new thread
Hi again,
in August I hit my 62 month mark of hair growth and I decided to make a little series of videos to document my hair going from "dry" to oily in 8 days. I thought it could be interesting for those who have long hair or want to have long hair. Also some of the videos turned out to be really good! ...and some didn't, I'm still learning how to make videos.
Anyway, thank you for the support I've received from you on this board! I hope you're well,
cheers,
Philip
Great photo, Philip! I like that you not only post photos of your inspirational mane but I can see the artistry in the photos themselves. They really showcase your hair!
You must be doing something right for your hair to look as healthy as it does right down to the ends. My challenge as my hair has gotten near waist-length in the past is that my lifestyle isn’t particularly friendly to having very long hair. I’m an avid cyclist and I ride year-round in all temperatures. I’ve already ridden almost 5000 miles this year and that makes for a lot of outdoor exposure. I keep my hair braided so that helps but my hair has a very fine texture and that tends to make it more vulnerable. So, in the past, I’ve usually cut it once it gets past a certain point due to the damage. I’m really hoping to stick it out this time and reach terminal even if just for curiosity’s sake.
What are your favorite ways of protecting your very long hair?
Hi Jason,
thank you! What I would recommend is:
Being gentle and patient with it when combing and detangling.
Using protective hairstyles like a bun or better a braid regularly, I sleep with it in a loose side braid to avoid tangles.
I oil the ends in the morning and in the evening in order to give them more weight and to make them stay together in strands. Olive oil is fine but I switched to coconut oil because it is more liquid and it smells good.
When the hair is damaged, cut the damage.
Less is more: I don't use heat, no hair colour/dye and I prefer natural products with no "bad" ingredients. I find www.codecheck.info helpful for looking up products and their ingredients.
I have no experience with a conditioner that can be bought in the shops, but after washing I use a cider vinegar mix (1 liter cold water, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, it is called "saure Rinse" in German). I dip in the ends and pour it over my head, leave it in for 1 minute and rinse it with just cold water. Some people don't rinse it out. I also read somewhere that cider vinegar is good if you have dry, flaky scalp. Or I use olive oil as a conditioner maybe twice a year.
I used to have natural shampoos with no sulfates and no silicones, then in December I switched to Aleppo soap which is like a dream, I'm very glad I found it. Because it makes the hair clean, soft and it's not irritating at all. The first two washes were an adjustment phase, my hair looked a bit greasy. But after that it works wonderfully. I can also recommend olive oil soap, it worked fine too, but I like Aleppo soap more. Mind: they both usually don't have perfumes, so they smell a bit special, but I got used to it.
I don't use supplements for hair and I try to eat a lot of vegetables, fruits and nuts.
Also keep in mind that my hair has medium thickness, so I have no experience with thin hair. I guess you have to be very gentle and avoid mechanical stress even more.
I try not to wash more often than every 4 days. Of course, if you do sports every day, you will have to wash it more often. I heard that a healthy lifestyle (exercise, fresh air, healthy food) is also good for the hair! So you're doing good in that already. :) By the way, congrats on your nearly 5000 miles this year, that is impressive!
I think that's pretty much all good advice I have, I hope you're not finished off. Feel free to ask again if it is unclear (anyone). Good luck when going for terminal length, I think that is exciting!
Cheers,
Philip
Hi Philip,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. In the past I’ve used oils more, jojoba at first and then Ojon and coconut. Ojon is great but expensive. Coconut oil is a nice alternative. I need to try to do this more often.
I’ve tried the cider vinegar rinse a few times but never really adopted it. Honestly, I find I have less time for my hair than I used to. Being a dad, working full-time and cycling the amount I do definitely fill up my schedule. Your routine is obviously working well for you!
I don’t actually have thin hair but rather fine hair. I have many strands of hair but they’re very fine in texture. Scott (Absalom) did me a favor once and measured some of my strands under a microscope and noted how incredibly fine they are on average. It definitely puts me at a disadvantage concerning the wear and tear that they experience as well as tangling. I would love to have coarse hair but I try to be content with what I do have and the fact that so far I’ve escaped MPB.
I last posted an update in the Spring and I have noted that my hair is lengthening. I notice this every morning as it takes longer to braid and also at night I have to put more effort into keeping it out of the way. I’ll have to try to post another comparison update soon.
Thanks about the cycling. It keeps me not just physically fit but mentally as well.
Jason
One word, Beautiful. :) I hope you're doing great. Very cool videos too and great music. Take care
Hi Phillip,
Thanks for the video as it was cool seeing you live showing off your hair care cycle :) I have to admit your hair is quite amazing and its proof that guys can grow awesome hair. Growing your hair at a young age is something everyone should strive for but even if you wait til later in life its not too late.I'm happy I decided to grow my own hair out in my early 20s and to this day its always been long :) Have a great weekend and hope to hear from you again my friend.Cheers
Mârk
Hi Philip,
It's rare that I find a person of either sex with such great hair and attractive looks. To me you're perfection.
Sincerely,
J.M.M.
Wow, great photo and informative video. Thanks for sharing both!
Cheers,
Val
