Hair Advice Sought

[Igorina]

So, I'm trying to grow my hair out to below my waist.

Right now it's down between my shoulder blades.

My problem is that my hair likes to get slpit ends and break.

Does anyone have any advice as to growing some long and strong hair?

Thanks.

[blas87]

Don't use waxy shampoos/conditioners like Pantene Pro-V. Huge cause of hair breakage right there. Don't believe me? Take a spoonfull and light a flame under it. It won't evaporate. It's pure wax. That's why your hair feels so good at first after using it, then so awful later on.

If you absolutely don't have to, don't blowdry your hair. I let my hair air-dry 5 nights a week, and it's healthier than it's been in years.

Always use a leave-in conditioner. Be liberal with it.

Give yourself a trim every 2 weeks. Just the very ends. You won't be losing any length, you'll be cutting just the split ends, or those little "balls" on the ends of your hair.

[myswtghst]

I'm a huge addict of Terax Conditioner (can be used in the shower and as a leave-in) and Kiehl's shampoos - they make a concentrate that's meant to be used on hair that isn't washed every day. Both are available online, and you can find Kiehl's in some department stores, Terax at Sephora and Ulta.

Avoiding hot styling tools, including the blowdryer helps, along with not over-brushing your hair. Be sure to be super-gentle with a wide tooth comb when it's wet/tangly, to avoid breaking more hair yourself. And be careful how much tension you create when pulling it into a ponytail - certain holders/heights of ponytail will break more hair. (Low and/or not too tight is best!)

I used to have hair down to my waist, took a while to grow that long, and a lot of trims to keep it healthy! I also used to braid it a lot, or put it up in such a way as to not put a lot of stress on my hair, and to keep it from getting caught on things/tangled.

Final advice is to make sure you're eating right - things like not getting the right vitamins and not getting enough protein can make hair weaker and more likely to break. I'm sure there are lots of articles online detailing some of the best supplements or dietary components to help keep hair healthy.

Good luck. :D

[BookstoreEscapee]

Also be gentle when brushing/combing your hair, especially when it's wet. Never brush wet hair, use a wide-tooth comb. Go light on blow-drying, and when you do use some kind of heat-protecting spray. Invest in some satin pillowcases; they'll be easier on your hair than cotton.

[Igorina]

Thanks so much for the tips!

I don't blow-dry my hair, or hot style it in any way. And I *have* to have it up and out of the way for work. Looks like I now have more encouragement to do continue in those habits ;).

I will definately check out changing up my shampoo and conditioner. I wash it every other night, unless I I've worked up a sweat (i.e. working out, or working around the house).

[monolayth]

My hair is to my waist. I dont remember the last time I washed my hair more often then every third day.

I use john fredia styling products. My hair would be a frizz ball without it.

I suggest a brush that has the cusion so it gives. also start brushing your hair from the bottom up. i know ti sounds weird but work out the tangle from the bottom first

use rubber bands without metal.

braid your hair every night before you go to sleep.

never sit with your hair between your back and the chair.

as as said before make sure you are eating right and working out. its shocking how that effects you. and i suggest no alchol. (so spelled it wrong...sorry im dyslexic)

and as stated before trims are great!

[DarthRetard]

Also, it wouldn't hurt to pick up some biotin.

Biotin is a Vitamin B supplement that supports hair skin and nails. you can take up to 5000 mcg (micrograms) of it a day. You can also get a product at GNC that's a Hair Skin and Nails formula that has a collagen supplement as well.

[Saydrah]

One thing that works really well for me is towel drying my hair a little bit before applying a conditioner. My hairstylist recommended it because as she pointed out, a dry sponge soaks up more water! Of course this works far better with salon quality products than grocery stuff- I've seen a huge difference in my hair since I stopped using any grocery brands.

[Secret Shopper]

I think you can do limited things such as eat properly, get regular trims, and use certain hair products, but basically your genetics are a huge part of how long your hair will grow. If you have fine hair you probably won't have much luck. I think Asians, Native Americans, East Indians, etc all have a genetic tendency to have stronger hair that grows longer. Northern Europeans are usually less endowed in the hair dept, but have more variety of colors, which is also genetics.

[DarthRetard]

I hate to be the dissenter here, but genetics doesnt play as huge a part as conceived. One can take folic acid, biotin, and some other things to help with hair growth, strength, and texture. Here's the link to my company's supplement. It's worth looking at, trust me:

http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2657839&cp&sr=1&origkw=hair+skin+nails&kw=hair+skin+nails&parentPage=search

[Secret Shopper]

I hate to be the dissenter here, but genetics doesnt play as huge a part as conceived. One can take folic acid, biotin, and some other things to help with hair growth, strength, and texture. Here's the link to my company's supplement. It's worth looking at, trust me:

http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2657839&cp&sr=1&origkw=hair+skin+nails&kw=hair+skin+nails&parentPage=search

Heh, heh, yep I'll trust ya... :lol::roll::wave:

[DarthRetard]

I didn't mean to offend if I did, just trying to get the word out that it's not all about shampoo's and conditioners, though they do help. I take biotin myself, yes a male, and with the finer type of hair I have, it helps a lot.

