Some tips please?

[Kherome]

I'm brand new here to the forum and I've read through many of the sticky threads to learn what the abbreviations mean and such. Whew there is so much!

I'm currently at waist length I think? I'll post a photo in my avatar for you to look at and tell me if that is correct?

Can anyone give me some starting off tips? Like "never use this type of brush/clip/products" or "always do this" etc? I'm hoping to pick up some good products tomorrow. Tips on a when to do treatments, and what sort to do? Any help getting started appreciated!

[Kherome]

Ok the photo is up in my avatar. I don't know any other way to post it so I hope that works!

[christine1989]

As you will learn there is no "never" and "always" when dealing with hair. What is disasterous for some will work wonders for others. That being said, here are a few tips that seem to be popular among most here on LHC:

1. Coconut oil- makes hair soft and moisturized, esecially good on dry ends.
2. Wide tooth combs- less damaging than brushes and better for detangling.
3. SMT- a combonation of aloe, conditioner and honey. I haven't tried it for myself but others rave about it.
4. No heat styling!- This one pretty much applies to everyone. Heat damages so much so try to stay away from blowdryers and straighteners.
5. Protective updos- updos that protect your ends so they don't become faded or damaged. Hair that is down all the time gets tangled and the fragile ends can break eaiser.
6. Non SLS shampoo- shampoo without sulfate ingredients are less drying and from my experience reduce shedding.
7. Suppliments- Biotin, silica and MSM give some better hair growth.
8. Cones/no cones- some people's hair responds well to silicone ingredients in conditioner and others do not. You'll find out through trial and error.

There is so much more I could mention but I'm sure someone else will mention it. :)

[Bast]

Yep, that does look like you're at waist.

As to the hard and fast...pretty much the only solid rule is that there is no one rule. General guidelines include gentle handling, use wide-tooth combs instead of the plastic-ball hairbrushes, keeping it up, avoid the elastic hairties, avoid hot tools such as blow dryers and irons, and avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach. However, there are plenty of members here who do include the above in their normal routines.

http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=39 this is Ursula's standard newbies advice article, it's a good one to read first. After that, start asking questions and experiment to see what your hair and scalp likes. Some people get great results using CO, or going totally sulfate and 'cone free, no-poo, still more have discovered that they really do need the sulfates and 'cones, and always have to use shampoo.

The biggest thing to remember here, though, is to have fun!

[monsterna]

Welcome! I would say that is waist length from what I can see.

Hmm... some pretty basic advice:

1. Seamless combs and brushes are the best. Seams snag and rip hairs even when you're careful during combing/brushing. You can probably find some at Sally's, I think, but many, like me, get theirs online. It is also a good idea to finger comb before putting a comb through your hair! And always start combing from the ends to the scalp, not the other way around.

2. It's best not to wash with shampoo (at least an SLS-riddled one) every day. You can see a LOT of different ways people here wash their hair. CWC (condition, wash, condition again), CO (conditioner only, which is what I do every day until I decide to use a shampoo those couple times a week), WO (water only), etc, etc. Some like to dilute their shampoos and conditioners with water, oils, and other natural things.


That's extremely basic. Oh! Here is a link to a hair damage article I read last night that was very very helpful. http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=79

Click the "Articles" tab at the top of the page to find a plethora of info! It's a whole lot to take in.

Oh, I will also mention this. "Cones" are silicones. You'll come across lots of threads on them. Don't get a "cones are all evil!" mentality. Some people like them (my hair NEEDS them to not be a tangled, dry mess! and that's okay!), and some people don't. It depends on the hair type. Trial and error comes into play here.

That's also a good attitude to have about everything you find on this site, actually. Don't think you're weird or doing something wrong when certain things don't agree with you even though loads of other people do/like it! :) Have fun.

[Kherome]

Ok, about keeping my hair up, how do you recommend I do that? (With what tools) I usually use an 8 arm octopus type clip. I gather the hair in a low pony, twist it a bit and clip it. I worry that putting it up is hard on it, but leaving it down is a constant fight with tangles!

I don't color, or blow dry or perm etc. I usually comb it with a pick and I use a paddle brush sometimes after the pick if it needs it. The paddle brush has smooth flat soft plastic bristles. Is that bad?

