5 Years Natural, Still Not Past Shoulder Length

[tryingto]

is it time to realize I do not know what i'm doing, and turn myself into the hands of a professional, I have had 2 cuts, that should have been trims, i protective style 90% of the time, use no heat, attached pic is from this weekend, after being in a protective style for 6 weeks, clear damage, but from what ? the pic after that is after being in a protective style for 6 weeks as well, after a blowout in April, so anybody, some body, what the H E double L going on. I'm sorry if I uploaded too many pic's , I 'm a little challenged, lol, confession's , I do not deep condition when in a protective style, however for the past 6 week's, I have been deep conditioning with Eden body works for 30 mins, every week, protective style is in mini twist or something where my ends are not too exposed, can any of you lovely ladies help me, pretty please,

 

[crlsweetie912]

What kind of protective styles do you do? Do you use growth aids? Sometimes doing what are all the "right" thinks don't work for everyone. Some naturals use indirect heat to avoid knots and tangles. Sometimes too much manipulation can mess you up as well. I have seen a lot of people now say that they would rather leave the maintenance of their hair to a professional, rather than keep being frustrated. So they spend a lot of time to find a great stylist that can help them reach their goals.

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I can only protective style 4 to 6 weeks. My hair needs weekly washing and deep conditioning. 6 weeks is the max. No matter how much I spray, my hair would be severely dry and it would take a month to get my moisture balance back in place.

The only protective style that has worked for me is crochet braids but even then, I make sure my scalp is cleansed with ACV and water mixed, every other day and sprayed with a leave in conditioner daily.

My hair grows fast but breaks easily due to the strands curling around themselves. Keeping the hair stretched is essential for me ( Which I rarely do) I like my hair curly, So I know I must deep condition weekly to combat the single strand knots. No matter what I do other than wearing my hair straight 24 -7 , I will always have knots.

Detangle as gentle as possible. Moisturize. Establish a short term goal such as what style fits with your life style and how long it will take you to do your routine.

I would switch to a weekly routine and monitor your hair. Deep condition. Trim when needed but not over the top. Keep your hair stretched and off your shoulders so the ends dont rub,

Whatever you do, give the change at least 3 months to see if youve made a difference before you try something else.

 

[tryingto]

Are you wearing extensions regularly and do you have fine and/or low density hair? An easy way to tell is from when you get it blown out, are the strands thin or thick regardless of texture?
I think extension hair can be rough on your real hair which might be causing the ends to be damaged not to mention dried out and fragile upon removal.
Really for me the question is what is your diet like? Have you ever checked your vital blood levels at the doctor, things such as iron, vit D, etc?

my hair is fine , never thought of the extensions being rough, and my vitamin D is low, I take 1200 units a day, iron is fine, thanks for your input, really appreciate it.

 

[tryingto]

[

What kind of protective styles do you do? Do you use growth aids? Sometimes doing what are all the "right" thinks don't work for everyone. Some naturals use indirect heat to avoid knots and tangles. Sometimes too much manipulation can mess you up as well. I have seen a lot of people now say that they would rather leave the maintenance of their hair to a professional, rather than keep being frustrated. So they spend a lot of time to find a great stylist that can help them reach their goals.

I have mainly worn crochet braids, however i have abandoned them after this weekend. and I do tend to have knots especially if I try to do wash and go's, thanks for your input, no growth aids, and your right every thing not for everyone,. tks a bunch

 

[tryingto]

I can only protective style 4 to 6 weeks. My hair needs weekly washing and deep conditioning. 6 weeks is the max. No matter how much I spray, my hair would be severely dry and it would take a month to get my moisture balance back in place.

The only protective style that has worked for me is crochet braids but even then, I make sure my scalp is cleansed with ACV and water mixed, every other day and sprayed with a leave in conditioner daily.

My hair grows fast but breaks easily due to the strands curling around themselves. Keeping the hair stretched is essential for me ( Which I rarely do) I like my hair curly, So I know I must deep condition weekly to combat the single strand knots. No matter what I do other than wearing my hair straight 24 -7 , I will always have knots.

Detangle as gentle as possible. Moisturize. Establish a short term goal such as what style fits with your life style and how long it will take you to do your routine.

I would switch to a weekly routine and monitor your hair. Deep condition. Trim when needed but not over the top. Keep your hair stretched and off your shoulders so the ends dont rub,

Whatever you do, give the change at least 3 months to see if youve made a difference before you try something else.

thank you , i'm currently trying deep conditioning weekly, and protective style a week at a time, may go to biweekly, once the weather changes , tks for your input

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I can only protective style 4 to 6 weeks. My hair needs weekly washing and deep conditioning. 6 weeks is the max. No matter how much I spray, my hair would be severely dry and it would take a month to get my moisture balance back in place.

