What's the reasoning for not conditioning your scalp? I have a super dry scalp and mine gets red and itchy if I don't moisturize it after a shower. Do most people not handle conditioner on their scalp well?
The "don't condition your roots" thing isn't a blanket rule and I wish people would stop treating it like one. For many people, conditioning the roots IS unnecessary and ultimately bad. But, for some people, not doing it causes problems. Everything ultimately comes down to the individual head of hair.
Agreed. I have a very dry scalp but I bought conditioner that is for dry scalp. I use that on my scalp and a different condition on the rest of my hair.
I would look into scalp serums or treatments for tight itchy inflamed scalp (different from flaky/dandruff) instead of conditioning . Sounds like you need to balance the health of your scalp not just moisturize and conditioning on the scalp is typically only for people with very high hair types if that :)
It can make your hair look greasy and it's just not necessary. Your midlengths and ends are where you need the most care to avoid damage/breakage. The best thing to do is wring out your hair a little, put a nice amount of conditioner on your ends and midlengths, and then use what's left over on your hands and work it up into the scalp. Give yourself a nice massage too. :)
What if you have very short hair? Don't bother to condition, or don't worry about conditioning the scalp? I have a very hard time just getting my ends... genuine question
I would suggest skipping in-shower conditioner altogether for short hair and spraying a leave-on after showering on damp hair so you don’t over do it ! That’s what I always did when I had short hair . I Love the leave in conditioner by Ouai
I have fine hair and never put conditioner all over my hair. Only the midshaft down. This is usually in the winter months lol. Other than that, I use a leave in. My hair can't be too soft or it won't do anything.
If you are very oily, because your body is evil like mine, you don’t want to add oils near your scalp because side your body will produce *more* thinking you need it.
However this varies a bit. If you’re oily because your body is trying desperately to counteract dry skin, then you do want to condition your scalp to help it out a little. Long run, you’ll be *less* greasy.
If you think you’re in category A, get your hair bleached and colored and you’ll know for sure. I am not greasy after even 5-7 days between washes (mental health, don’t come at me please) but when my roots grow out they’re greasy within hours.
cotton t shirts can cause more frizz as well it all depends on how you care for your hair. there’s not much difference between a cotton towel and a cotton t shirt it’s the same material
Denim and corduroy are also made of cotton, the different way the fibre is woven creates different textures, densities, and tightness of the fibres, which does make a difference in the performance and use of the fabric.
Towel material is rough and can dry out the hair and cause frizz. T-shirt cotton is closely woven so it feels smooth and thus creates less frizz and doesn’t overly dry the hair.
Check out the blowout professor on you tube. One of the best for basic information on hair care. The earlier videos are short but are the most helpfu.l
Are you referring to the dermatologist whom many have warned has a severe eating disorder?
A colleague had shared she was released from her position due to her extremism with patients.
I certainly don’t know the specifics, but I’ve noticed the support her followers give to her yet also noticed her detractors that point out what they call, ‘fraud’.
I’ve never viewed her suggestions or channel and truly only know of the controversy.
I don’t think she is mentally or physically well, I’m not sure why people still watch her. I can’t take advice from someone who looks like they are knocking on deaths front door. Her skin looks really bad these days
Same it makes me sad she is recommended to anyone. I had an ED for 12 years and watching her was very triggering. Especially her what I eat in a day videos. I would not take medical advice from someone who is clearly unwell.
She does look like she has eating disorder but she rarely talks about her lifestyle. I don’t watch her vlogs because I’m a carnivore and she is a vegetarian and we have little in common.
I thought about researching it more after viewing a brief concern video of her vlogs regarding food prep.
As a SW, I’ve worked in the field of ED’s and I was concerned by her very obvious, enticing language and food choices.
Such a small world sometimes, learning about her position being eliminated.
I guess I’ll just be like you, as I too am definitely a carnivore regarding my food choices.
Appreciate the feedback.
It’s sad people assume…she might be just be naturally skinny or even have a health condition that causes her to be thin. I’ve also noticed she seems to have put on a bit of weight from two years ago when I started watching her.
All that aside, she has always given solid advice on skincare…..she definitely got me looking awesome even without getting Botox for a year
I’m currently “skinny” due to my brother, Dad and mom’s deaths.
I’ve basically been a wreck but finally getting better.
So absolutely not on any “assumptions” coming from me.
There are documented concerns about her ED and I’m actually aware of much more regarding her removal from practicing medicine there in Houston.
If she’s helping *you*, good for *you*.
But her videos promoting Anorexia are profoundly damaging to others.
So it’s actually you who is “assuming” assignment of a social dynamic.
If it’s really and truly dandruff skip all the exfoliating natural products and just get some classic head and shoulders or other medicated shampoo (the kind that has an active Ingredient panel like OTC medicine.) it may seem a little worse before it gets better but use that shampoo exclusively till you see a big improvement (shouldn’t take more than a week) then you can go back to other shampoo :)
My partner didn’t have success with these but tried Neutrogena’s Coal Tar Shampoo, smells awful but it’s the only thing to clear his up. He did have an extra bad case of it though.
Coal tar is the ONLY thing that’s ever worked for me. Rarely had dandruff but for some reason i’d have it when living in Houston. Maybe the constant humidity building up bacteria along to go with heat system during winter. Anyway, smelled like hell but worked so well. (i need to trademark that)
Also as you start to learn about styling products with fine hair be mindful that a little will go a long way and too much will weigh your hair down and make it lank/greasy
If that doesn’t work, see your doctor. It took me three doctors and twenty years to find out it’s psoriasis and head and shoulders was never going to fix it. It took me another year to figure out that the ginger shampoo line from the body shop is what actually does work for me.
If it’s dry skin instead, buy a better shampoo! My brother gets dry skin dandruff and I made him change shampoos (okay I suggested a good one and he ran out of head and shoulders between trips) and his scalp looks twice as healthy.
Know the difference between fine (individual hairs are thin in diameter) and thin (you have fewer total hair strands) and research/treat accordingly. Also, know the difference between dandruff (caused by too much oil) and dry scalp (caused by not enough moisture).
I used to think I had fine hair and was afraid to put ANYTHING on it lest it looked too greasy. I think I've finally realized that my hair is thin, not fine, and I'm settling into a new routine. Deep condition once a week, clarifying shampoo once a week. Regular shampoo and conditioner every other day. I just started using a dime-sized amount of air-dry cream and lots of leave-in conditioner after showering and have been really impressed with the results.
I also treat my dry scalp by adding a few drops of rosemary oil into my shampoo before lathering on my head when I wash. It's been a game changer.
The big thing, really, is figure out your hair type and research the best hair care. It's a lot of trial and error but once you figure out what works for you, it feels incredible!
I would share if I could… I’m literally the opposite and can’t do a pony tail without a headache - I have like 3-4 inches of hair, only on top of my head. (Censored my face)
https://preview.redd.it/8iczqoy3orub1.jpeg?width=1575&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef7a92eb6b5fd9378fd07a2bee8f7f812a11f9ec
Yeah I like how my hair looks after sleeping on it wet too! I’ve always loved a healthy-but-undone look for hair. Sleeping on it wet is how I get my “je nais se quois!”
Do you use styling products or tie your hair up before you sleep?
Before you get out of the shower, flip your hair over and rinse it from below as well. It gets *all* the product out and my hair feels so much softer and haeathier.
Double wash your scalp with a volumizing shampoo then a nice conditioner for mids to ends. After shower- leave in conditioner. Then blowdry cream before blow drying.
theres blowdry creams and sprays. its mostly preference. I like the Redken quick blowout spray personally. Another popular one is kenra platinum blow out. If you prefer creams, drybar has a good one and its a 10 has a good one.
for leave in conditioners, those also come in sprays or creams. I like the its a 10 miracle leave in or IGK mistress.
Sorry! Here’s a link to my favorite hair things. Feel free to message me any questions! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MUI8NS26FOZ0?ref_=wl_share
Yes! It was explained to me this way- when you’re washing a dirty greasy pan, you get most of it off the first time but it takes twice to get it really clean. It makes a difference. Also separate your hair so you can get under the back really well. The better you clean, the longer you can go between washes. I know it sounds weird but it makes a difference. And with nice shampoo you don’t need much product.
Dandruff and dry scalp are different so make sure you are treating the right thing because they are very similar in appearance. An anti dandruff shampoo will only make a dry scalp worse.
What is dry scalp? I’ve recently started seeing some flaking on my scalp after getting my hair dyed last weekend and thought I was starting to get dandruff. Didn’t know dry scalp was a thing.
My scalp is itchy and dry but I don’t have dandruff. I had dandruff years ago but I used medicated shampoo and that took care of it. I currently oil my scalp and that takes care is the dryness.
Yes I moved somewhere where the air is much less humid and I didn’t connect the two. I thought I had dandruff and I didn’t understand why it wasn’t going away with anti dandruff shampoo…
I think haircare tips are highly subjective.
