(Part 2) Best products from r/femalehairadvice

I have long hair, also waist length...fine strands, but lots of them, so it looks thick...that also tangles at the nape. My issue is that’s where my curls are (the very front is stick straight...wtf). The curly bits are more textured and that’s where my problem usually is.

Good conditioner helps...gotta have that moisture...I love Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle—it’s damn juicy. If you can afford it, this spray is delicious...smells like flowers and makes your hair shiny and silky as heck.

Tangle-tamers were not useful for my hair...I mean it worked eventually, but always hurt on the way. Try the Wet Brush ... talk about miracles. Using this in conjunction with the spray mentioned earlier is a winner to gently get those tangles out without lots of pain.

One thing people don’t think about (especially this time of year) is what you’re wearing. Getting your hair stuck between things, like a shirt and jacket....or rubbing on things like wooly scarves or textured jackets can actually “felt” your hair into mats. Once it gets damaged that way (by literally being crumpled up), it’s more likely to continue to occur. Wearing smooth fabrics (at least at the collar) and sleeping with a satiny silk pillowcase help protect the hair from things it rubs against. If I have to wear a chunky scarf, I whip it into a bun to keep it from rubbing.

Constant conditioning will help the strands be stronger. I’d try soaking the nape area in olive oil and letting it just saturate in while you watch some Netflix, wash it out and condition regularly just to get it extra hydrated and be vigilant to keep it brushed out there until that rough section grows out.

Everyone’s hair is different, so I don’t know if this will help, but I thought I’d throw these suggestions in, since they worked for me. Good luck!

I've got a few suggestions for you, some of them for products and some for hair-related changes:

1. How long is long? If your hair is down to your mid-back, for example, it may be hard to get products like those I'm going to recommend to do a lot for you, simply because the weight of your hair is pulling it flat. Taking the length up a few inches could do wonders for you.
   
   
2. Wash every day. Or, wash without conditioning. I know, I know. This goes against every rule anyone has ever given you about washing hair. And it might not work, but try it. My logic here is that your hairs natural oils are probably weighing your hair down. You might get a little more volume and body to your hair by changing how you wash. Either a) washing every day, which will decrease oiliness day to day, or b) only condition every other wash, which will decrease moisture and smoothness to your hair.
   
   
3. Use a mousse before letting your hair dry. This can help you build some volume from roots to ends. I like R+Co Rodeo Star and Living Proof Full.
   
   How to use it: after washing and towling your hair dry until its just a bit damp, spray a dollop into your hand and work through the hair from roots to ends. Then, give a quick blow dry or let it air dry. Ruffle it with your hands, brush, basically do whatever you have to do so that it gets to the point that you like it. Then:
   
   
4. Hairspray. There are tons of youtube videos on how to use hairspray. For you, I'd recommend Living Proof Perfect Hair Day and Kristin Ess Beach Wave Spray, if you want a beachy or just different look.
   
   Hope this helps!

Yeah, this happens to me sometimes. I also have long hair and usually wear it down, and it is very straight. I think I heard somewhere that it gets all tangled in the tags on ur shirt, but that doesn't really make any sense to me. It may also get tangled on necklaces too though.

If you are willing to invest in a detangler, the Restore Perfecting Spray by Living proof is amazing. I got it as a sample like a year ago and I still haven't finished it, despite being only .5 fl oz. I only use one spritz if I ever have a really tangled area. It is very expensive, but as I said, it's an investment. In the same sample package, I got a great detangling brush. The wet-brush pro for thin hair works really well on my hair. If you have thinner hair like me, it will work really well and also comes in a small size if you want to travel with it. If you have thicker hair, you can just get the normal kind, but I would just really suggest the wet brush brand. #notspon

Hiya, have you ever thought about going no poo? I quit using shampoo altogether almost a year ago and have been experimenting with different techniques, what's worked best for me is the conditioner only method. My hair is fine and dry but my scalp is oily, and this has absolutely completely changed my hair, I've quit using styling products or anything and now I get complimented all the damn time. It's soft and has pretty, full waves and a lot more volume. I rarely blow dry it now because it looks so much better when I don't; I usually sleep with it in an upside down french braid and I love it, it cuts out so much time in the morning. The big key to this is cutting out anything that can build up on your hair (silicones and, to a lesser extent, waxes), because that's what you need surfactants to remove. I still occasionally (maybe once a month? Probably not even that much) will use a mild, moisturizing sulfate free shampoo if I've gotten really dirty or something; I like the Shea Moisture line. They also make a good conditioner that I use on my ends probably once a week. For my regular CO-washing (which I do every other dayish) I use Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Conditioner which is insanely cheap if you buy it at TJ's, which is good because you do use a lot of conditioner with CO-washing.