The only protective style that has worked for me is crochet braids but even then, I make sure my scalp is cleansed with ACV and water mixed, every other day and sprayed with a leave in conditioner daily.

My hair grows fast but breaks easily due to the strands curling around themselves. Keeping the hair stretched is essential for me ( Which I rarely do) I like my hair curly, So I know I must deep condition weekly to combat the single strand knots. No matter what I do other than wearing my hair straight 24 -7 , I will always have knots.

Detangle as gentle as possible. Moisturize. Establish a short term goal such as what style fits with your life style and how long it will take you to do your routine.

I would switch to a weekly routine and monitor your hair. Deep condition. Trim when needed but not over the top. Keep your hair stretched and off your shoulders so the ends dont rub,

Whatever you do, give the change at least 3 months to see if youve made a difference before you try something else.

Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!

My hair grows like a weed in crochet braids. I don't let the stylist cornrow my hair tight when I'm getting them. I have had no damage from crochet braids.

YMMV, but castor oil is like a magic growth serum for my hair. I really am astonished at it.

You seem passionate and very ready for change here. If I were you, I'd research to find a professional with a crazy rep for growing healthy hair, and I'd go there for a spell. And then I'd keep learning how to improve on growing my hair out healthy myself.

 

[tryingto]

I have a combo of fine and medium strands, I don't wear extensions for multiple reasons and that is one.
However, I was stalled at mbl for a couple of years come to find my vit d was extremely low and I needed the medicated dose for many weeks. I also at another point in the past I had low vit d and after taking it, my hair growth spurted. In my most recent instance I didn't see a spurt of growth, but I feel like my body is more balanced.

Another thing, I lived in twists until I was close to mbl for years. I say pick a natural protective style and stay consistent. That will eliminate wondering about other factors.

I currently water only wash and I love it, maybe reassess your products?

more good information, tk you, I have had the medicated dose of Vit D as well, however now over the counter seems to be fine, will recheck later this year , your input is appreciated,.

 

[tryingto]

Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!

My hair grows like a weed in crochet braids. I don't let the stylist cornrow my hair tight when I'm getting them. I have had no damage from crichet braids.

YMMV, but castor oil is like a magic growth serum for my hair. I really am astonished at it.

You seem passionate and very ready for change here. If I were you, I'd research to find a professional with a crazy rep for growing healthy hair, and I'd go there for a spell. And then I'd keep learning how to improve on growing my hair out healthy myself.

tk you for your input, my hair indeed grows like a weed in crochet's however I end up cutting all the progress away, I am hopeful with a new plan I will be able to see progress that is not on the salon floor, tks a bunch

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

tk you for your input, my hair indeed grows like a weed in crochet's however I end up cutting all the progress away, I am hopeful with a new plan I will be able to see progress that is not on the salon floor, tks a bunch

Are your ends in good shape when the crochet braids go in? Do you use an applicator bottle to get shampoo, conditioner, oil, etc. to your own hair when the crochet braids are in?

Are you saying that your hair sustains damage when cornrowed? Or, is there something the stylist is doing to your hair on takedown day?

 

[nothidden]

Protective styling isn't for everyone. I wore braids for about 3 wks last month and will never do it again. My hair felt TERRIBLE when I removed them and took a couple of weeks to recover.

Has your hair ever grown past shoulder length? Are you also taking a multi-vitamin? How's your water intake and diet, stress level? Hair needs a lot more than vitamin D. Maybe check out the bamboo tea thread (https://www.longhaircareforum.com/threads/beautifully-bamboo-tea-your-thoughts.789805/)

 

[faithVA]

Are your ends in good shape when the crochet braids go in? Do you use an applicator bottle to get shampoo, conditioner, oil, etc. to your own hair when the crochet braids are in?

Are you saying that your hair sustains damage when cornrowed? Or, is there something the stylist is doing to your hair on takedown day?

This is what I'm wondering. How are you caring for your hair while in a protective style. If you aren't giving your hair enough moisture while it's braided up you are going to see it in your ends.

Also you may want to consider not letting them trim your ends immediately upon take down. Come home for a few weeks and baby your hair and then trim.

Stylist like ends to be nice and even and hair doesn't grow like that.

 

[Dee Raven]

Well, there are a couple of things that stand out to me from your description. The first two other people have mentioned.

