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AethyrsWisdom
December 22nd, 2008, 08:16 PM
I got my last cut August 12th, and since then havent been using heat tools, gunking my hair up with any products, or over brushing my hair.

So I was wondering, what are some good oils/cremes for kinky african-american curly hair that I can use to style my hair without over gunking it? I heard about Jojoba oil, but what else can I use? Also, I havent noticed any changes in the health or length of my hair since my trim 4 months ago, and I have made some minor lifestlye changes, such as exercise and diet.

Even though its been 4 months, I am basically starting anew for 2009, and would like some additional guidance! Anything concerning diet, vitamins/minerals, or products for my hair would be greatly appreciated! Also, how should I wear it during the day and when I sleep? Thanks again!

- Aethyr

Flaxen
December 22nd, 2008, 10:54 PM
Bumping this for you. :smile:

Catladyintown
December 22nd, 2008, 11:03 PM
Welcome AethyrsWisdom:). Have you tried Shea Butter or Aloe Vera Gel also Flax seed gel is good for styling and also good for the scalp.HTH

Catladyintown
December 22nd, 2008, 11:05 PM
Also forgot to mention a sleep cap. You can buy one out of silk or satin.

Aditi
December 22nd, 2008, 11:13 PM
If you want to know about some good hair oils and how to take care of your hair the RIGHT way, then visit the articles section of this community i am sure you will get lot of ideas.

rose_in_bloom
December 23rd, 2008, 12:03 AM
Hi! I agree with CatLady. Shea butter is great for moisturizing, and aloe gel is perfect for smoothing frizz. Coconut oil also works very well.

(Note: I don't have the same kind of hair that you do, so I'm just going off of what my African-American friends have told me.)

kwaniesiam
December 23rd, 2008, 12:13 AM
Hi there, welcome to LHC! You might want to check out this thread for some advice, tips, etc. :flowers:

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=1881&highlight=kinky

xrosiex
December 23rd, 2008, 02:34 PM
My first thought is go slow. Try new things but one at a time. This board is filled with sooo much great stuff it's easy to use many different things. I have had to pace myself. So I know what really works. Welcome to The Long Hair Community.:):):)

Anje
December 23rd, 2008, 02:46 PM
Hello and welcome.

First question: is your hair natural, or relaxed? If it's relaxed, I think we'll encourage you to try protein treatments to help it maintain its strength.

How's your hair for dryness? I understand that dryness tends to be a greater struggle, the curlier hair is (naturally). You might want to look at CO (conditioner only) washing for most your day-to-day hair cleaning, with shampoo only occasionally, especially if you suffer from a lot of dryness. Deep treatments like the Caramel treatment and SMT (both in the recipes section) are great for moisture, and shouldn't gunk up your hair.

You're welcome to stay at LHC, but you should know that those with kinky hair are a small minority here. You might also want to look at NaturallyCurly.com (http://www.naturallycurly.com/) and the Long Hair Care Forums (http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/).

lapushka
December 23rd, 2008, 03:08 PM
You're welcome to stay at LHC, but you should know that those with kinky hair are a small minority here. You might also want to look at NaturallyCurly.com (http://www.naturallycurly.com/) and the Long Hair Care Forums (http://www.longhaircareforum.com/forums/).

I am on both forums, NC & LHC. I get great tips from both communities. Though there are more tips on 3 & 4 type hair over at NC, they work for 2 type hair too. There are a lot of relaxed curlies transitioning (going over to natural curls) on NC.

Coconut oil is a great natural curl softener. You can use it just like that on dry or wet hair and sleep with it overnight as a DT or you could use it as a leave-in, or even put some in with your regular conditioner.

SMT is a great treatment to use too, and it doesn't cost much!
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=128&highlight=snowy%27s+moisture

Bene
December 23rd, 2008, 03:58 PM
i know a little about your hair type :)


best advice ever: protect it as much as possible!!! sleep cap or silk pillowcases!



keep an eye on your protein/moisture balance. heat damage is evil. oiling can be your hair's best friend. vitamins, including fish oils and and fresh veggies. PLENTY of water, which will be good for your skin.


a friend of mine, with similar hair to yours, mixes aloe vera gel in with her shampoo (something i'm considering doing too), and that works really really well for her (she also stopped "greasing" it). if you're hoping to grow, it's a good start.


i recently introduced another friend of mine to ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinses, and now she swears by it. she's trying to go natural and it helps keep her hair looking soft and shiny.


my grandmother who has 4B hair swears by coconut oil and cool rinsing, she's been doing it since back in the day when she didn't have heated indoor water and modern hair goo wasn't available. the best advice she's ever given to me about hair is to work with nature, not fight against it.

AethyrsWisdom
December 23rd, 2008, 04:02 PM
Thanks everyone for all of the advice and tips! I will be sure to check out that other forum. Also, I went out and got coconut oil, ACV, and aloe vera. I will try a different one once every week or so (and be sure not to try to much at once). I am excited to begin again with more natural approaches!

Blessed Be,
AW

Tabitha
December 23rd, 2008, 04:04 PM
I don't have your hair type, but thought you might like to try Darl_in1's Cocaloe Creme (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=6713&highlight=cocaloe).

Bene
December 23rd, 2008, 04:07 PM
I don't have your hair type, but thought you might like to try Darl_in1's Cocaloe Creme (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=6713&highlight=cocaloe).



dude, now i want to try that :D

wintersun99
December 23rd, 2008, 04:22 PM
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