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I've been growing my hair out for 2 1/2 years now, only one trim and it was just to cut off the ends but I never measured before/after to see just how much I lost. No layering (or whatever it's called) was taken off.
I first found this site and my first exposing to actual men's long hair treatment and care 4-6 months ago. I originally started growing out my hair not as an aim to grow long hair, but just to let myself go.. so I didn't care about how it/I looked (up until I found this site I used to wear a beanie literally 24/7, aside from sleep and showering). But now I've changed and love my long hair (when it's good - read below).
When I first found out all sorts of information for the very first time it was overwhelming and has left me overall confused. I seem to have formed the opinion that NO PRODUCT WHATSOEVER (styling product: hairspray, gel, etc) was okay to put in my hair. This didn't seem right to me but I was just overwhelmed.
Couple weeks ago I came back here and saw mention of hairspray or something so I was thinking maybe it is ok. But before I do anything, I want clear answers as to whether it is and what IS ok. Having really thick hair that's never been delayered and using no product to style whatsoever can be really hard sometimes: sometimes my hair looks great, the other times it's just a mess, totally unpredictable how it will turn out after washing.. and I'd like to be able to be satisfied with my hair more often if not always.
Hi and welcome!
A bit of gel/hairspray shouldn't be an issue if you want to experiment with these products.
GOOD PRODUCTS:
-oil
-conditioner
BAD PRODUCTS:
-hair dye, especially peroxide. Henna dies aren't so bad, as they don't alter the way your hair is formatted. Peroxide (which is in most permanent dyes), strips your hair. I myself have been growing out black dye for years now :p
-shampoo can be bad depending on your hair type. However if your particulary oily, it won't do much harm. That's personal preference and experimentation.
-straighteners/curlers - while technically not a product, these can damage your hair terribly.
James:
You're also probably to the point where you can start to do "stuff" with your hair and when your hair can get in your way.
To keep your hair under control:
- Invest in some good pony tail "elastics". Don't use actual elastic bands. The best ones are fabric covered and don't have a metal clip. They do wear out and the cheap ones lose their stretch fairly quickly. As your hair gets longer, you'll find yourself putting multiple hair ties in to keep it from tangling.
- Get some practice wearing a bandana - it's a quick cover up. I have a "buff" (fabric tube thing) that you can get at some bike shops that I keep by the door for when I'm going out to do yard work or into the workshop.
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The great thing for me about long hair is that I can have some fun with it when I want to.
As the other poster suggested, don't be afraid of products that are out there, but try your best to keep your hair "natural". It will be happiest then.
AndrewB