Hey Reniece. Your hair is so pretty. You are my role model and I plan to follow your regimen. Since Im not interested in weaves, what else do you suggest that I can do to give my hair a rest?(up do's, braids?)
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Hi, thank you! Individual braids may be fine as long as they are not too tight on the scalp. Spiral sets, twist sets (braid outs) are also good to give the hair a rest from manipulation. Wigs are also an option.

HI AGAIN. I HAVE WENT AHEAD AND SHELLED OUT THE MONEY TO GET CUTICLE HAIR INSTEAD OF THE ONE TIME USE HAIR. MY QUESTION IS I BOUGHT A PIECE FOR THE TOP IT IS CALLED A SCALP TOP SO YOU CAN PART AND REALLY TO GET THE COVERAGE WITHOUT HAVING TO ALWAYS SPRAY MY HAIR DOWN TO MAKE SURE A PIECE OF THREAD OR A TRACK IS SHOWING, ANYWAY DO YOU THINK THIS WILL CUT DOWN ON THE AMOUNT OF WEAVING HAIR I WOULD NEED I USUALLY USE 3 BAGS. OH AND ANOTHER QUESTION HAVE YOU EVER USED THESE TYPES OF THINGS SCALP PIECES BEFORE? I FOUND THIS GREAT HAIR AND TOP PIECE ON HIS AND HER HAIR GOODS . COM BUT CHECK THE PRICE IT'S AND INVESTMENT BUT THE HAIR IS MUCH BETTER THEN YOU GET IF YOUR LIKE ME GOING TO THE ASIAN STORES GETTING THE HAIR THEY HAVE. THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR LOVELY ADVICE. MAY THE HAIR GODS BLESS YOU SOME MORE. LOL AMBERIELLE
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Having the closure doesn’t necessarily cut down on the amount of weaving hair needed because closures usually only have enough hair for coverage at the very top. I’ve used the scalp pieces before and they’re okay, not my favorite thing. 3 bags of hair seems to be a lot of hair. Of course, if you like your weaves to be very full, then it would make sense to use that much. Usually, 1 pack of hair has 4 ounces….so you’d be using 12 ounces of hair. The average head uses about 6 to 8 ounces of weave hair. I hope that helps!

Hi Reniece

Oh my goodness!! I really must congratulate you on your beautiful hair and absolutely blessed hairdressing skills! Keep it up. I was born with naturally beautiful hair which responded well to relaxers over the years. My problems began when I began bonding with the weaves! I have lost so much hair and suffered from bald patches etc. I have since stoped using the bonding but after 4 years of this terrible abuse my hair is thin, very very scarce and I fear will never regain its original thickness again. I have purchased the following online:

BBD Triple Slip Shampoo
BBD Stretch Growth Creme
BBD Keala Oil
Clairol Vitapointe

and am waiting for them to arrive. Could you kindly explain when/how often I should use the Keala Oil. I also could not get hold of the silk2 relaxer to replace my usual Optimum regime (which I also think is only adding to my problems) so I am thinking what relaxer do you think is good to use at home. I am thinking of trying the Phytospecific Phytorelaxer but haven't been able to get any feedback from other normal people apart from the ones on the website. Any advice you offer is recieved with much gratitude. Seeing your hair pictures has restored hope that had been lost. Thank you so much for sharing your journey! Hope to meet you personally one day if I am in the area! P.S I will keep you posted on any progress I make using your methods. Thanks

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Hi,

Thank you!

I’m glad that you stopped gluing your weaves in. That’s what destroyed my hair before. Just keep trying to work with your hair and it may fill back in. I didn’t think my hair had much hope after I finally stopped wearing bonded weaves. Back then, I never thought I could achieve bra-strap length hair. I mean – my hair was paper thin, broken off…just a mess. So you never know what you’re able to achieve unless you give it a try. Of course, I must say that everyone’s hair is not the same. So treatments/methods that may work for one, may or may not work for another.

I like the Optimum Multi-Mineral relaxer or the regular Optimum relaxer if I run out of my professional relaxers. You can use the Keala oil once or twice a week – or as needed. I usually use it once a week because I already use Vitapointe. –I don’t want TOO much product in my hair all at once.

I wish you the best with your hair!

-Reniece

Hi Reniece,

I just sent you an email about an appointment but I had to leave a comment on your page because you are an excellent stylist. I just thank GOD that you are in MD. I know that I'll be spending a lot of money with you because I want to try many of the styles on your site!
Just in case you didn't get the email I sent, you can email me at ana_b_2002@yahoo.com

Hope to hear from you soon, Tasha
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Hi Tasha,

How nice of you! Yes, I received your email and I have responded to it. Talk to you soon!

