Newbie questions thread. Feel free to add your own.

[EliL]

Hair that needs hydration tends to snap very easily, while hair that needs protein tends to stretch a lot when wet. Think "wet noodle hair". Sometimes, hair will need protein before it can hold moisture in.

Thank you very much, Ylva for your response. I’ll do the testing on wet hair. So to be on the safe side I might have to start with protein treatment first, then moisture treatment..
And your hair looks amazing btw - is this your natural colour?

[Ylva]

Thank you very much, Ylva for your response. I’ll do the testing on wet hair. So to be on the safe side I might have to start with protein treatment first, then moisture treatment..
And your hair looks amazing btw - is this your natural colour?

I'd try the moisture first, but if it does nothing, then go for protein.

Thank you so much! My lengths are bleached but I am currently growing out my natural medium/dark blonde colour.

[EliL]

I'd try the moisture first, but if it does nothing, then go for protein.

Thank you so much! My lengths are bleached but I am currently growing out my natural medium/dark blonde colour.

Ah ok, so the other way around Thank you for clarifying - I will try moisture first.
The bleached part of your hair looks very healthy too. My hair lengths are bleached as well, but I think I’ve done quite of damage. Still, will try moisture and may be protein treatments if needed. In the end I might have to cut a bit.

[Ylva]

Ah ok, so the other way around Thank you for clarifying - I will try moisture first.
The bleached part of your hair looks very healthy too. My hair lengths are bleached as well, but I think I’ve done quite of damage. Still, will try moisture and may be protein treatments if needed. In the end I might have to cut a bit.

Finding a balance of moisture and protein will probably really help your bleached hair hang in there.

[Lucy McLucyFace]

I know this probably has been discussed before but what's the best material for hair ribbons? Something that is gentle on the hair but also allows for a good hold. I'd like to try out tying my braids with ribbons, rather than using ribbons/bows as just decorations

[EliL]

Finding a balance of moisture and protein will probably really help your bleached hair hang in there.

Thank you, Ylva. That’s quite encouraging This will be a long learning path for me.

[MusicalSpoons]

I know this probably has been discussed before but what's the best material for hair ribbons? Something that is gentle on the hair but also allows for a good hold. I'd like to try out tying my braids with ribbons, rather than using ribbons/bows as just decorations

Satin works for me, as long as there's enough length left when I've finished braiding to wrap around several times before tying it off

[purple_omelette]

I know this probably has been discussed before but what's the best material for hair ribbons? Something that is gentle on the hair but also allows for a good hold. I'd like to try out tying my braids with ribbons, rather than using ribbons/bows as just decorations

I just went on a ribbon-buying spree and can confirm that satin or silk are gentlest on the hair. That being said, I found some cute patterned polyester ribbons at a local superstore, and I use those as well with no problems (I braid them into updos, so friction is minimal). As a general rule, silk is safest, satin is next best, and anything else is ok if it works for you!

[ynne]

How long does seasonal/normal, heavier hair shedding usually last, and how big increase (i.e. as compared to the person's usual shedding) is common?
(I had short hair for so long, I don't have a personal frame of reference from past years.)

[Lucy McLucyFace]

I just went on a ribbon-buying spree and can confirm that satin or silk are gentlest on the hair. That being said, I found some cute patterned polyester ribbons at a local superstore, and I use those as well with no problems (I braid them into updos, so friction is minimal). As a general rule, silk is safest, satin is next best, and anything else is ok if it works for you!

Satin works for me, as long as there's enough length left when I've finished braiding to wrap around several times before tying it off

Thank you! I'll take this into account when I can actually go shopping