(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best styling tools & appliances

This is about a 3b. I have 3b hair and while his cut is a lot different than mine the curl is pretty similar.

You need a good daily hair care routine that is going to require some trial and error on your end.

Here's a basic step by step routine:

Detangling - Get in the habit of detangling your hair while its wet. Get yourself a widetooth comb intended for detangling (like this one) and while your hair is wet use it and your fingers to pull out any of your tangles, pay close attention to the back of your head where it would normally rest against any sort of headrest (chair, car, whatever). Don't worry about getting them all, this is something you'll be doing throughout the routine, we're just getting started.

Now that we've loosened up our hair it's time to cleanse it.

Cleanser - It's best to think of this step like face wash, but for your hair, in this step you're getting rid of any oils or products still left in your hair and cleaning it.

There are three main types:

1. Shampoo - We don't want normal shampoo, however, it isn't good for our hair. You want a non-sulfate shampoo, which won't dry out or damage your hair.
   
   
2. Hair Cleanser - Often comes in a creme form, this is one of the more popular shampoo alternatives.
   
   
3. Cowash - This is a conditioner that also cleanses. Sort of like those all in one bottles of body wash/shampoo/conditioners except its just conditioner intended to clean your hair without damaging it like a sulfate shampoo. I currently use a cowash, this one in particular.
   
   With your hair still wet use your cleanser of choice and wash your hair, but before you start washing it out, it's time to break out your detangler comb and work out the tougher tangles now that your hair is lubed up and they'll give easier.
   
   Wash the product out and if you weren't using a cowash, go ahead and use your favorite conditioner (this is going to be a big experiment on your part, personally I cut this out by going the cowash route).
   
   To Dry or Not to Dry?
   
   So the next stype is styling your curls with any number of products, but before we get to that step, there's another thing you're going to want to experiment with, which is, whether or not you want to dry your hair before applying it. Personally, I prefer a good middle ground on this as it gives me the best results, so I'll towel dry my hair a little bit so that it's no longer "wet" but sort of "damp". Experiment with this until you find the best results for you.
   
   Curl Definintion, Anti-Frizz, and Styling
   
   Now that your hair is clean and conditioned and ready to apply hair product let's talk about some hair products. I recommend picking up at least 1 of each of the big options I'll list below because they each do things a little differently and often times you can find yourself mixing and matching and experimenting to find the best results.
   
   The big ones to consider:
   
   
4. Leave-In Conditioner/Hair Milk - These are light hair products that are meant to hydrate/moisturize your hair. They are great to get your hair ready to style and are often used as a refresher to re-define loose curls and combat frizz. In some cases this is all you need to get a nice leave and go hair style. I have been using this leave-in for a few months now and I love it!
   
5. Curl Creme/Smoothie - This product is all about softening, moisturizing, refreshing, conditioning, styling, and combatting frizz, a lot like a Leave-In, and because they are so much like a leave-in you can use them as such, some cremes/smoothies are marketed that way. It's a moistorizing styler that leaves your hair soft to the touch unlike other options. I use this curl smoothie, I have been using this one for 2 months now, but I experimented with a lot before settling on this one.
   
6. Curl Definer/Pomade - In contrast to the Creme/Smoothie option we have the definer/pomade/gel option. These are good for hold, shine, and controlling frizz. They have a sleek/wet/polished look to them as they lock in moisture and often have wax in them. This combination makes them great for maintaining that defined curl look throughout the day, where others you'll have to re-apply or refresh at some point in a longer day. These products will leave your hair crunchy or oily or both, especially if you over-use the product, and if you have naturally oily hair I'd avoid using this product entirely. I have two products for this job. First is Curls' Gel-Les'C, which is pretty light (thanks to using a little gel in its mixture) and doesn't give me too much crunch, which I like. The second is
   Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey, which I'm really liking.
   
   Once you figure out which products youre going to use, follow their directions and style your hair the way you like.
   
   But just to quickly review my process is as follows:
   
   
7. Wake up, shower, de-tangle.
   
8. Cowash + detangle some more.
   
9. Partially dry the hair, and put in leave-in conditioner.
   
10. I let it sit for a few minutes while I get dressed/make breakfast/whatever.
    
11. Apply either Curl Creme/Smoothie or Pomade and style. My day-to-day is the curl creme and I usually shake and go/finger comb and use a pick to make sure there's an equal amount of "puff" all around.
    
    Hope this helps!

I'm not sure if you meant to do that, but that's a music video in your post. Not a picture lol. I think I understand the haircut you're talking about..and whichever hair stylist you go to, make sure they do a cut that's relevant to your face shape as well because it can obviously make a world of difference. On top of that, ask them to teach you how to do even the simplest of styles. Plus there are plenty of videos and tutorials you can go through to try out. Ok, so as far as the texture of your hair goes, these are a few options that I suggest:

• Washing your hair- Use a clarifying shampoo at least once every other week. The one I linked you to in another comment of mine is a really good recommendation especially since your hair is curly. I'm asking you to trust me on this because it will remove any build up from product and oils in your hair. Just follow the directions on the bottle, you use it just like any other shampoo. As far as a daily shampoo and conditioner go, I sayMane 'n Tail. I SWEAR by this stuff and am currently using it myself. (Yes, you can even use it for horses :p) Anyways, I highlighted my moms hair a few years back and for the first time ever it became so straw-like, couldn't dare get a comb through it, etc. Mane 'n Tail was the only shampoo and conditioner that worked.
  
  
• Managing your curls and every day stuff -I'm not kidding when I say to use Moroccan oil (or Argon oil) every day.Start out with like, a nickle sized glob on your hand, rub your hands together, and finger comb it through your hair. DON'T start at the top by your roots. It can make your hair look greasier if you start from there. Example: Ever see the Little Mermaid? Remember when Ariel was using the fork as a comb at the dinner table all quick and stuff? Like that, but with your fingers haha. Even on your bangs, this stuff is awesome. Are your bangs short? Like eyebrow length?
  
  -This is a round brush I have and do recommend.
  
  -I also have this paddle brush that helps prevent friction on your hair. This one at least I think you should use WITH a blow dryer. It will give your hair a smoother look. Like I said before, ask the stylist to teach you how to use it. It's our job to educate our clients anyway, so she's not going out of her way. Or his way.
  
  I actually wish you lived close to me (although idk where you do live) so that I could do this myself and teach you all the things! I love educating people about this stuff! I wish you luck with your hair journey :)
  
  Oh, and real quick. Try pin curls. Here is a tutorial of how to do so. All you need are bobby pins and a fine tooth comb! It will help your curls be more defined :)

Hey, thanks so much for the detailed reply!

After looking around on this sub, I just ordered this stuff, and I feel like it should do the trick... But I will definitely take everything you suggested into consideration.

1. I wash every other day, but that can change. I'm not sure what ayurvedic hair oil is, and all I found Googling it was some homeopathic stuff, so I'm not sure if you were referring to something specific, but I'll start adding some hair oils to my regimen and use them overnight. I also didn't know that about super hot (which I love bathing in, so I'll definitely have to change that up).
   
   
2. I have a nice soft brush I like (almost like this one) and it seems to be gentle on my hair. I use my hands for styling, but if you think I should use a comb, I'd love to hear why!
   
   
3. I'm not sure what dry vs not dry hair feels like so I'm not sure if I have it, but I don't think I've ever felt any problems with it. That being said, I did just add that argan oil shampoo (refer to point #1) to my regimen, so hopefully that improves anything that may be wrong :)
   
   
4. I, unfortunately, don't have enough hair to braid, but I'll start rubbing my scalp with oils... that sounds delightful!
   
   
5. I've got short hair (compared to my other granola guy friends) :) and I get my hair cut once every 2 weeks to once a month, so I'm not sure I'll run into that problem. That being said, is there anything I should look out for in terms of hair damage? I never thought about it as an issue for people with shorter hair...
   
   
6. 
   > Eat clean and healthy
   
   ... What do you want me to start being nice to people, have confidence, share the love and joy my friends and family give me and aspire to be the best person I can be? ... fiiiiiiiiine... I'll try I guess :)

The picture where you're smiling is wonderful! It makes such a difference to your face- I'm afraid you may have a case of RBF, but that doesn't mean you're condemned to a life of being unattractive or anything!

I definitely think the bangs are a good choice. Since you have a very long face, they balance you out wonderfully. Just make sure you style them every day- a round brush like this one and a blow dryer (even if your hair is already dry) are all you need to make them look really nice every day. It shouldn't take more than 3 minutes to do.

As for makeup, I'd recommend looking for an eyebrow brush that's close to your natural hair color that also has a spoolie (the thing that looks like a mascara wand) on the end. Use the spoolie first to clean up your brows and get the hairs in place, and then use the pencil to fill in the color. Any stylist at an eyebrow waxing place can give you some good tips.

With that, mascara, a bit of cream blush, and some natural-looking lipstick, you'll really frame your face and highlight your natural beauty! If you're looking to really step up your game, a good BB cream or light foundation will always help balance out your skin tone. But for ease and time's sake, stick with: brows, lashes, cheeks, and lips. I think that'll take you so far!

More curly hair advice! I know there's going to be a lot of conflicting advice, because everyone's hair is different. I have thick, brown. curly hair, and here's what works for me:

!. As someone else said, I don't shampoo every day. I have a sulfate-free, curly hair shampoo I use, and then a stronger one to deep clean once a week or so (it's Aussie brand right now, not anything special there).

