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Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
My hair is growing out and I am nearing the awkward phase where I can't do much with it. I was about to do dreadlocks but decided to opt for the silky and flowing like a lion's mane look. Anyways since most of you have or have had long hair, what is the proper care and maintenance needed? All my life I had short hair or a buzz so I really want to make sure my hair health/quality is top notch. I read pony tails cause the hair to break? Not to use conditioner every day? Blow dryers/heat is bad? I dont color/bleach/perm my hair so that is one less thing to worry about. I also limit my time in the sun so UV damage is kept to a minimum.
In case it matters, I have straight Asian hair with a bit of waviness at ends and I think my hair type is thick. Your input is appreciated, thanks.
This is the style I will be aiming for:
http://www.24framespersecond.net/ima...ads/asano2.jpg
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Well, tight ponys everyday arent' good. Your hair sounds pretty normal, which's good. I like the Loreal total repair dry oil spray, you would prob. only need it on the ends. It's a leave in conditioner & can be used on wet/dry hair. I need conditioner but you may not need much some is good. Washing, & shampoo type would depend on if your hair's oily or dry or normal. From what you said, I'd guess normal so unless it gets really dirty/sweaty you can prob. wash a couple times a week. I'd think you can blow dry, just don't let it get too hot or too close to your hair. My hair's very long, dry & color treated so I keep heat to a minimum. I get most of my condition, hair product ideas from magazines, also I look at product ratings on Ulta or Amazon.
I like that style too, would be a good look for you.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
whirlerz
Well, tight ponys everyday arent' good. Your hair sounds pretty normal, which's good. I like the Loreal total repair dry oil spray, you would prob. only need it on the ends. It's a leave in conditioner & can be used on wet/dry hair. I need conditioner but you may not need much some is good. Washing, & shampoo type would depend on if your hair's oily or dry or normal. From what you said, I'd guess normal so unless it gets really dirty/sweaty you can prob. wash a couple times a week. I'd think you can blow dry, just don't let it get too hot or too close to your hair. My hair's very long, dry & color treated so I keep heat to a minimum. I get most of my condition, hair product ideas from magazines, also I look at product ratings on Ulta or Amazon.
I like that style too, would be a good look for you.
whirlerz you rock, thanks for the advice. And my hair is definitely not dry, if anything it might be on the oily side but its not super oily. My face gets oily...more so in the summer time as of now but when I check my hair...its not that bad. I woulda thought that oily skin type = oily hair type. I sweat every day because I run vigorously twice a day, mornings and afternoons. I currently wash my hair every day (condition every other day), usually twice a day and I don't notice any signs of drying, hair loss, and or flakes. I am just concerned my wash habits might be harsh on my hair.
I inquired about the blow dry because I would think with long hair it takes more work to get it dry vs the short hairstyles/buzz cuts. Also do I need to visit a salon once in the while so they can trim my hair? I read/heard you have to get the ends of the hair trimmed to prevent split ends?
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
i don't think you should be washing it every day unless you put a load of gels/sprays in it or you have dirt all in it lol. if its thick then you should be conditioning it more than you should be shampooing it. try a cleansing conditioner, and check out the "no poo" thread. yes, blow dryers and heat is bad for your hair, and so is coloring but since you won't be doing any of that, i say just let it be!
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Frequent shampooing is the bad thing for most people. I have oily skin/scalp too, so I personally can't break the cycle of frequent shampooing, but maybe you can. You can still wash it with water and conditioner to get it clean, but supposedly the less you shampoo, the better.
Use a wide-toothed comb if your hair is wet. Brushes will stretch the strand. Also put a leave-in conditioner in when it's wet.
If you do use a dryer, comb it, then section it out. There's probably a YouTube video. It looks like a large round brush would be best for that haircut.
Any kind of restraint can cause damage, but it's not severe unless it's used all the time.
