new thread
Down below you can see where I posted last week that I was unsure of whether or not to attempt to regrow my long hair. After GREAT responses from Validus and Vincent (sorry for not responding below. I can't get online everyday and when I finally saw your posts, there were so many other posts above it that I didn't think you'd even see my response anyway)...I have decided to let the locks grow!!!! :)
I have included a pic of my hair in it's FORMER glory (about 3 years ago). I'm about 2 weeks out from a #5 buzz cut at this point so I won't be providing any updates for a looooooong time LOL
I'm obviously not new to growing my hair long, but I feel my last go round with long hair was flawed from the get go. It wasn't until AFTER my hair grew out to shoulder length that I learned how delicate hair can be and how much it needs to be cared for(I abused the crap out of it with harsh gels and cheap shampoos as it grew).
My question: what is the best shampoo and conditioners to use and what is the best washing / care regimen to adhere to as it grows?
I get some of the basics: use products that are alcohol free, avoid high heat blow dryers and straightening irons (this damn thing is what led to my hair falling out last time so I have learned my lesson well), but I've always just used the cheapest shampoos and conditioners I could find. I didn't know any better then but I do now. I've also heard some folk's talking about coconut oil and other things being used to condition their hair. Should I use something like that and at approx. what length should I begin worrying about such a thing?
Any help you all can give would be MUCH appreciated. I'm not looking for any miracle drugs or products to make the growth faster (I know such a thing doesn't exist) but I'm shooting for the HEALTHIEST hair possible this time around.
Thanks everyone!
Glad I could help you make a decision, good luck on your next hair growing journey!
I can say one thing, experiment with everything. Different combs, brushes, shampoo brands, how often you wash it and so on.
About product, just try different brands until you find something which you like. Everyone has different hair so different product give different results for everyone.
My routine in the beginning was washing and conditioning about twice a week and gradually I prolonged up to one week without shampooing. Your hair has to get used not using shampoo as much, it will produce less oil. This will reduce the tear on your hair.
At one point I stopped using shampoo and used only conditioner. With my short hair I obviously don't use shampoo and conditioner anymore just water. But some people shampoo daily without a problem, so again experiment what works for you.
When my hair grew longer some thing didn't work anymore so I had to try new things. Good luck!
Congrats on regrowing, I know you won't regret it. I use only non-sudsing products as these all strip your hair. I use WEN products primarily. They clean your hair and conditon it at the same time. You can use it as often as you want, it won't dry out your hair. I use a combination of the Conditioning cleanser and Sixthirteen, both by WEN. Once a week I also apply Ojon Plus oil before cleansing and let sit about 20min before cleansing. All these products are available on QVC and they are cheapest there. If you color your hair, the color will Not come out with these products. They leave long hair, especially the ends healthy, at least for me and my hair is what I call Long now, so I have experience with them. The products are not the cheapest, but they are definitely worth it.After all, you want your hair to be long, but also to be really good looking too.Hope this helps, Scott
first off I would mention there is very little difference between
the cheapest shampoo and the most expensive. The company that makes the most expensive shampoo also makes a "no name" shampoo that is labeled as your local stores brand. Same shampoo, you're paying a premium price for that name on the bottle.
I'd also suggest using condtioner, avoiding damaging chemicals,
and avoid using heated hair dryers. Also use condtioner liberally after shampooing. And avoid tangles.
I prefer having my hair hanging down loose but often have to
tie it up in a pony tail/braid to avoid damage.
As far as how often to shampoo, it depends on how dirty your
hair gets.
Exactly like Vincent said, you need to experiment with your hair type. And I also follow the little to no shampoo treatment as well. The oil helps naturally condition your hair so you don't need chemicals to do so. I still do a deep condition once a week with the tiniest bit of mayo on my ends because other deep conditioners use sulfates and alcohol which simulate moisture but really dry the crap out of your hair.
Right now, all I use is Redkin Clear Moisture shampoo because it doesn't have alcohol in it and applies to my thin hair-type. I do wash everyday because too much grease grosses me out but use like a quarter's size worth of shampoo on my whole head. My hair has been shiny and stronger ever since. Good luck to you!