new thread
Some may remember I posted about a year ago about my hair not being as full as it was a few years ago. I decided to try small trims and oilings in an attempt to improve it. A year later, little has changed. It's been six months since my last trim. Any length I gain is very damaged hair.
After reading Sorted's latest post, I'm tempted to try a much more drastic "trim" - more like a cut - of 6 inches. I'm so sick of having damaged ends. I miss that smooth feeling of running my fingers through healthy ends. I have been thinking of this for a couple of months now so it wasn't just his post. I kind of figure I've explored the other route so thoroughly of not trimming much and hoping for more length. I might as well experiment with trying quality ends.
I took these photos yesterday:
I miss this:
Jason you have amazing hair! You, Dusk, and Duncan truly have hair I admire, and hope to achieve in the near future. It has gotten thicker and fuller since the last time I saw your hair. I remember you talking about coconut oiling your hair, and well, have you tried oiling a little extra on your ends? Also, what do you do to protect the ends of your hair on a daily basis?
cheers,
rowie
Before you get on the bandwagon and do a big trim here is a list of questions that needs to be considered if your ends are "thinning." Which to me, they look fine.
These questions allude to factors that can cause to thinning, and what necessary actions are needed. While thinning is normal at some point it is important to think about these questions I pose.
Are you using a great conditioner every time you full hair wash?
Are you regularly moisturizing your hair, especially the ends with oils?
Do you detangle with a wide-toothed comb?
Do you comb your hair when wet?
Are you trimming too often to allow enough growth to continue?
Do you use any heat on your hair such as a blow dryer or other heat related tools?
Are you dousing your scalp with a bunch of gunk that can travel to your ends?
Do you clarify your hair?
Has your shed rate stayed about the same?
Do you wear your hair down all the time?
Is your hair tangly? perhaps in need of a clarify?...
Maybe you need a detangler, or oiling which can help with detangling.....
Are you using any additional products on your hair such as hairspray or styling mousses?
What activities do you engage in on a daily basis?
Do you wear protective updos consistently making sure to oil your hair and tuck in ends in a bun or some other protective wear form?
I can think of so many more questions that might add to factors of why hair thinning happens. Each of these questions have answers that will help guide you to finding answers that will help you care for the ends of your hair and overall well being of your hair.
I hope this helps.
-rowie
'Quality ends' aren't just about them thinning out, its about them drying out, snagging, splitting etc. Jason's hair looks in pretty good condition, it certainly doesn't look like he has damaged ends in the photos. However, they don't necessary reflect how his hair feels to him. Often you can feel, more than see the problem, especially in wavy/curly hair.
There's no trimming bandwagon either, there's just me it seems, and that hardly seems like a wagon.
I'm an admirer of Jason's Hair. First off I have his hair texture therefore I can truly understand what he goes through more than a straight haired person, click my avatar and you'll see my hair texture, while it is an old picture my hair is now APL. Second my post was meant for Jason. The questions I ask are compiled from many boards outside of MLHH. Third I brought these questions in because these are the types of questions that get asked when people mention the issues about thinning. As you can see with the partial listing of questions I ask, there could be many factors and plus some. Plus as to your statement "Quality ends' aren't just about them thinning out, its about them drying out, snagging, splitting etc." Hair beyond the root is dead already, it is like clothing that will wear out eventually, or the strands like the shingles of a roof that can easily dry out. I think you also missed my statement that I think his "hair looks fine already."
Peace,
rowie
Rowie I didn't miss any of your statements, if you think I did, its because you misread my post. I was qualifying what I had to say next.
Your point about hair being dead cells form the root is, whilst correct, also rather moot. We are not cultivating hair because it is alive, we are cultivating it because it is beautiful, we each have to decide what that means to us and how we like our hair to look.
War,
David
Sorted, I don't know why you have to spitefully break apart whatever I have to say, when I was originally responding only to Jason. I find it extremely rude that you feel vindictive that you suddenly had to respond to my post that was meant only for Jason and is directed toward Jason. I don't ever recall responding to any of your post nor did I ever address you. Just because Jason had mentioned you doesn't mean it involves you, this thread is all about Jason and his concerns, hence why he created it to invite people, as well as people who care about him. As you can see Jason gave me a wholesome kind reply to all my post towards him. Congratulations, your spite (which I don't even know you) towards me has succeeded in me loosing any respect for you as a human being. From now on you no longer exist to me!
Hi rowie,
Thanks for your compliments and thoughtful reply.