[patienceneeded]

Welcome to the forum! I've only been here a month, so I'm pretty new too. There IS a lot of information found here. Best thing is to keep an open mind and be flexible to finding what works for you. I've discovered that there is no "right" way to care for you hair, everyone tweaks the advice to fit their needs. Read the various stickies, read though the more popular threads, and see what works for you! Have fun!

[Organic]

Thank you for this information. This is my first day on here. I am so glad you are all so helpful. I am here to learn. I want to grow my hair back out but I also want to stop dying it and let it be it's natural color which is probably white/gray. I need support on this.I think it is time.

[Allychan]

I am new here too. One of the interesting quotes I read from one tread is repetitive stress to the hair ie the same hairstyle used everyday especially the ones where you twist the hair or use a band tied around the hair can't be good for the hair. I always twist my hair up and then put a clip in it and I have noticed the breakage I have caused. I now do a loose braid.

[Kherome]

It'll be awful hard to give up my octoclip!

I think I might give the SMT a try tomorrow.

Is there any agreement on Salon vs Store product?

[Igor]

Well, there is always the article-section that contains a lot of top tips. Other than that:
Clever Hair Tips and Tricks (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=738&highlight=tip%2A)
Anyone want to give a new girl some tips? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=44745&highlight=tip%2A)
Best LHC Tips, Tricks, and Products (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=41277&highlight=tip%2A)
Hair growth tips! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=34766&highlight=tip%2A)
check out these long haired sisters and their tips (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=31444&highlight=tip%2A)
Top tips for growing long hair? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=27452&highlight=tip%2A)
Tips to get me started? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=17413&highlight=tip%2A)
Looking for any tips/advice I can get... (Tips to get me started? )
Summer Hair Care--tips and tricks (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=8485&highlight=tip%2A)
tips for growing long hair (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=607&highlight=tip%2A)
Serious help, tips, advice etc needed! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=51637&highlight=advice)
Basic advice? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=46330&highlight=advice)
Summer Hair Advice... please! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=46067&highlight=advice)
Desperately seeking help and advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=45536&highlight=advice)
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I need a rant and some advice please (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=43764&highlight=advice)
What "standard advice" DOESN'T work for your hair? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=43148&highlight=advice)
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Partial success of hair restoration and upkeep! Also: Advice pls (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=41150&highlight=advice)
advice needed: low dewpoint, humectants and moisture (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=39786&highlight=advice)
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Newbie Desperately Needs Advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18314&highlight=advice)
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[julliams]

For things to hold your hair up:

http://www.flexi8.com - love these - I have one in almost every size but use the XL one the most.
http://www.ketylo.com/servlet/StoreFront - Love these if you like the hair stick or hair fork idea
http://www.ficcare.com/Categories.aspx?id=1 - I don't have one of these but they are raved about at LHC

Hope this helps. I personally do use hair elastics and I don't have any trouble with them but I do buy the ones without the metal bit.

[Kherome]

I knew I wasn't the first ;)


