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If the pic works you can see a bit about how thick my hair is. I've been told by 2 different barbers it's the thickest they've ever seen. So because of that I thought growing it long would be good. Well, turns out that was a bad idea. I have grown it for about a year now and its fairly long as you can see. But it is so thick and wavy and getting curly that it looks awful. I can't control it with brushing, it grows in every direction and it's just everywhere and looks bad.
I'm going to straighten it soon in a last effort to make it look good then if that doesn't work i'm cutting it and giving up on long hair.
But if any others have suggestions for things to do with thick hair to make it look good please tell me. Should I maybe get it cut a specific way? Or maybe it's just too thick and I have to accept it will never look good long.
Hi SonnyBlack,
Don't give up just yet.
All I can say is hang in there as one day you will be able to fully restrain all of your hair in a ponytail and I expect looking at your current progress that won't be too far away. Probably less then 12 months.
Cutting your hair into layers will merely prolong your hair growing and I recommend growing it out as quickly as possible.
Useful restraints like Hair gel and wearing hats or bandanas can be very useful while growing out your hair to keep it under control. Stick it out another year and the worst will be over. It took me about 2 years for my hair to start to get manageable. After that time it was a lot easier and as my hair grew longer it started to weigh itself down and look neater.
I too have very thick hair which when growing out there were days I was tempted to give up. Click on the Links on the Mens Long Hair Board site and look at these hair websites of follow members who have very thick hair too. Joao David's and James K both have very thick hair too and if you see their progress pictures it may inspire you to weather the awkward phase your currently experiencing.
When I started growing out my hair 4 years ago Joao's website was a great inspiration as it shows what a thick hair can become in time. Just think of the ugly duckling which grew into a magnificent swan. Very thick hair often looks damn awesome once it has been allowed to get out of the awkward phrase. Hang in there brother!
Cheers, Duncan
Welcome to MLHH, SonnyBlack. Your type of hair requires a lot of patience to grow long. With sufficient length GRAVITY will correct the problem, but you will have to tough it out for awhile. There is a guy here (whom I have met in person) with super thick hair that is about knee length. His hair has quite a bit of wave to it.
Very bad idea. Straightening will damage your hair, making the problem worse.
I don't know what else to suggest except to be patient. It will straighten out with added length. There are many others here that should be able to give additional advice. For now, try to avoid cutting or straightening. Both of these will just prolong your problem with out of control hair. Don't give up.
Scott
Well, I would have thought thick hair is generally the best and most impressive looking when grown long. You're lucky to have it! I would suggest combing rather than brushing, and, as previously stated, when you are able to tie it back, that will keep it in line.
As for straightening, don't. Try a conditioner instead to get it a bit sleeker looking.
Regards, Andy
I had the same problem as a teen. It takes some patience but the forges of weight and gravity will take over eventually, granted it was about beltline length before I got it to obey me.
Hi SonnyBlack,
Just a thought... have you thought of using a detangler, such as the one made by Mane & Tail? My co-worker uses it on her daughter because her daughter has somewhat similar hair and said it was a God-send. Hope this helps :) ~
Sincerely,
yoshiki
It's all been said in previous posts, but don't knock your thick hair, many would love to be in your position. And your wrong - it would look magnificent if you bear with it and let it really grow long.
Woops and with all due respect. Barbers are the last choice that most any on this board would take advice from. Many here have very long hair and at one time (your stage) thought it was too thick as well. Mother Nature knows what she is doing. You will be glad you have "full hair" when it is much longer.
How about trying this as a before "last ditch effort." Be sure that you are using LOTS of conditioner every time you wash. Also use Spray-in Conditioner and try using detangler. Finger comb 1st before a brush or comb "ever time."
No cuts. Best thing to do is use all I have mentioned above and perhaps rather than try and hide things, try a Bandana so you can see where you are going.
In the 3-1/2 years I have been giving long hair advice on You Tube I cannot begin to tell you how many guys have emailed me about "my hair is too thick." I tell them just what I have suggested above. Those that heeded the advice are now all thaking me. Those that didn't are very sorry that their journey to long hair has started all over again and now realize what a mistake it was to cut. Best of luck to you.
Justin~
ps: EVERY single guy who has said to me "my hair is too thick" has never had long hair before. They really believe this as their hair has always been short.