Hi Kcurly,

I have to start off by saying how much I love your blog. You present the info in such a clear and concise way that anyone can get it. In your Regime you say that you “Oil or moisturize my edges at least every other day and treat them gently to encourage growth/repair relaxer damage”.

Can you let me know exactly what you use because I have the same problem. I have been using castor oil recently but I find that its too thick and leaves my scalp feeling too greasy even when I use it just twice a week.

Thank you so much,
Yveline

Yveline, thanks for the email. Castor oil is quite thick and heavy. If I use an oil on my edges, I like to use a lighter oil such as grapeseed oil or coconut oil.

You may also find that your favorite moisturizer is sufficient in keeping your edges healthy. As for what I use on mine, it’s usually whatever I’m using at the time on the rest of my hair. That can be the aforementioned oils or my current moisturizer at the time (see Products I Love).

I would just keep experimenting to see what fulfills all your needs!

An email I received from Kindra:

Hi Mrs. .[i didnt quite get you name on the site] but my name is Kindra. Im 16 going on 17 & my hair is my life. I recently sat on my floor in front of my mirror & chopped my hair right on off because I was tired of perming my hair. This was around September of this year; but ever since then I’ve only kept my hair in Kinky Twist [weave ones]. Im not sure how to go about keeping up with my hair and helping it grow more. I didn’t wash it often, because I heard its good when your hair isn’t too clean. I havent washed it since September when I cut it off. I grease it though. It always moisturized & it doesnt smell [ amazingly] But it would be very nice and helpful if you could help me thru this (:

Hey Kindra. First off let me say congrats on your BC!

Second, let me get all over this whole dirt makes the hair grow. I used to hear this all the time growing up. I would see folks going months without washing because of this reason.

Now my hair may have some similarities to plants: it’s bushy, loves water, and requires pruning (trimming) on occasion…but one thing is does not have in common with plants is the need for dirt to grow!

I’m not an everyday washer or anything, but for me, usually, going more than 2 weeks is pushing it. When I’m working out regularly, I wash much more often than that. One’s hair washing schedule is an individual choice. Some people like to wash everyday and some every few weeks. Personally, my scalp would be on fire if I went too long.

In fact, there is strong evidence that not washing your hair can inhibit growth because of clogged follicles…you may even be setting yourself up for fungal infections.

Your hair will grow if you are healthy. There’s not much else you can do. Now, keeping the length that you grow requires that you keep your ends healthy through moisture rich routines and low manipulation.

My biggest piece of advice to you is the same that I give to most newly natural ladies: read all you can, experiment, and keep it simple. The information for your natural hair to flourish is right at your fingertips. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for on my blog, check out my blog roll for some other helpful sites.

An excerpt of an email from Denise:
Hello Kcurly!

Have been enjoying your site for almost a year. Thanks!!!

I’ve a couple of questions…

can you speak to the dangers of hair accessories. which are safe? how can the consumer use them wisely? ( head bands in particular)

I have crazy thin temples…I’m thinking that my use of headbands are the culbrit? should I use more oil in these spots…like coconut oil or something?

Denise, thanks so much for the email and I apologize for me taking so long to get back to you.

Headbands can be the culprit of thinning edges and nape. The traction of a tightly applied headband and the fabric of the headband itself are both a danger.  I know newly natural ladies rely heavily on headbands…Goodness knows I did, but caution must be taken.

• Satin or silk headbands are the best  choices for headbands if possible.
• When using the Goody ouchless headbands, make sure to soak them an oil or conditioner before putting them on your head. Also stretch them out before you use them. I wrap them around my bedpost tightly for a few days before I use them.
• Apply extra oil or moisturizer to your edges and nape before putting on the headband or scarf does help. These also need to not be too tight.
• Take a break from them. Try other styles that you’d feel more comfortable wearing without a headband