2. I only ever comb and style my hair when it's wet. In the shower, the natural curl pattern comes out when the hair is soaked through - but I don't have the patience to only hand-detangle, so I use a wide-tooth comb right out of the shower, or sometimes in the shower if I'm going for ringlets.

3. I use a conditioner in the shower, rinse that out, use a super-absorbent towel to absorb some of the water, then use a leave-in conditioner or some other curly creme or product, comb that through, and scrunch just a little (I have to scrunch because my hair is still so wet here, that's it's heavy). I then blow-dry with a diffuser blow-drier for one minute - hair is still wet, but not dried out.


In general, curly hair holds better when it doesn't get too dry - hence the leave-in conditioner or other product. It's going to be trial and error, to figure out what techniques and products do what to her hair, and what she wants them to do! I can vary my curls a bit - if I comb in the shower, rinse, then don't disturb them, they do ringlets, but mostly I comb after my shower which makes for looser curls. I also recently have been using a fine-tooth comb after the wide one, to smooth out my hair a bit, though this does break up some of the natural pattern.


My main advice on things to try:

1. Find someone who can CUT curly hair. It reacts very differently than straight hair, and a good cut will take out a lot of the work of making it look good. I've been going to my person for years, and her husband has super curly hair.
   
   
2. Diffuser blow drier, OR diffuser attachment! Normal blow-driers will just fluff it up. Air-dry is also a great option. https://www.amazon.com/Conair-DF09NP-Volumizing-Diffuser/dp/B000JQY6DM/ref=sr_1_9_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523896894&sr=8-9&keywords=diffuser+attachment+for+hair+dryer This is an example of a diffuser attachment, it just slides on the nozzle of a normal hair dryer.
   
   
3. See if you can find curly or "natural" hair products. They're often in their own section. A lot of these are for black women's hair, and use argan or coconut oil - this is probably too heavy for blonde hair, but I've had great luck finding some lighter weight stuff there. This is most important for leave-in products, I often end up using non-curly shampoos anyway, but your mileage may vary.
   
   
   Good luck to her on her curly hair journey! It's a lot to start out, but honestly it's going to be a lot of experimentation.

Background: I started getting my hair relaxed in my early teens for manageability. I did sports in high school and wasn't going to give it up, so I knew "salon fresh" wasn't sustainable. My mom would help me wash and cornrow my hair in between relaxers (~9 weeks).


At present, I'm 8 months into transitioning to natural. I know there aren't a ton of studies on black hair care products, but figured I could make a potentially healthier move away from relaxers. I'd started stretching them to 4ish months a few years ago since all I was going to do is sweat when I run. My hairdresser has been super supportive.


Challenges (along with learning all about my natural hair):

• Over-protein loading my hair. Post-wash a few weeks back, my hair was super stringy, mangled, and not soft even before drying. I realized that most of my products had protein, and the build up wasn't helping my hair. I think I fixed it, as last week things were much better.
  
• My hair, particularly the new growth, is dry so I'm constantly moisturizing and oiling.
  
  
• Finding our how expensive professionally done cornrows/box braids are in my area. It's $100 min for cornrows, $300 for box braids locally. The fact that they last only 2ish months...that's a lot of investment.
  
  
• My hair just looks poofy on my head scooped in a pony now. No brush is thick enough to tame the curls that lie beneath.
  
  Hair comments from others: No one's ever said anything negative about my hair with working out that I can recall. People have been curious how I manage my hair, or will remark it looks curlier, but other than that not much. I even come back from lunch workouts with slightly sweaty hair and no one bats an eye.
  
  Hair type and usual style: My hair is armpit length with about 4-5 inches of it stupid thick, 3c, coarse, and dry. Usually worn in a ponytail/bun. This week I did 2 big braids and called it a day. It's definitely helped keep it from tangling.
  
  Daily/weekly/monthly hair care routine
  
  
• Daily (morning and bedtime): Spritz the generic It's a 10 leave-in from Sally's beauty supply in, follow up with shea butter or Proclaim 7 Olive Oil and comb. If working out, I'll try to remember putting dry shampoo (I use Not Your Mama's) in before working out, and then lightly blow dry or wrap hair in a t-shirt to dry after if super damp. Satin pillow case and satin lined cap/scarf since I'm a messy sleeper
  
  
• Weekly - wash day + deep condition. Comb detangle, shampoo with Naked honey and almond whip shampoo, (new) condition with Every Strand Shea and Coconut oil conditioner. I leave it in for 20-30 w/ or w/out bonnet, rinse, spray the generic It's a 10 leave-in, let air dry/wrap in a shirt til 70% dry, and then blow dry on low heat. Usually I'll flat iron too for management, follow up with more leave-in + oil
  
  
• I try to see my hairdresser every 3 months to get a good wash and DC. She lives ~1 hr from me, so it takes some planning during training at the moment.
  
  I'm still on the hunt for products as I know my hair could use more TLC. Totally open to suggestions. My hair gets curlier with moisture and I get wispy/soft frizzies all over and even with edge wax idk how to combat that.
  
  Hair style, products, or tips that you find useful
  
  
• Still learning lolol, but wrapping hair at night helps me not tangle.
  
  
• I'm a big fan of dry shampoo. It helps keep me smelling fresh, though doesn't help with preserving hairstyle, which is okay.
  
  
• Detangling at night with a wide tooth comb and detangling leave-in is a savior.
  
  
• Sweat is like a natural sea salt spray for me so adding the leave-in helps make my hair soft with it

Aww this makes me want to hug you (I don't mean that in a condescending way, I just feel for you). Have you tried a curling WAND? It's super easy, you just wrap your hair around it. No clamp or pulling or anything. Plus it comes with a glove so your hand is protected from the heat (just don't get the glove wet or the heat goes right through it).

Just wrap about an inch or so of hair around the wand for like 10-15 seconds. I use this one and it works really really well. I suck at using curling irons and flat irons to curl my hair but I find this wand really really awesome. I use the highest heat. My best friend gave it to me as a birthday gift in like 2012 haha but I still use it every time I want to curl my hair. It's the best.

Also, when you let the curl go from the wand, just let it sit, don't brush it through right away. Let all the curls sit (even if you look like curly sue) for 10 mins or so until they are not hot any more, THEN use your fingers to gently run through them and break them up a little bit. Then hairspray!

If the curl still won't stay, try putting hairspray on EACH curl after you let it down from the wand.

Also try curling your hair 12-24 hours after you've washed it instead of right away.

Ok here’s what’s up. I’m an Asian woman from the US so I’m speaking from personal experience.

Asian men have it really hard when it comes to dating. There’s stereotypes about small dicks and a lack of masculinity and being emotionally withdrawn that make shit really fucking hard for Asian men. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this, but I just want to preface what I have to say with the sad and, frankly, disappointing truth.

Your look falls outside the realm of “average.” Your hair is long, which is usually a feminizing quality. You’re slender, you play an instrument, you wear a lot of black.

So, I could tell you to cut the hair, bulk up, and really emphasize your masculinity, but here’s where you have to make your choice. Would you rather find dating success as someone you are not or wait for someone to appreciate who you are?

There’s a few things you can do to enhance yourself now. Stand up straight, a slouch is not becoming on anyone. You can get a posture corrector online, they’re straps that go around your shoulders to help remind you to pull your shoulders back. That alone will impact your look dramatically. Always—yes, I mean always—have your shoulder blades pulled back.

You can clean up your hair a bit. If you wanted, you could get it cut just below your jawline. That’s a much more “acceptable” look these days (cc: Jon Snow).

You definitely have some great curl definition, but as a curly-haired Asian myself, it took me forever to find the right hair care regiment:

1. I’m sure you know this, but don’t brush your hair except before a shower. Immediately before washing your hair, brush it out completely. Using a wide-tooth comb is preferred.
   
2. Use a low-sulfate shampoo. These shampoos don’t bubble much, but they don’t coat your hair with gross chemicals, either.
   
3. Use a hydrating conditioner. Put it in your hair, then get your whole head wet but don’t rinse it out. Do the rest of your shower regiment here what with the soap et al. Leave the conditioner in as long as you can, if it’s one minute or 20.
   
4. Rinse out most of the conditioner. I actually prefer to rinse it all out, then add a tiny bit more.
   
5. Get out of the shower, and squeeze your hair out gently using something like a cotton t-shirt. Terry cloth (towel material) creates mini tangles that result in frizz.
   
6. Use a curl defining gel while your hair is wet and use the curl scrunch technique.
   
7. You can let your hair air dry, or if you want to go all-out you can get a [cup diffuser](Conair Volumizing Diffuser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JQY6DM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_on.zDbH1D7ZQS) for a hair dryer. When you use the diffuser, you hold the hair dryer so it’s pointing straight up, and you just drop clumps of hair into the bowl of the diffuser. You then raise the hair dryer to cup as much of your hair as you can and you sit there. This allows your hair to curl as it would naturally.
   
   Beyond that, I would suggest asking someone else for fashion advice because I’m not good at giving it, but I think your wardrobe could take an update if you’d like to give it one.
   
   Also choose between clean shaven and not because the Asian fuzz isn’t flattering on anyone.
   
   Let me end with this: you have a gorgeous face, you have gorgeous hair, and you are not undateable. If you feel as though you are, that may actually be the culprit. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy: “No one wants to date me, therefore I’m not going to go introduce myself to that person over there because I don’t want to be rejected.” Chin up (gorgeous chin), your time will come.

It is way post-Christmas but I'd revisited your other post because I remembered your hair. My hair used to look like that.