Well, there is always the article-section that contains a lot of top tips. Other than that:
Clever Hair Tips and Tricks (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=738&highlight=tip%2A)
Anyone want to give a new girl some tips? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=44745&highlight=tip%2A)
Best LHC Tips, Tricks, and Products (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=41277&highlight=tip%2A)
Hair growth tips! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=34766&highlight=tip%2A)
check out these long haired sisters and their tips (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=31444&highlight=tip%2A)
Top tips for growing long hair? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=27452&highlight=tip%2A)
Tips to get me started? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=17413&highlight=tip%2A)
Looking for any tips/advice I can get... (http://Tips to get me started?)
Summer Hair Care--tips and tricks (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=8485&highlight=tip%2A)
tips for growing long hair (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=607&highlight=tip%2A)
Serious help, tips, advice etc needed! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=51637&highlight=advice)
Basic advice? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=46330&highlight=advice)
Summer Hair Advice... please! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=46067&highlight=advice)
Desperately seeking help and advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=45536&highlight=advice)
Seeking advice from helpful hair gurus (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=43734&highlight=advice)
I need a rant and some advice please (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=43764&highlight=advice)
What "standard advice" DOESN'T work for your hair? (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=43148&highlight=advice)
New Member... in need of advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=42745&highlight=advice)
New guy here, looking for advice! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=42339&highlight=advice)
New member! Needs Hair Advice! :) (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=42902&highlight=advice)
I really could use some advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=42423&highlight=advice)
Partial success of hair restoration and upkeep! Also: Advice pls (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=41150&highlight=advice)
advice needed: low dewpoint, humectants and moisture (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=39786&highlight=advice)
Split end advice... (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=36523&highlight=advice)
Need Advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=37236&highlight=advice)
Newbie Need Advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=37190&highlight=advice)
I recently found a bald spot! I need some advice :( (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=37921&highlight=advice)
Gentle hair care? Advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=36897&highlight=advice)
I need advice on combing on washing days... (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=36519&highlight=advice)
advice for split end obsession (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=35223&highlight=advice)
new to the community :) advice please (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=32669&highlight=advice)
Ahhh! Frustrated! Need some advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=30003&highlight=advice)
Need an advice. (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=24452&highlight=advice)
need advice ..after washing ! (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=21756&highlight=advice)
advice needed (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=20299&highlight=advice)
Newbie Desperately Needs Advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=18314&highlight=advice)
Need advice for S&D (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=17261&highlight=advice)
Looking for any tips/advice I can get... (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=14765&highlight=advice)
Advice on my hair please... (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=12236&highlight=advice)
Need Advice for fine hair (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=11740&highlight=advice)
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Porous hair advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=5005&highlight=advice)
Breakage advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=4368&highlight=advice)

[Madora]

Tips from over 40 years of experience:

1 Detangle with a wide tooth comb BEFORE brushing!
2 Correct way to detangle:
Take a small section of hair and comb from the
ends up. Go slowly until you reach the scalp.

Brush: AVOID NYLON! It damages the hair (I knew someone who used nylon and her hair was a horror).

3 Use a natural 100% boar bristle brush. This is the
gentlest brush to use on your hair. All BBBs are not created equal...some are stiffer than others, some have longer bristles than others. Be sure your
BBB feels comfortable in your hand.

4 Correct way to brush:
Bend at the waist, bring all your hair in front of you like a curtain, detangle gently with your comb, then brush slowly from the nape to the ends.

Washing:

5 Do not wash the dickens out of your hair! Unless you're very active, or have an oily scalp, washing once a week is enough.
6 Avoid 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner products. A shampoo is meant to cleanse and a conditioner is a totally different animal.

Drying:

7 Air dry! Avoid blow dryers/crimpers/curling irons/straightening/ironing/hot rollers and hair spray.

8 Try a satin or silk pillowcase for protecting your hair at night..or wear a silk/satin nightcap
9 Confine your hair at night so you don't wake to tangles in the morning. If you braid, braid loosely.

Hair Aids:

Don't use any elastics with a metal thingie in the center. Regular elastics (slip off variety or covered in fabric) are ok. Just remember to put them on in different places on the braid when you use them.

If you constantly put the rubber band (or hair stick) in the same place day after day, your hair will suffer the consequences.

Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water.

You might also want to look into biotin and other hair supplements.

Hair styling:

Try and avoid ponytails if possible. If you pony, then don't pull it tight because it puts too much tension on your delicate hair (especially the ones around the forehead).

Same thing goes for braiding..don't braid tightly.

Hairpins are a great help in holding styles securely. Bobby pins are meant for short hair.

To properly secure a hairpin in a style, push it through a bit of outside braid (or whatever), grab a little bit of scalp hair, and then weave it thru the hair. Pin at the 4 directions (north/south/east/west). Be sure your pins feel comfortable. Add more pins if desired.

Do search and destroy (S and D) trims on your hair to remove split ends or "white dots". Trim the ends every 4 months (or whenever you feel your hair needs it). Feye's self Trim method is easy to do on your hair.

[Meridon]

This is a very helpful thread, as I'm still finding ym way around here too - so thank you, and thanks Igor for all the other links too - it's going to take me a week to make my way through them all lol