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Rebeccalaurenxx
March 13th, 2015, 11:56 PM
I have to ask. What am i?! I don't know my thickness or anything anymore. I always thought I was 2b but I think I might be wrong after looking at older photos!
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/Photo%20on%203-13-15%20at%205.46%20PM%202_zpsna1mnstt.jpg
Hair without being combed or brushed.
http://s98.photobucket.com/user/rray13/media/Photo%20on%203-13-15%20at%205.47%20PM_zpsjdxm8nyl.jpg.html
Then after being finger combed.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/tumblr_nl6ri5Gpj41qbp72yo1_540_zpstaismugs.jpg
This is how it looks after being left alone and let to completely air dry.
Now my curls dont really change as i gain length either, this is a really really old photo from when I grew from CBL to APL back in 2013.
http://s98.photobucket.com/user/rray13/media/111214-173350.jpg.html?o=74
But it was very very dry and damaged so I can imagine that with better care and frequent trims, the curls could be a lot more moisturized and defined.
Here is another old photo, from when I had blonde hair, that really shows my curls well.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/Photoon7-17-14at739PM2_zpsb628e729.jpg


I always thought I was a 2b at most, but I really think my hair has potential for greater things. What do you guys think? 2b or something else?
I tried figuring it out on my own but I just cant.

What kind of things can I do to help these curls both look better and form better?
Im still to this day trying to find products my hair likes. It hates coconut oil WITH A PASSION, I think my hair may be protein sensitive so I am going to be cutting those things out more. It doesn't like jojoba oil either and i thought it would be ok bc my hair is fine so I cant use heavier oils but, it loves silicones and hates SLS.
Picky picky mop. Im co-washing but since I am not getting those silicones my hair is just not so happy. I need a lot of moisture, a lot. Any suggestions other than SMT?

animetor7
March 14th, 2015, 02:08 AM
It looks 2b-2c to me, and I definitely would recommend SMTs. But I would also suggest using a moisturizing, but cone-free, conditioner on the ends and perhaps using a bit of shampoo on the scalp. I like organix, which isn't completely cone-free, but good enough that I don't usually need to clarify any more than usual, I can just wash as usual with my shampoo bars. Also, perhaps argan oil? A lot of curlies and wavies find success with it.

MINAKO
March 14th, 2015, 03:22 AM
You cant look at older photos to type your hair. Current state is what it is. I would agree with the suggestion of 2b with a bit of 2c in there. The waves are sort of plenty and close to one another, but also not very deep and look a little stretched out. Im sure you could encourage a lot more wurlyness in you hair with the right routine if thats what you are going for.

jackie_brown
March 14th, 2015, 03:24 AM
HI Rebecca! :)
I think you're a 2B and potentially a 2C.
Because your hair is damaged, its cuticles are open so it's not able to retain moisture by itself.

To help your hair recovering health you can try:
- the LOC method (http://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com%2Fsh owthread.php%3Ft%3D118167&ei=NvoDVZf6EMfaU_iygng&usg=AFQjCNHEBEWHtW3pYoYzjDJz-T6dHdpeJQ&sig2=FtoLuWuygKLhAlYWFmZNnw&bvm=bv.88198703,d.d24) to try to seal moisture into the hair shaft
- lots of moisturizing treatments such as the SMT (http://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com%2Fsh owthread.php%3Ft%3D128&ei=d_oDVb2nLoKxUfHfgJgH&usg=AFQjCNEMy3OrdtFNw7hLVkwyMGrIzNFlzg&sig2=UD4mdbf-ZEl77UbYG5CNYg&bvm=bv.88198703,d.d24)
- here you can find the general thread about DT (Deep Treatments) (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=127171&highlight=deep+treatment)

I think your hair has high porosity (because of the damage), you should use products advised for this tipology (e.g. you can read this: http://www.curlynikki.com/2014/03/how-to-condition-high-porosity-natural.html).

