Nice to find a site where I can ask advice and not encounter more HATE than support. I, like many others posting here, had shoulder length hair in the past and decided to get it cut due to "family pressure" or other reasons. But really most of my problem was lack of support and knowledge. Anyway, I have decided to grow it out again, (to shoulder length...maybe longer), and have some questions that I cannot seem to find answers to. First off...hair products. I have VERY straight hair and when it gets longer it will start to curl at the ends. Now this is expected during the growth period, however when I reach my desired length, (shoulders), is there a product such as a leave-in conditioner I should use that is readily available to help with curling, (as well as frizz; not too concerned if hair looks greasy as long as product isn't damaging my hair). Second...while hair is growing, (especially during the "awkward phase"), what is the best type of headband/wrap to use to keep hair out of face while I'm washing said face. Thanks for any advice. Love the site.
There really isn't a conditioner that you can use that will stop the ends from curling. During the awkward stage, you can use a bit of hair gel to help control the unruliness. As hair gets longer, gravity tends to pull the curl out. So you could let it grow until the curl straightens on it's own. That may be once you reach shoulder length, or you might need to go a few inches longer.
Everybody is different, and a lot depends on hair texture, thickness, etc. You could try a small amount of styling paste on just the ends where it curls, the weight of the paste might help the hair to lay straighter. The downside is the paste makes hair stiff, and it can build up, so you have to wash it out frequently.
As for frizz, some like using oils on their hair (starting at the ends), some like leave-in conditioners. You may have to experiment with different products to find out which works for you. For example: my hair is very fine in texture, oils weigh it down and make it look greasy. I use a small amount of leave-in conditioner, Redken Hair Butter most of the time.
To keep hair out of the way when washing your face, you can either use a large plastic claw clip and gather, twist and fasten the hair to the top or back of your head. Or you can buy a wide stretch terry cloth hair band, which will keep your hair out-of-the way. You can find these in the hair accessories section.
1. Hair products? I usually use Pantene conditioner if I feel like it. Shampoo generally causes problems.
2. To avoid curl, DO NOT TUCK YOUR HAIR BEHIND YOUR EARS. If you wear headphones, put it on top of your hair. Sound leakage will be greater, you'll turn up the volume half a notch, and sound stage will be a bit off. Also, for the month or so when you have the tips of your hair in the zone where it would touch the earcups at the bottom, try wearing earbuds instead, or at the minimum try to not wear headphones for 10 hours a day.
3. I never really had the problem, because I don't actually wash my face over a sink. Presumably, however, a bandana, or even a ballcap, would work for those instances. Otherwise, I wash my face in the shower, where since my hair is already wet, I'll just slick it back and then tilt my head upwards.
I don't use earphones/earbuds. Do they even make headphones
for the ipphone? All the earphones/earbuds I see scream out to me "uncomfortable."
My hair is now long enough to tie into a pony tail/braid/bun/
pig tail. It's been alot of years since my hair was that short
so i'll leave this one for others.
All headphones work with the iPhone so long as it uses the standard 3.5 mm 1/8 inch jack. If it's a headset that you want, you could either get a mic/remote, or get a replacement cable for your existing pair of headphones, if they have a cable with an inline mic. Otherwise, the cheapest headset with a boom mic costs $30 (turtle beach) and the cheapest headset with an inline mic costs $50 (razer).
Thank you. Do they make bluetooth headphones for the iphone?
Too bad I don't have the headphones from when I worked in radio sll those years ago.
Hi trooper2112,
Welcome to the board! If your hair is resting on your shoulders when it dries, it will appear curled at the ends. When your hair is allowed to grow past shoulder length it will probably appear straighter due to gravity and weight. If you are going to maintain at the length where it curls, you will have to use some product. I would probably stay away from products, but that's just me.
As far as headbands, I would check out the terry cloth headbands that tennis players wear. These are washable and comfortable to use. To minimize frizz, always rinse your hair under cold water before you get out of the shower. Also, try not to wash your hair too often with shampoo. Shampoo is rough on hair. Hope this helps. Great weekend to you my friend!
Ted
Hi ted, this is exactly what happens to me. My hair rests on my shoulders when it dries and I 've been hating the curliness that it gets in the ends.
I really never thought that once it grows longer that curliness could disappear.
Thanks for commenting that. Very helpful !
Hi Dave,
No problem! I read that on Bill's page. Hair is funny like that. My hair is not stick straight. But if I comb it while it's still wet the wave can actually be pulled out. I am waiting for it to get totally past my shoulders to see just how much it straightens on its own. Some people report their hair getting curlier and some people report it getting straighter. Your hair may get straighter after it gets more weight and can dry "hanging" instead of sitting on your shoulders. Hopefully your hair turns out how you like it. Great weekend to you my friend!
Ted