View Full Version : Just starting, would love some tips :)
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 12:02 AM
I have been trying to grow my hair out for about 7 years. No matter how much hair I cut off I always end up with split ends and breakage, even with regular trims. I am a little weary of going to stylists because they very rarely listen to what I want and always end up taking a lot of hair off. My hair is very fine, and I don't really do a whole lot to it, but what are some things I could do to prevent future breakage and split ends while I get regular trims? :)
|Xei
May 20th, 2011, 01:10 AM
It would be easier to give you advice if you gave us an idea of how you're taking care of your hair right now. For example, how you wash, the products you use, what type of combs/brushes you use...etc. It'll also help if you tell us whether you heat style/chemically treat your hair, and how often you do so.
If your hair keeps splitting and breaking off like that, then I'm guessing there must be something in your routine that's causing that.
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 02:29 AM
Well as for washing I don't really have a routine. I wash and condition every time I shower. Sometimes I can go a couple days. When my hair is wet I sometimes put in some got 2 be smooth operator hair creme, and put it back in a messy bun and leave it. I will occasionally straighten or curl my hair, but I rarely ever do that. It's too time consuming and not good for hair. I barely ever blow dry. Maybe once every 6 months or something. And I have dyed it about 3 times I think in the last 3 or 4 years. I don't know what type of brush I have. It looks like this, only not as nice haha, and the rubber nubs at the ends are pretty much all off. http://www.google.ca/search?q=hair%20brushes&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1143&bih=473
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 02:29 AM
I totally uploaded a pic, but it doesn't look like it worked haha.
Lemur_Catta
May 20th, 2011, 02:34 AM
Well as for washing I don't really have a routine. I wash and condition every time I shower. Sometimes I can go a couple days. When my hair is wet I sometimes put in some got 2 be smooth operator hair creme, and put it back in a messy bun and leave it. I will occasionally straighten or curl my hair, but I rarely ever do that. It's too time consuming and not good for hair. I barely ever blow dry. Maybe once every 6 months or something. And I have dyed it about 3 times I think in the last 3 or 4 years. I don't know what type of brush I have. It looks like this, only not as nice haha, and the rubber nubs at the ends are pretty much all off. http://www.google.ca/search?q=hair%20brushes&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1143&bih=473
What do you use to secure your messy buns? Scrunchies are better than thin elastics, and hairsticks, pins and forks are even better than scrunchies :D
Besides, if your hair is long enough to be put into a bun, it probably rubs against the straps of your purse and things like that...so you might want to try to wear it in protective styles more often, especially as you have fine hair.
Do you chemically dye? You might be interested in henna, but it's *very* permanent, *quite* red and also it doesn't work for everyone, but many people have stronger hair and less splits and breakage with henna.
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 02:42 AM
A friend of mine was actually telling me I should use scrunchies instead. I just really don't like the way they look. I use thin elastics. I stopped using the ones with the metal binding thing on them, because they always break and my hair gets tangled in them. I could try using claw clips and things like that.
And I use chemical dyes. Just the box dye you can pretty much get anywhere. I don't really want to dye my hair anymore, I just did because I bought really expensive hair extensions and accidentally bought the wrong colour and couldn't exchange them.
I mainly just put my hair up while it's wet because if I don't it's a big frizzy mess if I let it dry when it's down.
annieangel149
May 20th, 2011, 02:49 AM
I totally uploaded a pic, but it doesn't look like it worked haha.
when you get to 25 posts you can upload pics i think!
the first think i changed when i came to LHC was the way i washed my hair! i did CWC wash which stands for Condition/Wash/Condition!
there is an article about it! i think its the pinned thread at the top of the mane forum page!
anyway... i wet my hair, then applied conditioner to the ends- the conditioner protects the ends from the more harsher shampoo! you do not need to rub shampoo into your ends! while the conditioner was still working its magic on my ends i apply shampoo to my scalp, massage , then rinsed both shampoo and conditioner, then applied conditioner to the whole head of hair, let it sit for as long as i felt it was needed then rinsed! this routine might not work for you! but it has for me!
Lemur_Catta
May 20th, 2011, 03:04 AM
A friend of mine was actually telling me I should use scrunchies instead. I just really don't like the way they look. I use thin elastics. I stopped using the ones with the metal binding thing on them, because they always break and my hair gets tangled in them. I could try using claw clips and things like that.
And I use chemical dyes. Just the box dye you can pretty much get anywhere. I don't really want to dye my hair anymore, I just did because I bought really expensive hair extensions and accidentally bought the wrong colour and couldn't exchange them.
