48 ★ NappyNFree Shares: Breakage & Trimming My Thin, Natural Hair

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Early last year, I noticed breakage in the front middle and crown areas of my hair. I was alarmed and very concerned. I knew the culprit was the build-up resulting from wearing yarn twists for 4-5 weeks. I never had patience removing that build-up from my hair and it caused breakage. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of this until it became extreme. I continued wearing yarn twists, but drastically limited the amount of product I was using. However, I could not prevent the build-up from occurring.

In October 2011, I started keeping the yarn twists in my hair for only two weeks at a time. This is working; I have very little to no build-up and detangling my hair is easier. The result? The short hair resulting from the breakage is growing.

My goals for 2012:
• Cutting my hair four times a year (see video for more information)
• Wearing the yarn less and learning more protective styles using my own hair
• Keeping the yarn in for only two week intervals

In December 2012, I will do a follow-up to this video to see if these goals helped grow the short hair resulting from the breakage.

Please see all the wonderful, insighful comments! There is a wealth of knowledge in the YouTube world!

Other related videos:

Yarn Twist Extensions and My One Major Complaint
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pWUUJp63WQ
In this video, I discuss the breakage that I discovered that resulted from poor removal of the yarn twist build-up

Avoiding Yarn Twist Build-Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIzZGcepWw8
I discuss my early attempts at avoiding build-up.

My Hair Grows Slowly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-3yzQHSjQg
This video explains why I can't cut 2-3 inches of my hair!!

Two-Strand Twists on Thin, Natural Hair - FAIL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Aua5rvL010
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Music: "6.6.05" by BOPD
http://freemusicarchive.org/music/BOPD/2005_Stayin_Alive_InstruMentals/6605

Hair Disclaimer: I enjoy sharing what I am learning about my hair. It's fun creating hair videos, and I hope they are helpful to others. However, I'm showing only what may or may not work for me. All heads of hair are different.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• trimming hair
• cutting hair
• hair breakage
• detangling hair
• detangling natural hair
• yarn twists
• yarn braids
• thin hair
• natural hair
• 4b hair
• nappnfree Haircut

[AYWalton]

I just thought of something---what would happen if you lightly oiled the yarn before putting it in? Would that reduce breakage?

[NappyNFree]

@AYWalton

Well, that is a good idea. Maybe I could lightly spritz the yarn with oil, water and a nice-smelling EO. Thanks for suggesting it!

[MsSassyLaRue]

Im so happy that you're already experiencing noticeable growth....hip hip hooray! Ive read all the comments, and the ladies have some great suggestions. Heres one more....if you dont want to wear a halfwig, try slicking your hair back and using some kinky hair to make a SMALL bun. Its an easy quick and simple style, that could be worn a couple days at a time ( so theres no added tension on your edges). Itd also serve to protect those newly clipped ends for a couple days.

[NappyNFree]

@MsSassyLaRue

I know! I am so glad the breakage is growing. Normally, I don't do length checks but I have been a length-checking fool lately! LOL.

Thank you for the wonderful suggestion of making a SMALL (heehee) bun. I saw msvcharles do a tutorial on adding hair to a bun. It is a great idea and one I will definitely try. This would work well for my lifestyle because I work out... "a lot" (said in a Forest Gump voice :-)

[AYWalton]

Hello, I think the points that bellanatural raised are valid, because coily/kinky hair is fragile-and it is fragile to everything including weight. Even if you had the length of the yarn shrinkage would make it short. The hanging length of the yard is added weight! Although yarn is pretty it is an illusion with weight. The suggestion to slather the hair with lots of conditioner and oil might truly work in removing the yarn. Did you notice growth this time?

[NappyNFree]

@AYWalton

This is a great observation and you are right. The yarn is extremely light but it is still a weight on my hair. I do use fairly large sections for each twist, but regardless, it is a weight. I can't give up the yarn entirely but wearing it less often is definitely the way to go. Thanks for this!

Since I now only keep the yarn in for two weeks, there is no buildup and using oil has really helped with detangling.

[PurpleFairyWings]

@NappyNFree haha, that's a fair question! The brand I use, Holland and Barret's (I live in England) is totally odourless, so I would think the american brands probably are too, if they state so in the bottle. Onions are actually more effective as far as hair growth goes, but I chose odourless garlic pills because there isn't an onion equivalent and I wouldn't rub fresh onion juice on my scalp every evening ;D

[TheCoilWhisperer]

@NappyNFree Yes, detangling very carefully os key. My hair is STILL teaching me the lesson of patience. :-)

[NappyNFree]

@SGmom2

I have considered wearing a wig and when I mentioned it to my husband, he looked at me like I was crazy. It was not his cup of tea! BUT I do have a half wig that I would wear time to time. I felt really uncomfortable, but it was nice hiding my hair and knowing I could still get to it.

Maybe I will go look at some more half wigs. That is a wonderful idea!

[NappyNFree]

@ayanna8278

YES, I love how you said that! I am a sucker for twists! LOL

I have heard many great things about the leave-in Kim highlighted on her channel. Maybe I will try this. I have all the ingredients except the KCKT but I can use any conditioner. Thanks for this!

[NappyNFree]

@ggbeanbean

Awww, thank you! I guess feel that natural hair is not always roses and cream. Most times we see videos where every hair is perfect. That is not my hair (don't I wish, though! LOL) and I just feel the need to share the good, bad and ugly of hair.

I am just happy that people have been kind with their comments and have really offered great tips and suggestions. I was a bit worried about that!!