Tress Troubles | Dealing w/ my Struggle in Retaining Length on 4c Hair

[@LisaJohnson-q9d]

Them wash n gos be tearing my hair up. Using too much protein be tearing my hair up. Going to bed and sleeping on my wild afro be tearing my hair up. Taking out my twists sitting on the couch and not standing at the mirror watching everything be tearing my hair up. Letting my hair get too dirty be tearing my hair up. LOL. Not so much a trimming issue for me - my length retention is most affected by the preceding. If I am vicious about avoiding these devilish habits, I will retain tons of length. 4C gal here. I'm with you. xoxo

[@Celestinewarbeck]

Not only do they keep splitting, but split ends love to latch on to other hairs and break them as well😫😫😫

[@vastya.3255]

Right !

[@jamillamorgan6566]

OKKAAAAAYYYYY!!!👏👏👏👏

[@1love847]

AND then when it's finally mid back and bra strap length it catches on everything like velcro. Can we talk about how it just ends up in bun life and braid life. 😂 I've accepted it. I know what to do to get long hair but not willing to be in buns and braids 24/7.

[@dimakatsokatso7805]

I also have 4c hair, and I struggled with length retention for years because of single strand knots. I am now a straight natural and do silk press even 2 weeks and my hair is doing so much better. I love heat

[@deborahobakpolo8651]

What heat protectant do you use?

[@cfoster6804]

Same. If I leave my hair in its natural state then it's a wrap. I use my revair after every wash and sometimes flat iron on 260F. It's not super straight but stretched enough to avoid single strand knots and scientific studies done on heat and hair confirm that at 260F there is no damage done to the hair. The Revair doesn't get much hotter than that either.

[@hoodhippie7117]

YES! This!

[@krazyxki]

@@deborahobakpolo8651 Just PSA heat protectant does not protect your hair from heat, it just makes it soft.

[@CanadianNaturalle]

😊 I managed to grow my hair past bra-strap by trimming my hair once I reached that area and kept my hair in minibraids for months at a time until my hair reached mid-back/waist length. Realised my hair was super vulnerable and fragile at that stage but flourished effortlessly once I passed that length. Try long term protective styles and see if that works for you😊😊❤ God bless.

[@susiq1121]

Do you have high or low density?

[@Aniexo_]

WOW I relate so much to this! I’ll be keeping this mini twist in for another monthZ

[@CanadianNaturalle]

@@susiq1121 I would say "normal" density if that can be said. My hair isn't thin but it isn't super thick either....

[@Lucidvibes7]

Facts. I leave my box braids in for 2 to 3 months, hair grew back faster after I cut it almost 2 years ago

[@PlusVK22]

Still didn't work for me so now I'm trying extra moisturizing like every day or every other day and see how that goes

[@ChillVanille]

I have experienced the most length retention by keeping my ends clipped and keeping my hair in a stretched state. I adore mini twists. No fros and wash and go’s. Or maybe I do those loose styles once or twice a year.

[@iracircosa8890]

I just had a fro and it SET ME BACK

[@penneyfonville5166]

Same here ❤

[@lblack1961]

Regular trims really helped my hair. I wear my hair in WNGs and twistouts. 1. When my hair is in a WNG and I feel a knot at the end, or some kind of roughness, that indicates an issue to me, and I will snip them off wherever I feel them (I do this as needed) OR If my hair is in a twist out, I will part my hair and twist it according to my resulting style and trim the ends. 2) Two times a year, I blow out my hair and do a "hard trim" and "shaping". This gives me the best look for both WNGs and twistouts so that the style "falls into place" (which means I won't keep messing with it). It also has helped me to keep single strand knots, mid strand knots, and split ends from derailing my progress. It took a long time for me to get to this simplicity, because I had NUMEROUS SSKs , MSKs, and MSSs, but I didn't realize it. Now that I have grown all of those out (I think), I've been on this trimming regimen, and it has led to ease in everyday styling (and wash days).

