SheeTacular writes:
For the last 2+ years I’ve been chasing after length. Now that I have a decent length I have found that twisting for a twist out is easier. I can do fewer twists. I also can was in twists and braids with less unraveling when rinsing.
How has retaining length allowed you to simplify your routine?
Now that my hair has grown out some, I am able to wear two strand twists and feel comfortable wearing them out. I think since I am able to wear it twisted for an extended period of time, my hair will go ahead and grow out to the next length (APL).
I am so excited! I can't wait to reach my next level!
Length for me makes styling easier. I can finally rock nice looking buns. Chunky twists = cute updos and cuter twist-outs. I can even just do 6 flat twists and wear a nice twistout with little effort. I don't mind washing my hair on a night before work anymore or after working out because I know if I don't want to do much to it, I can just do a quick bun.
Length has helped me be able to twist my hair and keep it twisted in a updo, which helps me get out the door faster and I love the style on me. It has not always been about having all this lengthy hair or I would be wearing it straight to prove something, but I do like the fact that I can now just keep it up and not have to do much with it during the week and still have it protected.
Love post. I will definitely try twists again, but my bun and braids are my new best friend. Thanks for all tips.
this made me feel better. I am in month 11 of my transition. I have been considering braids for the next few months to try to get to around the 2 year mark before I cut. It makes me feel better to know that it will get easier. Thanks for sharing ladies!
I'm a collarbone 4a/4b natural as well and the best thing about my new length is updo's! Quick and simple protective styling – me likey.
I've also found it easier to wash with my loose now that its longer. And twisting is much easier because I can keep my hand in a much more comfortable position (not hovering over my head)
Now that I am two years natural I can honestly say it is easier. I twist and twist out with ease. I was scared when I first started my journey because I was told that the longer it go the harder it was to manage. NOT TRUE!!
As someone else said, I can do less retwisting to go to bed and still have a cute "do" in the morning. I hope the longer it gets the less twist. So far I am down to 10 twist at night. I am a 4c!
With more length retention, it's a breeze to wash in twisted sections. Also, If a style fails I can put my hair in a puff or a simple updo. Once, my hair gets even longer…I'll be able to do bigger braids or twists when styling and I'll be able to throw my hair in a bun with ease.
I'm at the point where haircare is super simple. It'll only get better from here. 🙂
P.S. I'm a collarbone length 4a/b natural.
SheeTacular looks so regal – u go gurl : ) Can't wait until I get some decent length!
Ditto with Anon 1:33pm
Retaining length has allowed me to wear my hair in buns, which is my favorite style. I'm also able to do several twists and pin them all back in an up do, which I love.
I have been natural for many yrs. I first BC'd and had a TWA in 2000. It was so easy when my hair was so short that I couldn't do anything with it but wash 'n go with a bit of leave in conditioner. As it grew out, the most difficult stage was that in- between stage – cant pull it up and looks weird wearing it out. I did roller sets at times during that period.
Recently, my hair had reached brastrap length. It was enjoyable, but a lot of work. I got several inches cut this past weekend. I will continue to do the same styling process- braidouts or "wash and pineapples" (as I call them).
no comment…i'm still chasing after said length lol!
I transitioned for 10 months and finally cut in January. My hair has actually grown about 3/4-1" and so I've started doing chunkier twists. But my hair is really fine so the whole things unravels when I'm untwisting and I have to retwist as I separate — fluffing creates a bit of frizziness for me and that's why I can't wait till I have SL so I can do even chunkier twists for bigger hair 🙂
My hair is also very easy to twist up and I like keeping it pinned up and out of the way. When it was shorter, I wore a mini fro and needed to always make sure it was shaped up nicely. I wear a hat as part of my work uniform, so I LOVE that I no longer need to worry about looking like a clown with the sides sticking out and the top all matted down. It's a lot easier to keep it protected now as well.
Super simple and cute updos. Very few twists to dry after washing. If my hair doesn't get any longer, I'm very happy with it at this length (armpit stretched) for how easy it is making my life! I am so not in the long natural hair is a pain in the ass camp lol. My haircare has never been simpler and yes I am type 4.
I was just thinking the same thing yesterday when I was washing and twisting my hair. Now that I have a little length(shoulder), it has become much easier to wash, and I can do bigger twists.
I am waiting on my length to arrive. lol
Right now my hair is at the bottom of my ear, and I can do more protective styles. That's really been a big help. My wash n gos also hang now inside of out.
after my hair moved past shoulder length, doing a wash and go took less time. i have a LOT of thick hair so it used to take me forever but now, instead of shingling, i just lean my head over to one side, palm in some LI and/or gel and repeat on the other side, shake shake shake then put my hair in a turban for 20 minutes. done! i guess since my hair has more hang time, the curls find each other easier than when my hair was short and grew up and out instead of down.