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View Full Version : Yuko Japanese straightening transition / texture mix/frizz /APL-MBL (LOTS OF PICS)



alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 10:45 AM
Hi Everyone!!!!

My hair is between APL and BSL and has been 'long' for around 5 years, even reaching MBL at one point. I have multi-texture hair that is extremely frizzy- it's straight ish with a lot of frizz around the back and very wavy around the front, and a bit curly in the underneath layers (very odd and something you can't find many pics of on google so makes me think this is quite unusual?). Throughout my teens I would do anything to get my hair straight and did a lot of damage with straighteners and resorted to Japanese straightening (Yuko) around 6 years ago. This was the instant results:

https://s25.postimg.org/auzul7l0v/Screen_Shot_2017-05-14_at_17.28.43.png (https://postimg.org/image/3rrz5lfl7/)image url upload (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)

Here are various pics that show my hair Yuko'd and how it would allow my hair to grow:
https://s25.postimg.org/uyjgx9d0v/IMG_5695.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/52zqe2b6z/)forum image hosting (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)
https://s25.postimg.org/d9rq5n19r/Screen_Shot_2017-05-14_at_17.25.16.png (https://postimg.org/image/h6521mm97/)upload pictures (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)

I've had it done around 4 times since (so every 15 months ish) and whilst it is fantastic for manageability and has allowed my hair to grow to arm pit length, I have terrible split ends and as my hair isn't thick, it looks lifeless. I'm also getting tired of the dead-straight look because it looks a bit rubbish on thin hair! I'm also hoping to buy a house this year so figured I could do with saving the money and seeing if I can FINALLY learn to manage (and maybe even like?!?!) my natural unruly mop.

I last got it Yuko'd in April 2016 so its been exactly a year. I've had 3 or 4 trims in between and now have regrowth of around 5 inches. I cut 2 inches cut off as the ends were quite bad, this is it straight after (blow dried straight):
https://s25.postimg.org/yz4cl8j3j/a22.png (https://postimg.org/image/caf5lo1pn/)screen shot on windows (https://postimage.io/app.php)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)

This is it air-dried a few days ago (back and front):
https://s25.postimg.org/cyo04m0fj/Screen_Shot_2017-05-10_at_19.23.19.png (https://postimg.org/image/hkk4cylyj/)image sharing (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)
https://s25.postimg.org/tpqzxvvov/a23.png (https://postimg.org/image/sngtfccvf/)hosting image (https://postimage.io/)certificity.com (https://certificity.com)

Have a number of questions for people to answer if any are relevant to you:

- Has anyone here grown out Yuko or has it done and maintains it? Would love to hear other people's experiences.
- Has anyone here had a good experience with a keratin treatment or is the general consensus to stay away from chemical treatments?
- Any good experiences with encouraging waves/curls in straight areas of multi texture hair?
- Any thoughts on multi texture hair in general; is this due to damage? I think its always been like this since I was younger. Bottom layer don't frizz but the top layers are straighter and a frizzy mess.
- Does anyone here hate their natural hair? I have NEVER worn my natural hair down outside. Whats the point if I don't even like it? It may be the case that I grow it out for 2 years then get Yuko again and at least I will have grown it and got 1-2 less treatments than I would have done otherwise. I feel so unattractive with such a frizzy hairline.

MoonRabbit
May 14th, 2017, 10:53 AM
I used to hate my natural texture until I learned how to properly take care of it. I always tried to make it straight, which will make wavy hair frizz like mad. Now that I found a routine that works for me, my only frizz is regrowth. Some of my hair waves more than others, some curls more than waves. I like to do damp braids, or scrunch my hair after a shower (no gel or anything just with leave in and the excess water) then I plop for 20 minutes and waves look much more defined.