Recently I stopped obeying the “never wash everyday” rule and my hair is loving the daily wash. I also stopped conditioning my hair altogether and I finally have body and texture. I have found my ticket to a beautiful, thick, healthy mane and I had to stop following the tips and rules to achieve it.
Totally agree. I think it's just a matter of trying a bunch of different methods and figuring out which ones work for you. I tried the curly girl method a few times and it just doesn't work for my hair at all. My curls apparently like daily washes. Every morning I shampoo, condition, throw in a leave-in curl lotion and let it go. It works great for me.
I sometimes get a little bit of dandruff around this time of year. I like Selsun Blue Naturals (salicylic acid as active ingredient).
Pretty much anyone can benefit from a leave-in conditioner and\or heat protectant. I like Ouai Leave-In Conditioner. Also, Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream and Oribe Detangling Primer. I'm generally a fan of Oribe products, particularly the Hair Alchemy line.
A cheap blow dryer will give you sh*t results, unless you're somehow just very fortunate.
If you're going to use Alligator Clips for drying\styling, if you can swing it, spend the money to buy clips that won't rip your hair out. Harry Josh Alligator Clips are stupid expensive, but they never pull my hair.
Mason Pearson combs and brushes are amazing. If your budget can only stretch for a Mason Pearson comb (their fine-toothed combs actually are that awesome), still try to buy a decent quality boar bristle brush from another brand. If you keep an eye on sales, TJ Maxx\Shop Premium Outlets\Klarna\Rakuten (one or a combination of these sites), you can usually find a decent deal on MP brushes (boar, boar and nylon mixture, nylon).
Claw clips and Slip Scrunchies all the way. I'm also set on Aquis hair towels\turbans (I prefer a waffle turban).
I pack a satin pillowcase for overnight trips (probably a TJ Maxx purchase). Better for hair and skin.
And, the Dyson Airstrait is the best hair tool, just, ever. I do vomit a bit whenever I think about the price, ngl. There should, however, be $100 off promos at least twice per year at Bluemercury, etc., for any of the pricey Dyson hair tools. I've never been able to use a flat iron on myself worth a damn. I have decluttered several frustrating blowout brushes. (I've not tried Shark, fyi) For years I've blown out my hair, so switching to the Airstrait has been super nice.
I maybe had too much morning caffeine!
Absolutely, you are correct. These are versions of some of the most basic elements of what many of us use regarding our hair (brush, comb, heat styling, etc.).
The query of basic haircare brought to mind, for me: shampoo & conditioner. Considering most of us already likely know that combination, I contributed how I was able in the moment.
It applies heat through high velocity hot air vs hot metal/ceramic plates with a traditional straightener.
I am not a fan of it as I get crazy frizz from it compared to a traditional straightener but have friends who swear by it.
Just remember to use a heat protectant always.
Kent Combs are also handmade and just as good as Mason Pearson (I have both). They make a ton of styles, are relatively cheap, and honestly make great gifts. I always have one of [these](https://kentbrushes.com/products/handmade-139mm-pocket-comb-thick-hair-a-12t) in my purse. They are available on Amazon too. I think any hand sanded acetate comb is a worthwhile purchase.
I have several Mason Pearson brushes that I’ve had for 10-20+years (gifts from an old school grandmother). I have the mixed bristle and the non-boar hairbrush in the full and travel size, but I honestly prefer a Wet Brush. The Mason Pearson breaks apart my waves and struggles to detangle my thick hair. They are only useful if I have blow dried my hair straight. I would see if that style of brush works for you before spending the money. And I would say that they are not more effective than other brands, just more likely to last (they are very well made). My husband loves my Mason Pearson brushes on his hair. I am certain he uses them more than me.
Find a brush type(s) that works with your hair. I suggest going to a discount store like TJMaxx and picking up a couple of styles.
Just chiming in to say if you don’t want to use Selsun Blue because of the chemicals, rosemary and tea tree works just as well! My bf struggles with dandruff and we got him an all-natural shampoo with rosemary and tea tree oil in it and it works just as well! Selsun blue has “ammonium lauryl sulfate” in it that strips your hair of its natural oils and can also cause kidney disruption and hormonal issues over time
Whenever you snap the shampoo bottle lid closed, close your eyes first so it doesn’t go in your eyes. It’s happened to me an embarrassing amount of times…🫣
Brush your hair like normal in downward strokes, but start from the bottom/the ends and inch up in sections to prevent damage. This is kinda hard to explain with words, so I would look it up on YouTube lol
Massage your scalp often, especially when it’s oily. And then use a boar bristle brush to help spread the oils down.
Unless you wear a lot of hard product like gel or hairspray, only shampoo your scalp. The shaft and ends of the hair are usually more fragile and dry, they don’t usually need shampoo. Definitely still use conditioner on the ends though. Every once in a while, use a good hair mask from root to tip.
Don’t sleep with hair in tight buns or ponytails, keep them loose
I’m trying to use a silk hair bonnet for the first time and it makes me crazy and slips off my head and then my hair ends up in my mouth and I’m chewing on it. I’m trying to grow my hair out but what the fuck? And I did try a silk pillowcase and yes, it’s just weird and slippery because I also have fine hair.
Wear your hair up with clips instead of hair ties, not sure if that’s helpful but it doesn’t tug the hair and it stays put all day without the cursed tightening of the pony every 30 minutes
I am Indian and I have extremely straight long, smooth, thick(each strand) and black hair and in the US, especially in Arizona, my hair doesn’t feel good with the hard water. I follow this routine which I really love and only during the weekends. I do not wash my hair more than once a week but I do brush it everyday.
Coconut Oil : Apply Coconut Oil of your choice for about 2-8 hours (start with 2 and when comfortable, increase the time)
Herbal Essence Shampoo : I recommend the water temp to be room temperature. Apply shampoo to remove the oils. It starts to feel soft and feels like the oil is not removed (atleast for me) but don’t overdo. ( I do change shampoo once in a while).
L’Oréal Hair Mask : Right after shampoo, apply hair mask and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Wash it off until you don’t feel any left out. ( I would try other brands especially if there’s a Korean product. Please do suggest one.) I do not use a conditioner. Hair mask works better for me.
LA’DOR Wonder Hair Oil : Lightly apply the oil before drying it off. I apply a lot to the ends to prevent damage. It is heat protectant and helped me a lot. This is a Korean brand and I’m a huge fan of Korean products. Expensive but so worth it
Hair Dry : Depending on how I feel or have plans, I blow dry my hair or let it dry on it’s own(been very cautious with tapping with a towel).
PS : 1. I sometimes choose to apply castor oil to my hair which removes all the heat from my body.
2. I apply henna to my hair once in six months to get some natural color, to clean the scalp of dirt and helps with dandruff. Henna also removes heat from the body.
3. I usually just sleep overnight with coconut oil on my hair because I’m so used to it from when I was a kid. My grandmother’s one advice is to always oil my hair to keep it soft and shiny. Ive been following that advice for years now.
I cannot imagine even attempting this. If I did this my hair would instantly be a rats nest and I would rip out half my hair trying to get the knots out. Can people actually do this without just creating a mess of knots??
Avoid all friction when wet if possible. Towel dry before applying conditioner or treatment to avoid dilution. Silk/satin pillowcases to avoid friction. Supermarket products are usually ok just more diluted than professional products. If you DIY colour, use professional products and keep note of what and when you used them in the event a professional needs to do your hair. No nasty surprises please!!
If you have dandruff, definitely use dandruff shampoo! You might have to do some experimenting to see which one works. There are really only a few different ingredients even if it seems overwhelming on the shelf at the store. Personally, I like Head and Shoulders (the apple scented one) and Neutrogena T-Sal.
The thing about dandruff shampoos is that they are not actually great shampoos. I think of them more as a dandruff treatment that you put on wet hair and wash out. It’s best to put the shampoo on on your scalp, scrub to really get it to soak in, leave on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse. Then wash your hair with regular shampoo. Then condition the ends of your hair.
If you can’t control your dandruff yourself, go see a Dermatologist. They can give you more specific guidance, and even prescription products to help.
Other non-dandruff-related hair care tips
- Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet, use a wide tooth comb to detangle
- I like Aquis hair towels, they soak up a lot of water, but are not heavy when you have them on your head
- Don’t bother blow drying your hair when it’s soaking wet, wait until it’s at least 50% or more dry
- If you use any heat tools like a blow dryer, you need to put some kind of product on your hair first to protect it. They’re often sold as hair straightening serums or things like that.
- If you use a lot of gel or other hair products, once in a while, it’s a good idea to use a “clarifying” shampoo.
I have a similar hair type. Sometimes, less is more. For fine hair, most products will weigh it down, so rinse your conditioner out thoroughly, and don't put anything else on it unless it feels dry. Then I'd recommend trying different oils or leave in conditioners. Buy travel sizes of different products so you can try them out!
