Hairy Issue (Full Version)

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lovingpet -> Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 7:16:38 PM)

I am finding myself in a bit of mess. My partner adores long hair, so I've been growing mine out now for well over a year. It is even all the way around, no layers or other styling tricks (he doesn't like those), and now down to the middle of my back. It just tickled the inside of my elbow for the first time today. He loves it long and I love having it long.

This issue is coming in because it is extremely difficult for me to keep it combed/brushed on a regular basis. The last time I did a full brushing, it took over an hour. My hair is very thick in addition to the length, so it gets matted and knotted up just looking at it wrong. It is also difficult just due to the reaching and weird angles I have to get my arm into to do a good job. With my achy, quickly fatigued muscles it is getting to be a real monster job. I have tried maintenence brushing to keep it from getting too out of control. It didn't seem to really make a difference. I asked my hubby to help me out with it, but he is entirely too rough and doesn't do a thorough job. My partner and I do not live nearby at this point, so he is not available to help me, though I know he is looking forward to when he can.

I am at my wit's end with this hair thing. Cutting it is out of the question. I cannot keep up with the brushing. Even washing it is slowly becoming a real chore. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

lovingpet




sravaka -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 7:27:39 PM)

I'm a little embarrassed to offer this, but it doesn't have to be brushed entirely free of tangles to twist it back in a reasonably acceptable looking knot.  You can save the serious brushing for times when you really want it to be down. 

The bad thing is that it's still knotty afterward.  The good things are 1) that it's out of the way and 2) that you can literally "let your hair down"--  I find it fun to go in an instant from schoolmarm/librarian to...  well...  chick with long hair. 





Hierodule -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 7:34:27 PM)

have you tried a leave in conditioner spray? It might help make brushing easier and once its nice and tangle free you could spray it down once more to keep the folicles slick. It might keep it from knotting up again so quickly. It has been years since my hair was to the middle of my back but when it was I used this...

[img]http://www.cosmeticmall.com/images/products/detailed/70146.jpg[/img]

Infusium 23 leave in conditioner

My Master also wants my hair long. I am not allowed to cut it. It only to my shoulders at this point. By this time next year I will be in the same boat!




Vendaval -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 7:53:27 PM)

I use the hair detangler spray marketed for unmentionables.  Both Suave and L'Oreal sell these products for a few dollars per bottle.

You might also try braiding sections of your hair to keep it under control in wet or windy weather.




slaveluci -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 8:00:40 PM)

I absolutely love "Creme of Nature" detangling/conditioning shampoo. You'll find it with the ethnic haircare products. I have short, thick, naturally curly hair. I use a dime-size dollop and as soon as it touches my hair it works its magic by immediately removing all tangles and making it silky smooth. I would do a commercial for this stuff 'cuz it's grrrreeeatttt[:)]

luci




UniqueRaven -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 8:04:11 PM)

My hair is very long (quite a bit longer now than my pic), and also naturally curly, so tangles are also inevitable.  Some suggestions:

1)  Buy a wide tooth shower comb and always comb the tangles out with a LOT of conditioner while you are in the shower.  Rinse hair straight and don't touch it again until you're out of the shower and ready to re-comb!

2)  After showering, use a good detangler and conditioning spray, again, using the wide tooth comb to comb it out.  Korres makes a wonderful natural almond hair conditioning spray you can get at Sephora online.  I LOVE this product - just make sure you use enough of it!  Here's the link:  Korres Almond Proteins Leave On Conditioner

3)  The best brush for brushing out tangles is a wide "paddle" style brush.  Use a good one!  Aveda has a fabulous one that I have used for several years now and I love it.  It really gets the tangles out quickly when my hair is dry and i want to brush it straight.  Here's the link:  Aveda Wooden Paddle Brush  (note:  You may want to hide this from your Domly type, just sayin'...)

The key to fighting tangles is to use good hair care products to keep your hair moisturized and in condition, don't mess with your hair TOO much or else it will break, and when you do brush use a good brush (i.e. the paddle brush) to distribute your hair's natural oils and keep it smooth and sleek.

Good luck to you - and remember, long, touchable hair is SO worth it to keep his hands in your hair.....mmmmm.....hee hee!




lovingpet -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 8:10:37 PM)

Thanks for these ideas everyone! I will try some different things and see what works for me. Please keep them coming! I really don't want to have to resort to paying someone to comb my hair and braid it each week. That would just suck! LOL

lovingpet




Lockit -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 8:29:31 PM)

I know just what you mean... I cut my hair nearly to one inch and kept it that way for years because it hurt me so much to take care of it if it was longer. Then it went total curly rather than real wavy and it got even harder to control... but I couldn't take the short hair any longer. It took a while to learn what to do.

I use the infusium leave in conditioner and put it in a spray bottle. I don't use anything but infusium on my hair. Then when not going anywhere, after I brush it out, I put it in a pony tail high on my head so I can sit or lay any way I need. It gets heavy on my neck some days, but I I put up with it.

