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Hello all... My name is Rick from Miami, ocasional poster. Last time I had a haircut was on January 2009... after that, I got a 2 inch trim 6 months ago, and hair now is healthier than its ever been. I want to touch up on the subject of Blow Drying and Ironing that according to my impression, this board is very much against. I have to admit that every head of hair is a different world and probably not two react the same to the same treatments... what might be beneficial to one, is disastrous to the rest, so I will post my own experiences and let the rest decide. For two years, I didnt do anything I considered "damaging" to my hair... tried a million routines.i washed it two or three times a week with good shampoo and conditioner... conditioner only, shampoo only (do not try!) water only washes, used olive oil, jojoba oil, shea butter products and to be true, I was always uncomfortable with my hair. It became very dry, and unresponsive, frizzy and a total mess... I have thick wavy hair.
I was against Blow drying and Ironing until my girlfriend confronted me and said. Rick, Ive had long hair way longer than you. Beleive me I know what Im talking about. From that moment on, I decided to take care of my hair like a girl. I started using shampoo and conditioner (fructis) and blow drying it sometimes. combing it, brushing it.. I didnt care.. just whatever she did.. I never got keratine done cause I like my waves.. I started using the iron, leave in conditioners... I wouldnt use anything she didnt.. Gone were the beneficial oils.. all the weird products and the rest of the stuff... I got a trim. Even though my hair is not very long, (shoulders) its in the best condition it could be... I wash it and blow dry it or let it airdry.. next morning, I touch it up with the iron... very lightly to kill the worst curls and I get my beethoven mane which makes me very happy.. my hair is not greasy, I wash it every other day.. and keep it loose for most of the day.. I understand that for very long growers this will definitely not work, but for the average longhair like me.. who wants middle-upper back hair might just work... summarizing.. look at girls... they have long hair.. just find one and ask her to help you, and pay attention... chances are she will know what to do.
Hi kubanpanzer and thank you posting your interesting comments. First, may I say, your hair looks amazing. You are right when you say everyone is different, I would also add that, generally, womens hair is of a different structure to that of a mans. Secondly, you are fortunate in still being young with plenty of healthy hair and an abundance of natural oils. I think it's fair to say that us of advancing years have to be much more careful when it comes to harsh treatments such as heat etc, and need to supplement our scalps with natural oils and gentler routines. But, as thay say, whatever works for you.
Best wishes. Ian
Hello Ian. Thanks for your reply. You certainly hit the nail on the head when you point out the older growers need more care for their hair. I am 23 and my head just grows no matter what.. I ride a motorcycle as means of transportation, with loose hair and still holds strong! But I thank you because I hadnt taken into account more delicate hairs which are more susceptible to heat and beat. Im sure as I grow older, I will start using different routines and give my head a rest! The bottom line is we all love those things coming out our scalps and how special it makes us feel!!
Greetings from Miami. Rick.
Splendid hat but it rather hides the hair you want to show us.
haha... funny thing its not a hat, but a scarf I wrapped around my head one night of beers..
That is similar to what I do--same shampoos, drying, flat-ironing mildly. I learned mine from my stylist who does LOTS of hair! If it works and you like it, what more could you ask for? Take care...
I too have thick wavy hair. Your post couldn't be closer to the truth IMO. I've tried the shampoo only thing too, never again!
I've been debating about trimming an inch off my hair to get rid of the damage. My own hair continues to grow like normal, lately though, it's been a real P.I.T.A to detangle especially the ends. Lots of effort to get the comb through.
I'm pretty sure this is what I need and your post helped to shed some honest light on the subject. Thanks for posting this and keep it growing.