Aredhel
May 14th, 2017, 11:02 AM
I'm also getting tired of the dead-straight look because it looks a bit rubbish on thin hair! I'm also hoping to buy a house this year so figured I could do with saving the money and seeing if I can FINALLY learn to manage (and maybe even like?!?!) my natural unruly mop.
Going to have to respectfully disagree with that. There are plenty of members here with dead-straight thin hair (myself included) that looks absolutely beautiful, not rubbish at all. :)


Have a number of questions for people to answer if any are relevant to you:

- Has anyone here grown out Yuko or has it done and maintains it? Would love to hear other people's experiences.
- Has anyone here had a good experience with a keratin treatment or is the general consensus to stay away from chemical treatments?
- Any good experiences with encouraging waves/curls in straight areas of multi texture hair?
- Any thoughts on multi texture hair in general; is this due to damage? I think its always been like this since I was younger. Bottom layer don't frizz but the top layers are straighter and a frizzy mess.
- Does anyone here hate their natural hair? I have NEVER worn my natural hair down outside. Whats the point if I don't even like it? It may be the case that I grow it out for 2 years then get Yuko again and at least I will have grown it and got 1-2 less treatments than I would have done otherwise. I feel so unattractive with such a frizzy hairline.
Personally I can't answer any of your questions about chemical treatments since I've never done any myself, and I'll let the curlies/wavies of this forum help you with your waves, but multi-textured hair is quite normal, especially in wavies. You can definitely have textured hair due to damage though.

In regards to the frizz, you could probably benefit from an anti-frizz serum if you're not already using one... my sister is super frizzy/wavy and they work really well in her hair. She also likes sleeping with her hair braided to minimize pillow frizz, and I think she only really ever finger combs her hair and always lets it air dry, only. Also, for what it's worth, from what I can see of your natural waves, I think they're really nice. It's hard to tell which parts of your hair are naturally straight though because of the yuko.

diewassermelone
May 14th, 2017, 11:07 AM
My hair tends to form perfect ringlet curls underneath and looser curls and frizz on the top, so it sounds like it's similar to yours. I found that minimizing brushing and using a t shirt or scarf to dry my hair helped with the frizz. To help with the curls and generally frizziness, I co-wash, then add some more conditioner to the length while my hair is still sopping wet, maybe starting midway down and just let that stay in. Plopping also really helps define the curls and cut back on poofiness.
I'm not sure how much that will help for the hair that's been chemically straightened though. :/

akurah
May 14th, 2017, 11:09 AM
Yuko hair straightening uses a perm salt:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_thioglycolate

YMMV, but you can potentially expect any bad results (if there are any, there are not always) to basically be the same as complaints commonly shared regarding perms and relaxers:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+damaging+is+ammonia+thioglycolate+to+ hair

It will damage your hair. However, that does not mean the damage makes the Yuko incompatible with growing hair, especially if they take care not to overlap the area that needs to be treated with the area already treated, and that the amount of damage done is acceptable to you.

alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 11:12 AM
I used to hate my natural texture until I learned how to properly take care of it. I always tried to make it straight, which will make wavy hair frizz like mad. Now that I found a routine that works for me, my only frizz is regrowth. Some of my hair waves more than others, some curls more than waves. I like to do damp braids, or scrunch my hair after a shower (no gel or anything just with leave in and the excess water) then I plop for 20 minutes and waves look much more defined.

Thats good to hear! I hope I can properly take care of it and be happy with my natural hair. This re-growth phase is hard though and it going to be a marathon!

When you damp braid it - do you do more than one braid? How many usually? Also what is 'plop for 20 minutes'?!?! That's a phrase I've never come across in relation to hair!
Thanks x

sumidha
May 14th, 2017, 11:12 AM
Wow, those are definitely some wurls, possibly curls growing in, very pretty! If I was you I'd start with googling the curly girl method and reading up on it, it covers things like how to define without frizz and encourage even curls pretty extensively. Things are obviously going to be weird while you're growing out the straight hair, but I think the natural texture will be really pretty once you've figured out how to work with it. Good luck growing out. :)

alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 11:20 AM
Sorry, I hope I didn't offend you with my poor wording choice. I've paid over £1000 to achieve dead straight hair so I clearly love the look! I really wish it grew that way, but it doesn't unfortunately.

What I meant to say was that I'm getting bored of the 'fakeness' of my dead straight hair and I'm scared Yuko isn't sustainable over the long-term. It also does make my hair look thinner compared to when its natural and I don't like that, but I also love the manageability so it becomes a balancing act. I wish when i was younger I didn't cave and get Yuko without really trying to understand my hair.

