Are you using the IH Method? You probably are and dont realize it.

Good article and advice, thanks for sharing.

Wow! This should be a sticky tacked on top of this forum until this site shuts down, lol.

When I chopped my hair off, the IH method was the only thing I was trying out, but after 2 months I came to my senses and realized that wasn't working. I don't pre-poo, deep condition more than 15-20 minutes, co-wash, use a leave-in all the time, and that's works perfect for ME. With some knowledge, familiarity with your own hair, and reduction of damaging and stressful hairstyles/techniques, you can be your own natural guru!

GUILTY!

I've been guilty of trying to be too simple. Just because someone can go w/o doing a DT protective styling, etc doesnt meant I can, LOL.

Great article I will keep this in mind when I want to make another purchase

fleur wrote:Wow! This should be a sticky tacked on top of this forum until this site shuts down, lol.

When I chopped my hair off, the IH method was the only thing I was trying out, but after 2 months I came to my senses and realized that wasn't working. I don't pre-poo, deep condition more than 15-20 minutes, co-wash, use a leave-in all the time, and that's works perfect for ME. With some knowledge, familiarity with your own hair, and reduction of damaging and stressful hairstyles/techniques, you can be your own natural guru!

I dont deep condition longer than 20 mins either....unless I am not paying attention to the time. It took me about 4 months to realize that the IH method was not working for me. Now that I know what my hair needs, it's easier to make product choices.

Ambitious_Tiff wrote:LMBO!! GUILTY!! GUILTY!! GUILTY!! I will try anything that seems like it will help me with this problem or that problem. I read a lot but sometimes I know I just go off of what has work for someone else. Its very easy to get caught up in the wonderful world of being natural and all the new product choices. Lord knows I tend to get long eyed as they say...

It's very easy to get caught up...especially when you first start your research of natural hair care. When we know better, we do better.

This is a great article. As newbie, I was guilty of the IH method. I would think to myself that some naturals did WAY too much to their hair. I had to ask myself if I had do everything they did to get that look. I realized I really didn't have to do nearly as much as they did by doing my research.

The more I researched and understood my hair's needs it was easier. Suggestions are great, but doing your own research is best.

I like this article. I've been guilty of this method.

I am sure we have all been guilty of this at some point or another. But because some of us are new to actuallt taking care of our natural hair, we may not know where to start as far as what might be good for our hair. Personally, there is SO much stuff I never even heard of until I found CN. So a lot of stuff, yeah, I may try. But I don't try EVERYthing!!! LOL It's trial and error but until u know what works, it doesn't hurt to TRY the IH method!!! You might end up finding the BEST thing for your hair thru the IH method!!! Ya never know.

I'm guilty of it too. LOL! In the VERY beginning I tried EVERYTHING. It's only within the last year did I really find the products and methods that work for ME. It's always better if you do your own research based on how YOUR hair reacts to products, and not based on how someone else's hair looks.

I'm guilty; If it wasn't for IH 'I wouldn't know what to use or do for my hair'. IH isn't a bad thing... not bad at all.

I was definitely guilty for about the first 6 months after my BC. Even now, when I hear about other products I wan to jump out and buy them. The only thing that stops me is the fear of wasting money again. Thanks for posting this!!!!

Everyone has been guilty of it at some point or another. It's not always a bad thing, it can lead to exploration and finding what works for you. Of course doing research helps when you are trying to find what works. But hey, everyone has to start somewhere.

I think it's more about making calculated decisions. No one is going to make you try everything you read. Thinking about products/ techniques or whatever is always a good practice.

When I first began my natural hair journey, all I had was the "IH Method". Honestly, I really do appreciate that method. You ladies have given me so much good advice on how to take care of my natural hair. You have shared your good and your bad hair experiences with me and that has really helped me to find out what does work best for my hair. Without you all, I would have never learned of using ayuredic powders, pre-poos, co-washing, and protective styling. I can truly say because of you ladies, I am "in LOVE" with my hair. Thanks

Hello my name is Sweetdrk1 and I am a recovering "IH" addict! Because seriously I don't care what "IH" Sasha is gonna do what she is gonna do..which is curl up!

Great post Lynn!

I will say the one "IH" product has been DB deep conditioner! Steps up on soapbox....I am so glad I heard about that one

I am with Sakura and Nikkia on this..I need to hear then I can research to death and like Sweet says Jewel has a mind of her own..and I have to respect that.

Nikkia_19 wrote:When I first began my natural hair journey, all I had was the "IH Method". Honestly, I really do appreciate that method. You ladies have given me so much good advice on how to take care of my natural hair. You have shared your good and your bad hair experiences with me and that has really helped me to find out what does work best for my hair. Without you all, I would have never learned of using ayuredic powders, pre-poos, co-washing, and protective styling. I can truly say because of you ladies, I am "in LOVE" with my hair. Thanks

sweetdrk1 wrote:Hello my name is Sweetdrk1 and I am a recovering "IH" addict! Because seriously I don't care what "IH" Sasha is gonna do what she is gonna do..which is curl up!

Great post Lynn!

I will say the one "IH" product has been DB deep conditioner! Steps up on soapbox....I am so glad I heard about that one [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

jeanlouisangel wrote:I am with Sakura and Nikkia on this..I need to hear then I can research to death and like Sweet says Jewel has a mind of her own..and I have to respect that.

The key is when you "hear" about a product, you need to do your own research. I've seen so many threads of people purchase products and dont even know what they are supposed to be used for. They wear wash n gos all the time but purchased products that should be used for braids/braidout and twist/twist outs. I still purchased based on what I "hear" but it will be a product that I am currently in need of...example deep conditioner. The deep conditioner I was using, the company decided to change up the ingredients and now it doesnt work for me. So after thorough research, I made a few purchases. Hopefully one or all of them work for me.

@ jeanlouisangel I have literally spent hours looking at the screen researching topics on natural hair. I think I can finally admit that....I am obessed! LOL

@ lynnieluve I have seen alot of your posts on different threads and you have truly been an inspiration to me. You and so many others on this forum have kept me from reverting back to a relaxer

oooh I was a big ole IH'er, mostly for "treatments." Lawd I've tried so many treatments...Bentonite clay, Caramel Treatment, Cherry Lola Treatment, Coconut Lime (Natural Relaxer) treatment....because I HEARD they would help with curl definition.

Most of them didn't make any major difference--although Bentonite is still awesome for cleansing and the Caramel Treatment got me pretty decent moisture in preparation for a blow out and flat iron.

Now I'm too lazy to run out and do/try everything I heard about. But I think it's pretty natural to be that way when you're first starting out on your natural journey, looking for products to curl and moisturize and defy humidity. And it's fun to try new stuff and chime in on the reviews and swap stuff that didn't end up working out.

Speaking of treatments, I have gotten into henna, but its very beneficial for my hair. I have less breakage and great color. I havent tried anything else at this point...

Great article. I'm guilty of it though. But I guess either way I'll end up spending a ton of money either by buying products people mention, or buying what I want to try.