Hair Care for Type 4A Hair

[Prim13]

Hello. Currently, my hair is relaxed, very dry, and about 5 inches at its longest area on my head. I am in the military and I really cannot go natural with my hair type at this time, because I cannot wear the Army's beret with natural hair--unless I wear it short, which I do not want to do. I want my hair to grow long and healthy with a relaxer at this time--at least for the next 2 years. I was wondering if anybody out there could give me some good advice on good relaxers to use, good hair care regimens, and the best products to use. I have been debating should I cut it short and start at about 3 inches, or condition the heck out of what I have got and grow it from its current length with regular trims until it's totally healthy.

Has anyone heard of Phytospedific Relaxer Systems?

PLEASE SEND ADVICE.

 

[dreemssold]

I wish I could help, but I think so many things are trial and error. You will get good advice here, though, and that will help you to create a good regimen for you. If you put phytorelaxer in search, you will find good information. I have been giving it serious consideration myself based on Sherrylove's lovely results

. Ok, on to the help I can offer, lol--I was thinking while reading that maybe part of the reason you hair is dry is because of your Army beret. I know that the material can be drying, so even once you perfect a regimen and begin to retain moisture to help rid you of the dryness problem, the beret will continue to suck it dry. Therefore, I think you should consider sewing some silk or satin into the berets...if that's allowed. I'm not sure if it's against regulation, but if not, I think that would help tremendously. With regard to your length, I wouldn't cut it unless it's beyond repair. Nothing you wrote leads me to think that, so unless you have severe damage or splits, I think you should just try to revitalize what you have and go from there. HTH

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[ClassicChic]

Everything is trial and error. Try Mizani and Keracare products. That is what I use and and keeps my hair totally healthy. I personnally prefer Mizani products overall. I uses extra virgin olive oil also. I have not tried the Phyto Relaxer but I plan to the next time I relax. Read through some of the previous posts. There are great ideas here.

 

[26INCHHAIR]

I always use extra virgen olive oil, and conditioner washes, air dried in a bun, also i was my hair every week with a pre-shampoo treatment of hot oil and i leave my hair in bantu knots or other protective styles like a bun, i have 3C and 4A hair and it is relaxed also. I get dark and lovely lye relaxers and my hair has grown about 6 inches since last august. The most important thing that helped me achieve my goal was NO HEAT!!!!

 

[Neen]

Well I am a 4a/b but what has worked for so many other 4's has not worked for me. i have very thin, dry hair and products that never seem to do me wrong are:
Affirm 5-in-1 cond.- strengthens
Nexxus Humectress- Best moisturizer I have ever used. I use it as a leave-in cond.
CON- Good shampoo, moistrizing.
Elasta Shampoo for Relaxed Hair- pretty good also.
Elasta QP relaxer for sensitive scalp- worked very well but my hairdresser did an excellent job applying it (which seems more important than the relaxer itself). She said I should look into the mizani relaxers though because she thinks it would work even better on my hair.
Finally, invest in a good ceramic iron if you use heat- one of the best purchases I ever made

So many other things, like Keracare, Profective, Dudley's, etc.. did not do a thing for me. But, like was said before, it's all about trial an error.

 

[Isis]

Welcome Prim13!

You came to the right place - you'll find lots of great info here!

 

[MissB]

Prim13,

Welcome to LHCF. The Keracare line works well on my 4A relaxed hair. I also like Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo and the Elasta QP Shampoo for Relaxed Hair. You may want to invest in a heat cap or dryer for deep conditioning. Good luck on your healthy hair journey!

 

[LEOLADYSW]

I love the Mizani products and Mizani relaxers.

 

[Prim13]

Thank you for your warm welcome!

 

[ichephren]

Just here to say welcome

Have you searched the archives for threads on regimens? Also look at the features of the month for regimen advice.

 

[Queenie]

I would say to stay away from mineral oil and petroleum in products. Also to moisturize your hair daily. Be careful with heat and be gentle when you comb it. I brush mine in the shower under the running water with a denman brush. Use shampoos that are gentle and moisturizing. I like Nacidit Olive oil and Ion moisturizing.