Thanks for the compliment. I really like how the right-hand side of my hair waves but the rest of it isn't like that haha, quite annoying! I'm hoping with some love and learning I can improve it. I'll try some different serums. I've invested in a silk pillowcase so hopefully that helps too.
Thanks x

alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 11:22 AM
Going to have to respectfully disagree with that. There are plenty of members here with dead-straight thin hair (myself included) that looks absolutely beautiful, not rubbish at all. :)


Personally I can't answer any of your questions about chemical treatments since I've never done any myself, and I'll let the curlies/wavies of this forum help you with your waves, but multi-textured hair is quite normal, especially in wavies. You can definitely have textured hair due to damage though.

In regards to the frizz, you could probably benefit from an anti-frizz serum if you're not already using one... my sister is super frizzy/wavy and they work really well in her hair. She also likes sleeping with her hair braided to minimize pillow frizz, and I think she only really ever finger combs her hair and always lets it air dry, only. Also, for what it's worth, from what I can see of your natural waves, I think they're really nice. It's hard to tell which parts of your hair are naturally straight though because of the yuko.

Sorry, I hope I didn't offend you with my poor wording choice. I've paid over £1000 to achieve dead straight hair so I clearly love the look! I really wish it grew that way, but it doesn't unfortunately.

What I meant to say was that I'm getting bored of the 'fakeness' of my dead straight hair and I'm scared Yuko isn't sustainable over the long-term. It also does make my hair look thinner compared to when its natural and I don't like that, but I also love the manageability so it becomes a balancing act. I wish when i was younger I didn't cave and get Yuko without really trying to understand my hair.

Thanks for the compliment. I really like how the right-hand side of my hair waves but the rest of it isn't like that haha, quite annoying! I'm hoping with some love and learning I can improve it. I'll try some different serums. I've invested in a silk pillowcase so hopefully that helps too.
Thanks x (sorry I'm new, this is for you!)

alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 11:30 AM
My hair tends to form perfect ringlet curls underneath and looser curls and frizz on the top, so it sounds like it's similar to yours. I found that minimizing brushing and using a t shirt or scarf to dry my hair helped with the frizz. To help with the curls and generally frizziness, I co-wash, then add some more conditioner to the length while my hair is still sopping wet, maybe starting midway down and just let that stay in. Plopping also really helps define the curls and cut back on poofiness.
I'm not sure how much that will help for the hair that's been chemically straightened though. :/

Your sounds so similar!!! Thanks for your advice. I've never heard of this t-shirt thing so I will try that. Is it something to do with the material of a towel? I tend to wring it a few times to stop it dripping. Can I just buy any old cheap t-shirt from H&M?

I've tried co-washing for around a week and a half now and its made my hair feel lovely and definitely given the waves more definition - however I have a dodgy scalp that is VERY susceptible to build up so I think I'm going to need to do 2 co-washes followed by 1 shampoo. Hopefully this way I can keep my scalp clean-ish whilst pumping more moisture into my hair.

I will try the leaving conditioner in on a day when I'm not leaving the house (just in case it goes wrong ha). Not sure what this 'plopping' is - would you please elaborate :)

alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 11:35 AM
Yuko hair straightening uses a perm salt:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammonium_thioglycolate

YMMV, but you can potentially expect any bad results (if there are any, there are not always) to basically be the same as complaints commonly shared regarding perms and relaxers:
https://www.google.com/search?q=how+damaging+is+ammonia+thioglycolate+to+ hair

It will damage your hair. However, that does not mean the damage makes the Yuko incompatible with growing hair, especially if they take care not to overlap the area that needs to be treated with the area already treated, and that the amount of damage done is acceptable to you.

Yuko has certainly damaged my hair but has also helped it grow as I barely use any heat at all in between and I wash it more/have a cleaner scalp . The damage is definitely similar to that of relaxers - lots of breakage and dryness.

