LongLocks Salon
http://www.longlocks.com/salon/
Chit Chat >> The LongLocks Lounge >> Hair Care Questions
http://www.longlocks.com/salon/?num=1126902001

Message started by puertoriquena on Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:08pm

Title: Hair Care Questions
Post by puertoriquena on Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:08pm
I have damaged hair. I am now letting the damaged, color treated ends grow out and am letting my natural hair color grow back healthy. My hair is thick and strait. I wash my hair 2-3 times a week.

1)What are some good, high quality brands of shampoo and conditioner?
2) How often should I do hot oil treatments and deep conditionings?What is a good protein treatment brand I can use?
3) I think I have over conditioned my hair in the past. How can I tell my hair is overconditioned? How much is too much?
4) What types of oils can I use on my hair? Where can I buy them? How do I use them?

Is the brand "Pink" good? They sell hair lotions and shine spray. Does this actually help my hair's condition? THANKS!

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by puertoriquena on Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:38pm
Sorry if I put this topic in the wrong place :)

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by panpeus on Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:40pm
I'll try to take a stab at some of your questions, puertoriquena.

1.)  I think this one is the hardest for me to answer.  Some dirt cheap shampoos and conditioners work better than very high quality ones.  Some people use: Chargin Valley Shampoo Bars, LouiseMarieLonghairs, Aveda, Suave, Biolage (There are dozens more).  Also, try to see if your hair likes silicone products.  (Dimethicone is one example.)

2.)  I don't do the VO5 hot oil treatments, because there is 0% oil in those things.  Instead, try jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, or Olive Oil.  You can heat that up slightly, but I just apply it at room temperature.  I don't use protein treatments, so I can't help you there.  I think the best thing is to eat protein and take a multivitamin and Hair, skin and nails supplement.

3.) Overconditioning.  I was SO guilty with this in the past.  Overconditioning will eventually weigh the hair down so much, it will snap.  Overconditioned hair is extremely limp and lifeless (almost matted-looking).  It also takes an incredibly long time to dry (or it never dries completely.)  A good way to fight overconditioning is to clarify (clarifying shampoo or even better --- Diluted Apple Cider Vinegar.  (There's a recipe on the boards for this, somewhere.)

4.)  Oils are FUN!  They are my favorite thing about being long haired.  You can get oils from health food stores, farmer's markets, or even online.  Anais has a great site that lists a multitude of oils to try.

I think "Pink" is the victoria's secret brand of haircare.  I don't know if I'm 100% correct on that.  However, I tried some VS shampoo and conditioner.  It was perfumed so heavily I had a headache the entire day.

The best regimens are usually simple.  Most importantly, what you DO NOT do to your hair is more important than what you put on it.

No heating appliances, keep the hair contained (It makes the hair look healthier, too) don't play with your hair, and avoid harmful barettes, rubber bands, and other metal objects that will stab you.

Damage is not reversable.  Your hair will not mend its own splits, or heal itself over time.  But these steps will make your hair feel exponentially better.

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by bikerbraid on Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:48pm

wrote on Sep 16th, 2005 at 7:38pm:
Sorry if I put this topic in the wrong place :)


Don't worry about it!  :D I moved it over here so you could get the benefit of everyones knowledge!

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by NaturalRogue on Sep 16th, 2005 at 10:58pm
Panpeus has already given you some wonderful tips. I have found that part of the fun of starting to care for your long hair is the experimentation. This could be looked upon as drudgery; however, I tend to take an upbeat approach and view it as opportunity to learn what your hair likes and dislikes.

I think, at least from my perspective, I never really though of my hair as part of my body. It was external and an ornament. However, hair, just like skin, teeth, gums, eyes, what-not, has it's own bio-chemistry. Hair reacts when you are stressed, depressed, happy, and joyous. Just like feeding your body, you have to feed your hair too.

Sorry for the rant, but I guess I'm feeling philosophical tonight. Anyway, many of the things Panpeus has mentioned will be mentioned again, I'm sure; also, others will chime in with more suggestions. The key which many have learned or, in my case, are still learning is to find what works best for ourselves.

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by puertoriquena on Sep 19th, 2005 at 9:50pm
Thank you both so much for your replies. Pink BTW, is not the victoria's secret brand, it is this brand, I guess for African-American hair.They have a sheen spray and hair lotion. I don't know if you all know about this brand, but I was wondering if it was god or not.

I have been scared to use oils on my hair. I tried them in the past and maybe I just use too much or something, but I end up with greasy looking hair :-/

I think I must have overconditioned my hair! Thinking it was just damaged, I conditioned it even MORE. I figured out that I over conditioned because one day I just shampood my hair really well and did not use conditioner. My hair looked SO much better, I was amazed!!!

In the past week, I have had my sister comment on my hair, saying it looks longer. Then my boyfriend told me this too :D I am so glad they are noticing! I have been trying to get it longer and in shape for some time now...

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by bikerbraid on Sep 19th, 2005 at 11:08pm
Congrats!  It's always nice to have others notice your hair (for the right reasons  ;D )

Oils can be good for dry and damaged ends.  However, if you are using protein conditioners, oils can cause "crunchy" ends.  A clarifying shampoo or a vinegar rinse to clarify will help remedy.

Good luck and let us know how things work out.

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by puertoriquena on Sep 26th, 2005 at 5:56pm
So what types of oils are good for thick, slightly damaged hair? How often do I use oil? How much? THANKS :)

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by bikerbraid on Sep 26th, 2005 at 6:35pm
I have fine hair and use jojoba oil on the ends of my hair.  During the dry winter months, I apply it every night.  During the summer, more humid months, I apply it when I feel the ends are getting dry.  

Many people with thicker hair find that olive oil works well on their hair.  I know some have used other types of oil, but these are the most commonly referenced.

Frequency of use would depend on how dry/damaged your hair is.  You don't use much of either oil (the intent is not to have oily looking hair).  Put a drop or so of oil on your hands, then run your hands down the hair.  Braiding the hair and leaving it overnight is also common after oiling.

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by Sakina on Sep 26th, 2005 at 6:58pm
Portoriquena-I also have a lot of hair that is damaged on the ends from having color stripped twice and while I have used olive oil in the past, I currently favor coconut oil.  I divide my hair into two sectionsa and braid each below my ear until there's approx. 2 inches of tail.  Then I dip my first & second fingertips into the oil and apply it by "pinching" the hair from the bottom up.  I'm alternating between the coconut oil and Louise Marie Longhairs bliss balm and am doing this at night before bed.  I put a towel over my silk pillowcase and wash it out in the morning, or hide the ends in a bun if I don't wash.

Good Luck!!  Patience is the key!

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by puertoriquena on Sep 26th, 2005 at 8:30pm
Thanks to both of you for your helpful responses. So are these oils easy to find? I know of an organic store in my area, guess I should try there?

Title: Re: Hair Care Questions
Post by bikerbraid on Sep 27th, 2005 at 1:13am
Natural food/product stores are the best places to find jojoba oil.  

LongLocks Salon » Powered by YaBB 2.4!
YaBB © 2000-2009. All Rights Reserved.