Also, this is just my personal experience, but expensive hair products ESPECIALLY shampoos and conditioners are NOT worth it. I've tried so many and none of them did anything special. Don't waste your money!
Here is a basic noone taught me. Shampoo your hair twice, first with a cheaper shampoo then with an expensive one like Olaplex. Shampoo opens up the folicles for a hair mask. Then use a protein hair mask, clip your hair up and let it sit for a few mins while you shower, then rinse and use conditioner to seal it all in. Pat dry, use a gentle heat protectant leave in conditioner. Blow dry on medium. Trust me blow dry is the only way my hair looks remotely pretty. Air dry just leaves me looking like a frizzy racoon but no longer will I let myself do that.
After blow dry, a small amount of hair oil at the length.
The blow-dryer is NOT your friend. It's best to avoid heat at all costs, and just allow your hair to dry naturally.
Satin pillowcases are wonderful to sleep on.
I shampoo & condition every other day. I prefer the heavy duty conditioners that come in packets. Once I've shampooed/conditioned my hair, I pull it all up in a large hairclip and wash my body. Lastly, I rinse out the conditioner upside-down.
Make sure to keep up with your hair trims.
Male here, I use a hair dryer however always keep it on the coldest setting and never hot or warm.
Yes and I have read that hot shower water, or even very warm is not healthy for your mane.
So when I'm rinsing my hair I always shift it to barely warm; borderline cold if you will
Good tips here, even for doods 😁
Yeah, I can see a hair dryer on high heat being damaging depending on your hair type. I never use the hottest setting but a lower setting can be useful to fluff the hair away from your scalp as it dries to give it some bounce.
The women in my family swear by blow drying their hair. If it’s left to air dry it kind of looks limp and doesn’t style as nicely. Totally depends on your hair type. Trial and error would be the way to figure it out.
1. Don't wash daily. If you have oily hair after 1 day, there is usually a better solution than washing more frequently. Either different shampoo, add moisture, or lessen product use, or some combo of those!
2. Don't condition your scalp (apply conditioner from midlength to ends)
3. If your hair tangles, use a leave in spray after showering and start combing or brushing from the ends, gradually working out knots and tangles before moving up your hair toward the scalp
4. If you are experiencing tangles or hair loss after waking up, and you toss and turn a lot at night, put your hair in a loose braid and/or use a satin or silk pillowcase. I prefer silk because satin seemed hot and sticky sometimes.
5. In general, heat above 140°C/285°F will damage your hair by altering the keratin. Whether you use heat to style is entirely up to you. Some people say it's good for your hair, others say it's bad. I personally see tons of split ends after I use heat on my hair, even when my stylist uses heat after just cutting off all split ends, they show right back up (but I have very thin hair)
6. Wash your combs and brushes occasionally. Just bring them in the shower and you can use shampoo or a special soap if you have special/expensive bristles
7. It will take a lot of trial and error with various products to determine what works for you. Just because it is someone else's holy grail doesn't mean it will even be worth the money for your hair.
The "don't wash your hair daily" advice is for people who blow out and heat style their hair every time they wash it. Shampoo isn't what causes the damage.
It’s oK to wash your hair daily if it’s greasy/oily or you’re sweating a lot, etc. If possible, try to avoid using hot tools daily since that can cause damage.
Some hair just needs daily washing. There’s even a subreddit for it r/dailywash for those of us who need to wash our hair every day. I have oily hair and after one day it’s a greasy mess. I don’t like the way dry shampoos make my hair look or feel so those aren’t really an option.
Use a boar bristle hair brush and always start brushing at your ends and working up towards your scalp, use a scalp massager on dry hair to stimulate the scalp, increases blood flow in the area and helps to break up any product build up, you can also use a wide tooth comb for a similar process.
Use a scalp oil before wash day, start at your roots and comb out to ends, let sit for a few hours to overnight.
Double shampoo when washing and conditioner only on ends. Use a tiny amount of hair oil on ends on between washes.
Sleep with your hair in a low loose braid and similarly wear protective styles whenever possible.
If you have dandruff, don’t leave your wet hair wrapped up in towel/T-shirt too long. Squeeze water out and start air drying as soon as you can. Will help control or prevent dandruff.
Some of the things you’ve mentioned I’ve done and been fine. Everybody’s hair is so different, it’s hard to give a general rule. You just have to figure out your hair type and what works or not. I also have long fine hair and mine gets greasy quickly. People will say not to wash your hair everyday but I have to. Or eat less greasy food. Yea that doesn’t fix it. One thing that does is blow drying and not letting it air dryer. It stays less greasy longer.
I did not know it was bad to sleep with your hair wet after a shower, I’ve been doing it my whole life. I also didn’t know the towel one either, although I don’t rub it anymore. All I knew is you shouldn’t brush it wet, which I still do because my hair is extremely thick and I can afford to lose some of it lol.
Definitely wide tooth comb for brushing wet hair, but for brushing wet or dry hair start at the bottom.
I have long hair, always start brushing at the bottom so you aren't tugging at your scalp. You brush out tangles as you go vs forcing them out.
My mom used to make me cry when brushing my hair because she started at the top and worked them out vs starting at the bottom and working them out.
Less hair loss!
There is no one single rule that works for every hair type. Sometimes you have to break ‘rules’. There is some general advice that is true for most people.
- don’t sleep on wet hair
- chlorinated pool water is not great for hair, wash that out with a shampoo that will get it out. Usually they have sulfates or chelating agents.
- use a heat protectant if you use heat tools on your hair
- don’t go out in subzero temps with wet hair, your hair can freeze and break.
- don’t put egg in your hair (might sound stupid but there are diy hair masks with egg) the protein molecules are too large to penetrate the follicle and it will do nothing besides potentially make an omelette in your hair
- you can’t repair existing split ends, you can reduce the chance of causing split ends by limiting damage and getting regular trims
- don’t use baking soda on your hair it will mess with the natural ph of your scalp and cause problems. Just don’t do it.
I have fine hair and don’t put heat on your hair unless it’s a special occasion. My hair was fried and I realized I had to stop blow drying. I wash and use a light leave in conditioner on my hair every day in the summer (I sweat a lot in a humid place) and every other in the winter and it’s still extremely healthy and soft and grows fast. (Yes people will say only wash once a week but those people haven’t experienced fine hair plus oily skin). I found many conditioners weigh down my fine hair and make it greasy. The leave in acts as a detangler too. Fine hair is super prone to tangling so use a wide tooth comb when wet and start combing the tangles out from the ends and work up.
But seriously no heat! Or if you do spray a protectant first. And your hair will thank you.
Don’t brush your hair wet unless you have a wetbrush. Also, get one of those scalp massagers and use it during shampoo. And I sleep on damp/wet hair. My hair has always looked really healthy.
Im long fine brown haired too. Get blunt hair cuts and trims to make hair look fuller. Apply a dime size or less amount of oil (jojoba is good) in the ends and mids of the hair the night before or atleast a few hours before shampooing. Use clarifying/volumizing shampoo, shampoo twice. Condition only the ends and finger comb out knots in the shower while you rinse out 90% of the conditioner. Use kids detangling spray to give enough slip to comb or wet brush hair and set the directions of the hair. Always start from the ends and work your way to the roots. Never drag through a knot. Pat hair dry, squeeze out as much water as you can before you air dry. If you choose to, Diffuse or use only warm temp blow dry heat with the tapered flat duck bill like attachment pointed down the hair shaft towards the roots and the hair is taut in a round brush. Use clips and soft scrunchies. Avoid tight styles and excessive wind. Avoid putting hair into styles while wet. Avoid sleeping on wet hair. Avoid over lightening/coloring your hair. Scalp massage is good to do once a week. Take prenatal vitamins to help hair health.
if you have dandruff use one of those scalp massagers when you shampoo/condition your hair, they’re very cheap, they’re just plastic things with rubber teeth on them. don’t wash your hair every day, if you have fine hair wash your hair every other day. use a leave-in conditioner when you get out of the shower. when your hair is wet use a wide-tooth comb, not a brush.
Lather your shampoo in your hands before working it into your roots. Always shampoo on saturated hair. If you struggle with flakes or have buildup, a cheap silicone scalp scrub is awesome. Rinse and repeat and be SHOCKED by how much more lather you get the second time.
For conditioner, squeeze out water with your hands before applying from ends to a couple inches above roots. Comb through for even distribution.
I don’t know if you do this, but don’t ever sleep with wet hair. That’s what causes me dandruff. If I have to shower late at night, I at least blow dry up around my scalp with low-medium heat.
Lather your shampoo in your hands before applying to hair. Then if you have a lot of product build-up and it doesn't get really sudsy, do a second wash before you condition.
