Um, hello. I'm Hanabi. I sort of new to the "proper" way of hair care, and I decided to grow my hair out approximately 2 1/2 years ago. It's grown a lot over the little time. But I don't know if it's damaged, or anything like that, and I want it to grow to shoulder length, or rather, my shoulder blades. I've kept using the oils in my hair (carrot oil) and washing it about once a week. I put it in braids with extensions, which helps it grow faster over a period of two months. I believe it's almost at the length I want it, but I don't want an afro like it's going to be when it's out, I want it straight and styled, but without too much damage done. When the extensions come out, my hair is naturally thick, curly, and somewhat corse (I'm black/carribien), so I blow it out after I was it and do a hot oil treatment, and it's usually on hot, because I have my sister do it for me (I can't do it. I don't even like brushing/coming my hair... >_>;; ). I wanted to ask if anyone knew how I could straighten and style it the way I want without so much killing my hair. My hairline already started to recede because the person that braids my hair kept pulling too hard, and I want not only to grow that back, but to keep it growing until I reach my goal. I usually straighten my hair out (well, my mom does it) with a hot comb. Any suggestions?? I'd really appreciate the expertise of anyone here. <3 Thankee!

Welcome!  There is alot of info here for you to research.  Take a look at the info. here on the boards.  Ask questions,don't be shy. We all are here to learn and teach each other! ;)

Thankee. <3 Um, where do I look exactly?? O.o; I don't really know anything about hair...

Hi and welcome, Hanabi.  Sorry to disappoint, using any heat is damaging to hair.  I don't know much about black/carribien hair, however I think that your hairtype is naturally fragile.  My suggestion is to 1) love your hair as is or 2) use a relaxer.

If you want healthy hair, you'll have to trim off damage and stop using heat.  I don't know if you'll be able to regrow the hair at your hairline.  You might try a gentle oil massage on the area.

Thanks. o_o; I've been killing my hair this whole time... Crud, I don't want and afro... But won't a relaxer make it break off or fall out?? And I need to blow it out so I can actually comb and brush it, so how do I get around that??

Hello Hanabi and welcome :)

Jerry

Thanks, Jerry. <3

Hi and Welcome Hanabi :)

My suggestion for you hairline would to try some Rogain.  Relaxing your hair and then treating it with oil and deep treaments, no hair dryers, will help with the look you want.  Good luck love!

Thanks. <3 But won't a relaxer make my hair fall out?? ._.; My scalp is sort of dry...

Where to look you ask?  Well, start slow and look at the topics that interest you first.  Then you can go and explore slowly so you won't feel overwhelmed.  You can go slow and maybe start with Hair Care,there's a topic on ethnic hair specifically for different hair types,e.g-asian hair,curly hair,etc.  Maybe look at the recipes,too! :)

Hanabi wrote on Apr 23^rd, 2008 at 12:51pm:

Thanks. <3 But won't a relaxer make my hair fall out?? ._.; My scalp is sort of dry...

I been thinking about this...okay you should get your hair and scalp in the best condition you can before you relax.  Oiling you scalp is good along with the length.  I will see what else I can find out. 8-) Also, if you post a picture of your hair and scalp this will help lots :)

Alright. <3 Thanks for the tips! I'll see if I can get a picture up once I take the extensions out.