Umm, ok, I didn't mean to write a novel, but here are a couple more links you might find helpful...

-Jumping off point for products

-Info on protein v moisture and how to determine what your hair needs to be healthy

Feel free to ask me anything about this, I LOVE it.

I think what you need, more than anything, is to get some volume in your hair!

Try out some different methods of styling your hair and some different products. My go-to products for adding volume are mousses and those volumizing powders. Big sexy hair has one that I've used and like but there are many other brands as well. I also use not your mother's texturing spray and like that a lot to give my hair a bit more grit to be a bit more likely to hold volume if I do something like tease it a bit.

Also, I'd try to put some texture in your hair.

How much styling do you want to do? I think you'd look cute in a cut like this maybe, but that texture is key! If you've got any natural wave, you can use sea salt spray to pump up that texture, if not you'll probably have to resort to heat styling with either a curling iron or straightener.

If you'd like to go a bit shorter, maybe something like this.

During the mullet phase, you can just keep cutting the back as the front transitions into a long pixie

OR

Put the mullet into tiny pigtails! I always do this when I'm growing out from a big chop. I use the teeny elastics like these and the piggies look so cute!

In response to one of your other comments: people probably will voice opinions (unprompted and unwelcome) on your decision, but fuck 'em. I, for one, enjoyed being instantly immune from the male gaze. It was also eye-opening to see how some people (men, in my experience) were actually irritated that I'd "ruined the view," so to speak.

That was when I really realized how society can view women's bodies as public property, and I began questioning my motives in working towards appearing feminine, pretty, etc. The buzzed head propelled me into a new way of thinking.

And I'm tickled by your characterization of the "spite deal!" I know my buzzed hair wasn't my boyfriend's favorite--straight dudes apparently love long hair, regardless of how shitty it looks--but he was supportive of my bodily autonomy. Lord knows he doesn't conform to my ideal image of him (hair short, more frequent face-shaves), but he's my gorgeous love, regardless. A good boyfie will love you no matter how much hair you have!

First of all, this is adorable. Second, I'm not exactly sure what you mean by barrettes... Typically, this is what people put in kids hair. Although, they do make some fancier ones for adults, but I'm not sure if you mean something more along the lines of a headband, or what... Never the less! I'll link you some things that I find pretty, and think would work well for someone that's as active as she is.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00880ABUI/ref=s9_zwish_hm_bkOgX_g194_i24/182-5309854-2618054?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-14&pf_rd_r=1YBT1EPTFSF2ZNC144WC&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=06d9b698-232d-5a68-aa8e-ae44d4bc50b0&pf_rd_i=11057981

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007P29354/ref=s9_zwish_hm_bkOgX_g194_i14/182-5309854-2618054?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=mobile-hybrid-14&pf_rd_r=1YBT1EPTFSF2ZNC144WC&pf_rd_t=30901&pf_rd_p=06d9b698-232d-5a68-aa8e-ae44d4bc50b0&pf_rd_i=11057981

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IN49CCW/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1453168829&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_QL70&keywords=Hair+bands&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZIZHJmleL&ref=plSrch

Some of these (depending on how she usually styles her hair) could be paired with Bobby pins, which they do make for hair from colors of black, to blonde, to red! I hope this helped a little, good luck!

You can get rollers really cheap at $2 stores and if you want a bonnet to attach to your hairdryer they’re cheap on EBay but just blow drying the rollers will work fine- just a bit tiring on your hand 😄
Where are you living?

Here’s another great hot air brush that would work for you...

ebay hot air brush

The reviews hot air brush reviews

I did a lot of research on hair straighteners like 4 years ago when I bought mine, so my knowledge might be a little outdated at this point, but I ended up getting a Croc hair straightener, and though I don't straighten my hair very much anymore, I thought it was great, especially since (at least at the time, I don't know about now), the comparable CHI ones were more expensive.