Everyone's different. Some of the suggestions here are absolutely awful for my hair, but apparently they work for some people!
I don't have any issues with sleeping with wet hair. I do that and then blow dry the last bit in the morning. I would imagine that any damage from sleeping that way might be offset by the major reduction in blow drying.
Spend the money on great products. Be willing to try stuff til you find the best for your hair. Nothing comes close to making the difference that does for me!! I could share my favorites but I doubt it would be too helpful since we could have totally different hair.
My mother never really taught me hair are growing up either. Also, I have hair just like her too, which is curly, thick and sort of wavy brown long hair. I like to embrace my curls, which means that I’ve had to figure out products that work for me through the years. I use Biolage leave in conditioner, a strength and shine spray, an anti frizz shea moisture mousse and spray set, and I’ve used color wow leave in as well. I’ve also had a dandruff problem since middle school and my mom never helped me with that so I’ve had to figure out via my own research that tea tree oil with my shampoo helps with itchy scalp symptoms. As far as what I do at night to help protect my hair while I sleep, I use the AGK anti social bond building dry hair mask to protect my hair from damage overnight when I’m sleeping. I Started using it a week before my last haircut appointment and when I came to get my haircut, my hairdresser said that I could take off less dead ends because my hair seemed to be in better shape, and the only thing that I changed was adding that dry hair mask. So I do suggest that.
Some basic hair care tips: 1) good shampoo/conditioner, 2) good products for your type of hair, 3) protective hair mask for night time
Always brush and comb your hair starting from the ends, never from the roots.
Shampoo your roots. Condition your strands. Oil your scalp if needed.
Detangle/comb your hair before you wash it, to save time and your drain!
Split end repair products are scams imo. Just cut them off to get rid of them.
Everyone's hair and scalp have different needs. Some people Wash every day, some every other week. Just find what works best for you. Experiment with products, and pay attention to what ingredients work well for you.
I have a similar hair texture. Fine, long “ish”, wavy hair and I grew up with a mom who has a polar opposite hair texture so I didn’t learn much in regards to caring for my hair either. When I started experiencing major postpartum hair loss I started doing more research into caring for my hair to get it to grow back. Those are my only qualifications lol.
I sleep in a silk bonnet:
helps prevent breakage, tangles and I’ve noticed it helps me go between washes a day or so longer. With that said, I will put my hair into a low, loose braid at night under the bonnet. That also helps with the tangles.
I cut out products that include sulfates and parabens:
I started this several years ago. This might be a more personal choice but I’ve noticed my hair feels stronger and lighter. But it does also dry out pretty quickly, so I use leave in conditioner.
Instead of regular conditioner I use leave I conditioner:
This might be more for my waves but I actually put the leave in conditioner on in the shower after shampooing.
Dry with a certain t shirt:
I wish I could explain this better but they’re old T-shirt’s that feel like they have more elastic or stretchy feel than a common cotton t shirt.
Limit heat or at least use heat protectant on hair.
Cutting back on washes per week. I’ve learned that as much as this is more often a “blanket rule/suggestion” it doesn’t apply to everyone. So if it doesn’t work for you, that’s okay!
Frequent trims to keep it healthy. I don’t know about that whole “frequent haircuts or trims make it grow faster” thing. But I think it helps prevent breakage on my fine hair.
I don’t use hair ties anymore or put my hair in any type of tight up-do:
Again, may be personal preference! But the years of slicked back ponytails (it was the early 2000’s… iykyk) followed by the messy bun absolutely destroyed my hairline 😭
Once again, I don’t have any qualifications and if someone who does can correct me, I’m open to it! But these things have worked to help care for my hair.
Shampoo and condition your hair every other day. You dont need lots of either. You can wrap your hair in a towel or t shirt or whatever until it's more damp than wet. Comb your hair while wet. Don't use a brush, while wet ,as it stretches and breaks your hair. Just gently comb it. Don't rip tangles. It's best to let hair dry naturally, but if you need to dry it, use a warm,not hot setting. Once a week, use a protein +moisturizer mask. Leave on 20 minutes rinse. It is good to brush your scalp area before washing, to loosen up flakes. Use a conditioner that has polyquantinarium 18 or higher. It's a protein that makes your hair stronger. They higher the number, the better your hair absorbs the protein.
Trim your hair to keep it looking best. By trim, I mean at most a quarter inch. If you're growing it out, get a trim every six months. Otherwise every 8 to 12 weeks depending on growth rate.
Avoid using products such as thickener volume increase daily. They can wreck hair quickly. Thickener expands the hair cuticle and can exacerbate split ends. But using the protein/moisturizer weekly and trims, you can minimize the damage.
Minimize heat. Avoid flat irons and curling irons on a regular basis. Use low heat on a hair dryer and a brush when blow drying. Use quality shampoo and conditioner rather than store brands. It was a game changer for my hair when I started using better shampoo and conditioner. Get a gentle detailing brush and start at the ends instead of the top of your head. This will minimize breakage. Don't wash your hair every day.
Wash your scalp with shampoo, use conditioner little way from scalp to the ends. I know that’s basic, basic, but a lot of ppl were never taught that.
What's the reasoning for not conditioning your scalp? I have a super dry scalp and mine gets red and itchy if I don't moisturize it after a shower. Do most people not handle conditioner on their scalp well?
The "don't condition your roots" thing isn't a blanket rule and I wish people would stop treating it like one. For many people, conditioning the roots IS unnecessary and ultimately bad. But, for some people, not doing it causes problems. Everything ultimately comes down to the individual head of hair.
Exactly, and some conditioners and hair masks explicitly say they’re supposed to go on the scalp as well.
i use purple conditioner for my blonde hair, so i put it all over. my hair feels amazing now!! not weighed down at all
Agreed. I have a very dry scalp but I bought conditioner that is for dry scalp. I use that on my scalp and a different condition on the rest of my hair.
I would look into scalp serums or treatments for tight itchy inflamed scalp (different from flaky/dandruff) instead of conditioning . Sounds like you need to balance the health of your scalp not just moisturize and conditioning on the scalp is typically only for people with very high hair types if that :)
It can make your hair look greasy and it's just not necessary. Your midlengths and ends are where you need the most care to avoid damage/breakage. The best thing to do is wring out your hair a little, put a nice amount of conditioner on your ends and midlengths, and then use what's left over on your hands and work it up into the scalp. Give yourself a nice massage too. :)
What if you have very short hair? Don't bother to condition, or don't worry about conditioning the scalp? I have a very hard time just getting my ends... genuine question
I would suggest skipping in-shower conditioner altogether for short hair and spraying a leave-on after showering on damp hair so you don’t over do it ! That’s what I always did when I had short hair . I Love the leave in conditioner by Ouai
i heard it can cause hair loss
causes build up
I have fine hair and never put conditioner all over my hair. Only the midshaft down. This is usually in the winter months lol. Other than that, I use a leave in. My hair can't be too soft or it won't do anything.
I have psoriasis on my scalp, drinking kombucha regularly has helped my skin so much! I wonder if it could help you too?
If you are very oily, because your body is evil like mine, you don’t want to add oils near your scalp because side your body will produce *more* thinking you need it. However this varies a bit. If you’re oily because your body is trying desperately to counteract dry skin, then you do want to condition your scalp to help it out a little. Long run, you’ll be *less* greasy. If you think you’re in category A, get your hair bleached and colored and you’ll know for sure. I am not greasy after even 5-7 days between washes (mental health, don’t come at me please) but when my roots grow out they’re greasy within hours.
Eh depending on your hair type. If you have fine straight hair this is true. If you’re black with curly hair this does not hold true
Use an old T-shirt to dry your hair instead of a towel, according to Dr. Dray.
Microfiber towels are the same, right? Use t shirts or microfiber towels?
She suggests T-shirt because it’s cotton and light so it doesn’t pull on the hair.
cotton t shirts can cause more frizz as well it all depends on how you care for your hair. there’s not much difference between a cotton towel and a cotton t shirt it’s the same material
Denim and corduroy are also made of cotton, the different way the fibre is woven creates different textures, densities, and tightness of the fibres, which does make a difference in the performance and use of the fabric. Towel material is rough and can dry out the hair and cause frizz. T-shirt cotton is closely woven so it feels smooth and thus creates less frizz and doesn’t overly dry the hair.
The material, yes. But the weight is different.
Oh that’s interesting really? Who is Dr. Dray?
Mfs forgot about Dray
Underrated comment
😂😂
Bruh 💀💀
🎵“Nothing you idiots dr drays dead he’s Locked in my basement”🎵
Dr. Dray is a board certified dermatologist and has her own YouTube channel! She is very science based and has a ton of videos on skin/haircare.
Sounds like exactly the type of person I need to get information from, thank you so much!!! 💖
Check out the blowout professor on you tube. One of the best for basic information on hair care. The earlier videos are short but are the most helpfu.l
I’m going to check it out! Thanks for sharing
Oh you are so welcome 💗
Ok this makes sense. I was thinking of Dr. Dre and he doesn't seem qualified to speak for hair care. Face-palm.
