This is my hair after rinsing a DC out. In August of 2012, I will be natural for 3 years. I think I’ve got a pretty good understanding of my hair and it’s properties by now. According to the Andre hair typing system, I am mostly 4A in curl pattern. I have 4B hair around my edges. The 4B hair is more dense at my bang area, it’s probably an inch thick from my hairline, while by my ears, it’s less than 1/2 an inch.
Throughout my head, my hair is very fine. The strands are so tiny, it’s hard to see a shed hair without a white paper or light behind it. My hair is also very porous- mean the cuticles stand up unless coaxed downward. I so occasional apple cider vinegar (diluted) rinses to keep the cuticles in check.
Porous hair soaks up water like a sponge. It also seeps water just as readily. For me however, I find that unless my hair is left loose to dry- it won’t. If I braid or twist my hair the sponge-like texture holds the water in the braids or twist and my hair literally takes 2-3 days to completely dry. This causes my hair to be mushy because the porosity makes it moisture sensitive. Over moisturizing also causes mildew to grow in the hair. Small braids or twists allow my hair to dry much faster and in a matter of hours, rather than days.
Having combined fine and porous hair is a recipe for breakage. On top of that, I’m a slow grower (about a centimeter a month). It takes a lot of tender love and care to get my hair to grow great lengths, but I’ve had hair to the middle of my back before so I know I can do it again. Mini braids allow me to manage my hair in a gentle way and give it breaks from being constantly manipulated.
You’re my hair twin!!! My hair is mostly 4b,has a low density, is very porous and always thirsty and the strands are fine. It’s harder to grow fine hair because it breaks so easily. I know I have to get on a low manipulation regimen because I manipulate my hair way too much. But I don’t know how to style my hair :(.
I agree with fine hair being more difficult, but you can definitely nurture it and grow it long. I find trimming often and using a lot of protein and collagen (weekly) helps a lot. My mini braids are obviously my favorite low manipulation style. I also wear braid outs for a few days in a row and put my hair in a pony or puff once the braid out is frizzy. I do wear wash and goes and I think using a lot of product protects my ends.
The biggest change I’ve made for my fine hair is putting away my combs and brushes. The only things I use for styling are my hands. Finger detangling has cut down on my breakage significantly. I hope that helps.