new thread
Hey everyone, I am brand new to this board. Although I've had long hair for about six years, I never thought to look for a site devoted to it! I found this site because I've been having a few concerns about my hair lately and I started searching for hair information for men.
I've never really done a lot to take care of my hair. I shampoo and condition every other day, finger detangle, and towel/air dry.
My first concern is itching. About 12 hours after shampooing my scalp will start getting itchy off and on and often doesn't stop until I shampoo again. When I scratch I get little white specks that come off under my fingernails. I thought it might be dandruff at first so I started using selsun blue for a while. But that didn't get rid of the white stuff or the itching. I hated the selsun blue and it was way too abrasive so I stopped using it. I don't think it's dandruff anyway because it doesn't flake off on my shirt or anything it only comes off when I scratch. I've been thinking of moving my shampoos up to once every day since that seems to be the only thing that alleviates the itching.
My second concern is a styling concern. I notice some other guys with long hair and on top it kinda goes up a little bit before coming down. My hair is straight close to the scalp and then gets wavy/curly as it goes out. As a result sometimes this makes my hair kind of look flat on top and in the front with no volume and a but bushy as it goes out. I hate this look.
My final concern is the one I fear most: balding. My scalp is a bit visible where my hair is parted and on the back part of the top. These are also areas where I get a lot of the itching. I also have a lot of hairs coming out in the shower. I can't estimate how many hairs but it sure looks like a hell of a lot. That's a reason I don't want to shampoo every day I might lose even more hairs in the shower. I shouldn't have to be concerned about baldness yet I'm only 21 years old :(
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I appreciate any advice or knowledge. I haven't shared these concerns with ANYONE. I don't have any male long-haired friends to commiserate with and I'm way too stoic to talk about this with any girl, even my own mother.
Good Luck
Charlie
I appreciate the kind responses Charlie and Bragi.
Haha, I will definitely have to try to stop scratching with my fingernails. I know it can do damage but it just feels so satisfying. I'll have to start making a conscious effort.
Unfortunately there's no way I can stop using conditioner. It's the only way I can get out some of the tougher tangles without breakage. (My hair gets tangled really easily) And it would frizz right up if I didn't use it. I think I will give your vinegar idea a try Bragi I just happen to have some in the fridge.
I guess I'm just hoping maybe I lose so much hair in the shower is because the normal 100 I'm supposed to shed just get tangled in the rest and they all come out at once in the shower! It'd still be nice to have a shower where I don't have to clear the drain afterwards though. Nevertheless I think I will mention it to my doctor next time I have a checkup
Thanks!
In regards to the stoic philosophy, I actually don't know a whole lot about the philosophy itself, its tenets and history and whatnot. But my personality seems to fit it to a tee. I rarely show emotions and pride my level-headedness. Many times to the annoyance of others!
Perhaps I should look it up for some good bathroom reading.
Oh yeah, I've added a picture of my locks. (with my friend sneaking up to try and give me a braid) Let me know what you think!
nm
Hi, glad you found the site and welcome.
This is actually a good routine. Sometimes, less is more. Less "stuff" done to the hair, the better the hair is.
I am not sure if you have dandruff or not either. One thing is that scratching your hair with you fingernails isn't good for it. It's rough on it and can cause damage. Gently massaging the scalp with the fingertips is good though since it allays itching and promotes good circulation to the scalp Some will recommend a apple cider vinegar rinse for itching/flaking. The formula seems to be diluted vinegar with water which is poured on the scalp and left to soak for a time then washed out. Also, there is a product called "Scalpicin," but I don't know what's in it and the effects for itching as I've never personally tried it. Still others who have hair that can be brushed (i.e. - slightly wavy to straight) will recommend while brushing to touch the brush to the scalp which will remove flaky particles and in effect, "scratch" the itch at the same time.
If you blow dry your hair, you might want to try a "root lifter" / volumizing spray like "Aussie Real Volume Root Lifter" which could help with your problem. I've never tried this, but heard of those who have and it works. Alternately, After your hair is dry, in the areas that seem flat, work your fingers along up under those areas while you have your hair and head flipped forward like upside down. I have actually done this and it works. I don't think I'm painting an accurate picture though. ;-)
Shampooing everyday is not going to prevent or promote balding. If the hair is going to fall out, it's going to fall out whether or not it's been washed or not. Unless it's being snatched out by the roots, if a hair is in your brush or shower, it was going to shed anyway, you just are aware of it when you see it.
I know that you know that it's normal to loose up to 100-150 hairs per day as normal shed rate, but more could be a problem. If you do think you're balding and this is distressing to you and you have good insurance, you might want to see a dermatologist who can help you out. There are lots of so-so solutions to hair loss that some here will swear by. Hell, I really wouldn't worry about it either way. Just grow what ya' got! Myself, I'm going for the Klingon sans brow ridges look.
Ah, an adherent of the stoic philosophy. Do you like Marcus Aurelius?