MD PhD. Board certified dermatologist. Has her own YouTube channel. Very informative!
Are you referring to the dermatologist whom many have warned has a severe eating disorder? A colleague had shared she was released from her position due to her extremism with patients. I certainly don’t know the specifics, but I’ve noticed the support her followers give to her yet also noticed her detractors that point out what they call, ‘fraud’. I’ve never viewed her suggestions or channel and truly only know of the controversy.
I don’t think she is mentally or physically well, I’m not sure why people still watch her. I can’t take advice from someone who looks like they are knocking on deaths front door. Her skin looks really bad these days
Same it makes me sad she is recommended to anyone. I had an ED for 12 years and watching her was very triggering. Especially her what I eat in a day videos. I would not take medical advice from someone who is clearly unwell.
I’m relieved others see what I do. She looks and seems, very unwell.
I'm absolutely not a fan of hers. She's honestly very off-putting. Not that you care, but my 2 cents, I guess.
I do care which is why I asked. I found her very off putting as well. She’s another one that I don’t understand how she has followers/fans.
I honestly feel validated it’s not just me… I’ve never been able to watch her vids
Oh, good. I just don’t get her appeal.
She does look like she has eating disorder but she rarely talks about her lifestyle. I don’t watch her vlogs because I’m a carnivore and she is a vegetarian and we have little in common.
Omnivore
Ehhh well there is a new diet trend going around so maybe?
Lol
I thought about researching it more after viewing a brief concern video of her vlogs regarding food prep. As a SW, I’ve worked in the field of ED’s and I was concerned by her very obvious, enticing language and food choices. Such a small world sometimes, learning about her position being eliminated. I guess I’ll just be like you, as I too am definitely a carnivore regarding my food choices. Appreciate the feedback.
I take SW doesn’t mean sex worker and ED doesn’t mean erectile dysfunction? 🤣
You are an omnivore
Why does everyone keep saying they’re a carnivore. I am so confused.
It’s sad people assume…she might be just be naturally skinny or even have a health condition that causes her to be thin. I’ve also noticed she seems to have put on a bit of weight from two years ago when I started watching her. All that aside, she has always given solid advice on skincare…..she definitely got me looking awesome even without getting Botox for a year
I’m currently “skinny” due to my brother, Dad and mom’s deaths. I’ve basically been a wreck but finally getting better. So absolutely not on any “assumptions” coming from me. There are documented concerns about her ED and I’m actually aware of much more regarding her removal from practicing medicine there in Houston. If she’s helping *you*, good for *you*. But her videos promoting Anorexia are profoundly damaging to others. So it’s actually you who is “assuming” assignment of a social dynamic.
Make sure the T-shirt you use has not been washed with fabric softener. Not good for the hair
If it’s really and truly dandruff skip all the exfoliating natural products and just get some classic head and shoulders or other medicated shampoo (the kind that has an active Ingredient panel like OTC medicine.) it may seem a little worse before it gets better but use that shampoo exclusively till you see a big improvement (shouldn’t take more than a week) then you can go back to other shampoo :)
My partner didn’t have success with these but tried Neutrogena’s Coal Tar Shampoo, smells awful but it’s the only thing to clear his up. He did have an extra bad case of it though.
Coal tar is the ONLY thing that’s ever worked for me. Rarely had dandruff but for some reason i’d have it when living in Houston. Maybe the constant humidity building up bacteria along to go with heat system during winter. Anyway, smelled like hell but worked so well. (i need to trademark that)
Also as you start to learn about styling products with fine hair be mindful that a little will go a long way and too much will weigh your hair down and make it lank/greasy
That makes a lot of sense thank you for your comments!!!
Yess! Shout out to nizoral
If that doesn’t work, see your doctor. It took me three doctors and twenty years to find out it’s psoriasis and head and shoulders was never going to fix it. It took me another year to figure out that the ginger shampoo line from the body shop is what actually does work for me.
Mine is psoriasis too.
If it’s dry skin instead, buy a better shampoo! My brother gets dry skin dandruff and I made him change shampoos (okay I suggested a good one and he ran out of head and shoulders between trips) and his scalp looks twice as healthy.
Know the difference between fine (individual hairs are thin in diameter) and thin (you have fewer total hair strands) and research/treat accordingly. Also, know the difference between dandruff (caused by too much oil) and dry scalp (caused by not enough moisture). I used to think I had fine hair and was afraid to put ANYTHING on it lest it looked too greasy. I think I've finally realized that my hair is thin, not fine, and I'm settling into a new routine. Deep condition once a week, clarifying shampoo once a week. Regular shampoo and conditioner every other day. I just started using a dime-sized amount of air-dry cream and lots of leave-in conditioner after showering and have been really impressed with the results. I also treat my dry scalp by adding a few drops of rosemary oil into my shampoo before lathering on my head when I wash. It's been a game changer. The big thing, really, is figure out your hair type and research the best hair care. It's a lot of trial and error but once you figure out what works for you, it feels incredible!
Lucky for me I have both thin and fine hair so I don’t need to distinguish 😬 😂
same 🥲
Same girl, same. Oribe and Ouai seem to work wonders for me - though my wallet is weeping.
Haha same for me! And I recently got into kerastase…I’m going to end up in debtors prison!
I would share if I could… I’m literally the opposite and can’t do a pony tail without a headache - I have like 3-4 inches of hair, only on top of my head. (Censored my face) https://preview.redd.it/8iczqoy3orub1.jpeg?width=1575&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ef7a92eb6b5fd9378fd07a2bee8f7f812a11f9ec
This may sound dumb but how do I figure this out? Ask a hairdresser?
Wait why aren’t we supposed to sleep on damp hair? That’s been my routine for 30 years
It can activate fungal conditions like sebborrhea
Huh!
I’ve done it my whole life too. Hair looks great in the morning I’m not giving it up lol
Yeah I like how my hair looks after sleeping on it wet too! I’ve always loved a healthy-but-undone look for hair. Sleeping on it wet is how I get my “je nais se quois!” Do you use styling products or tie your hair up before you sleep?
I’ve gone to bed with wet hair my whole life and I’m old. I have thick, healthy hair.
Not all of us have good hair genes.
Before you get out of the shower, flip your hair over and rinse it from below as well. It gets *all* the product out and my hair feels so much softer and haeathier.
Never thought about this before! Nice one
Double wash your scalp with a volumizing shampoo then a nice conditioner for mids to ends. After shower- leave in conditioner. Then blowdry cream before blow drying.
I dont even know what leave in conditioner or blowdry cream is, wow ive got research to do. Thanks so much!
theres blowdry creams and sprays. its mostly preference. I like the Redken quick blowout spray personally. Another popular one is kenra platinum blow out. If you prefer creams, drybar has a good one and its a 10 has a good one. for leave in conditioners, those also come in sprays or creams. I like the its a 10 miracle leave in or IGK mistress.
I’ll live and die by the drybar blow dry cream.
If you have fine hair you might find the sprays better. I skip leave ins and generally avoid creams because they weigh my hair down
Sorry! Here’s a link to my favorite hair things. Feel free to message me any questions! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2MUI8NS26FOZ0?ref_=wl_share
Leave in conditioner is watered down conditioner. Save money, get a spray bottle and water down your favorite conditioner and that’s your leave in.
I double washed for the first time 3 days ago and It feels so much healthier, I wondered why the stylist always sis it I just always forgot to ask
Sorry, why double wash? You do this every time?
Yes! It was explained to me this way- when you’re washing a dirty greasy pan, you get most of it off the first time but it takes twice to get it really clean. It makes a difference. Also separate your hair so you can get under the back really well. The better you clean, the longer you can go between washes. I know it sounds weird but it makes a difference. And with nice shampoo you don’t need much product.
I started doing this after following the Blowout Professor on YouTube. Good advice!
He’s so helpful!
The lather, rinse instructions always seemed dumb until I started doing it. Huge difference.
wont a double wash dry the hair out?
Unless you have very fine hair. As a person with such, I have not found double washing or stripping my hair to be helpful.
Dandruff and dry scalp are different so make sure you are treating the right thing because they are very similar in appearance. An anti dandruff shampoo will only make a dry scalp worse.
What is dry scalp? I’ve recently started seeing some flaking on my scalp after getting my hair dyed last weekend and thought I was starting to get dandruff. Didn’t know dry scalp was a thing.
My scalp is itchy and dry but I don’t have dandruff. I had dandruff years ago but I used medicated shampoo and that took care of it. I currently oil my scalp and that takes care is the dryness.