Trim the ends every six weeks to avoid split ends.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Yeah, you should definitely not wash your hair every day. Remember: Shampoo is for your scalp. Conditioner is for you hair. If you are shampooing everyday, you are robbing your scalp of its natural oils and thus causing it to compensate by producing more. If you begin shampooing and conditioning every other day, it will be much better for your hair and scalp health. You will have some extra oilyness until your scalp is used to what's going on, but like Simone said, there you should not shampoo it everyday. And if you do need something to soak up the oils in between, there is dry shampoo. Aveda makes a great, non girly smelling spray, that helps to soak up some oils. I forget what it's called, but an Aveda sales person would know exactly what you were talking about.
For your regular shampooing and conditioning, I would recommend a salon-approved duo. If you get your products from the drug store or department store, the pH levels are not governed and could be as high as 10 on the scale, which means they could be highly acidic or alkaline. You want something closer to the natural pH level of your hair. I use Redken. They also make Redken for men. I've turned many people onto Redken and they've seen a noticeable change in their hair after one use. Even my friend's husband noticed in her hair and he never notices when she changes the color! Using the right shampoo and conditioner will definitely aid in keeping your hair shiny, healthy, and strong.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
simone87
i don't think you should be washing it every day unless you put a load of gels/sprays in it or you have dirt all in it lol. if its thick then you should be conditioning it more than you should be shampooing it. try a cleansing conditioner, and check out the "no poo" thread. yes, blow dryers and heat is bad for your hair, and so is coloring but since you won't be doing any of that, i say just let it be!
I havent used gel/hairspray since elementary school lol...and I am 26 now so that is a lot of years of "naked/free hair" for lack of a better description. I don't have to much dirt in my hair...I guess I was thinking sweat was making it grimy but I guess its not so bad. I will look into the cleansing conditioner and no poo thread.
What about the brushing? Is there a benefit to that or is just for relaxation and or to get out the knots if any. My best friend brushes her hair 50 times...and I was not sure if that was beneficial, detrimental, or it does nothing. I do notice her hair looks silkier when she does that...must be because the oil is getting distributed from the scalp to the tip of the hair due to the brushing motion.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
tuesdaymarie
Frequent shampooing is the bad thing for most people. I have oily skin/scalp too, so I personally can't break the cycle of frequent shampooing, but maybe you can. You can still wash it with water and conditioner to get it clean, but supposedly the less you shampoo, the better.
Use a wide-toothed comb if your hair is wet. Brushes will stretch the strand. Also put a leave-in conditioner in when it's wet.
If you do use a dryer, comb it, then section it out. There's probably a YouTube video. It looks like a large round brush would be best for that haircut.
Any kind of restraint can cause damage, but it's not severe unless it's used all the time.
Trim the ends every six weeks to avoid split ends.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
buxxxom
Yeah, you should definitely not wash your hair every day. Remember: Shampoo is for your scalp. Conditioner is for you hair. If you are shampooing everyday, you are robbing your scalp of its natural oils and thus causing it to compensate by producing more. If you begin shampooing and conditioning every other day, it will be much better for your hair and scalp health. You will have some extra oilyness until your scalp is used to what's going on, but like Simone said, there you should not shampoo it everyday. And if you do need something to soak up the oils in between, there is dry shampoo. Aveda makes a great, non girly smelling spray, that helps to soak up some oils. I forget what it's called, but an Aveda sales person would know exactly what you were talking about.
For your regular shampooing and conditioning, I would recommend a salon-approved duo. If you get your products from the drug store or department store, the pH levels are not governed and could be as high as 10 on the scale, which means they could be highly acidic or alkaline. You want something closer to the natural pH level of your hair. I use Redken. They also make Redken for men. I've turned many people onto Redken and they've seen a noticeable change in their hair after one use. Even my friend's husband noticed in her hair and he never notices when she changes the color! Using the right shampoo and conditioner will definitely aid in keeping your hair shiny, healthy, and strong.
Thanks guys, good information here. A leave in conditioner? Does that mean I have to hang around in the shower and wait a bit or is literally I leave it in my hair and get out of the shower and dry off as usual? It would get all over my towel though? Excuse my noobness.