[iradney]

Actually, I'm trying to do the same thing, Igorina! (LOVE the nick, btw). My hairdresser also reccomended folic acid - makes your hair and nails grow faster and stronger.
I also believe in deep conditioning at least once a week - go to gym, get my sweat on, shower, put conditioner on and sit in the sauna for about 5 - 10 minutes. Your hair is uber soft and shiny after that. Another nice product I like to use is Redken Extreme Anti-split. Makes the mane very manageable, and somehow reduces split ends. And it smells gorgeous too.

[Kiwi]

Don't use waxy shampoos/conditioners like Pantene Pro-V. Huge cause of hair breakage right there. Don't believe me? Take a spoonfull and light a flame under it. It won't evaporate. It's pure wax. That's why your hair feels so good at first after using it, then so awful later on.



blas how do you know if a condistioner has wax in it?

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I have a lot of hair and I only wash it about twice a week. I do blow it dry, but if I had a problem with split ends, I wouldn't for a while and see if that helped.

I also get my hair cut regularly. I go in every 8 weeks or so to neaten up the layers, but sometimes I leave the back if it's in good shape and I'm in the mood to leave it long. Regular trimming keeps it healthier. It doesn't make it grow faster, contrary to what many people thing, but it seems that way because it doesn't break off the way old, damaged hair does.

Also, rubbing some straight coco butter in your hands and fluffing it through your hair, concentrating on the ends, will make your hair georgeous and help keep the ends healthy.

[ThePhoneGoddess]

All the info here is good. And Darthretard is correct, in my opinion. I have very fine but thick hair and for many years I couldn't get it to grow past my waistline. I started taking folic acid/biotin supplements and I managed to beat the genetic limit my hair had---it now grows nearly 3 and a half inches longer than it ever would before, making it to my hips. It's also thicker and stronger than it used to be.

I have the found the number one most useful thing to do is to keep it up a lot, out of the way of everyday life that can damage it. I mostly keep my hair up and bring it down only for special occasions. I also brush it just before I wash it, and then after washing it I use a spray on silicone based shine/detangler product. Then I go through it with a wide tooth comb, which slides through it perfectly and smoothly due to the silicone. I then put it up for the day.

I also sleep with it in a looped ponytail on top of my head to keep it from getting tangled as I sleep.

[Becks]

I love this thread.

I've been trying to grow my hair long for ages.

It hasn't worked as well as I'd hoped, but I guess it doesn't help that every nine months I get frustrated and get my hair cut to the bottom of my neck.

I'm so impatient.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Yes, PhoneGoddess brings up a good point. Use very wide toothed combs to comb and use a nice detangler if you get a lot of tangles. I have layered, coarse hair, and tangles are a big issue. I use afro pics and combs that are as widely toothed as afro picks. I also use one of those air-styling brushes with the wide wire teeth on it instead of bristles for tough detangling sessions.

Also, boar bristle brushes are really good. They are gentle and spread your natural oils down your hair shaft well. Makes for shiny hair.

I'd also like to mention that back before I knew any better, if I kept the amount of fat in my diet down very, very low, I'd end up with straw for hair. So I'm sure diet has a bit to do with how healthy your hair is.

[DarthRetard]

RK is right about that, too. Oddly enough I use a boar bristle brush with my hair, because it's so fine, and it really helps it out.

Hey, RK let me ask you, because we sell it at our store but I don't know too much about it *gasp*. That thing you said about cocoa butter, is that really effective? If so I'll let my customers know.

[Emrld]

I too have been growing my hair out . . .
I have hair that has to be washed every day if I want to go out in public. If I don't wash it I look like I haven't had a shower in weeks (roots/ top part of my head only) - and yes, if you had hair that had to be washed every day and have a solution to where I don't have to wash it every day I am more than happy to listen/ read your suggestions.
Most people on here are promoting high quality saloon purchased shampoo and conditioners. Those are great choices . . .but for me not really in my budget. (Sorry but things like mortgage, utilities, food come first - and I am not going to go into debt over shampoo)
I have been having really good luck with herbal essance blue bottle hydrating shampoo and then Sunsilk TLC conditioner and once a week 24/7 leave in creme.
My stylist is really pleased with the results he has been seeing.

[DarthRetard]

Emrld, go look at one of my previous posts on this thread. Hair Skin and Nails formula at GNC is 9.99....