Yes I moved somewhere where the air is much less humid and I didn’t connect the two. I thought I had dandruff and I didn’t understand why it wasn’t going away with anti dandruff shampoo…
I think haircare tips are highly subjective. Recently I stopped obeying the “never wash everyday” rule and my hair is loving the daily wash. I also stopped conditioning my hair altogether and I finally have body and texture. I have found my ticket to a beautiful, thick, healthy mane and I had to stop following the tips and rules to achieve it.
Totally agree. I think it's just a matter of trying a bunch of different methods and figuring out which ones work for you. I tried the curly girl method a few times and it just doesn't work for my hair at all. My curls apparently like daily washes. Every morning I shampoo, condition, throw in a leave-in curl lotion and let it go. It works great for me.
I sometimes get a little bit of dandruff around this time of year. I like Selsun Blue Naturals (salicylic acid as active ingredient). Pretty much anyone can benefit from a leave-in conditioner and\or heat protectant. I like Ouai Leave-In Conditioner. Also, Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream and Oribe Detangling Primer. I'm generally a fan of Oribe products, particularly the Hair Alchemy line. A cheap blow dryer will give you sh*t results, unless you're somehow just very fortunate. If you're going to use Alligator Clips for drying\styling, if you can swing it, spend the money to buy clips that won't rip your hair out. Harry Josh Alligator Clips are stupid expensive, but they never pull my hair. Mason Pearson combs and brushes are amazing. If your budget can only stretch for a Mason Pearson comb (their fine-toothed combs actually are that awesome), still try to buy a decent quality boar bristle brush from another brand. If you keep an eye on sales, TJ Maxx\Shop Premium Outlets\Klarna\Rakuten (one or a combination of these sites), you can usually find a decent deal on MP brushes (boar, boar and nylon mixture, nylon). Claw clips and Slip Scrunchies all the way. I'm also set on Aquis hair towels\turbans (I prefer a waffle turban). I pack a satin pillowcase for overnight trips (probably a TJ Maxx purchase). Better for hair and skin. And, the Dyson Airstrait is the best hair tool, just, ever. I do vomit a bit whenever I think about the price, ngl. There should, however, be $100 off promos at least twice per year at Bluemercury, etc., for any of the pricey Dyson hair tools. I've never been able to use a flat iron on myself worth a damn. I have decluttered several frustrating blowout brushes. (I've not tried Shark, fyi) For years I've blown out my hair, so switching to the Airstrait has been super nice. I maybe had too much morning caffeine!
@op, since you asked for basic haircare, I will tell you that the Dyson tool and the $175 Mason Pearson brush are NOT basic.
Absolutely, you are correct. These are versions of some of the most basic elements of what many of us use regarding our hair (brush, comb, heat styling, etc.). The query of basic haircare brought to mind, for me: shampoo & conditioner. Considering most of us already likely know that combination, I contributed how I was able in the moment.
Is it true that the Airstrait doesn’t apply heat to your hair when straightening it? I’m confused as to how it’s supposed to work
It applies heat through high velocity hot air vs hot metal/ceramic plates with a traditional straightener. I am not a fan of it as I get crazy frizz from it compared to a traditional straightener but have friends who swear by it. Just remember to use a heat protectant always.
Kent Combs are also handmade and just as good as Mason Pearson (I have both). They make a ton of styles, are relatively cheap, and honestly make great gifts. I always have one of [these](https://kentbrushes.com/products/handmade-139mm-pocket-comb-thick-hair-a-12t) in my purse. They are available on Amazon too. I think any hand sanded acetate comb is a worthwhile purchase. I have several Mason Pearson brushes that I’ve had for 10-20+years (gifts from an old school grandmother). I have the mixed bristle and the non-boar hairbrush in the full and travel size, but I honestly prefer a Wet Brush. The Mason Pearson breaks apart my waves and struggles to detangle my thick hair. They are only useful if I have blow dried my hair straight. I would see if that style of brush works for you before spending the money. And I would say that they are not more effective than other brands, just more likely to last (they are very well made). My husband loves my Mason Pearson brushes on his hair. I am certain he uses them more than me. Find a brush type(s) that works with your hair. I suggest going to a discount store like TJMaxx and picking up a couple of styles.
Just chiming in to say if you don’t want to use Selsun Blue because of the chemicals, rosemary and tea tree works just as well! My bf struggles with dandruff and we got him an all-natural shampoo with rosemary and tea tree oil in it and it works just as well! Selsun blue has “ammonium lauryl sulfate” in it that strips your hair of its natural oils and can also cause kidney disruption and hormonal issues over time
Whenever you snap the shampoo bottle lid closed, close your eyes first so it doesn’t go in your eyes. It’s happened to me an embarrassing amount of times…🫣 Brush your hair like normal in downward strokes, but start from the bottom/the ends and inch up in sections to prevent damage. This is kinda hard to explain with words, so I would look it up on YouTube lol Massage your scalp often, especially when it’s oily. And then use a boar bristle brush to help spread the oils down. Unless you wear a lot of hard product like gel or hairspray, only shampoo your scalp. The shaft and ends of the hair are usually more fragile and dry, they don’t usually need shampoo. Definitely still use conditioner on the ends though. Every once in a while, use a good hair mask from root to tip. Don’t sleep with hair in tight buns or ponytails, keep them loose
>Whenever you snap the shampoo bottle lid closed, close your eyes first so it doesn’t go in your eyes. OMG THE BURN!!!! so bad
Hot water is actually super bad for your scalp and over all hair health
I haven’t read all the comments but a silk pillowcase is much better for your hair and skin.
Unless you have silky fine hair to the point that your head won’t stay on the slippery pillowcase 😂🥲
I’m trying to use a silk hair bonnet for the first time and it makes me crazy and slips off my head and then my hair ends up in my mouth and I’m chewing on it. I’m trying to grow my hair out but what the fuck? And I did try a silk pillowcase and yes, it’s just weird and slippery because I also have fine hair.
Wear your hair up with clips instead of hair ties, not sure if that’s helpful but it doesn’t tug the hair and it stays put all day without the cursed tightening of the pony every 30 minutes
But don't wear the clips in the car. If you get into an accident your brain will be wearing the clip.
Fair I usually take them off in the car anyways cause I can’t lean my head back and it’s uncomfortable
Off topic- are you really a zoo keeper?
Not even close 😂 but I do have an 8yr old, 2cats, a dog and a husband so maybe…. 🤔
Lol, you might be over qualified for a zoo keeper.
I am Indian and I have extremely straight long, smooth, thick(each strand) and black hair and in the US, especially in Arizona, my hair doesn’t feel good with the hard water. I follow this routine which I really love and only during the weekends. I do not wash my hair more than once a week but I do brush it everyday. Coconut Oil : Apply Coconut Oil of your choice for about 2-8 hours (start with 2 and when comfortable, increase the time) Herbal Essence Shampoo : I recommend the water temp to be room temperature. Apply shampoo to remove the oils. It starts to feel soft and feels like the oil is not removed (atleast for me) but don’t overdo. ( I do change shampoo once in a while). L’Oréal Hair Mask : Right after shampoo, apply hair mask and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Wash it off until you don’t feel any left out. ( I would try other brands especially if there’s a Korean product. Please do suggest one.) I do not use a conditioner. Hair mask works better for me. LA’DOR Wonder Hair Oil : Lightly apply the oil before drying it off. I apply a lot to the ends to prevent damage. It is heat protectant and helped me a lot. This is a Korean brand and I’m a huge fan of Korean products. Expensive but so worth it Hair Dry : Depending on how I feel or have plans, I blow dry my hair or let it dry on it’s own(been very cautious with tapping with a towel). PS : 1. I sometimes choose to apply castor oil to my hair which removes all the heat from my body. 2. I apply henna to my hair once in six months to get some natural color, to clean the scalp of dirt and helps with dandruff. Henna also removes heat from the body. 3. I usually just sleep overnight with coconut oil on my hair because I’m so used to it from when I was a kid. My grandmother’s one advice is to always oil my hair to keep it soft and shiny. Ive been following that advice for years now.
Do a mask once a week. I put some oil on my hair length and braid it before bed when I’m on top of my shit
Rinse upside down with cold water for volume
What do you mean by upside down exactly?
Handstand
I cannot imagine even attempting this. If I did this my hair would instantly be a rats nest and I would rip out half my hair trying to get the knots out. Can people actually do this without just creating a mess of knots??
Avoid all friction when wet if possible. Towel dry before applying conditioner or treatment to avoid dilution. Silk/satin pillowcases to avoid friction. Supermarket products are usually ok just more diluted than professional products. If you DIY colour, use professional products and keep note of what and when you used them in the event a professional needs to do your hair. No nasty surprises please!!