Gurl, your hair looks seriously dry and damaged, and I think that is 99% of the reason why it looks so frizzy in these photos. I dunno if you've spent much time over at /r/curlyhair but it is worth getting there for an in-depth look. But basically, right now I would bet you shampoo your hair every day and if you use a conditioner it has silicones in it. The silicones build up in your hair, necessitating a harsh shampoo to get rid of them. This means you're constantly stripping the oils from your hair, day after day, and it's seriously messing them up. You gotta remove the silicones from your routine, stop shampooing as often, and moisturize the crap out of it.


That said, as a fellow poor person here is what I would do if I were you:

Buy

1. VO5 Shampoo. You want the cheap kind that comes in these types of bottles, ~$0.50-1.50/bottle at a drugstore or grocery. I have no idea why these cost so much on Amazon, that's crazy. Doesn't matter the scent, just pick one without silicones. Look on the back, there shouldn't be anything in the ingredient list that ends in "-one". Most don't, but there are a couple that do, I think the "strengthening" types.
   
2. VO5 Conditioner. Again, SILICONE-FREE. Again, you should not be paying more than $0.50-$1.50 for this.
   
3. Nature's Gate Conditioner in Jojoba or Aloe. I like Jojoba better. This is a nice base conditioner that's also silicone-free. It's probably going to run you $5-$7 a bottle and may be harder to find in a grocery or drugstore--this you may have to order online.
   
4. Jojoba Oil. You do not want "hair oil" that you find in most drug and grocery stores. Look at the ingredient list--it will be basically industrial-grade silicones that won't do shit for repairing your hair. So you gotta find the real stuff. Crunchy-granola stores, Trader Joe's, Wegman's, Whole Foods will probably sell small bottles of it, usually by a company called Desert Essence (I literally have never seen any other brand of Jojoba Oil sold in any physical stores). This is the most expensive item on this whole list. If you buy it in physical stores you'll pay about $10 for this 4 oz bottle. If you buy online, you can find much better deals--this brand is cheaper per ounce and it's working for me. But you may want to get the smaller bottle at first just to see if you like it.
   
5. A normal-type comb for distributing hair-care products though your hair.
   
6. A wide-tooth comb for detangling.
   
7. Shower cap (optional)
   
   Next, it's time to
   
   
   FIX DAT HAIR
   
   
8. Wash with the VO5 Shampoo. We're getting all the residual silicones out. Use the wide-tooth comb followed by the small comb to gently distribute it through then rise. Now put it away. You will not need this again for at least a week.
   
9. Take your Nature's Gate Conditioner, and draw the outline of a circle about quarter to half-dollar size on your palm.
   
10. Fill that circle in with jojoba oil. Yes this is a lot of oil. Your hair needs it, trust me.
    
11. Mix the oil and conditioner together.
    
12. Massage it into your hair. Concentrate on the ends. Comb with the wide and small-toothed comb to really distribute it evenly. Be gentle because technically you're not supposed to comb wet hair but darnit, I've found it turns out better that way.
    
13. Now, ideally you put your hair up in the shower cap and wait at least 30 minutes. Maybe take a long bath, or primp, or watch Netflix, or whatever. The idea is you let the oil really soak in. At the very least take your sweet time taking the rest of your shower.
    
14. Rinse. Your hair should not feel squeaky when you pull on it in the shower. You don't want it to. That would mean it's not moisturized.
    
15. Gently detangle with fingers and wide-tooth comb (NOT THE SMALL ONE!) and let air dry.
    
    
    Ideally your hair will look a lot smoother and more manageable at this point. Hopefully it is not limp. If it feels limp and heavy, then I apologize, I told you to use too much jojoba. Use less next time. If it is not smoother and more manageable and still looks frizzy then you need to use MORE jojoba. Whatever the case, move to the next step:
    
    ALL DAY ERRY DAY
    
    This is what you'll be doing to your hair on a daily basis. Notice no shampoo is used. That is fine! The VO5 conditioner is cleaning enough, promise me!
    
    
16. Wash your hair with the VO5 conditioner. Pretend it's shampoo. That is, rub it in your hair, focus near the roots (not those delicate, delicate ends), rinse out. Use more if your hair is feeling limp or you think you used too much jojoba. Use less if it's not or if you haven't done that much that day. DO NOT USE THE SHAMPOO SRSLY YOU DON'T NEED IT
    
17. Repeat steps 2-5 from "Fix Dat Hair". You probably want to use more conditioner and less jojoba, but that will depend on whether your hair is feeling frizzy or limp. If it came out of the the FDH routine still frizzy, then by all means, load up on the jojoba. If it feels limp, then dial the jojoba back and make more of your circle conditioner. As always, when you're conditioning focus your attention on the ends and middle of your hair.
    
18. DO NOT RINSE YET. Now you do the rest of your shower-related routine. This gives the conditioner and oils a bit of time to sink in, just not as much as for the big ol' oil treatment above.
    
19. Rinse. Gently dry to dampness with towel, finger and wide-tooth comb detangle, let air dry.
    
    
    On a weekly basis--at most--you are allowed to replace the VO5 conditioner with the VO5 shampoo. But to compensate you must use extra jojoba because of all the oils you're stripping, and ideally you give it extra time to soak in. Shampoo day is usually the day when I stop being lazy and actually shave my legs and shit. I mean, ideally you shampoo less than weekly but you do what you can tolerate.
    
    
    When you first start this up you might feel like your hair is extra-greasy at the roots. This is normal. Your hair is used to you using the equivalent of dish soap on it every day and has been overproducing oils to try to compensate. The oil production will back down as it gets used to your new, gentler routine. Give it time! If you are really self-conscious about it then use a soft boar-bristle-type brush to distribute the oils from root to tip.
    
    Do NOT flat-iron or use a hair-dryer during this time period. The heat is damaging your hair further. It will make things worse. Anyway, once you see how lovely your curls are in their natural, healthy state you won't feel the need to. :)
    
    If your hair is very thick and coarse then as you get used to the routine you may even want to finger-comb a few drops or more of jojoba oil through it while it's still damp to help moisturize, after the towel-dry. You may want to do this anyway if it's very damaged (especially at the middle and ends).
    
    
    Anyway, I promise this will help. The routine took my hair from being a mess of split ends and nastiness to shiny and healthy, and it's turned my boyfriend's curly beard from a Brillo pad to a soft, bouncy cloud. It is a hell of a lot cheaper than keratin treatments and all that, too. If you go to the /r/curlyhair sub they have all sorts of product and routine suggestions, but I like using the above because they've worked for me and are comparatively cost-conscious.

I'm not sure how much you know between you and your gf so I'm gonna give you a lot of info here just in case.

I highly recommend this detangling brush. My sister has 4C hair similar to this and with the right conditioner, it detangles her curls in a flash without too much pulling. Also, start from the ends, work your way up, and work in sections.

What products are you using to detangle? I would suggest getting a good regular conditioner as well as a leave-in so the curls and knots come apart with less effort. Aussie Moist is my fave in-shower conditioner and Shea Moisture Black Castor and Shea Butter is my fav leave in cause it detangles my hair in a instant and leave it soft and moisturized all week. It's not for everyone though so definitely do some shopping around.

Also, try wetting and detangling the hair a bit before washing because (in my experience) the movement and shrinkage of the hair during the makes the tangles a bit worse.

Technique is also important with curly hair. When you wash, try using slightly diluted shampoo in a squeezy bottle so you can apply it directly to the scalp and to the hair. Of course you want to shampoo the hair as well but it's better to work the shampoo from the root to the tip to avoid tangles.

You'll want to massage the scalp with your fingertips through the hair. Do not do this or yall will have a bad time lol. This creates so many tangles and damages the hair. I would recommend checking out a few poc curly hair wash day youtube videos for good technique.

Also, pat her hair dry. Please for the love of all that is good do not rub her hair on the towel.

I would recommend styling her hair while its damp with a leave in conditioner if thats easier for yall. There's nothing wrong with styling the hair while wet, in fact, a lot of curly girls prefer this because managing the hair when its dry has the potential to cause frizz or breakage. Also, I noticed you mentioned you oil her scalp. Try using the oil after the leave in so it seals in the moisture.

I'm not sure if you guys are already doing this but definitely give night scarves and bonnets a try. They'll be a huge help in the long run because they help combat frizz, tangles, lint, and breakage that occurs from sleeping on cotton.

Get this aphogee: just the protein bottle of the 2 step treatment and use your deep moisture mask of choice for the "second step." 2 minute treatment is completely different and weak compared. This is an actual protein treatment like you'd get at a salon.

It's awkward the first time. You need to wash with a clarifying shampoo, towel dry, then add the liquid protein into your hair in sections. It gets really sticky once it starts drying and you'll want to refrain from touching your hair too much once it is actually dry because protein makes it rock hard and it will rip out or break of you pull hard enough. Once you're saturated, the best thing to do is use a hair dryer with a bonnet attachment like this but a diffuser will work as well. Heat will make the process faster and technically stronger but you can also air dry but it will take a while and gets uncomfortable with super sticky protein soaked hair.

After your hair is dry, wash it out completely. Take a few minutes to get it all out. Use a good deep conditioner after since your hair will feel dry and stiff from the protein right after. I like to leave it in for at least 30 min and add heat if I'm up for it.

Usually, my hair feels decent right after everything is done but it's truly magical after the 1st wash a few days post treatment. I get better culrs than I've ever had in my life, stronger hair, and need less styling products than normally.

