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The Hair Care Thread

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anchor31

anchor31

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Oct 18, 2005
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7,074
Hey ladies!

I decided to donate my hair to the Canadian Cancer Foundation through Panatene''s Beautiful Lengths program. I need to take better care of my hair, so I thought I''d start this thread. It''ll help for the wedding too, I guess.

So, please post your type of hair and your favorite products, and other hair care tips you know!

I have a specific question to start with: Do any of you know if it''s better to comb or brush dry hair? I know it''s better to comb wet hair with a large toothed comb, but I''m not sure about dry hair.
 
It is better to do neither for wet hair. Hair is naturally elastic, and the weight of water pulls on it, so it is much more prone to breakage when brushed or combed wet.

Washing it at the end of the shower in cold water is the best thing you can do. It seals the scales that protect the core of the hair. Since they lie flat, they protect the hair shaft better and it makes hair shinnier.

I have VERY long hair, and have found cold water, lack of sun exposure (I wear a hat to protect my skin, bt UV rays damage hair as well) and proper conditioning make a much bigger difference than specific products, and I have used many.
 
I have no clue about what is better for brushing dry hair, but I LOVE my hair care products so I thought I''d share.

I use Jonathan Product shampoo and conditioner. I think the guy who created it has a show on Bravo, not sure, but this stuff is AMAZING! My hair looks so incredible since I''ve started using it. It''s 100% vegan so it doesn''t contain any of the detergents that most drugstore shampoos have.

I use Bumble and Bumble products for styling--I have no idea what they''re called, though. I haven''t foudn a B&B product I didn''t like, so they''re all worth a shot, I suppose!
 
I try to let my hair dry naturally when I can because the blow out/straightening process can put a lot of stress on it. I have special towels for my hair that are super absorbent, and I always use them to get as much water out of my hair as possible so that it doesn''t have to be expsed to the dryer for as long. I don''t comb/brush my hair while it is super wet. I just kind of finger comb it, and only really brush it while styling it. I don''t use a lot of product on my hair. I mostly use just shampoo, conditioner, and a product to protect it from the heat when I dry or straighten it. My favorite heat protector is produced by Chi. I pretty much love everything they make.

Go you for donating your hair! I have donated 3 times to a similar charity. I just did it in April and cut nearly a foot of hair! I''m already planning to do it again next spring (My hair grows way fast)
 
I have very blonde hair that is thin. My color is 100% natural and when I first started seeing my stylist she didn''t believe me! I got it from my parents - both of whom were tow-heads when they were young. My sister also has very blonde hair.

I cut off my shoulder length locks a bit more than a year ago and I LOVE my short hair. I get lots of layers put in and part my hair down the middle. I can let it air dry but I usually blow dry it so it lays better and gets more volume.

I use Suave Professional shampoo, conditioner and styling products. I''ve experimented and find that on my hair it works just as good as the uber expensive salon stuff. My hair tends to be dry so I use moisturizing products to keep it healthy. Pretty simple really.

Jess
 
Date: 5/29/2008 6:28:15 PM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
It is better to do neither for wet hair. Hair is naturally elastic, and the weight of water pulls on it, so it is much more prone to breakage when brushed or combed wet.


Washing it at the end of the shower in cold water is the best thing you can do. It seals the scales that protect the core of the hair. Since they lie flat, they protect the hair shaft better and it makes hair shinnier.


I have VERY long hair, and have found cold water, lack of sun exposure (I wear a hat to protect my skin, bt UV rays damage hair as well) and proper conditioning make a much bigger difference than specific products, and I have used many.
Click to expand...


Good to know, brazen, thank you!
 
Wow, the things you learn on this site.

Irish: I never knew all that. I always wash my hair first. Widetooth comb through the conditioner and then proceed to shower. I am a body scrub addict and end with a cold rinse, but never my head. No, I will included my head. Brrrrrrrrr.....

I use Pureology for Shampoo and Conditioner(vegan). I''m trying to retain color now as I am going dark from blonde, so I avoid anything with alcohol of any sort.

Prior to that I used Phyto and love, love, loved it!! Bumble and Bumble has a great curling agent I use when I don''t blow dry.

I never use a straightening iron anymore, because it fried my hair. I also try only to wash every 3...sometimes even 4 days.
 
Thank you for donating!! Several members of my family do this every year. One of them started when she was only 10.

