There was a big misconception in the natural hair community where we thought that the denman brush was best for detangling, when in actuality, the denman brush is marketed as a styling brush vs the Tangle Teezer and the Felicia Leatherwood brushes that are designed for detangling. That's why the denman was taking so much hair. It was meant to be used after you have already detangled.
I must say this about that.. tangle teasers --my hair broke it, demon brush...I mean denman brush, my hair had a fight with the denman brush and we both were broken. Vent brushes snatch my stuff out at the scalp. I've had luck with wide tooth paddle brushes....but I like natural materials so now I use a bamboo paddle brush. Point is... Not everything works for everybody so if you see someone using something and you're thinking oh that didn't work for me but I'll try it again....no, stop right there and say I know it doesn't work for me so I'll try what does work for me. Oh and boar bristle brushes...come in soft and firm. I used to think I couldn't use a board bristle brush but come to find out I can't use a firm or hard for bristle brush the soft one goes through my hair like butter. The trick is run your thumb or fingers across the boar bristle brush before you leave the store with it if you can't push your fingers through it might be too hard for your hair unless you actually prefer the firm and don't want the soft and then you make your decision accordingly. I used to think brushes were the devil and then I learned is not brushes ...it's the type of brush.
When I stopped washing my hair weekly, it did so much for my length retention. One of the things that helped when an itchy scalp was to do a very light spritz of vinegar diluted with water massage it into my scalp then follow up within a small amount of castor oil and massage it into my scalp as well. Castor oil is anti-fungal and vinegar helps to break up the old sebum on the scalp. It was the next best thing to actually washing my hair. Kept itchies away for about a week.
Thank you for this advice! Actually I’ve always wanted to try vinegar but always ended up stumped at the dilution ratio. How much do you recommend diluting the vinegar? And does it have to be ACV?? Cuz in Japan I can find all kinds of vinegar besides ACV lol 😅
@@cocoainkyoto I use about a tablespoon (15ml) per 8 oz of water or aloe vera juice. I added more if my scalp is super itchy. Max I would use would probably be 3 tablespoons. I actually don't use ACV (I think it smells like rotten apples lol!) I use white distilled vinegar which is also much cheaper. Also it's more acidic than ACV so I don't have to use as much. If I do use ACV it's a 1:1 ratio of half vinegar and half water. Also, on occasion, if my hair's really tangled, I've used the vinegar mix for detangling. Because it's an acidic mixture it helps to lay hair cuticles flat so strands can separate from each other more easily.
Not rotten apples 😭😭 Omg girl you’re a genius. This is the first time I’ve felt like I could confidently take someone’s vinegar advice lol. I also love the idea of using it for detangling *chef’s kiss*. You’re a saint; thank you 💖
Finding what works for our hair can be the most difficult part of the journey. I used to watch the Urban Bush Babies I cared for my hair differently from them but I just enjoyed their personalities. I also enjoyed watching GeraldineTheGreat. Currently the other 4C girls I enjoy watching are Indigenous Strandz (4B/C but thigh length}, Obaa Yaa Jones, and Nothando NdlovuRaw . I think all type 4 hair care may need some adjustment at different lengths. You may need to make some adjustment at tailbone if you chose to grow to that length.
I'm stuck at bra strap and I don't use any tools I saw a huge difference when I was stuck at shoulder length when I started finger detangling but I will try the first tip you gave though about the ends not touching any thing but satin or silk. When I stopped doing the most I started seeing the length. My routine is really simple.
Finger detangling. The earlier in your journey you ditch combs and brushes and styling tools the better. I finger detangle.any time i have a lot of slip in my hair. Don't focus too much on getting your hair super duper detangled because why are you doing that. If you can style it easily it's good enough Also you can wash your hair once a month but wash you scalp once a week. Just twist or braid up your hair and rinse your scalp with water and massage it. Water still cleans your scalp and you don't have to deal with running your fingers through your hair. When you're done you can squeeze moisturizer into your twists and stretch them to dry.
Great advice, how how would one get shed hair out properly without a tool, i have tried solely finger detangling at times but i still find my shed hair get stuck within my strands and cause tangles, i sometimes use the felicia leatherwood brush with lots of conditioner and i try to be gentle
I detangle once after deep conditioner with heat, shampoo once a month. I gently use my fingers, brush, and comb. Moisturize as needed. Bra strap-2nd big chop in 2019, back at bra strap 2022. Stick with what works.
NO lies were told in this video. I have EXTREMELY fine strands and I discovered wet detangling, the denman brush and manipulation snapped my ends. Like you I only use a wide tooth comb AFTER I have tension dried my hair. That change helped me SO MUCH.
Baby Sis, you have schooled your elder Auntie! I have been natural since 2012. Came into the knowledge of our natural hair in my latter years, but I had to big chop again in 2021. Like you, I have very fine 4C tightly coily strands, and my scalp is always itchy. To combat itchiness and dryness, I wash my hair weekly, but I struggle with this because I know my hair is soo beautifully fragile! At 59 years old, I want to achieve bra strap length - at least, but I didn't understand how important detangling with less stress to our hair is, and touching our hair less a month will add to length retention! I'm nervous about washing my hair and detangling once a month, but I'm starting right now! Also, your tip on detangling only ONCE at one point during our wash day is invaluable! You are a genius! Thank you for sharing, Sis! P.S. Your hair is BEAUTIFUL..and so are you! Blessings!
Immediately subscribed,literally no TH-camr has ever manage to nail this topic as you did sis.I just loved the way you went straight into it no bla bla boom that we already know in the beginning of the video. We just got the most useful information for retaining length after a long period of being at the same length.Thankyou so much😌
I’m so glad ♥️ This is actually the information I most wanted to share when I made my TH-cam channel because, just as you said, no one was saying it. This gives value to all of my struggle, so thank you so much 💖
I use a wide tooth comb made of wood and have seen alot less breakage with that tool. Finger detangling sounds great but was very difficult for me. But what made the best difference was finding the right products for my 4b/4c mix of hair.
Love it! I’ve never tried a wooden wide toothed comb, but now I’m curious. Also yeah I’ve had a rough history with finger detangling as well 😅 I swore it off the first time I tried it but then after another few years came back around lol.
I agree my friend that makes my hair commented that she see less breakage and stress on my hair when she combs my hair with my wooden comb(an idea suggested by my siekh friend )
Thank you so much for the support 💖 Yes girl, my goal is not to just get out the info people need and to not waste people’s time with the nonsense everyone else is spreading 🤭
Hi Beautiful ! First I am glad to see a real 4C Rapunzel 😀. Concerning the fact you would rather wash your hair more frequently, a thing would be to wear mini/medium twists and gently wash it and deep condition it as is. You will be able to wash it twice a month at least but skipping the detangling process.
My worst plateau was chin length, in my teens/early 20s I had grown my hair to bra strap. I am going fully back to home made products, Ayurveda and African ingredients since that's really helped to moisturize and retain my length.
For some reason I hadn’t considered that other people’s plateaus may have been at different lengths, so this was really helpful to know! I’ve never tried Ayurveda but maybe I should, because I’m trying to simplify my products as much as possible 😮💨
@@cocoainkyoto Ayurveda is not simple when you're first starting out. It's similar to making your own products, you gotta find which herbs, spices and powders work for your hair, and your lifestyle. I do recommend doing research, I have retained moisture and length along with increased thickness of my hair. I'm still working on refining my products so I'm not product junkie, even homemade lol
Oh man; that’s what I had been afraid of this whole time lol. But at this point I’ve been recommended by a couple of people to try it, so maybe I can’t avoid it any longer 😆
@@jk9084 I had stopped my ayervedic stuff...and now that I think about it...that's the big difference in my routine. I need to get back to my henna, amla, hibiscus etc.
"I was watching their videos- I was binging, binging them all" made me LOL. This video is so relatable, like talking to one of my girlfriends. Omg it's taken me 9-10 years to get to Waist length. Spent 2015-2019 in BSL. Olaplex, The Mane Choice masks, gentler techniques, and the brush hack
Thank you for the honesty 😊 So tired of youtubers saying they started with a TWA and in 4 mos their hair is waist length 🤬. I can’t imagine life without my Felicia Leatherwood brush.
I’m glad to hear it was appreciated ♥️ Yeah I know how you feel 😅 if it helps, you can try experimenting with the other tips for a few months first and see if you get good results 🤗
For scalp treatment use neem, cloves, blackseeds spray and/or oil with rosemary, peppermint and lavender essential oils. Since I started using ayurvedic hair treatments my scalp is never dry, itchy or flaky, not even in protective styles. Apple cider/water vinegar spray and and fresh aloe vera gel or storebought juice also really help for healthy scalp.
@@missladyzee44 Yes in ayurveda (from India) they believe in the healing proporties of herbs and oils and this is used for overall health of the body so also hair (growth). There are majy videos on this by black YTers with DIYs. I make my own hair products with ayurvedic powders and herbs: sprays, oils and hair masks. You can start with hibiscus, fenegreek, amla and moringa. Now, for scalp, detangling and moisturization of hair you can use the fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf. For itchy scalp and detangling you can use a spritz of 1/3 aloe vera and 2/3 water.
All these beautiful ladies at bra strap length. My daughter's is there. I am not but u believe it's because I have damage from relaxing my hair since I was 7. I'm now 49 and I think the back of my hair won't grow as fast as the front.😒😒😒😌😌😌at least we know better now.