My hair loves protein too but not even the strongest protein conditioner or leave in comes close to what a true protein treatment can do.

It's recommended to be repeated every few months after that and you can judge yourself.

Hey I just want to say that I really hear your struggle and frustration in this post. I think your hair looks really beautiful but I know its been pissing you off big time!


Your hair screams low porosity to me. I have high porosity so I'm on the other end of the struggle (currently battling super frizz life), but I've watched enough hair videos to know that heat is a low porosity gal's best friend. Hot water and heat caps seem to be the bare minimum of lo-po technique.

I found a heat cap that attaches to your hair dryer here:
Bonnet Hood Hair Dryer Attachment- Soft, Adjustable Extra Large Hooded Bonnet for Hand Held Hair Dryer with Stretchable Grip and Extended Hose Length (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077KGXJGH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_hkoWBbY4ZV4HQ

Forgive me if you already have tried or considered these things but for $22 I'd definitely try out the cap.

Also you mentioned trying all the oils and creams in the book, but say argan is your current go-to. In my opinion argan is too light. I don't think it penetrates the hair shaft as well as olive oil. I'm high porosity and while argan makes my hair nice and soft, it does nothing for the frizzies around my crown. Only olive oil controls them for me.

I have yet to try Jamaican black castor oil but I have heard that is a super thick/penetrating oil as well.

I wish you luck! Don't give up hope!

I'm sure there are some all in one options but if you don't mind getting single items and composing a box of your own I would recommend:

Grandpas Pine Tar soap

A good conditioner. (I use OGX Hydrating Tea Tree Mint Moisturizing Conditioner)

Some beard oil. Choose something you like. Chances are you will be spending a lot of time close to it. I like Wildman beard oil found on Etsy
Mine has lasted me more than year now.

A wide tooth comb for detangling like http://www.amazon.com/Large-Tooth-Detangle-Shampoo-Unbreakable/dp/B005NI80RY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1396654123&sr=8-4&keywords=wide+tooth+comb

A paddle brush to smooth everything out.

Maybe some mustache wax if that's the route he is going.

I've also heard good things about beard balm but no personal experience.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

My best advice is never to buy anything until you're absolutely sure you need it. Less is more. Don't acquire more stuff; instead, think about what you can leave behind.

Having said that, here are some of my fave travel products that I carry with me on my trips:

• Mini-hairdryer - folds up teeny-tiny, dual voltage, powerful.
  
• Packing cubes - keeps my stuff nicely organized and easy to find in my pack. Usually I take one double-sided one for clothes, and a smaller one for bras and underwear. Anything that doesn't fit in those is excess clothing, and I leave it at home.
  
• Packable down jacket -- I like my LL Bean one since it comes in petite sizes -- fits my 5'1" frame well -- but any similar jacket will do. Saves a lot of bag space, and handy on cool evenings or cold climates.
  
• 1-2 scarves -- I usually leave home with one, and often buy another one or two at my destination. They're useful for protecting my neck from the sun, wind and cold, for accessorizing, and for modesty in traditional destinations.
  
• Mini-umbrella - I can't find a link to the exact one I use, but it's ultra-compact and fits in my purse. I find it handy in case of a sudden downpour.
  
• Camping towel - some people prefer a sarong or just a t-shirt. But I'm a fan of this towel, which packs down tiny, dries fast, and covers my entire body.
  
• Hand sanitizer - fairly self-evident.
  
• NEXUS or trusted traveller card - okay, this isn't a "product". But it's the best $50 for 5 years that I've ever spent. TSA Precheck, breezing through security and customs lines every time I travel within North America or come home... I wouldn't do without it.
  

I know, right? I wish it was. D:


I let my hair mostly air dry after I shower until it's just a tad damp, then I blow dry the rest until its dry, no brush used though. (I just like the texture of my hair better when I do it like this, and it holds curls and crimping better too, I've noticed!) Then I use a three barrel waver (mine is this guy, but I'm sure any others would do just fine) in small/ medium sections, top layers first, and then I do my bangs last! My hair is also pretty fine, so if you're going for the same look it might be the same! :) Oh, and of course, hair spray, hahaha. (So much heat and hair spray probably isn't very good for my hair, but I haven't had any damage or dryness, and I've been doing my hair like this almost every day for four years, haha.)

The beard looks fine in terms of coverage/growth/etc. Definitely not a neckbeard. But, it looks horribly maintained.

> i dont know style or fashion or whatever-the-hell at all, and im not entirely sure i care enough to buy into it

If you don't really care how it looks that's great. You should look however you want to look. But, I think you could make it look very good by getting a few bearding basics like:

1. One of these: These brushes vary in stiffness of bristles quite drastically. For me, I got one that was way to tough and would scratch my face. You may like a tougher one. It's all personal preference. I found a softer one that is great for me. If you want to know which one I got specifically, let me know. I'll check it when I can. You can check out a bunch by searching Amazon for "boars hair brush".
   
   
2. One of these: The one I linked is plastic. I prefer a metal one. Never tried a wood one. You can check out a bunch by searching Amazon for "beard pick"
   
   
3. Some beard oil: This is extremely helpful in keeping it looking nice. It has many benefits and there are tons of articles detailing what oils will help different problems (beardruff, itchy skin, etc.) It just keeps the hair quite healthy. We've got tons of online shops in the side bar that offer discounts with the code bearddit.
   
   A lot of people seem to have one or the other of the brush and pick. Personally, I find they each have their separate uses. I will get all my hair going in the same direction with the boars hair brush and then I'll use the pick to make it look fuller and make sure it's nice and even.

I have read here / seen on YouTube that a lot of curlies have success with this diffuser which can attach to this dryer. I think depending on shipping / any discounts you'd be right around $50 maybe a lil over. I think you can technically attach the diffuser to other hair dryers but may have to do some handiwork to get it secure. :-)

I got this one years ago (before I started CG) and it came with the diffuser pictured, it's still going strong all these years later and for the way I diffuse it is perfect. Gotta love the $25 price and the cold shot button.

I hope this helps! :-)

Edit: forgot words

These two products are amazing for adding texture to fine hair (mine is very similar to yours - very fine and poofy - and it does amazing things for me).

OSIS Dust - Adds texture without being sticky or stiff.

Sea Salt Spray - Spray all over adds volume and texture before blow drying.

These products are both a wee bit expensive - however, you only need a very, very little.

Your hair is shorter than mine - so you can probably get away using even less than I would use. Both products have lasted me over 6 months (and I am no where near the bottom of either).

Don't be afraid to skimp - if you over use the product, it can make it look greasy or weigh it down. You'll need to experiment to find just the right amount - less is generally more when you are talking hair product.

So this is my recommendation.

When your hair is wet - add in some Sea Salt spray then blow dry.
When you blow dry - start with your head upside down and concentrate on the roots until it is damp-dry. This adds volume to the roots - the ends should still primarily be wet at this point.

Then stand up and use a Round Brush in the front to finish off the ends of your hair.

Kind like this - only do it the opposite way - toward the back of your head. You will also need a much smaller brush than this woman. The brush should be small enough that you could wrap your hair around it at least once (so I am thinking at least 1/2 inch or smaller) - but be careful not to wrap and then pull, you could get your hair tangled in the brush. Always use the same motion into and out of your hair - never go sideways.

You'll want to do it multiple times in different locations on your head to get the swept back look.

It might not hold well - which is fine.
I recommend going really severe right at the beginning (it might feel kinda girly to have a few luscious curls on top, but bear with me) - and if you hair is like mine, after 10 or 15 minutes it will relax some and leave a somewhat wavy effect.

Then once you hair is all dry and you've got volume, and a lot of "wave" to the back (created by the round brush) - you'll want to sprinkle some of that powder on your hands and run it through a few times - do it naturally, like something you might do during the day to get it away from your face.

Do it once or twice - just enough to get some in your hair. Then concentrate some powder on the tips of your fingers and grab the ends of your hair in different spots and roll it between your fingers.

Rolling it between your fingers with the product will clump sections of hair together - this will break up the uniformity and add further texture and the illusion of wave.

At the end - your hair should look soft and probably won't seem like you have product in it - this is ideally what you want, because it is easiest to maintain all day long (when you use heavy hairsprays or gels - it tends to break down, or feel stiff).

If it starts to get windblown or isn't behaving itself, you can get your hands somewhat wet (barely any moisture at all) and run it through your hair once or twice (like when you do it while you are styling it) and it will revitalize the product somewhat.

I like the soft texturizing (as opposed to the hard gel/barber style) - if you ever find yourself in an intimate situation - being able to run your hands through the other persons hair is generally a turn on (where as trying to touch a plastic coif can be less-so).

This is on the low side for you - but I think it's perfect to celebrate your job so you can do your hair all purty! Then treat yourself to this so you can relax after work!

Andddd this would help me out A LOT! woop-di-woop!

I was lucky enough to go to my hometown for Christmas to spend it with my family. I'm from a small town in Montana, and my parent's home is up in the mountains. It was quiet, the snow was gorgeous, and there was plenty of space between neighbors so I felt like I had some privacy (unlike my current living circumstances in an apartment in the city). And my whole family is introverted home bodies, so Christmas was spent consuming far too much food and watching movies and playing video games on our computers. It was fantastic.


