Sigh...today was not a good day. Actually, the past couple of weeks have not been so great on the hair front. Today took the cake.
I'll spare you the details, but lets just say my hair was so tangled that I dried loose under the dryer because detangling was out of the question on wet hair. After I dried, I was able to detangle somewhat. But it took me 1.5 hours to detangle my hair and I'm only into week 13 post relaxer. Obsurd!
Here's what I lost. If you can see there are alot of breakage strands and single strand knot strands. Nevertheless, I had to keep detangling.
My hair looks fine, but that was waaay too much. It scared me. I'm only 13 weeks post and I have a problem. BCing is not an option for me so in order to keep my length I have to nip this in the bud. Normally, this excessive shedding is my signal that I'm done stretching. This can happen anywhere between 10-14 weeks post. My hair is giving me "relax me" signals and apparently didn't get the memo that I want to transition.
So basically I'm leaning towards relaxing my hair and I know I need a trim so I feel like I'm floating back towards my stylists chair. That disappoints me because if my hair gets messed up again, I have no one to blame but myself.
Right now, I'm somewhat torn and I want to share that with you. I could say to push through the shedding, it'll calm down. I could also say to find new techniques to get rid of shed hair and detangle. But at this point, I've worked too hard on my hair to want to entertain breakage.
Understand, you will ALWAYS get my true feelings and thoughts. Whether it be about products, opinions, techniques, etc. This hair journey can be an doosie and no one can pretend they were always 100% certain about everything. "I keeps it REAL!" HAHAHA (sad inside)
So transition 2010 is up in the air. I'm going to revert back to researching and evaluating what I want from my hair and what I'm willing to do for it. Please share your thoughts as always!
L8rs
8 comments:
Eryn, I'd hate to see you give up so soon on the transition. I know you didn't make that decision lightly, so I think you may regret it a little if you don't keep going. Like you said, this is normally when you throw in the towel when you stretch, so I think this will be the most difficult part for you. If you make it through this "akward" phase, you may find the transition process a little easier. What techniques have you used for detangling? Maybe you need more conditioner or to switch your products and/or combinations. Good luck, and I know we'll hear what you decide and what regi changes you'll make.
I understand exactly how you feel Eryn, but I don't think you should throw in the towel just yet. Transitioning is almost like starting your hj all over again because you have to learn new techniques and find new product combinations to get the job done. And just like when you first started, there will be some growing pains--in the form of increased shedding and knots. They come with the territory, but once you get your technique and products together, you'll be able to manage so much better. Working in sections might help you out. It is time consuming, but should help you lose less hair. Keep us posted!
Hey, Eryn. I feel your pain. I've been here before. I would hate to see you go back when I know that you are/were so excited about transitioning. Sometimes plans change. If not now , then maybe later.We've encountered several board members who try unsuccessfully and then at another point and time give up relaxing for good. Do you apply your dc to your NG like a relaxer? For me when I was doing my super stretches applying more dc to NG and being gentler with my NG was the key. Yes, I had tangles every now and then especially if I did a low manipulation style where there was shedding that hadn't been combed out yet. I hope you find the solution to your hair issue.
BTW, your hair is looking good, even though your going through some thangs in your hhj, I am still soooo jealous, right now. Can I have your bad hair days???
I am right with you Eryn!! I experienced the same this during my last wash. I know that it is time for the Carmel treatment again which really has helped me. I can't remember if you mentioned that you have tried it or not. If you have not, please try it before you make a final decision to throw in the towel. Your hair has grown so much and looks really great too!
Ladies, thanks for the encouragement and accountability.
LaQT - I haven't found a cheap enough DC to use to start applying to my new growth, but I see now is the time to start doing that.
LaToya - You are definitely right, it is definitely like starting all over again.
Keisha - I have been detangling as usual but the problem I think was that it needs to be done more often.
ITA with the other ladies. Detangling in sections is a must. A good cheap deep conditioner is a perk as well. You may also need to detangle twice a week instead of weekly. It does take a lot more time the more new growth you have. I am not a transitioner but as you already know; I am a long term stretcher. Good luck and we support you with whatever decision you make.
Annitra01
Dont give up just yet! Transitioning is hard but I agree with LuLu that detangling 2x weekly will help and washing in sections. I am 21 weeks post and that is what I have been doing since week 12 and I have not had any issues. I must admit I did get a sew-in last night to give me a break from messing with my hair. This journey is hard but you just have to decide if this is what you want at this point. I have already made up my mind that relaxing is not an option for me because I am sick of that whole process so I am determined to see this transition through to Oct 2010 (my 1 year transition anniversary and possible BC month). Best of luck to you!
Hang in there.. It will test you and make you wonder if this is worth it but I know you know it is. A good detangler is Salon Exclusives I love it it's a spray along with their conditioner that I use as a leave in seems like the comb glides right thru it..
Good Luck
Post a Comment
Share your thoughts!