I mainly just put my hair up while it's wet because if I don't it's a big frizzy mess if I let it dry when it's down.
Sometimes chemical dye damages hair and makes it change its texture, making it frizzy. Do you dye darker or lighter than your natural color?
If you don't like scrunchies, claw clips would be a better option.
Alvrodul
May 20th, 2011, 03:21 AM
Chemical dyes is definitely damaging for hair - when I still used chemical dyes, I used colors that were fairly close to my real hair color, and dyed it less often than the dyem manufacturer recommended - and I stayed the h*ll away from peroxide, since I had completely ruined my hair with it when I was young - and my hair really doesn't like bleach anyway!
You might also have a hard look at you detangling tools - your combs and brushes. I threw away all my old combs and brushes about a year ago, and invested in some good, seamless combs. I also got a BBB, but don't use it much - i really prefer the combs. And that has made a huge difference for my hair! My old, bad hair-killer brush and seam-infested combs did a lot of damage, too, and I can see and feel the difference in my hair!
Also try some SMT (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=128)s - most people's hair do well with that.
Mannaz
May 20th, 2011, 03:25 AM
Another option for cruncies: cut your elastics from old pantyhose :) I've done that for years.
It's good because you can cut big wide ones for buns and such and smaller ones for braids etc., there is no metal to rip your hair and when they all mystically disappear you can just cut new ones :)
alwayssmiling
May 20th, 2011, 04:06 AM
sulphate free shampoo has made a big difference to my hair because I am every day/ every second day washer. Nowhere near as dry (less breakage). I think we all have some breakage you know. It took me a long time to stop stressing over breakage because I always find a few splits even after a trim. You could try S&D or fayes self trim so you can be in control of how much gets cut. My hair didn't start growing past my shoulders until I gave up going to the HD's - they would always cut off exactly what I had grown.
vintage88
May 20th, 2011, 04:20 AM
hey i'm just starting too, and am exactly the same. I always seem to have spilt ends, but i've just ordered a silk cap to wear for bed, as i think the problem may be when im asleep and my hair ends up rubbing against the pillow even though I wear a braid! I'm hoping it will make a difference!:) x
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 01:56 PM
Thanks these all sound like excellent tips! The nylon elastic idea sounds great. I really like to just throw my hair up and go. (messy buns, ponytails) Like I said I really don't do a whole lot with my hair anymore. When I chemically dyed my hair I usually always go darker, but when I was about 15 - 17 ish is when I used to bleach the crap out of my hair. It got so bad that when it was wet, it was like elastic and stretched and was really mushy. So I coloured my hair back to my natural brown colour and left my hair alone. I am almost 24 now and am too scared to do anything to it haha.
I was thinking of getting a silk or satin pillow case for when I sleep, another friend of mine said it would help with split ends. I roll around a lot in my sleep.
And as for Henna dyes, I would most likely just go for a dark brown .. Would it go red? I always find my hair turns a brassy redish tone when the dye fades out of my hair.
I would like to suggest a black henna dye for my friend aswell because she is always complaining that salon and box black dyes aren't dark enough for her, would they be more black than the professional kinds? And would they last longer as well?
Alvrodul
May 20th, 2011, 02:21 PM
If you are thinking about trying henna, be aware that there is no "trying" with henna. Henna is forever - you are not going to be able to bleach it out - you are just going to end up with orange-colored straw.
Indigo is similar - indigo is used in combination with henna to get shades of brown and black. If you try to bleach out hair that has been colored with indigo, your hair is going to end up an unpleasant shade of green.
If you are interested in henna, research it thoroughly first - you can start with this informative article (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=7), and then you can mine the various threads in the Recipes, Henna and Herbal Haircare forum.
And before you put the mud on your hair, strand test, strand test, strand test and strand test some more!
Henna is red, so if you put it on your hair, you can at the very least expect a red undertone to your hair.
If you don't want the red color, I would suggest that you try out cassia (cassia obovata) which is sometimes called "neutral henna" - it has many of the conditioning effects of henna, but since it has a yellow color molecule, it usually won't change the hair color, and the color also tend to wash out after a while.
Hope this helps! I personally am a dedicated hennahead, but not everybody is as enthusiastic about henna as I am! ;)
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 02:41 PM
Thanks! I am not overly huge on red hair. Plus I want to keep my hair close to my natural colour, I just don't think it's dark enough. I think the Indigo would be my best bet. Where would I be able to get it?
