I have read and read and read, till I feel dizy and oh yeah LOST! I don't know where to start......HELP! I need first basics, where to start. I need to get my hair in shape, I need a new shampoo, conditioner, oil, everthing. I also want to fix my two tone with some henna. Anyone Everyone please HElP! Try though to keep it simple, tell me what I need and where to get it, that would be GREAT. Can't wait to hear from you all.

i would think that vinegar rinses would work great!
my hair is badly damaged, i did an oil treatment yesterday and now my hair is soooooooooo soft.(i read it here somewhere) instructions: put olive oil (or almond oil) on the length of your hair, then put some of the conditioner you usually use on top of the oil (its spposed to help the oil rinse out easier), wrap your head in a heated towel (dampen the towel and put it in the microwave for 1 min) and let it sit for about 45 min- 1hour.works great ;D :D

as for wanting a knew shampoo and conditioner i can't help you there, but i think everybody agrees on jojoba oil.

Hey Kitty,

One step at a time ;) You don't have to feel lost. There are some basic "categories" of haircare:

(1) Finding a good hairwash routine. The ideal hairwash routine should result in bouncy moisturized hair and a scalp that doesn't itch or get too oily. You can find more information about hairwashes by clicking here

(2) Finding a good oil. Jojoba is the one that works for the most people. If jojoba oil makes your hair crunchy, maybe try coconut or shea butter. Not everyone needs oil either.

(3) Finding a good "interval" for clarifying rinses (using apple cider vinegar, or a clarifying shampoo) click here. This is pretty much trial and error. A good interval is 1 clarification per 2 weeks, or 1 clarification per 1 week.

(4) Detangling gently with the right tools . Seamless combs, e.g. Rachael Stephens combs, are your best bet.

The important thing is to experiment with one "classification" at a time. This way you won't have trouble deciding which results come from which product.

HTH :)
Anais

;) do not despair - you'll be getting more information than you ever dreamed of.  This is how I was when I first joined hairboards  :o.

People like many different products and methods and sometimes opinions can be opposite on different heads of equally beautifully hair.

My biggest "safe" advice would be gentle handling, patience not to rip through knots and such and keeping your hair free of buildup and the scalp clean and healthy.

Enjoy ...g

I agree. You can start making changes from really simple. It's also important that you don't try everything at once- if you do, you can't determine, how individual changes/products affect to your hair. So, you don't have to learn all at once.

Here is just a few simple tips that made quickly a positive difference to my haircare.

1) Started braiding for night. My hair was just past my shoulders, so I started to learn French braiding.
Effect: my hair wasn't a tangled mess in the morning. Which meant A LOT less hair loss while detangling.

2)Stopped brushing. I gave my brush to my short-haired spouse and bought a wide-toothed, seamless celluloid comb. That was my only comb for months and worked just well.

3. Stopped handling my hair roughly while washing. No piling hair on top of head while shampooing, instead keeping the length down and working the shampoo into my scalp gently with my fingertips. No rubbing with the towel when getting out of the shower. Just gentle patting and squeezing, and a gentle combing with that celluloid comb. Again: no tangles, much less hair loss.

So, haircare isn't all about products, and a healthy hair isn't the result of using right products. It's just as much about how one handles her hair.

As for right shampoo and conditioner- there are many alternatives and washing methods, and only by experimenting you will know, what works best for you.
It might be a good idea to start a hair journal where you record your experiments and observations.

I understand where you are coming from.  The best thing I ever did was find a really good stylist, and I don't mean going to an expensive salon.  I go to a lady on my side of town that has hair the length I want, listens to what I have to say and has been a stylist for many years.  When I decide to do something crazy she will talk me out of it.  The hardest part is shopping around till you find someone you are comfortable with.  Good luck with all your hair goals!!!  :)

Many of the true long hairs have already started to suggest things, and all have said what I'm going to repeat. Do one thing at a time; it's slow, but far less agravating. That is the way you will find out what works best for you. All the support and suggestions on this board have whipped my hair into shape in about two months, once I stopped trying everything. :)

So, don't feel lost. All the lovely, long-haired oracles will help you find your way.  ;)