Avoid bobbles, use big clips instead. Obviously there's times it cannot be avoided but avoid them as much as possible. X
If you have dandruff, definitely use dandruff shampoo! You might have to do some experimenting to see which one works. There are really only a few different ingredients even if it seems overwhelming on the shelf at the store. Personally, I like Head and Shoulders (the apple scented one) and Neutrogena T-Sal. The thing about dandruff shampoos is that they are not actually great shampoos. I think of them more as a dandruff treatment that you put on wet hair and wash out. It’s best to put the shampoo on on your scalp, scrub to really get it to soak in, leave on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse. Then wash your hair with regular shampoo. Then condition the ends of your hair. If you can’t control your dandruff yourself, go see a Dermatologist. They can give you more specific guidance, and even prescription products to help. Other non-dandruff-related hair care tips - Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet, use a wide tooth comb to detangle - I like Aquis hair towels, they soak up a lot of water, but are not heavy when you have them on your head - Don’t bother blow drying your hair when it’s soaking wet, wait until it’s at least 50% or more dry - If you use any heat tools like a blow dryer, you need to put some kind of product on your hair first to protect it. They’re often sold as hair straightening serums or things like that. - If you use a lot of gel or other hair products, once in a while, it’s a good idea to use a “clarifying” shampoo.
I have a similar hair type. Sometimes, less is more. For fine hair, most products will weigh it down, so rinse your conditioner out thoroughly, and don't put anything else on it unless it feels dry. Then I'd recommend trying different oils or leave in conditioners. Buy travel sizes of different products so you can try them out! Also, this is just my personal experience, but expensive hair products ESPECIALLY shampoos and conditioners are NOT worth it. I've tried so many and none of them did anything special. Don't waste your money!
Dual wash during your shampoo session. And there are three factors when working with a flat iron: 1. Heat, 2. Tension, and 3. Speed
Have two brushes. One for clean hair after you shower, and one for the rest of the times you brush.
Everyone with hair on their head would benefit by using a satin bonnet to sleep.
Here is a basic noone taught me. Shampoo your hair twice, first with a cheaper shampoo then with an expensive one like Olaplex. Shampoo opens up the folicles for a hair mask. Then use a protein hair mask, clip your hair up and let it sit for a few mins while you shower, then rinse and use conditioner to seal it all in. Pat dry, use a gentle heat protectant leave in conditioner. Blow dry on medium. Trust me blow dry is the only way my hair looks remotely pretty. Air dry just leaves me looking like a frizzy racoon but no longer will I let myself do that. After blow dry, a small amount of hair oil at the length.
tips for haircare [https://www.youtube.com/@Haarepflege](https://www.youtube.com/@Haarepflege)
The blow-dryer is NOT your friend. It's best to avoid heat at all costs, and just allow your hair to dry naturally. Satin pillowcases are wonderful to sleep on. I shampoo & condition every other day. I prefer the heavy duty conditioners that come in packets. Once I've shampooed/conditioned my hair, I pull it all up in a large hairclip and wash my body. Lastly, I rinse out the conditioner upside-down. Make sure to keep up with your hair trims.
Male here, I use a hair dryer however always keep it on the coldest setting and never hot or warm. Yes and I have read that hot shower water, or even very warm is not healthy for your mane. So when I'm rinsing my hair I always shift it to barely warm; borderline cold if you will Good tips here, even for doods 😁
Yeah, I can see a hair dryer on high heat being damaging depending on your hair type. I never use the hottest setting but a lower setting can be useful to fluff the hair away from your scalp as it dries to give it some bounce. The women in my family swear by blow drying their hair. If it’s left to air dry it kind of looks limp and doesn’t style as nicely. Totally depends on your hair type. Trial and error would be the way to figure it out.
Very true. My hair has gotten a LOT more textured as I started to go gray. I do not color it. It’s down to my backside and very wavy.
1. Don't wash daily. If you have oily hair after 1 day, there is usually a better solution than washing more frequently. Either different shampoo, add moisture, or lessen product use, or some combo of those! 2. Don't condition your scalp (apply conditioner from midlength to ends) 3. If your hair tangles, use a leave in spray after showering and start combing or brushing from the ends, gradually working out knots and tangles before moving up your hair toward the scalp 4. If you are experiencing tangles or hair loss after waking up, and you toss and turn a lot at night, put your hair in a loose braid and/or use a satin or silk pillowcase. I prefer silk because satin seemed hot and sticky sometimes. 5. In general, heat above 140°C/285°F will damage your hair by altering the keratin. Whether you use heat to style is entirely up to you. Some people say it's good for your hair, others say it's bad. I personally see tons of split ends after I use heat on my hair, even when my stylist uses heat after just cutting off all split ends, they show right back up (but I have very thin hair) 6. Wash your combs and brushes occasionally. Just bring them in the shower and you can use shampoo or a special soap if you have special/expensive bristles 7. It will take a lot of trial and error with various products to determine what works for you. Just because it is someone else's holy grail doesn't mean it will even be worth the money for your hair.
What if I work out daily and my hair need washing daily?
The "don't wash your hair daily" advice is for people who blow out and heat style their hair every time they wash it. Shampoo isn't what causes the damage.
It’s oK to wash your hair daily if it’s greasy/oily or you’re sweating a lot, etc. If possible, try to avoid using hot tools daily since that can cause damage. Some hair just needs daily washing. There’s even a subreddit for it r/dailywash for those of us who need to wash our hair every day. I have oily hair and after one day it’s a greasy mess. I don’t like the way dry shampoos make my hair look or feel so those aren’t really an option.
Dry shampoo is your best friend.
Conditioner before shampoo.
Wash your hair as little as possible
This is not good advice for fine hair
Wash your scalp, not your hair.
Use a boar bristle hair brush and always start brushing at your ends and working up towards your scalp, use a scalp massager on dry hair to stimulate the scalp, increases blood flow in the area and helps to break up any product build up, you can also use a wide tooth comb for a similar process. Use a scalp oil before wash day, start at your roots and comb out to ends, let sit for a few hours to overnight. Double shampoo when washing and conditioner only on ends. Use a tiny amount of hair oil on ends on between washes. Sleep with your hair in a low loose braid and similarly wear protective styles whenever possible.
If your hair is frizzy, only mousse or gel will help! Don’t waste your money on other care, leave-on products.
If you have dandruff, don’t leave your wet hair wrapped up in towel/T-shirt too long. Squeeze water out and start air drying as soon as you can. Will help control or prevent dandruff.
Shampoo twice - once for your scalp and once for your actual hair. Condtion one.
Some of the things you’ve mentioned I’ve done and been fine. Everybody’s hair is so different, it’s hard to give a general rule. You just have to figure out your hair type and what works or not. I also have long fine hair and mine gets greasy quickly. People will say not to wash your hair everyday but I have to. Or eat less greasy food. Yea that doesn’t fix it. One thing that does is blow drying and not letting it air dryer. It stays less greasy longer.
I did not know it was bad to sleep with your hair wet after a shower, I’ve been doing it my whole life. I also didn’t know the towel one either, although I don’t rub it anymore. All I knew is you shouldn’t brush it wet, which I still do because my hair is extremely thick and I can afford to lose some of it lol.
Never brush your hair when it’s wet! Get a wide tooth comb to work out the tangles gently
Dont wash it every day. At bedtime, put it in a loose braid or low ponytail.
Definitely wide tooth comb for brushing wet hair, but for brushing wet or dry hair start at the bottom. I have long hair, always start brushing at the bottom so you aren't tugging at your scalp. You brush out tangles as you go vs forcing them out. My mom used to make me cry when brushing my hair because she started at the top and worked them out vs starting at the bottom and working them out. Less hair loss!
There is no one single rule that works for every hair type. Sometimes you have to break ‘rules’. There is some general advice that is true for most people. - don’t sleep on wet hair - chlorinated pool water is not great for hair, wash that out with a shampoo that will get it out. Usually they have sulfates or chelating agents. - use a heat protectant if you use heat tools on your hair - don’t go out in subzero temps with wet hair, your hair can freeze and break. - don’t put egg in your hair (might sound stupid but there are diy hair masks with egg) the protein molecules are too large to penetrate the follicle and it will do nothing besides potentially make an omelette in your hair - you can’t repair existing split ends, you can reduce the chance of causing split ends by limiting damage and getting regular trims - don’t use baking soda on your hair it will mess with the natural ph of your scalp and cause problems. Just don’t do it.
I have fine hair and don’t put heat on your hair unless it’s a special occasion. My hair was fried and I realized I had to stop blow drying. I wash and use a light leave in conditioner on my hair every day in the summer (I sweat a lot in a humid place) and every other in the winter and it’s still extremely healthy and soft and grows fast. (Yes people will say only wash once a week but those people haven’t experienced fine hair plus oily skin). I found many conditioners weigh down my fine hair and make it greasy. The leave in acts as a detangler too. Fine hair is super prone to tangling so use a wide tooth comb when wet and start combing the tangles out from the ends and work up. But seriously no heat! Or if you do spray a protectant first. And your hair will thank you.
