(Part 2) Best products from r/Hair

My hair is very fine so any little bit of oil makes it look terrible, but the ends are prone to being dry, and I'm too vain to leave the house looking like that. What's helped me a lot is cutting out shampoo altogether and switching to the conditioner only method, so far my favorite is the Shea Moisture Anti-Breakage Mask. I get my hair wet, flip my head upside down, and work the stuff all through my roots, giving my scalp a massage with my fingertips. Then I work the stuff through the rest of my hair, and sometimes will add a heavier conditioner on the ends (the mask is surprisingly light).

As for dry shampoo, that stuff was REALLY visible in my hair, but the internets offered me a great alternative: corn starch or arrowroot powder. (I feel like the arrowroot is a little finer and I prefer it, but that may just be because I'm a simpleton and I like the name.) My hair is dark so I mix cocoa powder in with it, keep it in a jar, and just dust my finger tips with it and work it into the roots in layers. Way more precise application than most dry shampoos, and way more invisible. I keep a little jar of it in my purse it's the best. I actually like how my hair looks on the powder days more than the wash days! Gives it a lot more volume at the roots, and brushing with a natural bristle brush helps distribute the oils out the ends, and removes any excess powder.

EDIT: conditioner only method works best if you go silicone free on all your hair products!! Silicone might be why you're having grease issues in the first place though, it's prone to building up. And here's a link to that hair mask I like: http://www.amazon.com/Shea-Moisture-Organic-Baobab-Anti-Breakage/dp/B0056VEYMS

Fellow wavy-hair-girl here! I had a similar issue after getting an ombre one summer. My hair dried out beyond the help of my normal routine (Thanks July sun). I was able to strengthen my hair and repair/prevent damage with protein. I actually just posted this comment on another current thread, but I'll say the same thing to you:

I'd recommend a protein treatment. It did a lot of good for my hair when I had damage. You can have it done at a salon, or do it yourself. It's not difficult to do (and not too expensive at all), but it would be an excellent opportunity to talk to a stylist about your issues.


I found my first protein treatment on groupon, and it was fantastic.
If you'd like to buy the product and do it yourself, you can buy it here. Youtube has plenty of tutorials and the process is pretty easy. It does smell weird and chemically, but it did wonders for me :)


I have only had the treatment done once, the following 3 times I did it myself at home with fabulous results. Listen to the packaging. You can do it once every 6 weeks. Don't do it more often!

Edit to include: I also ALWAYS use leave in conditioner. ALWAYS. Organix makes a really, really good blow out cream. You can find it for less at walmart or a drugstore. I guess it's not technically leav-in conditioner, but I've found it to be hands down the best at taming frizz and not weighing down my hair. I don't always use it with a blow dryer, but I ALWAYS use it. It's my must have hair product.

HAIR DRYER: my sister has thick, wavy/curly hair and I have straight hair. We both love the Elchim Hair Dryer because it has cut out dry time by a third and we end up with less frizzies. I originally bought it because it had great reviews on Amazon but have bought it again when my sister moved and needed a new one. http://www.amazon.com/Elchim-Classic-2001-Dryer-Black/dp/B001FXYHCS

CURLING IRON: I have tried a lot of curling irons. I've curled with curling wands, straightening irons (there's a technique!), regular curling irons.... The Stylewinder is my FAVOURITE. The people who work at Drybar use it (and rebranded it with their name). You swivel it with your thumb instead of twisting the whole thing... Saves your wrists! It's easy to use, it can get super hot, heats up in 30 seconds (some can take 5 minutes, this makes a difference in the morning!) and automatic shut off after two hours! I bought this on a whim at Marshalls for only 70$ Canadian. It retails for $120 but on sale right now on Amazon for 87$ U.S.: http://www.amazon.com/Bio-Ionic-Stylewinder-Rotating-Styling/dp/B0046ZOWJU/ref=sr_1_1?s=luxury-beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1449465623&sr=8-1&keywords=Style+winder

CHI as I said, is a great brand and many of my friends have used it (friends with unruly, thick and curly hair), thought they're more known for their straightening irons.

Good luck!

Curtain bangs are easier to style with a large round brush, flat bangs drove me nuts. So nice of your salon to offer maintenance trims!