I also found that when it gets to the point where it tangles more, I need a short trim. But at this stage of things I can take off four inches and it will grow back in a few months. I had to layer it because it was just too thick and heavy, but you can't really tell it is layered even when I straighten it. It is easier to manage when I have a good day and can straighten it. When curly... I can brush it when wet and then only finger comb it or I come out looking like a witch. Poof!

I also change arms and positions, brush from the side and then to the front... and I take my time... that helps with the pain.




kittinSol -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 8:35:56 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: slaveluci

I absolutely love "Creme of Nature" detangling/conditioning shampoo. You'll find it with the ethnic haircare products. I have short, thick, naturally curly hair. I use a dime-size dollop and as soon as it touches my hair it works its magic by immediately removing all tangles and making it silky smooth. I would do a commercial for this stuff 'cuz it's grrrreeeatttt[:)]

luci


Where do you get it, online, or the drugstore? I've never seen it before! As a fellow curly, I'm always on the lookout for good gloop: cheers beaucoup much en avance :-) .




Hierodule -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 8:39:45 PM)

Oh and also start from the bottom when you brush it out not from the roots. My mom taught me that! 




slaveluci -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 9:14:06 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: kittinSol

quote:

ORIGINAL: slaveluci

I absolutely love "Creme of Nature" detangling/conditioning shampoo. You'll find it with the ethnic haircare products. I have short, thick, naturally curly hair. I use a dime-size dollop and as soon as it touches my hair it works its magic by immediately removing all tangles and making it silky smooth. I would do a commercial for this stuff 'cuz it's grrrreeeatttt[:)]

luci


Where do you get it, online, or the drugstore? I've never seen it before! As a fellow curly, I'm always on the lookout for good gloop: cheers beaucoup much en avance :-) .

I actually get it at the local "Dollar General Store." I believe it's $3 and change per bottle. Great value and great results![:)]
luci




Aylee -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/7/2009 10:11:42 PM)

Fast Reply ~

First, I make sure that I have no tangles in my hair before getting in the shower.  I try to not tangle my hair as much as possible while shampooing and conditioning.  I leave the conditioner in and use on of those LARGE alligator clip things to keep it up while I wash the rest of myself.  The last thing that I do is to rinse the conditioner out.  ~ If you have oily skin, you will want to wash your face at the sink once you are out of the shower.

I use a seperate towel on my hair and wrap it turban style and leave it that way until I am dressed. 

After taking it out of the towel I bend at the waist with my hair flipped over and "pic" it out with a large hair pic.  Start near the ends and work your way to the roots. 

Then I stand up straight while flipping my hair back.

I usually wear my hair in a french braid.  So, I use a "vent" brush to brush my hair and then re-pic it and braid away.

Otherwise I put it in a barrett and pulled back at the neck with a scrunchi. 

Only rarely do I have it completely down.

When I unbraid my hair at night for sleeping, I brush through it as I am unbraiding it.  Unbraid a bit, brush any tangles out. . .again. . . again. . . you get the idea.

But, yes, keeping it pulled back seems to help the most.  [:)]




lizi -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 10:31:44 AM)

I've had long hair for the last 15 years and for a time it was waist length. I needed help with it when it was at it's longest and even though my sons and ex husband started out being klutzy with the hairbrush they learned to do it well. As Hierodule said the secret is to teach them to start at the ends and gently work their way up using one section at a time. If they got to a tangle they'd have to work it out. I had to have the help though.
I also braided it loosely when i went to bed, that helped as well.




barelynangel -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 12:20:05 PM)

I have always had long hair and ask my stylist lol one just has to look at my hair and it tangles.  My former Master use to comb out my hair as much as he tangled it with his constant hands in approach lol.

Some things i have learned over the years is -- 1) i comb out my hair when i am in the shower and TONS of conditioner is in it, this helps after the fact.  2)  my arms get so tired so a trick i leaned was i sit and hang my head between my knees and start combing my hair out from the bottom and when my arms get tired  i rest my elbows on my knees where i can still continue to work out the knots slowly.  3) And unless i am with someone who enjoys long hair, i usually wear it in a braid, or up in a messy bun or ponytail.  4) wider tooth combs are better than not. 

All in all, Its a huge concept of trial and error and finding what works for you. 




winterlight -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 1:22:09 PM)

I haven't read the threads but i had long hair down my back. I used a large tooth (wide gaped comb) to comb my hair.

The trick is to start at the ends of your hair and go up 1 inch from that (higher) to work on tangles. In other words don't start using the comb at your scalp and causing it to all end up on a knotty mess at the bottom of your hair.

Good suggestions on hair conditioners up above. i cannot anything to that...




