What am I gonna do with all this hair??

[Waveepagee]

Its been awhile since I've been here
But the last time I was here, I must apologize. Why? I ignored some great advice from some great people, and now I've never been unhappier with my hair.

But moving on, here's the sitch: I have long, mid back 2b/2c thick and dry hair. It used to be one length and it was long heavy and dull and I hated it. Now it's layered and highlighted, and I still hate it. It's in a weird conditon... Bone Straight on top layers, Wavy underneath, and even a few little spirals. Even though the top is straight I have curly roots so I have volume ON TOP of thickness! I'll never understand why people use bumpits XD

When I curl it, it falls out and expands. When I straighten it, it waves out and expands. My roots are oily and my ends are dry. I even tried a waving iron, I looked like a sheep!

Sorry this is long, but what I'm saying is I'm at a crossroads with this mane. What products, what methods do I use? Would curly girl work? I need something, I'm sick of ponytails...

Your help would be much appreciated! Please??

[turtlelover]

pictures would give us more ideas I think

[Waveepagee]

Oh ok! I'll post up some! Thank you

[Anywhere]

I'll take some of that thickness off your hands for you.

but in all seriousness, I would suggest clarifying to make sure it's not a build-up problem, and then perhaps doing a DT of some sort (I recommend a SMT).

If at all possible, I would stop using heat on your hair. I have maybe 8" of fresh undamaged roots and they hold their natural curl so much better than the damaged hair, which falls flat. Perhaps try adapting to heat-free styling? I'm able to get my hair fairly straight and fairly curly depending on how I dry it.

Since you say you have an oily scalp I would suggest doing C-W-C washes. The only other thing I can suggest is waiting it out until your hair grows out enough to damage to be cut off.

[Waveepagee]

This is my hair that I straightened this morning and last night! Will try to get a natural pic after I wash it

I get so many compliments on my hair. on how soft and flowy it is... these people all must be on something. I put so much product in and it feels gross!

I dont think the picture is working... try my album!

[Waveepagee]

Oh Anywhere, Could you fill me in on what a CWC wash is?? im kinda naive to these hair terms

[Lianna]

Take a look at this. Maybe you have protein or cones build up causing the dry feeling. As for styling you could dry damp bunning for soft waves, plopping if you want a curlier look. I can only say something regarding damp bunning since I don't have the patience to plop. Damp bunning=nice soft frizziless waves! (for me) Half-ups look cute too, and makes my hair look less thick (sometimes this is desirable!)

CWC is using conditioner on the length, then shampooing, then conditioning again.

[Waveepagee]

Thanks! Y'all are all so helpful! <3

[ElusiveMuse]

I second damp bunning.

Also, if I were you I would stop and start over. Pick a shampoo, conditioner, and oil and stick with them for a few weeks. See what works and what doesn't. Then, adapt. Change ONE thing at a time and stick to it for a few weeks. Sounds like slow and methodical is going to be the best way forward.

[Roseate]

I third damp bunning. Really softens my coarse dry waves.

Also, I agree with quitting the heat if possible. I used to have the straight top layer/curly bottom layer problem when I used to heat-style regularly, now I have a much more presentable wave pattern. Damp buns helped me quit heat, because I could go out with my hair up instead of having it drip down my back all day.

Clarify, DT, put it up and forget it for a while!