On the day off, I set pin curls 50s housewife style - on 80-90% air dry freshly washed hair. Simple pattern of sectioning hair from ear to ear in 4-6 zones, alternating direction of a curl in every row. Working from the nape up, finger curled and secured with metal clips. It works if you're home all day and want perfect hair for a night out. I love Suavecita hair pomade, it's brushable, light and smells amazing. In heatless method it can be used before curling and to shape curls after brushing them.

Express method would be to prep hair with a heat protectant hair spray like Schwarzkopf Styliste Ultime Crystal Protection, then use a wand curler, set as mentioned above and wait for a full hour to cool. Brush out with a boar bristle brush, set with a pomade and you're good to go.

My favourite heatless overnight curls of all time involves socks or paper towels and it's also an express two strand method, you'll be done in 5 minutes and ready to sleep.

A good dry shampoo to keep texture interesting would be L'Oreal Texture Expert Fresh Dust it's superfine, actually cleans hair without snapping it and smells amazing. I measure all dry shampoos against it and no contenders so far.


Hope this Obnoxiously long read saves you some time in the future!

I am not a stylist, but I've had long, very thick hair for most of my life. First question - are you washing it every day? Depending on the texture (and I'm guessing yours is on the very thick, medium/coarse side), you can get away with not washing it for up to a week. Not only is this a time saver - it can actually be much healthier for thick hair. I usually wash/condition mine every 6 days, and it looks fine even without any dry shampoo in between.

Second, are you using, or can you spend the money on a removable showerhead, or at least one with adjustable settings? It's a ton easier to rinse out shampoo and conditioner with one of these, plus you can get better water pressure by playing with the settings, which makes everything go much faster.

In terms of styling, invest in extra large bobby pins for buns, like these, smaller alligator clips, and thick hair ties that will keep your hair up all day. If you want an easy, long hairstyle, try putting your hair in two twist buns at night (you'll have to play with the positioning a little so you can still sleep without having them dig into the sides of your head), and take them down in the morning for loose, natural-looking waves. This doesn't always come out perfectly every time, but for a 4-minute time investment, it works pretty well.

If this doesn't work for you, maybe even just cutting a few inches off will help? It wouldn't be very noticable to other people, if your hair is that long to begin with, but sometimes even cutting off a little bit of length can make a world of difference.

Hope this helps!

The answer is no: picking at the flakes will not remove them and prevent any more from popping up. My significant other has been fighting dandruff for years, so I understand the frustrations sometimes. But if you pick off the flakes, you will irritate your scalp and either way new ones will form.

You may have to see a dermatologist depending on how badly your flaking problem is. Because there are lots of things that can cause dandruff. But here are some things you can try in the meantime:

1. Coconut oil. Especially if your dandruff is caused by a dry scalp. Coconut treatments are also great for hair growth and repair, too. All around great product and cheap! You can grab a container at any grocery store. There are two types of coconut treatments: short and long duration.
   
   Short term: Get yourself a teaspoon of coconut oil and melt in the microwave (only for a few seconds) until it is liquid form BUT not scalding hot. Using your hands, massage the oil into your (damp) hair, on your scalp, etc. after the shower or just wet your hair slightly before hand. Let your hair dry as normal. You can repeat once a week or even more than that if you feel like your scalp needs it.
   
   Long term: In this method, melt a couple tablespoons and massage it thoroughly into dry hair until your hair and scalp are thoroughly covered with the stuff. Let it sit for a few hours, ideally anywhere from 3-24 hours. The longer the better. Shampoo and rinse your hair as normal after you wait. I wouldn't recommend doing this one more than 3-4 times a month.
   
   You could do a balance of doing a long-term treatment once or twice a month and doing a short-term treatment after each shower.
   
   
2. Anti-dandruff shampoo: You may have to try a couple different brands before you find one that you like, but this is another good thing to try. My significant other tried Head and Shoulders, Blue, etc. before he found one he liked. If you let us know which ones you've tried we can make suggestions. My SO currently uses this brand, and it works pretty well.
   
   
3. Wash less, condition more- just a general statement. If your dandruff is caused by dry hair, try to avoid shampooing your hair once a day. Wait 2-3 days between washes and let the natural oils build up in your hair. Natural oils can be the best remedy for lots of hair complications.
   
