new thread
I have been thinking for a while about how I could show support for a male just beginning to grow his hair out. (Just on the off chance a cousin started to grow or someome else like that that I don't talk to regularly.) A longhair gift basket for a birthday or holiday would be just the thing.
Okay guys, tell me what you would have wanted to have when you began growing or would really appreciate now. I already have some ideas but I'm interested to see what others say first.
Elizabeth
I imagine a good brush/comb depending on what kind of hair-type they've got. Assorted oils would be nice so they wouldn't need to go tracking them down. Maybe a quality shampoo/conditioner? I'm not so much into all of those things so I'm not really sure what to say.
Personally I think some good hair ties would show great support. :) I picked mine up long before I was able to properly use them, and they gave me something to strive for.
Wow, what a list of possibilities. Here's the composite list culled from present suggestions and some of mine tossed in here and there. As I was collating it I realized some stuff works better later on and waiting would keep our hypothetical longhair from being overwhelmed. All this of course is dependent on the man already expressing interest in wanting to be helped along in his hair growth journey.
First year basket or care package stuff-
Well-wishing note of support
Mirrored container for all the loot this lucky guy would be getting
Detangling brush
Seamless combs both wide and fine-toothed
Hair ties
Shampoo and conditioner samples
Hair care books (I love that idea, Eric, I'd toss in my friend Neil's "The Hair Growers Handbook" for starters)
Hair site links starting with MLHH and including personal advice sites and growth progress sites
Some basic care articles printed out including cautions about self-inflicted damage from products
Gift card for music of their choice to pass the time and inspire
Camera or memory along with an offer to photograph them
Styling gel, mousse, hairspray, silicone serum, leave-in conditioner, hat, bandanna, headband,bobby pins- anything for taming awkward stage flyaway hairs
Styling book to dream over and assistance Photoshopping some styles
Photos to inspire (I'd keep the framed Victor for myself though, Jean. :-D)
In the second year-
Deep conditioning treatment
Boar bristle brush for oil distribution
Oil samples
Rat tail comb for neatening braids
More hair ties since they always get lost
Dusting scissors with clear directions for use so they don't get scissor happy
If our example longhair has made it two years I think a nice tail cuff or other hair jewelry would be a fitting gift to start off their third year. That and dragging him to a long hair get together though I certainly should be doing that all along.
Thank you for your help, guys. Now I have to practice patience and be on the lookout to find somebody I want to help.
Elizabeth
Elizabeth... that is an amazing idea and have never heard anything quite like it. wow.
Umm... -Wooden hair brush/comb
-A good shampoo and conditioner
-This website address
-Printing off some of the links pages would be a good idea - like the article that outlines the awkward stages.
-A few hair ties so the goal can be envisiged.
Hi 'beth,
What an original idea!
Maybe we could have 2 baskets, one for the "curly locks" and one for the ummm, whats a cool word for straight hair?
Here is my brainstorming list of items that would need to be included in a beginning long hair's basket/present.
In no particular order...
1. Bill Choiser's FAQ - This is the best article of advice/tips/instructions for any aspiring long hair, period. Sometimes i even re-read it because it covers so much information in just 3-4 pages. Bill is truly a genius.
2. Wide-toothed comb - much better than a brush and good for helping detangle hair.
3. A good shampoo and conditioner - seperate of course, 2 in 1 is bad quality cheap stuff. Preferably GF or something good. Doesn't have to be an expensive salon brand, just a reasonably cheap but good, effective consumer line product that you can buy from any supermarket.
4. Maybe some styling or melting gel - to help with the awkward stage.
5. A framed picture of Victor to hang on their wall for inspiration and guidance. Ok, maybe that's a little to far. Ignore this please, disregard...next.
6. A few good rock music albums :)
Preferably some Black Sabbath, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, and any other good classic metal/rock bands with cool hair. This might be optional, as not everyone enjoys the same music as me, hehehe.
