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.

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

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.

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.