Of my gifts, my favorites were a Tangle Teezer from my husband which is basically the best brush I've ever had the pleasure of using. A puzzle of a Japanese garden scene from my parents because I ADORE puzzles. And my MIL gave me a really fancy sewing machine that I would use if I had the space, but since I don't I'm going to exchange it for a KitchenAid because then I can make ALL THE GOODIES 8D (my husband's family is well off so they can afford to give out expensive gifts x.x)

A very cool invention! Bet this person has made some bank. :)

https://smile.amazon.com/Scotty-Peelers-Label-Sticker-Remover/dp/B0068QIQVA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484157229&sr=8-1&keywords=scotty+peeler

That, combined with a hair dryer, makes it so much easier to remove labels.

ETA: I found one of these, Used, on eBay and it's perfect. It's the small travel version with a folding handle and has Tourmaline crystals in it which help reduce static electricity. It's great for my hair, as well! :)

https://smile.amazon.com/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Travel-Dryer/dp/B003QKL5YQ/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484157360&sr=8-3&keywords=babyliss+pro+tt

>I think SheaMoisture is marketed towards/meant for black women but I've found I like a lot of their stuff. Maybe I only think that because I live in Chicago and whenever I go to the target downtown to buy this stuff it's just me and a bunch of black women grabbing it hahaha.

Me, too! I always find SheaMoisture products in the "ethnic products" section at Walgreens or Target! You might also find a very wide toothed comb useful, something like this, to comb conditioner through your hair in the shower, or to gently detangle before washing.

I would purchase a better hairdryer if it's in your budget. This is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/Infiniti-Conair-Salon-Performance-Styling/dp/B00FNQRCS4/ref=sr_1_37_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1523024287&sr=1-37&keywords=blow%2Bdryer&th=1

After showering, I towel dry my hair until it is still slightly damp and will hold a shape when I comb it. I usually use Original by Blumaan as a prestyler as it gives a bit of heat protection, but this is not really necessary. From there I comb my hair to the basic shape that I want. I then blow dry the sides down first, using the concentrator attachment. Then go along my part to make sure that it stays and is well defined. For my hair length, about 4-5" in the front, I start blowdrying at the back in the direction that I want it to stay, lifting up the hair with my fingers to allow the air to hit the roots and add volume. I move forward, lifting the hair and sort of holding it in the position that I want it to be. Some people use a round brush as well which allow you to lift the hair and pull it up and back to give a different look. I tend to use the hottest setting at the very beginning, but I make sure to keep the hair dryer moving constantly so as not to cook my head or hair. After it is mostly dry I will switch to the medium heat to hit any stubborn hairs that don't want to be tamed. This write up makes it sound like this takes a long time, but all of this happens in about 60-90 seconds.

Two things that will change your life.

Leave-in Conditioner (works better than detangling spray in my experience). I swear by the Miracle Milk linked, but YMMV.

Second, although this should probably be ranked first, get thyself a Wet Brush. Thing works out tangles better than any brush I've ever tried. Don't get one that looks like a wet brush, get the real damn thing. They're at Target, at Great Clips, and online.

That brush changed hair-brushing time for me from a tear-filled torture fest that would make James Wan shiver into a calm and pleasant affair that takes half the time and a quarter of the tugging.

Do that, and go slow and easy. Brush in multiple layers if you have tangle problems. (Start with the bristles just a little ways into the hair, work out those top-layer tangles, then work your way deeper.

If you are dealing with short, fine hair (no tangles yet, but keep the tangle tips on the back burner for later) use a little bit of leave-in conditioner and a generous number of hair clips.

This is $1.25 actually with free shipping

I get asked that every year as well. I usually either say I don't want/need anything but thank you, or I say just their presence is wanted. :D My family ends up getting something like a card with fries (I love fries!) Lol

I have a shoulder length bob and am 2B on top and a 2C underneath. Here is what my current routine is:

In shower:

1. As I Am Cowash to cleanse hair. Apply just around scalp. (going to have to change this, because I just discovered it is not 100% CG friendly, I love it soo much though)
   
   
2. Completely rinse that out
   
   
3. One pump of Deva Curl - One Condition, run through bottom length of hair.
   
   
4. One more pump of Deva Curl - One Condition, flip head upside down and finger come hair out, trying to avoid scalp until most of conditioner is off of my hands.
   
   
5. Fill a cup with water, flip head upside down and then pour water into cupped hand to squish to condition, one cup is usually enough. I use this method until all of my waves/curls are nicely grouped and there are no stray hairs.
   
   
6. With head still upside down squish excess water out of hair with hands (squish up towards scalp)
   
   
7. Go about the rest of my business, being sure to not get hair any wetter
   
   
8. After drying myself off, I use my towel to wrap up my hair in a twisty turbine method. I don't rub my hair in the towel, just twist it up. I used to wrap my hair up pre CG, and when I first started CG method, I avoided this, because terry cloth is supposed to be bad for curls. I hated squishing with t-shirts or microfiber towels, because my hair still seemed so we afterwards. Between the two methods I don't notice a frizz difference, so I do what is easier for me and it doesn't stretch my curls out.
   
   
9. Take hair out of towel and put a big glob of Eco Olive Oil Styling Gel (from Sally's beauty supply) in hands, evenly distributed. Smooth down hair right around my part then scrunch it into all of my hair. I usually use 3-4 globs (comes in a tub, I love it!). Flip head upside down and squish some on the underside. My hair only gets a little crunchy, if I air dry, or don't completely dry it out before I head out for the day. Usually scrunching it gets rid of any crunchiness.
   
   
10. Plop hair into long sleeve t-shirt. This step is magical and very important.
    
    
11. Take down and diffuse with hair dryer.
    
    I still have a little more frizz than I'd like, so I'm looking for a new product to help with that and I just bought this hooded bonnet to dry my hair instead of using the diffuser.
    
    My waves have really amped up since I've gone CG. I am so thrilled with how they've improved over the past 2 years and am never going back.
    
    (edit: grammar and format)

Wearing an obscene amount of makeup will not help anyone, but I think that carefully applying the correct amount of makeup would do wonders!
With that being said:

• Let your eyebrows thicken out or grow them out if you can.
  
  
• It sounds like you have oily skin... same here. Ever tried Acne Free's sulfur mask? It works wonders on breakouts and really absorbs the oil. Pair that with a good foundation (even something from the drugstore like Revlon's Colorstay foundation for oily skin types) and oil-absorbing powder. When you get shiny during the day, use oil blotting sheets instead of caking more powder on.
  
  
• If your hair is thin and you can't find many styles/ways to cut it, have you considered buying a three barrel waver? Revlon makes a good one that is sold at Ulta, and it is so easy to use and adds volume to hair. I bet yours would look really good with the beach waves it makes!
  
  I don't think you're ugly! I say 6/10.

I use this one

It is a universal one but it fit my ancient blow dryer. The end is like a silicone tube that slides over the hair dryer so I think it would work for most dryers.

It's huge, which I love because you can fit loads of hair in the bowl. I don't find it heavy and never have a problem with it coming off the dryer. The only downside to its size is it would be impractical for travel.

I think you should get this curler which is under £20 and with that this super sparkly nail polish! Because every girl should look as pretty as technology and chemicals allow them in addition to their natural beauty! Also, you want to look professional for work, so curl those locks, but you also want to look amazing on a night out, so be sparkly!!! :D woop-di-woop

I chose this because I looove Eoin Colfer :D

I recently picked up this guy: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006OU06E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and I love it. Right balance of price/performance. Had it for a week and only lost about 3 or 4 bristle hairs.

Using Honest Amish heavy duty beard balm, as well as a bit of oil from a local shop (Mary Todd Hairdressing in Atlanta,) that is mainly jojoba and tea tree, if memory serves.

Finally, this is the best beardvestment I've made in a long time: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WI0640/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I fan out with the comb and brush and then sort of "lay" my scissors on the bulk of the beard and snip the extra-long hairs.

Thanks for the detailed response!

Okay, so let me see if I have this right:

Super URL:

http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Velvet-Touch-Paddle-Brush/dp/B001126XOI/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1421798144&sr=1-1&keywords=hair+brush

Not so Super URL:

http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Velvet-Touch-Paddle-Brush/dp/B001126XOI

So that's literally all you have to do, is make sure it's the first type and not the second? You told me something similar earlier this week, but I didn't really think it was that simple, and thought I was missing a piece of the puzzle.

I have a list, but it's not huge because I have this thing about email lists, which I need to get over, so I've never cultivated email addresses really. As a businessperson, I'm able to separate the personal from the professional, EXCEPT when it comes to this. I hate being emailed by companies even when I opt-in because they bombard you. I'll get over it though because you're absolutely right, it's probably my greatest asset and I'm throwing it away. I've seen the light and I'll start working on it. It'll be interesting to see the impact it has.

I know this is late, but I have super unruly curly hair, probably similar to yours. I can't ever get corkscrew type curls, it takes years to get done, and isn't worth it. Instead, I use this thing
I can do it after my hair dries naturally after a shower, and it doesn't take long at all. It's not typical curls, but it looks cute and is something different. Hope this helps!

Congrats Cupid! :) This is $.83 with free shipping! And let's see five facts..

1. I'm addicted to Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese. I don't know why or where this addiction suddenly came from.
   
   
2. I'm kind of a control freak. I will always sign up for extra projects, regardless if I can handle them/have the time for them or not.
   
   
3. I'm addicted to pens and sharpies and all manner of office supplies.
   
   
4. My favorite soda is Mountain Dew.
   
   
5. In the winter I get the Caramel Brulee Latte from Starbucks because it's AMAZING!

Thanks for all the nice comments! Glad to hear I don't look homeless.

