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Hi Folks,
All my life I have had short hair. Right now, I want to start growing it out long, for real.
The last time I got a haircut was two months ago. When I did get it, I got the sides and back done to a #2 -- about 1/4 inch, and the top was cut to about 1.5 inches. I have a side parting, just have had it for ever, you see. My scalp is densely populated, and the hair is straight, with a slight tendency to go poofy... So much for the background. Now for the questions:
1) Seeing as I have started out with uneven hair (Shorter at sides and back) should I go to the dresser and get it all evened out?
2) If I part my hair in the middle, the hair does not get arranged evenly on both sides. The hair to my right stays flat (just like in the parted-hair mode), while the hair to my left does not lie flat... its puffed and ugly - how do I sort this out? I am thinking of parting my hair down the middle since as it grows longer, it will be impossible to maintain the side parting. Have any of you gone through this problem?
3) Should I go and trim the edges off of my hair? Will this help prevent split ends and such.
4) How do I keep my hair from getting all puffed up? I envy guys with straight hair, and whose hair just stays down, close to their scalp with minimal effort - how do I get there? I hate using gels - they seem to make my hair hard and all I need to do is run my fingers through my hair to start hating it even more...
In spite of my resolution to grow it long, I have this strong urge to go and get a trim, so my hair is more manageable. Thanks in advance for all your advice.
-it's not 'uneven.' It's layered, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
-Yes, it should be longer before you try parting in the middle. Otherwise, you'll look like Alfalfa.
-I actually caused some split ends by doing that, because the scissors I used wasn't very sharp.
-I don't like gel for that very reason. Experiment with moulding putty, mousse, or pomade instead. Also, it's funny you should mention the 'poof', because just yesterday, I bought some of Sunsilk's "Anti-Poof" 24/7 cream (it was cheap, only like 3 bucks); I haven't tried it yet, but I was planning on doing so tonight after my shower (when my hair puffs out while it's drying). I'm not sure if it will work, or if it does, if it will work for your hair.
-2 months is not a long time man. If your hair isnt damaged, you're better off leaving it alone to grow.
Take home message: Buy yourself some alternatives to gel to get yourself through the 1st 'big hair' phase.
I've used Sunsilk's "Anti-Poof" conditioner and shampoo. I liked the results for a while (not a complete fix but it help somewhat). I rotated it with some non-poof stuff because my hair stared to feel gunky after a washes in a row. I'm not using it anymore though because I was having problems with dryness (stupid winter weather), and V05 seems to be working better for my hair...for now at least. :-)
Thank you donjuan and mouse :) I did not really expect to get help - pessimist that I am. I should remember I am not the only bored student in the world :) Thanks a lot - the resolve is back now. Will report back periodically, and also bug you guys for answers.
Welcome to the board! Let me start by saying that I'm no expert, but I might be able to point you in the right direction for a few questions. (This is also a good way to avoid my biology paper).
I wouldn't. It takes a while for the top layers to catch up anyway, and IF people go in for trims it's usually to shorten up the back.
Your hair will probably sort itself out given time and length. More hair means more weight to keep everything in place and create a part.
Trims are up to you, but the best way to deal with split ends is to prevent them in the first place. Treat your hair gently.
No real way to prevent puffiness for a while other than gels or other gunk. Keeping the brushing to a minimum can help because brushing dry hair can cause static and friz. Eventually your hair will have enough weight to keep the poof down.
Trimming is an individual decision, but too many trims are going to prolong the process. I would recomend checking out the Links section for more information on hair care and the "Awkward Phase." Also, if you scroll down the board, there's a post entitled "Dear Mr. "Awkward Stage."
Hope that helps a bit, and good luck!
Mouse
...I don't shampoo every day.On the days that I DO shampoo however,I notice that my hair is a bit more "puffier" than in the days that use conditioner only.This is probably because the shampoo strips the hair of it's natural oil,and the oil "weighs" the hair down a bit.So, I suggest to reduce your shampooing to keep the "poofiness" factor to a minimum.hope this helps :)
Yes, I have noticed that too - I tend to think that the less I mess with chemicals, the better, so I tend not to shampoo everyday.
Your hair will thank you for this philosophy.
Mouse
Welcome to the board, John! To answer your questions...
1) NO. Most guys start out with the same way you have your hair styled (including me). If you want your hair to get longer, cutting it is not the solution.
2) There's nothing wrong with a side part with longer hair. In fact, it looks better that way on some men. If you do part it down the middle, don't worry about one side being a little fuller than the other. This is completely natural and as your hair gets longer, it will eventually correct itself.
3) Absolutely not, unless you have severe split ends already. If you don't, just let it grow. You may develop split ends in a year or two, which can be trimmed sparingly (once every 6-12 months or whenever necessary), but it's not required.
4) Some guys are just blessed with straight hair, others with wavy, and a few with curls. It's just the luck of the draw. My advice is just to let it go and nature will take its course. Gels, pastes, and the like can be quite damaging to hair. Another thing is to not rub your wet hair with a towel when you shower. This only causes damage and makes the so-called poofiness worse.
Hope that helped. You'll find that you'll really like it here and that there is tons of great advice. =)
-James
Don't dry your hair with a towel after showering? That's what I've been doing all my life. Is it better to just let it air dry? The hair is always soaking wet (obviously) after a shower and drips a lot, so it would get all over while waiting for it to air dry. I mostly use the towel to dry it a little bit, to get past the "dripping stage," then let the rest of it air dry.
Oh, you can dab your hair with a towel, just don't ruffle it or rub it harshly like some people do. You should be fine with that.
Thanks Folks, I will remember not to be too vigorous with the towel. I generally don't stop with the towel till my hair is all dry - bad, bad me :)
I got through the day without a haircut - yay!