   Hope this kind of helps.

from someone who just learned how to style my own frizzy/curly hair:

Start by getting a trim - I would take at least an inch off the bottom and get regular trims (every 2 months or so) for the next year to grow out healthy hair. Be gentle when you shampoo, use your nails to scratch around your head, but be gentle with the actual long hair. When you condition, only condition from about your ears down or your hair will get oily quickly. Wash every 2 or 3 days unless it's really dirty. After you get out of the shower, PAT dry; do not rub the towel all over. Then, comb it out with a wide tooth comb and use a styling product to kind of keep your hair together. If you need to, make some curls with your fingers to keep the hair together. Following these really easy steps has allowed me to actually leave my hair down and not look like a frizz ball.

My current routine: I just switched to Herbal Essences Naked Shine shampoo about a month ago. Smells great and hair is definitely shiny! I condition with One N Only Argan Oil Conditioner I found at ulta. For a wide tooth comb, I went fancy and got one of these. After I comb, then I use about a nickel sized squirt of this leave in conditioner/style cream - for this one use just enough or you will look greasy and only use it from the ears down and scrunch your hair together. Good luck!!

One more thing: It's kind of an initial outlay of a little cash, but everything lasts me for months except the shampoo. I've had the conditioner since last year and it's still a little less than half way empty. The curl cream - same deal. I've had it since mid last year. The trick is to use sparingly. Shampoo lasts a while too since I only wash my hair twice a week. The wood comb - I LOVE it; it's really gentle but still detangles.

There are many things I've learned growing my hair out, but these are the most important:

1. One of the best things you can do is keep your hair in a bun or a braid as much as possible. The less opportunity it has to tangle, the less likely it is to break, and it helps protect the ends. I keep it up most of the time out of necessity at this point - my hair is hip-length and I'm constantly sitting on it if I leave it down.
   
   
2. A good detangler is important. My stylist recommended this a few years ago and I bought a bottle from the salon for $20. I only use a couple of drops after every wash in my hip-length hair, and I'm still on my first bottle (though it's almost empty - I just bought a new bottle). It keeps my hair super soft and shiny and untangled on the rare occasions I leave it down.
   
   
3. These are my favorite hair accessory. After a little practice, it only takes three of these and five minutes and my hair is in a bulletproof bun and ready for any situation. And that bun will last until I pull the pins out - I've fallen asleep with my hair up and woken up with it still in the exact same style (if a bit frizzy).

If possible try and limit the amount you wash your hair allowing your hair to build oils naturally. Washing your hair too often can cause it to become brittle and dry. But if you are in the pool all the time then obviously wash it :) If you are looking for a more affordable shampoo and conditioner I really like Organix Vitamin E shampoo and conditioner. I spend lots of $$ on all things hair but this shampoo and conditioner is hands down my favorite and I have seen the best results. (link: https://www.amazon.com/OGX-Healing-Vitamin-Shampoo-Ounce/dp/B00QRSNW7W) Also you could be not distributing your shampoo and conditioner evenly and that is why the back of your head always feels gross. What has really helped me is when using a wide comb and comb your hair when you have conditioner on before rinsing it out. I like the wet brush comb because it is painless! (link: https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Comb-Detangling-Hair-Collection/dp/B00AWCNF9O). I would also recommend Moroccan oil after you wash your hair and allow it to air dry. Moroccan oil has really helped me keep my ends healthy and grow! (link: https://www.amazon.com/Moroccanoil-Hair-Treatment-3-4-Ounce/dp/B003YM5RA4/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1467073208&sr=1-1&keywords=moracon+hair+oil a little bit more expensive but a little goes a long way and will last months!) hope that helps!

Honestly check out YouTube. I'm sure there are plenty of good tutorials there. This one and this one are both fairly straightforward and will look good if done right.

A few things of note. MAKE SURE you work with wet (rinse thoroughly, then pat to damp with a towel) hair and have the following:

1. Decent quality scissors designed for cutting hair. They don't have to be the $300 per pair or more kind that real stylists use, but you'll have a hard time with kitchen scissors.
   
   
2. A good comb like this one.
   
   
3. Sectioning clips. If you're working with long hair, I'd suggest these.
   
   
4. A spray bottle.
   
   
5. You may want a cape for cleanliness purposes, but it's by no means necessary.
   
   General tips
   
   
6. Work with clean, conditioned hair. A good way to do this is cut it just after she's gotten out of the shower.
   
   
7. Make your sections straight and clean. It won't be easy if you've not done it before, but it will make some difference.
   