Plenty of the reviews from people who owned both Croc and CHI said they preferred the Croc, so that's also part of why I bought it.
I actually have owned 2 of these. My first one I took to Africa, and didn't use a voltage adapter with it, and I think that's what burned it out (it stopped working and would make a smell like it was burning if I plugged it in). I haven't had any problems with my second one.

Previous to owning the Croc, I had a couple crappy ones, and thought my Revlon was fine and that it was just my hair that didn't like to straighten, but after getting a good one I realized the difference it makes. And being able to control the temperature (in degrees too) is amazing as well. I also noticed that I can straighten my hair way faster with this one and I don't have to keep going over it many times to get it to straighten out well.

The only reason why my hair grew out was because of my pregnancies. Those prenatals grow out your nails and hair so well! Of course biotin will help but, invest in some good women's vitamins. Even though they are slightly expensive I love this brand New Chapter. If you want to save your money try the Nature Made brand. They have biotin, hair skin and nails, and women's multivitamins.

New Chapter Every Woman's One Daily, Women's Multivitamin Fermented with Probiotics + Iron + B Vitamins + Vitamin D3 + Organic Non-GMO Ingredients - 96 ct (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FBPEVP4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_t7lBCbGJC7FW6

Ok, that's good information

Since your hair is wavy and you have a lot of it, plus split ends, it sounds to me like you need mega moisture. Split ends happen, even if you don't over style it. The only way to get rid of split ends is to have regular trims (1/2" every 6-8 weeks). No conditioner or masques will smooth down or correct split ends.

I'm not sure about products to buy in drug stores, but what I will tell you is to look for a shampoo and conditioner that are moisturizing and do not have any phosphates, sulphates or parabens - that will be clearly printed on the bottle. (stay the F away from Pantene!)

After looking on the CVS website, I guess your best bet would be the L'Oreal EverCreme Deep Nourish shampoo & conditioner (yes, buy both and use both)

https://www.cvs.com/shop/l-oreal-evercreme-deep-nourish-shampoo-8-5-oz-prodid-1260052?skuId=233261

Seems to have a lot of good reviews on Amazon too
https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B005HIH67A/ref=acr_dpx_see_all?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Like the blonde on you personally. I know it's pretty hard to get to that shade of blonde. Wish that I could get to that type of a blonde. I have bleached my hair a couple of times. Still no blonde though.
If you're willing to sacrifice your blonde then a burgundy would good really pretty with your eye color or a dark red. If you want something more natural for if your job doesn't like unnatural hair colors then dark auburn would be perfect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6JPrNO5jVM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDi6YA0i_Io

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M4B3YC/ref=twister_B07CNWNGTY?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

I had horrible problems with frizziness but some tips from r/curlyhair helped me!! Specifically plopping!

Also using this stuff on dry hair really helps keep the frizziness down. It’s lightweight so it won’t weigh your hair down or make it look oily.

Lastly, you’d look lovely with a sort of chestnut brown bob/lob. If you go to a salon they can do a smoothing treatment along with the dye, if you’re doing it at home you can try a hot oil treatment.

I totally get the struggle though haha. Good luck!!

For your bangs, a few easy but low-maintenance suggestions (you may already be doing one or both, but!)

1. shampoo your bangs daily. even if you don't/don't want to wash your whole head of hair daily (I have hair extensions so I definitely don't lol) I still shampoo and blow dry my bangs every day. I have fine hair and having "fresh" bangs helps a lot.
   
2. blow drying: get a brush like this. Doesn't have to be this exact one, just one this shape and type. blow dry those suckers daily, alternating the direction that you're brushing and blowdrying. by that i mean brush the wet bangs down and to the right 2-3 times with the dryer pointing down, then switch and brush to the left 2-3 times. keep alternating until they're dry. if needed, finish it out by brushing/drying to whichever side you wear them. the alternating will give them volume and keep them from feeling so flat. you may have to practice with getting them how you like for the finished look (hairspray is the magic touch for me) but that back and forth motion is a game changer.
   
   Based on your inspo photos, you could probably do some variation of photo 1, 2, or 6 (6 being the easiest) BUT they're all going to require heat stying and 1 & 2 are going to require adding curl/waves, so more heat styling. Your hair is short so it's not a massive time commitment from a hair length perspective, but it is a daily time commitment nonetheless! <3 The only thing that might change that is if you have natural curl/wave in your hair that a product could emphasize so you could do less work. People with natural texture can use products to their advantage that way sometimes. The rest of us gotta work for it :'(