[@lisetteb8727]

The struggle you’re having is the main reason I decided to loc my hair. My hair grew but with 4c hair I had a lot of single strand knots. My only regret is not locing my hair sooner. I finally have hair freedom. I can wash my hair (in the summertime) and just leave the house. No more hours detangling and doing different hair styles (braids,crotchet, etc)

[@oluomalocs4964]

THIS!!!! I'm one of her old subbies and YT hadn't suggested her videos to me in a good long while (basically since I got serious about my locs journey lol!) Then this morning - BOOM, YT suggests her video and it's about length retention. My locs are currently at arm pit length and I plan to celebrate 4 years in October by cutting them back to just past my shoulders. I would have never reached this length as a loose natural because I was detangling and styling my hair every 3-4 weeks. Grateful for locs and the time I've regained because of them. My only issue is the volume explosion and the HEAT, especially becuase I live in the tropics.

[@vastya.3255]

Try a mini braid challenge, I find mini braids are awesome for actually retaining your ends and keeping them from breaking/thinning. I had the same problem, then someone reminded me, people who wanted maintain long hair in history used to braid their hair, and it just grew and grew.

[@vastya.3255]

I have a challenge that runs for 1 year, I redo my hair every 4-6 weeks, I redo my edges more frequently to keep everything neat, but so far, the length retention is AMAZING. I always retained length ever since being natural, but after 6 years, this changed the game for me, because my problem was my fraying ends, and I kept trimming and trimming in circles until now.

[@ciara-zk9tg]

Mini braids helped me grow my hair really long. Also, keep it up off your shoulders and moisturize it every few days. You may also want to try stretching your hair (blowdrying etc...) before braiding so that it's not as tangles. Also after 6-8weeks take your braids down with aloe Vera gel so that it doesn't break during takedown and just keep repeating

[@NappyFu]

Thanks for the tips!

[@aeriii4681]

Maintain & Retain Challenge! Love it❤ I struggle with knots too, what I’m going to try differently: take iron consistently, Aphogee 2-step every 6 weeks

[@jciv256]

I just learned that hard water can really damage your hair. It leaves minerals on the hair and it eventually breaks off. Check your hard water levels. Also look into water softener and a chelating shampoo if your water is hard.

[@NappyFu]

Thanks for the tip ☺️

[@cocoamonroe6312]

Hey chiii! ❤ “Length retention challenge!” I’m down! 👍🏾

[@melisajbeauty]

For me, I have to trim every four months, and when I do stay on top of it, I don’t not have to cut a lot at all, usually is half an inch. Anytime I try to go past six months, it’s always a mess, I had to learn this the hard way. I feel like people with more tighter texture, have to stay on top of trims, especially since our coils like to intermingle lol. Better I “lose” a little length with a trim than my strands trim on their own with breakage 😆😂

[@lblack1961]

"Anytime I try to go past six months, it’s always a mess, I had to learn this the hard way" Me too. How many times did I have to experience crazy tangles and knots on wash day or when styling because I didn't do that trim? Too many 😞

[@jk9084]

True

[@CherryBerry383]

I also have the longest hair in my family, at bra strap length, no one else has really grown longer. But I really want waist length... I've recently gone back to putting grease on my ends when I do my mini twists as of today to see if that helps me. I'm going to try to keep up with trimming as well because this is where I hurt myself in 2022, My hair is a bit damaged up the shaft, so I'm going to have to trim regularly every 3-4 months, at least for the rest of 2023, any longer and my strands start to get frail. I'll also focus on eating better, so my hair can grow in its best environment. And the last change I've made for 2023 is washing my hair more frequently. It's the most convenient for me and my scalp to re-moisturize after a weekly wash. Good luck to you, I Hope we can all see success this year

[@ms.congeniality3976]

Any update ?

