new thread
Greetings. I've been growing out my hair for a while, but recently decided to try and make it look a bit better. So, I've run across this site, and many others, which sometimes have contradictory info.. Just thought I'd get some of you folks's opinions...
Some background... I've been growing my hair out for about six years. Currently around mid-back. This is with, maybe, two trims... Very strait, quite fine. No dyes, bleach. Never treated it real well, though. Live dry (often cold) region, brushed it wet for a while, break out tangles, etc. etc.
So I've recently gotten a little fed up of it looking so ratty. The last six inches are dry and seem stiff. Anything I can do to help this??
Also, opinions on so-called 'oil treatments'?? Are they useful, good, is there some better method? Does the type of oil really matter?
Is there specific brands/typed of shampoos/conditioners to stay away from?? Just curious if there are specific brands/ types that are hell on long hair...
Lastly, how bad for your hair are things like gel/hair spray? I don't use them often, but I've seen mention of them, and I won't if they are death to hair. Since I primarily am interested in keeping the stray hair down, what other brands/products work for this... I saw something mentioned in the "RAQ" but am not familiar with the product.
I know I have more questions. If I remember them, I'll be back....
Thanks!
Mr. Lowe
Deep conditioning treatments are better to use than hot oil treatments, and if u want it to be really deep conditioned, apply heat to it. this may be a lot of trouble, but if u get a deep conditioning treatment and put it on your hair then wrap your hair in a plastic bag and apply heat from a blowdryer, then put a towel around it and leave it on for about 30 minutes, then wash it out, it will restore a lot of moisture to it and you will see a big difference. they can do this for you at a hair salon too if u don't want to do it at home. also use a leave-in conditioner in your hair after you shampoo and condition, just apply it to the ends that are really dry though.
As for what shampoos to stay away from, the ones that contain ammonium laureth sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate are the main ones to stay away from, they are harsh on the hair.
the best one to get is a shampoo that has the sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium Lauryl sulfate is harsh too.
It's okay to use styling products but if you do make sure you use a clarifying shampoo to remove the buildup, otherwise the buildup on your hair can cause it to become dry and break off.
I mix baking soda with a gentle shampoo to remove product buildup.
hth
Jolie already covered all the points. I'll add how I care for my hair. My hair was bleached white/blonde until Nov. of last year. So, I now am stuck with dry damaged hair on the bottom and hair that doesn't require as much care on the top. Makes it all that more fun to care for. LOL
I shampoo and condition 2-3 times a week. I was using Aussie Moist, but can't find the old bottles anywhere (from before they switched ingredients), so I've begun using TRESemme vitamin E moisture rich shampoo. I use whatever conditioner strikes my fancy (based on smell) that day. I choose thick conditioners.
I shampoo and condition first thing when getting in the shower. I don't rinse the conditioner out until I'm completely done showering. I just clip my hair on top of my head to allow the conditioner to soak in while I wash and shave.
Once a week I replace the normal conditioner with either Aussie's 3 minute miracle or St. Ives' hair repair intensive conditioner (which I finally found after searching for a year). That takes care of the deep conditioning.
Once a month I saturate it with extra virgin olive oil. Serves the same purpose as the hot oil treatment, just not as expensive. I leave the oil in for at least 2 hours, rinse, then wash and condition as usual.
After getting out of the shower, I wrap my hair in a towel while drying off, then just squeeze the towel around my hair to dry. I then the bottom (bleached area) with infusium 23 leave in conditioner.
I use a large "wide tooth" comb on it, and let it dry. Once it's dry I either use the large tooth comb (mind you, my hair is only wavy, not curly) or what I consider a dog brush. It a wooden paddle brush with plastic tipped metal teeth. The teeth are attached to a rubber base, so it has a lot of give. It doesn't pull my hair the way other brushes do. And they do sell these brushes for dogs...woof woof! LOL