4b/ 4c Naturals Growth Thread

[SAPNK]

Hello everyone!

I want to create a new thread for 4b/4c naturals to share your regimens, goals, and setbacks.

Thread Goals:

• Find shorter detangling/ washing routines
• Discuss hair successes
• Discuss hair issues
• Share regimens, techniques, and products
• Support one another in our journey to grow long hair
• I think one big goal is to find a regimen that is simple and less time consuming, so other new 4b/c naturals can have the blueprint to (nearly) "effortless" hair that still retains length. I think we mostly know what works for us but now we can refine these techniques and make them easier to do
• (Try to figure out the difference between 4b and 4c hair, and if we really need both. This one isn't that important, lol.)

We can start by describing our hair and how it behaves, discussing what issues we want to overcome, and what goals we want to reach. Pictures are always welcome!

***The only rule of this thread is if someone says they are 4c or 4b, then that is what they are. If you don't agree and you think it would be helpful for them to know what you think about their hair, then message them.***

I really hope everyone joins in!

 

[Dee-Licious]

I'm a 4C. Letting my hair shrink is the devil. I have to keep it stretched in some kind of way to maintain the health of my hair.

I did much better while relaxed of moisturizing and sealing and all of that. Back when I was in college I did great. With working I don't make the time for the daily and mid-week upkeep that I know I need to do.

 

[SAPNK]

I'll start.

My hair:
I consider my hair to be 4c. My hair is mostly 7-8 inches long. It barely reaches 9 in some places. It is bleached and colored in some spots (I was messing around with it one day). It shrinks quite a bit. I don't have much of a curl pattern. Sometimes, when it's wet, some hairs will do a little curl at the end. I've tried adding different products and shingling which kinda does something, but the pics always look like nothing's going on, and there's always residue. I might need to stop trying to do that.

Porosity:
I have no idea what my porosity is. I never thought it was important. Maybe I'll do the test but I always thought that if its dry then moisturize if not then don't, lol.

Goals:
I honestly want to reach tailbone length. I want to to it for me, but I also think that the more of us that reach great lengths, the easier we make it for others to get there. So I feel like I have to do this.

Issues:
SSKs
Length retention
Protective styling is something I'm just beginning to get the hang of
I get curl envy bad, haha. I'm learning to get over it, but sometimes...
Consistency is not my strong suit

I can't give a regimen. I'm working on it.

The first two pics are of my wet hair. The last is with ecostyler in it.

You can format your intro however you like. You don't have to say everything I did.

 

[SAPNK]

I'm a 4C. Letting my hair shrink is the devil. I have to keep it stretched in some kind of way to maintain the health of my hair.

I did much better while relaxed of moisturizing and sealing and all of that. Back when I was in college I did great. With working I don't make the time for the daily and mid-week upkeep that I know I need to do.

I feel the same way about the time. Doing twists with Marley hair has worked for me. I'm trying to get to a point where I have more styling options.

 

[snoop]

I feel the same way about the time. Doing twists with Marley hair has worked for me. I'm trying to get to a point where I have more styling options.

It never comes. I wore my hair out for 2 days this week. That was a day and a half too many. Now I have to deal with the knotted ends.

Those fly styles are a trap. A TRAP!

(Will be back later with my deets.)

 

[SAPNK]

It never comes. I wore my hair out for 2 days this week. That was a day and a half too many. Now I have to deal with the knotted ends.

Those fly styles are a trap. A TRAP!

(Will be back later with my deets.)

Wow! I wonder if one day is our ideal limit, especially when it's humid or wet out. Maybe more if it's cold and dry.

If I try to go for three days with a twist out, I know I screwed up.

Was it a twist out you had? Do you think Braid outs last longer? I'll test it out someday, lol. I'm going out to eat tonight so I'm taking my plaits out, but I need to know what I'm going to do immediately afterwards because if I leave it out, it wont end well for me.

 

[faithVA]

Cool. Thanks for the thread. I will be back a little later.

 

[Dee-Licious]

Twistouts/bantuouts/braidouts all must be on stretched hair for me not to get tangles and knots galore. My hair is just sooooo tightly coiled.

 

[Prettymetty]

Just stopping by to say hi. I'll be back with more info when I have more time.

 

[steph0105]

Hello! I have 4b/4c hair and I'm brazing arm pit length. I have been natural for 4 years and I do struggle with length retention. My plans for this year is to do more protective styles. I am off to a great start!

Regimen: Wash every 1-2 weeks; I deep condition after every wash; I usually rock a low bun and moisturize my hair every 2-3 days

Goals: I would love to get to bra strap length by next year.

Current Favs: SM Moisture retention shampoo/ SM JBCO leave in/ SM JBCO smoothie/ SM manuka honey/ Oyin Juices & Berries/... I love Shea Moisture and I'm heartbroken over the ad controversy...