"Its so fun out here sis"--A MOOD. The benefits of taking care of our hair are endless. Your strands are THRIVING & you are so beautiful. This was awesome 💕
This is the information I needed. Your information provides direction that no other videos I have seen, wash once a month, low manipulation, ditch the detangling tools
I’m not 4C, but I still have type 4 hair with fine (thin) strands that have always been prone to breakage. It took a lot for me to get to bra strap. However, I too plateaued at bra strap for some years, 3 to be exact. I kind of surpassed it once a year ago, but by the time I did some thorough trimming it was back to bra strap again and it has been every since. I think this video reminded me that I need to aggressively protect the ends more than I have been recently. I used to do an additional moisture and seal on my ends everyday and I haven’t been. I also used to pin my hair up alot more when it was not in braids. I’m going back to that and also try incorporating some type of baggy method on the ends before I pin them away or something. Anyways thanks for the tip/reminder about the ends.
You’re so welcome. I hope it’s been going better since then? Even at hip length, I’ve seen that my length plateaus again when I get lazy with regular moisturizing and protecting the ends. Unfortunately if we’re not aggressive with protection, our hair doesn’t give us the length we want 🥲🥲🥲
It really sucks because my hair is easily tangled and I tried leaving it alone, only to experience more breakage because my hair started to dread up at the roots. So detangling is a must for me. I’m in the process of finding a shampoo that doesn’t make my hair tangle up so much. I’ll also be doing twists and only taking them out when I’m going somewhere. So I’ll be looking like Felicia. I’m fine with that for long hair
I too spent my most of my college years looking like Felicia so you’re not alone sis 😂 Also for the shampoo option that doesn’t tangle your hair, I’d recommend trying mud wash if you’re ok with the idea of ditching shampoo. I love the way it doesn’t lead to any dryness and tangles.
And aloe vera is bananas for finger detangling. It's incredible. Not store bought juice. But the acutal leaf. Get rid of poison. Scoop out jelly. Blend strain amd use that goodness. If your hair agrees with it of couse. It's magical
This is all true. I don't mess with the Denman or detangling brushes. They both steal length. Wide tooth comb all the way. My detangling process was stealing my length too. I now detangle at the prepoo stage only and I've found the perfect detangler.
This is the lenght I want. You are beautifull. I am between bra and waistlenght. Ive seen your progress in one year it give me hope. This is amazing !!! I am thinking about THROW AWAY MY BRUSH. i use it every 3 weeks only during shampoo process.
Wow I’m so happy to hear you watched my older videos a year ago💖 thank you for the support and kind words ❤️ If you can find a way to detangle with a comb or your fingers that you’re comfortable with, I think you’re better off without it 😉
My 4C thick high porosity hair is in the middle of my back, I just recently flat ironed my hair after a year and some months of no heat. My next goal is tailbone length, by the time I graduate college (2025) I should be able to reach that goal. I enjoyed this video and I will be watching you for inspiration!!!!!❤️
You perfectly described my hair/I have the exact same texture as you and I’ve been running out of ideas 😭 do you mind mentioning what’s your hair (care) routine? And what do you do as your go to protective style?
Thank you for this video. I’m honestly so angry right now because I’ve been stuck at bsl for 9+ months now. I’m constantly protective styling and I’m at a point where I just want things to be easy ! 😩 god the money and ttttiiiime I’ve put in lordt! And for it not to have grown a inch of me keep a inch is so infuriating. What do I have long hair forrrrrrrrrr !!! God! Will I have to hide it even when I get to tailbone? Ugh! Sorry I just - i feel all us naturals have done so much to love ourselves and learn and it’s like- when does it end? Whennnnn? When will my hair be easy? 😩😩😩😩. Ima wear a bun for 9 months now and give y’all a update. Over it. That’s the lowest manipulation I can do. Thanks for the vid.
I hope you find a way out of this rut soon, can you find a trusted stylist to help you with some of your hair needs? just sticking with the basics of wash, condition and style with minimal products will do anyone a world of good if they are struggling
Great video. Great realistic advice. I would also include adding ingredients to strength the hair strands like hemp seed oil, grape seed oil that fill in gaps or cracks in the hair strands like olaplex 3, and find Protein treament your hair can take, sealing the ends with a heavy oil like castor.
2022 the year I stop brushing my hair. Just little advice, prep your hair with oil (coconut or olive) before washing. It helps with finger detangling 😁
in my experience, no matter how much i pre-poo with an oil, hair still comes out as soon as i put conditioner/deep conditioner, it's as if shampooing my scalp encourages the shed hair to be out more than pre-pooing with an oil, it's frustrating for me so i'm always on the look out for what others are doing to minimise this issue
This makes so much sense. It's a huge challenge for me and my life, but it makes immense sense.I work in corporate, I sweat in my head, I like to work out... but I can do more and I can do better , and get better results. Thanks.💙
Hi! 👋🏾 Thanks SO MUCH for this video :) Quick qstn pls. When wearing mini twists, did you keep your hair in the secondary protective style to sleep, or did you keep it free?
😳 this the video I’ve been searching for, been stuck at bsl grazing mbl for 5 years, yes I’ve been at this for 10/11 as well ( with my own dumb mistakes also) but I’ve realized that I need lower manipulation, I just couldn’t get my manipulation down low enough. Thank you for this, it’s been confirmed what I’m doing now😭😭🥰🥰😘🙏🏾. Bless you frfr. Oh beautiful hair and spirit btw, your video has literally saved my hair💙💙
This was for me, it’s not that long being stuck at bra strap glad I found this! Sis noticed it! So going for monthly, I’ll miss it so much that’s my weakness but I’m currently on bi-weekly as I was desperate. ❤
I’m so glad to hear that. Yeah it takes some working up to, but I’m so confident it’ll yield you desirable results, so I hope it brings you success soon! 💖
Completely unrelated question but it’s so interesting that you’re in Kyoto! Please consider a video telling us how you go there and what life is like as a natural in Kyoto, etc…
Testimony . Watched this a year ago and was stuck a few inches below collarbone for over 10 years . Changed my routine and more specifically how I detangle . Starting using fingers , wide tooth along with j nice fresh start trim . Now I am nipple length lol about to be waist length . I recently tried a felicia Reshad and I’m shocked it’s better then a wide tooth comb new fav
Wow! You’re my first official testimony 🥹 thank you so much for coming back to share your win with me and others. This was so incredibly rewarding to me 💖💖💖 Is the Felicia Reshad a new brush? You don’t mean the Felicia Leatherwood brush right? I looked it up but didn’t see a tool; I’d be interested in trying it if you’ve found success with it!
Thank you so much for this video. You hit the nail in the head. I've been covering up my hair with wigs for years and in the lasr two years have started my natural hair journey. It has been so frustrating, untilnI saw your video. Blessings to you my 4C sister ❤️!
I’ve been doing Amla powder treatments since November 1 and my hair has stopped the excessive shedding and breakage. It’s literally a dollar size amount .. coin dollar.. not a dollar bill. I am 100% amazed at the difference and how strong my hair feels. I’m finally retaining length. Yes I met my plateaued to my boss stop and I’ve just been struggling with growing it past the bra strap
I’ve gotten so many comments about Ayurvedic treatments that I think I’m going to start looking into them soon. I just need to find the time and patience to commit to diving in
I'm so happy I found your channel, and oh my god I remember the Urban Bush Babes from way back in the day! I'm currently right around armpit length and my hair is still growing, but once I plateau I'm going to put the brush down/brush once a month instead of every two weeks. I do see them little hairs coming off in my brush for sure... thank you for the vid! You've got a new subbie!
AHHHHH I was so happy to read this! I hope that your entire journey will be plateau-free and you can get straight to your goal length ASAP 🥰 and thank you so much for subscribing 💖💖💖
Hi thanks for a good video. Since you wash once a month, and sometimes experience itchy scalp, try parting your hair and clean your scalp with a white wash cloth moistened with "witch hazel" or "Sea Breeze for sensitive scalp". Then, follow up with a light application of castor oil or the oil of your choice . Personally, I like Grapeseed, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil. You can also try cleaning your scalp with Tee Tree oil mixed with a carrier oil (if using Tee Tree oil, you must mix it with a carrier oil). Tee Tree oil is a little strong for me. So, I use pure witch hazel or Sea Breeze for sensitive skin and then follow with oil of choice on my scalp.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful recommendation ❤️ do you have any advice for how frequently to do this? Like only on a clean scalp after wash day? Or regularly throughout the month?
This is a very informative video but strand thickness isn’t about being 4c it’s your personal genetics. There are lots of 4c with very strong, thick strands (check out green beauty for example) and women with thinner strands. Love the rest of the video though!
@@diasporaexpress9799 Not true. Genetics influences hair growth. But, proper care and maintenance of hair leads to length retention. The two combined will lead to different rates of growth and amounts of hair retention based on the individual. But, hair growth is not solely dependant on genetics. There are 3 phases to hair growth, which is common in all humans: growth, rest and shed. Then, process starts again. There are scientific definitions of each phase. But for simplicity they are: grow, rest and shed.
Thank you Cocoa. Your hair is gorgeous.Wash days one a week are too much for 4c hair when you are trying to get to the next level of hair growth and beyond the phase Beyond being time consuming I remember growing up and going to the salon it was every 2 weeks. Im all about the length retention now and maximizing my hair care routine to achieve this.