Alvrodul
May 20th, 2011, 02:46 PM
Thanks! I am not overly huge on red hair. Plus I want to keep my hair close to my natural colour, I just don't think it's dark enough. I think the Indigo would be my best bet. Where would I be able to get it?
Errm - indigo is blue - you can't really use it alone, unless you want your hair to be that color! But when mixed with henna you will get different shades of brown and black. There are also other herbs that can be mixed in, which also affect the color. Since I use BAQ henna only, I can't really say much about them. I suggest you explore the henndigo threads on this site.
Jean Stuart
May 20th, 2011, 02:50 PM
You need a brush or wide tooth comb that is not broken. A broken worn out brush can cause breakage and splits. learn the cina bun or figure 8 bun. They are fairly easy ans protect the ends.
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 04:37 PM
Oh! haha, I thought Indigo was the brand name, not the colour haha. That could have been awful!
I was thinking of getting a pick, I heard those were good for untangling your hair without destroying it.
Speaking of destroying, I tried the s&d thing .. I am better off going for a trim haha, WAYYY too much damage.
growingpains
May 20th, 2011, 05:03 PM
Things that are often damaging to hair:
-brushing and combing wet
-rubbing a towel over hair roughly (suggested to gently squeeze with old cotton tee shirt)
-SLS shampoos (sodium laureth sulfate as a main ingredient, also main ingredient in dish detergent; very stripping)
-wearing hair unrestrained at night
-elastics and repetitive hair styles
-old synthetic brushes with seams (if you get a pick or widetoothed comb get a seamless one)
Things that may be good for hair:
-SMT (IF you live in a humid climate)
-leave in conditioners on ends
-oiling as part of routine, either deep oiling pre wash or light oilings on a regular basis.
-getting hair wet/washing slightly less often
-condition only CO method of washing (need to use cone free conditioner)
-S&D/regular microtrims
-sulfate free and gentle shampoos
Also, you may want to consider some people get damage if they have build up from silicone ('cones) or protein, both of which are often found in shampoo, conditioner and various products. Many people here go cone free and limit/watch protein use and/or clarify regularly to avoid buildup.
Annibelle
May 20th, 2011, 05:59 PM
I'm also new here, and also have fine hair. So far, three things have helped me A LOT that I didn't do before:
1. Letting my hair rest. I wore my hair in a ponytail virtually every day for the last four years, and now I realize that that's probably why I have unattractive bumps in my hair. I've let my hair rest for the last week and it's looking better-- I can't expect miracles, but I'm going to keep it either down, braided, or bunned, NEVER ponytailed, from now on!
2. Using coconut oil on the ENDS of my hair. It was too heavy for the rest of my hair and I got buildup VERY fast and had to clarify. Now I use it only on the ends and they feel stronger and even thicker-- probably just a protective coating, but it's awesome-- I expect to see fewer splits!
3. Using jojoba oil on the length of my hair. It's light and, whenever I have frizzies/flyaways, I just rub a dab on my hands and smooth my hair. It works much better than expensive sprays and feels and smells better, too!
I hope these things help you, too!
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 06:41 PM
Things that are often damaging to hair:
-brushing and combing wet
-rubbing a towel over hair roughly (suggested to gently squeeze with old cotton tee shirt)
-SLS shampoos (sodium laureth sulfate as a main ingredient, also main ingredient in dish detergent; very stripping)
-wearing hair unrestrained at night
-elastics and repetitive hair styles
-old synthetic brushes with seams (if you get a pick or widetoothed comb get a seamless one)
Things that may be good for hair:
-SMT (IF you live in a humid climate)
-leave in conditioners on ends
-oiling as part of routine, either deep oiling pre wash or light oilings on a regular basis.
-getting hair wet/washing slightly less often
-condition only CO method of washing (need to use cone free conditioner)
-S&D/regular microtrims
-sulfate free and gentle shampoos
Also, you may want to consider some people get damage if they have build up from silicone ('cones) or protein, both of which are often found in shampoo, conditioner and various products. Many people here go cone free and limit/watch protein use and/or clarify regularly to avoid buildup.
Wow! I never realized how many things I do on a regular basis could damage my hair. I am definitely going to purchase some better shampoos and conditioners!
I definitely have some build up on my scalp. I always find myself scratching. Thanks a lot! :) I will keep all of this in mind!