[digilight]

Before my wife was pregnant with our first kid she had kinda crappy hair and nails. She found that after taking the prenatel vitamens during both pregnancies that her hair grew like wild fire and got a lot healthier, she also has great nails now that normally grow to the length of acrylic nails and are very healthy and strong.

I don't know if just taking the prenatels for a while may help the hair or not but it worked for her. Also she tends to switch shampoo's and conditions. She will notice that on brand starts to leave more build up after a while and switch to a different brand. Also the regular trims helps as does the fact that she only washes it every other day and doesn't do the hot oil treatments and crap. And yes she does color her hair about ever 2-3 months.

[DarthRetard]

Well, the prenatals, if you look, have a large amount of biotin and folic acid in them, thats part of the reason theyre so effective, but digilight is correct, they do work.

[Emrld]

DeathRetard . . .are you saying that a suppliment will effect how often I have to wash my hair?
I already take MaxiGrow that I get from my local choice of places to shop.
I am sure you are great at your job and they have a fantastic staff . . .personally the last 3 times I have walked into local GNC my experience was not that great. (As in if someone walks in don't automatically assume they are there for weigh loss or prenatal)

[DarthRetard]

Well, my company has realized that sales associates have been showing a large amount of indifference, but at a lot of stores you'll see a difference. I'm not saying it will affect how many times you have to wash it, I'm no expert on that issue for sure, however, I do know that taking Biotin and Folic Acid WILL make your hair, skin AND nails healthier and stronger. Sorry for the confusion.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Hey, RK let me ask you, because we sell it at our store but I don't know too much about it *gasp*. That thing you said about cocoa butter, is that really effective? If so I'll let my customers know.

Yes, I think it is. I have seen a marked difference when I use it regularly in my hair. I also use it on my skin, and I consider it to be an AMAZING beauty product.

Rubbed lightly around your eyes at night not only really does a good job on your skin, but keeps you eyelashes long and flexible so they don't break. Rubbed on scars, it will eventually fade the scar. It makes your hair strong and shiny and healthy. Fades/helps avoid stretch marks.

And it's cheap...you can buy sticks of the pure stuff in the ethnic hair/skin care section that look like big fat crayons. Around here, they are about a buck apiece. Palmer's also makes a cocoa butter lotion available in a tub...it's basically spreadable cocoa grease. Great stuff.

[DarthRetard]

Well, we sell it, and I knew it was good for skin, but I had no idea it'd work for hair. I'll be sure to inform my customers of that, thankyeverymuch.

[ThePhoneGoddess]

Ah yes, RK brought up another very good point---boar bristle brushes. These types of brushes were de rigeur among European nobility for centuries. It used to be an old beauty adage to brush your hair with one of these a hundred strokes a day to keep it healthy and shiny.

Nowadays it is said that that is an old wive's tale, or that it was done to break up lice eggs on your hair in the days before lice shampoo. From personal experience of years of having very long hair, I believe this is inaccurate. Most people think of modern plastic brushes when they think of brushing their hair; there is no need to use a plastic brush on your hair once the tangles are out.

Using a boar bristle brush a hundred strokes makes a lot more sense. After your hair gets a certain length, washing it is usually done every 2 or 3 days instead of every day, and for some people once a week. When you wash your hair like that, brushing with a boar bristle brush is a way to spread the oils from your scalp all the way down your hair shaft, protecting it and making it soft and shiny, as well as keeping your scalp from looking oily. This is done on non-wash days, obviously, and I do this regularly, to keep the strands protected by my natural sebum.

[Gabrielle Proctor]

DeathRetard . . .are you saying that a suppliment will effect how often I have to wash my hair?
I already take MaxiGrow that I get from my local choice of places to shop.
I am sure you are great at your job and they have a fantastic staff . . .personally the last 3 times I have walked into local GNC my experience was not that great. (As in if someone walks in don't automatically assume they are there for weigh loss or prenatal)


I use garnier fructis length and strength system. I use the shampoo, the conditioner, and the leave in serum/conditioner. It's affordable and it has been working alright for me so far. And I have your exact problem! I HAVE to wash my hair everyday or it looks like I'm trying to revive the grunge rock look.

[Irving Patrick Freleigh]

I may try the biotin. I have rather thin hair and have been washing with a special shampoo called Nioxin because it's supposed to degunkify my scalp and allow my hair to grow thicker. Or something like that.

If I had thicker hair there would be more ways to style it. Every time I try to get adventurous and try a new style out of a book at the hair salon, the stylist always says my hair's too thin. :cry:

I also have to wash daily, otherwise my hair feels really gross.

[Igorina]

Thanks for all the advice!