[@CherryBerry383]

@@ms.congeniality3976 I got really bad heat damage just a couple of months after this comment i made🥲 so i decided to cut off quite a lot of hair. I was getting good success with grease+mini twists before that happened though. my hair stayed really moisturized between washes and almost no breakage

[@boemomapetla9559]

I'm so glad you're finally at this point in your journey @NappyFu. Please leave your hairstyles in for longer, I also think you change up your hairstyles too frequently. Yes, healthy habits are important but "healthy" doesn't look the same for everyone. Much love. Old subbie❤❤

[@zaraLevina97]

I'm in! I've had this exact problem for about 2 years. I might start to consider trimming as well; I find myself running away from trimming just because I want to keep the length, but it ain't making no sense if that extra lenght be blocking growth! I'm really going to focus on those little details about my hair this year.

[@FineNaturalHairROCKS]

Maintaining length on 4c natural hair is super difficult! I struggle with maintaining length as well; especially during those times when I did not stretch my hair properly. I'm still in the stage of trying to figure out what works the best.

[@jacquehanna8964]

“Maintaining Growth Challenge” sounds good ❤

[@setapartaay925]

Thank you soooo much Grace!!! We love you🥰 Those SSK was the KILLER of my hair retaining length. So I did my protein treatment AND I trimmed my hair. Another KZbinr said to combine protein treatments and trims together, so that way you’re kinda sealed up your ends so they’re not easy to break. And then I started blow drying my hair to straighten it. I don’t care what ANYBODY says, blow drying/stretching my hair has been a true lifesaver for length retention. I braid my hair in 2 horizontal braids in the front and then 2 vertical braids in the back. I combine the two in the front with the two in the back so my ends are protected, and the I pin each braid in the back in the opposite direction to hide my ends. I stopped using water on my hair because that caused my hair to curl up again, which the SSK started coming back again. OHHHH…..very important, I used a paddle brush and not the blow dryer attachment combs because it got my hair a lot straighter.

[@NowIAmNappy]

One thing I want to encourage is protein treatments along with trimming

[@la4894]

I think this is what I’ve been missing 😩 How often do you find is good for you? I’ve always been frightened of protein as my hair didn’t react well with some products that included protein.

[@NowIAmNappy]

@@la4894 i recommend every 6-8 weeks, not trying to poach views but i have a video on my page explaining the different types of hydrolyzed proteins and why some may work better than others

[@jk9084]

​@@NowIAmNappylove your channel ❤

[@lady33357]

Green Beauty is awesome, she is severly underrated.

[@NappyFu]

Facts!!!!

[@I_am_Musiq94]

I messed up my own hair by using a blow dryer a little bit more, stretching wash days a little bit more, not re moisturizing a little bit more..my hair was tickling waist/lower back length and it’s up to bra strap length now 🤦🏽‍♀️… so I have revamped my whole routine, trimmed my ends and starting from where I am right now

[@BionAvastar3000]

YES! When I stopped trimming my length suffered. Back on track now

[@kellya3162]

That's why I got sisterlocks...4c hair, natural for 7 years and it never got below my shoulders.

[@MrsDazl]

Same, sis. Was natural for 16 years and locd a year and never got past my shoulders. A year and a half ago, I started microlocs. Best decision ever.

[@pretoriaafro5074]

Yessss, Length Retention Challenge. Ready! I clip my ends from time to time. I look at your community section for more info

[@Canadascx]

Im having the same issue.. i will be protecting my ends better.. i have hands in hair syndrome😢

[@glamouranimu41]

So do I!😂

[@krazyxki]

So glad you mentioned Green Beauty! You should really watch her video about how she blow dries her hair, sounds like you guys have similar things to do there. I personally do not need to blow dry mine, but you should follow her example.

[@barbarafallin2038]

I trim my hair every two months, or definitely if I need it before, when I do two strand twist ,I trim each twist

[@sassys1240]

It's funny that you posted this video. I love your videos and starting wondering about your retention. I can't seem to get past armpit length so i checked your post videos and then thought, I'm not alone. So happy you're gonna do this.

