Hi, I've been an occasional lurker here for a while (and at LHL before that) and thought I'd finally join. I think this site is a really great support for people growing their hair. Thank you for the existence of this place. I have learned so much. I started to post more about myself here, but it got so long I decided to put it in the Personal Journals instead. If you're interested you can look at the journal of J12. I welcome your comments but please forgive me if I take a long time to reply. I also hope to someday post a picture if I can figure out how to do it.
Thanks for letting me join your community!
J12

Welcome to the group! I hope you find this to be a great place as I have.

Now I'm off to read your journal :)

Hello, I'm a newbie as well. :D

Hi J12 & collielady welcome to you both. Cute doggies!

Welcome, J12. We're glad to have you.

Hi, J12!!!! :D :D :D

Welcome, Welcome, Welcome, J12.

Come on in and join the fun! :D

Hi J12 and welcome!

Welcome, Aboard!!!

Welcome aboard, fellow newbies!! I just joined about a week ago, and love it here. Everyone is so welcoming and full of useful information and support! I started a hair journal also, so please check it out if you'd like. Good luck with the length.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/409834/welcome.gif

Welcome from another newbie!

Everyone around here is pretty friendly. Have a seat!

:D

Hi, J12! Welcome to the boards! :)

I took a look at your journal and it seems that you're having some trouble with crunchy ends? From what I can see this might be because of the Keraphix you're using. Keraphix is a protein reconstructor and for some of us, a protein overload means... crunchy hair. I had the same trouble with reconstructors myself. My suggestion to you is that you find yourself a good moisturizing conditioner that doesn't contain any protein.

Also, you're applying oil regularly? This could be another reason for the crunchies... For some people, oil is wonderful... For others it's not. I've tried all kinds of different oils and have found that oil doesn't work at all for me. Coincidentally, we have the same hair type.

Another thing... Do you clarify? This may be another problem. If you have product build-up on your hair this can give you the crunchies as well. This can be remedied with either a clarifying shampoo or a tablespoon or so of baking soda mixed in with your regular shampoo, making sure to get your ends.

HTH! :)

Welcome ladies! I'm glad you joined us!

Thanks for the warm welcome, you are all so nice!
May I add my welcome to fellow newbies!

Elle, thanks for your crunchy end advice. I didn't know about protien potentially causing problems. (Did you notice the funky things I've tried-sourdough starter, yogurt and whey all contain protien?) No wonder they didn't work for me. (You may be wondering what compelled me to try sourdough starter on my hair. It's because my skin feels so nice after making bread!)
I will try your suggestions one at a time and see what happens. You mentioned baking soda as a method of clarifying. My henna instructions mention baking soda as a method of removing the henna. Perhaps henna buildup also causes crunchies? My assumption was "the ends are damaged, the cuticle is worn away, I must coat the ends to protect them." Is this thinking in error?
Thanks for your help. The support available here is amazing.

Welome to you and Collielady! I hope you will both enjoy the boards!

Perhaps henna buildup also causes crunchies? My assumption was "the ends are damaged, the cuticle is worn away, I must coat the ends to protect them." Is this thinking in error?


I'm not too sure about henna, J12. I never use the stuff. Perhaps you could start a new thread and pose the question to the board. I'm sure we have some knowledgeable henna experts around here. :)

As for your assumption, I would think this is true as well. What some people do is a daily re-conditioning of a mist of diluted conditioner and distilled water. I do this once in awhile but have noticed if it's done on a daily basis then I get build-up fairly quickly. Keep in mind that this is what works... or doesn't work for my hair. I'm sure you've figured out by now that it's all trial and error... :)

Welcome :D