new thread
Hi guys,
You may remember my post I made in May which was kind of an update but honestly more of a lament about my hair's current condition. I compared it to how it was in years past. Based on advice here and elsewhere, I decided to try a program of using coconut oil regularly as well as some trimming.
I had never tried coconut oil before having only used jojoba oil. It was love at first application! I like coconut oil so much better than jojoba. Coconut oil actually penetrates the hair shaft rather than just coating it. I've been doing deep oilings in the evening and then not washing it out until the following evening. As long as I braid it the next day, it doesn't look too bad.
I also got a 1 inch trim in June.
I'm pretty pleased so far with the results. I think I still have a ways to go and probably will continue with regular trims to both thicken my ends and remove damaged hair. I feel that the new growth will be better able to maintain its health because I'm taking better care of my hair overall.
I'm really excited about the possibility of attaining new length territory but I'm willing to be patient for a while and allow the new routine some time to work.
Here are the results. After one month of oilings and the trim:
Taken today after two months of oilings:
Jason,
Excellent update. Very inspiring. I'm really curious to try out the coconut oil now. I wonder if it would work well on my beard?
Anyway, thanks for this update. Looking forward to the next one.
Brian
Thank you Brian! I've never had a long enough beard to try it out but I imagine it would work well for a beard as well as hair.
I'm looking forward to watching your progress as well. Long hair is going to look amazing with your beard.
Hi Jason,
It was interesting to read about your experience using coconut oil as a new treatment for your hair.As I'm sure you know I also have tried it and can confirm my hair feels better as a result.My fine, straight hair has always been tangle prone after washings and normal conditioners seemed to have mixed results.I would frequently change brands of conditioners once I felt they weren't working for me anymore.Using coconut oil produced the best results but I also admit switching to extra virgin olive oil just to compare the differences.So to sum it up my hair feels silkier,tangles less but on the downside lays flatter than if I just plain old shampooed and conditioned it.However I feel the pluses outweigh the minuses.Your hair,from what I can tell from your pictures,does look healthier and fuller all the way towards the ends.I haven't trimmed my hair while using the oils but maybe I could increase my volume if I did.I'm just too paranoid to put scissors to my hair anymore.
Mark
I havn't oiled my hair, except a tiny bit of olive oil when my hair has just become too tangled. But you might want to consider self-trimming once in a while. You'll be surprised over how much diffrence a small self-trim can do! Half an inch or so (maybe less!) was enough for my hair to feel a bit thicker and easier to comb! No joke :)
Hi Abstrakt,
Yes,I'm starting to feel that maybe, just maybe I need to do a tad bit of trimming especially since I haven't had one done for years.I'm not sure about how to perform the self trim so I will need to find the best way to do that being I really don't want to go to a salon.I hate the part when they wash your hair first then literally rip a comb thought it and are hardly careful about the tangles.The women hair washers are brutal when it comes to this part.I'd rather wash it myself and comb it gently but alas they are in such a hurry:(
Mark
Yeah, i recognize that. Havn't had my hair washed in a salon of YEARS. Last time i got a salon trim was pretty much exactly one year ago, and then only an inch or so. I hate how they just violently draaag the comb through your hair until it's tangle free :(
When it comes to trimming yourself: Get a pair of hair-scissors that are made JUST to cut hair. What works for my lenght is to simply comb the hair thouroughly to get rid of ALL tangles, and then just snip of any bit of hair that looks more scruffy than the rest. Of course i try to trim about as much all around, so my hair doesn't end up too uneven. I don't mind a little bit uneven hair, since hair is "uneven" by nature anyway. I also do the trims when my hair is at it's most "greasy" (never gets really greasy anyway, and i wash every 3 days). So far i have not trimmed more than half- or even quarter of an inch.
Hi Mark,
I was under the impression that you were just adding coconut oil to your routine rather than using it to totally replace conditioners. It's interesting to hear of your method. I'm still doing pretty much what I did before as far as shampoo and conditioner. I've just added the coconut oilings into the routine.
There is a school of thought that small trims can actually increase length potential because it makes the ends less prone to breaking off. I feel like I've pretty much reached my longest length with my old routine so I'm interested to see if this new one gives me better results.
Best,
Jason
Hi Jason,
Well it did start out that way as I would shampoo and condition like normal then add in some oil on the length.Then I decided to skip the conditioner and put in way more oil while in the shower, then let the water rinse through it a bit.Being I was only washing my hair once per week I wouldn't be doing that routine until the following week.It seemed after doing this for awhile my hair was getting way too oily so I may oil every other week instead and shampoo and condition on the off weeks.Oh the experimentation of it all!LOL.
Mark
You do have great hair, no question about that.
Thanks!
Jason, you have awesome hair! Nice color, nice condition, nice waves! Thanks for sharing. :)
Thank you Laura! Hey, when do we get to see your hair?!! :)
I am female. I was under the impression that pictures, questions, and most routines/products were posted by men only on this board, but women could post any productive comments or compliments.
No! We have had regular female members in the past who have posted updates of their own hair and have been valued participants in our community.
It's true that this board is geared mainly for men but we welcome women to participate as well.