I'll be strong and grow it out, and hopefully not ever have to resort to Yuko again. However, if I do, c'est la vie. Your right in that the pros and cons just needs to be weighed up, but in the meantime I really want to try and make my natural hair work!

alix.b789
May 14th, 2017, 11:40 AM
Wow, those are definitely some wurls, possibly curls growing in, very pretty! If I was you I'd start with googling the curly girl method and reading up on it, it covers things like how to define without frizz and encourage even curls pretty extensively. Things are obviously going to be weird while you're growing out the straight hair, but I think the natural texture will be really pretty once you've figured out how to work with it. Good luck growing out. :)

Thank you sweetie! I actually couldn't believe how I had some actual curly bits. I usually ALWAYS blow dry my hair straight during the regrowth phase (about 9 months to when I get Yuko re-done) so I forgot I had some proper wave going on. I remembered it as pure frizz, and I hated my hair so much I don't have any photos!!

This transition phase is very weird, but I just need to be positive and patient. Thanks for the luck, I'm going to need it......(!!!)

akurah
May 14th, 2017, 11:40 AM
Re: plopping

Directions:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/plopping-is-the-best-kept-secret-for-perfect-natural-curls?utm_term=.wb2ZVXQGk#.vpr2R6AbO

Use a long sleeved shirt if you are using a shirt. Short sleeved will likely cause headache, but can still be used

If you have a "turbie twist", those are easier for me than using a shirt. http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=142777

Aredhel
May 14th, 2017, 11:41 AM
Sorry, I hope I didn't offend you with my poor wording choice. I've paid over £1000 to achieve dead straight hair so I clearly love the look! I really wish it grew that way, but it doesn't unfortunately.

What I meant to say was that I'm getting bored of the 'fakeness' of my dead straight hair and I'm scared Yuko isn't sustainable over the long-term. It also does make my hair look thinner compared to when its natural and I don't like that, but I also love the manageability so it becomes a balancing act. I wish when i was younger I didn't cave and get Yuko without really trying to understand my hair.

Thanks for the compliment. I really like how the right-hand side of my hair waves but the rest of it isn't like that haha, quite annoying! I'm hoping with some love and learning I can improve it. I'll try some different serums. I've invested in a silk pillowcase so hopefully that helps too.
Thanks x (sorry I'm new, this is for you!)
No offense taken Alix, I just believe there's beauty in all hair types.:) I get it though, the grass is always greener... I've actually always wanted curly/wavy hair, but here I am with the 1a hair of course.:rolleyes: I think once you get over the awkward phase of growing the Yuko out and finding a good routine/products/tools for your hair (which can take a bit of work), your waves will really be able to shine.

Also if your hair keeps breaking from the damage, have you tried any protein treatments? My virgin hair does not need it, but the ends of my hair that are damaged from bleach absolutely loves the protein in my conditioner and leave-in. Maybe something worth looking into?

hayheadsbird
May 14th, 2017, 11:49 AM
Multi texture is actually much more common than you think. We have a thread about it somewhere in the mane forum with pics showing some members different textures. I have waves at the back, but the front and canopy are much straighter. You are not alone with multiple textures!

MoonRabbit
May 14th, 2017, 12:45 PM
Thats good to hear! I hope I can properly take care of it and be happy with my natural hair. This re-growth phase is hard though and it going to be a marathon!

When you damp braid it - do you do more than one braid? How many usually? Also what is 'plop for 20 minutes'?!?! That's a phrase I've never come across in relation to hair!
Thanks x

It depends on what type of wave I am looking for. If I just want to keep my hair contained I will do a simple English side braid when it is almost fully dry. If I want tons of waves that reach my scalp I will do double dutch braids after plopping (someone already posted a great link on how to plop so you can check that out).