I've started the Biotin in addition to a standard Multi-vitamen.

I have only ever used boar's hair brushes. My hair will eat any other type.

RK: I want to experiment with cocoa butter on the tips now....

[Becks]

I still love this thread. :D

I will look up tips for growing longer hair, and I saw it mentioned here--lay off the blowdrying.

What about us that NEVER blowdry?

I wonder if short hair is in my genes?

Oh, and add me to the camp that has to wash their hair every day. Mine gets so greasy I probably could fry chicken in it.

[myswtghst]

For those complaining of grease and the need to wash every day, I would recommend that you make sure to concentrate on the scalp/roots when shampooing your hair, and don't lather the ends - it keeps them from drying out, and keeps you from damaging them by rubbing the shampoo in. When my hair gets gunky, I love Paul Mitchell's Tea Tree shampoo - the mint makes it feel really tingly and clean. It also can help if you try to keep the conditioner on the ends, and away from the roots.

And in addition to that, I'm a huge fan of dry shampoo - you can even use baby powder for this - I use it on my bangs when I don't shower every day, but my bangs get a tad oily. You just shake a little on, brush it through, and voila! Grease soaked up and my hair smells good. :) The dry shampoo I've used is from Oscar Blandi - bought at Sephora.

As a general rule, no matter what you're trying to acheive, making sure to massage your scalp (either when shampooing, or when brushing) is always a good thing. It increases blood flow and can help you get a healthier scalp. Personally, I'll use some type of oil if my hair/scalp is dry, which it is during the winter, and I'll use a tonic when my hair is greasier. I do that before I shower, so I can shampoo out the "leftovers." I use tonic and oil from a brand called DHC - dhconline.com.

And you can count me in as someone who switches things up constantly. I've got at least 4 each in my shower of different types of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Currently, I've been switching between the shampoo/conditioner combo mentioned in my first post on this thread, along with Barex Colour Care, Pantene Pro-V Anti-Breakage (which smells fantastic!) and a few others. I've noticed my hair seems to respond better when I do a bit of switching back and forth, including a clarifying shampoo maybe once a week, and a deep conditioner 1-2x weekly.

Hope all this helps - I've enjoyed reading all the responses on here, although I think once my hair gets long enough, I'm chopping off 8-12in to donate. :) Doesn't hurt to keep it healthy in the meantime.

[Bella_Vixen]

Like Becks, I am loving this thread.

Count me in as someone who has to wash her hair every day. Not only that, I have to use a different shampoo every day. Yes, I actually have 7-10 different kinds of shampoo in my bathroom at any given time.

It's funny though...I don't actually shampoo the ends much, and that's without concious thought. I shampoo the top of my head, then run my hands down the rest of my hair to get it soaped up just enough to hold it's shape when I pull it up so I can clean my neck and ears. :lol:

[Swordsman422]

Being somewhat of a geek in this area, may I suggest checking out an actual hair forum.

http://www.longhaircommunity.com/

This is a really good one, and hair stuff is all they talk about. And If you need any proof that they know how to grow it, you should check out some of the measurements. A few of them have knee and floor-length hair, and I think one girl there has in excess of 90 inches.

[DarthRetard]

I checked it out, they're pretty knowledgeable alright.

[sportsmom]

I have to go with putting your hair up at night, prenatal vitamins are good and don't brush it when wet, use a comb.

My stylist told me that the best non-salon products out there are the Aussie brand products. My 13yo and I use the cleanse and mend products and I love them. I also like Mane and Tail.

[Giggle Goose]

I can tell you what NOT to do.

-Dye your hair every 3 weeks (me)

-Blow dry and heat style it every day (me)

-Pull it back a lot (me)

I think my lifestyle is why my hair doesn't grow as fast as it should....but I'd rather have it red, straight and shoulder length than light brown, poofy and long....:p

[wagegoth]

My hair's on the fine side, but thick. I've had it past my waist several times.

I'll back up most of the advice here. Take your vitamins. Get your sleep. Easy on the heat styling. Trim it 1/2 an inch about every 8 to 10 weeks.

Here's what I'll add:

You can blow dry your hair, but do it on a lower temperature and keep the dryer several inches from your hair. Get an ionic dryer. They really do work better. I picked up an ionic, tourmaline dryer at Costco for $20. It works fast and my hair is great. Also, use a leave-in conditioner. There are plenty of good, spray-on conditioners, ask your stylist or at the beauty supply. They'll give you an extra level of protection while you style your hair.

I wash my hair sometimes every day, sometimes every other day, depending. I also color it regularly. I used to perm it regularly, but I've stopped that since I started coloring it. I use good (yes, expensive) shampoo. However, I have learned that expensive shampoo really isn't. You use a lot less, so it really doesn't cost much more than the cheap stuff, and your hair comes out so much better.