Good to know, so shampoo massage into the scalp and get the tingle/stimulate...while conditioner is for the hair and not to be massaged into the scalp. I am gonna shampoo/conditioner every other day now. And I have been tempted to get some salon quality stuff...I just want to be sure it really is quality and not just the name. The ph balance, ingredients, etc. is what matters. I heard good things about Redken...now from you too as well. I will check it out.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Also, I was going to recommend like a combo leave in conditioner/styling product..there's so many, but for some reason I am thinking Kiel's Silk Groom.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BlackSheEp3
Thanks guys, good information here. A leave in conditioner? Does that mean I have to hang around in the shower and wait a bit or is literally I leave it in my hair and get out of the shower and dry off as usual? It would get all over my towel though? Excuse my noobness.
Good to know, so shampoo massage into the scalp and get the tingle/stimulate...while conditioner is for the hair and not to be massaged into the scalp. I am gonna shampoo/conditioner every other day now. And I have been tempted to get some salon quality stuff...I just want to be sure it really is quality and not just the name. The ph balance, ingredients, etc. is what matters. I heard good things about Redken...now from you too as well. I will check it out.
I know Ulta is having a sale on Redken items, starting this Sunday. The liters will be on sale (15.99 each. These last me about 6 months usually!), and the regular size will be buy 2 get 1 free. If you go with the regular redken shampoo and conditioner (I would if you are going for long lion mane look ;), I would recommend the gold bottles (All Soft) for your hair type as you've described. If you want softness and body, I'd say get the green bottles for Body Full. I've used all of the lines and they are each great. I use purple Real Control, because it's a mix of the All Soft, the Body Full, and the Color Protector one. You can't really go wrong with Redken. :)
IF you do get salon brand, make sure you purchase from an actual salon. Do not buy from a grocery store or drug store. These items are often watered down and will be marked up! It says on the bottle "Only guaranteed if purchased in a salon." It might sound crazy but there this is a common problem. Ulta, Trade Secret, your local salon.. all fine. Don't buy from Target, Rite Aid, etc. It won't be the same.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
at that length, with no color damage, there is nothing to worry about. there is a huge difference between ear length virgin hair on dude and us, who typically have heavily bleached, daily heat damaged hair down to our asses.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Leave-in conditioner is a spray. You can put it in after you wash your hair but before you comb it. It moisturizes the hair a bit more, and it makes combing easier. It's not heavy or anything like that.
Redken is a good line, and I also like Aquage. Redken has a more salon-like smell, to me, while Aquage goes for an ocean-like scent. I recommend deep or healing conditioners to keep your hair super healthy. Things labeled "daily" just don't cut it for me, generally speaking.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Aquage is great, though I've not used their shampoo and conditioner. I couldn't live without their working spray though. So good. In all honesty, most of the professional products are basically the same, they just smell different. Each of Redken's lines has a different scent, but none of them are overtly girly I don't think. My guy friends and boyfriends have used my stuff and liked it.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Oh nice nice, thanks for the heads up. There is an Ulta just 10 minutes away from my house. I never paid much attention to that store but now I will...I see it everytime I go to Trader Joes. And thanks for the description of the various types of Redken...I will be looking into all that when I get in the store.
And my hair has never been colored and the last time I used gel/hairspray was many many years ago. Its nice to know that this hairstyle wont be to high maintenance...sure its a far cry from my usual buzz cut but its worth the little extra effort.
I never knew leave in conditioner was a spray, always though it was just conditioner you leave in the hair...ha well now I know. Thanks.
And admittedly I like the "girly scents" because they smell like fruits at times where the masculine scents smell like after shave/alcohol. Given the choice though I would opt for no scent...just my natural clean smell.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
brushing actually weakens hair a little bit, but it does distribute oil..which is why in victorian times they said do 100 brushes ( but then they only washed their hair like once a month or something). i agree with charlotte, you hair will be FINE with very minimal care if you aren't bleaching/straightening/perming and its only to your ears. just wash ( sparingly) and condition it and let it grow..oh and taking biotin has helped my hair a lot!