OhSuzi
May 14th, 2017, 03:12 PM
Yes to basic t shirt by the way.just the usual stretchy jersey cotton t shirt material. I just use whatever t shirt I was wearing the day before an was about to bung in the wash.
I'm a wavy curly and if my hair is left to its own devices, the mulletty nape bit on me tends to go more ringletty compared to the top and the right side is more ringletty and curly than the left.
2 ways I can work with what I got an make the most of it is 1. Wear hair in a half up do, say a basic bun, then the mulletty bit that's left down forms ringlets so you get a sort of 1700s feel. 2. Push my hair Side parting toward the curly right side, tuck thin left side behind ear / if hairs long enough push/clip it over toward the the right shoulder. Sort of curly drapery and it seems that the left side is less curly deliberately. brush through the curls and get a sort of Veronica Lake style vintage wave look.

copperlites
May 14th, 2017, 04:29 PM
My hair sounds very similar to yours with curly underneath and a straighter, frizz prone canopy, except your curls look lovely and soft. Like you I am growing out keratin treatments. My last was a botched up double whammy in December 2014. This led to a lot of breakage and hair loss in the next 12 to 18 months and my hair became very brittle and thin at the ends. I found this community in February 2015, after considering chopping it all off, but instead have spent the last two plus years learning to love/ accept/ manage my natural texture depending on what day it is and its mood. 😁
I have good success with home made flaxseed gel and curly girl method.
I'm not total convert to natural texture and still resort to blowdrying (on low heat with a tourmaline ionic hair dryer) every few weeks as my partner loves to brush it and run his hands through it when it's silky smooth and his fingers don't get caught in the waves and wurls. I know the blowdrying causes some damage but I find his hair attention very soothing and I don't see the point in having long hair if we can't enjoy it.
These pics show my return to natural texture 6 months post treatment , 18 months and then 27 months. I have trimmed about ¼ inch each month with a big 4 inch trim in July last year, so I haven't made much progress towards my waistlength goal but I've sacrificed length in the quest for thicker ends. I think your curls are very pretty and if you persevere I think your natural texture will be a pleasant surprise. If not, do what the rest of us do and buy some pretty hair toys and put it in a bun or braid. 😍This has the added bonus of protecting your hair and creating soft waves when you let it down.
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r639/mandy_hall1/IMG_0462_zpsldsrsnbd.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/mandy_hall1/media/IMG_0462_zpsldsrsnbd.jpg.html)j

Reyn127
May 14th, 2017, 10:53 PM
To me, it looks like your hair might even be more curly than you're expecting. It being straighter on the canopy might be from wear and tear from brushing, potentially. But I bet if you got some good moisture in there, it would curl up pretty nicely.... at least your natural texture part.

Prism
May 14th, 2017, 11:07 PM
My hair sounds very similar to yours with curly underneath and a straighter, frizz prone canopy, except your curls look lovely and soft. Like you I am growing out keratin treatments. My last was a botched up double whammy in December 2014. This led to a lot of breakage and hair loss in the next 12 to 18 months and my hair became very brittle and thin at the ends. I found this community in February 2015, after considering chopping it all off, but instead have spent the last two plus years learning to love/ accept/ manage my natural texture depending on what day it is and its mood. ��
I have good success with home made flaxseed gel and curly girl method.
I'm not total convert to natural texture and still resort to blowdrying (on low heat with a tourmaline ionic hair dryer) every few weeks as my partner loves to brush it and run his hands through it when it's silky smooth and his fingers don't get caught in the waves and wurls. I know the blowdrying causes some damage but I find his hair attention very soothing and I don't see the point in having long hair if we can't enjoy it.
These pics show my return to natural texture 6 months post treatment , 18 months and then 27 months. I have trimmed about ¼ inch each month with a big 4 inch trim in July last year, so I haven't made much progress towards my waistlength goal but I've sacrificed length in the quest for thicker ends. I think your curls are very pretty and if you persevere I think your natural texture will be a pleasant surprise. If not, do what the rest of us do and buy some pretty hair toys and put it in a bun or braid. ��This has the added bonus of protecting your hair and creating soft waves when you let it down.
http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r639/mandy_hall1/IMG_0462_zpsldsrsnbd.jpg (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/mandy_hall1/media/IMG_0462_zpsldsrsnbd.jpg.html)j

I just have to say that you have some beautiful hair! It looks very healthy, too. Love your color as well.

MidnightMoon
May 15th, 2017, 04:58 AM
I have no comments regarding the treatment/process, but came to say your natural texture is definitely much more interesting and appealing to the sight than your straight hair. It looks like something is actually going on, with more life, and thicker. Due to our combination, most of us with fine and wavy hair will have frizz or flyaways to a degree, but it's natural.