I P Freleigh, I would suggest you try KMS Dandruff Shampoo. Even if you don't have dandruff, it clears the scalp of anything blocking the hair follicles. It's really gentle; I even used it on my babies for cradle cap.

If you want curls, steam rollers are the gentlest. Cushioned heat rollers are next. Irons are the worst. If you're going out and want something fancy, pin your hair back and/or up loosely, then just curl a few strands. Put in a fancy barrette or two.

Long hair is beautiful, but it's a lot of work. The work doesn't stop once the hair has grown in.

[blas87]

Pantene Pro-V Anti Breakage Shampoo? Haha, they think they can redeem themselves from all the damage they've caused to so many women? I bet it's just as waxy as all other Pantene shampoos.

BTW....you won't find this in Wal-Mart shampoo or conditioner, but if you are serious about having tough hair, look for a shampoo with protein in it. You may have to go a salon to buy some. You need protein for your hair to make it stronger.

[DarthRetard]

Blas, not to say you're wrong, or anything like that, but where exactly did you find this out...?

[wagegoth]

Pantene and the other conditioners don't say "wax" in the ingredients, they say "carnauba," which is a type of wax, something they use on wood. Would you put that on your hair?

My sister has her own salon. She told me about that stuff back in the 80s.

[DarthRetard]

Re-read what I said wagegoth. I wasn't saying Pantene was good, hell i dont...wait, lemme check.....Yeah, I use TreSemme. Dont know how good it is, but it seems to get the job done.

I was just asking how that was determined, cause I didn't know, to be completely honest, and if it's something bad, and I can let my customers know about it, I'd like to be able to explain why, lol.

[Jester]

I OBJECT!!!

Here we have an entire thread about someone trying to grow their hair long, and not ONE SINGLE PICTURE?

For those of us who have a thing for long hair on women, this whole thread is just a big FAT tease! :lol:

[Seshat]

Pantene and the other conditioners don't say "wax" in the ingredients, they say "carnauba," which is a type of wax, something they use on wood. Would you put that on your hair?

There's also stuff they use in manufacturing iron and metal products. It's a chemical compound used for a variety of industrial purposes, and a major solvent. It's called 'water'.

Just because something's used for industrial purposes, doesn't stop it from being useful on hair or skin or teeth or whatever. And some waxes ARE helpful for hair - and some are helpful for skin, too. Beeswax and shea 'butter' are common in health and beauty treatments.

I don't personally know anything about carnauba, but 'it's something they use on wood' doesn't tell me anything about whether it's good or bad for hair.

[blas87]

I was told by the last girl who cut and colored my hair. She showed me severe breakage of my hair and asked what shampoo I'd been using. She said in college, they'd test to see how "waxy" a certain shampoo was by holding a lighter under a spoonful. Pantene was the worst.

[Igorina]

I OBJECT!!!

Here we have an entire thread about someone trying to grow their hair long, and not ONE SINGLE PICTURE?

For those of us who have a thing for long hair on women, this whole thread is just a big FAT tease! :lol:


Ummm....This is the most current shot (circa Halloween) of the hair I'm trying to grow out.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Okay, I'm a hardcore hair farmer from way back, and here's some pics when my hair was pretty much to my waist. You can see it well because most of these shots were taken from behind me. For you, Jester.

http://www.drunkenmariners.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=2197

I can't believe I walked around the Pennsic heat with all that draped all over me. On the other hand....looked pretty awesome, though. :o This was what, six years ago, I think. My hair is still long, it's just not THIS long. It's now cut into shaggy layers to about the middle of my back. I don't know if I have any pics that show it off that are current. If I find some I will post.

Okay, found one. http://bordervalekeep.com/Images/Dulcy/Dsc01202a.jpg

EDIT: Oops. Yeah. I'm the chick in the blue doublet with the huge mass of black hair.

[Shabo]

I used to use Garnier Fructis defrizz, and my hair loved it. My scalp, on the other hand, is really picky. If my hair finds a good shampoo, my scalp will get some weird buildup and get itchy. It's not like flakes of dandruff, but it's like caked on white stuff. I really can't describe it better than that. I tried switching to Herbal Essences hydration shampoo, and my hair dried out. So luckily, I have a happy medium with the warring factions with the Paul Mitchell line. In the winter, I couple it up with Pert Plus shampoo and Paul Mitchell conditioner to keep the gunk down. (My scalp got worse with Head and Shoulders- I still don't understand why).

I used to have long hair, and since it took forever to blowdry it, I never bothered. I didn't really take great care of it, but I did dye it and use Paul Mitchell shampoos and conditioners, so the split ends took care of themselves. I guess I was just lucky.