Happy Healthy Hair Journey ladies!!!

 

[SAPNK]

Hello! I have 4b/4c hair and I'm brazing arm pit length. I have been natural for 4 years and I do struggle with length retention. My plans for this year is to do more protective styles. I am off to a great start!

Regimen: Wash every 1-2 weeks; I deep condition after every wash; I usually rock a low bun and moisturize my hair every 2-3 days

Goals: I would love to get to bra strap length by next year.

Current Favs: SM Moisture retention shampoo/ SM JBCO leave in/ SM JBCO smoothie/ SM manuka honey/ Oyin Juices & Berries/... I love Shea Moisture and I'm heartbroken over the ad controversy...

Happy Healthy Hair Journey ladies!!!

I'm happy your doing well with protective styling. It can be so much more difficult when your hair needs to be stretched the way ours does. I was doing good until now. Did marley twists all semester. I can't put them back in now because I'm straightening soon and it would be a waist of time. So idk, lol.

Woah, you do love Shea Moisture. I wonder if we can find something else that works. I like carols daughter but it's expensive so I only have the black vanilla hair smoothie.

 

[SAPNK]

For some reason, I can't really tell whether a product works in my hair or not. Like when ladies say, "I just love ______ because it does _____for me!" I don't really feel that way about anything. Except maybe shea butter. It just makes it so smooth and buttery, lol. But anything else and I don't know, I guess they work, but I don't see the difference between any of them.

 

[Cattypus1]

Hi ladies. I think I'm mostly 4b with some 4a &4c spots mixed in. My hair is fine so even though it is coily up close step back and it looks like a muddy red-brown cotton ball because there is no clumping action. Every single hair wants to curl on its own I did a Chi Enviro in September and my texture changed up a notch. My hair seemed like mostly 4a with 3c and 4b mixed in. I think the change was permanent even though it was supposed to be temporary. The "new" growth is back to the original texture but since the change is not drastic I don't have the transitioning issues like going from relaxed to natural. I do have a problem with styling. WNGs are not my friend but they are still a work in progress. Most of my success has been with Twistouts. I'm 2-3 inches from APL. My goal is MBL long enough to make a real bun and short enough to dry before the day ends. Here's a pic of my wet hair:

 

[Cattypus1]

One more thing, the Chi Enviro got me over the hump because I was still too short to have many styling options, my shrinkage was driving me crazy, I was missing the ease of relaxed hair and I was frustrated. I'm in a much better place now. 4 years post relaxer, 3 years post BC.

 

[SAPNK]

Have henna in my hair now. Not sure what short term protective style to do until I straighten in a week. My length limits me.

 

[Ipanema]

My hair is 4b, and I really, really like having long hair. I've decided to grow my hair to waist-length and beyond.

Right now, it is bra-strap length in the back, and past armpit length on the sides. The rest is just layers above that. My goals is to retain all of my length. I'm always checking shed pieces of hair to make sure they have a bulb on the end. My hair has grown a lot already. I did a good trim at the beginning of the year, and cut bangs in the front. I cut them to my eyelids then, and now they are to my chin.

I used to think I had a terminal length, but then realized that I was destroying my hair with my combing method. I don't use combs or brushes now. I'm keeping all of my hair.

 

[yaya24]

4b/c here. The lower back of my hair is 4a though.

I've learned to leave my hair stretched and minimize manipulation. The only sucky part about that, is that my scalp really thrives with frequent moisture.

That's my major problem. Finding the balance.

Looking back, my hair grew/ retained the best when I wore mini twists and rinsed them 2xs a week in the shower.

Problem is, wetting mini twists as a style frequently = fuzzy old looking twists which is not a look I go for.

My solution - Wigs.

Wigs wigs wigs until I reach my goal.

I do wear my hair "out" at least 1x a month (usually a flat twists out) then its back to PS.

 

[GGsKin]

Low- normal porosity, 4c/b (maybe with a little 4a in the back). I have majority fine strands with some thicker ones in the back. I'm a slow grower, with most growth/ retention seen in the warmer months. My longest layers are APL last time I checked. These damn layers. When I get enough length all around I may just cut to enjoy some thick blunt ends.

Ever since discovering MHM in 2014, I wear my hair in wng/ wash and style 100%. I finger comb/ detangle 99.9% of the time. I comb my hair every few months to really remove sheds and make sure my strands don't lock. No/low heat.

I henna. Clay is amongst the goodies and a staple in my regimen. I DC regularly with (protein and/ or moisture) as needed. I also keep up with regular dustings. I try to stay away from glycerin in a leave-in (=frizzy, shrunken, dry hair).
I have used protective styling; wigs, various extensions, but I prefer to see my hair nowadays, and wear it free. Currently, I get my wash days in where I can- on average once a week. I'd love to return to frequent wetting/ washing (only because I feel like my hair grows faster) but the longer my hair gets, the more I dislike having wet hair. I don't mind a bit of DIY.

