Newbie Questions

[Nyghtingale]

Hello, I am new here and am a little confused. Prior to coming here, i just washed and conditioned my hair, wondering why it was so dry. Now I am hearing about cones, no cones. But I don't completly get it. Is there a post that lists all the abbreviations, and explainations? BTW, I am sitting here while doing my first hot oil treatment. :) Thanks!

[Pierre]

You can tell a hemlock from a spruce by the position of the cones :p

Me, I think cones are silly. Others think they're sili. There are several silicones used in conditioners to give slip, and some are easier to wash out than others.

[Nightshade]

These may help you out :) All in the Articles section

Kirin's beginner's primer to sorting through advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=65) LHC is a goldmine of information on caring for, and growing long hair! How to make the most out of your experience and find whats right for you!

LHC Terms and Abbreviations (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=10) A list of various abbreviations and phrases that are frequently used here at LHC. This article was writtent to help you better understand some of the sometimes cryptic comments posted here at LHC. Enjoy!...

Fia's Hairtyping System (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=5) What is your hair type? Find out where your hair fits in!

Ursula's Standard Newbie Advice (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=39) A (very long) summation of the advice I've been giving for years about how to get started with LHC-style hair care, along with explanation of why I consider each part of this advice helpful.

To Cone or Not to Cone (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=13) Originally written and posted on LHC by Juliet's Silk. Excellent summary of properties of cones, the pros and cons of using them, etc.

[Nyghtingale]

thanks so much for the feedback. it is appreciated. my hair loved the oil by the way. :p

[Nightshade]

thanks so much for the feedback. it is appreciated. my hair loved the oil by the way. :p

I'm so very glad to hear that! :flowers:

[Tangles]

Cones, short version:

Cones (dimethicone, as well as many chemicals ending in "ane") are what give hair a shampoo-commercial "slip," but they often do dry it out in the long term. Pantene conditioners and most other conditioners contain it.

Many of us find our hair becomes softer and stronger when we stop using, or radically decrease usage of cones. In order to do this successfully, use a mild shampoo when needed, plus a cone-free conditioner (Suave, V05 are popular ones). In order to prevent greasies and buildup, clarify once every two weeks.

[Nyghtingale]

thanks so much. the cone thing was confusing. I have had the most fun since coming here, trying all new kinds of things, and styles, lol. I also just recieved my first papadon stick. it's so beautiful.

[kate46]

Welcome to the boards Nyghtingale, if I can offer any advice at all, it would be to not get too hung up by such things as cones v no cones, you are not going to harm your hair with either. What really benefits your hair is gentle handling, no heat, no straightening, a good seamless comb. Experiment with products by all means but don't worry about them too much.

[Tressie]

Hi Nyghtingale!
Welcome! I am a newbie too, and it takes some time to sort it all out, doesn't it? Thanks for asking the right questions and helping me out too. I had basically figured out a lot of the abbreviations, but still didn't get APL, ha, ha! Arm-pit length! Who would have thought it?? Thanks to teacherbear, capelli lunghi, and nightshade and all the other veteran members for so kindly providing a wealth of information and help time and time again for us new kids on the block!

P.S. Nyghtingale your hair is lovely! I'm hoping to able to post a pic with the help of my DS:D soon. Happy hair to you!