Allow me to create an analogy…
The hair strand is like a piece of string, I am sure I have said that before too, but stay with me. The whole point of everything you do daily or weekly is to keep that piece of string intact so that the growth you are experiencing will show in length retention.
1. The string needs moisture so that it can remain elastic, the more elastic it is the less like likely it will break. Have you ever seen a string old and dry, and if you pull it, it just breaks in half, that’s your hair strand without moisture.
Note that this is very different from over elastic hair that is a result of too much conditioning. Do not condition your hair to the point of it feeling like mush because if it’s too elastic that will cause breakage too.
2. The string needs protein because as it rubs on stuff little fibers break off and it gets thinner and thinner causing splits and breakage. Protein fills in the gaps strengthening areas where the little fibers of the string are missing so it looks like new again!
3. The string needs you to leave it alone, because it can only take so much more pulling tugging, twisting and smoothing, that’s why we encourage protective styling. Take a soft brush, similar to the one a little baby uses and put a piece of string on a flat surface, now use it to brush the string in one direction over and over again. Even though you are using a soft brush, you will notice that the string starts to degenerate eventually from the excessive manipulation.
Whenever you do anything to your hair strand think about it like that, it has no life, it cannot regenerate itself. Girls, let me break it down like this, your hair is ALWAYS growing, did I say that in the first paragraph? Yes as a matter of fact I did and but I want so much to drive home that point!
Hair care is simply a series of manipulative processes that maintain something that cannot maintain itself. This is very different from growth; growth is the process of cell generation that pushes this lifeless thing we love so much out through our scalp.
Make sense? Let me know below!
I think doing what is best for your hair is best. I have been natural for 1yr 8 months. I found that twist outs work best for my fine hair it prevents it from getting knots.
AWESOME ADVICE! THANK U SO MUCH
I get so shear happy. Thin uneven ends is my weakness. going to try and reduce trimming to once pr yr. getting no where w/length bc, I keep chopping it off.
I had my barber clip my ends in September between 1 st and 5th. And then again on my birthday which is in March. That’s it. Iif i see knots i clip those too.
I do the majority of this stuff sadly, but my hair is still growing healthy.
it ok =) it very nice by the way …very creative =)
Karamel Edwards checkout her blog. Gave me great advice! I’ll post pictures of what I use, where I was and where I am now.
Thank you so much for this incredible article!
Thank you!!!!
Good info.. this statement could have been number 6 “Note that this is very different from over elastic hair that is a result of too much conditioning. Do not condition your hair to the point of it feeling like mush because if it’s too elastic that will cause breakage too. – See more at: https://blackhairinformation.com/by-type/natural-hair/5-mistakes-costing-naturals-length/4/#sthash.LkZtwIQ7.dpuf ” A lot of women still don’t understand about over conditioning and how it too can cause breakage.
I probably need to see a dermatologist, BUT I’m already having another part of body checked via the gynaecologist and now the gastroenterologist; so I can’t take anymore specialists right now. The thousands of dollars are starting to add up and if I didn’t pray on a regular basis, I would’ve broken down already. It also helps that I have at least two family members there for support as well.
At the moment, whenever my scalp flakes I return to Remedi’s medicated shampoo and Hollywood Beauty medicated hair grease to eliminate the little buggers. And when my hair starts to look a bit ratty, I condition it with beer and give it a trim. Although it may be the painkillers I’m downing that frigging with my hair and scalp, and chances are when my gynaecological issues get sorted out so would the health of my scalp and hair. But I can’t concentrate on them now.
I wash and rinse my hair with black green tea only. I jave also been advised to wash my hair w black tea also. This is for shedding hair.
Natural for 10 years. It takes much patience thru trial and error.
These totally apply to us relaxed girls too. Even the uncontrolled shrinkage where new growth is concerned. Great post Emily.
Abbi of BelowtheWaist
WOOW!”Jolie”!!!
can i apply protein and conditioner at the same time
Nice article! Very interesting. Your post caught my attention. I had a great time reading your this. Keep posting!
Great post! Embracing my shrinkage is a big no no for me not because I am ashamed of my kinky textured hair but because my hair would be a tangled mess. I also try not manipulate my hair too much, protective styles are my best friend. Finger detangling works very well for me, I can’t remember the last time I used a comb.
Its hrad for me not to use my comb. I keep my hair in boxbraids (my own hair) during the winter. I wrap my hair with a headwrap to protect it. I wash ny hair while its braided. I take out one braid at a time to tighten it again untill the summer time.
Love article ehich i could read more on this topic.
Thanks for this article, i wish it was longer.