I'm low-key sick of my hair. | 4C hair struggles.

[@sparkybish]

I’m in this phase where I understand why women cut their hair short as they get older.

[@princessjones34]

When I cut almost 7 inches off of my hair I’ve just been keeping it 1 inch length for the past six months I feel beautiful my hair is super healthy. It’s easy to maintain I know I’m 100% woman and maybe it is because I will be 45 and that a couple of weeks that anybody else thinks about how I feel about myself. ❤🎉🎉❤❤

[@rabbit0877]

I cut off 20 inches recently. It’s a sensible loc bob life for me. I’m 45. Ain’t nobody got time for all that, lol.

[@MzClementine]

100 and 10%

[@theonlycma]

My grandmother had a buzz cut my whole life. What a woman ❤

[@thesupreme7815]

I shaved my sides for a mohawk solely to have less hair to deal with

[@morena-galesa]

If you decided to set off on a loc journey I think most of us would be damn keen to follow along!

[@rabbit0877]

Co-signing this.

[@TTmera]

Co-Co signing

[@vivid5203]

Absolutely

[@brittneer8940]

Hop on to the loc wagon! It’s great over here lol 😂

[@pragooutube]

I won't, to be honest. It feels like cheating to me... I wouldn't feel like I'm grooming my hair really, because all the shed hair is wrapped up in it and didn't actually get to shed- so the length comes from all the shed hair that can't be released. I can't imagine how I could possibly get it all clean when it's permanently clumped together. Locking is not for everyone, that's for sure. It's certainly not for me. 🤷‍♀️

[@zanetapenny8388]

I personally love shrinkage. I think it's such a cool thing about our hair. The only downside is single-strand knots.

[@Tephiffany]

It's the knots for me! My twa gets extremely tangled so it just simpler to keep it stretched!

[@thetruthhurts3318]

So true! The only way I avoid knots is by wetting my hair every single day while I’m in the shower! It has helped me so much with those annoying knots 😭😭

[@personmcdudeguy]

@@thetruthhurts3318 What's your hair type? Does it dry fast? Is it like soaking wet every day or just a splash? I'm curently just keeping my hair (4a... I think?) in twists and washing like once a month. I'm scared of getting it wet literally every day.

[@gensai93]

I'm so sick of them, as soon as I trim one off I get 20 more

[@wompwompcryabttit]

It’s a nightmare, I keep my hair in a bonnet, I don’t manipulate my hair except for wash days but I get so many, I feel like it’s stunting my hair growth cuz I’m always having to cut them

[@Memyx]

Anyone else just sitting here waiting for her to go on a loc journey? Everything you described in terms of your hair desires can be attained via locking. It's clean, you retain length, you can do different styles, it's... inevitable, imo. 😅

[@chanelletucker2236]

I’m in her comments about locking every video😂I’m glad I’m not alone! She has no idea. I can’t wait until she gives it a go!!!

[@quasar4472]

LOL she mentioned it for a second in this vid! it's definitely something for someone to "feel" ready for! so I hope that's in her pathway+

[@rabbit0877]

I am! I’ve been growing my locs for 10 years, now. Recently cut for them second time. They’re 20 inches shorter and rocking a short bob (they got to be too heavy).

[@Memyx]

@@quasar4472 lmao the moment she mentioned it I was like "👀 yes, that, do it, please", lol. But you're definitely right, she has to make that choice for herself when/if she's ready. 😌

[@tammy07778]

This video makes me feel good that I have locs because when I had an afro it was just too much. Locs just make things easier and if I want an afro look all I have to do is curl my hair up.

[@marajones1828]

I’m so sad that all my favorite naturals are struggling so much with loving their hair. I know I can’t fully relate because I hate having long hair, had it, it was a lot of work and I hate the feeling of hair on my neck so for me, shrinkage was YAY and short hair was YAY. But with big chopping meant confronting the texture and just true natural state of my hair. I hate that short hair is seen less feminine on women. I’ve been called Mr. T and I remember how I cried after. But now I realize hair is just hair. I used to put all my attractiveness on my hair but like it’s such a small part of what makes me beautiful. And you Danielle are very very beautiful. And you were a big inspiration for me. I call my hair fluff nugget now and I’m learning to love it in its defined curl state and it’s free fluff. But I think the biggest thing that helps me is looking at my students and looking at the young black girls who we all influence. It’s sad to me that our generation is struggling so badly with loving our hair and I think the generation before didn’t help (my mother made me get silk presses all my life till I had nothing but heat damage) but I’m staying hopeful that we will get there one day. Why don’t you get your natural hair braided with some beads at the end? Or do a pony with your natural hair but have a scarf that flows behind you. I really have no real advice but I love unpacking why we resist shrinkage and our natural hair. I’m still working through it. But I’m days I don’t like my hair I think of this one student who wanted to touch my natural hair cuz it looked like hers and she loved how it was fluffy. ❤️

[@mariecoker1185]

I am ready to cut mines or go back to creamy crack or silk press. You ask why and I will tell you it's hard to manage and mines when in it's natural form is just aty shoulders in the back and ears in front. When I can get it to act right it looks great. But it only last a day and sometimes half a day Moment I lay down or back it gets smashed then matted. Then next day how mess express. It tooo dang much work. When it was relaxed brush bump and go or brush and ponytail. Soooo easy. I loved the look or natural but not the work. No time for all that.