@miss lady...cover your head with a plastic cap with the braids in a few times a week...Try to cover where your real hair ends. You can use a moisturizing spritz or not. The bagging provides moisture. Then you could use an oil after you take the plastic cap off...or not. See what your preference is.
Thanks for the suggestion! Unfortunately even when I wash my hair it braids or twists, it tangles up so badly (just from getting wet honestly) that I still have to detangle afterward 😓 Also I think it was your profile pic that I saw before but I love parakeets as well! Especially the blue ones 😭😭😭💘
Been stuck at bra strap length for a while and started doing the most which did not help at all. This year I went back to loose two strand twists and monthly wash days (mostly cos I don't have the time to be in my hair) and I'm seeing improvement. So encouraged by this to just stick with it and hopefully the length will come.
My goodness, your personality is amazing ! I’d love to see a “day in the life “ type video since you’re in Kyoto. What are the differences of taking care of your hair in Japan versus in the states?
Thank you so much friend 😩 this truly warms my heart 💖 Noted! I’ll work on a day in my life video for sure! Since I import my products from the states, not too much actually differed there, but I’ll keep that idea in mind as well. Thank you for the suggestions 💕
I just found you and I love your energy and information!!! Where were you 2 years ago?!?! My hair broke off to bra length and I didn’t know I had to re-experiment what “Level 10” moves I needed to adapt to! Thanks again!!😅
Damn Im trying to grow my hair out more and I feel like washing it less actually contributed to dryness and more breakage. Someone suggested installing mini twists and washing hair in the twists once a week so that’s what I’m trying now wish me luck. Im also strictly finger detangling when I take them down as I don’t think my hair can handle any combs or brushes except boar bristle brush for smoothing.
I feel like I've reached a plateau too. I'm almost at nipple length but it legit feels like I've been "almost at nipple length" for more than a year. Used to use mini braids for protective styling then stopped when I noticed my hairline falling back. But if I could find how to combat the hairline issue I could probably get back to my mini braids. Having my hair loose majority of the time forces me to have my hands in my head way too often. I need to get back to what worked😭
Hm, if mini braids were what worked for you, maybe you can do them but not on the hairline and maybe do a flat twist or cornrow on the sensitive areas instead? Since it’s the hairline, if you don’t like the look of the flat twist with the braids, maybe you can try wearing cute scarves tied around your edges to hide the flat twist and still rock the braids. Or on the other hand you can rock the flat twist and hide the braids under a beanie (my old go to protective style). There are lots of options 😄
I really feel confident that this will work for you. If you have any other questions or need some advice as you try to implement the tips, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m rooting for you 💖
Thanks so much for posting your thoughts and experiences with this. I think another thing us ladies may consider is whether the products you use work with your hair. I tried finger detangling for a while and it was quite horrid; but when I switched to more moisturizing products with some slip, detangling was a breeze (whether with fingers or with a tangle teezer). I personally prefer the turn out of my hair after using a tangle teezer. Also tangle teezers have a particular brush for thick and coily hair which may also affects things. Hair needs and lifestyle needs and/or restrictions play into all these. Thanks again for sharing your experience with trials and errors. It is quite helpful :)
Thanks for the information I just realized my hair has a lot more unevenness and breakage than I thought it did and so I’m taking your advice and hoping for the best!
Omg this video 😮! Girl you just simplified the heckenbob my mind and allow the synapses of how I achieved low mid back length hair before I cut it to connect back to how I’m not treating it! Thank you so much!
Girlllllll the Denman brush!! I was gifted one last year, and seeing this video has helped me understand wtf started happening to my hair! I had been so confused, my hair seemed to just being getting dryer, and snapping, soooo much hair loss, I started thinking it was my health, despite being the most healthy I have ever been, and I was sooo confused!! I stopped using it a few months ago, and I noticed so much less hair loss on wash days, and more shine and moisture retention. I switched up so many things, but now listening to this I am realising that this damn brush was definitely making a huge impact!! And helps me understand why it just seemed to get bad so suddenly. Thank you!! I have been finger detangling, but do have a lot of matting in the back, so I’m going to try a wide tooth comb and gently detangle today. Thank you so much!✨
I oil my scalp everyday and did a water rinse at two week mark because I plan on keep my hair in twist and wash once a month all year, I’m also stuck at brag strap length 🥺 that helped with the annoying scalp
Tea tree oil. For the first time since forever, I was able to leave my hair unwashed for 5 weeks! Last wash was mid Jan this year. Latest wash was yesterday. I discovered an organic tea tree oil, which stopped my scalp feeling itchy and irritated.Even peppermint oil couldn't do that. I'm in seventh heaven. Your video just encouraged me to make monthly washes my new routine. Thank you!!🎉🙌🎊🙌
Yes, this is what I use as well. I use tea tree oil, rosemary oil and MSM in a water spritz. It takes me to 3 months! But to be honest, my scalp rarely itches. I could go longer, but I’m not down for going longer than that. Happy growing sis! 🌺
That’s amazing!! I have tried peppermint oil in castor oil in the past and it didn’t help much so I gave up on essential oils. Perhaps I’ll have to try it again with tea tree oil. Thanks for your recommendation 💓
thank you. i finally got it. i currently wash and deep condition every week. it's growing but slow. it's healthy though. i want length. i'm going to cornrow it leave it in 4-6 weeks and clean my scalp with water, acv, and aloe vera diluted amounts in clean cool water. i'll apply this to my scalp only once a week with a clean washcloth then apply a light oil on the hair and ends and see how it works.
That sounds like a good plan! I hope the weekly scalp application will help keep the dandruff away. I should give ACV a try. My only recommendation would be to also moisturize your cornrow every week with leave-in conditioner as well and not just oil! Your hair will be thrilled 😍
Thank you so much. I am Armpit Lenth for 3 years. My routine is a complete washday EVERY week. Wide tooth comb detangling on the prepoo, on the deep conditioner, after the leave in AND after my styling product 😩😩😩. So I start your advices just NOW 🤣🤣. God bless you
I’m actually going to make a sort of part 2 to this video where I share the elements I believe are important for reaching bra strap length, so I hope you stick around for that one and find it helpful 🤗♥️
Why do we all always plateau at armpit length or for the luckier ones, bra strap😂😂😂. Thanks for the vid sis❤️ Very informative. I'm also trying to break out from my hair growth plateau. Been 4 years natural.
I've just passed bra strap length and I shed sooooo much hair during my one a month wash day. It's depressing. I'm not even doing the most. My hair is just fragile. I will have to embrace some tangles and do a one every 6 week wash day.
At this point, it’s probably a moisture issue and not a manipulation issue. I recently noticed that I “shed” a ton more (like over 2x more) hair on wash days where I didn’t moisture my hair very diligently that month, vs when I have a wash day where my hair was still moisturized when I went in to wash it.
Sis, 👏yees, same rules apply for my 3b/c hair. I’m considering wash day every 6 weeks. I know that sounds nasty, BUT using ACV w/mother, on the scalp, to cleanse between wash days is so refreshing. Why every 6 weeks? It conducive for MY hair care routine.
I protective style as well but I feel like I don't keep them installed long enough. This is something that I'm trying hard to change in 2022! It's sooo true that our hair is fragile. I honestly feel like I lose so much hair during the detangling process.
I wish I had recorded all the times I ended up with a rounded mountain of hair that fills my entire hand (I have man hands btw lol). I still lose a lot of hair on wash day but the amount I used to lose was truly a spectacle 😭
@@cocoainkyoto Wow, that's crazy but I know exactly how you must feel! I also lose a lot of hair but I don't have tons of hair to begin with so I try to keep every last strand!!! 🤣 I'm also trying to reel in my inner product junkie who just LOOOOOVES to try new hair products! Giiiiiirl, its sooo bad! lol!!!
@@cocoainkyoto LOL! I need to try that! The next problem now though is looking for new products online. I literally LOVE trying out new products. Right now I'm having a no spend/use my stash moment, so I'm also trying to avoid the online beauty supply stores as well... the struggle is real! 😂
I am listening Sis!!! I keep my hands out of my hair (unnecessarily). I am approaching BSL andbi protrctive style 100% (diy). Wigs, african threading (rubber thread), genie locs, and my current do,; faux locs! I will be 4yrs post bc in March 2024 andbi am excited!
I would’ve been at waist length in 7 years but I trusted someone with my hair and they set me back 2 years. I’ll be 9 years natural in March 2023 and I’m trying to get to 20 inches by then
Thank you for this ! I have been stuck at bra-strap for YEARS . I dye my hair blonde so I can literally see my roots growing like crazy but yet no length retention 😭 . I have been doing everything so at this point I’m looking at my EZ detangler . My scalp is the same as yours but since I’ve been using TPH serum , master cleanse , and scalp conditioner I can go as long as I want comfortably with no scalp discomfort or even flakes. It’s magic 😭. Just use regular deep conditioner as the scalp conditioner is only for the scalp . Your hair is gorgeous!