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Just like everyone else said, minimal hair washing. Moroccan Oil is a fantastic hair care line. Its a little pricey but definitely worth it. They have a restorative hair mask that can be used every other week. It is not a conditioning mask, but a rebuilding mask to undo any damage done by the sun, wind, or chemicals. It leaves your hair incredibly shiny and healthy feeling :)
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
simone87
brushing actually weakens hair a little bit, but it does distribute oil..which is why in victorian times they said do 100 brushes ( but then they only washed their hair like once a month or something). i agree with charlotte, you hair will be FINE with very minimal care if you aren't bleaching/straightening/perming and its only to your ears. just wash ( sparingly) and condition it and let it grow..oh and taking biotin has helped my hair a lot!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
~*SwanPrincess*~
Just like everyone else said, minimal hair washing. Moroccan Oil is a fantastic hair care line. Its a little pricey but definitely worth it. They have a restorative hair mask that can be used every other week. It is not a conditioning mask, but a rebuilding mask to undo any damage done by the sun, wind, or chemicals. It leaves your hair incredibly shiny and healthy feeling :)
Brilliant, thank you guys. And I never hear of a hair mask, interesting...will look into it.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Heh yeah, I almost never brush my hair. I usually put product in when it's wet, comb it with my fingers, and let it dry naturally. My redken stuff keeps it soft and silky. If I brush it when it's wavy though it would lose it's wave and get poofy. I have very strong healthy hair, and I do color and bleach it often. If I straighten my hair, which is very rare these days, I'll brush it straight then but that's like once every few months. It normally goes unbrushed and it's still easy to put my hands through it.
I second the biotin. It promotes hair and nail growth and health. :)
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
I have naturally oily hair & in between washes I use a spray in dry shampoo for my scalp & roots (you only need alittle) then brush out -I wash every couple days. I now have extensions in my hair as well -so I use a leave in conditioner spray on just the length & the ends after washing or if it looks like it needs alittle spritz & brush it, through.
But honestly, just make yourself a hair appointment w/ a stylist & they can tell you what products or care you should be using w/ your hair -as well as do some shaping for you during that "awkward stage" while it continues to grow out. They would be your best bet.
Btw, a hair masque is only used every once in awhile as it is considered more of a heavy or deep conditioner. You can also use hot oil treatments, placenta treatments at home occasionally. If you do decide to go to a hair stylist, you can also look into a protein glaze.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
buxxxom
Heh yeah, I almost never brush my hair. I usually put product in when it's wet, comb it with my fingers, and let it dry naturally. My redken stuff keeps it soft and silky. If I brush it when it's wavy though it would lose it's wave and get poofy. I have very strong healthy hair, and I do color and bleach it often. If I straighten my hair, which is very rare these days, I'll brush it straight then but that's like once every few months. It normally goes unbrushed and it's still easy to put my hands through it.
I second the biotin. It promotes hair and nail growth and health. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Brandi_Lynn
I have naturally oily hair & in between washes I use a spray in dry shampoo for my scalp & roots (you only need alittle) then brush out -I wash every couple days. I now have extensions in my hair as well -so I use a leave in conditioner spray on just the length & the ends after washing or if it looks like it needs alittle spritz & brush it, through.
But honestly, just make yourself a hair appointment w/ a stylist & they can tell you what products or care you should be using w/ your hair -as well as do some shaping for you during that "awkward stage" while it continues to grow out. They would be your best bet.
Btw, a hair masque is only used every once in awhile as it is considered more of a heavy or deep conditioner. You can also use hot oil treatments, placenta treatments at home occasionally. If you do decide to go to a hair stylist, you can also look into a protein glaze.
Thanks guys, good stuff. Here is the same dude from my first post (actor from Ichi the killer), I prefer it like this actually:
http://content8.flixster.com/photo/1...188266_gal.jpg
Any of you guys wear hats ie. baseball caps? If so, what do you do to bring back the volume/bounce after it matts your hair/hathead or that shouldnt be an issue?
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly...cqwvo1_500.jpg
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Caring for long hair isn't as complicated as some may lead you to believe. It's even easier if you are asian because your individual hair shafts are very thick, durable, and hard to damage.
Ponytails are fine. I wear my hair in a ponytail most of the day. Use cloth-covered rubber bands without metal. Goody's makes them in every color and you can buy whole packages of black ones. When you take them out, unwind them instead of sliding them down your hair.