[@ayemad]

Great stuff.

[@jessastephens8778]

I resist shrinkage because of the tangling. It just makes me want to cry anytime I have to deal with the tangling.

[@SkippyLaughlin]

It can be frustrating and it's a reality I'm glad Danielle is talking about instead of lying and saying it's so simple. When my hair is healthier I'm straightening it.

[@TT-fn1xb]

I love my shrinkage. I'm not sure why so many seem to dislike it. Maybe it's because it gives the appearance of short hair when so many Black women seem to crave long hair.

[@saraht1367]

Just popping in to say locs aren't always the answer, the struggle is real outchea too!

[@newtnewt3491]

My locs were just as much work and too heavy if I let them grow long. Lol

[@rabbit0877]

They’re a different kind of struggle, yes. But her shrinkage woes would be a thing of the past.

[@rabbit0877]

@@newtnewt3491 you’re right about the weight. I cut 20 inches off and I feel so much better. No more neck pain for me.

[@SkippyLaughlin]

I personally don't likw locks. I'd rather perm again. Because I can be healthy it and comb the growth out an have luxurious straight hair.

[@starzzzy22]

Locs aren't always the answer, but I do think it's important to think about our natural hair as phases. In one phase you might be a loose natural and in another you might be locced and in another you might shave it off and rock a short style.

[@theonlycma]

I had to take a break from passion twists because I noticed I get more compliments than any other hairstyles with my natural hair and it was making me feel a way about my own hair. I have struggled with hair envy a lot, and while it’s gotten a lot better, the manageability issue is a big one for me too. I cannot stand doing my hair every day, ain’t nobody got time for that!!! But in my journey to love my hair I know I need to get comfortable with it and find ways to do it that I love. It’s a journey and I’m in it with you sis.

[@Alfruna]

I think the biggest issue with the natural hair community and with Black hair in postcolonial times is this: Our ancestors (or at least mine) always wore elaborate hairstyles. They would lengthen the hair in different ways and they would braid beautifully intricate patterns in their hair. Hairstyles were art. I think our obsession with wearing our hair exactly how it grows out of our head is influenced by white, western beauty standards and standards of care just as much as more obvious choices like straightening or wearing wigs. We think that wearing your hair out in a similar way as a non-Black person would is somehow more "natural" than braids, twists and other Black styles. It isn't! And it doesn't have to be. You do not have to wear a fro at all times - it doesn't mean you don't love your hair.

[@adeleisnamedafterme]

You articulated my thoughts exactly!!

[@Sara-zr6wb]

Exactly this. Our hair is better maintenance and grows when it is stretched, moisturized and protected. There is no such thing as “doing nothing” to our hair and expecting it to flourish. This comes from envying the “ease” that other hair textures have. They also have to put daily work into their hair. We perceive their hair As easier and therefore better. I was looking for this wording. I don’t like seeing BW make videos about their hair woes. Our ancestors grew hair to their feet without products and flat irons. We should follow their regimen and reject western hair care bc it’s not for us.

[@paniccpoint]

Exactly! Different hair styles require different techniques in order to keep and maintain length in a healthy way. For someone with thin, straight strands of hair, not much is required to keep long length. However, for thicker, tighter coils and strands, more exotic hairstyles and products are needed in order to allow it to grow. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing an uncommon hair style that successfully protects your hair, and it’s something people seem to repeatedly disregard. It’s not about letting your hair grow on it’s own, it’s about what we need to do to grow it!

[@tatyanaharvey2847]

@@Sara-zr6wb Hi Sara. I would love to follow my ancestors regimen. Do you have any information about the techniques and oils that our ancestors used to grow their hair very long?

[@lailas.3205]

Bruh - when I tell you I never ever wear a fro... Because who bout to spent the next 6 hours detangling? Not me! 😀I'll take 2-strand twists for 400, Alex.

[@Fimbulvetr]

Nobody tell her that we all actually love that 50% of the time her content is just her gritting her teeth and telling us she neglected to take out her passion twists again

[@lboogi]

Being over doing my hair, and my hair hitting a plateau is exactly what lead to me cutting it and getting locs. I’ll be loc’d 3 years in October. I put it off for years because I was worried my fine strands would look horrible and I’d be nothing but scalp. I can happily report that I was not scalpy at all. My hair has prospered.

[@mayaford6122]

What size locs do you have?

[@arobertsonian]

That’s exactly what’s holding me back rn

[@lboogi]

@@mayaford6122 hmmm maybe about the size of a pencil… maybe a little bit thinner.

[@lboogi]

@@arobertsonian I think going to someone who was super experienced helped, not getting them too big, and my natural ever present frizz helped get me through any awkward phases.

[@trudypops]

Thanks for sharing that I have felt the same way for a long time nervous that my fine 4c hair would not look good or show too much scalp

[@tpayne3086]

**chants** Loc it, loc it, loc it, loc it!! One of us, one of us!! Lol no really, I felt the EXACT same way and went back and forth for yeaaarrrsss. The amount of freedom I have now is incomparable. My hair was the same length as yours when I started my locs and my journey has been soooooo easy and beautiful!

