and always got complements.
Is it sad to think I look better when I straighten my hair out than when I leave it "natural?"
IDK...I'm just starting to wear my hair out, but I am much more comfortable - and think I look, overall, better - when my hair frames my face when its straighter...I mean, I'm going to keep experimenting, especially with roller sets...BUT, IDK, my face is a killer when my bangs fall onto my cheekbones
Yeah, I was a little conceited there...and what?!? lol
IDK...I'm just starting to wear my hair out, but I am much more comfortable - and think I look, overall, better - when my hair frames my face when its straighter...I mean, I'm going to keep experimenting, especially with roller sets...BUT, IDK, my face is a killer when my bangs fall onto my cheekbones
Yeah, I was a little conceited there...and what?!? lol
My confidence is growing
There is nothing wrong w/ your view on how YOU look and what you feel looks nice! DO YOU!
There is nothing wrong w/ your view on how YOU look and what you feel looks nice! DO YOU!
Is it sad to think I look better when I straighten my hair out than when I leave it "natural?"
IDK...I'm just starting to wear my hair out, but I am much more comfortable - and think I look, overall, better - when my hair frames my face when its straighter...I mean, I'm going to keep experimenting, especially with roller sets...BUT, IDK, my face is a killer when my bangs fall onto my cheekbones
Yeah, I was a little conceited there...and what?!? lol
Is it sad to think I look better when I straighten my hair out than when I leave it "natural?"
IDK...I'm just starting to wear my hair out, but I am much more comfortable - and think I look, overall, better - when my hair frames my face when its straighter...I mean, I'm going to keep experimenting, especially with roller sets...BUT, IDK, my face is a killer when my bangs fall onto my cheekbones
Yeah, I was a little conceited there...and what?!? lol
I don't think there's anything wrong with that. That's how you feel. I think afro-textured hair (curly- kinky) looks way better than straight hair on a lot of black women, but that's my opinion. You can wear straighter styles with minimal heat if you get your roller sets tight. Go to maneandchic and see the tutorial she has on the ponytail rollerset
I'll not advocate relaxing though. I think the chemicals are too harsh for a lot of people. I've seen a few too many paint brush ponytails and bald edges.
Is it sad to think I look better when I straighten my hair out than when I leave it "natural?"
IDK...I'm just starting to wear my hair out, but I am much more comfortable - and think I look, overall, better - when my hair frames my face when its straighter...I mean, I'm going to keep experimenting, especially with roller sets...BUT, IDK, my face is a killer when my bangs fall onto my cheekbones
Yeah, I was a little conceited there...and what?!? lol
Jo...i say do you. ALWAYS. Do what makes YOU happy. Where what YOU like. And wear what YOU feel good in. And how YOU WANT TO FEEL. If anyone, absolutely anyone thinks otherwise, they can go fuck themselves with a dildo made of rose thorns.
Do you like it? Then fuck them. I say do your hair natural, if you want, i say rock your hair straight, permed if you want. Do the look YOU like. It's too many people running around trying to tell other folks how they should look and do.
It's damned irritating.
anyone know of a good moisturizer?...my hair gets real dry
also...anyone tried miss jessies and kinky curly? whats the difference
and my last question...anyone know a good site to find quick styling ideas and cuts?
Ingredients. 1 oz Coconut Oil, 1 oz Jojoba Oil, 1 oz Virgin Palm Oil, 1 oz Grapeseed Oil, 5-10 drops Rose essential oil
Mix oils in a 4 once bottle. Store in cool dark place.
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