I tried to e-mail you 3 times but keep getting an error message.
My email is jason_ssc1@yahoo.com.
Looks just great Jason! Love the shine.
I'll have to try the coconut oil myself. Ok hair, the Coconut Oilings will continue until morale improves!
- Oren
Thanks Oren! Yeah, give it a try. It's definitely my oil of choice. Looking forward to your next update!
Bravo dude!!!! It looks really nice! It looks kind of like mine, and is almost as long.
Thank you, John! Your hair is certainly an inspiration and I look forward to your next update.
That's so cool of you to say that. My camera doesn't work these days, it might be a while! It's past my elbows now. no sign of split ends.
Hmmmm, maybe I should send you one of my old cameras that I don't use anymore as I'd love to see that hair!LOL.Or surely you must have a friend with a camera who can do a buddy a favor:)Just some thoughts rolling around my head.lol.
Mark
OK! OK! Haha! ;p You got me! Yes, as a matter of fact, there's this girl I know who really wants to take me to lunch again soon. She's got a six hundred dollar camera and ALWAYS tells me she LOVES my hair and - ' TAKE IT DOWN!' She demands!! Haha! She's always asking to photograph it. I was thinking of her before, but she hasn't written in a while... She's a hermit like me. She's a wierdo like me too!! ;p And she's part black, so has that Egyptian hair, spirals, shoulder length, enormous! Lol !
Your hair looks great, Jason. My experience with coconut oil was that it tended to build up on my hair and was difficult to wash out. Even so, I may give it a second try.
Scott
Scott, i saturate my hair one time per week with it, put it in a bun and where a scull cap overnight and wash out in the morning.sometimes i have to wash it twice to get out the surface oil. but as you have probably been told it actually penetrates the hair shaft and follicle. it works and it is good.and i think god made coconut oil on the 3 day in creation. LOL James/Tampa,Fl
Thanks a lot Scott. Your experience with coconut oil is similar to mine with jojoba. I think it might be good to give the coconut a second try.
You have beautiful hair, and the coconut oil seems to being wonders to an already grand head of hair. I was sold on Ian's push for coconut oil after I bought some on my vacation. I saw it on the shelf, organic coconut oil, and thought "wth lets give it a try." I was sold just like yourself on first application, it smells great, gives a wonderful shine, and makes your hair really soft. I honestly take a shower and after put some in my hair while it is drying, then once it is dried I comb through to bring it down the shaft and so it doesn't look greasy or oily. I use jojoba oil now as a shaving lubricant for my face and beard lol, so that won't go to waste either.
Keep up the fantastic growth Jason
Ziggy
Thanks for the compliments, Ziggy! It's interesting that you had a similar "conversion" from jojoba to coconut like I have had. I have also found a use for my jojoba. I find that it works well as an added layer of oil over the coconut oil when I will be in damaging environments, most notably at the beach where the sun, wind and salt water can be tough on hair.
I'm looking forward to watching your progression as your hair continues to lengthen.
wow!....great hair with mega length and condition!
A total inspiration for me jason with a glowing review of the merits of coconut oil too!
Keep it long dude!
Scott
Thanks, Scott! I look forward to watching your metamorphosis as you travel the path to becoming a longhair. It is so worth it!
Hi Jason, Your hair is looking amazing. Glad you've found coconut oil to be good for you. As you know, I've been using it for some time - same routine - overnight soak and then wash out next morning. The other great thing - it's cheap! Vatika here in the UK is only a couple of Pounds and lasts a fair time.
Anyhow, congratulations my friend, an awesome update. ian
Thanks, Ian. I'm glad that you also have enjoyed the benefits of this amazing product. I agree that the overnight absorption time is a very good method.
Hey Jason,
As always, your mane looks TERRIFIC!!! I do notice more shine than in past pics, though -- as well as agree with you about your comment re. Jojoba oil being thin.
The way you feel about coconut oil is the way I feel about olive oil for my own hair... Hey, whatever works!!
Thanks again for the nice update!
- Ken
Thanks, Ken. It seems that some oils work on certain hair types better than others. I'm glad you've enjoyed such good success with the olive oil.
How are things regarding your terminal length? It was encouraging to read of your continued growth even if it happens slowly. I think that's pretty much universal as hair gets past mid-back.
Hi Jason,
What an excellent update, and I am delighted that the coconut oil works so well for you. Your hair really does look good here, with increased thickness and additional shine as well. With this thickness, you should be able to achieve considerable more length in the future, and I hope you achieve your goals.
That back yard certainly looks familiar, btw!
Take care,
David
Hi David,
Thank you! It is exciting to see the potential for increased length and health again.
Yes, my yard has returned as a setting for hair photos! It feels great to be back home! Maybe someday you'll be photographed again down there as well.
Take care,
Jason
Looks great and I think, personally, it is good to get the trims once in awhile. I think it not only looks better but makes it obvious that you actually care about your hair and are not just growing to make some kind of unrelated rebellious statement. The lack of care may be we guys' most major mistake in getting our long hair accepted.
Thank you. I have to agree that occasional small trims are good especially for people with fine hair like I have. It seems that those with coarse hair can go a lot longer without them. I admit that I do with I had that type of hair but I'm thankful too for what I have.