1) Stick to natural protective styles (WNGs count). The weight and texture of fake hair on your natural hair is not good, especially since your hair is fine. Do you like wngs, twist outs, braid outs? I find the simpler the style the better.
2) Learn how to trim your own hair. I saw in your OP that you have had two trims that turned into cuts. That shouldn't happen. If you are trying to grow your hair out, removing a stylist from the equation is the most important factor IMO. There are very few stylists who are really able to care for natural hair that I've found and heard about. Instead buy some $20 - $30 shears and trim your own hair once every 6 months or as needed.
3) Buy a length check t-shirt and begin photo documenting your growth once a month. A simple strand pull will do the trick. Once hair hits the shoulders it's harder to eyeball if your hair is growing or not. Photos will help you better determine the progress of your hair.
4) Find a simple regimen and stick to it. Growing long hair is not hard; it's actually shockingly simple (barring those with medical conditions). I feel like a lot of people go wrong by overdoing it. And in your case, this definitely sounds like the situation because in several posts you have mentioned cutting off your progress. So you don't have a hair growing problem. You have a cutting problem and what seems like an anxiousness around your hair growth. Set something simple like, weekly: shampoo, condition, detangle, natural style. as needed: deep condition, monthly: protein treatment and photo document. bi-annually: trim. And don't do anything else. Keep it simple.
5) Join the 2 inches in 4 months thread started by FaithVA. Based on average hair growth, you should retain 2 inches in 4 months. You can talk about about your progress, hear from other people in that thread and once you've gotten through a cycle start to pinpoint what's happening with your growth.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Regarding stylists:

I finally figured out that many stylists oversell their skills with natural hair.

I have found one stylist finally who is truly a professional expert with 4a, 4b, and 4c hair. She encouraged me to gain skills with my own hair, and she did not rip through my hair. She helped me analyze my regimen, and she confirmed that I was on the right path and have a healthy scalp and healthy hair.

That is a rarity at the moment. But I don't feel that if I relied on her that my hair would have any setbacks. For me, there is not a problem with seeing stylists at all but with seeing ones without sufficient expertise.

But I realize that is just my experience. I definitely advocate learning to keep one's hair healthy oneself. l'm just also okay with a visit to an actually awesome stylist occasionally or as "needed." Next week I'll receive a consultation from a Heutiful salon. The stylist has way more skills and knowledge than I do. Healthy natural hair care is her calling.

 

[tryingto]

Are your ends in good shape when the crochet braids go in? Do you use an applicator bottle to get shampoo, conditioner, oil, etc. to your own hair when the crochet braids are in?

Are you saying that your hair sustains damage when cornrowed? Or, is there something the stylist is doing to your hair on takedown day?

my ends are not always in good shape when crochet braids went in, and I shampooed, under the shower, just rinsed really well, I feel like I have done myself in, but when you know better you do better, tks again

 

[tryingto]

This is what I'm wondering. How are you caring for your hair while in a protective style. If you aren't giving your hair enough moisture while it's braided up you are going to see it in your ends.

Also you may want to consider not letting them trim your ends immediately upon take down. Come home for a few weeks and baby your hair and then trim.

Stylist like ends to be nice and even and hair doesn't grow like that.

Well, there are a couple of things that stand out to me from your description. The first two other people have mentioned.

1) Stick to natural protective styles (WNGs count). The weight and texture of fake hair on your natural hair is not good, especially since your hair is fine. Do you like wngs, twist outs, braid outs? I find the simpler the style the better.
2) Learn how to trim your own hair. I saw in your OP that you have had two trims that turned into cuts. That shouldn't happen. If you are trying to grow your hair out, removing a stylist from the equation is the most important factor IMO. There are very few stylists who are really able to care for natural hair that I've found and heard about. Instead buy some $20 - $30 shears and trim your own hair once every 6 months or as needed.
3) Buy a length check t-shirt and begin photo documenting your growth once a month. A simple strand pull will do the trick. Once hair hits the shoulders it's harder to eyeball if your hair is growing or not. Photos will help you better determine the progress of your hair.
4) Find a simple regimen and stick to it. Growing long hair is not hard; it's actually shockingly simple (barring those with medical conditions). I feel like a lot of people go wrong by overdoing it. And in your case, this definitely sounds like the situation because in several posts you have mentioned cutting off your progress. So you don't have a hair growing problem. You have a cutting problem and what seems like an anxiousness around your hair growth. Set something simple like, weekly: shampoo, condition, detangle, natural style. as needed: deep condition, monthly: protein treatment and photo document. bi-annually: trim. And don't do anything else. Keep it simple.
5) Join the 2 inches in 4 months thread started by FaithVA. Based on average hair growth, you should retain 2 inches in 4 months. You can talk about about your progress, hear from other people in that thread and once you've gotten through a cycle start to pinpoint what's happening with your growth.

good info, tks

 

[tryingto]

Protective styling isn't for everyone. I wore braids for about 3 wks last month and will never do it again. My hair felt TERRIBLE when I removed them and took a couple of weeks to recover.