I wish you an happy staying on this fabulous board! :blossom:

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 14th, 2015, 12:16 PM
HI Rebecca! :)
I think you're a 2B and potentially a 2C.
Because your hair is damaged, its cuticles are open so it's not able to retain moisture by itself.

To help your hair recovering health you can try:
- the LOC method (http://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCIQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com%2Fsh owthread.php%3Ft%3D118167&ei=NvoDVZf6EMfaU_iygng&usg=AFQjCNHEBEWHtW3pYoYzjDJz-T6dHdpeJQ&sig2=FtoLuWuygKLhAlYWFmZNnw&bvm=bv.88198703,d.d24) to try to seal moisture into the hair shaft
- lots of moisturizing treatments such as the SMT (http://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fforums.longhaircommunity.com%2Fsh owthread.php%3Ft%3D128&ei=d_oDVb2nLoKxUfHfgJgH&usg=AFQjCNEMy3OrdtFNw7hLVkwyMGrIzNFlzg&sig2=UD4mdbf-ZEl77UbYG5CNYg&bvm=bv.88198703,d.d24)
- here you can find the general thread about DT (Deep Treatments) (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=127171&highlight=deep+treatment)

I think your hair has high porosity (because of the damage), you should use products advised for this tipology (e.g. you can read this: http://www.curlynikki.com/2014/03/how-to-condition-high-porosity-natural.html).

I wish you an happy staying on this fabulous board! :blossom:

Oh no my hair is no longer damaged. It was back in 2013 when i first grew to APL but i chopped it all off at the end of the year to pixie and then again in 2014 to get rid of the rest of the bleach and now i am back at CBL and aiming for apl again :-) but thank you i will totally look at those posts you gave anyway.

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 14th, 2015, 12:26 PM
It looks 2b-2c to me, and I definitely would recommend SMTs. But I would also suggest using a moisturizing, but cone-free, conditioner on the ends and perhaps using a bit of shampoo on the scalp. I like organix, which isn't completely cone-free, but good enough that I don't usually need to clarify any more than usual, I can just wash as usual with my shampoo bars. Also, perhaps argan oil? A lot of curlies and wavies find success with it.

My biggest problem with SMT is honey, Im vegan and I don't want to lighten my hair either, and for some reason I can't find any aloe and I hate hate hate ordering things online. So I haven't been able to try SMT or find alternatives. Nope to the Argan oil too, hair hates that a lot. Hair hates most oils. It was fine with them like, 3-4 years ago but after cutting all the damage and bleach out it hates them now, its very strange. My hair also use to love co-washing with the cone-free stuff but it seems to hate that stuff too now. I am going to assume its because of protein sensitivity, however I wont know til I cut it all out. But yeah, I can't do the no-cones anymore sadly. That is just how my hair is :(

Remi
March 14th, 2015, 01:29 PM
That last photo looks like it shows more wave. I think maybe you have a combo of 2b & 2c.

Arctic
March 14th, 2015, 02:35 PM
My biggest problem with SMT is honey, Im vegan and I don't want to lighten my hair either, and for some reason I can't find any aloe and I hate hate hate ordering things online. So I haven't been able to try SMT or find alternatives. Nope to the Argan oil too, hair hates that a lot. Hair hates most oils. It was fine with them like, 3-4 years ago but after cutting all the damage and bleach out it hates them now, its very strange. My hair also use to love co-washing with the cone-free stuff but it seems to hate that stuff too now. I am going to assume its because of protein sensitivity, however I wont know til I cut it all out. But yeah, I can't do the no-cones anymore sadly. That is just how my hair is :(


You can replace honey with any kind of sugar (solutions), any kind of syrup, molasses ... options are almost endless. They all act like humectants (moisturize) just like honey does, but ofcourse they don't have other benefits of honey (antibacterial, etc).

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 14th, 2015, 03:08 PM
You can replace honey with any kind of sugar (solutions), any kind of syrup, molasses ... options are almost endless. They all act like humectants (moisturize) just like honey does, but ofcourse they don't have other benefits of honey (antibacterial, etc).

