My hair-raising story (pun-intended)

Chase.love · 06-27-2012, 10:46 PM

Hey guys, I'm Alex and I'm just recently turned 18 years old. I am biracial, and growing up with biracial locks with my managable wavy haired mother and my course kinky haired father styling the nest on my head, it's no wonder I have no idea how to nicely treat my hair. I've had everything from flat afro-puffs to no hair at all (my parents could only do they're best). Even as I got older and let my hair do it's own thing naturally I found myself walking around with a frizz monster ( I should have gotten a hat that said "My eyes are down here"). In high school, I finally gave up, and out came the heavy chemicals and flat ironing torture tools that were way too hard on my delicate curls. It's been about three years and my curls still refuse to be oppressed completely. It may look healthy when it's straight, but I know it doesn't feel healthy. So I slowly trying to make my heat addiction and bring my forceful hair-splitting to an end, but it's turning out to be much harder than I thought. I need help. Someone please save my hair!

Questions:

What kind of curls do I have? It's an old picture but it's the most recent one I have of my curls.

Any tips to get it to grow longer, stronger, and healthier? I can't stand how short and weak it is. Please and thank you so much.

Rimi · 06-27-2012, 11:47 PM

Beautiful girl! And your curls truly are quite resilient because they are quite pretty ^.^

Your curls look to be 3b/3c (mostly 3c).

My first recommendation would be to put down that flat iron! Of course, some wavies/curlies/kinkies find it fun to flat iron our hair every so often (my self included!). But it's really important that you get your hair healthy before you do further damage with heat tools. Also, if you have a ton of split ends, trim them!

Second, have a look through this site and these threads...there's a wealth of information! Figure out your hair porosity, density and texture. Then you can start looking for products that will bring out the best in your hair. Below are a few threads to get you started!
Start Here!
Useful Curly Links
NaturallyCurly
Quick & Easy Hair Porosity & Density Tests
Porosity and Curly Hair
Hair Porosity and Width
The Curly Hair Oil Roundup
Acronyms/Abbreviations/Definitions!

Also, it's good to start taking hair supplements. They'll strengthen the hair and help your hair grow at a regular rate. I take Biotin, although I am about to start taking MSM or Follicure as well. All of these can be purchased at Whole Foods, the health food store, drugstore, etc.

Lastly, since you say your hair is weak i would recommend a protein treatment, followed by a deep treatment. Let me know if you would like some product recommendations of at-home recipes!

Chase.love · 06-28-2012, 08:47 AM

Thank you so much that helps a lot!

Gretchen · 06-28-2012, 11:06 AM

Welcome, Chase! Dig around the site; you'll find tons of great info!