new thread
Hey. I haven't written in a long time. I've been totally tied up with school work and assignments to really answer some of the posts. Really sorry about that.
I've been having lots of problems with my hair for the past month or so. (I have followed the two-week rule). It's tangling, and knotting and really making a mess. I have tried using different kinds of shampoos and conditioners...it's hasn't improved the situation. Maybe I should use a deep-conditioner?
So, I have decided to go to the.........hair-dresser. I haven't gone to one since October. I was really upset at them for not doing what I wanted and cutting too much off. Don't know if I'm going to go to another hairdresser or not. But basically I wanted to dead-ends all cut off so my hair will lay nicely. I was thinking of getting an inch cut off. Maybe I get a deep-conditioner treatment?
I know that may sound a lot, but I think that I would be saving myself from more damage since I have to overcome the tangled by overstyling (lots of combing and brushing). And my hair roughly grows an inch a month.
That reminds me too to post some pictures up...i'll get to that.
Wow, long post.
ttyl,
~~Rich
Before you go for your cut, why not try a clarifying treatment to see if getting rid of any chemical buildup is helpful? Silicone buildup is notorious for causing tangly ends in some hair types.
Try rinsing your hair with a teaspoon of vinegar diluted in a cup or two of water between shampooing and conditioner, or purchase a clarifying shampoo -I find them rather harsh and drying, but others report success with these shampoos. A vinegar rinse every couple of weeks really helps keep my hair soft, supple, and less tangle-prone.
Of course, the decision is up to you, and perhaps you also want a more graceful shape to your hair as it grows out, in which case a visit to the salon is in order. But if your only problem is the tangling and knotting, a clarifying treatment may help and save you from losing length.
I've never heard of this before. I'm going to have to try it right away. It protentially could change my decision.
Let us know how you make out....Mary
Before you get anything CUT at the Salon - go in for a consultation.
It doesn't have to be anything formal, just chat about your goals with the stylist who will cut your hair, he/she will proabably comb your hair through to get the measure of it, but no cutting should take place at this time.
This will give you a chance to explain your goals with the stylist and give the stylist chance to get aquainted with you and your hair. Taking this step will also give the impression that you are 'serious' about your hair and that its important to you. Many Salons won't charge for this service, so just remember to tip generously and if your happy with the stylist, then make an appointment for a weeks time.
I second the advice to try a vinegar rinse (I use Apple Cider Vinegar) between shampoo and conditioner (I only do this when my hair starts looking greasy and limp from product buildup). As for getting the "dead ends" cut off - unless you've been seriously abusing your hair your ends should be fine. Maybe they need a bit of oil (I use Jojoba) or deep conditioning (after the clarifying vinegar rinse). If your ends are seriously trashed please come back for some advice on how to take care of them. Frankly it sounds like you need a good detangling comb and some advice on how to use it. Please be careful at the hairdressers.
I guess I have been seriously abusing my hair.......not good.
I don't even think I can find Jojoba oil any where. I have been keeping my eye out. (And I ran out of deep conditioning...)
*shakes his head* I know, all my excuses.
Once hair is long it doesn't take much effort to care for it but while it is growing it takes a bit of work. You can find Jojoba oil at health food stores. It is often kept in the skin care section. Just ask the staff. I put 2 or 3 drops of oil on my palms, rub them together to distribute the oil, then run my hands through my hair, concentrating on the ends. If you use too much oil your hair will look grease. No harm beyond it looking greasy. You should also consider using a leave-in conditioner. I use Infusium 23 for light conditioning or Paul Mitchell "The Conditioner" for days when I want my hair a bit more weighed down. A leave-in conditioner makes the hair easier to comb and style and it also protects the hair to some extent.
Good luck with your long hair goals!
UPDATE...
I decided to wait for a trim. My hair started to behave again. I did the vingar treatment, but I don't know if that really helped or not.
What I think really made a difference I took this new conditioner that I was using, this Themasilk stuff (it's crap), and I watered it down and it worked out very well.
As for the trip to the hairdresser, I went in only to buy some better products then the drug store stuff. I got a product called Redkin Extreme leave-in for disstressed hair. It's a mircale!