[@natashasmith7743]

Love this video!!! You are speaking my language! No problem with hair growth but it’s that retention!!!

[@sereawilkins3008]

First time viewer and I love that you include scripture in the beginning brought me tears of joy God bless you

[@LifeWithAlliDaily]

I'm down for the INSIDE OUT CHALLENGE!! I also have gone past bra.... To mid Black-ish and having to cut more. I'm personally eating healthier now... before I get into a workout routine. I already increased my water intake as well 💜

[@la4894]

INSIDE OUT CHALLENGE I love it!

[@hoodhippie7117]

1:01 yeah . I’ve decided I’m just going to keep my hair straight and when it’s not straight , mini/micro twists so I can wash it with minimal snagging 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@marliseisrael3017]

How is it going now? Bless you 💗. Try pinning your hair up and keeping the ends oiled....that is what works for me ..have to start doing that again. Like get those large bobby pins that don't snag your hair and keep it pinned up all the time....just taking it down to wash or oil scalp and then pinning back up

[@reginagordon4246]

Girl yeppppp for me flat twisting yupppppp. And eating right!!! Love the video 😂💕💕💕💕 I do a dusting ever week I clip those fairy knots out. They’re unwanted tenants lol. Green beauty is one of the best hair KZbinrs.

[@AJ-dw9or]

The only thing that I think will help me with breakage/knots/split ends is keeping it stretched from a blow out OR keeping cornrows in. Imma try that

[@jamilak8161]

Same issue I've been having. My hair grows. It's fine and thin. Been trimming alot more and don't ask me why but l started putting coco butter in there and the strands are smoother and softer snd stronger. Rather than moist and weak.

[@MsABee1]

My sister always said that I have that pretty, cut & grow hair… I am fortunate on that front but girl friend my arms, fingers and neck be getting tired. Your hair looks so beautiful and healthy. Best wishes on your challenge and continued journey. Enjoy!!

[@fatimamanneh9432]

4c women should get sisterlocs/microlocs I got them 4 years ago my hair has finally reached my shoulders & growing our hair thrives with locs it is something to consider if you are struggling to maintain length #js

[@oluomalocs4964]

You better preach Sis!

[@arealestshea5727]

Two strand twist as a protective style and using castor oil on ur ends always ,.seal afterwards with flaxseed gel it works for me .. Ive realized my ends need more attention than my scalp if its not moisturizered enough it splits and i have to trim

[@cutenobi]

I’m having the same issues; my hair grows, but now I think the long term styles don’t work for me now because it ruins my ends.

[@bumblebee4280]

I'm using more protein for my ends and sealing them with grease. I have noticeably fewer single strand knots since I started with the protein.

[@kizzymarlene]

I'm down for the challenge!!

[@keonasworld1147]

Girl I just want to say from one believer to another I loved this video and I feel like I needed to hear that god gave me my hair texture for a reason 😭 love you girl love what you do

[@NappyFu]

You are so welcome. Love you too sis!!

[@tigerprincess816]

Yes. I want to join!

[@Tahiha]

My hair grows so slowly that I’ve given up on trims. Trimming would mean taking off the few centimeters I get every few months. So I won’t be trimming until I’m at least BSL. I’m prepared to live with the splits just to retain some length.

[@NappyFu]

In my experience the opposite happen where my split ends restricts length retention. Reconsider trimming sis.

[@CreolePearls_]

Here I am anxious for a cute pixie cute ☺️ my hair is in the middle of my back. I never had a issue with length retention. Better of focus on the health of your hair and the rest will be a breeze.