I use Bed Head shampoo and conditioner and styling products. I''ve been through tons of store and salon brands, and I''ve never found anything as good as this stuff.

I don''t actually comb or brush my hair. My hair has a pretty strong wave in it, so I pull my fingers through it when I take off the towel. Then I use my fingers to pull through to start straightening it before I use the flat iron. I''ve found that if I always use some sort of serum while finishing my hair, I don''t need to brush it throughout the day. It seems to coat the strands so they don''t get tangled.
 
I like my Biolage/Matrix hair care products. Next to those, Redken and Frederic Fekkai products are great. The best advice that I can give is that products are meant to be used collectively.

I stay away from Pantene and the like.
 
Best not to brush hair at all when dry, use a wide tooth comb and use it gently. Brushes when blowdrying are fine, but it is best to treat your hair as carefully as possible either wet or dry, so a wide tooth comb is best for this I believe.
 
I love Pureology. I also use Redken and sometimes Biolage.
 
Haven, I went to high school with Jonathon Antin and knew his brother Steve, if I recall correctly. For sure knew Steve, and think his brother ended up at Beverly High while I was there! His products look great. His sister created the Pussycat Dolls and both brothers are actors and directors. Quite a talented family!

I also LOVE Fekkai products. He has an amazing range of stuff.

I also use this line from Italy and from Japan that my salon has.
 
Yay for donating! I just cut my hair to donate as well, not to the same organization though. I combed it in the shower and left it alone once I got out. I let it dry naturally mostly, sometimes a minute or so with the hair dryer, but didn''t brush it. My hair is naturally curly/wavy and I found this made the curl nicest and reduced frizz. About once a week I would brush it while it was dry, right before a shower. I heard that it helps to spread the oils from the scalp to the ends and it protects the hair when you wash it. I am guilty of over-washing though so my hair is usually a bit dry. My favorite shampoos and conditioners are Aussie "Moist" and Bedhead "Moisture Maniac".

Now its really short and I don''t have the same routine... I have to brush, dry, and straighten it everyday or it looks wild!

I hope you find some tips that work for you
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I use Aveda Shampure and then Aveda Blue Malva conditioner which stops my highlights from going brassy - love Aveda sooooooo much!
 
Nexxus Diamitress Shampoo to plump up the volume. Matrix Sleek Look Spray to keep the style all day.

I have a liquid gel made by Conair which I bought at BIG LOTS. Love this stuff, and it''s almost gone. No way to replace it.

Seems like everytime I find something that works for me, it goes off the market, or the manufacturer changes it. So I''m constantly trying new stuff.
 
I always thought the Kerastase products were ridiculously expensive and probably no different than any other products I''ve used (my DH will tell you I''ve used them all
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)

BUT....Kerastase, to me, is worth the cost. My hair has never been stronger, shinier or healthier.
 
Hey anchor31, what type of hair do you have? Straight, curly, fine, thick? That will definitely help for product recommends.

I have tried nearly every brand out there, and I have a terrible habit of buying new products before finishing a bottle. I've used Aveda, Herbal Essences, Fekkai, Biolage, Redken, Pureology, Pantene, Dove, a local organic mint shampoo & conditioner, and soooo many other brands. I feel like I have tried everything.

My recommendations would really depend on your type of hair! My own hair is long, thick, with a lot of natural curl, and is definitely on the dry side (thanks curly hair.) None of the "natural" types of products work for my hair because they're not moisturizing enough -- I know that silicones are controversial in the hair world, but my hair really loves the cones to behave!

My favorite brand of styling products is definitely Redken. I have to admit I am sort of snobby, and when a stylist recommended those products all I could think of was I remembered that brand in a crappy salon my Mom always used to go to where the cuts were $12. But of all of the brands out there, I think that their styling products are consistently good across the board based on what I've tried. I really liked the 01 outshine, which is a very light styling cream that can be run through the hair damp or dry -- their 05 straight balm which is a thin clear product that tames frizz, and 12 align which is a very thick styling cream that is fantastic for curly hair, it really tame the curl and gives me a good result when I blow out my hair straight.