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Hey Reniece, thanks for the helpful email. I just wanted to make sure you got the email that I sent back in reply to yours (for some reason emails that I send to people don't always go thru). Talk to you soon :)

Tasha

Where have you been all my life? LOL! I've been a fotki member for about 3 years now and I have just now come across your albums. I am a stylist myself and I'm considering a weave for the winter months, so I was surfing the net for some styling ideas and I came across you! I must say your work is awesome! I looked at all your albums and I have to tell you that you are my Shero!!!!! Unfortunately I do not reside in your state and I don't think I can weave my own head so, I'm fearfully putting my tresses in the hands of another stylist. I have been sharing your pics with her in hopes that my weave will be somewhat like yours. Please, the next time you thread the needle, think of me...LOL! All jokes aside, your work is amazing and your hair is beautiful as well. In the future if time permits I'd really like to rack your brain for tips and tricks of the trade. I have lots of questions pertaining to the industry that I think you may be able to help me answer. Keep up the great work and hope to hear from you soon!

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Hey!

Thanks so much for the wonderful compliments. I hope you weave turns out fabulous! Let me know if you take pics - I'd like to see :)

Maybe we can talk sometime about industry stuff :o)

hi,
1st i must say i'm really impressed with your work. it's amazing. i have seen so many terrible weaves where i live, it's not even funny. you need to come out here and teach these 'stylists' (and i use the term very loosely) a thing or 3!

my question - i have natural hair (4a) and i don't like straightening - not with chemicals or heat. is there a way to do a decent looking weave without using heat? i notice with your natural clients you either pressed or blow-dried their hair. do they have to come back for touch ups? i can't imagine the straight hair staying like that. eventually the client would have two very different textures, no? i want a protective style for the winter as it gets ridiculously cold up here and my hair suffers :( any advise is welcome and appreciated. thanks!

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Thank you for the nice commments! You can get a full-head weave (where none of your hair is left out) to avoid putting heat on your hair. When I give their hair a good press, it usually will stay pretty straight until the next shampoo. Unless it gets wet from rain, excess moisture, or sweat of course. Yes, it will be two different textures if the natural hair reverts.

HI I HAD STRONG HAIR I'M MIXED SO I NEVER HAD TO RELAX, I CUT MY HAIR FOR SUMMER AND HATED IT SO I WENT TO GET A WEAVE THE LADY TOLD ME SHE HAD TO USE GLUE BECAUSE MY HAIR IS FINE? ANYWAY I HAVE BEEN GETTING WEAVES EVERY 6 WEEKS AND I JUST SAW A SPOT WHERE IT LOOKED LIKE MY HAIR WAS PULLED OUT? SHE SAID IT WAS ALOPECIA FROM STRESS, NEVER HAD IT BEFORE COULD IT BE THE GLUE OR THE STRESS OF PULLING MY HAIR TO GET THE SEWIN TRACKS AND GLUE OUT? HOPEFULLY YOU CAN HELP ME COIN BALD SPOT IN OKC. THANKS ALOT AMBERIELLE
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Hi Amberielle,

I'm really sorry to hear about this. I just can't believe that a stylist would recommend a glue-in weave for your fine hair! That is not a solution and I wish he/she wouldn't have suggested that. So you have been getting glued-in weaves every 6 weeks?

I haven't even seen your hair and I would say that it is the GLUE and the removal process that caused the spot. When I wore glued-in weaves years ago, I would end up ripping my hair from the root (accidentally) when I took the tracks out. There would always be hair in the little balls of glue that I would comb out of my hair.

You really have to stop wearing the glue ins now. -Especially since you've been getting them done alot. Tracks that are done with that regular rubbery bonding glue are meant to be worn temporarily. --Not for long-term wear. I don't want to see you experience more hairloss from this because it doesn't have to be this way.

I hope that helps you :)

What a wonderful thing you are doing by sharing your hair secrets with others. Your hair is so beautiful.

What's even more refreshing are the compliments you're getting from so many young ladies who admire your technique. Your guest book is proof that we DON'T always hate on each other.

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Hi Cynthia,

Thank you! Yes, it is nice to see proof that we don't always hate on each other. I really like getting such nice comments from all of you ladies. It makes me feel really good inside when people take the time the write such nice things :o)

Reniece

You are so much an inspiration to me...today i was just thinking about rather i should just cut my hair off and start over...im so depressed on how bad and damaged my hair is looking...im wondering if it is any hope for it....but i know it will take more than a month to see a difference..im so much of a product junkie.. i have all of the good stuff to use..and i eat right and exercise...i also take my vitamins..i just started taking HF37 and Silica..so hopefully i will see a difference in a couple of months..i f i have the patience...I wish i could find someone like you down here in South Florida that has the skills that you have...you truly have a gift...keep up the good work...and please keep us updated on everything...