I think I saw someone say here once they used pancake syrup? OR something of the like. The idea of putting something that sticky in my hair. Sounds scary to me. XD so I don't know, but I still cant find aloe. However the LOC post that was shown to me like the girl above, sounds a lot more promising and less likely to cause me issues so I plan to try that and see what it does with my curls. I hope I am a 2c to be frank. I love curls. I use to hate them as a teenager but I grew to love them after being here for 4 years. (Yikes, I can't believe its been THAT long.)

jeanniet
March 14th, 2015, 03:27 PM
I'd say 2b. Maybe a touch of 2c, but mostly 2b. Because you're F and i/ii, your hair can't take much, so go easy on products--avoid butters and heavier things like that. Wavies (2s) usually have to find that line between too much and too little, in order to enhance the wave pattern but not flatten it out. Sometimes the pattern will also change a bit as the hair lengthens. You can try leaving in a bit if your conditioner, but again, go lightly.

ETA: Generally F and/or damaged, porous hair does well with protein, so it's possible it may be another ingredient that's causing problems for you.

lapushka
March 14th, 2015, 03:51 PM
2b, maybe 2c, but you do need to moisturize those waves a little more, if you don't mind me saying! :)

Arctic
March 14th, 2015, 04:09 PM
I think I saw someone say here once they used pancake syrup? OR something of the like. The idea of putting something that sticky in my hair. Sounds scary to me. XD so I don't know, but I still cant find aloe. However the LOC post that was shown to me like the girl above, sounds a lot more promising and less likely to cause me issues so I plan to try that and see what it does with my curls. I hope I am a 2c to be frank. I love curls. I use to hate them as a teenager but I grew to love them after being here for 4 years. (Yikes, I can't believe its been THAT long.)

Syrups I've used are not sticky when you mix them with conditioner. I have a faint memory from years ago that aloe didn't work for my hair in conditioner, but I do add some kind sugar (often regular syrup) on my conditioner when ever I want a deep treatment,works really well! Maybe you could get regular sugar to dissolve in conditioner, or dissolve it in a tiny bit of water, then add to the conditioner, that is not sticky like syrup is (but like I said, with conditioner the syrup, either, isn't sticky, just don't put too much of it). It's still more moisturizing than without the added sugary punch, even if you don't have aloe. All the recipes in general can be modified to suit you, you don't have to use aloe.

Anyways. Good luck with the LOC method, but keep the sugar/syrup thing in your mind too, maybe it's handy some day.

PS. I love curls too :) Hope you get to be 2c!

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 14th, 2015, 08:19 PM
2b, maybe 2c, but you do need to moisturize those waves a little more, if you don't mind me saying! :)

Yes, I know I am dry! Im trying to find the perfect stuff still, my hair is so picky. For the longest time I used coconut oil and it worked REALLY well, but ever since I started going through my health issues about a year and a half ago everything just changed. Not sure why! But I want to try LOC and hopefully some SMT soon. :-)

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 14th, 2015, 08:26 PM
Syrups I've used are not sticky when you mix them with conditioner. I have a faint memory from years ago that aloe didn't work for my hair in conditioner, but I do add some kind sugar (often regular syrup) on my conditioner when ever I want a deep treatment,works really well! Maybe you could get regular sugar to dissolve in conditioner, or dissolve it in a tiny bit of water, then add to the conditioner, that is not sticky like syrup is (but like I said, with conditioner the syrup, either, isn't sticky, just don't put too much of it). It's still more moisturizing than without the added sugary punch, even if you don't have aloe. All the recipes in general can be modified to suit you, you don't have to use aloe.

Anyways. Good luck with the LOC method, but keep the sugar/syrup thing in your mind too, maybe it's handy some day.

PS. I love curls too :) Hope you get to be 2c!

Oh really? That's actually a lot better to hear. For some reason I just had this idea in my head that it would just be a sticky mess, but since I have some organic syrup laying around that nobody eats, I might as well try it. The only aloe my store has is the green kind that isnt ok on hair for SMT so I never wanted to try it but if i can do it without aloe then why not! Ill try it this week.

