new thread
I have a question about straightening irons:
Can they cause hair damage? I mean, I have only used one a few times, and it's about about a month since I last used it and I'm not planning on using it again. But the bottomm half of my hair or so has been really dry lately. What is the possibility of this being caused by the straightening iron? I am also on a medication that has a very common side effect of dry hair which I am experiencing. What is my dry hair most likely caused by?
Given the fact that the hair in question is MONTHs old by now
we're probably talking a combination of things.
1. This hair was made literally months ago. How long ago?
Figure 1/2 to 3/4 inch growth per month. Get a rough idea
using a ruler or tape measure and do the math.
2. Straightening irons, if too hot or used too long, can be a
problem.
3. Most medications really "dry" the hair by causing the scalp
not to produce enough oil to gloss the hair shaft.
So where from here? Well, the truth is you're all about conditioning,
and not just the 60 second variety.
Easy trick - first cut down on shampooing - every third day is fine
unless you really grime it up. And reduce the amount of detergent
(shampoo) by at least half. Shampoo before you take the rest of
your shower, work some conditioner in, and LEAVE it in your hair
until you're done, and only at the last rinse it out.
I'd say get thee to a professional, but I'm tired of struggling
with my brothers on this topic (*smile*)
Hope this helps,
Bobby
Thanks Bobby. Well, the hair is probably 9 months to a year old. BUT this problem just really came up in the last month or so. After finally learning to not wash my hair so much, after a couple days it would be nice and soft. Now, no matter how long I go without washing (even a week!) my hair is still dry. I guess the only thing to do is wait till I'm done with this medication and my hair goes back to normal. The medicine is called Accutane. Since I have only used the straightening iron about 5 times in my entire life, and all usually weeks to months apart, I can't see this as being the problem.
Does anyone have advice on conditioning? I use the regular daily conditioner and it doesn't do much but make the hair soft right after conditioning and makes it easy to comb through (prevents breakage). I haven't found a conditioner that makes my hair soft and silky like they say they do. The best way I've found to achieve this is to not wash. But like I said, with this medication that's not an answer right now either.
I am still looking for this beeswax stuff. I would REALLY like to find this stuff and try it out. Does anyone know where this stuff is available? Online or at what stores? Info on this would be awesome, since I can't seem to find it.
Thanks
Chris,
Now we're down to it. Accutane has been known to reduce
the production of natural oils in the skin (and when the skin
fails to make them, the hair can't get coated with natural oils),
therefore it looks really dry.
There are two major routes from here, one's necessary, the other's
an option (but I think a good one).
First, make sure you're using a good conditioner, and this time
(contrary to normal advice) - you may want to look for a leave-in
one - Aveda's Elixir or Sebastian's Potion 9 come to mind - both
are salon retail, but both work really well (in my experience)
Second, is styling and finishing. Nothing with alcohol bases
(many gels, etc.) as this will make the problem worse. You may
want to try a glossing finishing spray (Aveda's Brilliant Spray
comes to mind, and I think one of the John Freida sprays as well)
with a high shine/silicone base. I'm sure there are others, but
these are ones that I've had success with.