new thread
After 13 long months, my hair has passed reached my original, 6-7" length goal from what started as a very short 1/2" - 1" cut. I can deal with the very frequent "get it cut" comments. What I can't deal with is the constant flyaway strands of hair or the "helmet" look and feel. What I need is the advice to control the hair and/or the encouragement to keep it.
I can have combed, styled and gelled or sprayed before I leave for work, but as soon as I walk the 100yds from parking lot to office, it is in total disarray. My hair is still to short to look right tied back at the hair line level and too silly looking tied back higher (of course, that would also assume a pony tail would be acceptable in a very conservative company). As such, I am constantly tucking or combing my hair behind the ears. Since my hair is "baby fine, straight and blonde", gel looks too greasy and while still using a very light mist of a hairspray, it too looks to "fixed" and sticky. (Used both products when hair was shorter and never seemed to have a problem).
Has anyone else had these problems with very fine hair? If so, how did you deal with it? Are there products out there that will help maintain a style, yet not create a greasy build up? Will it become easier to control if a little longer? I really dig the longer hair, just not in the 8-5 office environment and don't want to cut it, especially since I am past the annoying stage of "flip-ups" and "stuck in the collar" look.
My quarterly hair "trim a quarter off the ends" appointment is in two weeks. Right now I am vacillating with the "chop it" or "grow it longer" decision. I really want an additional 3"-4" of length, but if I can't get the hair under control, short of finding a "non-corporate - where I can wear a hat or it doesn't have to look perfect - job", I am afraid the former will become reality.
All of your advice and encouragement in the past has been very helpful (and special thanks for the extremely detailed, and often referred to, letter from BobbyT - wherever you are). Wigs and clips are not options, but any other advice or encouragement will be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Jay
Hi Jay,
Other than not having really fine hair, my situation is very similar to yours. I work in the corporate world, I have grown my hair for 15 months (from shaved)I'm at 8.5 inches, and I hate it when its out of control.
But don't despair, I found a product that has saved me. I am not sure how it will work on fine hair, but my hair is normal (not thick) and it works wonders. It is called KMS Paste and it comes in a cylinder with a pump. Have you ever noticed that if you don't wash your hair for a few days it is easier to control. KMS paste gives you this type of control. It can look greasy if you use to much, but I am a guy who hates 'greasy' and I am able to handle this stuff, mainly because it really makes my hair easy. Out of the face, and behind the ears. Try some!!! Get it at beauty stores. Call around, I don't think they have it everywhere. Good luck.
kilgore
Jay,
Long hair expert here. I guess I'll start jumping in with advice for you menfolk.
I have tried scads of different products over the years and I'd like to recommend a couple for your problem. One excellent and inexpensive product is 'Slip Detangler' by Aussie,( the one with the lil' kangaroo on the bottles.)It is a conditioner that really smoothes you hair and leaves it shiny and silky. It may help your messy hair problem provided you get regular trims so that your hair can sway and move the way it's supposed to. (The Vidal Sassoon Salon which has commercials for their hair products showing models shaking their heads back and forth to show how beautifully their hair moves-they REALLY make you do that when they cut your hair!)At roughly $3.50 to $4.50 for a bottle depending on where you live it's a great deal.
'Infusium 23' Extra Body Formula is a great 'structurizer' as well. It conditions and smoothes hair as well. Even the Extra Body Formula can make your hair seem like it's getting dirty faster so I put mine in a spray bottle,(better control of use, less waste of product,) and dilute it with distilled water,(minerals found in tap water can weigh hair down.)I add another 1/2 part to 1 part distilled water so the product is not as heavy. (This stuff is also great if your hair is damaged from sun, surf, styling, whatever, and you want to improve it gradually.
Don't mousse or gel-spraying with a very light hold styling spray would be better.
NOTE: No-I am not a 'hair pro'-I've just had longhair for ages and all these products are marketed mainly to women, right? (Damn-I type too much.)