[@nofirstnolast2059]

Challenge accepted. 😊 My issue is finding a flattering hairstyle. But we 'bouta find out. 😅

[@jayforeverandever2511]

I’m dealing with major heat damage and had to start ALL the way over. I’m all for a little accountability with maintaining healthy habits

[@dg2555]

Plus growing

[@The_Eleventh_Sign]

Same. Sigh natural hair is a journey but I love it

[@funmi5653]

Same here 🥹

[@Lafilledlapluie]

Amla powder basically eliminated my single strand knots. Longest was waist length then I cut it to bra strap so that it's even. I dust every 3-4 months

[@oluomalocs4964]

Sis, just throw some microtwists into your hair with a really good grid that will let you style them any which way and REST for 2 years. Yes, let them lock. By 5 years they will be well past your shoulders and your scalp would have forgotten what a comb feels like. Oh, and in the first two years, the only product you'll need is shampoo, water and very light oils; no conditioners, no deep conditioning, no store bought moisturisers, no nothing. frfr. Note I didn't say Sisterlocks, unless of course you feel like continuing to part with a bag of money (which you're doing now anyways). Microlocs are just as beautiful and WAAAAAYYY cheaper. Love and peace to you. ETA: It's the regular detangling and manipulation that don't let you hold on to the length. When 4c girls like us loc our hair, we get to hold on to all of it.

[@iThiink]

I wash my hair once every 3 weeks, and straighten it after washday, and leave it straightened, its helped my hair grow

[@pamg4174]

How long grow healthy healthy hair? Fact: healthy hair start inside, when it’s forming in the hair follicles. Diet, scalp health are extremely important. Once it grows out of your hair there’s not much you can do but have good solid maintenance regimen. 1. Vitamin intake Viviscal vitamins are the Best. 2. Don’t put oils or butters on your scalp, you’re blocking/hindering the growth of the hair. It makes hair grow thinner therefore the weathering of the hair it will be faster. Opt for hair tonic (water based) Ex : Klorane strengthening or Viviscal serum. 3. Shampoo and condition with good professional products Sebum, sweat, pollution, styling gets trapped in follicles. The more oil and dirt is trapped in follicles the weaker and slower the hair will grow. 4. Trim frequently. 5. No DIY 6. No protective styles braids, wigs, weaves it weakens and damages the hair follicles no matter what people say. 7. Consistent. Don’t switch products and routines. Write your routine how often you wash your hair/ deep condition/ styles 8. Have a great hairstylist. I hope this helps

[@badzula93]

Do you still use grease? It’s helped me with this problem

[@vastya.3255]

Grease and braids it’s an amazing combo :) and a good shampoo

[@badzula93]

@@vastya.3255 yes I use good ole v05 :) and keep my hair in Marley twists

[@Chizarammm]

This was great video and very relatable lol! You will get past bra strap IJN!! Thank you Grace!!

[@NappyFu]

My pleasure!! Thank you Chi!!!!

[@BRATdhq]

Just got trim. Lost 5 inches. Im sick

[@angelvenus-africa4161]

Attaining and maintaining growth goals

[@gwashington7776]

I AM here for #NappyFu's "Retention Maintenance Challenge"❣️😍❤️

[@msylvini]

LOL WHERE HAVE YOU BEEEN?! Excuse me, where have I been?! 😪 You're hilarious! Subbed. ❤

[@empressstarify2597]

The goal to length retention is keeping the hair strecth, time for heat training gurlss... ✨

[@andreavictory1334]

Sister you are looking so beautiful I love your hair omg

[@cynthiahillian]

So do we coily sisters have to blow dry our hair for a proper trim?

[@Lady_Clare4]

I get a professional trim every three months. Natural since 2004.

[@AmandaD33]

10 years natural. I got 10 inches and then it breaks. I tried wigs, weaves, braids under wigs, twists under wigs. Products, red light therapy, vitamins, change frequency of washes from every day to every week, max 2 week but i QUIT i bought a perm. Ima chill in my 30s with my relaxer. Health over length BUT I want to enjoy my hair and have low maintenance hair. Ill still deep condition and do what I learned natural. Gentle handling with finger detangling and trims help a ton

[@monye9963]

I usually trim every 6 to 8 weeks because my hair splits easily

[@KharaokeTube]

Length retention challenge? I'm in whatever you call it. My hair is 4c adn I have trouble retaining length and I don't trim! So I needs all the help I can get. And yes, I mean "needs." Lol.

