new thread
Like the title says, this is an update after my original post about 2 months ago. Recently I have been trying to part my hair down the center which seems to be working out alright. I can put the front of my hair behind my ears now, but it usually refuses to stay there out of my face. I'm not a huge fan of how much my hair curls in the back, but I don't think there's a lot I can do about that. Right now I'm wondering if I should change up how I should care for my hair. Currently I use shampoo every day and never use conditioner. I'm a terrible judge so I'm hoping to get some advice in this department. Any and all advice for caring for or managing my hair as I continue through the awkward stage here will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, all. For reference, here is my first post from a couple months ago: http://www.mlhh.org/messages/312362.html
You are doing very well and the centre part looks far better. I suspect the curling at the back will stop as you hair grows out and gains more weight so I would not worry about that.
As to conditioning you will find more views than you can imagine. I wash mine every day (Aussie long hair shampoo) and use leave in conditioner (again Aussie leave in for long hair) - it is absolutely fine. Others will do less washing and anoint it with all manner of oils. Try by all means but just do what is right for you.
Hi buddy, your hair is looking awesome. Please keep growing.
When it comes to conditioning, what you have to understand is WHY we condition our hair.
When you wash your hair with shampoo basically you get rid of all the oils and "grease" from your hair. Shampoo is a harsh product for hair (it is basically a "hair detergent") and can eventually dry out your hair (this leads to breakage). Thats why conditioning is a very important step after you shampoo your hair. By conditioning you give back to your hair all the moisture that it lost during the shampooing process. By doing this you also avoid tangles (which also lead into breakage).
That being said you have to know the different ways to condition your hair. Some people choose to apply conditioner after shampooing and thats it. Others apply leave in conditioner after having conditioned. Others prefer hair oils. There are tons of methods you can try to do this.
Hair is always a bit tricky to deal with when growing it out. It will be easier to manage after it's been longer for awhile. I think your hair looks great right now, actually. You have the kind of color people spend tons of money trying to get.
I would say daily washing is a bit too often, though. You could more than likely be fine doing it no more often than every couple of days. I only wash mine a couple of times a week, if that. Use a good quality shampoo or-- even better-- consider not using one at all. Shampoos are an invention of the 20th century, created primarily to make money for manufacturers. People did fine without it for countless centuries before. Some people these days are just skipping it altogether, rinsing ever couple of days and scrubbing the scalp with baking soda now and then. I'll include a couple of interesting links on the subject.
http://www.insonnetskitchen.com/baking-soda-vinegar-hair-care-update/
First, your hair looks great. The shine and mild wave in back is to be envied. At least by me! As to conditioner, I suggest WEN cleansing conditioner. (cheapest on QVC.com). Use it as Both a cleanser and conditioner. Apply, rinse, repeat, and use about a quarter size as a Leave in with your hair wet. It is gentle, and reduces tangles.It does NOT lather like shampoo, the lathering indicates soap or detergent which is damaging. So, don't expect lather. Does not dry your hair. With your hair type, I would recommend the "Pomegranate" in the WEN line. It seems pricey, but it replaces shampoo and conditioner and in the long run protects your hair. It is worth it. Good luck. sj
Hey Link, I don't think you really understand the gravity of this situation, my friend...
You hair?
It looks...
FANTASTIC!!!!
Dude, that is totally Jax Teller hair! Look at that amazing color, the shades of light brown and blonde, and the waves in the back... who wouldn't love hair like that?!
Keep growing it, and remember, some of us are a whole of a lot less fortunate, hehe ;)
Your hair is coming along nicely, just a couple more inches and it will become much easier to manage.
Shampooing every day is probably too often once your hair starts to get long, in my opinion. Also, do try conditioner, it really makes a difference in how your hair feels and also in avoiding tangles.
Chris
Right now I'm wondering if I should change up how I should care for my hair. Currently I use shampoo every day and never use conditioner. I'm a terrible judge so I'm hoping to get some advice in this department. Any and all advice for caring for or managing my hair as I continue through the awkward stage here will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, all. For reference, here is my first post from a couple months ago: http://www.mlhh.org/messages/312362.html
Hey Zeldafan355,
Awesome Hair, Dude!
I would suggest that you shampoo your hair twice a week and that you condition every other day.
Raymond
Hi Zeldafan355,
I must say your hair is looking wonderful so far! The color and waves are very nice! Once you grow out the layers to one length your hair will stay behind your ears better. Also, I think when your hair gets past the "bump" at the back of your neck the curling may be less. Your shoulders also will cause curling.
I would suggest you use shampoo maybe twice a week and always use conditioner when you use shampoo. Of course, you should experiment since different hair types require different routines. If you find your hair gets oily often you may need more shampooing. But always use conditioner. Other than that I would just let your hair grow. I think you will be surprised at how good it will look when it gets longer.
Ted
Hi, just wanted to say thank you to everyone that responded for their great advice and kind words. I'll be sure to come back and update every now and then.
Go to the salon and get one of those keratin treatments done. I just done one for my hair. It will "lock" your hair in any state you want for 6-12 weeks depending on how well you take care of it.
Matter of fact, after they do the 5 step treatment, they use a serum and heat treat your hair to lock the serum into it, otherwise the keratin treatment is useless without the lockage of serum.
As soon as they finish the 5th step, and finish locking the serum into your hair, it will look fabulous immediately.
The only thing, is that the 1st 2 days after the treatment/lock, you are not allowed to get your hair wet in any way, including, and especially sweat, or it will damage the process. So make sure to have at least 2 days off work if you are planning this.
It's a bit expensive (it costed me 60 US dollars) but it's well worth it. If you do the math and if it lasts 6-10 weeks, that's basically 10 dollars a week or less you are spending.
Also the treatment is HEALTHY for your hair, and will make it like 10 times easier to style while it is keratin/serum locked.
Looks great! Using shampoo every day is actually not the best thing for your hair, it's like washing your clothes every day, it causes damage. If you really want to wash your hair every day, you could try to wash it without shampoo every other day for a while and see what it's like.
It seems that you'll be past the awkward stage soon enough so just be patient!