Hay_jules
May 15th, 2017, 09:33 AM
Another multi texture girl here. I get really nice spirals on the back of my head and frizzy, barely waves on the sides. In the 6 months I've been here though, 5 months heat free, and the washing methods I've learned here amd gping bleach/dye free my waves and curls have come a long way. When i started (6 months ago) i had no discernible curl and only some frizzy "s" waves at the back. My sides were straight frizz (1c maybe). I couldn't do a hair typing photo because it was so frizzy. A fee months in about 3 frizz-free spirals formed at the back and the sides became frizzy 2a. Now on a good day my sides are wavy all over with the odd spiral plus my growing out bangs spiral. And my whole back of my head is ringlets.

My point is it's not overnight, you have to be patient. But if you keep following the advice given above your hair will cooperate eventually, but expect it to take time to learn how to get it's wave back.

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:01 AM
Re: plopping

Directions:
https://www.buzzfeed.com/augustafalletta/plopping-is-the-best-kept-secret-for-perfect-natural-curls?utm_term=.wb2ZVXQGk#.vpr2R6AbO

Use a long sleeved shirt if you are using a shirt. Short sleeved will likely cause headache, but can still be used

If you have a "turbie twist", those are easier for me than using a shirt. http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=142777

Thank you - so helpful!!!!! Looks like this could be great for me as frizz is such a problem. I wish my har could dry a bit more attractively - not too cute having a tshirt on your head is it?! [/QUOTE]

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:03 AM
No offense taken Alix, I just believe there's beauty in all hair types.:) I get it though, the grass is always greener... I've actually always wanted curly/wavy hair, but here I am with the 1a hair of course.:rolleyes: I think once you get over the awkward phase of growing the Yuko out and finding a good routine/products/tools for your hair (which can take a bit of work), your waves will really be able to shine.

Also if your hair keeps breaking from the damage, have you tried any protein treatments? My virgin hair does not need it, but the ends of my hair that are damaged from bleach absolutely loves the protein in my conditioner and leave-in. Maybe something worth looking into?

The grass certainly sometimes appears greener! For me it's all about time, I wish I could wash and go and feel cute. Straight hair is so much easier to me in that respect.

I haven't tried any protein treatments so I'll look into it! Thanks

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:04 AM
It depends on what type of wave I am looking for. If I just want to keep my hair contained I will do a simple English side braid when it is almost fully dry. If I want tons of waves that reach my scalp I will do double dutch braids after plopping (someone already posted a great link on how to plop so you can check that out).

I've just googled double dutch braids!! I can barely do a normal braid so this is going to need to take some practice. First i'll try a simple french braid. How did you learn?

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:05 AM
Yes to basic t shirt by the way.just the usual stretchy jersey cotton t shirt material. I just use whatever t shirt I was wearing the day before an was about to bung in the wash.
I'm a wavy curly and if my hair is left to its own devices, the mulletty nape bit on me tends to go more ringletty compared to the top and the right side is more ringletty and curly than the left.
2 ways I can work with what I got an make the most of it is 1. Wear hair in a half up do, say a basic bun, then the mulletty bit that's left down forms ringlets so you get a sort of 1700s feel. 2. Push my hair Side parting toward the curly right side, tuck thin left side behind ear / if hairs long enough push/clip it over toward the the right shoulder. Sort of curly drapery and it seems that the left side is less curly deliberately. brush through the curls and get a sort of Veronica Lake style vintage wave look.

Your hair sounds SO much like mine! I have been thinking about wearing half up half down so I'll try that! Need to get some decent clips

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:06 AM
Multi texture is actually much more common than you think. We have a thread about it somewhere in the mane forum with pics showing some members different textures. I have waves at the back, but the front and canopy are much straighter. You are not alone with multiple textures!

Interesting and good to know! I'll have a dig for the forum - I certainly need to read it

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:25 AM
My hair sounds very similar to yours.....