Hopefully the LOC method helps as well, im going to go to the store tonight, pick up a new conditioner without protein and some gel because creams are too heavy and I know some people replace the cream with gel for LOC.

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 14th, 2015, 11:11 PM
@arctic and @lapushka
So I decided to try gel, I have never used gel before beacause i was aways afraid of my hair ending up really stiff but now my hair is dried and just look at the difference....
Before: http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/Photo%20on%203-13-15%20at%205.46%20PM%202_zpsna1mnstt.jpg

Then after co-washing with a protein free and cone free conditioner, then drying using a mirco fiber towel which i also have never done, just bought one tonight, and then using the curling gel and kind of like, scrunching it in:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/tumblr_nl8lu7zz0s1qbp72yo1_1280_zpsxhxumoll.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/tumblr_nl8lu7zz0s1qbp72yo2_1280_zpsy8bngthi.jpg

Sorry for not so great photos but its late so natural light to work with. But I think there is a huge difference in my curls and the moisture now. Sooo strange. But I am starting to see a more 2b/2c now.

lapushka
March 15th, 2015, 06:22 AM
Yes, I know I am dry! Im trying to find the perfect stuff still, my hair is so picky. For the longest time I used coconut oil and it worked REALLY well, but ever since I started going through my health issues about a year and a half ago everything just changed. Not sure why! But I want to try LOC and hopefully some SMT soon. :-)

Oh I'm so sorry to hear that! I have medical issues too, that's why I double condition, do the rinse-out oil method *and* do LOC. It's a lot, I know. But I need it, my hair needs it. Maybe try some things that I do for a few weeks and see how it goes? I don't want to push you into anything, because it might not work for you, but it's out there for people to try...

lapushka
March 15th, 2015, 06:23 AM
Then after co-washing with a protein free and cone free conditioner, then drying using a mirco fiber towel which i also have never done, just bought one tonight, and then using the curling gel and kind of like, scrunching it in:
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/tumblr_nl8lu7zz0s1qbp72yo1_1280_zpsxhxumoll.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l251/rray13/tumblr_nl8lu7zz0s1qbp72yo2_1280_zpsy8bngthi.jpg

Sorry for not so great photos but its late so natural light to work with. But I think there is a huge difference in my curls and the moisture now. Sooo strange. But I am starting to see a more 2b/2c now.

That is *so* so pretty! :D What a difference!!! That is for sure 2c, if not bordering on curly! But maybe more experienced curlies might want to judge that. :)

Arctic
March 15th, 2015, 07:16 AM
Wow, great curls!!! :toast: I'm not very good on hairtyping, but looks like if not 2c then very close to!

M.McDonough
March 15th, 2015, 07:21 AM
Love your hair! I think it kinda looks 2b/2c to me ..it's also my hair type but those are waves BTW not curls!
1 straight
2 wavy
3 curly
4 kinky

How long have you been growing your hair?

-Fern
March 15th, 2015, 07:45 AM
Just wanted to give a tip on aloe--I was having trouble finding the right bottled kind of aloe gel, too. Most Hispanic grocery stores will have the big (2 foot long) fresh leaves for $1 or less, and I even spotted them at the WalMart produce section last night!

Arctic
March 15th, 2015, 07:59 AM
M.McDonough - technically you are right, ofcourse, about the hairtyping system's context, waves vs. curls are different categories. I'm sure OP knows 2b and 2c are called the wavy categories. But in casual communication context they are used interchangeably very often. In different cultures, for example, different strength of curliness in the straight-curly continuum is considered curly. In my country, if you have few waves, you are called naturally curly. :) Plus is see some spiralling action there. Plus the OP chose to use word curls, so commentors took the cue. Plus OP is trying to enchange her hair to become more curly (as in: move towards the curly side of the straight-curly continuum) and is experimenting with styling methods aimed for curlies. Plus I bet her hair becomes even more curly when she gets it more moisturized.