That's because your hair is breaking off at the ends, which is the oldest part of your hair. I don't know if you do this already, if not, try putting oil on your ends, actually starting at the mid shaft to your ends, maybe two or three times a week. Hope that helps
Hmm. Firstly, you have beautiful hair, sis. As someone with type 4 hair to my waist, I found the part concerning where you advised to going a month without washing your hair despite an itchy scalp because you think it’s best for your hair. Weekly washing is the longest recommended for our hair type by most certified natural hair specialists, and you’d said it’s what made your scalp happiest when you did it. Long hair is great, but we have to at some point recognize that sacrificing our actual health and hygiene for aesthetics is something we really need to move away from in this community. Our scalps being healthy and clean produces the healthiest, thickest hair anyway. That irritation and “itchiness” you described comes from buildup, not of product per se, but of sebum and sweat. Your pores are clogged, and it’s a neglect of skincare to let it stay that way for the sake of preserving every single inch. I can attest that your hair won’t fall out from washing it more frequently, and even the length retention absolutely evens out from having a healthy scalp. We have to get away from this narrative and normalization of letting our hair and scalps be unclean and unhealthy for vanity. We have an obsession, and I think it hurts us as a community.
I love your video. I can see why people get relaxers!!! When relaxing hair, to truly prevent breakage, Moisturize, Moisturize and less manipulation the same as natural hair! But continue moisturize is key to prevent hair from breaking with a relaxer!! Thank you for your tutorial!!!
what products do u use?:) my hair is a little past bra strap length hair and my goal is to get it to my butt. the natural hair community is so confusing lol i’m trying to navigate through it. i was about to make the mistake of washing my hair every week. also i recently bought a tangle teezer and have been using it 2 times in my routine.. thank u for sharing amazing tips:).
I’m so happy you found it helpful 💕 you’ll reach booty length in no time my friend 😁✨ I use the terrestrials mud wash, oyin Handmade’s conditioners, and castor oil as a sealant, but any silicone free conditioner you like will do!
I also think you should be an actress you’re beautiful and so funny and your presence seeps through everything you do. I love your naturalness about your character ❤❤❤❤❤
Omg thank you so much 🥹♥️ I have made small appearances on TV and in Japanese movies, but I would have loved to become an actress 🥰 If you hear of any openings let me know 😭
Thanks so much for posting this!! I'm going through this exact plateau right now. It's frustrating thinking you're doing the right things but our hair is so fragile. The middle of my hair continues to grow while the back stopped getting longer. I finally got a heavy trim and am protecting my ends more - eg put my twists in a bun.
My hair grew like 3 inches so i had a Revlon blow dryer air brush and i used it and all those 3 inches just blow dried into that air brush contraption.😢😢😮😮😮😮 No more tools Leave my hair alone
I noticed when I pre poo then twists and put clips at the ends of my hair before I wash my hair I retain length but then I don’t always implement it. So I will definitely try your method. 6 month challenge. Love your channel Mataneeee domo arigato😂😂😂😂that’s all I know😅😅😅
To relieve itching and dryness between ONE MONTH washes (1) I use an acne face was or shampoo with 3% salicylic acid. It will be sold as psoriasis or dermatitis shampoo (2) mix about 4 Oz of olive oil with about 6 drops of essential oils ( tea tree and rosemary). I put this on my scalp every 5 days.
I work out with weights daily and I sweat a lot so I washed my hair once a week and I have so many knots at the ends. I will take all your advice (I have 16 months of growth)If someone could give me more advice on washing routines and good products for Hair 4b -4c, I would greatly appreciate it.I'm learning to speak English, I apologize for my grammar. Un saludo desde Colombia.
No need to apologize at all; your English is great ☺️ hm, I personally think one’s best wash routine differs depending on hair type as well as hair length, so it’s difficult for me to try to recommend something without having those details. For now I’d say try out my wash routine and see if you like it🧐 Thanks for sharing your concerns. Perhaps I can make a video addressing them in the future 💕
Ok sis I’m officially getting rid of my detangling brush. I do think it’s one of the reasons that I’m not seeing more length retention. Thanks for sharing and cheers to our long healthy hair journey🥰
Thank you for this video, I have finally reached the armpit lenght and have definitely changed a few thiings round since I first started 4 years ago. And yes I have found my wide tooth come which has rounded root and triangular teeth has been the best thing I have started using. That's a follow from me!
You are hilarious; and 💯% correct ➰➰➰But I tell you, I have the perfect shower brush. It is so flexible (even the plastic bristles), and molds to the shape of the head, and causes little to no breaking. It feels so good as a scalp massager. I mean amazing. I tried and tried and tried, to find the exact same brush, so that I could have another one in my possession, to no avail. I am still searching. I gave up on the Denman, a long time ago. I never understood how naturals could use it, because it does snap our hair.
I don’t think I’ll ever even reach bra strap length 🥺🥺🥺 I’ve been in the Afro length for so many years 😭😭😭😭 i just suck at this natural hair thing. Your hair is gorgeous 😍😍😍😍😍
Braid your hair and leave it alone. Leave it in for 2 to 3 months at a time. I promise you it will grow. Yes, oil it as well. Wear crochet, or sew in. That's what I wear. I'm at below side boob length now, if that's a correct measurement lol
YOU DEFINITELY WILL! It is my mission to help you get there so don’t give up. As cute as I find the term “Afro length” 😭♥️ I’m gonna use it in my next video 🤣💕
"The ends should only touch silk or satin."
That moment when I realize the Creator really gave us the most bougie hair type 😂❤
The whole truth and nothing but the truth 🤣👑👸🏾
Don't forget "air". Subscribing! 😊
@@hard2findjewel640 Thank you so much! 💕💕💕 Welcome to the fam 👑
I love this ❤
There was a big misconception in the natural hair community where we thought that the denman brush was best for detangling, when in actuality, the denman brush is marketed as a styling brush vs the Tangle Teezer and the Felicia Leatherwood brushes that are designed for detangling. That's why the denman was taking so much hair. It was meant to be used after you have already detangled.
Thank you for this. I have so much hair in that brush every wash day, even when I detangle in small sections!
I had no idea about that, but that would make a whole lotta sense 😂
Yesss I used it one time and that’s all it took lol
🤣
I must say this about that.. tangle teasers --my hair broke it, demon brush...I mean denman brush, my hair had a fight with the denman brush and we both were broken. Vent brushes snatch my stuff out at the scalp. I've had luck with wide tooth paddle brushes....but I like natural materials so now I use a bamboo paddle brush. Point is... Not everything works for everybody so if you see someone using something and you're thinking oh that didn't work for me but I'll try it again....no, stop right there and say I know it doesn't work for me so I'll try what does work for me. Oh and boar bristle brushes...come in soft and firm. I used to think I couldn't use a board bristle brush but come to find out I can't use a firm or hard for bristle brush the soft one goes through my hair like butter. The trick is run your thumb or fingers across the boar bristle brush before you leave the store with it if you can't push your fingers through it might be too hard for your hair unless you actually prefer the firm and don't want the soft and then you make your decision accordingly. I used to think brushes were the devil and then I learned is not brushes ...it's the type of brush.
When I stopped washing my hair weekly, it did so much for my length retention. One of the things that helped when an itchy scalp was to do a very light spritz of vinegar diluted with water massage it into my scalp then follow up within a small amount of castor oil and massage it into my scalp as well. Castor oil is anti-fungal and vinegar helps to break up the old sebum on the scalp. It was the next best thing to actually washing my hair. Kept itchies away for about a week.
Thank you for this advice! Actually I’ve always wanted to try vinegar but always ended up stumped at the dilution ratio. How much do you recommend diluting the vinegar? And does it have to be ACV?? Cuz in Japan I can find all kinds of vinegar besides ACV lol 😅
@@cocoainkyoto I use about a tablespoon (15ml) per 8 oz of water or aloe vera juice. I added more if my scalp is super itchy. Max I would use would probably be 3 tablespoons.
I actually don't use ACV (I think it smells like rotten apples lol!) I use white distilled vinegar which is also much cheaper. Also it's more acidic than ACV so I don't have to use as much. If I do use ACV it's a 1:1 ratio of half vinegar and half water.
Also, on occasion, if my hair's really tangled, I've used the vinegar mix for detangling. Because it's an acidic mixture it helps to lay hair cuticles flat so strands can separate from each other more easily.
Not rotten apples 😭😭
Omg girl you’re a genius. This is the first time I’ve felt like I could confidently take someone’s vinegar advice lol. I also love the idea of using it for detangling *chef’s kiss*. You’re a saint; thank you 💖
@@cocoainkyoto Aww you’re welcome ☺️❤️. I’m definitely gonna keep watching your channel. I love the advice you’ve been giving!
Excellent tip! Thank you so much!
Finding what works for our hair can be the most difficult part of the journey. I used to watch the Urban Bush Babies I cared for my hair differently from them but I just enjoyed their personalities. I also enjoyed watching GeraldineTheGreat. Currently the other 4C girls I enjoy watching are Indigenous Strandz (4B/C but thigh length}, Obaa Yaa Jones, and Nothando NdlovuRaw . I think all type 4 hair care may need some adjustment at different lengths. You may need to make some adjustment at tailbone if you chose to grow to that length.
9 years doesn't seem long to grow to waist length. Congratulations! Gorgeous
Thank you so much darling. You're a sweetheart 💖
th-cam.com/video/ul-p1v_D6A0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=kMtG-HF-EABr3XYw
I'm stuck at bra strap and I don't use any tools I saw a huge difference when I was stuck at shoulder length when I started finger detangling but I will try the first tip you gave though about the ends not touching any thing but satin or silk. When I stopped doing the most I started seeing the length. My routine is really simple.