Vendaval -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 1:40:11 PM)

General Reply -

Carol's Daughter is a company that specializes in beauty products for women of color and has many devoted customers.  The FAQ page has good advice on hair.


"Q: How do I keep my hair from getting too dry?


A: Many of the seasonal elements can damage hair and make it dry. UV rays, salt water, etc. First, switch to an extra-hydrating shampoo and conditioner. Rosemary Mint and Khoret Amen Shampoo both contain conditioning sea moss which is especially beneficial for dry, brittle hair. Also, for twisted tresses and unmanageably dry hair, a nourishing, leave-in conditioner twice a week is essential for restoring weight, texture, and moisture. And since dry hair means you're suffering from a dry scalp too, a hair oil or conditioning hair dress will help nourish and bring back sheen and suppleness. Finally, never expose unprotected hair to the sun, salt, or chlorine for prolonged periods of time or it will get stripped of its natural color and be prone to frizz.

Q: How do I control the "frizzies?"

A: Fight the "frizzies" with a nourishing, leave-in conditioner that adds weight, texture, and moisture. But beware! Less is more and too much will weigh down the hair, making it look greasy instead of gorgeous."

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/category/customer+service/faq.do

http://www.carolsdaughter.com/category/haircare.do




LadyPact -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 2:04:57 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee

Fast Reply ~

First, I make sure that I have no tangles in my hair before getting in the shower.  I try to not tangle my hair as much as possible while shampooing and conditioning.  I leave the conditioner in and use on of those LARGE alligator clip things to keep it up while I wash the rest of myself.  The last thing that I do is to rinse the conditioner out.  ~ If you have oily skin, you will want to wash your face at the sink once you are out of the shower.

I use a seperate towel on my hair and wrap it turban style and leave it that way until I am dressed. 

After taking it out of the towel I bend at the waist with my hair flipped over and "pic" it out with a large hair pic.  Start near the ends and work your way to the roots. 

Then I stand up straight while flipping my hair back.


I usually wear my hair in a french braid.  So, I use a "vent" brush to brush my hair and then re-pic it and braid away.

Otherwise I put it in a barrett and pulled back at the neck with a scrunchi. 

Only rarely do I have it completely down.

When I unbraid my hair at night for sleeping, I brush through it as I am unbraiding it.  Unbraid a bit, brush any tangles out. . .again. . . again. . . you get the idea.

But, yes, keeping it pulled back seems to help the most.  [:)]


My hair isn't nearly as long as some on this thread, but I use the above method, too.  My husband still gets a kick out of the highlighted part.




DesFIP -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 2:55:59 PM)

A professional straightening every six months and a really top notch ceramic straightening iron for at home as it's wearing off. If you can get it straight, then a comb will slide right through.

My daughter has the typical "Jew 'fro" as we refer to it. Occasionally she gets it professionally straightened. Right now it's a curly mess. She doesn't brush it except when wet. She just allows it to be a mess of curls. And it's usually pulled back into a pony tail. If she has something special to do, she either spends the better part of an hour straightening it or she has the salon in town do it. They can do it within half an hour.

It doesn't need to be brushed daily. You're washing it every couple of days so in the shower, load it up with conditioner, and comb it out with a wide tooth comb and then rinse. That's it till the next time.




Aylee -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 3:29:07 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyPact

quote:

ORIGINAL: Aylee

Fast Reply ~

First, I make sure that I have no tangles in my hair before getting in the shower.  I try to not tangle my hair as much as possible while shampooing and conditioning.  I leave the conditioner in and use on of those LARGE alligator clip things to keep it up while I wash the rest of myself.  The last thing that I do is to rinse the conditioner out.  ~ If you have oily skin, you will want to wash your face at the sink once you are out of the shower.

I use a seperate towel on my hair and wrap it turban style and leave it that way until I am dressed. 

After taking it out of the towel I bend at the waist with my hair flipped over and "pic" it out with a large hair pic.  Start near the ends and work your way to the roots. 

Then I stand up straight while flipping my hair back.


I usually wear my hair in a french braid.  So, I use a "vent" brush to brush my hair and then re-pic it and braid away.

Otherwise I put it in a barrett and pulled back at the neck with a scrunchi. 

Only rarely do I have it completely down.

When I unbraid my hair at night for sleeping, I brush through it as I am unbraiding it.  Unbraid a bit, brush any tangles out. . .again. . . again. . . you get the idea.

But, yes, keeping it pulled back seems to help the most.  [:)]


My hair isn't nearly as long as some on this thread, but I use the above method, too.  My husband still gets a kick out of the highlighted part.



If it is silly and it works, it is not silly!

And "down" as in not put in a braid or anything, my hair is below my waist. 




LadyPact -> RE: Hairy Issue (11/8/2009 4:23:44 PM)

It definitely works.

It's also one of those kinds of things between couples.  When the hair gets flipped up, he'll be there with that big grin on his face.[:D]




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