Because I love pics, I've added; 1) wet hair pic, 2) old wng/ wash n style, 3)shampooed dry product-free, 4) recent wng- wet roots/ dry length.

 

[Cattypus1]

@AbsyBlvd you reminded me of MHM. I'm going to have to revisit it now that my hair is longer and see if that ups my WNG game. Thanks for the reminder.

 

[GGsKin]

@AbsyBlvd you reminded me of MHM. I'm going to have to revisit it now that my hair is longer and see if that ups my WNG game. Thanks for the reminder.

You're welcome @Cattypus1. Congratulations on your continued progress in the 2 inches in 4 months thread. Length is wasting no time creeping up on you.

 

[SAPNK]

My hair is 4b, and I really, really like having long hair. I've decided to grow my hair to waist-length and beyond.

Right now, it is bra-strap length in the back, and past armpit length on the sides. The rest is just layers above that. My goals is to retain all of my length. I'm always checking shed pieces of hair to make sure they have a bulb on the end. My hair has grown a lot already. I did a good trim at the beginning of the year, and cut bangs in the front. I cut them to my eyelids then, and now they are to my chin.

I used to think I had a terminal length, but then realized that I was destroying my hair with my combing method. I don't use combs or brushes now. I'm keeping all of my hair.

Wow, congrats on your progress. I think my hair only started growing again after I finally got a trim. I was so mad she cut off so much but then my hair grew a little past what she'd cut. If only I listened to all the people saying, TRIM TRIM TRIM, lol.

What's your styling regimen?

 

[Ipanema]

@AbsyBlvd What's MHM?

Wow, congrats on your progress. I think my hair only started growing again after I finally got a trim. I was so mad she cut off so much but then my hair grew a little past what she'd cut. If only I listened to all the people saying, TRIM TRIM TRIM, lol.

What's your styling regimen?

Thanks. I don't trim often, though. I wanted to do one good trim to get rid of the haggard ends and then start over with my new growing method. I style my hair in two-strand twists--fat ones, mostly--the size of carrots. I keep it stretched at all times, using a blow-dryer. I put coconut oil on my hair every day. Coconut oil is so great because it's heavy. It gives my hair weight and swingyness.

I'll post my wash & detangling regimen, too.

 

[Cattypus1]

@AbsyBlvd i was checking out your pics and your hair really looks like mine. My wet coils look looser because of the Chi but I'll bet without the Chi my hair would look like yours. I love your coils. I'm keeping my eye on you, I'll bet I can learn something. What styler do you use?

 

[Cattypus1]

@Ipanema There are a couple of sites out there that describe the process and there are a few threads where people describe the changes they have tried and what works for them and what doesn't but here's the site:

http://www.msdeekay.com/the-maximum-hydration-method/the-maximum-hydration-method-regimen/

 

[faithVA]

I'm 4B, low porosity natural and a slow grower. I have major issues with my ends splitting which I'm still trying to figure out. My hair is also graying in a pattern which I hate so I use semi-permanent color to help me keep my sanity. But since my hair is extremely low porosity, semi-permanent doesn't bind well to my hair so it only last 2 to 4 weeks. So I'm trying to figure out a regimen which allows me to keep some color in my hair but also keep some moisture in my hair as well. I haven't figured it out yet.

Not a lot works for my hair. I have been on this board for a while and I have tried a lot of the suggestions the ladies have shared. Even doing what other low porosity ladies do doesn't help much.

I'm really just trying to get to a length where I can bun or put my hair up in some style other than flat twist. I'm hoping that is APL but I don't know when I will get there.

I finally have found products which work for my hair. I use the TGIN line and am trying out the Mane Choice line which so far seems to work. I like to mudwash but it strips all the color from my hair so I don't do that as often as I like.

I don't think my hair grows much during the winter months. I think my main growth is from April through October. I'm not sure if it is the amount of sun or the heat or what. My growth from December to April was negligible even with supplements, eating right, water, etc. However, last April through August I had some noticeable growth.

I'm getting close to being over my hair. I just keep it in flat twist. I moisturize every 4 to 5 days and wash every two weeks. I have just accepted my fate that I will be in flat twist for a while.

Yeah I'm feeling a bit funky about my hair today

I'm glad to have this thread though.

 

[Ipanema]

Hmm, I just looked at that website, and there's no way I'm doing MHM! That's too much work and mixing products and whatnot for me. If anything, I believe in dehydration and not moisturizing too much. I did come across this photo on that site, and then looked them up on youtube. It looks so fake to me in the videos, but they say it's real. I want the length of the girl holding the cup.