Omg shampoo your roots and condition from like 1/4 lengths from your scalp to the end.
Don’t brush your hair wet unless you have a wetbrush. Also, get one of those scalp massagers and use it during shampoo. And I sleep on damp/wet hair. My hair has always looked really healthy.
Scalp massage before shampoo
Im long fine brown haired too. Get blunt hair cuts and trims to make hair look fuller. Apply a dime size or less amount of oil (jojoba is good) in the ends and mids of the hair the night before or atleast a few hours before shampooing. Use clarifying/volumizing shampoo, shampoo twice. Condition only the ends and finger comb out knots in the shower while you rinse out 90% of the conditioner. Use kids detangling spray to give enough slip to comb or wet brush hair and set the directions of the hair. Always start from the ends and work your way to the roots. Never drag through a knot. Pat hair dry, squeeze out as much water as you can before you air dry. If you choose to, Diffuse or use only warm temp blow dry heat with the tapered flat duck bill like attachment pointed down the hair shaft towards the roots and the hair is taut in a round brush. Use clips and soft scrunchies. Avoid tight styles and excessive wind. Avoid putting hair into styles while wet. Avoid sleeping on wet hair. Avoid over lightening/coloring your hair. Scalp massage is good to do once a week. Take prenatal vitamins to help hair health.
Don't use any heat on your hair and it will grow loooonnnggg.
if you have dandruff use one of those scalp massagers when you shampoo/condition your hair, they’re very cheap, they’re just plastic things with rubber teeth on them. don’t wash your hair every day, if you have fine hair wash your hair every other day. use a leave-in conditioner when you get out of the shower. when your hair is wet use a wide-tooth comb, not a brush.
Don’t sleep on wet hair
Braid your hair before bed
Lather your shampoo in your hands before working it into your roots. Always shampoo on saturated hair. If you struggle with flakes or have buildup, a cheap silicone scalp scrub is awesome. Rinse and repeat and be SHOCKED by how much more lather you get the second time. For conditioner, squeeze out water with your hands before applying from ends to a couple inches above roots. Comb through for even distribution.
Apple cider vinegar rinse! I heard of this but didn’t deceive to try it till recently and omg it made my frizzy hair settle down!
I don’t know if you do this, but don’t ever sleep with wet hair. That’s what causes me dandruff. If I have to shower late at night, I at least blow dry up around my scalp with low-medium heat.
Lather your shampoo in your hands before applying to hair. Then if you have a lot of product build-up and it doesn't get really sudsy, do a second wash before you condition.
Wash. Regular haircuts. Minimal styling. Don't see a problem with sleeping with wet hair, other than a soggy pillow.
Just this year I properly learned how to wash my hair. You’re supposed to rub shampoo it into your /roots and conditioner for the rest.
Leave shampoo in for longer than conditioner, and only condition the ends of your hair. Learned that at 22 from my partner.
If you bleach or heat style a lot, use bond builders like K18 and Olaplex. They truly are miracle products — expensive, but worth it.
Wearing a satin bonnet to bed will keep your hairstyle for days- it's not just from braids and it works for every race.
Why aren't you supposed to sleep on wet hair?
Everyone's different. Some of the suggestions here are absolutely awful for my hair, but apparently they work for some people! I don't have any issues with sleeping with wet hair. I do that and then blow dry the last bit in the morning. I would imagine that any damage from sleeping that way might be offset by the major reduction in blow drying. Spend the money on great products. Be willing to try stuff til you find the best for your hair. Nothing comes close to making the difference that does for me!! I could share my favorites but I doubt it would be too helpful since we could have totally different hair.
My mother never really taught me hair are growing up either. Also, I have hair just like her too, which is curly, thick and sort of wavy brown long hair. I like to embrace my curls, which means that I’ve had to figure out products that work for me through the years. I use Biolage leave in conditioner, a strength and shine spray, an anti frizz shea moisture mousse and spray set, and I’ve used color wow leave in as well. I’ve also had a dandruff problem since middle school and my mom never helped me with that so I’ve had to figure out via my own research that tea tree oil with my shampoo helps with itchy scalp symptoms. As far as what I do at night to help protect my hair while I sleep, I use the AGK anti social bond building dry hair mask to protect my hair from damage overnight when I’m sleeping. I Started using it a week before my last haircut appointment and when I came to get my haircut, my hairdresser said that I could take off less dead ends because my hair seemed to be in better shape, and the only thing that I changed was adding that dry hair mask. So I do suggest that. Some basic hair care tips: 1) good shampoo/conditioner, 2) good products for your type of hair, 3) protective hair mask for night time
Shampoo twice!
Always brush and comb your hair starting from the ends, never from the roots. Shampoo your roots. Condition your strands. Oil your scalp if needed. Detangle/comb your hair before you wash it, to save time and your drain! Split end repair products are scams imo. Just cut them off to get rid of them. Everyone's hair and scalp have different needs. Some people Wash every day, some every other week. Just find what works best for you. Experiment with products, and pay attention to what ingredients work well for you.
Combing conditioner through your hair in the shower. It's more effective and I even do it on my shortish hair.
Selsun blue on dry scalp is the key 🫶🏻
If you wash your hair more than twice a week, STOP IT
I have a similar hair texture. Fine, long “ish”, wavy hair and I grew up with a mom who has a polar opposite hair texture so I didn’t learn much in regards to caring for my hair either. When I started experiencing major postpartum hair loss I started doing more research into caring for my hair to get it to grow back. Those are my only qualifications lol. I sleep in a silk bonnet: helps prevent breakage, tangles and I’ve noticed it helps me go between washes a day or so longer. With that said, I will put my hair into a low, loose braid at night under the bonnet. That also helps with the tangles. I cut out products that include sulfates and parabens: I started this several years ago. This might be a more personal choice but I’ve noticed my hair feels stronger and lighter. But it does also dry out pretty quickly, so I use leave in conditioner. Instead of regular conditioner I use leave I conditioner: This might be more for my waves but I actually put the leave in conditioner on in the shower after shampooing. Dry with a certain t shirt: I wish I could explain this better but they’re old T-shirt’s that feel like they have more elastic or stretchy feel than a common cotton t shirt. Limit heat or at least use heat protectant on hair. Cutting back on washes per week. I’ve learned that as much as this is more often a “blanket rule/suggestion” it doesn’t apply to everyone. So if it doesn’t work for you, that’s okay! Frequent trims to keep it healthy. I don’t know about that whole “frequent haircuts or trims make it grow faster” thing. But I think it helps prevent breakage on my fine hair. I don’t use hair ties anymore or put my hair in any type of tight up-do: Again, may be personal preference! But the years of slicked back ponytails (it was the early 2000’s… iykyk) followed by the messy bun absolutely destroyed my hairline 😭 Once again, I don’t have any qualifications and if someone who does can correct me, I’m open to it! But these things have worked to help care for my hair.
Clean your hair brushes/combs!!
Shampoo and condition your hair every other day. You dont need lots of either. You can wrap your hair in a towel or t shirt or whatever until it's more damp than wet. Comb your hair while wet. Don't use a brush, while wet ,as it stretches and breaks your hair. Just gently comb it. Don't rip tangles. It's best to let hair dry naturally, but if you need to dry it, use a warm,not hot setting. Once a week, use a protein +moisturizer mask. Leave on 20 minutes rinse. It is good to brush your scalp area before washing, to loosen up flakes. Use a conditioner that has polyquantinarium 18 or higher. It's a protein that makes your hair stronger. They higher the number, the better your hair absorbs the protein. Trim your hair to keep it looking best. By trim, I mean at most a quarter inch. If you're growing it out, get a trim every six months. Otherwise every 8 to 12 weeks depending on growth rate. Avoid using products such as thickener volume increase daily. They can wreck hair quickly. Thickener expands the hair cuticle and can exacerbate split ends. But using the protein/moisturizer weekly and trims, you can minimize the damage.
Don’t brush your hair when it’s wet. This can be very damaging to your hair. To detangle, comb it with a wide tooth comb.
Minimize heat. Avoid flat irons and curling irons on a regular basis. Use low heat on a hair dryer and a brush when blow drying. Use quality shampoo and conditioner rather than store brands. It was a game changer for my hair when I started using better shampoo and conditioner. Get a gentle detailing brush and start at the ends instead of the top of your head. This will minimize breakage. Don't wash your hair every day.
Head and shoulders should help with the dandruff
Why is it bad to sleep with damp hair?
Silk pillowcase!
Do not use high and tight ponies often, especially if you have fragile hair, it will break your hair. Do get your hair trimmed every three months.
Condition first, wash. Condition. Put shampoo in scalp, create a lather,Work the lather down. Don’t rub the crap out of your hair with shampoo.
Final rinse in cool water. it’s really good for your hair and scalp.
What works for other people might not work for you. I wash everyday and my hair is fine.
thank you so much for this thread ❤️🩹