I really do think most shampoos and conditioners are the same -- I don't think the brand matters as much as the formula. If your hair tends to be on the dry side, just pick of a formula with deep conditioning -- if you're looking for cheap, I think Pantene and Herbal Essences make GREAT heavy conditioners. If your hair is more fine and doesn't need the heavy moisture, a light clarifying shampoo (again, can be cheap or expensive) and a lightweight conditioner will be your best friend. If you hair needs silicones, Redken's Smooth Down shampoo and conditioner are great. I also think that Biolage makes a great shampoo and conditioner, and they have several formulas based on your hair's moisture needs.

Get back to us with specifics and maybe I can help some more!

Oh and right now I'm using good old Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner for dry/damaged hair. For styling I mix Aveda's hang straight with Redken's 01 Outshine before blow drying and straightening my hair. I only bought the Aveda this week because I'm in Alaska, and I couldn't find Redken's 05 straight balm or align anywhere, ugh! The Aveda straightening product is so-so.
 
I guess Lindsey is right and I should ive some specifics about my hair! I have normal, long curly hair; it's fairly heallthy and I have no split ends. I've never liked putting conditionner in (I know, bad me), but I started doing it again. My biggest issue is definitely the frizz. Any great budget-friendly anti-frizz product recommendations? I'm using Fructis Sleek and Shine for now, with no visible improvements.
 
Date: 5/31/2008 9:41:54 AM
Author: anchor31
. My biggest issue is definitely the frizz. Any great budget-friendly anti-frizz product recommendations? I''m using Fructis Sleek and Shine for now, with no visible improvements.
Click to expand...


Frizz was always my big problem, too. But, I use a John Frieda thermal protection serum ($8) and it works much like Redken''s Glass. I also use Bed Head After Party in conjunction with the serum if it''s going to be a long day ($18).
 
Date: 5/31/2008 9:41:54 AM
Author: anchor31
I guess Lindsey is right and I should ive some specifics about my hair! I have normal, long curly hair; it's fairly heallthy and I have no split ends. I've never liked putting conditionner in (I know, bad me), but I started doing it again. My biggest issue is definitely the frizz. Any great budget-friendly anti-frizz product recommendations? I'm using Fructis Sleek and Shine for now, with no visible improvements.
Click to expand...

It's good that you're getting back in the habit of conditioning -- that alone will start to help with the frizz. Try this the next time you shower -- do a final rinse in water as cold as you can stand it, and then gently wring out out your hair getting out as much water as you can without using a towel. Apply your styling products to your hair SOPPING WET (this tip is for curly gurls, wavy and straight hair don't need to do this.) Work the product through your hair from bottom to top, gently combing through with your fingers, and starting from underneath the hair as well. Then you can wrap your hair up in a towel, and let it dry that way as long as you can. Then you can let it out, gently tame it with your fingers again, and let it air dry or blow/dry until done. Applying the products while your hair is soaking wet works by allowing the product to coat the hair shaft before it begins to dry and start frizzing.

As far as products for you, I would say go cheap on the shampoo/conditioner and spend your money on the products if you can. For you I would recommend Redken's 05 Straight and 01 Outshine mixed together. I DO own Redken's Glass, which is a pure silicone serum, but I find those to be sooo finicky -- put a tiny dab too much on, and your hair is ruined because it looks like an oil slick. I prefer light creams with a bit of silicone added, I think they're more user friendly and goof proof. The two products I mentioned should be $11.95-$13.95 depending on where you can find them. But I even recommend trying the wet hair method with your Fructus and you should see a big difference. If you give it a shot, let me know how it works out!
 
Date: 5/31/2008 9:41:54 AM
Author: anchor31
I guess Lindsey is right and I should ive some specifics about my hair! I have normal, long curly hair; it''s fairly heallthy and I have no split ends. I''ve never liked putting conditionner in (I know, bad me), but I started doing it again. My biggest issue is definitely the frizz. Any great budget-friendly anti-frizz product recommendations? I''m using Fructis Sleek and Shine for now, with no visible improvements.
Click to expand...


Try the Biolage Smoothing Shine Milk. I spray it on while my hair is wet. I think I might pay around $20.00 for it. I''ve got to find a new salon . . .
 