My beard care routine has gotten quite thorough over the last 5 months. I condition maybe one a week with a natural (silicone free, oil based) conditioner + black seed oil, and I use either rice bran oil, emu oil, or rosehip oil (or some combination of those three) as beard oil every day. I use Uppercut Beard Balm for styling because it has a little hold, however I've just started experimenting with a matte hair clay/wax as well. It has a lot more hold and I can really shape my beard into something that looks nice and full (like in the picture). It's meant to be a product for your head hair but there was nothing on the ingredient list that made me too nervous.

As far as brushing/styling goes, I use two different boars hair brushes and a wooden moustache comb. I tend to leave my beard kind of damp straight out of the shower, then I oil it and brush it with a boars hair brush like this (not this exact one). I actually brush it up into a big fluffy mess, comb my moustache with a comb like this and then just leave it while I continue on with other parts of my morning routine. Then after it's settled a little on its own I apply Uppercut Beard Balm as per the instructions on the tube (rub it between my hands, run my fingertips through beard to distribute the balm, and then form into a nice shape with my palms). Finally, I give it a final, light brush with a brush like this (again, not this exact one) and I comb my moustache again and then twirl it between my fingers until it has a nice shape. This whole routine can take up to 20 minutes or so (sometimes longer) but I think it makes a big difference in the way my beard looks.

I am growing to like the two-tone, however I'd be lying if I said I don't still longingly look at the Just for Men at the pharmacy. I've just read too much negative stuff about dying beards to ever try it, but I'm always on the lookout for some other way to make my beard look a bit darker.

I got horrible tangles until I started braiding my hair every evening before bed.... also, using coconut oil or conditioner in your dry hair the nights before you shower can ease some tangles. As for during the day, I can’t really help other than suggesting bringing a brush with you to get rid of tangles when you discover them throughout the day. My hairbrush is this one which works great and doesn’t break my hair nearly as much as a regular brush.
Best of luck!

I like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Brushes-Semi-Oval-Bristles/dp/B0006OU06E

Ignore the bad reviews; they were people who didn't realize that the paper label that comes attached is advertising other products. It is a very nice brush, and you can't beat the price.

[edit] I'm a guy, so I guess "styling" doesn't apply to me quite so much, but using this brush daily definitely helps distribute oils and makes my hair look a lot better. As to your other concerns, I shall allow more informed people to answer.

Since her hair is dry from overwashing, you can make your own conditioner for very cheap to help restore it. (Do this after getting a haircut and taking several inches off to get rid of the split ends.)

Buy whole flax seeds. Simmer them in a small pot for an hour on low. Let them air cool for a few hours on the stove. Skim the goop from the top. Strain it using a coffee filter into a little bowl.

Have your daughter use it as a conditioner when she showers next. Going forward, she never shampoos her hair. Ever. Instead, have her wet her hair thoroughly, put this stuff in her hair and leave it there. Then she washes her body, shaves, brushes her teeth, whatever. Then she combs her hair in the shower using a wet brush or very wide tooth comb. Then she rises it out.

For clarity, a wet brush is something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GTR6164

A wide tooth comb is something like this ($5.99 for 2): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756QT3SW

Whole flax seeds ($2.99): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYFZR8Z

I got choices!

Thanks so much for this and happy (almost) birthday! congratulations on another year of successfully evading the reaper!

MY TOTAL IS $18.27

Targaryen Sigil Pint Glass (Pint Glasses) 13.89 primable + Butterfly hairpins (Under $10) 3.44 Free shipping + Hair Twist Holder (Under $10) $0.94 free shipping = $18.27

Edit: More builds for 18.27:

BUILD 2: Fullmetal Alchemist Bluray movie (Anime) 15.97 primable + nail glitter (Under $10) 2.30 free shipping = $18.27

Build 3: Jaime Lannister Funko (Funko) 8.63 primable + Russian phrase book (Books) 2.85 primable + Shred-It with Weights Workout DVD (Workout Stuff) 6.79 primable = $18.27

Your waves are so pretty! :) For your scalp/ shampoo: I would use a stronger clarifying shampoo for your reset wash. Like the $1 suave clarifying shampoo. Either really use your fingertips to scrub your scalp or get one of those scalp massagers .

For washes after the initial clarifying wash, I think you’ll probably need a low-poo shampoo instead of a cowash but you’ll have to see how it goes. You can also use the pre-poo technique of applying a conditioner to the end then using a low-poo on your scalp.

I’m hoping someone else can help you with the frizz! Maybe you need a gel with a harder cast? I’m not sure.

Cool cool cool. Here's a link to the product if you want it. It's a great blow-dryer, except for not coming with a concentrator.

Thanks for hosting!

1/ [Blue Gems] (https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Blue-Glass-Gems-Lbs/dp/B01N099J9L/ref=sr_1_90?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073186&sr=8-90&keywords=Blue)

2/ [Summer Glau lifesize cut out] (https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Glau-Life-Size-Cutout/dp/B01GFTFZ7W/ref=sr_1_17_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073282&sr=8-17-spons&keywords=Summer+glau&psc=1)

3/ [Edible Black Scorpion] (https://www.amazon.com/Newport-Jerky-Company-Edible-Scorpion/dp/B01HBWI4Z2/ref=sr_1_30_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073506&sr=8-30&keywords=weird+food) You get to decide if you're going to eat the nippy end or the stabby end :(

4/ [The Crochet Bible] (https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stitch-Bible-Illustrated-Contemporary/dp/0785830480/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1525073623&sr=8-12&keywords=crochet) to /u/AngryBirdWife because she is the nicest of left handed hookers!

5/ [Skull Session by Daniel Hect] (https://www.amazon.com/Skull-Session-Daniel-Hecht/dp/1582344965/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525073688&sr=1-1&keywords=skull+session&dpID=51DNFgSPgXL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch) Because it is the most awesome of thrillers and intrigue!

6/ [Japanese Lilac Seeds] (https://www.amazon.com/White-Japanese-Seeds-Extremely-Fragrant/dp/B00PCPCBVO/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074465&sr=1-4&keywords=seeds)

7/ [Doggy Nail clippers] (https://www.amazon.com/White-Japanese-Seeds-Extremely-Fragrant/dp/B00PCPCBVO/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074465&sr=1-4&keywords=seeds)

8/ [Life size Nicolas Cage cut out] (https://www.amazon.com/Nicolas-Cage-Cutout-Celebrity-Cutouts/dp/B01N00HSTN/ref=sr_1_6?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074752&sr=1-6&keywords=nicolas+cage+cut+out)

9/ [The Original Blade Runner] (https://www.amazon.com/Blade-Runner-Final-Cut-Blu-ray/dp/B073C1ZYW9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1525074823&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Blade+Runner+original&psc=1) First version is alwys best version!

10/ [Survival shovel] (https://www.amazon.com/Military-Multitool-Backpacking-Entrenching-Emergency/dp/B01HM80KN4/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1525074876&sr=8-3&keywords=utility+shovel&dpID=4169CuQ8mzL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) it digs! it defends! it fishes! its sturdy and light weight!

11/ [A new mattress] (https://www.amazon.com/Tuft-Needle-Supportive-Certi-PUR-Certified/dp/B00QBZ265U/ref=sr_1_4?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1525075016&sr=1-4&keywords=mattress&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A368699011%2Cp_n_feature_five_browse-bin%3A8517627011) The bed I sleep in is terrible and I'm pretty sure it doesn't help with the insomnia I have. If I could correct my sleep I'd actually probably start living a bit more instead of feeling so tired all the time and sleeping but not really resting.

12/ [Add on comb] (https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Anti-static-Detangling-Comb-Colors/dp/B002QF4UYY/ref=sr_1_63_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075158&sr=8-63&keywords=add%2Bon%2Bitems&th=1)

13/ [Seattle Seahawks pillow pet] (https://www.amazon.com/NFL-Seattle-Seahawks-Pillow-Pet/dp/B004V55SDE/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075243&sr=8-7&keywords=seattle+seahawks&dpID=51XGGTKfIHL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) - I'm an Australian native but have been told by my PNW friends that I am now an adopted fan.

14/ [$132,561.00 Chandelier] (https://www.amazon.com/1800-Primo-Collection-Chandelier-Swarovski%C2%A8/dp/B073HFBC15/ref=sr_1_1?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1525075345&sr=1-1&keywords=chandelier) - Totally going to put this in the bathroom above the toilet.

15/ [Why not BOTH] (https://www.amazon.com/Party-Unicorn-Funny-Shark-T-shirt/dp/B073YMP4YH/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075437&sr=8-8&keywords=shark+shirt&dpID=41ZeiRzEx-L&preST=_SX342_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)

17/ [Nickelodeon Blast Radio] (https://www.amazon.com/Nickelodeon-Blaster-Alarm-Clock-Radio/dp/B00488JUL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075490&sr=8-1&keywords=nickelodeon+clock&dpID=511IUhccNkL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch)

18/ [Music for writers] (https://www.amazon.com/Music-for-Writers/dp/B074CM1Q8S/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075532&sr=8-9&keywords=writers+motivation)

19/ [I'll always be obsessed with green coloured things!] (https://www.amazon.com/wall26-Canvas-Wall-Art-Prints/dp/B00UVCFNGI/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075660&sr=8-20&keywords=green+wall+print)

20/ [ChamBONG] (https://www.amazon.com/Chambong-Glassware-rapid-Champagne-consumption/dp/B01916633G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525075756&sr=8-3&keywords=chambong&dpID=315NnjGCZSL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch) Serriously wtf bahaha!