The sun won't bother your hair at all. Swimming in salt water or chlorine can though, so after swimming, wash & condition your hair.
If your hair is oily, wash it every day. I use Pantene, but almost any shampoo & conditioner will do just fine. You don't need specialty products unless your hair has some kind of problem or damage. Concentrate your shampooing efforts on your scalp. Rinse all the shampoo & squeeze excess water out. Apply conditioner from the ponytail down only (your scalp doesn't need it). Brush or comb conditioner through. Squeeze excess conditioner out or rinse lightly, leaving some conditioner in your hair. Towel dry & comb or brush and you're done. Avoid blow drying if you can. I only blow dry my hair a couple times a week when I need to save time, otherwise, I let it dry naturally. I brush it after a shower, if it gets tangled during the day, or if I have to re-do my ponytail. I also usually give it a quick brush before bed to reduce any morning tangles.
I've had ass-length to thigh-length hair for 20 years. And this simple routine every day has kept my hair in immaculate condition.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Obenta
Caring for long hair isn't as complicated as some may lead you to believe. It's even easier if you are asian because your individual hair shafts are very thick, durable, and hard to damage.
Ponytails are fine. I wear my hair in a ponytail most of the day. Use cloth-covered rubber bands without metal. Goody's makes them in every color and you can buy whole packages of black ones. When you take them out, unwind them instead of sliding them down your hair.
The sun won't bother your hair at all. Swimming in salt water or chlorine can though, so after swimming, wash & condition your hair.
If your hair is oily, wash it every day. I use Pantene, but almost any shampoo & conditioner will do just fine. You don't need specialty products unless your hair has some kind of problem or damage. Concentrate your shampooing efforts on your scalp. Rinse all the shampoo & squeeze excess water out. Apply conditioner from the ponytail down only (your scalp doesn't need it). Brush or comb conditioner through. Squeeze excess conditioner out or rinse lightly, leaving some conditioner in your hair. Towel dry & comb or brush and you're done. Avoid blow drying if you can. I only blow dry my hair a couple times a week when I need to save time, otherwise, I let it dry naturally. I brush it after a shower, if it gets tangled during the day, or if I have to re-do my ponytail. I also usually give it a quick brush before bed to reduce any morning tangles.
I've had ass-length to thigh-length hair for 20 years. And this simple routine every day has kept my hair in immaculate condition.
Sounds simple enough, thank you Obenta! I tend believe you get what you pay for...not always true most often that is the case. I always wondered if salon products were better vs. off the shelf but I think if the brand is reputable enough it should be fine like you said unless hair is in special need of something specific. I also have Pantene in my shower right now. Just out of curiosity are you Asian too? As for the brush wide tooth comb should do it? plastic? Do I have to use those boar hair bristle ones?
But for the most part I think I got it...nothing major with the hair care.
P.S. You said if hair is oily to wash every day, should I just be using water to wash it or also shampoo? Because I am planning on shampooing/conditioning every other day.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
You can get two types of shampoos, 1 more cleansing (oily) & one normal, & change them up as needed.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Some people have luck with biotin, but it can cause breakouts in acne-prone people. I wouldn't recommend it for someone who already has thick, healthy hair.
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Re: Long hair, care and maintenance tips?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BlackSheEp3
Sounds simple enough, thank you Obenta! I tend believe you get what you pay for...not always true most often that is the case. I always wondered if salon products were better vs. off the shelf but I think if the brand is reputable enough it should be fine like you said unless hair is in special need of something specific. I also have Pantene in my shower right now. Just out of curiosity are you Asian too? As for the brush wide tooth comb should do it? plastic? Do I have to use those boar hair bristle ones?
But for the most part I think I got it...nothing major with the hair care.
P.S. You said if hair is oily to wash every day, should I just be using water to wash it or also shampoo? Because I am planning on shampooing/conditioning every other day.
ones sold at the grocery store's ingredients are not guaranteed, and are found to have as much bacteria as dog shit ( at least that's what im told). i'd get them from a salon if you really want to be sure. Pantene coats your hair in wax btw.