What i would NOT include :
1. Hair straightener - once the kids starts straightening their hair with this they will got hooked and do some serious damage.
2. Scissors !!!
3. Anything else which may seriously cause harm or be detrimental to the growth of one's hair.
Wow, 80's those are the same things I was thinking about including for her basket!
Except I would include some Blue Oyster Cult, Kansas, Journey, and .38 Special/Skynard CD's as well!!!
1) A small pair of styling scissors with a tag that says:"For trimming split-ends ONLY!"
2) A [small]book on hair care (washing, styling, care-n-feeding stuff.
3) A brand set combo of shampoo, conditioner and styling gel. This can be substituted for several 'trial-size' bottles of various brands of the same.
4) A set of combs(fine and wide tooth) and brushes(bristle and a variety of styling)
5)Hair ties!(Good idea Sambo, to help in the goal) A variety of colors and sizes: go with bold colors for a guy or more basic like black, white and brown.
6) A book that has some do-it-yourself styles, in case he gets wary of others cutting it. Believe it or not, an old book, "How To Cut Your's or Other Peoples Hair" had a lot of long styles in it... especially since its about 30yrs old! that may take some hunting.
7) Take a couple pictures of of him and digitally enhance his hair to different length & long styles. Yes, i know, that may take time and talent, its just a suggestion.
8) A disposable camera[s](or spare data stick for a digital camera) to take pics of his progress.
9) A box to keep these things in. Ikea had a plain(unpainted)box that has a mirror folded into the lid. You or he can decorate it or a simple paint/stain job to look utilitarian.
10) As far as music, the sound track to "Hair".
11) And Finally a note of encouragement and promise of support from you.
Your up and coming long-hair is lucky to have you in his life.
Eric L.
Wow. I love this idea and if anyone I know starts growing their hair that is ver commited (wouldn't want to waste any money) I'll definately do this. Of course this is provided I get a new job it has been sort of hard due to the lack of openings in my area but oh well. Here is what I would put in it.
1. Bill's FAQ- I agree with 80's all the way on this one. It is essintial that anyone beggining to grow hair, or interested in the subject reads this.
2.Ed's "Long Hair Care"- Has some great info and tips in it.
3.Greg's "How To Grow Your Hair Out"- Again great info and tips.
4. Website address attached to Hair Religion's R.A.Q. which I think should be manditory before being admited but thats not my desicion hehe.
5. A wide tooth comb.
6. Hair ties.
7. A gentle shampo.
8. A good conditioner.
9. (optional)Deep conditioner.
10. Info about hair oils such as Jojoba because even if you dont use it, people ask about it so much you might as well know what it is.
11. Timeline pictures of someone that has grown their hair out for inspiration. (See Gollans website)
12. The self help part of the basket.... the anti-stress kit. Because growing out hair takes a long time and is very aggravating at points and sometimes you just need to let loose haha. (picture in link)
So thats what I would put in the basket. Hope this helps. Peace.
Anti-Stress Kitwhat a great idea, Elizabeth!!!
but all i would have needed was the address for this website--it's taught me everything i know about being a longhair!!
...I'd give a L'Oreal 'starter kit.'
* ViVE Smooth-Intense Shampoo
* ViVE Smooth-Intense Conditioner
* Studio Line MELTing Gel
* Studio Line Liquid SPRAY Gel
Also:
* Bobby Pins
* Wide-Tooth Comb (12 teeth)
* Hair Ties (no metal)
* Headband
* Knitted Cap
Optional:
* A year's worth of prayers
Love the idea. Shoot, I think I am gonna get myself a long-hair gift basket.
Hi, Elizabeth....what i'd appreciate now is YOU, lol!
Theron
Wrong kind of website for that ;)
lol
Theron, you're a prince. It is good to be missed.
What do you say we put you in the basket instead? You'd meet some great guys and I'd love to have you in my family should one of my cousins strike your fancy. Now we just have to get one to grow his hair for us!
Hugs,
Your Elizabeth