$25 hammock

add on item

So, a hammock is no brainer as to what i need it...obviously to hang myself bat-style from the hair using the add on item...so as you can see, they go hand in hand :) (more like hair in hook?)

Got 2b Glued ....but please keep in mind this is some seriously powerful stuff..at least in my opinion. Don't over-do it, or your hair will just wind up gross and hard. But used correctly, this is the ONLY hairspray that will hold my curls. (and my curls never want to stay together)

Also, invest in a curling wand like this. I just got one of these a few months ago, and I adore it. It gives me way nicer looking curls than an old school iron.

Damn, how to choose the craziest thing... My hair has been every shade of brown, bright red, purple, blonde, black, blue black... I think going totally blonde was probably the craziest thing for me, just because I had no idea what I was going to look like!
The main thing I want at the moment is to be able to interesting plaits and styles with my hair, but I am rubbish at it :( But, materially, I'd love a proper curling tong, so at least I could give my hair some style.
Zombie Monkey :)
Probably going to try and do something interesting to my hair now, although it always goes wrong!

One of the things I'd definitely advise against is to comb your hair when it's wet. Doing so can pull hairs out unnecessarily. Your best bet if you really want to comb your hair is to get a wide toothed comb like a detangler comb. Because it has wide teeth, your hair is less prone to get stuck at all.

I use the short detangler brush and it works pretty well. I'd actually recommend it to people with young children that get lots of tangles. Something like this that costs ~$5USD at a Marshall's: http://www.amazon.com/Tangle-Teezer-Salon-Elite-Panther/dp/B001S261Q6

I do just vinegar rinses since the baking soda and vinegar was just hard to control.

I like it a lot as is! Fits your head shape nicely and it looks very well taken care of. If you wanna get it cut, I would recommend trimming the back a bit (like here+profile) - it will look lighter if it doesn't rest on your shoulders as much. Have you tried one of those big round brushes while blow drying for more waves? A curling iron would also be an option, but it's not easy to produce big, natural looking waves with them...

This is the one I bought. I have curly, thick hair and had some dryness issues. Dandruff shampoo messes with my curl texture, so I started using the brush and within 2 showers my flakes were gone. I got one for my 5 year old who has super-thick hair like me, and he loves it.

It looks like the bristles are hard, but they're silicone and don't scratch or hurt. And it fits into his small hands easily.

I have an xtava blow dryer I love, on amazon here it has a cool shot button as well as a cold mode that’s actually cold. $30 too! Not a shill, I just love it.

What's the difference between this hand thing:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L2SJZYB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share


And this blow dryer attachment:

https://www.amazon.com/Conair-DF09NP-Volumizing-Diffuser/dp/B000JQY6DM/ref=bmx_4/133-5633115-6501816?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000JQY6DM&pd_rd_r=28af2a7d-ffaa-446d-bf9e-b1e575762613&pd_rd_w=LJ9Sd&pd_rd_wg=7sp7U&pf_rd_p=9cba9e23-7e0e-412e-8134-a7a7ffc7a16e&pf_rd_r=7MCCVAEMQFKRW5K4W0PC&psc=1&refRID=7MCCVAEMQFKRW5K4W0PC


PS: I have never used a blow dryer ever before so I don't know about its parts. But to diffuse 2C wavy hair, which one of these attachments is more useful?

And do they both come with a blow dryer or do you have to buy them separately?

I hate using a diffuser, officially, and I would LOVE some tips. My hair is waist length, layered, extremely thick south Asian 2c hair, and my hair just never dries with a diffuser.

Pre CG I used shampoo then conditioner, squeezed my hair with my hands like crazy to get all the water out until it was merely damp, then air dried it overnight (frizzy, damp patches) or blow dried on high heat without a diffuser (mega frizzy, but bone dry!).

Now I shampoo (dandruff), squish to condish with a ton of no silicone conditioner, add Boots curl creme by cupping the clumps of hair and squeezing gently (attempting to get rid of some water). I plop into a microfibre towel, which obvs doesn't really soak much water, and go straight to the diffuser. My hair is dripping wet at the start.

Even when I put it on the highest heat setting due to impatience my hair literally will not dry with a diffuser after 20mins with my head upside down and my neck about to break, at which point it's still wet but at least not dripping everywhere so I give up, sometimes plait it to avoid frizz, and get on with my day. The shorter layer at the front is dry and forms a tight bouncy curl which is WONDERFUL, but the rest is wet which is horrible!!!

I can't air dry like this because it would still be wet in the morning plus it's uncomfortable to sleep with very wet hair and encourages mold.

Any tips welcome! Thank you from a very frustrated newbie curlie who wants to chop off all their hard-earned hair length at the moment and live a carefree shoulder length life!!!

Excellent clarification haha! I believe OP is referring to a wide tooth comb

I haven't used that one, but my cheapo Conair has been great for the last 5 years!

There are way better travel dryers on amazon that also have the folding feature (making them better for packing). I have whispy hair, so I just need power for fast drying, so I got this cheapo thing and it's so powerful: https://smile.amazon.com/Conair-Vagabond-Compact-Folding-Handle/dp/B000094ZDX/


There are also ceramic and diffusing ones available that I haven't tried: https://smile.amazon.com/Professional-Tourmaline-attachment-Lightweight-Hairdryer/dp/B07JMPK4DH/


For me, my goal was 1. small space for international travel (must fold), 2. power.

It was my birthday yesterday and I guess my present was an amazing hair day! :)

​

Since subscribing to this subreddit (~3 years), I have seen immense changes in my hair - volume, frizz control, overall health. I switch up my routine constantly because I am forever experimenting. However, the common denominator is to avoid parabens, sulfates and silicones and minimize heat. At 26, I realize I am on a never-ending hair journey but it is a fun experience of self-love and a lot of trial and error :)

​

So without further adieu...

- Washed with Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Shampoo - primarily scalp and then rinsed it out

- Applied Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask and Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Conditioner - ponytail length to tip (I struggle with build up), left it in for ~10 minutes in steam shower, ridding large tangles by finger combing

- Semi-dried with a t-shirt

- Finished detangling with large tooth comb

- Separated my hair into sections and applied Maui Moisture Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie evenly and scrunching with finished sections

- Final spritz for shine and hair health, I sprayed my hair with Marc Anthony Grow Long Anti-Breakage Oil

- Put my hair in a bun for a few hours and then let it down to air dry later - the bun was not meant to be part of my routine, I just had a busy day of errands but this may have helped with the final result

I should also add that this photo was taken on day 2, I slept with my hair in a pineapple style bun as per usual to reduce frizz.

Have you seen the r/curlyhair subreddit? I've gotten a lot of great ideas there. I personally use the DevaCurl products...NoPoo, Conditioner, and Gel. I also spray with a leave in conditioner spray by OUAI. I get very little frizz.

Also, since I diffuse once in awhile, I bought a new hair dryer and diffuser. They make a WORLD of difference in my curls. I leave the dryer off, plop my curls in the diffuser, then turn the dryer on and leave it in place until dry. Then I turn off the dryer and repeat for the different sections. Seriously, just doing that may improve your curls. I used to leave the dryer on and just move around the diffuser. That resulted in frizzy hair.

How about a scalp massager/shampoo brush? It's gentle, feels good, and is meant for your hair/head :)

I also use a tea tree shampoo. I'm not sure how much that helps exfoliating, but it does wonders for my sensitive/itchy scalp.

I got mine from Amazon

Gama Professional Italy AV11.600 Universal Super Diffuser https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O34C3NG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lpKPBbBMY0BC4

This isn't a substitute for more frequent washing/medicated shampoos like others suggested--but using a silicone brush like this one has completely gotten rid of my mild itchy scalp and buildup issues within a week. Make sure to brush in long strokes in the direction of your hair growth to avoid yanking

You may also wish to consider purchasing a tangle teaser. They're good brushes for little heads.

I like this Babyliss travel dryer: http://www.amazon.com/Babylisspro-Tourmaline-Titanium-Travel-Dryer/dp/B003QKL5YQ/

It is very compact and powerful for its size.

INFINITIPRO BY CONAIR 1875 Watt Salon Performance AC Motor Styling Tool/Hair Dryer; ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FNQRCS4/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_0ekWBbT1K133V

You have to remove the inner silicone ring on the inside of the diffuser, but then this dryer fits. It’s very easy to remove the silicone ring from the diffuser. It pops right out.

Try using a boar's hair brush, like this. They are soft, yet firm enough to clean leather grain

She'll cry when you brush the tangles out of her hair no matter what, but this brush makes it way better: Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush with Soft IntelliFlex Bristles, Detangler for All Hair Types - 2 Count (Pink and Purple)
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01GTR6164

Xtava black orchid diffuser https://www.amazon.com/xtava-Black-Orchid-Diffuser-Natural/dp/B00VJ06PG8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?hasWorkingJavascript=1&keywords=xtava+black+orchid+hair+diffuser&qid=1568518144&sprefix=xtava&sr=8-1

And the xtava dryer https://www.amazon.com/Xtava-1875-Watt-Hair-Dryer/dp/B07HYB7374/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?hasWorkingJavascript=1&keywords=xtava+black+orchid+hair+diffuser&qid=1568518215&sprefix=xtava&sr=8-2

These are amazing and together will only set you back $50.

How is the locker room and community there? The women's locker rooms I've seen tend to be (relatively) free from theft. It might be worth buying one to leave there or asking the gym if they'd spring $15 for one that stays on-site.

