HELP - Talk me out of giving up! Used Long Aid and Eco Styler = Disaster

Ok, after reading all of the KCCC alternatives I decided on the leave in, long aid and eco styler. OMG!!! I have about 4 inches new growth and haven't have a relaxer in over 5 months but if I can't even tame the new growth what on earth am I going to do. I was literally thinking of getting relaxer this weekend [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.].

The relaxed part was fine but my natural hair was just a poofed mess underneath almost like all the products were not even on there. It was a little softer but never clumped so it would really curl.

I have probably 3c/4a naturally from the new growth. It's drive me CRAZY! Is there anything I can do with these products? If I can't calm this puffiness, I don't know what really to do! HELPPPPPP [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

What about doing the BC and getting rid of those relaxed ends.... just an idea

Until I can get the underneath part together somehow, I don't want to give up my length (2 kids, gotta have pony tail for back up!). LOL.

Maybe it's the oil based leave in that my hair is just not taking to. I did a leave in but it wasn't really creamy soft but more like Motions anti-breakage pink lotion. When it dried it was soft but that's about it. Never clumped even though I sectioned and put a lot of product in.

Don't give up! Is a wash and go that you did? I don't think you can really "tame" your hair with having both textures with styling as a wash and go. Have you tried to do styles like bantu knot outs or twist outs?

Please dont relax your hair out of frustration. As soon as your scalp starts burning, you will regret it. What style were your trying to acheive? Sounds like a wash n go. If so, I would recommend you hold off on that style until you are completely natural.

Have you tried a rollerset, bantu knot out, rod set? How long do you plan to transition?

Thanks everyone! Not sure how long before I will cut. The good thing is that my hair grows pretty fast. I am fine w/ a roller set and then I flat iron the roots w/ a anti frizz silicone gel (I know BAD!!!!) but have not tried twists or anything else. I hope some other 4's chime in and had success. Summer is coming and I really would like to do a wash n go!

If anyone can post a pic and let me know how you used these products (eco and LA) to get your look and would REALLY appreciate it. I think if I can get the 4 tame the 3 part I can deal with.

Cant for the life of me figure out how to put a pic on here BUT! here is a link to my blog where theres a pic of my WnG: http://naturalhairselection.wordpress.com/2010/02/17/newly-curly/

and my feature on BGLH where I do a tutorial on my WnG:

http://bglhonline.com/2010/02/cassidy-tutorial/


Don't give up!!!!!! You will LOVE your hair once you make it through the transition (heck, love it now and love it more later!!! )

Can't wait to see it! I am going to see it now!!! THANKS!

As a 4a/4b mix...wash and gos are NOT the business on transitioning hair. No no no.

Your best bet is braids or twists or rollersets.

hang in there homie you'll be alright.

agreed! braids were such a lifesaver for me during my transition....kept my hands out of my hair and my hair growing fast!!!

Great info @cassadie3!!! Nice pics also.

@ Cassadie - I know I told you this before but I love your avatar pic!

Your should try two strand twist on rollers or perm rods. That was one of my signature styles while transitioning.

@pardigm Yesteday was tought for me too, I have been transitioning since May 2009. I did a TnC and it did not turn out right [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] . I was seriously thinking about buying a relaxer and just giving up. Luckily, I didn't. I have decided to rock the messy bun...for now.

Stay encouraged and remember this is a learning process! Happy transitioning! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] (I keep saying this to myself too!)

I needed that. LOL. Still hanging by a thread b/c I don't know what to do with it if I go completely natural if I can't control the craziness. I got length about 5 inches from my wait w/ a relaxer and I got 3b type curls w/ a leave-in and gel. I would never put heat on it in the summer b/c I could leave it curly. Without it it am probably closer to a 4, it's a hot mess to control. LOL.

Forever in search of the right mix of products! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

@paradigm, I am 3.5 months into my transition and I have finally come to terms that what one does when she is 100% natural IS VERY DIFFERENT than what one does when she is transitioning.

Some ladies already said it, but wash n gos just don't look right or work on transitioning hair (usually)... some transitioning ladies are lucky and can make a wash and go look ok, but most can't. Period. So if you're trying to manage your hair using wash and gos, that may be the problem.

And trust me, it took me a LONG time to accept this fact b/c I want the ease of wash and gos so bad, but I'm not ready to big chop yet (I want a little more length).

And once you do decide to BC, I think you may be surprised to see what your natural hair REALLY looks like... a lot of women say that sytling their natural hair when it's all natural was much different than when they were transitioning.

Twist outs, flat twist outs, and flexi rod sets have been my savior during the last couple months. And as much as I love wash n gos, I have stopped doing them altogether until I'm 100% natural!

i am currently transitioning for the 3rd or 4th time in my life [im only 19 we just never knew what to do w/ my hair] my hair is a 4a/4b. when ur transitioning wash and go's arent really an option. neither are products with alcohol i have just found the joy's of flat twist out. instead of going straight back i put them "around" my head[if that makes sense] i make my part and twist from the part to my ear and curl the ends w. rods or bantu knots. i do this all around my head.it really blends the hair when u take them out. YOU SHOULD TRY IT! [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I understand your frustration. And this is what made me bc this month. After 2 weeks of dealing with the 2 textures and watching all the natural beauties on youtube and here with their wash n go's I just had to chop. But, I did want to have a short do anyway.

So, I guess try the braid outs and twist outs and see how it works for you. It's all trial and error at this point until you figure out what will be best for you.

Good Luck!

@Pardigm - I understand your frustration. I transitioned for 7
months. I did a lot of roller sets, and flat ironing. I did flexirods
once, but the curls were a bit too tight for me. I have attached a
picture of the style that truly worked for me, even in humid weather.

I used a alcohol-free wrapping lotion that I bought at Salley's Beauty Supply, and braided my hair in about 7
braids going to the back, put a rod or small hair barrette on the
ends (for the curl effect), and got under the dryer. Once it was dry,
I carefully took the braids out, shook my head, and hid the parts.

Hang in there! It will get better with time.

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Oops, here's the back of my hair;

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bmart40906 wrote:Oops, here's the back of my hair;

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Your hair is gorgeous! It looks sooooo soft!

@Juices-n-Berries - Thanks! That was my staple transitioning style until it became too humid. After a very humid summer day, I would have curly roots and straight ends. I would look like a mop at the end of the day! LOL. I couldn't take it, so I cut my hair down to about 1/4 of an inch when I BC'd. I now have bout 4 inches. I love being natural!!!

Ms. Barbara


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