I love to hear it! Feel free to come back in a couple months and let me know if it worked for you💖
Finger detangling. The earlier in your journey you ditch combs and brushes and styling tools the better. I finger detangle.any time i have a lot of slip in my hair. Don't focus too much on getting your hair super duper detangled because why are you doing that. If you can style it easily it's good enough
Also you can wash your hair once a month but wash you scalp once a week. Just twist or braid up your hair and rinse your scalp with water and massage it. Water still cleans your scalp and you don't have to deal with running your fingers through your hair. When you're done you can squeeze moisturizer into your twists and stretch them to dry.
Great advice, how how would one get shed hair out properly without a tool, i have tried solely finger detangling at times but i still find my shed hair get stuck within my strands and cause tangles, i sometimes use the felicia leatherwood brush with lots of conditioner and i try to be gentle
I detangle once after deep conditioner with heat, shampoo once a month. I gently use my fingers, brush, and comb. Moisturize as needed. Bra strap-2nd big chop in 2019, back at bra strap 2022. Stick with what works.
NO lies were told in this video. I have EXTREMELY fine strands and I discovered wet detangling, the denman brush and manipulation snapped my ends. Like you I only use a wide tooth comb AFTER I have tension dried my hair. That change helped me SO MUCH.
I love this! Thank you so much for sharing. Finding the culprit in your routine is SO freeing 🥹
Baby Sis, you have schooled your elder Auntie! I have been natural since 2012. Came into the knowledge of our natural hair in my latter years, but I had to big chop again in 2021. Like you, I have very fine 4C tightly coily strands, and my scalp is always itchy. To combat itchiness and dryness, I wash my hair weekly, but I struggle with this because I know my hair is soo beautifully fragile! At 59 years old, I want to achieve bra strap length - at least, but I didn't understand how important detangling with less stress to our hair is, and touching our hair less a month will add to length retention! I'm nervous about washing my hair and detangling once a month, but I'm starting right now! Also, your tip on detangling only ONCE at one point during our wash day is invaluable! You are a genius! Thank you for sharing, Sis! P.S. Your hair is BEAUTIFUL..and so are you! Blessings!
Immediately subscribed,literally no TH-camr has ever manage to nail this topic as you did sis.I just loved the way you went straight into it no bla bla boom that we already know in the beginning of the video. We just got the most useful information for retaining length after a long period of being at the same length.Thankyou so much😌
I’m so glad ♥️ This is actually the information I most wanted to share when I made my TH-cam channel because, just as you said, no one was saying it. This gives value to all of my struggle, so thank you so much 💖
Seconded, subscribed.
Thank you so much 🥹♥️✨
Yes she basically says everything we think in our minds I love love her channel 🥰🥰🥰
I use a wide tooth comb made of wood and have seen alot less breakage with that tool. Finger detangling sounds great but was very difficult for me. But what made the best difference was finding the right products for my 4b/4c mix of hair.
Love it! I’ve never tried a wooden wide toothed comb, but now I’m curious.
Also yeah I’ve had a rough history with finger detangling as well 😅 I swore it off the first time I tried it but then after another few years came back around lol.
I agree my friend that makes my hair commented that she see less breakage and stress on my hair when she combs my hair with my wooden comb(an idea suggested by my siekh friend )
I am so glad you kept it so real & not say that your hair can "grow overnight " using this method. Learned so much. New subbie here
Thank you so much for the support 💖
Yes girl, my goal is not to just get out the info people need and to not waste people’s time with the nonsense everyone else is spreading 🤭
Hi Beautiful ! First I am glad to see a real 4C Rapunzel 😀. Concerning the fact you would rather wash your hair more frequently, a thing would be to wear mini/medium twists and gently wash it and deep condition it as is. You will be able to wash it twice a month at least but skipping the detangling process.
4C Rapunzel; I love it 😭♥️ Thank you for the advice 💕
My worst plateau was chin length, in my teens/early 20s I had grown my hair to bra strap. I am going fully back to home made products, Ayurveda and African ingredients since that's really helped to moisturize and retain my length.
For some reason I hadn’t considered that other people’s plateaus may have been at different lengths, so this was really helpful to know! I’ve never tried Ayurveda but maybe I should, because I’m trying to simplify my products as much as possible 😮💨
@@cocoainkyoto Ayurveda is not simple when you're first starting out. It's similar to making your own products, you gotta find which herbs, spices and powders work for your hair, and your lifestyle.
I do recommend doing research, I have retained moisture and length along with increased thickness of my hair. I'm still working on refining my products so I'm not product junkie, even homemade lol
Oh man; that’s what I had been afraid of this whole time lol. But at this point I’ve been recommended by a couple of people to try it, so maybe I can’t avoid it any longer 😆
@@cocoainkyoto Start with fenegreek, hibiscus, amla and olive oil.
@@jk9084 I had stopped my ayervedic stuff...and now that I think about it...that's the big difference in my routine. I need to get back to my henna, amla, hibiscus etc.
It's crazy how much your hair grew after you changed your detangling regimen. I'm going to try the same thing.
When I look back on it, my hair truly did grow a ton last year; it is amazing how much progress can be made in a year 😩
That's what I need. I am at BSL and I am looking to get beyond that to MBL. Thanks for your tips.
You’re welcome! You’ll be there in no time 💕
"I was watching their videos- I was binging, binging them all" made me LOL. This video is so relatable, like talking to one of my girlfriends. Omg it's taken me 9-10 years to get to Waist length. Spent 2015-2019 in BSL. Olaplex, The Mane Choice masks, gentler techniques, and the brush hack
That warms my heart so much 💕💕💕 this is truly how I am in real life so it is reassuring to know you guys appreciate my unfiltered personality ♥️
Thank you for the honesty 😊 So tired of youtubers saying they started with a TWA and in 4 mos their hair is waist length 🤬. I can’t imagine life without my Felicia Leatherwood brush.
I’m glad to hear it was appreciated ♥️
Yeah I know how you feel 😅 if it helps, you can try experimenting with the other tips for a few months first and see if you get good results 🤗
For scalp treatment use neem, cloves, blackseeds spray and/or oil with rosemary, peppermint and lavender essential oils. Since I started using ayurvedic hair treatments my scalp is never dry, itchy or flaky, not even in protective styles. Apple cider/water vinegar spray and and fresh aloe vera gel or storebought juice also really help for healthy scalp.
Ayurveda hair treatments? Apple Cider Vinegar/water/Aloe Vera ? Please elaborate on both questions
@@missladyzee44 Yes in ayurveda (from India) they believe in the healing proporties of herbs and oils and this is used for overall health of the body so also hair (growth). There are majy videos on this by black YTers with DIYs. I make my own hair products with ayurvedic powders and herbs: sprays, oils and hair masks. You can start with hibiscus, fenegreek, amla and moringa. Now, for scalp, detangling and moisturization of hair you can use the fresh gel from an aloe vera leaf. For itchy scalp and detangling you can use a spritz of 1/3 aloe vera and 2/3 water.
Wow, not getting itchy even in protective styles?? That’s what I need in my life 😭 Thank you for your recommendations 💕
@@cocoainkyoto Yes try it out 🤗
@J K I saw a video on IG about using Hibiscus Gel as a rinse so I will try that
This video was very helpful! I’m at bra strap and I just trimmed my hair recently. Road to waist length 💓
YAS! You’ll be there in no time 💕
@@cocoainkyoto how did you get your hair straightened like this?
@@dzidzokumahor3857 I just blow-dried it 😃
All these beautiful ladies at bra strap length. My daughter's is there. I am not but u believe it's because I have damage from relaxing my hair since I was 7. I'm now 49 and I think the back of my hair won't grow as fast as the front.😒😒😒😌😌😌at least we know better now.
"Its so fun out here sis"--A MOOD. The benefits of taking care of our hair are endless. Your strands are THRIVING & you are so beautiful. This was awesome 💕
Thank you so much girlie 💖 I checked out your channel and you and your personality are absolutely radiant 💕
@@cocoainkyoto I appreciate this a ton girl. Thank you 🥰 and you’re so welcome!!
This is the information I needed. Your information provides direction that no other videos I have seen, wash once a month, low manipulation, ditch the detangling tools
I’m so grateful to hear that 💖
I’m not 4C, but I still have type 4 hair with fine (thin) strands that have always been prone to breakage. It took a lot for me to get to bra strap. However, I too plateaued at bra strap for some years, 3 to be exact. I kind of surpassed it once a year ago, but by the time I did some thorough trimming it was back to bra strap again and it has been every since. I think this video reminded me that I need to aggressively protect the ends more than I have been recently. I used to do an additional moisture and seal on my ends everyday and I haven’t been. I also used to pin my hair up alot more when it was not in braids. I’m going back to that and also try incorporating some type of baggy method on the ends before I pin them away or something. Anyways thanks for the tip/reminder about the ends.
You’re so welcome. I hope it’s been going better since then? Even at hip length, I’ve seen that my length plateaus again when I get lazy with regular moisturizing and protecting the ends. Unfortunately if we’re not aggressive with protection, our hair doesn’t give us the length we want 🥲🥲🥲
It really sucks because my hair is easily tangled and I tried leaving it alone, only to experience more breakage because my hair started to dread up at the roots. So detangling is a must for me. I’m in the process of finding a shampoo that doesn’t make my hair tangle up so much. I’ll also be doing twists and only taking them out when I’m going somewhere. So I’ll be looking like Felicia. I’m fine with that for long hair
I too spent my most of my college years looking like Felicia so you’re not alone sis 😂
Also for the shampoo option that doesn’t tangle your hair, I’d recommend trying mud wash if you’re ok with the idea of ditching shampoo. I love the way it doesn’t lead to any dryness and tangles.