Date: 5/30/2008 8:30:21 PM
Author: Libster
I always thought the Kerastase products were ridiculously expensive and probably no different than any other products I''ve used (my DH will tell you I''ve used them all
9.gif
)


BUT....Kerastase, to me, is worth the cost. My hair has never been stronger, shinier or healthier.
Click to expand...

oh~!! i''m a TOTALLY believer in Kerastase. nothing compares to this. my hair is very damaged on the ends and it makes it like SILK. crazy.

i also love love love neutrogena''s triple moistre conditioner. i use it before the kerastase.

also - i''ve found a hair washing method that seems to really work for me. my roots are super oily, but ends super dry. so, i wash only at my scalp and condition only at the ends. and i can have the products on at the same time since they are on separate sections, thus saving time
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Date: 5/31/2008 9:41:54 AM
Author: anchor31
I guess Lindsey is right and I should ive some specifics about my hair! I have normal, long curly hair; it''s fairly heallthy and I have no split ends. I''ve never liked putting conditionner in (I know, bad me), but I started doing it again. My biggest issue is definitely the frizz. Any great budget-friendly anti-frizz product recommendations? I''m using Fructis Sleek and Shine for now, with no visible improvements.
Click to expand...
Do you use a diffuser?

My daughter has curly hair. I use Tresemme Mega Hold Super Firm Control Sculpting Gel to help define her curls. It''s not a firm hold gel it''s more medium/light. I love it. It gives a good, non crunchy, soft hold. I use it as well on both wet & dry hair. I also use a drop or two of silicone serum for shine & to smooth frizzies. If you feel like you need more smoothing a pomade might work really well for you.

It''s good that you are using conditioner it does help to keep hair smooth. I like Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Milk Conditioner. it''s a nice light conditioner anyone can use it.
 
Date: 5/29/2008 6:28:15 PM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
It is better to do neither for wet hair. Hair is naturally elastic, and the weight of water pulls on it, so it is much more prone to breakage when brushed or combed wet.


Washing it at the end of the shower in cold water is the best thing you can do. It seals the scales that protect the core of the hair. Since they lie flat, they protect the hair shaft better and it makes hair shinnier.


I have VERY long hair, and have found cold water, lack of sun exposure (I wear a hat to protect my skin, bt UV rays damage hair as well) and proper conditioning make a much bigger difference than specific products, and I have used many.
Click to expand...

What's up, long hair sister!

Another tip I'll throw out there is the "Condition, Wash, Condition" method. The bottom 2+ feet of my hair never ever gets dirty (unless I've dipped it in tar or something else equally unlikely) so I follow this method when washing my hair:

Wet hair.

Condition: Place daily conditioner on bottom of hair, from tips up to where natural oil, etc isn't going to reach.

Wash: Use shampoo on scalp and where actually 'dirty' hair is. When you rinse out the shampoo, rather than rinsing the shampoo into the vulnerable lower section of your hair, stripping out precious moisture and oils from the more porous hair and drying it out unnecessarily, the conditioner acts like a barrier to protect the hair from the harshness of the shampoo. Now the hair is rinsed clean.

Condition: Apply conditioner 'for real'. For short hair, all over is fine, for long hair I put a deep conditioner on the lower part of my hair and wrap it up in a bun before shave my legs, armpits, wash body, etc. That gives me the usual 3-5 minutes, then I apply daily conditioner all over, and rinse with cool water.

Handheld shower heads are a godsend because it means only your head has to endure the chilly water!

I couldn't maintain such long hair if I didn't wash it this way. I have curly/wavy hair that desperately wants to tangle all the time, so it's trying to dry out and break off. I also wear hairsticks instead of elastics to cut down on breakage.

Good for you, Anchor, for not messin' with Locks of Love, which apparently are commonly known to long-hair forums as "Locks of Lies" since they were investigated by the BBB for selling far more hair to fetish websites than actually making wigs out of them.
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The quote I read a few years ago was that they'd made a profit of over 165k by selling the hair to the fetish sites, which makes me sick considering that hair was donated to help cancer victims, etc.
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Anyhyoo. Condition, Wash, Condition = amazing hair.
 
Thanks all for the tips. I''ll try them and tell you how it turns out!

Galateia - I never heard of the Locks of Love program. That''s horrible!
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I heard of the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program through my pharmacy.
 
Anchor,

I too have curly hair. I did a search on here and found a thread about a curly hair book. Several posters had read this book and followed the advice of....wait for it...not using shampoo at all (or one a month at the most). You actually wash your hair with conditioner instead. I have been trying this for the last two weeks and amazingly 1. My hair smells great 2. My hair is soft and shiny 3. NO FRIZZ just awesome beachy curls.

**off to find thread***
 
Photos....

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