Ok, I did the "snap" test (or is it the stretch test?)...

i'mcurly? · 06-05-2008, 05:56 PM

And it broke with almost no stretch. So now what do I do with that piece of info? I guess that means my hair needs more moisture, right? Does it also mean that my hair doesn't like protein? Newbie needs help, lol!

Just a little info (in case it matters), I co-wash with Suave naturals (strawberries and cream I think) and use Bioterra curl cream. That's pretty much it except the occasional dab of Herbal Essences Totally Twisted gel.

Christi

Riot Crrl · 06-05-2008, 06:01 PM

I think you got it right.

It does not necessarily mean protein is bad always, it is more that you're OK on it for now and it's time to work on topping off the moisture side.

SunshineGrrl · 06-05-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riot Crrl

I think you got it right.

It does not necessarily mean protein is bad always, it is more that you're OK on it for now and it's time to work on topping off the moisture side.

BTW, Biotera Curl Cream has magnesium sulfate or something similar in it. That will almost certainly dry the hair out and make it need moisture. I can use it for 1-2 days, then I have to DT and rotate to something different that will help my hair regain the moisture.

i'mcurly? · 06-05-2008, 08:02 PM

Oh, good to know about the curl cream! Thanks! I've only been CG for a few weeks, so I still don't know what the heck I'm doing and what ingredients do what to my hair. What would be good to add moisture back into my hair? Do I need to switch products, or add something to my routine? I am only a 2c, so I can't use anything too heavy or it really weighs my hair down.

Christi

SunshineGrrl · 06-05-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i'mcurly?

Oh, good to know about the curl cream! Thanks! I've only been CG for a few weeks, so I still don't know what the heck I'm doing and what ingredients do what to my hair. What would be good to add moisture back into my hair? Do I need to switch products, or add something to my routine? I am only a 2c, so I can't use anything too heavy or it really weighs my hair down.

Christi

I would get a heavier conditioner. I know it's a difficult balance between weighing down the curls and getting good moisture. I like Nature's Gate Hemp conditioner and Aubrey Organic Honeysuckle Rose conditioner. I found both at Whole Foods, but I think they're making their way slowly into WM. I saw some Aubrey Organic stuff there a while ago. Sadly, not the AOHR, but I'm sure it's on its way.

Oh, I also really like Biolage Conditioning Balm. It seems like it would be really heavy and weigh down the hair, but it really doesn't. In fact, I sometimes use it as a leave-in with no problems.

redcelticcurls · 06-05-2008, 08:43 PM

I agree with trying out more moisturizing conditioners. The one you are using for your CO wash might be enough for real conditioning, although it's great for co-washing.

kat180 · 06-06-2008, 02:59 AM

If your hair stretches out before breaking what does this mean?

Riot Crrl · 06-06-2008, 03:04 AM

How far does it stretch? On mine I'm looking for it to stretch like 20% or so, and then if I don't break it, I want it to return to something reasonably close to the previous length when I let go.

If it stretches way farther than that, or if it doesn't shrink back at all when you let go, it may need protein.

kat180 · 06-06-2008, 03:28 AM

okay thanks- I think my hair needs protein- its seems to be responding to a new protein conditioner I have just bought, although my hair is still getting over-conditioned. This hair stuff is much harder than I thought it would be!

curly52 · 06-06-2008, 03:31 PM

sorry

what is the stretch test??

i'mcurly? · 06-07-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curly52

sorry

what is the stretch test??

Basically, you take a "shed" hair (preferably wet), hold it at each end and stretch it. If it snaps right away, I *think* that means it needs more moisture. If it stretches a lot without snapping and doesn't "bounce back", I *think* that means too much protein. What you want is hair that stretches about 20% of it's length without snapping, then goes back to its original length.

I'm still a newbie, so that may not all be right, but you can do a search for snap test, there are good threads on it (which is where I read it, lol)

Christi

Riot Crrl · 06-07-2008, 03:42 PM

Quote:

If it stretches a lot without snapping and doesn't "bounce back", I *think* that means too much protein.

Correct except for that part.

If it stretches a lot and doesn't return, that's supposed to mean "Throw some protein on it, stat."

purpleplatypus · 06-07-2008, 05:21 PM

I nat to try this... but what does it mean by the hair "snapping"?

Riot Crrl · 06-07-2008, 05:34 PM

Breaking. That's one of the reasons to use shed hairs, lol.

CurlyEyes · 06-07-2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riot Crrl

Quote:

If it stretches a lot without snapping and doesn't "bounce back", I *think* that means too much protein.

Correct except for that part.

If it stretches a lot and doesn't return, that's supposed to mean "Throw some protein on it, stat."

I have the stretchiest hair ever. I thought I was protein sensitive.

Journalist · 06-07-2008, 06:00 PM

My hair is simply confusing- I tried the bulb test, but I could never pull out a hair that still had a bulb attached, or else they were really small.

It floated fine- I even tried to push it under water with my finger, but it just bobbed back up. But when I did the stretch test, It stretched about 15 percent and slowly started to come back to it's normal length. If I pulled a second time though, (or too hard) it snapped. Help!

Riot Crrl · 06-07-2008, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Journalist

My hair is simply confusing- I tried the bulb test, but I could never pull out a hair that still had a bulb attached, or else they were really small.

It floated fine- I even tried to push it under water with my finger, but it just bobbed back up. But when I did the stretch test, It stretched about 15 percent and slowly started to come back to it's normal length. If I pulled a second time though, (or too hard) it snapped. Help!

After you pulled it 15% the first time it was in a weakened state. I wouldn't pay attention to what it did the second time.

Your hair sounds probably very healthy to me. That's very close to what I use as my goal.

Journalist · 06-07-2008, 06:12 PM

Okay, thanks. There isn't any real reason for it not to be healthy- I put in highlights once, but rarely ever used a a straightener, curling iron, etc. Of course I suppose it wouldn't hurt to up some protein a teensy bit.

yukiss · 09-22-2008, 06:48 AM

the information was good... i'll try it when i take a bath tommorrow...