And aloe vera is bananas for finger detangling. It's incredible. Not store bought juice. But the acutal leaf. Get rid of poison. Scoop out jelly. Blend strain amd use that goodness. If your hair agrees with it of couse. It's magical
This is all true. I don't mess with the Denman or detangling brushes. They both steal length. Wide tooth comb all the way.
My detangling process was stealing my length too. I now detangle at the prepoo stage only and I've found the perfect detangler.
🙌🏾
Would you mind divulging your perfect detangler?
This is the lenght I want. You are beautifull.
I am between bra and waistlenght. Ive seen your progress in one year it give me hope. This is amazing !!!
I am thinking about THROW AWAY MY BRUSH. i use it every 3 weeks only during shampoo process.
Wow I’m so happy to hear you watched my older videos a year ago💖 thank you for the support and kind words ❤️
If you can find a way to detangle with a comb or your fingers that you’re comfortable with, I think you’re better off without it 😉
My 4C thick high porosity hair is in the middle of my back, I just recently flat ironed my hair after a year and some months of no heat. My next goal is tailbone length, by the time I graduate college (2025) I should be able to reach that goal. I enjoyed this video and I will be watching you for inspiration!!!!!❤️
Oh you’ll definitely get there way before you graduate at this rate! 🎉
Thank you so much for the support 💖
You perfectly described my hair/I have the exact same texture as you and I’ve been running out of ideas 😭 do you mind mentioning what’s your hair (care) routine? And what do you do as your go to protective style?
Thank you for this video. I’m honestly so angry right now because I’ve been stuck at bsl for 9+ months now. I’m constantly protective styling and I’m at a point where I just want things to be easy ! 😩 god the money and ttttiiiime I’ve put in lordt! And for it not to have grown a inch of me keep a inch is so infuriating. What do I have long hair forrrrrrrrrr !!! God! Will I have to hide it even when I get to tailbone? Ugh! Sorry I just - i feel all us naturals have done so much to love ourselves and learn and it’s like- when does it end? Whennnnn? When will my hair be easy? 😩😩😩😩. Ima wear a bun for 9 months now and give y’all a update. Over it. That’s the lowest manipulation I can do. Thanks for the vid.
I hope you find a way out of this rut soon, can you find a trusted stylist to help you with some of your hair needs? just sticking with the basics of wash, condition and style with minimal products will do anyone a world of good if they are struggling
Great video. Great realistic advice. I would also include adding ingredients to strength the hair strands like hemp seed oil, grape seed oil that fill in gaps or cracks in the hair strands like olaplex 3, and find Protein treament your hair can take, sealing the ends with a heavy oil like castor.
And ingredients with lots of slips. And ingredients to decrease shedding, DHT Blockers and ingredients increase your hair growth phase
2022 the year I stop brushing my hair.
Just little advice, prep your hair with oil (coconut or olive) before washing. It helps with finger detangling 😁
Thanks for the tip! 💕
in my experience, no matter how much i pre-poo with an oil, hair still comes out as soon as i put conditioner/deep conditioner, it's as if shampooing my scalp encourages the shed hair to be out more than pre-pooing with an oil, it's frustrating for me so i'm always on the look out for what others are doing to minimise this issue
My plateau was waist length. I implemented the monthly wash day last year, and now we are retaining length again.
I love to hear it 🙌🏾🙌🏾❤️
This makes so much sense. It's a huge challenge for me and my life, but it makes immense sense.I work in corporate, I sweat in my head, I like to work out... but I can do more and I can do better , and get better results.
Thanks.💙
I hope it works out for you ❤️❤️❤️
Hi! 👋🏾 Thanks SO MUCH for this video :) Quick qstn pls. When wearing mini twists, did you keep your hair in the secondary protective style to sleep, or did you keep it free?
Finally someone with sense ! I’m so tired of these TH-camrs repeating the same thing! Thanks so much! New subbie !
I’m so glad you support my mission 😭💖 I still have so much more to say 😂 lol
And thank you for subscribing! 💖♥️💖♥️💖
😳 this the video I’ve been searching for, been stuck at bsl grazing mbl for 5 years, yes I’ve been at this for 10/11 as well ( with my own dumb mistakes also) but I’ve realized that I need lower manipulation, I just couldn’t get my manipulation down low enough. Thank you for this, it’s been confirmed what I’m doing now😭😭🥰🥰😘🙏🏾. Bless you frfr. Oh beautiful hair and spirit btw, your video has literally saved my hair💙💙
Thank you so much for this comment. This is the reason I made this video. I can't wait for you to start seeing progress soon ❤
Love the term "secondary protective style".
😁 glad it resonates 💖
This was for me, it’s not that long being stuck at bra strap glad I found this! Sis noticed it! So going for monthly, I’ll miss it so much that’s my weakness but I’m currently on bi-weekly as I was desperate. ❤
I’m so glad to hear that. Yeah it takes some working up to, but I’m so confident it’ll yield you desirable results, so I hope it brings you success soon! 💖
Completely unrelated question but it’s so interesting that you’re in Kyoto! Please consider a video telling us how you go there and what life is like as a natural in Kyoto, etc…
This is a great idea! I would love to share that, so thank you for the suggestion. I’ll add that to the queue 😄💕
@@cocoainkyoto yay! I can’t wait to hear/watch the story!
What is Kyoto?
@@missladyzee44 a city in Japan
Testimony . Watched this a year ago and was stuck a few inches below collarbone for over 10 years . Changed my routine and more specifically how I detangle . Starting using fingers , wide tooth along with j nice fresh start trim . Now I am nipple length lol about to be waist length . I recently tried a felicia Reshad and I’m shocked it’s better then a wide tooth comb new fav
Wow! You’re my first official testimony 🥹 thank you so much for coming back to share your win with me and others. This was so incredibly rewarding to me 💖💖💖
Is the Felicia Reshad a new brush? You don’t mean the Felicia Leatherwood brush right? I looked it up but didn’t see a tool; I’d be interested in trying it if you’ve found success with it!
@@cocoainkyoto lol your right it’s the Felicia Leather wood brush
Thank you for being apart of my journey and helping me grow 🫶🏽
@Kittyprimee 🥹🥹🥹 you are so welcome. Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey you soft beautiful soul 😭❤️💖❤️
Thank you so much for this video. You hit the nail in the head. I've been covering up my hair with wigs for years and in the lasr two years have started my natural hair journey. It has been so frustrating, untilnI saw your video. Blessings to you my 4C sister ❤️!
Oh Em Geeee!!!!! I resonate with this soooo much! We had the same issues that caused breakage, I’m happy I watched this because I don’t feel alone lol
This helps me too in knowing I’m not alone so it’s a win-win! Thanks for letting me know 😆❤️
@@cocoainkyoto 😆 no problem 😉
Nah sis you need to plateau so we could have these helpful tips & insights lol👌🏽 new sub!!
😂 God does have a way of making even the bad things turn out for good so I’ll take it 🤣💜
I’ve been doing Amla powder treatments since November 1 and my hair has stopped the excessive shedding and breakage. It’s literally a dollar size amount .. coin dollar.. not a dollar bill. I am 100% amazed at the difference and how strong my hair feels. I’m finally retaining length. Yes I met my plateaued to my boss stop and I’ve just been struggling with growing it past the bra strap
I’ve gotten so many comments about Ayurvedic treatments that I think I’m going to start looking into them soon. I just need to find the time and patience to commit to diving in
What do you mix your powder with?
4c hair strands are not exclusively thin. Please speak for yourself.
I'm so happy I found your channel, and oh my god I remember the Urban Bush Babes from way back in the day! I'm currently right around armpit length and my hair is still growing, but once I plateau I'm going to put the brush down/brush once a month instead of every two weeks. I do see them little hairs coming off in my brush for sure... thank you for the vid! You've got a new subbie!
AHHHHH I was so happy to read this! I hope that your entire journey will be plateau-free and you can get straight to your goal length ASAP 🥰 and thank you so much for subscribing 💖💖💖
Hi thanks for a good video. Since you wash once a month, and sometimes experience itchy scalp, try parting your hair and clean your scalp with a white wash cloth moistened with "witch hazel" or "Sea Breeze for sensitive scalp". Then, follow up with a light application of castor oil or the oil of your choice . Personally, I like Grapeseed, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Almond Oil and Jojoba Oil. You can also try cleaning your scalp with Tee Tree oil mixed with a carrier oil (if using Tee Tree oil, you must mix it with a carrier oil). Tee Tree oil is a little strong for me. So, I use pure witch hazel or Sea Breeze for sensitive skin and then follow with oil of choice on my scalp.
Thank you so much for the thoughtful recommendation ❤️ do you have any advice for how frequently to do this? Like only on a clean scalp after wash day? Or regularly throughout the month?
I forgot all about Sea Breeze AND Witch Hazel. Wasn't aware that that could be done. I also have Jojoba Oil & Organic Jamaican Avocado Oil
@@cocoainkyoto this is for a refresh throughout the month if your scalp is annoying you but you’re not ready to wash yet
Awesome content!! Thanks for dropping the hair facts!! Not handling these fragile strands too much is my favorite take away tip from your video 💝
I’m glad you found it helpful 💖💖💖
This is a very informative video but strand thickness isn’t about being 4c it’s your personal genetics. There are lots of 4c with very strong, thick strands (check out green beauty for example) and women with thinner strands. Love the rest of the video though!