Has your hair ever grown past shoulder length? Are you also taking a multi-vitamin? How's your water intake and diet, stress level? Hair needs a lot more than vitamin D. Maybe check out the bamboo tea thread (https://www.longhaircareforum.com/threads/beautifully-bamboo-tea-your-thoughts.789805/)

tk you, will do

 

[naturalmanenyc]

I feel the same way, except I haven't relaxed since 2007. My hair grows slowly and I finally realized protective styling isn't for me.
My hair is a little past APL when straight but I should have hit MBL by now.

I moisturized well during my protective styles and did protein treatments regularly as well as got a trim every 8 - 12 weeks. I have fine 4a, normal porosity hair and it just cannot handle any protective styles so I've finally stopped using them this year. This was after years of Kinky twists, Havana twists and crochet braids as well as other styles. I eat well (green smoothies regularly for the last year), I eat limited fast food, I exercise and I drink water daily (almost exclusively).

My BFF has been natural less than 2 years and has a full head of thick natural curls. She has always had long hair that grows fast. She's been BSL and MBL since elementary school and her bob always grew out too fast to maintain the style for lengthy periods.

My hair reached BSL when I was relaxed.

 

[tryingto]

I feel the same way, except I haven't relaxed since 2007. My hair grows slowly and I finally realized protective styling isn't for me.
My hair is a little past APL when straight but I should have hit MBL by now.

I moisturized well during my protective styles and did protein treatments regularly as well as got a trim every 8 - 12 weeks. I have fine 4a, normal porosity hair and it just cannot handle any protective styles so I've finally stopped using them this year.

View attachment 369839

this is me thank you

 

[sj10460]

How's your water intake? You might want to revamp your entire regimen from the inside out. You should drink at least half your body weight daily. It can be a challenge so work your way up from 8 cups. It helps to drink a cup on the hour. Make sure you take vitamins. My hair grows fastest and I retain more hair when I am properly nourished which includes eating a healthy balance diet, I found a plant based diet works best for me.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.

I think braids are a great protective style however, you must know how to properly care for your hair before and after install. Wash & Gos don't work for everyone so I'm not going to recommend that. Protein treatments help tremendously too. Honestly, you're going to have to trail and error a few things to see what works best for your hair but these simple changes should produce positive results for you. Good luck.

Oh, when I have box braids, I co-washed my hair and seat in the steam room of my gym and have a lil steam treatment, sometimes I add oils. It really helps open the cuticles and allows the oils to penetrate the scalp.

 

[tryingto]

How's your water intake? You might want to revamp your entire regimen from the inside out. You should drink at least half your body weight daily. It can be a challenge so work your way up from 8 cups. It helps to drink a cup on the hour. Make sure you take vitamins. My hair grows fastest and I retain more hair when I am properly nourished which includes eating a healthy balance diet, I found a plant based diet works best for me.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize.

I think braids are a great protective style however, you must know how to properly care for your hair before and after install. Wash & Gos don't work for everyone so I'm not going to recommend that. Protein treatments help tremendously too. Honestly, you're going to have to trail and error a few things to see what works best for your hair but these simple changes should produce positive results for you. Good luck.

Oh, when I have box braids, I co-washed my hair and seat in the steam room of my gym and have a lil steam treatment, sometimes I add oils. It really helps open the cuticles and allows the oils to penetrate the scalp.

My water intake is good, could diffidently add more, you ladies have all given me some good advice, growing forward is promising, tk's a bunch

 

[Bette Davis Eyes]

I feel the same way, except I haven't relaxed since 2007. My hair grows slowly and I finally realized protective styling isn't for me.
My hair is a little past APL when straight but I should have hit MBL by now.

I moisturized well during my protective styles and did protein treatments regularly as well as got a trim every 8 - 12 weeks. I have fine 4a, normal porosity hair and it just cannot handle any protective styles so I've finally stopped using them this year. This was after years of Kinky twists, Havana twists and crochet braids as well as other styles. I eat well (green smoothies regularly for the last year), I eat limited fast food, I exercise and I drink water daily (almost exclusively).

My BFF has been natural less than 2 years and has a full head of thick natural curls. She has always had long hair that grows fast. She's been BSL and MBL since elementary school and her bob always grew out too fast to maintain the style for lengthy periods.

My hair reached BSL when I was relaxed.

View attachment 369839

Same.

