Help with keeping hair in good condition

[mette]

Hi, my hair is long and curly and extremely coarse, dry and frizzy.
It is in really bad condition so that the bottom chunk of my hair is full of split ends and even more frizz.

I have decided that it needs to go and am going to get a large amount of hair cut off in january (all the hair that is in bad condition)

Now after I've done that I want to keep the hair in good condition (so I don't have to have it chopped off again)

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou.
Plus, if you need anymore info to help (like my hair-routine etc) just ask.
xxx

[ultimate princess]

I wud deep condition ure hair once a week, Cocounut oil is a good for your hair it keeps your hair shiny and healthy. ALso try and avoid using hair dryers or flat irons too much since they can really damage your hair.

[mette]

Thanks. I've recently started deep conditioning every week or so and am hoping that helps!

I only use hairdryers etc. about once a month so hopefully I'm not causing much damage through that.
xx

[Sarrazanna]

If you have curly, frizzy hair - you should avoid combs and brushes as much as possible, if not completely - and instead use your fingers to style your hair.

[mette]

Thanks Sarrazanna! I tend to only use a wide-toothed comb
(THIS ONE:http://www.thebodyshop.com/bodyshop/browse/product_detail.jsp?productId=prod160021&categoryId =cat30050).
I use it before getting in the shower (otherwise the knots would be terrible) and then reaaally gently after I've put serum in to make sure it's evenly spread.

[justgreen]

Using silicone products (you really have to read labels)can cause horrible build up over time, because they only way to get the 'cones off of your hair is to use a clarifying shampoo. Cone build up can cause much damage and dry brittle ends because while it does 'seal' your hair, it also keeps out any moisture you give your hair every time you wash. (Serums are FULL of silicone) Silicone is a man made plastic and has no redeeming value for hair. Some folks cannot live without it, but it's worth giving it a try and seeing what happens. I've been silicone free for 16 months and won't go back. I'd never been able to get my hair to grow beyond bra strap and always had to have two inches cut off every 3-4 months. I've only had 2 microtrims in the last year (tips snipped off only) and my hair is now waistlength.

Before you chop, get some light cone free conditioner (VO5 has some good ones and they are cheap) and apply about 1/3 of a bottle to your dry hair and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Then add warm water working the conditioner in and giving yourself a good scalp massage. Rinse VERY well (for at least 2-3 minutes) with warm water followed by a cool rinse. The cool rinse will help calm the cuticle. This form of washing is extremely popular with curly heads and helps control those frizzies . Don't use any shampoo. Give this about a week and see if it helps any. You may end up getting less cut off.

[mette]

Thanks so much justgreen!! Is any ingredient with 'cone' or 'siloxane' etc. in its name basically bad? Because then my hair is clogged up majorly!! - I looked at my two serums and the first ingredients were 'cyclopentasiloxane' and 'cyclomethicone'. I will stop using them and look for a clarifying shampoo when I'm next in town.

I already use VO5 so that's good. So I should basically do a normal deep conditioning thing but not shampoo afterwards? What about conditioner?

xxx
[Sorry about all the questions!]

[Sarrazanna]

With my hair, if I comb my hair when it is wet - then it dries knotty. But if I wait until it air dries and then brush it, then it stays knot-free... and this is also better for your hair

[justgreen]

Originally Posted by mette

Thanks so much justgreen!! Is any ingredient with 'cone' or 'siloxane' etc. in its name basically bad? Because then my hair is clogged up majorly!! - I looked at my two serums and the first ingredients were 'cyclopentasiloxane' and 'cyclomethicone'. I will stop using them and look for a clarifying shampoo when I'm next in town.

I already use VO5 so that's good. So I should basically do a normal deep conditioning thing but not shampoo afterwards? What about conditioner?

xxx
[Sorry about all the questions!]

Yes, those are two silicones . If you have a shampoo with a lauryl sufate in it, you might be able to get most of them off, but it really does take a clarifying shampoo to rid all of it.

If you have curly hair, you should never really brush it.

The VO5 is used as your shampoo. It has a mild cleaning agent in it already. VO5 products are considered 'light' conditioners, they do not actually do alot of conditioning and they rinse out much easier. Buy using them, you are not using harsh sulfated shampoos on your dry curly /frizzy hair. If you still feel the need to shampoo, try to find a laureth sulfate, and dilute it . Before applying it, coat your length and ends with the VO5 and that helps protect the ends from the shampoo (which is what dries the ends out anyway). Once y ou rinse, the shampoo will glide over the conditioner and help protect the ends. Then you can condition again with a 'richer' conditioner. I generally use a Sebastian product, or Nature's Gate .

If you want a deep conditioner, use :

2 parts VO5 conditioner (or any conditioner that is 'cone free)
1 part honey
1 part clear aloe vera gel

Apply to wet hair and leave on at least an hour under a plastic cap. You can apply a warm towel if you choose.
The honey and aloe gel are natural moisturizers.

[ultimate princess]

Great advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!