Thank you for the heads up; I’ll keep that in mind ❤️
Hair growth is genetic period!
@@diasporaexpress9799 Not true. Genetics influences hair growth. But, proper care and maintenance of hair leads to length retention. The two combined will lead to different rates of growth and amounts of hair retention based on the individual. But, hair growth is not solely dependant on genetics. There are 3 phases to hair growth, which is common in all humans: growth, rest and shed. Then, process starts again. There are scientific definitions of each phase. But for simplicity they are: grow, rest and shed.
Thank you Cocoa. Your hair is gorgeous.Wash days one a week are too much for 4c hair when you are trying to get to the next level of hair growth and beyond the phase Beyond being time consuming I remember growing up and going to the salon it was every 2 weeks. Im all about the length retention now and maximizing my hair care routine to achieve this.
Also Moisturize your hair in protective styles and pre poo if you need to.
Moisturize moisture moisture to avoid friction
Sounds good to me 🙌🏾
How do you do that with box braids ?
@@missladyzee44 by using a hydrating mist.
@miss lady...cover your head with a plastic cap with the braids in a few times a week...Try to cover where your real hair ends. You can use a moisturizing spritz or not. The bagging provides moisture. Then you could use an oil after you take the plastic cap off...or not. See what your preference is.
Honestly for the scalp thing I would say the best thing is to put your hair in plats or twists to eliminate the detangling part.
Thanks for the suggestion! Unfortunately even when I wash my hair it braids or twists, it tangles up so badly (just from getting wet honestly) that I still have to detangle afterward 😓
Also I think it was your profile pic that I saw before but I love parakeets as well! Especially the blue ones 😭😭😭💘
Been stuck at bra strap length for a while and started doing the most which did not help at all. This year I went back to loose two strand twists and monthly wash days (mostly cos I don't have the time to be in my hair) and I'm seeing improvement. So encouraged by this to just stick with it and hopefully the length will come.
I’m so glad to hear this. The length will come in no time for sure ♥️
My goodness, your personality is amazing ! I’d love to see a “day in the life “ type video since you’re in Kyoto. What are the differences of taking care of your hair in Japan versus in the states?
Thank you so much friend 😩 this truly warms my heart 💖
Noted! I’ll work on a day in my life video for sure!
Since I import my products from the states, not too much actually differed there, but I’ll keep that idea in mind as well. Thank you for the suggestions 💕
I just found you and I love your energy and information!!! Where were you 2 years ago?!?! My hair broke off to bra length and I didn’t know I had to re-experiment what “Level 10” moves I needed to adapt to! Thanks again!!😅
Damn Im trying to grow my hair out more and I feel like washing it less actually contributed to dryness and more breakage. Someone suggested installing mini twists and washing hair in the twists once a week so that’s what I’m trying now wish me luck. Im also strictly finger detangling when I take them down as I don’t think my hair can handle any combs or brushes except boar bristle brush for smoothing.
I feel like I've reached a plateau too. I'm almost at nipple length but it legit feels like I've been "almost at nipple length" for more than a year. Used to use mini braids for protective styling then stopped when I noticed my hairline falling back. But if I could find how to combat the hairline issue I could probably get back to my mini braids. Having my hair loose majority of the time forces me to have my hands in my head way too often. I need to get back to what worked😭
Hm, if mini braids were what worked for you, maybe you can do them but not on the hairline and maybe do a flat twist or cornrow on the sensitive areas instead? Since it’s the hairline, if you don’t like the look of the flat twist with the braids, maybe you can try wearing cute scarves tied around your edges to hide the flat twist and still rock the braids. Or on the other hand you can rock the flat twist and hide the braids under a beanie (my old go to protective style). There are lots of options 😄
Castor oil massages
I have been trying to get my hair past bra strap
I really feel confident that this will work for you. If you have any other questions or need some advice as you try to implement the tips, please don’t hesitate to ask! I’m rooting for you 💖
I'm trying to get mines TO bsl
Me too!
Thanks so much for posting your thoughts and experiences with this.
I think another thing us ladies may consider is whether the products you use work with your hair. I tried finger detangling for a while and it was quite horrid; but when I switched to more moisturizing products with some slip, detangling was a breeze (whether with fingers or with a tangle teezer). I personally prefer the turn out of my hair after using a tangle teezer. Also tangle teezers have a particular brush for thick and coily hair which may also affects things. Hair needs and lifestyle needs and/or restrictions play into all these.
Thanks again for sharing your experience with trials and errors. It is quite helpful :)
Thanks for the information I just realized my hair has a lot more unevenness and breakage than I thought it did and so I’m taking your advice and hoping for the best!
Feel free to leave another comment in a few months sharing your progress 💖
You're one of the most beatiful people i have ever seen, ABSOLUTELLY STUNNING!!!!!
🙈🙈🙈 AHHhhhHhh I’m so embarrassed. Thank you so much ❣️✨
Omg this video 😮! Girl you just simplified the heckenbob my mind and allow the synapses of how I achieved low mid back length hair before I cut it to connect back to how I’m not treating it! Thank you so much!
Girlllllll the Denman brush!! I was gifted one last year, and seeing this video has helped me understand wtf started happening to my hair! I had been so confused, my hair seemed to just being getting dryer, and snapping, soooo much hair loss, I started thinking it was my health, despite being the most healthy I have ever been, and I was sooo confused!! I stopped using it a few months ago, and I noticed so much less hair loss on wash days, and more shine and moisture retention. I switched up so many things, but now listening to this I am realising that this damn brush was definitely making a huge impact!! And helps me understand why it just seemed to get bad so suddenly. Thank you!! I have been finger detangling, but do have a lot of matting in the back, so I’m going to try a wide tooth comb and gently detangle today. Thank you so much!✨
I oil my scalp everyday and did a water rinse at two week mark because I plan on keep my hair in twist and wash once a month all year, I’m also stuck at brag strap length 🥺 that helped with the annoying scalp
This is a very informative video! Thank you very much.
I’m glad you found it helpful 💖💖💖
Tea tree oil. For the first time since forever, I was able to leave my hair unwashed for 5 weeks! Last wash was mid Jan this year. Latest wash was yesterday. I discovered an organic tea tree oil, which stopped my scalp feeling itchy and irritated.Even peppermint oil couldn't do that. I'm in seventh heaven. Your video just encouraged me to make monthly washes my new routine. Thank you!!🎉🙌🎊🙌
Yes, this is what I use as well. I use tea tree oil, rosemary oil and MSM in a water spritz. It takes me to 3 months! But to be honest, my scalp rarely itches. I could go longer, but I’m not down for going longer than that. Happy growing sis! 🌺
That’s amazing!! I have tried peppermint oil in castor oil in the past and it didn’t help much so I gave up on essential oils. Perhaps I’ll have to try it again with tea tree oil. Thanks for your recommendation 💓
thank you. i finally got it. i currently wash and deep condition every week. it's growing but slow. it's healthy though. i want length. i'm going to cornrow it leave it in 4-6 weeks and clean my scalp with water, acv, and aloe vera diluted amounts in clean cool water. i'll apply this to my scalp only once a week with a clean washcloth then apply a light oil on the hair and ends and see how it works.
That sounds like a good plan! I hope the weekly scalp application will help keep the dandruff away. I should give ACV a try.
My only recommendation would be to also moisturize your cornrow every week with leave-in conditioner as well and not just oil! Your hair will be thrilled 😍
Thank you so much. I am Armpit Lenth for 3 years. My routine is a complete washday EVERY week. Wide tooth comb detangling on the prepoo, on the deep conditioner, after the leave in AND after my styling product 😩😩😩.
So I start your advices just NOW 🤣🤣.
God bless you
It’s ok I’m pretty sure all of us have been there at this point 😭 But I am soooooo glad I could help 💖
I actually want mine at bra length but I’m struggling to even get to that. I’m just gonna leave my hair alone this year
I’m actually going to make a sort of part 2 to this video where I share the elements I believe are important for reaching bra strap length, so I hope you stick around for that one and find it helpful 🤗♥️
New sub! I’ve been stuck at arm pit for a while. I’ll try your tips because it all makes sense. Thank you 🤩
Thank you for the support 💖 Yassss you’ll have a new half inch by next month 🙌🏾♥️
It's been 4months, not once have I used a comb to detangle my hair. BEST decision ever. My scalp is no longer on fire from the tension of detangling
Why do we all always plateau at armpit length or for the luckier ones, bra strap😂😂😂.
Thanks for the vid sis❤️ Very informative. I'm also trying to break out from my hair growth plateau. Been 4 years natural.
I've just passed bra strap length and I shed sooooo much hair during my one a month wash day. It's depressing. I'm not even doing the most. My hair is just fragile. I will have to embrace some tangles and do a one every 6 week wash day.
At this point, it’s probably a moisture issue and not a manipulation issue. I recently noticed that I “shed” a ton more (like over 2x more) hair on wash days where I didn’t moisture my hair very diligently that month, vs when I have a wash day where my hair was still moisturized when I went in to wash it.
Sis, 👏yees, same rules apply for my 3b/c hair. I’m considering wash day every 6 weeks. I know that sounds nasty, BUT using ACV w/mother, on the scalp, to cleanse between wash days is so refreshing. Why every 6 weeks? It conducive for MY hair care routine.