 

[FoxxyLocs]

I never allow a stylist to trim blow dried hair. I think you get a much better picture of how much damage you have if you flat iron first. The last time I went to the salon, she blow dried my hair and told me I needed a major cut. It looked really thin at the ends and uneven. But once she flat ironed it, it wasn't even that bad.

If I'm trimming myself, it doesn't have to be straight, but with the way stylists are trained to cut, I wouldn't let them trim my hair natural or blow dried.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I feel the same way, except I haven't relaxed since 2007. My hair grows slowly and I finally realized protective styling isn't for me.
My hair is a little past APL when straight but I should have hit MBL by now.

I moisturized well during my protective styles and did protein treatments regularly as well as got a trim every 8 - 12 weeks. I have fine 4a, normal porosity hair and it just cannot handle any protective styles so I've finally stopped using them this year. This was after years of Kinky twists, Havana twists and crochet braids as well as other styles. I eat well (green smoothies regularly for the last year), I eat limited fast food, I exercise and I drink water daily (almost exclusively).

My BFF has been natural less than 2 years and has a full head of thick natural curls. She has always had long hair that grows fast. She's been BSL and MBL since elementary school and her bob always grew out too fast to maintain the style for lengthy periods.

My hair reached BSL when I was relaxed.

View attachment 369839

This did my soul good.

 

[naturalmanenyc]

@tryingto
I rarely wear my hair straight and only get blowouts for trims 4 times per year.
I am actually okay without being at MBL (after years of wanting to be MBL) since my hair can still look pretty full at APL.

 

[happycakes]

Don't give up.

First get yourself a length goal shirt. Then wear protective styles, safely detangle (with a mixture of vinegar, aloe juice and water) and wash your hair, find a non happy scissors stylist to trim your ends every 3 months, take a good hair vitamin and watch it grow.

The less manipulation, the more length you'll retain. That's the sacrifice for length I tell you.

I've been wearing a wig (which I made myself, thank you very much) for 2 years. I'm mid-back length now and will be at waist length by next March.

People haven't seen my hair in years, except for the Mr. They'll be surprised when they do.

 

[Evolving78]

How is your hair being detangled?

 

[MzSwift]

Well, there are a couple of things that stand out to me from your description. The first two other people have mentioned...

Excellent advice!! ITA!

To @tryingto :



It's totally possible for you! I've never had hair longer than 3-4" since I was a child until I started my healthy hair journey. I lurked in long hair threads to see what those ladies were doing - I wanted to learn from those who had what I wanted. The common trend I saw was to keep it simple, low manipulation and maintain my protein/moisture balance. I have fine stands (4b) and extremely low vitamin D as well. it's more about technique than products.

PSing is key to retention- you just have to find the right PS for you.

From 2010-2013, I alternated, 3 weeks at a time, between mini braids and wigs. I found that mini twists caused my ends to knot severely.

In wigs, I finger detangled and cornrow braided my hair on Saturday, washed and DC (light protein and moisture) on Sunday in those cornrows and then water rinse or cowash daily. I kept those same cornrows in until I redid them the next Saturday, one by one. I also kept my hair covered when I was home to prevent HIH and friction. I rarely used heat and rarely used a comb. Fine strands need low manipulation.

In mini braids, I just cowash or water rinse daily and do my weekly wash and DC (protein and moisture). I also covered those when I was home.

In essence, I kept my hair stretched in some form of braids 95% of the time and rarely messed with it. M&Sing my hair at night helped to keep it moisturized in conjunction with the cowash/water in the morning shower.

You can look at my album (I think) and see that I retained a lot using that low manipulation regi. I went from shaved head to APL in a short time. You can do it! Take Raven's advice: stop the cuts and track your progress using a shirt.

Regarding trims, I only believe in dusting and I did it once or twice per year. These days, I only dust once per year.

Here's my progress, if you're interested. BTW, I'm closing in on 40 so youth definitely did not play a factor in my progress. Lol.

June 2009

April 2011 (using my makeshift length check shirt)

April 2013

 

[Subscribe]

Hi!
A Lot of good advice listed here. I wouldn't get a trim every there months tho. Take pics every 3 months to see your progress.

 

[sikora]

my hair is fine , never thought of the extensions being rough, and my vitamin D is low, I take 1200 units a day, iron is fine, thanks for your input, really appreciate it.

Your iron might be fine, but what is your ferritin level? I was in your shoes last June (5 yrs natural with horrible progress) and did a hair analysis with Komaza.

Like you, my iron level is great, but my ferritin is in the toilet (mine was 10 in March) therefore my hair was barely growing. To put things in perspective, the minimum ferritin level for hair growth is 70 while the ideal minimum is 90.