Sorry, I just had to comment :) I haven't yet had my first cup of coffee and am a crancky old lady :D

lapushka
March 15th, 2015, 09:11 AM
Sorry, I just had to comment :) I haven't yet had my first cup of coffee and am a crancky old lady :D

You're not cranky. You're totally right! :) And I too think it looks now like it's on the brink of being curly. I would almost venture to say 2c/3a. But I'm waiting for the true curlies to give some input. ;)

M.McDonough
March 15th, 2015, 09:55 AM
M.McDonough - technically you are right, ofcourse, about the hairtyping system's context, waves vs. curls are different categories. I'm sure OP knows 2b and 2c are called the wavy categories. But in casual communication context they are used interchangeably very often. In different cultures, for example, different strength of curliness in the straight-curly continuum is considered curly. In my country, if you have few waves, you are called naturally curly. :) Plus is see some spiralling action there. Plus the OP chose to use word curls, so commentors took the cue. Plus OP is trying to enchange her hair to become more curly (as in: move towards the curly side of the straight-curly continuum) and is experimenting with styling methods aimed for curlies. Plus I bet her hair becomes even more curly when she gets it more moisturized.

Sorry, I just had to comment :) I haven't yet had my first cup of coffee and am a crancky old lady :D

I guess you're right. My hair gets wavier after applying some moisturizer.

Arctic
March 15th, 2015, 10:01 AM
My hair gets wavier too :) It's nice to be able to manipulate the texture a bit, according to tastes and how I'd like my hair to look on certain day. Lately I've been going for the straighter look more (easy for me, canopy is quite straight naturally, waves are underside).


lapushka - Thanks :) I also have a feeling there will be even more sprirals and curls!

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 15th, 2015, 03:08 PM
Love your hair! I think it kinda looks 2b/2c to me ..it's also my hair type but those are waves BTW not curls!
1 straight
2 wavy
3 curly
4 kinky

How long have you been growing your hair?

Oh, I know I am a wavy, however usually wavies get thrown into the curly area especially when it comes to hair-care and usually follow the CG methods and usually use the same products curlier people do, since some times 2 types can turn out to be 3's when they fix their routine like I have been doing. :-)

I guess since November of last year? Im not sure. I've been here for awhile and growing on and off since then, lol. I've always been using the methods I learned here but had been cutting my hair really short because I didnt know how to handle my curls and didnt want to use heat, so I kept it pixie for a long long while then started growing out back in November and now im at CBL again want to get to APL like I did forever ago!


Just wanted to give a tip on aloe--I was having trouble finding the right bottled kind of aloe gel, too. Most Hispanic grocery stores will have the big (2 foot long) fresh leaves for $1 or less, and I even spotted them at the WalMart produce section last night!

Ill have to give that a shot too. Thanks!


My hair gets wavier too :) It's nice to be able to manipulate the texture a bit, according to tastes and how I'd like my hair to look on certain day. Lately I've been going for the straighter look more (easy for me, canopy is quite straight naturally, waves are underside).


lapushka - Thanks :) I also have a feeling there will be even more sprirals and curls!

My bangs have been the only part of my head that will NOT wave or curl! Its strange. But I have straight across bangs so it doesn't bother me too much its just something I have always noticed.

Im ready for my waves and curls to start forming even more. I definitely think with this new updated routine I can make it happen. :-)

Rebeccalaurenxx
March 15th, 2015, 03:09 PM
That is *so* so pretty! :D What a difference!!! That is for sure 2c, if not bordering on curly! But maybe more experienced curlies might want to judge that. :)


Wow, great curls!!! :toast: I'm not very good on hairtyping, but looks like if not 2c then very close to!


Im excited to hear this from the both of you!!!!! This makes me so happy XD

vpatt
May 18th, 2015, 03:18 PM
Is there a thread for wavy hair? I just wonder if I can encourage waves. I have waves on my neck and not on the hair that is on top where it shows. Maybe there is no way to encourage waves?