With the help of members here and at another hair board, we tried to analyze my routine and every possible factor that could have contributed to the damage. Many of the questions you raised, we discussed.
I never use heat on my hair of any kind.
I never use shampoo on the length and limit the amount I use on my scalp.
I never comb or brush it while wet. The most I do is use my fingers through a thick application of conditioner while showering.
I don't use product in my hair other than natural oils.
I wear it braided every day. I don't know how to make a bun. For some reason, I just can't get it. I would most likely not use that style too much anyway though.
This is quite critical: I'm very active. I'm an avid cyclist and although it's in a braid, it take some abuse. I've tried to ameliorate some of that by coating it with coconut oil when I ride but I admittedly don't always do this. I'm not giving up cycling and unfortunately I have mostly fine hair rather than the far more durable coarse strands that some lucky growers have. It's not the best combination.
The only time I noticed an abnormal shed rate was back in the summer of 2008. Other than that, it's been pretty consistent.
My conclusion is that the lower 1/3 of my hair length, like so many of us when we're nearing terminal length, can't hold up to the wear like the younger part can. As mentioned, if I had coarse hair, it might be a different story. If I wasn't so active or always bunned and covered my hair, my results might be different. I imagine it would be very hard to do that with a bicycle helmet anyway.
The last strategy I'm thinking of is to cut all the damaged hair off and then try to care for the sharp new ends with increased care. It may not work as the aging ends go through the process that's been happening but it's worth a try. I loved my ends in 2007 and 2008. The whole story is outlined on my blog. The difference in health is striking.
Hi Jason,
Ok I understand and I fully support any decisions you make. It is your hair and only you know the best course of action.
Personally, I think your hair is fine the way it is, curls can sometimes masquerade the blunt look, especially since your ends look like they are forming defined ringlets, hence concealing the blunt look you so desire. For me, I would wait until at least the ends to reach almost at classic length before making a drastic trim, that way at least you'll be at hip length when you do make the big trim. I know that will mean having to deal with living with "fairy tale" ends for some time, but I think it will be fair to let the other strong healthy ends a chance to grow longer. I don't remember your hair length goals, but if you are going for classic and beyond then it is really imperative to protect the ends as much as you can regardless of hair type or texture.
I know you've made your decision already, or it seems. But here is a video of what you can try to your hair in the future when you face the current length your in again. Mind you, this video gives an idea of how to protect hair in a helmet. Obviously, she doesn't address the issue that it depends on what type of helmet you use, but again you can modify this look for a lower style made to go underneath or below the helmet you wear, and also I'd use a ribbon that closely matches your hair color or black to be bold.You also don't need sticks, you can use Amish pins, or bobby pins to secure it. It's a matter of tweaking this style to your own style or liking.
Scott here's an idea for you as well that you can tweak to your own massively long hair. This is just one in a million options you guys can explore.
You both have amazing hair! And thanks for your updates for they continue to inspire me to grow my hair.
Cheers,
rowie
I think your hair looks awesome Jason, but I can understand where you are coming from as I have the same problem with my ends. My hair is a little past mid back and my ends are a tad bit weak and my hair was thicker right at mid back length. Thinking about just keeping my hair right at mid back and cutting off about two or so inches to make my ends look fuller again. If I grow it past mid back, my ends just keep getting weak. So I feel you on this issue!
Thanks Mark! It's a tough decision we face. I love the extra length but miss the health of fresh and younger ends. I'm finding out that the two may not be mutually compatible. Pondering....
I think your hair looks great with the length it already has.
Thanks!
I went through an almost identical phase a couple of years ago. The ends of my hair were so damaged and uneven that it was a constant struggle to keep from tangling. I finally had enough did a maintenance cut of about 4 inches. It was drastic, but my hair is much healthier. I don't have the time, patience, or inclination to use oils or other specialty products, so a maintenance cut was my only option. I'm not saying it's right for you, but if you've been thinking about it for months and nothing else has worked, then you may want to consider it. But I would encourage you not to do it unless you are absolutely certain it's your last option.
Thanks for relating your experience. It's heartening that you have noticed a sustained improvement after the 4 inch trim.
Hi Jason,
First of all, great pics, and thanks for sharing them. Picturse are always worth a thousand words.
I sure hear you about the hair. Like you, I have been quite discouraged with my hair lately, seeing that it is not gaining any significant length, and feeling that a long terminal length is not in the cards for me. I have not been trimming(unlike the small trims that you have been doing on yours), and admit that taking that move is a bit "nerve wracking" for me. I hesitate going to any hairdresser, and think that the only way to get things done would be to do it myself, such as the "Feye's" method. Should I do so, I would probably "start small", and see if ANY improvement is noted.
