I've always been a fan of long hair, even though everyone was against it. (To make a long story short, my parents didn't allow me to grow my hair until university). Now i'm 18 and i can do whatever i want, but the problem is...I don't know much.
I come from a country where most guys have bad black hair that would grow afro if they tried to grow it. I was fortunate enough to have nice(er) brown hair. But a few problems are that this place i live in is EXTREMELY sunny and hot, and i heard this ruins your hair.
I also don't know which products to use and what to do. When i was young my hair was really soft, straight and lease. Now (18), It seems to like to turn at the ends (imagine a hook - straight then an upwards curve).
Please help me! It will REALLY change my life, as looking good is feeling good. I'm also obsessed with Rock music and head banging, so this will really help ^.^. Thank you a lot!
P.S. I put a photo of myself with my sucky webcam. Don't judge a book my it's cover - I was having a "good hair day", lol.
I really don't see anything wrong with your hair :P
Keep in mind the average rate of hair growth is 6 inches per year (1 inch per 2 months). It might grow faster if you're really healthy (so no drugs/alcohol). Take multivitamins to keep up your health. If your scalp is dry, I recommend taking Omega-3 gel capsules as well.
If you don't want to use these, then I recommend eating some form of protein twice a week--eggs, soy milk, chicken, fish.
Dry, sunny weather is bad for your hair. I recommend rubbing conditioner through your hair since your hair is already almost straight (if it were curly I'd recommend using a bit of aloe-vera gel). The conditioner will keep your hair looking shiny and soft and moisturized.
Don't bother with maintenance cuts unless you feel you absolutely need them. Your hair will always grow uneven.
Good luck growing
Your hair isn't very long yet - therefore, imo it's a little strange for intrinsically straight hair to be curling up at this point.
Why don't you go to a hairdresser you trust, and get them to see if your hair is damaged. If so, get a little trim.
I definitely agree with frizzy hair about using conditioner. -->it will save your hair, especially in extreme climates. Maybe consider using a leave-in conditioner, as well as the kind you apply in the shower.
I don't know about your country (which is what, by the way, please let us know!) In America the better hair products seem to be located in the dedicated hair salons, as opposed to the stuff found in drugstores, groceries, etc., so in short, look for quality stuff. Like the other posters said, get some good conditioner, and consider gels as well- they've kept my hair looking good and under control, and your hair looks like mine did when it was short.
I have read in a few places that harsh sunlight is hard on hair, similarly to the skin, so look for something that will protect it from the sunlight.
best of luck!
-sectari
Hi Rock_on,
First, I don't think your hair is strange. It looks just regular to me. I'd just let it grow - no trims needed. It does NOT look damaged. Again: Trimming hair for length is like having intercourse for virginity. It does not make sense.
Second, here's some good news: Thick black hair is probably a lot more resistant to sun and dry climate than thin blond hair. Otherwise, what would the women be doing? Or are they all wearing veils?
If you want to improve your hair routine, just use conditioner instead of shampoo. If you feel that the sun damages your hair, just try a hat with a brim. My hunch is that the sun will slightly bleach your hair, and that's it.
I'd just grow it on and post questions as they arise. Hope there is no hair-destructive draft.
All the best,
Hans-Uwe