new thread
Boy, its been a long time, but I've finally fully decided to commit to growing out my hair.
One of the frustrations I had the last time (I made it to 10 months before I was pressured to cut) was that I couldn't control my hair at all in the full-blown glory of the awkward stage.
This time around (about six months in), I'm open to using hair gel to keep it down. I've been using it and, while I'm not experiencing and problems or disturbing results, I'm curious if there is any danger to my hair in using gel - and a lot of it.
I do shampoo and condition my hair daily, but I don't know if something else is needed because I'm using gel.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Jacob M
Hi Jacob. If you use a lot of gel, your hair may become dry.
While no gel would be ideal, if you insist on using some type of product, alcohol-free gel is better. The alcohol does have a habit of drying out hair, as well as your scalp, which can have very adverse effects. Just be sure that you're fully washing the stuff out every time you shampoo (and it probably wouldn't hurt to use a clarifier once a week or so).
-James
Thank you James, Mike.
I definitely agree that no gel would be ideal. You're right about it becoming dry - I find conditioning it much more important now. If nothing else, I remember how healthy and just plain good my hair felt when I relied on plain old water and its natural oils.
Of course, at that time - when it was 5 inches long - it was also too unruly for my liking and, more significantly, those around me. In many ways, my use of gel now is to please them, even though I also find it somewhat helpful.
James (do you prefer James Raymond?), would you tell me more about clarifier? I'd be interested to hear about what it is and any recommended brands.
Thank you both for you replies.
Peace!
Jacob M
Hi again, Jacob. James is fine... Raymond is my last name. ;)
Anyways, you can usually find clarifying shampoo at Walgreen's or other drug stores. It's basically a strong shampoo that strips the hair totally of oils, dirt, and other buildup that can occur with chemically enhanced shampoos, conditioners, and other products. Therefore, it's extremely important that you use a good (preferably natural or organic) conditioner, and not one tainted with artificially produced chemicals.
Again, it's only for occasional use, but you will likely notice a healthier change in your hair after doing so. Best of luck! =)
-James
Hi, I use clarifying shampoo maybe 3 or 4 times a month. I have curly dry hair. I do not use shampoo regularly. I wash with warm water and conditioner. After washing I pat my hair dry and apply a leave in conditioner.
When my hair starts to feel like there is a build up of product, (It gets less soft and less shiny)I add a small amount of clarifying shampoo to my routine. For me it works great. Otherwise, I use Garnier Fructis products made for curly hair and Pantene clarifying shampoo.
If my hair feels dry I apply a bit of nut based hair oil I bought at Whole foods. I've tried many products and techniques in the past year, but this regime seems to suit my hair well.
Caring for my hair can be like taking care of an unruly pet, disciplining, grooming, brushing,feeding and nurturing, not to mention petting! In my case my pet likes to sit on my head and tickle my ears and nose. He's only 14 months old, sometimes hard to manage but he will calm down and be easier to manage soon.
Cheers!
Don