Where to go from here?

Houseofcurls · 12-30-2012, 09:02 AM

I've been CG for a couple months now. I've determined hair properties already. I have porous highlighted hair. It is medium length and thickness, it is not a fan of protein so I limit that.
I typically use the ice queen method to was. I cowash with TJs TTT conditioner and then RO tresemee naturals (this was on the advice of some f the other girls on the general discussions board and it works well). I add some tresemee as LI, then scrunch in KCCC or Shea moisture coconut soufflé stuff. Then air dry some, and diffuse some.
I seal with grape seed oil. In there, too.
The problem I'm having now is that I really need to get a good cut, and I'm having a hard time figuring out how to make it look good. I think I'm 2c/maybe some 3a. I have tighter curls under the top layer of hair. I need some input. Any advice, any ideas. Anything.
As you can tell, I cant seem to get things together, no definition, things just all over the place. Anyone have any technique ideas or anything that I can try? I just feel like this looks messy and weird.

lcl0706 · 12-30-2012, 12:53 PM

You didn't mention your texture - fine, medium, coarse... Generally porous hair likes protein so I wonder why you think yours doesn't? Unless it is coarse, it should need protein. I honestly think texture is THE most important hair property when determining what products to use.

As far as making it "look good" - what are your goals? If you don't think it looks good now (I think it looks fine, btw) have you considered switching up your stylers? What is it you're going for that's different than what you've got now? Bounce, shine, less frizz, etc...? If what you're using now isn't giving you results you want, why not change? It's hard to advise you on what to try differently without knowing what results you're looking for though.

I've never had anything but a standard haircut so I can't give you too much advice on dry cuts or anything like that.

If you have split ends, even a simple trim would help with that.

Houseofcurls · 12-30-2012, 03:54 PM

Thanks for the response. I have medium texture, not coarse, not fine. It's totally in the middle. The protein thing is by trial. I've tried a few protein treatments and my hair freaks out and feels like straw. So I thought that meant it was not a fan?
I guess I'm not sure if it looks good. I don't know if other people would look at it and think, "why would she leave the house like that?!"
OD I need layers? Would I benefit with more?
I want more volume and bounce.
I feel like compared to what I have used, I love the products, not in love with Shampoos or conditioners. I tried the Giovanni's root 66 shampoo and it was really stripping, but it really made me have volume, and I loved that!
I'm trying to grow my hair out to mid back. Is 2c right?

asianrunner · 01-01-2013, 11:28 AM

Layers would definitely help. I always ask to get my hair cut dry because it looks very different wet vs dry in terms of how it lays and waves.

Just because your hair doesn't like PTs doesn't mean it won't like protein. Also, your hair may not like certain kinds of protein. People generally tolerate keratin and silk protein better than others. My hair is medium texture and loves keratin in rinse out conditioners.

You could also try protein in gels, curl enhancers, shampoos or conditioners, but not all at once!

Houseofcurls · 01-01-2013, 01:36 PM

Thanks runner, that was excellent advice. I will try a keratin protein treatment. I did eggs and coconut, separately, but my hair loves the coconut SM smoothie, so I always wondered. I noticed my hair did better when using that as opposed to the KCCC, so maybe if I add in one more protein like in a conditioner, it would be good? Interesting thoughts, thanks for taking the time to reply!

lcl0706 · 01-02-2013, 02:22 PM

PTs can be overload for medium texture but I agree with the idea to try them in products, one by one. I find I get more volume from mousse & spray gel than heavier oil rich products, but I have fine thin hair too. Never hurts to try a variety of things though! I think your hair is pretty & yes I think 2c is right :-)