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 06:44 PM
I'm also new here, and also have fine hair. So far, three things have helped me A LOT that I didn't do before:
1. Letting my hair rest. I wore my hair in a ponytail virtually every day for the last four years, and now I realize that that's probably why I have unattractive bumps in my hair. I've let my hair rest for the last week and it's looking better-- I can't expect miracles, but I'm going to keep it either down, braided, or bunned, NEVER ponytailed, from now on!
2. Using coconut oil on the ENDS of my hair. It was too heavy for the rest of my hair and I got buildup VERY fast and had to clarify. Now I use it only on the ends and they feel stronger and even thicker-- probably just a protective coating, but it's awesome-- I expect to see fewer splits!
3. Using jojoba oil on the length of my hair. It's light and, whenever I have frizzies/flyaways, I just rub a dab on my hands and smooth my hair. It works much better than expensive sprays and feels and smells better, too!
I hope these things help you, too!
I always wanted to be able to just leave my hair alone, like just wash and leave it, but my hair dries SO frizzy! So now that I know about the coconut and jojoba oil I will definitely try them out!!
Where could I get those? There is an all natural store where I live, they sell natural soaps and things. I would assume they would have chemical free shampoos and conditioners as well as the jojoba oil and coconut oil.
Awesome advice! :) Thanks!
WittyWordsmith
May 20th, 2011, 07:15 PM
If you have issues with frizz, you may be like me: you probably have wavy hair and don't know it. Wavy hair needs to be addressed VERY DIFFERENTLY than most people realize. I have spent the majority of my life trying to tame frizz, calm or curl my hair, and do any manner of things to it so that it couldn't be natural.
Very often, frizz is just the sign that your hair is trying to curl, and you aren't letting it. The issue for me was that I had NO CLUE how to deal with waves, or curls, or anything in between.
My biggest tip for you is to find out what your REAL hair is. What I mean is that you should clarify it (like with a baking soda rinse followed by an Apple Cider vinegar rinse, recipes are in the forum or articles section), after you clarify it, you should wash with a SULFATE-FREE shampoo and follow with a silicone-free conditioner (or do the above-mentioned Conditioner Only CO method.) You may want to go straight from the two rinses to the "SMT" (search it) moisture treatment because your hair probably could use the moisture.
Do these things, then let your hair AIR DRY and don't touch it. If you get waves or frizz, you need to do a little research on what's behind that result and then learn to deal with your REAL hair.
The bottom line is that it's going to take some real effort to find the actual condition of your hair, then fix it. The good news is that this site will tell you step by step how to figure it out and fix it. A year from now, your hair could be entirely different and better than you ever thought. Just be prepared to read a lot and experiment!
And Welcome!!
LiisaKatriina
May 20th, 2011, 08:14 PM
My hair is definitely wavy. It was REALLY curly at one point, but a friend and I decided to cut each others hair off when we were 4 years old, so now it's straight in some places and wavy in others.
Thanks!
WittyWordsmith
May 20th, 2011, 08:44 PM
In that case, I suggest you get your hands on a popular book in these parts called "Curly Girl: The Handbook" by Lorraine Massey. It's on Amazon for $8, and worth every single penny.
If you want direction on how and why to treat your waves/curls a specific way, that book is a great place to start. It's funny, enlightening, and just all-around educational. If you want healthy hair and you have curls, I highly recommend it!!!
LiisaKatriina
May 22nd, 2011, 02:31 PM
Alrighty! I will look into it. Thanks a lot!
Lux88
May 22nd, 2011, 02:41 PM
Lots of great info in here!
reneemichelle
May 22nd, 2011, 05:23 PM
I second looking at "Curly Girl: The Handbook" by Lorraine Massey, although be warned your hair may take some time to adjust to the routine and not look so great at first, but the end result of healthier, happier hair is definitely worth the time and effort. Even then it does not always work out on every set of hair; you may find you need to slightly alter the advice to fit your own needs or go a different route all together, it's all about experimenting!
LiisaKatriina
May 22nd, 2011, 11:20 PM
Well, I didn't wash my hair in the shower yesterday, and then I did the CSC thing today. Haven't brushed my hair at all both days, and my hair is actually starting to get super curly. Iam gonna go out and find some good sulphate free shampoos and conditioners soon. And get some coconut oil as well.
LiisaKatriina
May 22nd, 2011, 11:44 PM
Well, I didn't wash my hair in the shower yesterday, and then I did the CSC thing today. Haven't brushed my hair at all both days, and my hair is actually starting to get super curly. Iam gonna go out and find some good sulphate free shampoos and conditioners soon. And get some coconut oil as well.
When I said "CSC" I think I mean CWC lol.
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