[@brittneer8940]

❤

[@ashr2716]

I felt this way before I got sisterlocks. I was so miserable with my hair. I was natural and I hated it. I hated the process of it all. I've been sisterlocked for 3 years and I have never been happier. I would never go back.

[@brittneer8940]

❤

[@tcoleman6167]

You might consider locs! You will have length retension, they shrink less, maintenance can be minimal, and you are set up for them to grow long! Bonus, they are beautiful when kept clean!

[@Redabook7]

Definitly feel the pain. Mini braids and twist are the only thing keeping me satisfied enough not to jump into locs. But sometimes it's so tempting 😭😂

[@skyydancer67]

I put my hair in individual crochet braids a week ago. I can't deal with weekly twists these days.

[@Redabook7]

@@skyydancer67 That's understandable. I actually use african hair threads or a thin amount of marley hair on my twist to keep them neat and stretch for 4 to 6 weeks. Redoing them every week is definitely a hassle

[@ihechiachom1945]

Same with me

[@nicole9856]

Locs might be your salvation, it's what I'm doing now!! And if your locs are small enough you can put other protective styles over them e.g braids, twists with extensions

[@raeraesocraycray7702]

@@nicole9856 locs are beautiful but it hurts my head just thinking about how heavy they get when your hair gets longer. my natural hair is so light weight and mini braids radiate the same beauty as sister locs

[@sophiaosiris446]

ALL. OF. THIS! I’m in the same boat girl. I loved watching you flesh out your thoughts and feelings in real time. It helped me address my own. I’ve been keeping my hair in twists for 2 months at a time for a year now😭 I’m taking my two month old twists out today and it’s always a sad experience. Trying to grapple with why I keep going through this long enduring process but also loving the two months of carefree, long, and fun hair. I would totally get locs at this point but I also have alopecia and I wouldn’t be able to disguise it. Le sigh, there’s always nuance when tackling and embracing my 4C hair.

[@agirlyhasnoname]

Have you checked out IAMLINDAELAINE. She struggles with Alopecia and her hair had flourished with Locs. I'm not sure how your situation is but I hope my comment helped. Maybe sister locs or micro locs to help your hair look fuller.

[@rabbit0877]

I recently cut 20 inches of length off (locs). They were the same length (possibly a bit longer) than those twists you’re removing. They were too heavy and the swinging gave me neck pain so I’m here to say long hair ain’t all that. I’m currently rocking a sensible bob and loving life again.

[@kendalljohn4730]

LOC IT UP! I did it 3.5 years ago and never looked back. It’s has been three years of greatness, growth and length retention… this is the longest its ever been and retwists are very easy to manage. Plus the styling options are endless. I trim/cut my locs whenever I feel like it and I don’t worry about it taking forever to see growth!

[@brittneer8940]

I second this lol

[@clumsymetea]

Maybe you should try mini to medium sized twists on your own hair and see where it goes? I’m doing small twists to maintain my hair and I’m retaining length very easily! I’m planing on keeping my hair in twists for the next 1 and a half to 2 years and see how much length I retain. The nice part is the twists get longer as you hair gets longer too! Just a suggestion ❤

[@daisydiddle7316]

Love this. Natural hair enlightenment isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Love the video. I love my hair but I struggle with feeling feminine when my hair shrinks so badly.

[@TheMomzombie]

This (your topic) is so serendipitous for me. I just combed my 4 year old locs out 10 days ago. I loved having them and, yeah, soooo easy. As an adult, I’ve never had natural hair. My hair has always been long, but I’ve never worn it natural. I can see that this is going to take a lot of time, work, an energy. Watching your videos is going to help me stay the course and help me not put that relaxer back in. Thanks so very much. Oh, btw, I did my first twist out EVER, a couple of days ago. I hated it, but my sisters and children all loved it, so I think I’m just going to keep practicing and keep at it. Love your personality and your videos.❤

[@TT-fn1xb]

Our hair does what it does and there's nothing wrong with that. I think the bigger issue is why we want the appearance of long hair. Shrinkage means the true length of our hair is hidden and I think this is what some don't like. But I wonder why we want the world to know how long our hair 'really is'. Why are we not content with knowing it's growing and flourishing even if the growth is invisible to others. And why are so many of us so obsessed with long hair? I love my shrinkage because of how curly it gets but I get why others may hate it. I just question the psychology behind that.

[@rejectionisprotection4448]

Women are obsessed with long hair because men (generally) like it and see it as "feminine". Men like having hair on their head as well and their equivalent is being/going bald. Samson's hair was cut by Delilah and he lost all of his strength. Hair is a powerful symbol of masculinity and femininity. Black Women esp have been told that they're "too masculine" and having long hair (real or attached) is seen as a way to counteract that.

[@crapbag426]

Loving yourself is the issue here. Loving what you were born with and feeling a certain way when you can’t retain that long length. It’s ingrained in us to think that long hair equals beauty and femininity. I have naturally long hair but my hair shrinkage makes it look chin length and at first I hated it. I had to have a good talk to myself and realised what was important was to have healthy hair . I embrace it now and love it. If I have braids in then I miss my short curls, I feel a loss.

