Healthy hair tips?

munkfraff100310

Hello ladies! Anyone have any homemade hair masks or have you taken anything to help cure damaged hair that has actually worked for you? I have curly, dark brown hair that is about mid back length, I always use a flat iron and I've been dying it midnight black for 10 years. I'm 28 now and have finally decided to go all natural and grow it out even longer. However, it's proving to be difficult as my roots are now lighter than the ends of my hair not to mention it's all dried out from all the flat ironing and dying. It doesn't look bad but, I can feel how dry and damaged it is when I run my fingers through my hair. I can also tell that it's taking a lot longer to grow than usual. I've gone to see my hairstylist and she's given me tips and I've spent lots of $$$ buying shampoos from her salon to help the process but, none of them have worked. I've been taking biotin and prenatal vitamins for about 6 months and I just recently noticed a change in the strength of my hair. It doesn't shed nearly as much as it did before. I cut back on blow drying and flat ironing and that has helped a little. Anything else? I always hear that avocado masks help a tremendous amount as well as that "horse shampoo". Any methods that you've tried that actually work? Thanks!!

Cortney1982

I used to blow dry and flat iron every day as well.  I had it nearly to the middle of my back and split ends were pretty bad.  I got sick of it and recently cut it chin length and now only flat iron about twice a week instead.  Looks so much better.  Do you use heat protector?  My favorite is Nexxus Pro Mend.  I like that it doesn't have alcohol in it like most products.

 Anyways, I have heard some great things about this stuff: http://www.sephora.com/caviar-anti-aging-overnight-hair-rescue-P277501  Reviews are great but it's a little expensive.  I'm waiting till I have extra funds to buy it.

HB's Girl

I don't color my hair ever and I rarely heat style. But my hair still was extremely dry. I wash it only twice a week now (no it is not gross!) and sometimes I use olive oil. Before washing, wet your hair, comb through with olive oil, do not rinse. Put on a plastic shower cap (I put a headband around the edges to keep in place and control dripping) and wait thirty minutes. Rinse with cool water. Wash just the roots of your hair. Condition normally and rinse with cool water. The cool water prevents too much from melting away. It may take a couple of times to figure out how little/how much you will need to rinse your hair.

 

A stylist taught me to only shampoo my roots twice a week and not to rub the shampoo into the ends to keep as many natural oils in the driest part of my hair. When conditioning, focus on the ends so the product does not build up at the roots which makes you want to shampoo more. Also, use cool water to rinse always so yoh do not melt away all the conditioning products.

 

munkfraff100310

I've been VERY tempted to chop it all off and start over but, I don't have the courage to do it. I don't use a heat protector but, I definitely should have started doing that a long time ago. I'm going to look into that Nexxus Pro. It's hard getting myself to not flat iron because I live in a humid climate so, the minute I step out, my hair is a frizz ball. Thanks for the suggestion!!

munkfraff100310

I actually don't think washing it twice a week is gross at all! With my hair being curly, if I wash it every day, it just makes it extra frizzy. I have gone almost a week without washing my hair and it was perfectly fine. I sometimes use those spray shampoos to freshen it up. I love the olive oil idea. I'm actually going to try that tonight!! I've been told to rinse my hair out with cold water in the past too but, never do it because I hate cold water. I'm willing to try anything though. Thanks for the suggestions!!

HB's Girl

munkfraff100310:

I actually don't think washing it twice a week is gross at all! With my hair being curly, if I wash it every day, it just makes it extra frizzy. I have gone almost a week without washing my hair and it was perfectly fine. I sometimes use those spray shampoos to freshen it up. I love the olive oil idea. I'm actually going to try that tonight!! I've been told to rinse my hair out with cold water in the past too but, never do it because I hate cold water. I'm willing to try anything though. Thanks for the suggestions!!

Good luck! I liked the olive oil because it also weighed down the frizz! 

paigeee90

Have you tried Moroccanoil? ... and I mean the actual brand Moroccanoil. I love it! http://moroccanoil.com/

I am naturally a blonde with thin, fine hair. In Feb, I changed hair colors to a deep red. Now I want to go back blonde. So I have had to have my hair bleached a couple times and after it has been coarse and rough. I bought the Moroccanoil moisture repair conditioner and the Moroccanoil treatment light and I use it everyday. My hair feels amazing! Feels thicker, stronger, and so much softer!

saron123

Giving hair what it needs is simply half of keeping its health. In addition, you need to take measures to avoid damaging hair. Your food consumption, once again, is important. You might be eating foods that contain the vital nutrients to promote healthy hair, but those foods may be packed with preservatives and other stuff. These things can make the skin, scalp, and hair dry. Then there are also medicines which have similar effects. If you often take any prescription or over the counter drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it may be damaging your hair.

mtishawt

I just cut my hair but is was only an inch above by derriere before I did that.

 I read laying off haircuts with lots of layers help strength and stimulates growth. I tried that and my hair grew like madness.

 I only blow dryed my hair if I knew I was going out. On a regular basis I had my hair pinned up in a bun while working out. I tried to avoid hair ties.

busterbeagle

I would try going sulfate free with your products.  Probably ditch the silicones, too, since they will build up without the sulfates to clear them out.  I only use shampoo (Deva Curl No Poo) once every 7-10 days.  Otherwise I just wash with conditioner.  I love the forums at Naturally Curly for hair tips, especially if you are trying to go long and embrace your natural texture.

TinaG80

After I had my hair highlighted this last time it felt terrible. After researhing, I tried the half an avocado, 1 egg, and two tablespoons of olive oil mixture. It worked great! Leave it on 30 minutes or so and rinse with COLD water. You don't want warm or it will cook the egg in your hair.