I'm new and my hair needs help!

spiritualflow · 07-02-2012, 09:46 AM

Hey everybody,

So I have something between 3a-b at its best, but 90% of the time my hair is just a poof ball. In the last 3 years the worst that I've done to my hair is using a flat iron maybe once a month or so, and I've only had this iron for about a year and a half now. I've never coloured my hair. I tried some home straight perms but they never worked, and that was about 4 years ago. So my hair shouldn't be damaged but it seems like it is! I think my main issue is that I tend to never cut my hair... I trimmed it a week ago but that was probably the first time in over a year! I also have never done any styling things, or leave in conditioners/masks/oil treatments. I'm mixed and have crazy poofy curly hair when nothing is in it, but it becomes alot more tame when I use moose. I use Tresemme, and have used their shampoo/conditioner for a few years now. Well actually now I've just started using LiveClean Exotic Nectar Aargan Oil shampoo and conditioner for a week, and I love it so far.

I've never been told anything about my hair, and I live in a low income family, so even if I was my mom probably wouldn't have bought the suggested stuff. I'm 20 now and making my own money this summer and wanna invest in some damn good hair! So litterally, any kind of a tip would be great. I don't even know how to sleep with my hair lol. Yea, so any tips, even if you feel it is common knowledge, it's probably not to me!!

My main question at this moment... I have alot of breakage, so I want that to stop. How? And also, I love leaving my hair down, but is there other stuff I can put in my hair other than moose? Is there a way I can treat my hair well enough that one day I can just leave it down without it being a poofball?! Lol. I will attach pictures. And ignore the funny faces xD

I'm new and my hair needs help!-dscf05692.jpg

This was a 2nd day hair picture, with yesterday's moose still in it, probably the best 2nd day hair I've ever had.

I'm new and my hair needs help!-dscf03262.jpg

After a shower

I'm new and my hair needs help!-dscf04852.jpg

After a swimming + shower

I'm new and my hair needs help!-p180312_11.22.jpg

The most recent picture I have, 2nd day hair

I'm new and my hair needs help!-p7250139.jpg

At camp 2 years ago, after A shower... maybe 2nd day... I just realized how much my hair has grown lol.

mhen76 · 07-02-2012, 06:55 PM

Welcome, spiritualflow! Your curls look great - even with the "poof." Products that will work for your hair don't have to be pricey. Many of us have had great results with drug store brands - most of us shy away from products with sulfates and silicones. Suave Natural and Tresemme Naturals conditioners are very popular on these boards.

I have had the same issues with the frizz/poofiness that you describe. Do you know what your hair properties are? By that, I mean texture, porosity and density. I can tell you what works for me but if your properties are different, you may not get the same results.

My hair is very fine, on the low side for porosity and normal density. Some of the tips that work for me include:

I need to do regular protein treatments - I love IAgirl's recipe on these boards. It really helps strengthen my hair.

I apply my gel while my hair is still very wet and only style with my finger, never a comb or brush!

I can't touch my hair while it's drying! If I need to dry my hair faster than air drying, I'll use a diffuser on my blow dryer and keep it on low so my curls don't get blown around.

I can never comb or brush my hair when it's dry.

I sleep with my hair in a pineapple (very high ponytail on the top of my head) and use a satin pillowcase.

I need to get my hair trimmed about every 10 weeks.

You'll find tons of other tips and help on these boards! Keep reading and experimenting. It will all come together for you!

Gretchen · 07-03-2012, 07:21 AM

Welcome, SpiritualFlow. We're glad you've joined the curlyworld!

Great tips, mhen!

spiritualflow · 07-10-2012, 08:57 PM

Thank you so much for replying! To be honest I have no idea how to describe texture, porosity or density... is there a link I can figure all that stuff out at?

I've never done any kind of hair treatment or mask, I just read about stuff on avocado and coconut milk, and might try something like that. I will definitely look into lAgirl though

I usually just brush my hair in the shower, and then apply moose to wet hair. I don't like gel because it doesn't keep my hair smooth and flexible. I do sometimes brush in the moose upside down, after I've done all I can with applying it evenly, but I'm not the best at that so I basically brush it to even it out. I then flip my hair back and style with my hands.

I NEVER brush my hair when it's dry, just no. Unless I want to straighten it... sometimes I do, but seriously like 2 times a year maybe.

I have learned to not touch my hair when it is drying, it is SO hard though. I usually leave my house with it partially wet. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it makes it worse :/ I've almost never used a blow dryer, maybe once when my friend try to blow dry my hair straight then use a real iron on it. ahaha... I said once for a reason.

I have seen people talk about satin pillowcases. At the moment I think mine are all cotton, but I should look into this

Oddly enough, I get the best 2nd day hair when I sleep with it down, but with no pressure on it and straight up... I'm not sure of a better way to describe this. Like I'll lie on my back and then my hair will be straight up... like a troll doll lol. Or I lie on my stomach and then my hair just rests on my back. As soon as I put my hair in a hairband it screws it up... do you think a scrunchie would help that?

I trimmed my hair like.. 2 weeks ago.. and probably A YEAR before that, so I am now into a routine of 8 week trims until most of the damage is out.

Thanks for the tips, I will try some experimenting as wel

mhen76 · 07-11-2012, 05:34 AM

Here are some links that will help you figure out your hair properties:
NaturallyCurly
Live Curly Live Free - Curly Hair Basics
It sounds like you're off to a great start! Many curlies sleep with their hair spread out like you describe. Also, many curlies use mousse instead of gels. If it works for you, do it. Keep up the good work!