[@Sunshine_Hime]

I'm 21 and get sick of my hair on some days too. I feel like cutting it and dying it to finally have fun with it, but I want longer hair soo bad. It's currently at mid-back but I want it waist lenght and beyond, that's why I've been wearing 20 twists in a bun with no extensions since 3 months ago. I wash them weekly, moisture and redo. With this routine washday is a breeze and it takes me one hour to style. I've retained a lot of lenght and moisture, I do scalp massages after spraying DIY rosemary tea daily and I also workout. In in college so i really needed a simple and effective routine like this.

[@tris5602]

The feelings you are describing are 100% what made me loc my hair. I love my curls, but growing out curly hair is frustrating. An inch of new growth = .25 cm of additional length after shrinkage, and that's maddening. Locs let me show my length and enjoy my texture, which I like. HOWEVER, the beginning stages are awful. I started with hair down to my collar bones, and they shrank to cheekbone length. It took FOREVER, like a solid six months, before I started seeing length increase. And don't get me started on the ugly phase... Still, I love the way I look with locs.

[@agirlyhasnoname]

This is the comment I needed. I shaved my head Sept of last year. Tried to go on a loc journey growing my hair from the scalp. A NIGHTMARE. Now I know what to expect in. year or two when I start a new loc journey. Thank you for keeping it real. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@kirin6074]

We feel you’re pain 🥲

[@lisaj4441]

Great to see you. I am actually in the opposite mood in that I am loving my 4C hair more than ever. I think I've finally reached the sweet spot. I've got the right products and I've mastered a few techniques. I'm living my best hair life AS LONG AS I don't have to try to style in a certain way for an event or pictures or something. Now that totally stresses me out. It's when I have to try to force my hair into something it doesn't want to do that it rebels. LOL. I find that when I wash my hair frequently and twist it up, then it doesn't dry out and it behaves. My hair likes cleanliness, a couple of high quality products and a simple style. Wash, rinse and repeat. xoxo

[@DeJhaJoy]

Hey birthday twin! My loose natural hair is 4b/4c waist length and BAYBAY I am 2 months into my loc journey for some of the reasons you talked about. I loc'd to save my hair, because I felt myself slowly not taking care of it as much or as best as I usually do and I was over it (and I love my type 4 hair). I am absolutely in love with my locs and won't be going back to loose natural hair any time soon!

[@wannabe41]

Hey lady! Glad to hear that locs are working for you!

[@DeJhaJoy]

@@wannabe41 Hey! Thank you!

[@lalaliacat9067]

I get this a lot and I highly recommend mini twists with your natural hair, the unreactiveness comes immediately but the length takes patience, 2 years ago I wished my twist were long enough to style or put in a ponytail and now they are so close and I can start to to other things with them and I appreciate it a lot more because I had to learn to love my hair at the length it was before.

[@chloeyorke2560]

Just know that if you loc your hair, it WILL shrink up A LOT when you start them. For you I think that could be traumatic (losing all the length you’ve worked so hard to realize), so I would suggest sister locs, loc extensions or using mini braids to start your journey. Either way, we will follow you every step of the way 😊

[@JClucky13]

I shaved my sides. The wind on my scalp is a different feeling but worth it because it's less hair to work with and really suits my face.

[@Zeemoki]

There’s so much truth here. I’m a 4c fine strand mid-low density hair person. It’s taken me years to learn how to take care of my hair so it can flourish and grow long. Despite all of that, I still always feel the same way when it comes time for me to take down my twists/braids. I think with time you just end up accepting that our hair will never be like twists/braid extensions, but knowing that you can always go back to twists/braids as an option for protection, length and/or a break is nice.

[@AwoMbrou]

Felt this in my soul ahahaha , I don’t think you should beat yourself up about it , we all just go through different hair seasons, and some times we just want long hair/manageable hair and that’s okay and some other times we just want to rock our wash&gos and slick buns. Sometimes it’s as shallow as that 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@chloeyorke2560]

I went through this phase before and I did styles that made me feel like myself and most confident. Even if that meant not wearing my natural hair out, I didn’t make any drastic changes until I got out of the funk.

[@harlempixie338]

I really recommend locing your hair at least once. It’s how I started my natural hair journey in the early 90s. I had them for 6 or 7 years. It grew down to my tailbone for the first time in my life. I LOVED them and everyone around me loved them too. The only reason I cut them was because I started seeing all the girlies with twist outs and wash and go’s. 😂 Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it. ❤

[@africanodyssey4805]

I'm really loving all of these loc comments!! I locd up 3 months ago and definitely felt like I should've done it sooner lol. I was getting tired of my hair, was getting tired of hitting the same growth plateau, experimenting with each new product, etc. I absolutely LOVE my hair, I was known for having big hair, but sometimes you just need a change! Also you can still wear braids and twists over top of them!

[@Sunshinesunset1]

I truly appreciate your honesty. You're so sweet. I also love the dramatics. 🤗 You're a natural. Peace. ✨✨✨

[@glitteriable]

I just wanted to say the way you carefully think about your emotions and take the time to really understand what they are, then name them properly, is amazing and such a good example to me for better learn how to identify what I am feeling. You're a very good role model :)

[@briannacarter7997]

This is why I’m getting sisterlocks next month. Versatile, low maintenance , feminine, all mine. You should look into it or maybe microlocs

[@adeleisnamedafterme]

I’m considering getting locs but I’m scared that I’ll miss my hair or that it won’t suit me

[@brittneer8940]

You’re gonna love it

[@Zzz-ff1np]

@@adeleisnamedafterme if you don't like it, you can take the time to comb them out yourself or pay someone else to do it. They aren't that fussy to undo within the first year of having them

[@joshscheapreviews]

Life isn't fair 4c hair is difficult and time consuming to manage. But you're gorgeous and your hair is gorgeous so it is what it is.