 

[SAPNK]

I'm 4B, low porosity natural and a slow grower. I have major issues with my ends splitting which I'm still trying to figure out. My hair is also graying in a pattern which I hate so I use semi-permanent color to help me keep my sanity. But since my hair is extremely low porosity, semi-permanent doesn't bind well to my hair so it only last 2 to 4 weeks. So I'm trying to figure out a regimen which allows me to keep some color in my hair but also keep some moisture in my hair as well. I haven't figured it out yet.

Not a lot works for my hair. I have been on this board for a while and I have tried a lot of the suggestions the ladies have shared. Even doing what other low porosity ladies do doesn't help much.

I'm really just trying to get to a length where I can bun or put my hair up in some style other than flat twist. I'm hoping that is APL but I don't know when I will get there.

I finally have found products which work for my hair. I use the TGIN line and am trying out the Mane Choice line which so far seems to work. I like to mudwash but it strips all the color from my hair so I don't do that as often as I like.

I don't think my hair grows much during the winter months. I think my main growth is from April through October. I'm not sure if it is the amount of sun or the heat or what. My growth from December to April was negligible even with supplements, eating right, water, etc. However, last April through August I had some noticeable growth.

I'm getting close to being over my hair. I just keep it in flat twist. I moisturize every 4 to 5 days and wash every two weeks. I have just accepted my fate that I will be in flat twist for a while.

Yeah I'm feeling a bit funky about my hair today

I'm glad to have this thread though.

I understand how you feel. I can't even imagine going back to relaxers so I definitely feel stuck, because there's no magical potion that will make my hair manageable and retain length. I don't know why but the "natural hair community" doesn't make me feel good to be a natural. I disliked my hair less before I really delved into the movement. But that's not there job, it's mine, so I need to stop being negative and be positive like you always are @faithVA .

I wanted us to be able to support each other, because although we all still have very different heads of hair, we share some very common traits and hair issues that it's good to just be able to relate on, even if nothing changes, lol.

Have you tried long term protective styling? Just to help you get to a length where you have more short term protective styling options.
That's what I'm trying to do now. I've found many long haired 4b/4C naturals (some on this site) who give me hope, but does anyone else feel like we're unicorns among natural haired women. I know it's not true; I was told that most black women have 4b/4c hair, so I'm confused as to why I'm not really seeing that many of us (unless I'm specific in my searches). Anyway, if we grow our hair long and strong, I think we can encourage more women who want to go natural, but have 4b/c phobia.

 

[SAPNK]

Hmm, I just looked at that website, and there's no way I'm doing MHM! That's too much work and mixing products and whatnot for me. If anything, I believe in dehydration and not moisturizing too much. I did come across this photo on that site, and then looked them up on youtube. It looks so fake to me in the videos, but they say it's real. I want the length of the girl holding the cup.

It's real. I think Cipriana (the one with the bun) did a video unraveling her loose two-strand twists. She pretty much wears it in those twists all the time, so that's probably why it's so long. I wonder if it's like having dreads but not permanent, hence the length retention.

 

[faithVA]

I understand how you feel. I can't even imagine going back to relaxers so I definitely feel stuck, because there's no magical potion that will make my hair manageable and retain length. I don't know why but the "natural hair community" doesn't make me feel good to be a natural. I disliked my hair less before I really delved into the movement. But that's not there job, it's mine, so I need to stop being negative and be positive like you always are @faithVA .

I wanted us to be able to support each other, because although we all still have very different heads of hair, we share some very common traits and hair issues that it's good to just be able to relate on, even if nothing changes, lol.

Have you tried long term protective styling? Just to help you get to a length where you have more short term protective styling options.
That's what I'm trying to do now. I've found many long haired 4b/4C naturals (some on this site) who give me hope, but does anyone else feel like we're unicorns among natural haired women. I know it's not true; I was told that most black women have 4b/4c hair, so I'm confused as to why I'm not really seeing that many of us (unless I'm specific in my searches). Anyway, if we grow our hair long and strong, I think we can encourage more women who want to go natural, but have 4b/c phobia.

Yeah, the thought of putting extensions of any type in my hair make me break out into a sweat Somewhere in my late 40s putting anything on my head just made me hot. I can barely sleep in a bonnet. I'm just going to have to tough it out. My whining will pass soon enough.

I don't know if most black women are 4b/4c. IRL I meet a lot of 4As, 3Cs. But maybe many of the 4Bs and 4Cs are relaxed and either haven't gone natural or have returned to relaxers.

 

[SAPNK]

I don't know if most black women are 4b/4c. IRL I meet a lot of 4As, 3Cs. But maybe many of the 4Bs and 4Cs are relaxed and either haven't gone natural or have returned to relaxers.

That's what I think it is.