To those of you who don't want to break the bank with shampoos and such, Paul Mitchell has an annual "back to school" sale where they sell HUGE bottles of shampoo and matching conditioner, 2 for $22. It lasted me just over an entire semester of college, and I use more than the recommended amount of product. I could easily get through nearly a year of school with two of those deals.

My problem is that my hair is short now (for almost a year!) and it's impossible to shampoo my hair without getting the ends or to condition just the ends without getting (some of) my scalp.

And of course, picture time.

First one is from my freshman year of college. It was Halloween night. Second is my short haired self at my bro's wedding from this summer.

[wagegoth]

Re-read what I said wagegoth. I wasn't saying Pantene was good, hell i dont...wait, lemme check.....Yeah, I use TreSemme. Dont know how good it is, but it seems to get the job done.

I was just asking how that was determined, cause I didn't know, to be completely honest, and if it's something bad, and I can let my customers know about it, I'd like to be able to explain why, lol.

DR, I wasn't replying to your comment, someone had mentioned wax earlier, and I has forgotten to mention it in an earlier posting.

Seshat, it's true, just because it's used for a number of different purposes does not mean it's bad for another, but wax is bad for your hair. Companies put it in products to make your hair look shiny.

[blas87]

Here, this might make more sense.

Using Pantene over a period of time is like licking your lips in cold weather. At first, they feel moisty and healthy and good. Later on, they chap and crack.

I don't want to scare anyone who casually uses Pantene or buys little bottles for vacations. I'd been using it for a long time when the breakage happened.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

I've used Pantene, with good results, but then I never buy the same shampoo brand twice in a row. I may return to it, but since I only wash my hair 2x a week, I might not see that same shampoo again for up to a year. I think it's a good idea to switch up very frequently.

Really, I don't rely on shampoo to give me good hair. I think there's only so much shampoo can really do for you. Keep it healthy, keep yourself healthy, keep it protected from sun and blowdryers and unhealthy habits, and that will do more for you than any shampoo or product can.

[Seshat]

Sebum is the oil your body produces to keep skin and hair healthy. Jojoba oil is very similar to sebum, and other oils such as olive oil are close enough to do the job.

The purpose of shampoos (or soap, for your skin) is to remove any excess sebum, and to clear it of dirt and sweat residue.

The purpose of conditioners and skin creams is to restore any shortage of sebum, and in some cases to introduce other substances to produce specific effects.

If your skin produces excess sebum or unusually thick sebum, you can end up with your old skin cells getting stuck together by the sebum. This tends to cause acne or acne-like problems. Exfoliation is about scraping off these stuck skin cells, but most people can get enough exfoliation for this purpose with a bit of towelling (eg: a flannel or face washer).

Exfoliation will also remove sebum, which is why you're supposed to condition or moisturise your skin afterwards.

Knowing the purpose of the shampoo (or soap) and conditioner will help you choose what you want to use.

If you have oily skin and hair, you have excess sebum - but remember, the sebum from your body only affects the hair that's next to the skin. With long hair, you've almost certainly got a shortage of sebum near the tips.

You can spread sebum from the roots of your hair towards the tips with a natural-bristle brush, especially something like a boar-bristle brush. Never use the boar-bristle brush to detangle your hair. Detangle with your fingers, or with a gentle detangling comb or brush with smooth teeth, then use the boar-bristle brush to spread the sebum towards the tips.

If you have dry skin and hair, you have a shortage of sebum. Use shampoo and soap sparingly, and then oil your skin and hair with moisturiser, conditioner, or even a few drops of sebum-like oil. To use oil on your hair, just put a couple of drops on your palms, then starting at the bottom of the earlobes, smooth your palms down the length of your hair, trying to touch your palms to each strand - or at least most strands.

If you're lucky enough to be 'normal', make up your own routine based on what each part of your body and hair seems to be most like.

If you're unlucky enough to have thick sebum and dry skin and hair (like me), exfoliate regularly and lavish the moisturiser/conditioner/oil on.

[BookstoreEscapee]

I have fine hair, but I used to have it down to my hips (sorry, Jester, I only have one good pic and it's not on the computer). I used to braid it at night to keep it from getting all tangled (also to keep it from getting caught under my sleeping self and pulled).

My favorite elastics are scunci No Damage Soft and Light Elastics ...they're made from hosiery material...they have no metal, and actually no seam at all (most metal-free elastics are glued); and they come in a dark brown that almost exactly matches my hair :) (they have all brown, all black, and multi-colored packs). The only places I've found them so far have been CVS and Wegmans (grocery store). Then again, the only other place I usually shop for that stuff is Target and they don't carry scunci brand.

