Guy wanting to grow hair out and keep it healthy.

[goldenears]

Hi Everyone :D

My name is Scott, I'm a 31 year old guy from England.
My hair is straight, chemically untreated, normal/slightly dry.
In the interests of caring for my hair whilst it grows out, I have purchased the following products:

John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair. (http://johnmasters.com/products/hair-care/lavender-rosemary-shampoo.html)
John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler. (http://johnmasters.com/products/hair-care/citrus-neroli-detangler.html)
John Masters Organics 100% Pure Argan Oil.
(http://johnmasters.com/products/body-care/argan-oil.html)
Tiana Fair Trade Organic Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. (http://www.tiana-coconut.com/products/coconut-oil/)

I plan on soaking my hair in coconut oil overnight once a fortnight.
Cleaning and conditioning my hair every 3-4 days or whenever necessary.
I will be applying a couple of drops of argan oil to clean damp hair after every wash and allowing it to air dry.

In the word of Annie Wilkes... "Did I do good?"

[Clarkie]

I'm not familiar with the specific products you mention but the idea of only washing a couple of times a week, air drying and oiling are great!
I've noticed a huge improvement in the condition of my hair by doing the very same, however I CO wash and I apply a few drops of oil to my ends almost every night.
Good luck! You'll find loads of great hair care info here :)

[goldenears]

I'm not familiar with the specific products you mention but the idea of only washing a couple of times a week, air drying and oiling are great!
I've noticed a huge improvement in the condition of my hair by doing the very same, however I CO wash and I apply a few drops of oil to my ends almost every night.
Good luck! You'll find loads of great hair care info here :)

Hi Clarkie

Thanks for the reply. I totally didn't like the John Masters Shampoo and Conditioner, it was too heavy and greasy despite only using a small amount of the detangler and rinsing like crazy. I've changed over to Pureology precious Oil Shampoo & Masque and what a difference. I think I may of actually found the perfect combo for my hair. It has no protein and silicone which tend to build up really quickly on my hair, probably because it's undamaged. What oil do you like to use if you don't mind me asking?

[Clarkie]

Hi Clarkie

Thanks for the reply. I totally didn't like the John Masters Shampoo and Conditioner, it was too heavy and greasy despite only using a small amount of the detangler and rinsing like crazy. I've changed over to Pureology precious Oil Shampoo & Masque and what a difference. I think I may of actually found the perfect combo for my hair. It has no protein and silicone which tend to build up really quickly on my hair, probably because it's undamaged. What oil do you like to use if you don't mind me asking?

I use Orofluido which is a combination of Argan, Cyperus and Linseed oil on my ends. I love it but it does have a sort of vanilla/musk fragrance, not sure if a guy would be ok with smelling like that lol!
I also use coconut oil all over every couple of weeks but have noticed a bit of shedding when I do that so I may keep it away from my scalp in the future. My hair isn't a fan of protein either, makes the ends rather crunchy :( and I am trying to use silicone free conditioners as well.
It's really great that you've found out what your hair likes so soon in the game. Sometimes it can take months to figure it out.
Where do you get the Pureology products?

[Madora]

Hi Everyone :D

My name is Scott, I'm a 31 year old guy from England.
My hair is straight, chemically untreated, normal/slightly dry.
In the interests of caring for my hair whilst it grows out, I have purchased the following products:

John Masters Organics Lavender Rosemary Shampoo for Normal Hair. (http://johnmasters.com/products/hair-care/lavender-rosemary-shampoo.html)
John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler. (http://johnmasters.com/products/hair-care/citrus-neroli-detangler.html)
John Masters Organics 100% Pure Argan Oil.
(http://johnmasters.com/products/body-care/argan-oil.html)
Tiana Fair Trade Organic Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. (http://www.tiana-coconut.com/products/coconut-oil/)

I plan on soaking my hair in coconut oil overnight once a fortnight.
Cleaning and conditioning my hair every 3-4 days or whenever necessary.
I will be applying a couple of drops of argan oil to clean damp hair after every wash and allowing it to air dry.

In the word of Annie Wilkes... "Did I do good?"

Goldenears, here is a video tutorial by LHC's own Heidi W that describes how to oil your hair using coconut oil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjVwPKMQDYk

If you don't want your hair to dry out from all that oiling, conditioning, you're going to have to dial it back. Condition only once a week. Keep oiling to a minimum and keep it off your scalp.