Your post was amazing!!!! It's SO good to hear from someone who is at the end of the process I'm starting. I'm saving your post for motivation ;) Do you mind me asking how old you are? I'm 26 and slightly annoyed at myself that I didn't do this sooner. I'm also a bit sad I never had the hair knowledge when I was younger - it sounds like if I'd just grown it long and stopped brushing it I could have had long hair right now. I won't beat myself up about it though - at the time I chose a short-term vision over a long-term one and that was my choice to make. Its never too late to make amends :)

Our before picture looks SO similar and its amazing to see how your far your ends have come. It looks like you have twice as much hair. I pray I get similar results. Would you mind teling me a bit more about flaxseed gel? I've done a bit of research on the curly girl method and think this could be great for pumping moisture back into my hair and calming down the fluffiness.

I think I will feel like you down the line in that I'll never absolutely LOVE my natural texture but it would be great to make it work for me. Personally I feel this way because I have a professional job and I think it looks messy with smarter work outfits. On the weekend or on holiday, I can like it better (unless there is humidity ha). I will also hair dry occasionally down the line as I love the smooth look. At the moment I'm trying to blow dry once a month only and have achieved it so far. I know its more important I keep it up now I'm trying to grow healthy hair.

I feel like achieving some length will make all the difference for me. I realistically don't have the face to pull off medium frizzy wavy hair ha.

Do you think you will ever get a keratin treatment again?

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:27 AM
To me, it looks like your hair might even be more curly than you're expecting. It being straighter on the canopy might be from wear and tear from brushing, potentially. But I bet if you got some good moisture in there, it would curl up pretty nicely.... at least your natural texture part.

It is certainly much curlier than I expected. I didn't know my hair could ringlet at all. When I was younger I heat damaged it to death, terrible. I'm never letting my daughter do this!

I've thrown away my tangle teaser and now wide tooth comb only so hopefully that helps

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:29 AM
I have no comments regarding the treatment/process, but came to say your natural texture is definitely much more interesting and appealing to the sight than your straight hair. It looks like something is actually going on, with more life, and thicker. Due to our combination, most of us with fine and wavy hair will have frizz or flyaways to a degree, but it's natural.

Thank you! I feel much more positive about it than I have ever done before so I think this is my time to give my hair some love and attention. I do wish it was thicker but what can you do!

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 04:30 AM
My point is it's not overnight, you have to be patient. But if you keep following the advice given above your hair will cooperate eventually, but expect it to take time to learn how to get it's wave back.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I have patience now so bring it on - who'd have thought not shampooing would be so eye-opening. My knowledge was so poor!

lapushka
May 16th, 2017, 05:32 AM
I think your natural texture looks really nice, OP! Transitioning can be hard, but hang in there. :flower:

alix.b789
May 16th, 2017, 12:17 PM
I think your natural texture looks really nice, OP! Transitioning can be hard, but hang in there. :flower:

Thank you for the compliment. I'm slowly starting to like it more and have patience, so looking forward to see what the next couple of years brings :) the ultimate goal is to leave the house with my hair down without heat styling! Never done it in my LIFE!

MoonRabbit
May 16th, 2017, 12:32 PM
I've just googled double dutch braids!! I can barely do a normal braid so this is going to need to take some practice. First i'll try a simple french braid. How did you learn?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTLu32FgfWs

I learned from this tutorial. I could never do these braids until a few months ago. My first attempt was a fail, then I started practicing and after a few weeks I finally got it. The hardest part for me was remembering to keep the braid tight each time I added a section to it. But once you start going it gets much easier. Even if it doesn't look perfect, you can just sleep in them and your waves will still come out beautiful.

ETA: My avatar picture is the results from sleeping with double dutch braids.

Suze
May 16th, 2017, 03:52 PM
I think your natural texture is beautiful. You've got som great tips. Good luck! :flower:

filip
May 5th, 2020, 10:51 AM
Hi I'm a man with past chest length hair... I'm currently growing out my wavy/curly hair from yuko.............. I'm finding leaving it really long helps conceal the curls cos they hang down from the length.............

AutobotsAttack
May 9th, 2020, 01:27 AM
None of the pictures
Seem to be working for me :(