new thread
Hi guys (and gals),
I just wanted to post my first 'natural' pic and ask a question.
I have hair like in my photo (can be a bit curlier/wavier at times), and I've been having a few problems with tangles. I use conditioner and I've succeeded in getting several comments about having 'lovely soft hair' (even several days after a wash!), but conditioner only helps with my tangle problem a little bit.
Has anyone else encountered this 'shoulder-length awkward phase'?
I would like to grow my hair to mid-back length and then pick a length/style that I liked after that, but at this rate I could see the tangles potentially being a problem before that length.
I tie my hair back on windy days, no probs and I can swap conditioner if I receive any good recommendations here, but to be honest the shower facilities where I currently live don't really warrant spending a lot on hygiene products, so I'd rather wait until I move (which may be soon).
Thanks for existing, and thanks for the help, MLHH!
-Logdog
Hello Logdog, you do have beautiful hair, and I am glad you are enjoying it! As far as tangles go, some people just naturally have hair that is prone to tangling easily (I know, I am one of them!). Also, if you have hard water (water that has a high mineral content) where you live, this tends to make the tangling problem worse for some people. Of course being in the wind doesn't help either. ;)
My suggestions:
1) Keep using whatever products you currently use, because your hair looks awesome ~ but add a leave-in conditioner. Many members here use various kinds of oils that seem to work well for them. Personaly, my preference is Biosilk serum; I use it a couple of times a week on my hair. It cuts down on tangles (but does not eliminate them completely), and I rarely get split ends. A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly, concentrating on the lower half or 3/4 of your hair, and a little extra on the ends to keep split ends from forming. If you put it on the top or near the part of your hair, it can make your hair look oily, so I avoid this.
2) Secure your hair in more than one hair elastic when you will be outside in the wind. You can secure your hair in a low tail with one elastic, then repeat every 2-4 inches, so your hair is secured in sections. This really cuts down on the tangling problem. You can also braid or bun your hair; there are many styles that look good on men and do not come across as feminine, if that is a concern for you.
Good luck! :)
I have hair which is slightly wavier than yours. I use Only WEN products, cheapest from QVC. It is somewhat pricey, but fantastic for helping your hair NOT get dry and tangled. For me, it is a big reason I can have long hair successfully. There are pics of my hair further down the board in a recent post. SJ
Hi Logdog,
Mane 'n Tail Shampoo & Conditioner is great stuff - by far has made my hair the most manageable of any hair products out there. The bottle may be a Dollar or two more expensive, but the bottle is a huge compared to the name-brand stuff. I'd recommend it ;) , Mane 'n Tail Shampoo & Conditioner.....
Sincerely,
yoshiki
Hi Logdog
My advice is to use a leave in conditioner as a 'detangler' after you wash your hair. REDKEN Extreme Anti-Snap is what I use (http://www.redken.com/products/haircare/extreme/extreme-anti-snap) makes combing out much easier.
The next step is to buy a paddle brush, these make combing the knots and tangles out of dry hair a breeze, day after day. Something similar to the linked photo:
I use a brush similar to that, and it really works well for brushing the tangles out of my hair.
Sally's beauty supply stores has a generic detangler that works. Yes, tie it up and don't get windblown. I envy those guys with totally sstraight hair that do not have to worry about the frizz.
James
Hi there Logdog,
Laura and others below have already said some very helpful comments, so I might not be adding much; but here goes, anyway...
My hair is currently at around belt-length, so I'm definitely familiar with tangles (LOL). Most of the time I either braid, bun, or multi hair-tie my hair during the day (and sometimes it stays that way for the night, too); so that is a good way to prevent tangling. Like the pic that Sorted shared, a good brush is an invaluable thing to own -- I like to give my hair a good brushing every morning when not a shampoo day, and/or every evening before going to bed. Always start your brushing ritual, though, by carefully untangling at the bottom of your mane, first, preferably by finger-combing before bringing on the brush.
Also, re. BioSilk serum VS oiling your hair, it's just a preference issue: I prefer using Olive oil on my hair ends, for example; but my partner doesn't like to use any oil, preferring the BioSilk serum.
My favorite shampoo & conditioner line is Avalon Organics; but also "EO" is great, too. It's all a matter of "trial & error", seeing what works best for you.
Hope these comments have helped!
- Ken in San Francisco
Some good advice there from the other posters, and there's not too much I can add except to say that I know exactly what you're going through. My hair reaches just below butt length and is slightly wavy and very prone to tangling when loose or even tailed, so I spend most of my time with it in a braid.
One of my colleagues, whose hair is almost as long as mine, wears it loose, but she carries a brush with her everywhere, and is often seen brushing her hair through, so that might be an option for you if your lifestyle/work allows that.
Hey your hair looks great!!! I always brush mine before hitting the shower, then I only wash my scalp part of my head and let the shampoo just flow through the rest, then condition it and don't seem to have much problem. Hope thins helps. Your doing great, keep it up. Take care