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Hey girl,

I'm glad to know I inspire you. Just don't give up on your hair. I know how depressing it can be when your hair just won't do right no matter how hard you try. You're already doing great by eating right, taking your vitamins, and excerising - just keep it up. If your hair is completely damaged as you have stated, then it may be a good idea to just go ahead and cut off the damaged areas, get the length all even....and start over. You can start new for 2006. You'll have something to look forward to throughout the year (fresh, healthy hair). There is no need trying to hold onto hair that cannot be salvaged. Cut it soon....but don't do it unless you're ready. I understand that it's easier said than done.

I wish you the best with this :)

Hello Reniece,

I just wanted to let you know that your website has most def helped me in my transitions of skin cancer. I had never worn a weave in my life until the cancer I had flared up unknowingly and I lost a lot of my hair. I didnt know what to do or where to turn. I found your website from another forum and I felt like it was a gift. I got so much information, tips, and do's and don'ts. I thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. Because other websites gave some tips, but none as informational as yours. So thank you and keep doing what you do. :) If I'm ever out that way I'll be sure to look you up.
Also, I wanted to know what types of hair do you prefer over others? Do you know of any products to take out the frizzness of synthetic hair, I've been wearing the Shake-n-go hair and it works well but sheds a lot and the ends have frizzed up bad. My last question is, do you know of anyone that does great weaves here in Houston, Tx that is on somewhat of a level you are on? I know they can be as good but not better, because I believe you are the best.
Thank you again for everything. I am a complete fan of your work. :)

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Hi,

Wow, I am honored to have been an inspiration to you during this unfortunate time for you. You are very welcome. I pray that you become healed from that terrible disease. And yes, please do contact me if you’re ever in this area.

I definitely prefer human hair over synthetic hair for the most part. The regular synthetic hair works well if you only need to wear it temporarily. When synthetic hair is in good shape, it’s fabulous and does not tangle. –But when it gets worn out, it’s very difficult to whip it back into shape because it does not curl well. However, Brandy’s new hair, Pro10, is the best synthetic (organic) hair I’ve ever tried!

As far as human hair weave, the regular brands I like are Sensationnel and Janet Collection. For the more expensive ones, Indian hair from remyhairtoday.com is WONDERFUL! –They have reasonable prices too by the way. I also like Adorable’s Spanish Wavy texture.

Unfortunately I do not know of any particular weave stylists in the Houston area yet. I hope someone can refer you to a good stylist there though. I am very happy that you enjoy viewing my work and that it has inspired you keep your head up :o)

Sincerely,
Reniece

Hi Reniece,

You are to be admired. It is a wonderful gift that you are sharing with all women in reference to hair treatments and technique. I wish you much success in all your endeavors.

I have worn a sewed in weave from Jan 05-Jul 05.This was supposed to be temporary till my hair got to the desired length. The beautician never trimmed my hair during the growth period and she would use glue to make my bang look fuller (as so she says) and would glue it to the sewed weave part.
At first I was wearing a partial weave. Somehow the beautician convinced me to try to wear a full headed weave. That was a terrible mistake. I finally decided to get my hair However I had the beautician perm the top of my hair and edges. That was a big NO! NO! I checked the status on my hair mid august to find that my hair was all gone (BALD COMPLETELY)

I could have done a don't be bald commercial. I went to a dermatologist and all for this hair loss. She deemed it a chemical and tension hair cause. My hair is much stronger and very thick on the sides, back, but not quite at the top. I was using rogaine as per dermatologist which helped.

Any recommendations as to when I can perm my full head of hair. My hair is so thick and unmangeable. I am wearing a wig right now. But desire a weave again.

Please help me I once had beautiful chin to neck length thick hair. Any recommendations????

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Thanks for writing. I appreciate the nice compliments! I'm sorry to hear about what has happened to your hair during that timeframe. I don't recommend mixing glued tracks with sewn-in tracks. The glue can weaken the area of hair that it lays on.....

I think you should wait a couple more months before relaxing your hair again. Plus, the weather is going to get colder and it's nice that you already have a protective style (the wig). So just let your hair grow a bit more, get deep conditioning/protein treatments during this time and then relax your hair again later on. That way, hopefully by the time your relax, your hair will have gotten even stronger. Then you'll be off to a healthy start again.