I saw a new Herbal Essences meant for long hair you might want to check out. Their cutesy name for it is "Long Term Relationship" and it has "raspberry and satin" whatever that means. I sniffed it at the store today and it smelled pretty good. I've been using Sunsilk Anti Flat, but I am also one who tends to switch to something else every bottle or two. I might go for Herbal Essences Body Envy again next time. White nectarine and something, smells yummy (smell is a big selling point for me; if it works well but I don't like the smell I'm not gonna buy it; on the other hand, if it doesn't work well I won't use it even if it smells like heaven). I always go for body-building formulas since my hair tends to be flat (and a little oily, since it's fine and straight, it shows more quickly so I have to wash it every day, too). Part of the reason I got bangs again after about 5 years of not having them (but I had them cut longer so they sort of sweep to the side); most days that's the only part I blow-dry, and depending on the weather and my mood I'll just let the rest dry loose or put it up in a clip or whatever.

As a general rule, you want to concentrate your shampoo at the top and your conditioner at the bottom. I also keep a wide-tooth comb in the shower and comb conditioner through my hair, starting at the bottom and working up to about ear-level, then I just run whatever diluted product is left on my hands through the top of my hair right before I rinse.

[blas87]

I was watching an infomercial for all natural shampoo last night, and they were saying that all retail shampoos are bad for our hair because of the sodium laureth sulfate. I guess the point they were trying to make was that we are all practically washing our hair with dishsoap. Everything in the shampoos we use strips our hair of everything good that it naturally produces.

*Disclaimer* I may be talking out of my ass. I know infomercials can claim the sky is really purple and we're supposed to believe it. I also understand that nowadays, everything is taking a mineral or "natural" approach.

[Rapscallion]

Sodium Laureth Sulphate has not, as far as I am aware, been described as harmful by any reputable study. The whole problem with this claim is that a MLM by the name Neway produced a shampoo that didn't contain Sodium Laureth Sulphate or the near neighbour in chemical terms, Laurel Sulphate. They produced 'evidence' in the form of a study from a professor at the University of Georgia that it caused cataracts in the eyes of young children and was a carcinogen.

It was hogwash. The professor exists, but the educational establishment in question doesn't, and the study he made doesn't say anything like what was claimed.

I wouldn't be surprised if this latest claim was riding in on the back of this. It's a very good cleaning agent. It is, I will grant, a known skin irritant, but so are essential oils. Just don't leave it on too long, and make sure you rinse it all out - it strips the crap off your skin and hair.

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/shampoo.asp for more information.

Rapscallion

[Primer]

And in addition to that, I'm a huge fan of dry shampoo - you can even use baby powder for this - I use it on my bangs when I don't shower every day, but my bangs get a tad oily. You just shake a little on, brush it through, and voila! Grease soaked up and my hair smells good. :) The dry shampoo I've used is from Oscar Blandi - bought at Sephora.

Last year, when I had to have back surgery and was not able to wash my hair on a regular basis, I went searching for commercial dry shampoo, and could not find any, anywhere. With a little research online,and at home, I found out that plain old cornstarch works wonderfully.

Other than that, I know that nobody wants to hear this, but I have hair that just grows. I do not blow dry, trim, or use any special shampoos. It takes about 3 years to get back down to my waist, from shoulder length. I have had to cut it short twice over the last 4 years due to surgeries where I would not be able to take care of it, but otherwise I just let it go.

[iradney]

GRRRR ARRRRRRG necro posting!

So my hairdresser tells me if I want my hair to grow faster, I should take folic acid.

BUT
A side effect (affect? effect?) of taking extra folate is an increase in fertility....and quite frankly, I'm all about my dog at the moment, not ready for little iradneys or TTOs (as adorable as they may be).

SO
is it true?

[ThePhoneGoddess]

I do know that folic acid is one of the main ingredients in pre-natal vitamins, because a developing fetus uses so much of it. Apparently studies show it helps fertility too.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/healthmain.html?in_article_id=412334&in_page_id=1774

[iradney]

Thanks, TPG. I found some more info:

If your body is in good health, you can maximize your genetic growth cycle through taking the proper blend of amino acids and B-vitamins.

It is also important to include B-6, biotin, Inositol and folic acid in the supplemental program. It has been found that certain minerals including magnesium, sulfur, silica and zinc are also very important toward maintaining healthy hair.

Beta-carotene is also essential to hair growth. This is because it is converted to vitamin A as the body needs it, helps maintain normal growth and bone development, protective sheathing around nerve fibers, as well as promoting healthy skin, hair and nails.

Beta-carotene is found in green and yellow vegetables and fruits.

Protein Is Important

Since hair is protein, a diet that is too low in protein may cause some thinning in hair or a retardation in the growth cycle. The converse is true, If you eat a protein-rich diet it will often result in improved hair growth.