[@vcurls5951]

Are you being serious when you say “life isn’t fair”?? You’re saying that about hair? There are so many bigger issues one could have from poor health to financial issues…but life “isn’t fair” because she was born with this hair texture???

[@joshscheapreviews]

@@vcurls5951 yes i said what i said. And i said the same things when i was raised in the projects being 1 of 11 children and when i was on chemo getting a bone marrow transplant battle aplastic anemia. Yes life isnt fair when it comes to big things and small things. And thats what my whole channel is about giving advice about the things i learned being poor and sick and reviewing some cheap products i bout that where worth buying to me personally. Or cheap products that i think are not good quality. Also i have 4c hair so i know the struggle. So do my brothers, sisters and my children.

[@SamMKKK]

@@joshscheapreviews Cleared!

[@thetruthhurts3318]

@@vcurls5951 true! I felt that way about wearing weave and wigs! It still takes A LOT OF TIME AND MANAGEMENT!

[@thetruthhurts3318]

@@joshscheapreviews it doesn’t matter what kind of hair it is … if you have a head full of hair it’s going to take some type of maintenance… even fake hair!

[@tarynmichelleart]

hi! natural hair care specialist here. in general you want to take at least a two week break between protective styles to give your roots a break, especially when there is added weight.

[@racheloshaksmusic]

Don’t give upppp beautiful ! I came back here to see how much your hair has grown! To see if you are still consistent with it! You’ll get there and you’ve already made such HUGE progress. God bless you

[@nickeyg8948]

Girl I love you. Like watching you work though your emotions like that and figure out from where the root stems was eye opening for me. I hope to try to incorporate that into my own jouney of self-awareness.

[@evafan24]

Taking down my braids after having them in for several weeks brings pain to my soul that burns with the intensity of 1000 suns, so I feel your pain!

[@nicoleprice8552]

I've learned to love my hair over time. Especially when it's wet. It shrinks a lot but I can see my coils and the health of my hair. I do hate that small spots haven't fully recovered likely due to low iron combined with a little stress from 5 years ago. I went natural in 1999. It was a struggle figuring out what to do with it because there wasn't a lot of material at the time. I did go through a phase where I wished my hair was different. I even went to a stylist to do a texturizer I think in 2005. It probably didn't take as I was afraid of it being on too long and had her wash it out. Anyway, now I'm at a point where I just want to see how long it can get. I take MSM (info I received from Curly Proverbs) and my hair has grown pretty well since then. Working on improving diet now to see if that helps with the sparse areas. I also had sisterlocks for about 7 years (2008-15). I knew it was time to take them out when I started missing working with my hair in its natural state and seeing what other women were able to do with their hair. It could be you wanting to venture out to try something else. Maybe you should try the locks. Some people have been able to brush out their locks with a lot of effort when they were ready to go back to their natural form.

[@sjohnsonalston]

Agree. I was a loose natural. Loc'd it for 6-7 years. cut it all off. Loose natural again. Then back in August was tired of the work of my loose natural and returned to locs. I wear wigs for fashion. I cannot tolerate sitting for braids anymore. So my "fluff nugget" is now "loc'd nuggets" 🤣 ....I now have the versatility of wearing short locs or wig. I do not intend to let my locs grow really long again. I too understand why as we get older our hair gets cut shorter. Next year I may go back to a Caesar 🎯

[@pmw5422]

I hear you Danielle. When I started feeling like you years ago, I did mini twists on my hair and renewed/upgraded my love for it! I did braid outs and twist outs on them (with mousse, nothing else) and could throw them up in a bun. These were styles that would take forever to do on my loose hair or frizz up easily or need to be extremely detangled but in twists, it was like my hair was ✨invincible✨.They were soo cute and I was able to see my natural hair in a new light. I do it once a year whenever i start getting a lil jealous of my wigs or other protective styles

[@Jojo-tf2zp]

I was feeling a hugeeee pull towards long hair about a month ago and instead went for braiding down my sides and doing a mohawk, while I thought about it. I'm obsessed with it now, I still have moments of insecurity but thats life. I'm actually considering cutting it. But I went for the mohawk because I know my brain is primed societally to see myself with long hair as the cutest version of myself so I tried to actively push against it. I find the feeling comes and goes. Regardless, you should do whatever brings you joy, I love how honest you are and seeing all the loc comments is sending me. 🤣

[@dr-k1667]

I feel you Star Puppy. I don't have the same texture as you do but I think most people go through this and it is a phase. You feel your best and brightest with braids, nothing wrong with that. You're taking care of your scalp and strands and enjoyed the ease it gives you when in your favorite style. THAT IS FINE. Your hair is growing stronger and getting longer but if you truly do decide you prefer the "benefits" to be permanent then you'll find the solution. In the mean time don't stress, enjoy, have fun, swish and flip to your hearts content. Keep loving Fluff Nugget because they are an extension of you and they are BEAUTIFUL.