Doesn’t sound nasty at all 🙌🏾 I love to hear we’re flourishing 💖
I protective style as well but I feel like I don't keep them installed long enough. This is something that I'm trying hard to change in 2022! It's sooo true that our hair is fragile. I honestly feel like I lose so much hair during the detangling process.
I wish I had recorded all the times I ended up with a rounded mountain of hair that fills my entire hand (I have man hands btw lol). I still lose a lot of hair on wash day but the amount I used to lose was truly a spectacle 😭
@@cocoainkyoto Wow, that's crazy but I know exactly how you must feel! I also lose a lot of hair but I don't have tons of hair to begin with so I try to keep every last strand!!! 🤣 I'm also trying to reel in my inner product junkie who just LOOOOOVES to try new hair products! Giiiiiirl, its sooo bad! lol!!!
🤣🤣 the best thing that helped me was moving away so I no longer have to deal with the temptations inside target or beauty supply stores lol
@@cocoainkyoto LOL! I need to try that! The next problem now though is looking for new products online. I literally LOVE trying out new products. Right now I'm having a no spend/use my stash moment, so I'm also trying to avoid the online beauty supply stores as well... the struggle is real! 😂
I am listening Sis!!! I keep my hands out of my hair (unnecessarily). I am approaching BSL andbi protrctive style 100% (diy). Wigs, african threading (rubber thread), genie locs, and my current do,; faux locs! I will be 4yrs post bc in March 2024 andbi am excited!
I love this! Thanks so much for sharing; keep it up, you’ll be there in no time ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Fantastic video!! Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for the love and support! ♥️
I would’ve been at waist length in 7 years but I trusted someone with my hair and they set me back 2 years. I’ll be 9 years natural in March 2023 and I’m trying to get to 20 inches by then
Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that…. Did you manage to reach your goal of 20 inches?
To keep your scalp happy. Try spray with water then apply/massage with tree tea oil mix with coconut oil
I spray my scalp with Rosewater then follow up with Jojoba and Organic Jamaican Avocado Oil
Thank y’all for the advice! 💕💕💕
Thank you for this ! I have been stuck at bra-strap for YEARS . I dye my hair blonde so I can literally see my roots growing like crazy but yet no length retention 😭 . I have been doing everything so at this point I’m looking at my EZ detangler . My scalp is the same as yours but since I’ve been using TPH serum , master cleanse , and scalp conditioner I can go as long as I want comfortably with no scalp discomfort or even flakes. It’s magic 😭. Just use regular deep conditioner as the scalp conditioner is only for the scalp . Your hair is gorgeous!
That's because your hair is breaking off at the ends, which is the oldest part of your hair. I don't know if you do this already, if not, try putting oil on your ends, actually starting at the mid shaft to your ends, maybe two or three times a week. Hope that helps
Sis
Just loving your content and style of communication !!
Thank you so much 🥺 that means so much to me ♥️
Hmm. Firstly, you have beautiful hair, sis.
As someone with type 4 hair to my waist, I found the part concerning where you advised to going a month without washing your hair despite an itchy scalp because you think it’s best for your hair. Weekly washing is the longest recommended for our hair type by most certified natural hair specialists, and you’d said it’s what made your scalp happiest when you did it. Long hair is great, but we have to at some point recognize that sacrificing our actual health and hygiene for aesthetics is something we really need to move away from in this community. Our scalps being healthy and clean produces the healthiest, thickest hair anyway. That irritation and “itchiness” you described comes from buildup, not of product per se, but of sebum and sweat. Your pores are clogged, and it’s a neglect of skincare to let it stay that way for the sake of preserving every single inch. I can attest that your hair won’t fall out from washing it more frequently, and even the length retention absolutely evens out from having a healthy scalp. We have to get away from this narrative and normalization of letting our hair and scalps be unclean and unhealthy for vanity. We have an obsession, and I think it hurts us as a community.
I love your video. I can see why people get relaxers!!! When relaxing hair, to truly prevent breakage, Moisturize, Moisturize and less manipulation the same as natural hair! But continue moisturize is key to prevent hair from breaking with a relaxer!! Thank you for your tutorial!!!
Yup so true! And thanks for watching girlie. I’m glad you liked it ♥️
what products do u use?:) my hair is a little past bra strap length hair and my goal is to get it to my butt. the natural
hair community is so confusing lol i’m trying to navigate through it. i was about to make the mistake of washing my hair every week. also i recently bought a tangle teezer and have been using it 2 times in my routine.. thank u for sharing amazing tips:).
I’m so happy you found it helpful 💕 you’ll reach booty length in no time my friend 😁✨
I use the terrestrials mud wash, oyin Handmade’s conditioners, and castor oil as a sealant, but any silicone free conditioner you like will do!
I also think you should be an actress you’re beautiful and so funny and your presence seeps through everything you do. I love your naturalness about your character ❤❤❤❤❤
Omg thank you so much 🥹♥️ I have made small appearances on TV and in Japanese movies, but I would have loved to become an actress 🥰 If you hear of any openings let me know 😭
@@cocoainkyoto omg🤯🤯yeaaasssss!!!
Thanks so much for posting this!! I'm going through this exact plateau right now. It's frustrating thinking you're doing the right things but our hair is so fragile. The middle of my hair continues to grow while the back stopped getting longer. I finally got a heavy trim and am protecting my ends more - eg put my twists in a bun.
You’re so welcome! You’ve got it right now so I’m sure you’ll make progress soon; feel free to keep me updated!! ♥️
Your hair is so gorgeous 😍
Thank you so much ❤️❤️❤️
My hair grew like 3 inches so i had a Revlon blow dryer air brush and i used it and all those 3 inches just blow dried into that air brush contraption.😢😢😮😮😮😮 No more tools Leave my hair alone
I noticed when I pre poo then twists and put clips at the ends of my hair before I wash my hair I retain length but then I don’t always implement it. So I will definitely try your method. 6 month challenge. Love your channel Mataneeee domo arigato😂😂😂😂that’s all I know😅😅😅
You remind me of Keke Palmer
To relieve itching and dryness between ONE MONTH washes (1) I use an acne face was or shampoo with 3% salicylic acid. It will be sold as psoriasis or dermatitis shampoo (2) mix about 4 Oz of olive oil with about 6 drops of essential oils ( tea tree and rosemary). I put this on my scalp every 5 days.
I’ve never heard of this kind of shampoo before. Thank you for the tip!
I work out with weights daily and I sweat a lot so I washed my hair once a week and I have so many knots at the ends. I will take all your advice (I have 16 months of growth)If someone could give me more advice on washing routines and good products for Hair 4b -4c, I would greatly appreciate it.I'm learning to speak English, I apologize for my grammar. Un saludo desde Colombia.
No need to apologize at all; your English is great ☺️ hm, I personally think one’s best wash routine differs depending on hair type as well as hair length, so it’s difficult for me to try to recommend something without having those details. For now I’d say try out my wash routine and see if you like it🧐
Thanks for sharing your concerns. Perhaps I can make a video addressing them in the future 💕
@@cocoainkyoto Thank you.
I'm so glad I heard this, cause my hair has reached a plateau... thanks doll ❤🙋🏽♀️
You are so welcome. Can’t wait to hear about your progress in a few months 🤗
Ok sis I’m officially getting rid of my detangling brush. I do think it’s one of the reasons that I’m not seeing more length retention. Thanks for sharing and cheers to our long healthy hair journey🥰
🙌🏾♥️
Hi sis. How is your hair journey going? Have you seen a difference after getting rid of the brush?
Thank you for this video, I have finally reached the armpit lenght and have definitely changed a few thiings round since I first started 4 years ago. And yes I have found my wide tooth come which has rounded root and triangular teeth has been the best thing I have started using. That's a follow from me!
So glad I found this; it was very helpful. I've been at brastrap for 2 years now
You’ll have longer hair by next month 🙌🏾😁
When you live in a hot environment you can't go on for months without washing and make others around you uncomfortable with the smell.
Omg I just love the youtube algorithm ! You are so funny :)
Thank you so much, new friend 😭💖
You are hilarious; and 💯% correct ➰➰➰But I tell you, I have the perfect shower brush. It is so flexible (even the plastic bristles), and molds to the shape of the head, and causes little to no breaking. It feels so good as a scalp massager. I mean amazing. I tried and tried and tried, to find the exact same brush, so that I could have another one in my possession, to no avail. I am still searching. I gave up on the Denman, a long time ago. I never understood how naturals could use it, because it does snap our hair.
😲 I’ve never tried a shower brush. That’s terrible news it doesn’t seem to exist anymore 😭 there is no hope for me lol
I don’t think I’ll ever even reach bra strap length 🥺🥺🥺 I’ve been in the Afro length for so many years 😭😭😭😭 i just suck at this natural hair thing. Your hair is gorgeous 😍😍😍😍😍
Braid your hair and leave it alone. Leave it in for 2 to 3 months at a time. I promise you it will grow. Yes, oil it as well. Wear crochet, or sew in. That's what I wear. I'm at below side boob length now, if that's a correct measurement lol
YOU DEFINITELY WILL! It is my mission to help you get there so don’t give up. As cute as I find the term “Afro length” 😭♥️ I’m gonna use it in my next video 🤣💕
Below side boob length 🤣 I love y’all 😭♥️♥️♥️
It’s been the braids under wigs for me. I am going past bra strap length for my first time in adulthood
4c hair is like cotton candy 😂😂😂can disappear so so fast😂😂😂😂