HOW LONG DID YOU GROW YOUR HAIR OUT WITH WEAVES UNTIL IT GOT TO YOUR DESIRED LENGTH.?

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It was about 2.5 years (after cutting so much of it so frequently). I believe I would've reached my desired length sooner if I would've laid off the trimming - but my ends would most likely have been alot thinner and I didn't want that. I'd rather have shorter hair with healthy, fuller ends than long hair with thin and scraggly-looking ends :)

Hi Reniece,
I wanted to ask how are you using the BBD stretch, like a leave in? And how often do you use it? I'm trying to adopt your regimen and hope it helps me on my journey. You're definitely my hair idol!
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I mostly use it as a regular conditioner or a deep conditioning treatment. I use it about once every other week (when I shampoo my hair). Thanks!

Hi Reniece,

I stumbled across your website and I am humbled by your hair journy. After looking at all of your photo album pictures, I am committed to make my hair a priority.

Healthy, luxurious hair is in my near future. :-)


My hair has always been the length of just touching my shoulders. It has gotten as long as the maybe the 2 or 3 vertebrae on my back. Is it possible for my hair reach your length?

Sincerely,
Stormy

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Thank you for visiting my site. As far as your hair reaching my length....I cannot give you a definite answer of course. --Honestly, I never even knew my hair could reach this length before I actually REACHED it. Just keep your hair in the best shape possible it yes, it may be possible.

Hey Reniece! Hope all is well. I would like to know how often you recommend dusting your ends. Come by and ckeck out my album, you'd be proud of the "chop" I made.

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Heeeeey Tamara! I forgot your password. Please send it to me in a PM again please :) I can't wait to see the "chop".........

Hmmm...I think that you can dust your ends every 4 weeks or so...that's what I usually do. You can sort of use your judgement since you know your own hair best. I like to stay ahead of split ends so I dust my ends (as well as my sister's) more frequently. And I mean only taking off a TINY bit, like a millimeter, literally.

I was trying to leave comments but couldn't. I am really loving your hair. I have major damaged ends and was wondering if went to get a wash and trim. Then wear weaves for a year will my hair grow out?
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Yes, the hair can grow out with weaves WITH proper maintenance. Some people often "forget" about their hair while it's underneath the weave. You have to tend to your natural hair underneath -especially by moisturizing/oiling it the hair and not leaving the weave in longer than 2 months (my recommendation).

OMG!!! You are the first person on any site that I've seen w/perfect hair. I can't even believe it. I wish I had your hair. Growing up I've always had long thick pressed hair but now it's much shorter and I don't even know where to start w/it and it's starting to really drive me crazy. I have past shoulder length hair...maybe about 3 and a half inches from BSL...I use to have layers so my hair is all diffent levels but I don't wanna lose any length so I gonna jus keep trimming as it grows. My hair is very thin at the ends and I want thicker hair but don't know what to do. And then on the very front of my right side just won't seem to grow. If I put any mosturizers in my hair they seem to make my hair go limp and then I have really bad breakage in the back. I'll try to send you a pic so u can see 4 yourself but until then what would you recommend I do. I love, love, love your hair tho. Your work is the only best I've seen to date. Please send me something I can work w/4 now. It would be greatly appreciated!!!
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Thanks for the nice comments. --I will say, my hair isn't perfect lol. It can get unruly at times just like anyone's hair :) If your hair is thin on the ends, then the best thing to do is get it trimmed/cut. You won't be able to replace the thin ends with new strands, so you're going to end up cutting them sooner or later anyway. You'll lose length but it will give your hair an overall thicker appearance. --Then you can continue to get the layers cut gradually.

You may want to use less of the moisturizer so that it won't weigh your hair down so much. As far as the breakage in the back, a variety of things could be causing that - tight ponytails/buns in the back, excessively dry hair, overlapped relaxer, or relaxer not being thoroughly rinsed in that area.

WOW! Your album is such an inspiration for me and others. Your hair is beautiful and your sister's simply gorgeous and is growing quickly. Thank-you for sharing.

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Thanks so much!

you have made a tremendous amount of progress and im happy for you. now if only i could do it!lol

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Thank you! You just have to start somewhere, you can do it :)

Hey,

You ares uch an inspiration for me. What is your regimen, and what do you do for your ends to be so healthy and full? What do you recommend?

Keep up the good work.
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Thank you. You can view my simple regimen here: journals.fotki.com/reniece20. I trim my ends alot and the only thing I use on them right now is Vitapointe.