[@pegstuhhh]

Lock it girl!! I got micro locs earlier this year and it was the best decision ever. Hair freedom at it's finest

[@simplysamaya]

I can't relate to feeling this way right now but I have in the past. I'm currently seeing my type 4 hair thrive by having a weekly regimen and I'm so proud of myself for sticking to it and seeing the growth.

[@tamallama]

You too huh? I had the same thought as soon as you posted. It will get better Danielle!

[@jmarissmith9464]

Thanks for this. It was honest and funny but I absolutely loved that you acknowledged all angles of what you're feeling.

[@Desimor]

Locs locs locs locs locs locs locs locs locs locs! Your passion twists are literally a glimpse of what your hair could potentially be if you loc. It was the best decision I've ever made in my life. You would look gorgeous with locs! Join the dark side! 😃

[@Angiebee.]

Girly I completely understand how you’re feeling

[@buirvin1236]

Girl I love your videos. I’m new to your channel. I also adore the simplicity of a long-term protective style for a lot of the same reasons you do. I’ve been taking incredibly good care of my hair the past few years and have achieved butt-length hair. Nobody in my family has gotten past bra strap length btw!! Don’t be discouraged by what you think your genes are. Keep your natural hair stretched. It’s a lot of front end work but it will really help with your length goals. And keep being honest! I love it!

[@erica54]

Thank you for your honesty! I feel this way a lot. 4c over here and I love my hair but despise shrinkage. I am actually preparing to loc. Your feelings are totally valid❤

[@misslav20]

When you talk about leaving the hair community I hope you realize it's ok to do so since you've created your own community with your content. I understand hair frustration having similar texture and I even grew parts of my hair very long but I cut my hair recently due to breakage since even with my longer hair it just didn't look good to me when I wore it out even though everyone was like don't do it! I felt like I had to for me though and sometimes I do miss it and I'm still struggling with caring for it. I plan to take a break from mine for a little but by installing passion twist but I realize it's not for length, it's the easiness and less effort. Having longer mostly 4c hair was a hassle with all the stressors and depression. So while I'm not at a twa I'm just about shoulder length and I'm ok with it. I no doubt you love your hair but we all go through rough patches with it.

[@Missdewyskinbish]

Omg in the beginning I thought your dog was a wig 😭

[@sjohnsonalston]

LOL me too🤣

[@zoeandrews7422]

same 😭

[@Josina.E]

I totally feel you giirl. I love my natural hair, but im soo over it and 🤏🏾 close to starting a loc journey! I just feel i will get the length i have always desired (little past shoulder length) with less hassle. Just wash, condition and retwist and mote styling freedom.

[@evelyndiggs776]

Thanks for sharing. What I noticed with 4 type hair is shrinkage, specifically 4c and it’s all apart of having healthy natural hair. Granted, I have been so frustrated recently I almost went back to getting keratin treatments. So I get it gurl, you will get thru it!

[@kimreni]

You have every right to feel that way. I have very manageable, shoulder length 3A/3B hair and yet there are days where I just don't wanna deal with it and put in a bun or shove it under a beanie even though it takes me a fraction of the effort that you have to put into your 4C hair to style it :D

[@KG9551]

I think a good way to begin to battle hair shrinkage is to make sure you stay away from humectants in your hair care when you really want to keep your hair stretched in humidity. No glycerin or hyaluronic acid, etc. Humectants draw water in from the air, and you definitely don’t want that! Keep it moisturized and weighted, but stay far far away from those glycerin hair products!

[@antoinettechevalier2453]

I so agree w you: I tell everybody who’s struggling: Stay away from glycerin-heavy stylers and leave-ins! It’s truly a game changer, once you figure out how to keep your hair stretched and less frizz prone: the hair retains length and becomes easier to manage because you’re not dealing with tangles and knots.

[@chanelletucker2236]

Girl! Loc FluffNugget already!!!!! You can put your passion twist right on top. You would never have to deal with shed hair.

[@Tephiffany]

I agree, it's definitely the stretched effect for me and you made me realize that's why I've had my hair in twists, periodically, for over a year! The shrinkage is real but I do love my hair!

[@thefanone]

Good talk and fluff- nugget looks wonderful. I understand what you were going through so well because I am so there also.

[@TheAmateurAsmr]

These are all of the same exact thoughts that went through my head yesterday as I was taking down an old protective style and washing my hair and re-styling for the entire day 😪😮‍💨

[@brittanyb5942]

You're so pretty 😍 I completely understand your pain 😩

[@Mystery_Nigma]