I do a food grade cold pressed coconut oil treatment one time per week, leave it in overnight and wash it out the next morning. im with you im sold on the benefits of this amazing product. your hair looks amazing, keep up the good work. James / Tampa,Fl
Thanks James. Yes, I agree that coconut oil is an amazing product. I wish I had tried it earlier. Looking forward to your next update!
Hello Jason,
I didn't get to see your post back in May, so I can't see how much improvement has been made. You seem pretty pleased with the effect though so that's great. What I can see is that your hair is looking tip-top as usual. It'll be good to see how your hair looks in a few more months.
Take care,
Neil.
Hi Neil,
Thank you! I am pleased but feel that there is definitely still a ways to go but it's nice to feel like there's a path to improvement.
Looking forward to that 10 year update of yours!
Best,
Jason
Vatika buy it at Indian grocery stores, vatika is the best coconut oil. ya.
Hi Jason,
I do perceive in the latest photo that your hair ends do appear to be in better condition - I think I may give this coconut oil stuff a go too. Thanks for the update. Looking swell.
Duncan
Hi Duncan,
The ends feel better to the touch. I admit that the last six inches of hair still has a roughness to it that I don't think any routine would cure but I have to expect a certain amount of wear and tear as I lead an active lifestyle. You should definitely give it a go with the coconut oil!
Thanks for your kind words,
Jason
Looks outstanding Jason! I may have to give coconut oil another shot when my jojoba runs out. When I tried it, it made my hair crunchy and seemed further dried out. Wrong oil or just didn't do it right?
Maybe it's just me but your hair is extremely close to Joao's hair. Color, texture, etc...
Thanks, Michael. My experience with the two oils was exactly reversed to what yours was. It could be that your hair type is just different and reacts better to the jojoba than mine does. I am using organic coconut oil from Whole Foods. I'm not sure if this makes any difference.
Well, thanks for your comparison of my hair to Joao's! He has superstar hair though. I don't think my hair is half as thick as his and I'm pretty sure his hair is of more of a coarse texture and can withstand more abuse than mine can. Our colors are very similar though. I hope he provides us an update soon!
Jason- your hair looks awesome!When you trim your hair at your length in my opinion the hair is still long and you really don't miss what you trimmed therefore, sacrificing a couple of inches for healthier looking ends!
Thank you, Dee! I agree that small trims are much less noticeable when hair has reached the length mine has. I'm still holding out hope to grow my hair considerably longer though and hopefully some trims will just be a necessary step on that path.
Hi Jason, looks healthier than I have seen it for a long time, and it was always amazing :). D~on't forget the powers of relaxation and yoga, this will also make your whole body react in a positive way.
By the way, what colour is that? I really like it and have been toying with the idea of colouring mine. I want it to look natural though as yours does.
cheers Dave
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the kind words. I also believe that leading an overall healthy lifestyle can do a lot to improve the health of one's hair. I'm getting back into my road cycling and loving it!
The color is pretty much my natural color. I had done the 28 wash plum coloring back in January but that has long since faded out. It's possible there are some highlights left from that. It's pretty much a non-damaging way to go and even if you end up not liking the color that much, it will fade.
BTW, it's great to hear you're going for the longer lengths again! That 'wild man' look of yours is really cool with its incredible waves.
Best,
Jason
Thanks Jason for your generous response. How do you tie your hair up when cycling, I know Scott has a really neat and successful way that works for him. At the moment I make a tail then fold it up into an mini tail, so it looks like a stubby bun type of thing.
Cheers Dave
I know that part of the damage done to my hair was due to exercising with it in a vulnerable state. I had always just braided it. What I've now been doing is to continue braiding it but I wet the tassel of the braid and then apply a generous amount of (you guessed it!) coconut oil. This holds it together and makes it far less susceptible to wind damage. It might even be helpful as the sun seems to help absorption of the oil.
I've tried braiding and although its safe and out of the way its the thickness of a pencil almost, which is surprising as its such a wild mass when untamed, so really doesn't look good at all.
~ Dave
From the sound of things, you and I have the same type of fine hair that wont' do an impressive tail. I can easily fold it up like you do into a small "doggie tail'. So I think I can safely say that be careful about oiling it. While it's certainly better for your hair, it also makes the volume go away. With our hair type that's not always such a good idea.
Good luck!
--Dale
My Facebook Page
Now, I'm dying for hair just like this. I am really impressed with the results!
Thank you! You'll get there and the journey is half the fun!
Jason,
Really can't get over the length and thickness of your hair. Great looking mane! It's an encouragement to continue pushing on to the goals all of us have for our own hair. My own is about 3 1/2" from mid-back, which was my original goal.
Looking forward to seeing your next update. Onward!
Steve
Thanks Steve. It's encouraging for all of us too to have longhairs represented from all age groups. Being a longhair for many of us is not something you grow out of but rather it's who you are for life.
Agree, totally!
Your hair looks really nice. I think the oil treatment is really making it nice and shiny. It looks more even with the trims too.
Thanks Garth! I hope your running is going well and I look forward to your next update.