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Thanks for the tips! I try to stay away from blow-drying my hair, so do you think I should have my barber keep it thinned-out every month or so, or should I just grin-and-bear it? Also, are there any links that have ideas for styles while it is growing out, or do I have to put up with the 1970's mophead look! Thanks again, Miaka!
I wouldn't do anything like thinning it out because in a few months, when your hair doesn't have that problem any more, you'll be regretting that some of it is now different lengths. Volume is somehting many people want but don't have, the key is to CONTROL the hair. There are many things that people do that damage their hair and some are hard to avoid. If you can manage them to avoid them all, then you'll be able to afford blow-drying. Here's what really matters though:
1. Only blow dry once it's almost dry
2. Put on low heat
3. Don't put the blow-dryer against your hair
4. Use heat protectors
5. Only blow-dry once every 4 or 5 days
Here are a few things people do to their hair that they should avoid:
1. Don't wash your hair every day. The natural oils that form on your scalp need time to slide down the length. Washing them out daily will dry the hair length while rendering the scalp oily (too much stimulation)
2. Don't brush your hair wet. That is when it's at its most vulnerable. If you use a shampoo and conditioner that works wonders, you can detangle your hair with your fingers! I use the whole "Control Freak" system by Tigi and it leaves my 24 inches long hair like silk and tangle-free.
3. Don't wash your hair in hot water. I switch the shower to cold myself to wash my hair. That alone will more than make up for the low-heat (and held far away!) occasional blow-dryer.
4. Condition with oils once a month (I use half Jojoba and half tea tree oil, heat in microwave to activate and let cool off some before using, put on your hair and wrap in warm towel and leave half an hour, this works wonders. You can do it more often on brittle hair)
5. Use a clarifying shampoo for a while. Most people with brittle hair are that way because the hair isn't breathing. You'd be surprised how many products leave deposits!
6. Protect your hair from major wind: it breaks it
7. Protect your hair from the rain (I carry an umbrella EVERYWHERE and I live in California!)
8. Don't use hairsprays and mousses, they leave deposits and keep the hair from breathing. Some light styling products are ok, mostly the ones made for women because men's products are harsher: they're intended to be for short hair!
I'll see if I can think of anything else! LOL
Miaka.