I’m 7 months post relaxer and one thing that enabled me to retain length is what I call “end tucking”. It has helped me get past bra strap length – even with my weak relaxed ends. I do it whenever I feel like my hair needs a break from styling. Here’s how it works:
- Co-wash hair and apply leave-in.
- Slick back into a ponytail.
- Slather more leave-in on your ends.
- Gently twist hair.
- Wrap it around your ponytail as if you are going to bun. Stop when you have about 2 inches of hair left.
- Tuck the last 2 inches of hair directly into the middle of the bun. Your ends should not be exposed.
- Bobby pin your bun in place. The end result should look like this...
At the end of the day, my ends are still damp and very moisturized. This is what my hair looked like before I started bunning this way (picture taken January 30, 2010)...
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/SANY3671-1.jpg
I trimmed it to arm pit length right after that picture. Four months later, my hair grew to bra strap length and this is what my ends looked like without trimming:
http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa128/princessivelisse08/Profile%20Pics/Hurrrr/SANY3678-1-1.jpg
Today, my hair is at mid-back length with super healthy ends. It’s a simple change that anyone can add to their routine. Try it out! The proof is in the pudding.
I do something very similar. Instead of twisting my hair, I plait it and then tuck. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do this but my hair is too short.
ReplyDeleteMy hair is at neck lenght and it's challenging to find a style that hides the ends that doesn't involve braiding.
I'm thinking maybe a sock bun?
this is cool
ReplyDeleteBunning is great for retaining length! I did it all winter and will be doing it again.
ReplyDeleteI will try the plait by Honeybrown1976 because that technique will not be achievable for my length and hair texture. The Maneandchic type of Tucking technique works well with more lengthy hair.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest for women of ear length (EL), Neck Length NL, and some with SL to try honeybrown1976 technique or a "sock bun" technique to tuck your ends. Luck up on youtube for an example.
I already do this. It's a great protective style!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like just the thing, to get me to out of my flat iron routine. I think maybe I'll try a heavy leave in, just to get those curls to slick down. Just in time also, cuz I just picked up some colorless henna (casia) and didn't want to have to deal with the flat iron. It's so hot here, this would be great to finish off the summer with. Any suggestions on leave-in conditioners? How often are you rebunning, and rewetting?
ReplyDeleteI use Aussie Moist conditioner as my leave-in. I cowash every 3 days or so (to cut down on manipulation), but I spritz my ponytail with water and add more leave-in every day. I typically do this during the week for work and do braid/twist outs for the weekends. Good luck :)
ReplyDelete- Dee
Lovely hair! If I could just get my hair long enough to pull back AND twist enough for a ponytail and bun, then I would do this!
ReplyDeleteYour hair is beautiful. I need ideas for protective styles for my shoulder length hair. I recently got a bad perm, I usually get affirm but my beautician swore up and down I should try Mizani. Long story short my hair did not react well to it. I'm thinking about trying the protective end challenge but need ideas for protective styles. When I bun it looks so small and funny.
ReplyDelete