Or my sister has this little guy - it's the smallest one I've used with enough power to dry my hair.

I use to cry when brushing my hair XD. Then I found the wet brush. I have curly hair and it doesn’t even feel like I’m even brushing my hair with that thing. You brush your hair when your hair is wet with the wet brush. For example, I brush my hair in the shower or after I take a shower with it. Here’s a link

https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Original-Detangler-Purple/dp/B01GTR6164/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=Wet+brush+curly+hair&qid=1572273369&sr=8-9

this bun maker is $.61 with free shipping!

Getting something that small that also produces heat will be challenging, because heat requires a lot of energy to produce. The smallest blow dryer I can find is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Conair-Vagabond-Compact-Folding-Handle/dp/B000094ZDX/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2ZWIBOA91LO1L&keywords=mini+blow+dryer&qid=1570035535&s=gateway&sprefix=mini+blow+d%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-4

if you are looking at something close to the size of a pen, something like this will help, but will obviously take much longer to dry the paint: https://www.amazon.com/OURRY-Desktop-Personal-Operation-Compatibility/dp/B072PWLDK3/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=pocket+fan&qid=1570035667&s=gateway&sr=8-4

You can leave the one you have now. Also, you can look into getting soft bonnet attachment like this one . You attach it to your blow dryer and can sit under the heat for fifteen - thirty
Minutes for your treatment (while wearing the plastic cap). It’s done wonders for my deep treatments.

curling wand because they make hair pretty!

I use a three barrel curling iron: Revlon Jumbo 3 Barrel Hair Waver for Deep Waves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FRWNL2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bm.WzbQM9XCWV

Don't forget heat protectant!

1. section hair
   
2. curl
   
3. texturizing/volumizing dry shampoo on the roots (about 1.5 inches)
   
4. sprunch with very light styling mousse
   
   Hope this helps :)

Like this one. A couple of people recommended them to me here.

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).

Why don't they fit? Is your hairdryer nozzle too large or too small? I have a Babyliss professional dryer that's too small for most diffusers. I've found three that work. From smallest to largest, they're a collapsible silicone one like this, the Gama Professional (Amazon link) and the Diva Pro XXL.

It's okay. It's really nice to see a dude with long hair who doesn't leave it dirty and greasy, lol! Not a dig at you. I'm just so tired of seeing dudes like, grow out hair and then not fucking wash it. Why?

The sideburns are a little messy, but that's covered in other comments. The nape of your neck has a lot of baby hairs, but they're all in a really uniform length... Do you cut them that way? It could be breakage from the hair band, so you might want to switch to a hair stick or a comb like this or this to prevent that if your hair tends to break. If you cut it that way... stop it.

The frizz and flyaways could be from static or dryness. There's some non static combs. You can go high grade or low grade. For dryness, you can try a leave in conditioner, but I don't know what dudes put in their hair, so I don't have any real recommendations.

Thanks, though I think the only reason they look vintage is because of my bangs. I use one of these.

There is definitely such a thing as curling wands. They're more tapered and don't have the clamp that ones sold as curling irons do. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F2T0M4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aUgGAb92DTKN3

If anyone would like to pay 3 times as much but get it via Amazon then I think this is it.

I ordered it and it came in yesterday and when I brushed it while my hair was wet and had heads and shoulders, like 30 hairs fell out. Is that normal? I’m using https://www.amazon.com/Rolencos-Shampoo-Massager-Tourmaline-contained/dp/B06XNPJVVK BTW

For waves, get a curling wand (a curling iron will give you more round curls), around 1”.

Try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/INFINITIPRO-CONAIR-Tourmaline-Ceramic-Curling/dp/B003F2T0M4/ref=zg_bs_10704257011_2/135-8035874-6178911?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=24BJWE2AJN1G2PN77PJ8

Like this?

Could always buy a small portable one throw it in your gym bag
Like this
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000094ZDX/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1537154766&sr=8-1&keywords=portable+blow+dryer

Sure, you can buy just one here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVA3MZI

I know this seems absolutely ridiculous, but I swear by this shampoo scrubber. My nails are constantly changing their length and shape, and some styles are just better at getting my scalp and actually scrubbing. This has completely changed my game. I echo everyone saying clarifying shampoo, but this is a nice little assist.

shampoo every other day with OGX tea tree mint or OGX bamboo fiber-full (which I tend to use like a clarifying shampoo) and scalp brush. this was NOT a shampoo day, so I raked in a teeeeensy bit of conditioner diluted with water and let sit for ~3 minutes.

dried slightly with microfiber towel and combed through. let sit for ~5 minutes while I did my skincare stuff.

shook out my hair and applied quarter-sized amount of my holy grail “hair moisturizer” to my palms and scrunched into damp hair until squishy-sounding.

then, I didn’t touch it (except flipping from one side to the other periodically for volume) until cast was almost completely dry. scrunched to break cast and PRAYED.

Not sure if links are allowed, but I use this one from amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNPJVVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7vFKDbYJM5XPY

I got this one after it was recommended by another poster on here

Gama Professional Italy AV11.600... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00O34C3NG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

For hair as thick and full as yours look into getting a "soft touch paddle brush" ( amazon link to one ).

It, combined with a good beard oil, will detangle your beard better, with little tugging or pulling. Top with beard wax when you get it laying the direction you want. That typed your beard will never be straight. That just the genetic dice you rolled. Ask most any black woman in America how much pain, time, and money is involved in getting curly hair to be straight. So unless you're willing to endure that, your beard hair will never be straight. But your beard can still look well kept. You just have to keep on it every day. Beard oil, brush, defood, repeat.

Don't use soap or shampoo on it every day, either. It'll just strip out all the oil making it a dry, itchy, flaky, bushy disaster that you want to shave off. You can rinse it with water everyday, just lay off oil strippers (soap/shampoo).

Get a [detangler comb] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QF4UYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_8bSwyb3J1T2D8)

Here is the mobile version of your link

i use this blowdryer with a concentrator: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QKL5YQ/ref=oh_o02_s00_i01_details

it may not be powerful but it is LIGHT.

i only blow-dry my roots.

Not sure why I didn't think of this! These are the following items I will need to charge:

• Camera battery
  
• iPhone 4 (wifi) and iPod nano (music)
  
• Hairdryer... I think I will purchase this one
  
  

Buy a tangle teezer! They seriously changed my life

I've had extremely bad dandruff / dry scalp problems in the past - most of which I've now attributed to dying my hair and using products without properly cleaning them off of my scalp. I recently started using a pre-shampoo exfoliator, this one to be exact , and I've really found it helpful. I haven't had any dandruff issues since I started using it. This one comes with a silicone scrub brush tip, similar to these things , so you can probably just buy the scrubber and use regular shampoo, I think getting in deep with a stripping formula is what really makes the difference in maintaining my scalps health and PH balance.

I'd go and have someone take "thinning shears" to my hair.

It took me years of frustration before I learned to braid my hair on my own... you can do it loosely. I have a similar problem. My hair is thick enough that I can pull off the Princess Lea buns without trying.

Here's a link for a video (it's a good time killer when you are watching TV or bored.) I will suggest that you start with a MUCH smaller chunk of hair to start with I start with about a 3" section of my bangs and go from there. The more tiny sections you use the less tention is on your head.

You will get to the point that you can braid your hair and tie it without a thought. (I just timed myself. 22 seconds to braid my hair. You will learn how to do it)

Buy more hair ties than you think you will EVER use. You will use them.

As to cutting off your hair? The people that I know who cut off their hair (or the recruits that I enlisted who cut off their hair) had more of a learning curve when they were in basic than was worth the trouble.

In the video I linked she talks about hairspray... ignore that part. You won't be conditioning your hair or bothering with a hair dryer so you won't have any random strands that flip out.

So - to go back to the thinning shears issue... (<BEST thing for thick hair)

About 5 years ago, way too late to save me from the nightmare of trying to have this massive braid/rope pinned to my head, I was asking someone I knew what to do with this mass of hair on my head. She said "have you ever had anyone thin your hair?"

What is this mysterious thing you speak of???? [Thinning shears? You can thin out thick hair?!?!?! HOLY CRAP!] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED6RJy-IU_U) Ignore the horrid video quality and the randomness of the posting some people from a random salon - but it will give you an idea of what to expect.

I was stunned. I was SHOCKED! There is an OPTION! I used to skip the cheap hair bands because I could MAYBE get it to wrap around twice on a pony tail and I gave up for years and used these suckers out of desperation... which I still got crap for... and then? Then? I found out I can thin my hair!

I sucked it up and went to a greatclips... I was desperate for an answer. I asked for someone to DE-BULK by hair. Thinning shears all around - please! (I have had more than one stylist look at me like I was crazy but it helps tremendously.) The amount of hair on the floor when I was done pretty much looked like I shaved my head but it took over half the bulk out of my hair.

I no longer have hair that will stay wet/damp for 3 days if I pull it into a pony tail. I no longer deal with breaking hairbands.

I would go and talk to someone local before you go - explain the issue - and have someone take some thinning shears to you. You can also have them help you with ways to put it up. Someone at a local salon (think great clips - not expensive places) will know someone in the military and they can help you out.

If you still can't manage it? You can get it chopped in basic. It will give you options to learn and then decide.

If I could do it over again? I think I'd thin the heck out of it and cut it to between my shoulder blades so I could still put it up and didn't have the "grown out short hair cut" problem.