[@chalaynejohnson9007]

I’m gamed (Length retention goals) 🤔

[@paulacunningham7956]

Loved the word it is good to my soul thank u

[@nichie3897]

Did you mean length retention challenge ?😂😂😂😂....I'm on it too I'm at mid back. I different lengths in different sections which caused more ssk than normal.Last September I had severe anemia mixed with falling off my hair game for two months causing mid shaft splits. I still retained length but the ends weren't as full I'd liked.I dust(cut 0.25" or less of my ends) ever 12 weeks but i moved if to 8 and not only have i dealt with the damage but my hair retained length and i moved from above bsl to mbl. I'm going to stick with 8 weeks cause i have fine strands and because its healthy, i cut like p1/8".

[@jalesapowell]

Nappyfu you had a hard time getting thoses words out 😂😂😂 jk But my daughter has the same problem. It's easy for my hair to grow and keep length now but her hair grows but retaining length is a bit of a challenge. I'm wondering though maybe a water filter in the shower might help with some of harsh chemicals in the water on her hair. Heard it works for some naturals 🤔

[@Dr.RoseQuartz]

Length retention challenge!!! I'm interested

[@tati0201]

Haven't seen your vidoes in a while Nappyfu is that all your hair on your head now??? Gorgeous

[@rhunieangella5424]

A french influencer told that trimming our hair is a waste of time we just have to take care of them.

[@juanitahodges]

Hello did you know that Noorhair has your picture in the advertisements for hair growth. Do you promote this hair product?? You and a lot of other black lady that do natural hair?

[@NappyFu]

Naw definitely not associated with them. I’ve never even heard of that company. Which platform you saw it on? Would happen to hv the link to the ad?

[@dg2555]

Help me maintain length

[@ZakiiyahMuldrew21]

Hi, have you tried using herbal teas on your hair, or try using herbs on your hair that work towards strengthening your hair strands. And work towards fighting breakage. Shea butter and coconut oil on your hair strands will also keep your hair hydrated and to not break off. God Bless you I hope this works

[@naturallychilled3939]

Hair Growth Retention Challenge

[@marlenerobinson8898]

Do you still drink bamboo tea?

[@natashasmith7743]

Growth retention challenge.

[@eshelarnold5835]

I want to join🎉

[@jessicamartinez9379]

Hair retention challenge

[@tarawalker7193]

Hey all!

[@pamelajenkins9084]

Color?

[@NappyFu]

Custom color by @transformedbyo

[@kimd8873]

Um don't u do wash and gos? Let me introduce u to Cyndoll. 🤗

[@franciscaferret4303]

Length retention challenge , boom

[@NinthJewel]

I hate split ends 😭😭😭😭

[@jhjwordofgod]

Products knowledge. Including the right treatment according of the issue. JHJ Anointing Salon Inc

[@PPWWSS]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@memefree3101]

"Length retention challenge "

[@angellee9307]

Larger braids keep length . No crocheting or tension producing tear out your hair styles. It may take six years. I hate it if my hair goes between my business. The more you cut the more it will grow. AVOCADO OIL AND BELT LOOP LENGTH. RICE WATER AND FLAX SEED REQIRE OILS.

[@rahmatoullahbah5230]

lengthy retention challenge

[@CarolineAkwi]

Hi, I suggest you use a leave-in conditioner and not trim your hair.

[@bp2s]

THATS NOT 4C HAIR !

[@consciouslynatural1276]

It’s a WIG

[@lashundavis4231]

Length retention challenge

[@franciscaferret4303]

Length retention challenge , boom

[@johannalouissaint3548]

Hair retention challenge