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My hair is stupidly thick, I haven't got it cut since July, and i want it down to my shoulders, but at the moment, its so annoying because its so thick whatever i do to it, its always really puffy at the top on the sides and makes me look like I have an afro.
Somebody please help me! I need to manage my hair!!
Ross.
I think we're in the same boat (I last cut mine in July and I have thick, wavy hair). Especially on days that I shampoo it just appears to grow larger and larger as it drys. I have found that:
1) it's less puffy on the days I don't shampoo (just water wash or just conditioner). The oils hold it down more. While I usually shampoo every-other day I sometimes adjust the schedule so I can have better-looking hair for my work shifts.
2) Brushing makes it puffier, so I try to keep that to a minimum, especially on shampoo days.
3) Putting a bit of oil in it helps a little.
4) I used an anti-poof shampoo for a month or so and I liked the results. It wasn't "perfect," but it seemed less puffy on those days, though I did find I had to rotate it with another shampoo/conditioner because of buildup. I don't use it anymore becuase it was making my hair dry in the winter.
I'm sure you could put all sorts of gunk in your hair too which would hold it in place. I don't like the feel of that stuff though, and I question it's effects on my hair in the long term. Hats/bandanas help, but you can't wear them at most jobs.
From what I've read on this board it seems like the only REAL cure for puffiness is to let the hair keep growing until it's own weight keeps it in place.
Hope that helps a bit,
Mouse
I would do anything to have thick hair. It's always easy to trim off a bit (later on, when the hair has some substantial length). But, when you have thin, fine hair like me, you can only dream of having too much hair. I'd love to have the problem of too much hair and being puffy like an afro.
My hair is so fine and thin, I do whatever I can to make it look thicker and fuller. I can't add more hair, so I have to live with what I've got. If you've got too much, you can always trim some off. Having said that, you should do as other others have suggested and let it grow longer before you do anything. By then, the hair's own weight will keep it down.
Well, Ross, I would like to see a pic a sit could help to show what you are talking about. As for thick hair goes, I know what you mean. Whether it is curly or just wavy, I imagine it will look its best when minimally styled: i.e. wet, briefly finger-combed and/or styled (with some product to help against poofiness and frizz), and left to airdry.
Going from having always had short hair, any amount of poofiness looks HUGE..at least to YOU, though it really isn't as big as you feel it is and, if worn with confidence, it will look like part of your intended style (and if you intend long hair, then you indeed intend on growing it which means -having the hair you do- that you really do plan on having it get bigger (read longer.)
A switch in mindset from the term BIG to LONG will help you overcome what may seem to you to be a big deal (but to most others isn't even too noticeable).
That said, I too fight to keep down the unnecessary largeness. To that end, I recommend using a bit of extra conditioner as a styling product (though I am sure not everyone would agree with me). Apply it after showering and conditioning in the shower while the hair is still damp, the same way you would use gel. The extra weight it gives the hair helps keep it tame looking, yet it is moisturizing (not drying like alchohol-based styling products are wont to do) and remains soft to the touch. (I use infusium23 three-minute deep conditioning treatment, anti-frizz version.)
All the advice given by mouse is also quite applicable to my thick hair, too. You'll just have to try and see what works best for you (and by the time you become really comfortable with a certain styling method, you'll be too long to use it in the same manner and will need to develop new techniques for overcoming your new challenges).
Growing hair: what an adventure!
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Thick hair may seem awkward early on but I can assure you that the longer it gets, the more thick hair is an advantage. If you plan to grow to extreme lengths, you will want all the thickness you can get.
David
I'm sure everyone on this site is telling you the same thing and i know its true because i went through the same thing you did early on. As your hair grows to an extreme length all that thickness will become thinner and thinner. Whatever Caliber (or density) your hair has will make it look "fuller" and have more solidity. Personally i think men with really thin hair have it kind of rough in the long run.