You might find this interesting: The Drying Capacities of Oil by former LHC member/hair guru: Ktani: http://ktanihairsense.blogspot.com/2011/12/understanding-drying-capacity-of-oils.html

You might want to peruse other topics in Ktani's hairsense blog: she covers a wide range of topics concerning hair care. All of ther work is vigorously researched by her. She really knows her stuff!

[iluvbooks]

Just popped in to say I think it's awesome when guys grow their hair out! Good luck :)

[rusika1]

Hi, Goldenears! I would suggest you introduce changes in steps. Find shampoo and conditioner that make you, your hair, and your scalp happy before you start oiling. (The shampoo and conditioner don't have to match, by the way.)

It's really tempting to jump straight in and change your entire routine at once, but it can make it a little more difficult to identify the culprit if you have poor results. Maybe your hair won't like coconut oil (it happens), or maybe you can only apply it when your hair is wet.

Have you looked at the recipe for SMT in the herbal hair care section? http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=128

[rusika1]

Hi, Goldenears! I would suggest you introduce changes in steps. Find shampoo and conditioner that make you, your hair, and your scalp happy before you start oiling. (The shampoo and conditioner don't have to match, by the way.)

It's really tempting to jump straight in and change your entire routine at once, but it can make it a little more difficult to identify the culprit if you have poor results. Maybe your hair won't like coconut oil (it happens), or maybe you can only apply it when your hair is wet.

Have you looked at the recipe for SMT in the herbal hair care section? http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=128

[goldenears]

I use Orofluido which is a combination of Argan, Cyperus and Linseed oil on my ends. I love it but it does have a sort of vanilla/musk fragrance, not sure if a guy would be ok with smelling like that lol!
I also use coconut oil all over every couple of weeks but have noticed a bit of shedding when I do that so I may keep it away from my scalp in the future. My hair isn't a fan of protein either, makes the ends rather crunchy :( and I am trying to use silicone free conditioners as well.
It's really great that you've found out what your hair likes so soon in the game. Sometimes it can take months to figure it out.
Where do you get the Pureology products?

I've heard of Orofluido, it's made by Schwarzkopf? Vanilla musk sounds lovely, although my fragrance would probably dominate and mask the smell. I'm unsure of coconut oil now, I've had a breakout on my chin and a couple on my forehead. I might have to stop using it or perhaps use less, hmmm not sure yet. Yes! crunchy ends is a better description. I'm still getting fabulous results from the Pureology, I purchased it from an online authorised reseller here in the UK called www.lookfantastic.com

[goldenears]

Goldenears, here is a video tutorial by LHC's own Heidi W that describes how to oil your hair using coconut oil:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjVwPKMQDYk

If you don't want your hair to dry out from all that oiling, conditioning, you're going to have to dial it back. Condition only once a week. Keep oiling to a minimum and keep it off your scalp.

You might find this interesting: The Drying Capacities of Oil by former LHC member/hair guru: Ktani: http://ktanihairsense.blogspot.com/2011/12/understanding-drying-capacity-of-oils.html

You might want to peruse other topics in Ktani's hairsense blog: she covers a wide range of topics concerning hair care. All of ther work is vigorously researched by her. She really knows her stuff!

Hi Madora

Thanks for the video link, I had a look and it's really informative. I suspect I might be using too much coconut oil because I have had a horrible breakout on my chin and forehead. I will also take a look at Ktani's blog, I love learning about hair.

[goldenears]

Just popped in to say I think it's awesome when guys grow their hair out! Good luck :)

I've tried growing it out before but ended up giving up and shaving it all off. I feel different about growing it out now for some reason, I have the patience. Thanks for the encouragement!

[goldenears]

Hi, Goldenears! I would suggest you introduce changes in steps. Find shampoo and conditioner that make you, your hair, and your scalp happy before you start oiling. (The shampoo and conditioner don't have to match, by the way.)

It's really tempting to jump straight in and change your entire routine at once, but it can make it a little more difficult to identify the culprit if you have poor results. Maybe your hair won't like coconut oil (it happens), or maybe you can only apply it when your hair is wet.

Have you looked at the recipe for SMT in the herbal hair care section? http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=128

Hi rusika1

I appreciate the advice and I want to thank you for sharing your experience with coconut oil. I'll take a look at the recipe, I've heard good things about it. I'm intrigued! Thanks for your message.