new thread
hi guys, just before i start i'd like to say how much of a help all you fellas have been in my hair growing journey. i probably would've caved long ago if it wasn't for this place, so thanks =D
so heres the deal, i've been growin my locks for nine months now and it's finally starting to look decent. (with the aid of certain frizz down creams, my hair is really boofy) and i've been told on almost a daily basis to get it trimmed. apparently i have horrendous split ends, and they slow the growth process.
now, i'm perfectly happy to keep my hair the way it is. the split ends dont bother me at all, i dont want perfectly beautiful hair, but i do wanna know if not trimming the split ends causes any long term problems?
should i get half an inch cut off for the greater good? or leave it be?
thanks in advance,
Trickster
Split ends don't travel up the hair shaft, one of the "partings" breaks off and that's that.
Only if they look ugly, or make your hair tangle, there's no big deal about them, if you trim them, don't go just anywhere to do it. Make sure the stylist understands the concept of "just chop off the ends" and try to get reference from other customers.
I would instead look for a reason for those split ends... I went 18 months without one, and even then, and running past 2 years, I haven't had any more. You say you've got them after 9 months. Are you shampooing too much? Are you conditioning daily? Are you deep conditioning? Are you pulling through tangles? Are you using gel with alcohol?
Consider that, and no matter what you do now about split ends, you'll give a bright future to your locks.
hmmm.....if you are able to take off LESS than a half inch, and are able to get rid of the splits COMPLETELY then do it. But a half inch or more....hmmmmm....I dunno. If your prone to split ends, your just going to probably get them again. Against my better judgemnet, I say just keep growing, and at maybe 20 mnths or 2 years take another look at the situation, till then though, LET IT SNOW!!! errr....grow! Anyways, I wouldn't cut MY HAIR if i had split ends. I just have really curly hair, so its REALLY hard to tell, so its hard for me and others to tell. So i guess im 'lucky' that way.
Just go through your hair ends one by one with a small pair of scissors and snip it just above the split.
.
Long Hair - The Facts
Brought to you by our friends at VirtualHairCare.com
Long hair is only truly beautiful when it is in good condition, that is with no breakage, split ends or flyaway strands. There is no quick fix to getting good conditioned hair but we can prevent it from getting out of shape or improve the condition by following some of these great tips:
# When you get up in the morning, instead of reaching straight for the brush, try raking your fingers through your hair to gently remove tangles first.
# Always use a natural bristle brush with a wooden base. Long smooth strokes work best followed by stroking your hand over the hair to eliminate static.
# Long hair needs more than just conditioner. We recommend a once-a-week treatment to maintain optimum health. You can apply it more often but hair will only accept so much and the rest will go down the plughole (and out of your pocket).
# Apply all conditioners and treatments to the lengths and ends of your hair where they are needed rather than directly to the scalp.
# Always brush your hair before shampooing and comb it when wet or, better still, with the conditioner in it.
# Heat applied to the hair in the form of dryer or roller will cause damage over a period of time, so it is best to heat dry as little as possible. Always check that your dryer is not too hot as we tend to love our faithful old dryer as it dries so quickly, often because the thermostat has gone and it is reaching an excessive heat level. The thermostat always goes before your dryer blows up! A red element is often a sign, but you generally know when it is hotter than it used to be!
# If you like to use heated rollers, tongs, flat irons or crimpers on your hair, save them for those special occasions and don't be tempted to use them more than once a week. When you do use them, also make sure you have used a thermal protector or product containing one to prevent heat damage.
# When hitting the beach or swimming, always use a leave-in product to protect your hair the way you use sunscreen to protect your skin.
# When sleeping, try putting your hair up in a 'scrunchie' or covered band on the top of your head. This will help prevent breakage if you are a restless sleeper. Silk pillowcases will also help if you are a particularly restless.
How often should you cut long hair?
# If growing your hair further, trim every 12 weeks. Spilt ends are your biggest enemy, once they start, your hair will get shorter by the day as they break off. Long hair is only really beautiful when in good condition and split ends will really detract from your look.
# If growing out layers cut every 8 weeks.
# For general maintenance cut every 6 to 8 weeks.
# Choose a hairdresser who also has long hair. They will understand the "I don't want too much off" syndrome.
Thinking about cutting off your Long Hair?
# If you are thinking of going for a short look and are not 100% sure, always have your haircut to shoulder length first. This will get you used to the idea without too great a shock.
# But, if you have a definite idea of what you want, go all the way because by only going half the way you may not like the result (because it's not what you were after) then give up and begin to re-grow straight away.