   
8. Take your time.
   
   
9. Cut less than you think your target amount is at first. You can always trim further if needed, but you can't put length back once you've cut it off.
   
   Good luck! Let me know if I can be of more help.

Ok so can I say this?
Guaranteed -coconut oil and Argan oil.

Argan oil in products is super diluted and marked up.

Get 100% pure argan oil from amazon for $12.95. Put some in your hand rub it in your hair. Before or after washing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011LUCACS/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_qF5LwbCG4X803

Coconut oil is super cheap and readily accessible. Hair loves coconut oil.
Generously apply,after the argan oil or alone, leave in 30min to overnight and wash.
Enjoy hair that is commercial worthy.

Be left over with enough product to last all year with the initial investment.
Google this advice and forever have the answer to shiny, healthy,bouncy, run your fingers through this silk hair.

Enjoy!!!

Anyone interested in argan oil might be better off buying pure argan oil online, rather than Morccanoil. I know everyone LOVES that brand, but it contains a lot of silicones, as does One n' Only. You want the benefits from the argan oil, not a product that fakes healthy hair. It's worth the price to get quality stuff.

I personally love using it on my ends when my hair is already dry. It really does wonders :)

I did St. Baldrick's foundation. I really liked it! Felt like I looked bad ass :P It was honestly a spur of the moment decision haha I announced at the event "if someone donates $100 I'll shave part of my head". I think it looks good on you and as long as you like it and can work it then you're good. It's one of those looks that just makes someone look/feel confident imo haha.

Product didn't really work until it was about half an inch long. I used some Gatsby hair wax my brother had laying around. Also, I used one of those velcro fringe holders (this) after showering to hold the hair down in place while I dried the rest of my hair. Sorry all the products are Asian haha.

I had a friend literally tug on the tuft of hair when I was too lazy to deal with it one day... so I definitely feel your pain.

Hello! I have very short hair too, so I know how you feel. Personally, through having short hair, I’ve found a love for lace front human hair wigs. I can change the style/length/color every day with no damage to my hair. If wigs aren’t you’re thing, extensions are a woman’s best friend, and can help you not only wear it down long, but you can do space buns, ponytails, buns, braids, etc. I’d recommend clip in extensions like Sally Beauty’s “Euronext” extensions, very easy for someone to put in, and style.

Edit:
My favorite wigs: Licoville Lace Front 613 Blonde Short Bob Wigs Human Hair 8inch Middle Part Straight Brazilian Hair Lace Front Wig 180% Density Pre Plucked Glueless Frontal Bob Cut https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F33N8GP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x5NzDbZA0TS77

Extensions: Euronext Light Caramel Clip In Hair Extensions, 14 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062RJX5I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_v6NzDbSXM6E7D

(Id recommend going in-store for extensions, since you have to color match)

alright well you're going to want to start by showing your barber these pictures especially the front facing ones and emphasize that you want to keep a lot at the front to work with, as well as wispy layers for the rest of your head

now for products (i know you said your hair is thick but) you might want to try a thickening product as well just to get the style you're looking for. my salon sells this product that i've heard great things about. then i'm guessing from you getting a perm that your hair isn't naturally curly, so for the front section i strongly suggest devacurl's wave maker i have wavy to curly hair naturally and this gives me wonderfully defined curls

for styling i recommend you, a paddle brush, and a light touch become best friends. brushing away from your crown towards the front stopping before you reach where you want the curls to start. dont brush curls you'll ruin them. then for styling the sides, top and back of the hair you can either use a pomade this ones my personal favourite, or you can use a hair wax. they'll work similarly but the pomade will give you a little bit of a shiny finish whereas the wax won't. work a small amount of either between your fingers and run through your hair to give more of a wispy layered textured. again i wouldn't touch your curls except maybe with some hairspray but depending on how well the devacurl works you won't need to. the important thing to remember is don't touch what you want to curl as you'll break the curl pattern and it won't work just let it air dry no touch. if you're going to blow dry that's fine but i recommend blowing your hair against the grain back to your crown. this will give it a bit of lift. try to avoid blow drying the curly bit.

hope this achieves what you want

When you say wet brush, is this the sort of thing you mean?

https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Original-Detangler-Purple/dp/B01GTR6164

I've got one pretty much the same, except the bristles are a little thicker (and it's not branded).