I wish you luck with what you decide, and will definitely be following your progress.
Take care, and good luck!
David
Hi David,
Thanks about the photos.
The first few years on the journey to long hair are so exciting. Measurable growth each month, ends that are relatively healthy, calculating where it will be by a certain date and then things slow down. It's hard to accept the realities associated with approaching terminal length. I'm not sure if your hair texture is as fine as mine but it's a big factor.
If I have the cut done, Amanda will be doing it. I wouldn't trust a local stylist especially after Justin's experience.
Good to hear from you!
Jason
There is no doubt that the last photograph shows hair which is far better looking and which would feel far better to its 'owner'. That really is an attractive look.
The new photographs I'm afraid are nowhere near attractive and I can understand Jason's preference and frustration entirely.
Surely the issue is that not every hair on our hairs grows to the same length and with the same strength. There is a certain point at which differences start to appear and these are represented by the photographs. It is not a question of using oil, conditioner or treatment it is mother nature.
I would therefore endorse Jason's approach and have six inches taken off to get back to hair which is attractive and which feels good. If it is any comfort, I do the same although have not let it grow so that 6 inches has to be removed - I probably do it when about 1 inch is in question. Sorted also follows this as he has described on other occasions so I suspect it is far more common that people imagine.
D
Hi Duncan,
Thanks for expressing your thoughts. I'm mulling things very carefully right now but I'm leaning towards doing what you suggest.
Best,
Jason
I really like the way it looks without a trip. You have very healthy looking hair. You have natural layers that people pay a lot of money to get. It gives your hair wave, body and defintion. Keep it the way it is.
Thanks. It's just that I feel my natural waves look better also with healthier ends.
Hi Jason,
In a way I can relate to you as I have never had a professional or any other kind of trim since 2005.With that said you'd think my hair would be below my butt.lol.Sadly it seems to stay around the same length and I know its growing based on the fact that I henna my hair and after around a month I clearly can see the new,uncolored growth at my scalp.I too look at Sorted's mane and envy the fullness all to the ends.After mid back my hair does appear thinner and more sparse.I shutter the thought of cutting it back as I do love the length but in return have to deal with the thinner ends.I feel your hair still looks grand based on your pictures.Maybe I'm missing something but I can't tell.Please do let us all know what you decide my friend.I have always considered your hair a great inspiration:)Cheers
Mârk
ps: By the way that was a fantastic family portrait you posted not long ago Jason:)Hoping all the family is doing well and kudos on letting your son's hair grow out for now!YES!
Thanks for your thoughts and compliments, Mark. In regards to my son, he has actually shed the thick hair he was born with. Ah well, they said it would likely happen but I'm very much looking forward to seeing his real hair come in!
Like MarkS and others, we are all in a similar boat at this stage of our journeys. It's a matter of weighing quantity versus quality. I was hoping for both at this length but it doesn't seem to be happening for me. Perhaps with very careful attention, I could make the ends of a re-growout better. I dunno. I continue to ruminate on the matter!
Hi Jason,
I kind of agree with Mârk. Your hair has great character the way it is and looks very natural. Sometimes a half-tail or braid can make the overall length look a bit "straggly" but of course it's up to you. I just think that maybe it's not time yet!
Regards, Ian
Hi Ian,
Thanks. It's true about the halftail concealing some length from my hemline. Here's a photo of it all down from January:
I'm just not a fan of that last six inches!
Jason
Personally I think your hair looks great and I love the half tail/braid.
That said, a trim, even a drastic trim will tidy things up a bit and remove the damage (that you see in person....really does not show up in photos).
Good Luck and I am looking forward to seeing the results.
Walter
Thanks Walter. The halftail style is my favorite. I feel like it showcases my healthier hair on top but kind of emphasizes the damaged hair at the bottom.
I've been giving this a lot of thought. I'd say I've given it the "2 month rule". I'll definitely keep everyone apprised.
Best,
Jason
I'll have to admit the best my hair ever looked was right after cutting about 6" off the bottom. Of course my hair was 27" long when I did that. I think hair toward the ends doesn't always age well. I once read an interview with Jennifer Aniston's hairdresser, who said he insists she let him do a radical cut every few years. Observing the result, he seems to know what he's doing.
There is some truth in that.