Yep, I get it. I have alopecia areata, and I get in my moods where I really miss having long hair. But the way my chronic illness and injuries, along with this disrespectful triple-digit heat are set up… #woochillay 🥵🥴😵‍💫 I wash and condition my hair all the time, and when I’m in between haircuts, I psyche myself into the possibility of it growing back (because I’ve heard that it can happen… but my scalp didn’t get the same memo). But despite my hair growth vitamins, alopecia oils, and whichever other oils I slather my scalp in, the patches come back, to openly mock me- and sometimes they bring even more thin patchy friends with them! 💇🏾‍♀️😫 Never mind the fact that even if I could get my hair back, my illness and injury would step in and remind me that I don’t even have the energy to style my hair; or, that my scalp is so sensitive, that even wearing wigs is a big no-no for me. Truth is that I’ve actually always been a big fan of short hair, from as far back as I can remember. But my illness has caused my face to appear gaunt, and before long, my insecurities have taken center stage. 🤷🏾‍♀️ I have a Pinterest board full of women with 4c fades and tapered cuts, to boost my confidence and reaffirm my reasons for absolutely loving these styles; and my brother, who is a barber, lives with me, so I can get styled for $free.99 😂 Anyway, I’m rambling, and I’m not tryna be the Debbie Downer of the natural hair community- just thought I’d chime in with my $0.02 about the struggles of 4c hair. 😊💇🏾‍♀️ At the end of the day, you just have to do what’s best for you. 🤷🏾‍♀️😊

[@nylorac1984]

I have definitely felt like this before. I think us women are way too hard on ourselves and our hair. We should feel free to rock the hair in any manner that makes us happy. If people can get tattoos or piercings why can't women adorn themselves freely. Whether you get locs or just continue to rock your passion twist do you.

[@zee3871]

I'd honestly recommend locking your hair. It can literally give you everything you want while STILL being your natural hair 😄

[@angiesloclife]

I’ve commented on everyone of your videos like this pretty much saying the same thing - get locs! I’m in year 2 got me some length and loving it! Don’t sleep on it, everyone with locs says it’s the best hair decision they have ever made!

[@danielunedi]

If you think about it, the shrinkage means your hairs is doing what it's meant to do. Coils are gonna coil, lol.

[@goodwork887]

Sis, the locs are probably your thing. I wore them for 25 years and it was fabulous until the last year, when I just longed to be able to comb/brush my hair and do a wide variety of textures. I'm having fun with my hair now, whereas for years it was just convenient and beautiful. So many compliments all over the world! The good news is, if you decide to do them, you don't have to deal with short hair growing out in between stages. Go from your passion twists directly into locs, cutting off length as you go to keep the same overall length until you simply have only your own hair left in a few years. Loc the new growth. Get used to washing your hair with the locs/twists still in. My locs never smelled. I washed every 2 weeks and did a good enough job to get into the locs to clean the interior. The passion twists in will make that even easier

[@itxdinah4290]

Okay, how in the world did I not know u sooner 🙉,, OMG you are amazing!!!!

[@ObsidianTender]

Put my hair in microlocs almost 2 years ago and it was the best decision I ever made. I also have fine strands, with lots of strands per square inch and it tangled at the slightest of provations. My hair and I are much, MUCH happier now.

[@melaniegraham1088]

Natural hair fatigue is real 🙌🏽😅🤦🏽‍♀️😂

[@freckledlena9651]

I feel this. For many of these same reasons I plan to loc my hair in January.

[@quasar4472]

This is the feeling taking out my mini twist! some days I don't want to be bothered but at the same time mini twists give me many styles! I know you mention locs for a second in this video! but you can also consider that if you feel ready! also mini twists on your natural hair is also a plus!

[@robinjanai]

Girl, preaching to the choir! I can only have my natural hair out for 1-2 weeks at a time in between braided/twisted style. It requires additional time to style in each day and to twist up at night. And I do a lot of physical activity so when I am sweating the hair is not looking the same way I left the house. Sometimes the online natural community will try to paint not always wanting to deal with your natural as being anti-black or conforming to the European standard. But what if I just like consistency and convenience, and natural hair does not offer it so I will only wear it out for short periods when I have the time/patience for it!

[@sandrae4912]

Daniel don't feel discouraged you're doing well. I felt exactly as you did a few weeks ago and even considered texlaxing my hair. After I washed and moisturized conditioned split in 4 sleek pony tails under a hood I looked at my hair and it was beautiful &neat. I just put a curly ponytail tail at the end and that was it or added hair to those 4 parts as platts , wrapped up at night. I went swimming 🏊‍♂️ 2 weeks after in those 4 parts and was fine. Just rinsed in the 4 parts sleeked 4 parts w conditioner & brush 15 min and wrapped in those sections & the next day it was like new. Just spray every three days w a conditioning water mixture & sleek and wrap up at night & good to go in morning. I understand people relaxing or texlaxing may think it's easier but they still have to maintain their hair especially as it grows longer w the diff textures & many still use protective styling. I've been using curly pony tails for the longest cos it's so quick and simple but I'm thinking of trying a u part straight wig or straight pony tail that's similar to blown out hair for a few months & see how that works out first instead of damaging my own hair. I've seen some that look really natural. Hopefully I get the break I need but just wanted to let u know you're doing pretty good. My hair is getting longer, same length as yours when started. Hopefully I reach my first goal of 16 inch in the next 6 months.

[@vejiajohnson7404]

This is so relatable. I’ve never liked myself with short hair and my natural hair has always been on the short side no matter how much care and patience I’ve had so I wear lots of protective styles which makes me neglect my hair. At this point, life is too short to worry about the length of my natural hair when there are ways to obtain longer hair even if it’s not mine 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@chanelletucker2236]

The way I looked up at the screen when you said loc it 😭😭😭😭😭

[@karlaalvarez9487]

Lol same I’m one month in 🎉

[@tietete]

I'm at that phase where I feel so close to my length goal.... So I don't want to touch my hair too much but I also feel ugly in this style. I don't wanna risk this length , so I don't wanna expose my hair to anything .