Some nutritional experts suggest the dietary utilization of calves liver, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and a daily dose of two tablespoons of granulated lecithin to maximize hair growth, strength and beauty.

Other good food sources for protein include fish, eggs, beans and yogurt. Soy protein has also been found to be helpful in stimulating hair growth.

One study of the results of soy on the hair found that it not only strengthened the hair but caused it to grow. A great source of soy is tofu.

found at http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip214.htm

I have no idea how true all of this is, but it does seem to promote the idea that a healthy diet helps with hair growth and health, which is a good thing in the long run, right?

[Shangri-laschild]

While I don't know about products much, I have hair that's longer than my waist and just a few tips...

Make sure you completely brush it out every night and morning. The mornings I forget I shed like crazy. This also could be because of bad products though :) but be prepared for shedding and brushing it out seems to get the hairs that are going to come out out on the brush instead of stuck to everything else...it sucks!

Also, once it gets long enough, as far as the putting it up thing, I have a really hard time putting mine up with a scrunchy or hair tie. I don't sit still very well and they just don't stay in for very long. Chopsticks on the other hand, do keep my hair up with no problem whatsoever. I have no problem and it's not loose. Good luck! It's definetly fun to have!

[ThePhoneGoddess]

Shangri-laschild, have you ever tried the newer industrial strength, spiral/rubber hair ties that are out now? I think they are by Goody. Scrunchies and small hair ties don't work on my hair, so I buy the wide, thick, flat ones without the metal piece, that have the spiral of rubber going through them. they hold hair really well.

My hair is super slick and barrettes, chopsticks andheadbands slip right out. I'm jealous that you can use chopsticks. I can't even put velcro curlers in my hair, it's so slick and shiny the velcro won't hold. :(

[Shangri-laschild]

Shangri-laschild, have you ever tried the newer industrial strength, spiral/rubber hair ties that are out now? I think they are by Goody. Scrunchies and small hair ties don't work on my hair, so I buy the wide, thick, flat ones without the metal piece, that have the spiral of rubber going through them. they hold hair really well.

My hair is super slick and barrettes, chopsticks andheadbands slip right out. I'm jealous that you can use chopsticks. I can't even put velcro curlers in my hair, it's so slick and shiny the velcro won't hold. :(

Normally most things can't stay in my hair. The hair ties don't work because I end up moving around so much that the bun becomes a big loop hanging out. Haven't tried what you are suggesting but will really have to take a look, thanks!

How do you do the chopsticks? Not sure how you do it but here's how I do it: (not sure if there are multiple ways and I just sort of figured it out on my own so forgive me if I'm being obvious.) twist hair really tight, till it kind of naturally spins as I move it around in a circle behind my head (kind of like when you twist a string and it makes a second bigger twist/loop thing) and then stick the chopstick in the second to last loop. Of course I get so irritated with my hair some days that I sometimes do them tight enough to slightly hurt the first couple minutes! That may be the big part of it. Maybe try glittery or wooden chopsticks though? They would be rougher and not slide out as easily.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Try these:
http://www.craftycelts.com/celtic_hair.html

The hair forks are AMAZING. I have two of them. I also have a couple sets of the sticks. See how the metal is twisted back and forth to make that wavy pattern? The texture grabs your hair and they don't slide out.

Here's how I wear chopsticks (and any other kinds of sticks, including the forks): I bend over and flip my hair over my head and brush it out and down. I grab it in a ponytail, still flipped over my head, and center it where I want it to center. then I braid it as close to the end as I can, and then roll it under itself. I take a stick or a fork, and stick it into the roll from the side, working it over and under so that it interlaces the rolled braid and the hair lying over my scalp.

I can do this with a single pencil and no other means of support. But I stick more in anyways, just so it stays good and solid. I put another one in front to back, and tilted slightly to the right in front (I'm right handed.)

[Emrld]

I also have hair that hair things just slide off
I am able to use a single hairstick to keep my hair up
make a flat bun
start by putting stick in at an upward angle in the almost outer "ring" when you feel the tip at your scalp, lift the part of the stick in your hand that has not gone into hair so that it goes to the top of your head then push the stick downward through the rest of the hair

ya know it is so much easier to just show someone than tell them

[Shangri-laschild]

I also have hair that hair things just slide off
I am able to use a single hairstick to keep my hair up
make a flat bun
start by putting stick in at an upward angle in the almost outer "ring" when you feel the tip at your scalp, lift the part of the stick in your hand that has not gone into hair so that it goes to the top of your head then push the stick downward through the rest of the hair

ya know it is so much easier to just show someone than tell them

Made sense to me! I keep loosing my pens at work because I get irritated with my hair and use them to put it up and then forget about them and then all my work pens are at home!