This was a comment from splitchiq but I’m addressing it here:
i have been growing my hair naturally for about a year now. i took my braids out and i have about an inch of split ends
bad splits at the nape and one side of my head. i am going to get it trimmed today. i had less damage when i had a relaxer and wore braids. my hair isnt as strong as i thought. i dont want to wear my real hair for another year. any suggestions?
I’m not much of a braid wearer, but I do know a few things about wearing braids.
First of all, what was your routine while wearing braids?I know a lot of people think you can just be carefree when wearing braids and that is true to an extent. However, it many ways the hair needs to be treated just the same as if you didn’t have braids.
Daily moisturizing is very important even if your hair is braided up. Get a good moisturizing spray to use on your braids everyday or twice a day if necessary.
Also, synthetic hair can be very drying to some people’s hair.
You still need to deep condition while you hair is in braids. Yes you can DC in braids! This may not be a must, but for as long as braids are usually kept in the hair, to go that long without a good DC is unthinkable for me. Washing regularly is also important.
Taking your braids down carefully and gently is also important. Take section by section, use a wide toothed comb, and you may want to even use conditioner.
I would wrap your hair up with a satin/silk scarf at night and not let your hair rub against cotton sheets.
Let me know if this helped at all, if you are doing all this and still having problems, let me know and maybe we can brainstorm some alternatives.
Comment from Banita:
My name is Banita and I am new to the blog. I have been transitioning now for about 14 months, and it has been hard. I have 4b hair to the utmost, because when I wash my hair it is extremely knotty, not curly, is dry, and somewhat brittle. I never knew why my hair was so brittle all of the time and why I was having so much trouble with my scalp until I went to a dermatologists a few weeks ago. He stated that I had dissecting folliculitis, which is kind of a form of alopecia, where the hair follicles, or scalp has been scarred, with the hair possibly not coming back. I can not use relaxers or press my hair because it will damage my scalp even further, so I am now forced to wear a wig, which I hate, but I know that it could be much worse. I would love to be able to get to the point where I can wear my hair in twists and twist outs, but I don’t think that with the texture of my hair that I can do it. Do you think that it is possible to do these types of styles with really, really kinky hair? It seems like most of the people that I see who wears these types of styles tends to have somewhat soft, curlier type hair.
Banita, I’m so sorry about your scalp condition. However, it absolutely, 100 percent possible for 4b hair to wear twists and twist outs. It may not look like 3b/3c hair in twists, but it’s still beautiful. Even people who are classified as the same hair type may have different looking twists and twistouts. The diversity is one of the things that makes our hair so wonderufl!!
Here are several links that will show you pictures of some lovely ladies sporting 4b (or 4a/4b) twists and twist outs.
Nappturology 101 has some amazing styles with twists and braids. Check them out below. She also has a forum just for Cnaps ( 4b) that you might want to check out for more ideas.
Here are some of my favorite fotkis of 4b ladies who do beautiful twists and twist outs:
I know there are probably a lot more, but this is just to give you an idea. Please let me know if this answers your question!
To all of the readers, if you have questions or comments, please email me at kcurly@newlynatural.com and I will do my best to answer them!
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Longtime lurker checking in….luv luv luv your blog!
I too was diagnosed with a scarring alopecia a year ago. The condition of my hair then was similar to Banita’s. After seeking the care of two dermatogolists, the prognosis was grim and left me depressed.
You have to be proactive. Research natural products and ingredients for strength and moisture, create you own regimen, be mindful of your diet, water intake and exercise. Know what products, styling habits etc trigger your condition. Adopt a lifetime routine. Invest in a shower filter!
My hair is 300% improved! The strands are strong and it’s growing. There are places on my scalp that will never grow and i accept that as part of my condition. But i can rock twists, braid-outs and fros!
I know this is long but i wanted to send out some encourage Banita that there is hope for your hair.
Angie, thanks so much for chiming in!! I am so glad you’re giving such good advice and that your hair is flourishing despite your diagnosis. I know you’ve encouraged not only Banita, but also other ladies out there with the same problem.
I am a 4b and i LIVE by twists and twist outs. It is possible and it does look nice on use. My fotki username is mpchica02 if you wanna see my photos.
Stay positive and just remember that it takes time to figure out what works best for ur hair
Thanks Michaelle, adding you to the list!
Edit: couldn’t find you on fotki, so I can’t link to your URL
oops it spr06diva, wrong username
Ok I fixed it and your hair is to DIE for!!
Hey Kcurly,
I love your hair, you look adorable. I have grown my hair out for a year now and it is completely natural . I was thinking about a hairstyle that doesn’t involve heat. When I saw your hair I knew I found what I was looking for. I didn’t want to add any extension to my hair. What products should I use to maintain this style?