[@miriamgordon3533]

Can really relate, Danielle to your struggle with shrinkage. Sometimes, when I would wash my hair prior to going to the hairdresser's, I would be asked if I have cut my hair. I would then sigh and explain "No, it just shrinks after washing." And after doing my hair for 6hrs they realise how much hair is really on my head! In any case, I am currently in a phase of ambivalence with my hair- neither loving nor hating it. I have to accept its limitations but I am responsible for it and so I am in the process of learning to look after it so I can look the best I can with the hair I have. Thank you as always for your honesty in your videos, Danielle. Looking forward to the next one.

[@clanzenettabrown7671]

I REALLY feel this. It's why I kinda' gave up. Relaxed hair looks too thin on me & I'm too lazy to flatiron. If I cut it short I'd have to get it tightened-up every few weeks. I don't want to do that either. I could loc it, but I'd miss my loose hair. So, I wash & condition, two-strand twist, & bun or ponytail it. It takes an hour or so a week to do this on 4c hair. I think it's about finding what makes us content. Sending positive vibes your way! 💕

[@realpluslovely]

Everybody wants long hair but the key to length is not touching/manipulating your hair so much. Braids and passion twist got my hair to it's length down my back when twisted (*cough cough 4c) but passion twist are better because there's not so much tension.

[@Model_Roe]

Girl you are so beautiful!!!!! And I love your hair know your hair is a blessing

[@ariana7864]

I appreciate you posting this. I have gone through the same thing. I kept my hair in braids and twists almost all of last year because I just needed a break from my hair. I do believe it is a phase. But why not do locs? I struggle with this question as well because I am very low maintenance about my hair and locs seem like the obvious solution. However I still can’t pull the trigger! Thank you for posting this and being honest!

[@khalvinstaple6888]

Sis I get it! For a while it seemed like my hair was growing. The past year it seems as if it has stopped. The culprit: shrinkage. Similar to you SP, my wash and gos are super defined but lack the length I truly desire. School is back in session so the slicked back puffs are my routine now and I am not too concerned with my length but just thought I would share that sometimes I too struggle with keeping my hair stretched.

[@tanishaguy]

I loc my hair a year ago and I don’t regret a thing. It’s been amazing. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

[@theyoungjourney]

If u don’t start u sum locs & call it a day. I hve 3c 4a hair nd I had my own struggles plus my hair wz dyed blonde so I had hella breakage. But I’m tellin u once I put my hair in my two-strand twist nd jus let it live, my hair really started to flourish. My hair constantly looked like it wz styled cause of the 2 strand twist, but once it started locking up & I started doin my retwist nd making sure my parts were nice I really learned to love how my hairy looked & grew. I’m telling u it’s the most natural way to get ur hair out of ur way BUT really grow nd learn new cool things ur natural hair can do during the Loc’ing process. Also I’ve combed my hair out & restarted my loc’ing process so it’s possible to return to ur natural hair once ur locs grow to a length u would like to see on ur natural hair.

[@brujapandorabox]

That legit what I’m doing now! Two strand with heavy hair Shea butter, and my hair been flourishing 🙏🏾

[@azure0819]

I used to be on the struggle bus with my hair and then I joined See Some Curls and my hair is so easy to deal with (and it's growing). After my hair became hydrated I spend about 2 hours a week on my hair and that's that. Throw it in a Bonnet at night and shake and fluff in the morning and leave the house. Easy peasy.

[@deliachandler9281]

I feel you, sis. In March I went back to locs after 4 years of being a loose natural. Loved my afro, but it was waaaay too high maintenance. And expensive. Locs are FREEDOM!!! ✊🏽❤✌🏽❤🤟🏽

[@ughyikeslol]

you should loc ur hair, i did, and now im at a year and i dont regret it

[@hafeezahlewis1117]

You literally gave me the best epiphany.... I may start my loc journey soon 🤣

[@karlaalvarez9487]

Products are getting expensive with inflation. I’ve started my loc journey so I’m super excited about it ❤ RIP to my fro lol it’s been a ride

[@wwin4526]

Dont post videos with negative titles you are a role model

[@taahiramcgee]

I hated my hair for a while. I had every intention of cutting it. Then I got two strand twists to start locs. It was legit the best decision I could have made. I no longer hate my hair. I got them done the day before my birthday 2020 two years in and I love it.

[@hippie1252]

Hey Danielle! I felt/feel the same way about my 4c hair recently. I started my loc journey on the 8th of September when I realized they could be combed out instead of being shaved if you get tired of them. Maybe you could consider it as an option if you haven't already 😁

[@adnaloy9025]

Your struggles are my struggles and why I went to microlocs. Detangling and conditioning were the bane of my existence.

[@lakirap]

I also had this issue too!! I have 4c hair with major shrinkage!!! I didn’t like it at all even though I knew it was a sign of good health for my hair. I eventually decided to lock my hair because I wanted to still be natural and I knew it was how I could love my hair to the fullest ✨ I’m 2 years in almost 3 years when January 20th comes. I love it and I don’t plan on changing it anytime soon 🎉 I look forward to whatever you decide on doing!! I will be watching and supporting you forever!