First timer queries
Posted by short-today-long-tomorrow on September 05, 2003 at 12:25:49: Previous Next
Hi all,
Right now I have short hair and want to grow it out (a la Roger Federer, Xavier Malisse etc.). I have a few questions:
1. Advice on other long-hair-tips websites states that shampooing should not be done every day. But I get pretty sweaty after a typical workout at gym or doing some other intense physical activity. Is it recommended I shampoo every evening I come home? So far I have been pretty random about shampooing.
2. Right now I am not having too much trouble, but I suspect the "bad phase" will start soon. Again, the typical advice websites say that one should avoid barbers at all costs. But my aim is to grow out my hair so that it can be tied NEATLY into a pony tail (similar to the names I mentioned above - I guess watching too much US Open messes with your brain). Should I pay regular visits to the barber and cut hair at the back of the neck and on the sides until the hair at the forehead is long enough to reach the back of the head?
3. Finally, the hair at the forehead is just starting to touch my eyebrows now. But I have noticed that the hair strands want to turn back upwards. Does that mean that my hair is curly? Is so, does this fact have any implications on whether I will be able to tie my hair neatly into a pony tail at the back?
Thanks for you advice.
Re: First timer queries
Posted by Oversurf on September 05, 2003 at 17:47:39: Previous Next
In Reply to: First timer queries posted by short-today-long-tomorrow on September 05, 2003 at 12:25:49:
: Hi all,
Hello and welcome. Your nickname 'short-today-long-tomorrow' may leave you a bit
disappointed. You will need some patience.
: 1. Advice on other long-hair-tips websites states that shampooing should not be done every day.
I shampoo & condition every day as do others, works for me. Experiment and find out
what works for your hair type.
: 2. ...one should avoid barbers at all costs.
I'd avoid 'barbers' at all costs - but someone that's used to styling/trimmimg long hair (a
stylist?) could be very helpful. Realize that when you cut hair it gets shorter, and the
wait time before reaching ponytail gets longer.
Search this board's 'archives' section for 'maintenance cut' or 'trim' or something
similar - you should get plenty of opinions.
: 3. Finally, the hair at the forehead is just starting to touch my eyebrows now. But I have noticed that the hair strands want to turn back upwards. Does that mean that my hair is curly? Is so, does this fact have any implications on whether I will be able to tie my hair neatly into a pony tail at the back?
You would know by now if your hair is curly. Maybe it's 'wavy' or maybe it's straight and
just the ends curl a bit.
Once it's tied back, I think it's as neat' as it can be - unless you are looking for every hair
to be in its place and not stray.
Re: querie
Posted by Hair Religion on September 06, 2003 at 00:54:00: Previous Next
In Reply to: First timer queries posted by short-today-long-tomorrow on September 05, 2003 at 12:25:49:
To start with you might consider changing your board name to "short-today-longer-through-the-future". That would more accurately describe what you can expect.
While your hair is shorter you won't have to worry as much about detailed hair care but as it gets longer you will come to find what works best for you. Experience over time is the best way to learn.
Shampoo every day if you need to but make sure to condition every time too.
Re: First timer queries
Posted by SS on September 06, 2003 at 02:13:56: Previous Next
In Reply to: First timer queries posted by short-today-long-tomorrow on September 05, 2003 at 12:25:49:
:But I have noticed that the hair strands want to turn back upwards. Does that mean that my hair is curly?:
Nah, my (wavy) hair does that too, at the ends. If I comb my bangs down in front of my face, they curl off to the side or upwards. It's been doing this awhile, and the "curl" has always stayed at the ends as it has grown, so don't worry.
As a side note of encouragement, this is my first time growing my hair out too. The bangs reach the bottom of my nose when pulled, and the back "wings" (the hairs in the back as they're growing) are starting to stick out less to the side and more the way of gravity (down). If I pull it long, my hair is only maybe an inch or less from my shoulders. If I tilt my head back slightly, they touch, and it feels awesome to know I've gotten this far. I love my hair longer, just running my fingers through it or having it in my face (sometimes) is great. One of the best things of all is driving with the windows open in the car.
I have doubts and/or get annoyed sometimes, but then I remember how many months of the awkward stage I've had to go through already, especially out in public when my hair can sometimes look pretty bad. I've come a long way from the boring, conservative buzz cut I used to have, and I don't know if I'll ever go back to the short style once my hair is completely grown out.
Anyways, good luck, and don't give up!
Re: First timer queries
Posted by Sorted on September 06, 2003 at 11:55:49: Previous Next
In Reply to: First timer queries posted by short-today-long-tomorrow on September 05, 2003 at 12:25:49:
: 1. Is it recommended I shampoo every evening I come home? So far I have been pretty random about shampooing.
Do what you feel is right for your hair, if your hair still feels fine with your "random shampooing" then fine, personall I've found I could go 2-3 days without shampooing when my hair was shorter. But recently I've had to move it up to every 1-2 days as my hair has gotten longer
: 2. Right now I am not having too much trouble, but I suspect the "bad phase" will start soon. Again, the typical advice websites say that one should avoid barbers at all costs. But my aim is to grow out my hair so that it can be tied NEATLY into a pony tail (similar to the names I mentioned above - I guess watching too much US Open messes with your brain). Should I pay regular visits to the barber and cut hair at the back of the neck and on the sides until the hair at the forehead is long enough to reach the back of the head?
Avoid Barber's, they generally have no concept of anything but the "short neat look". Your average Barber is to hair what a groundsman is to a hedge. He knows how to prune, but not how to style. Whatever growth you have will probably end up on his floor.
Find a good stylish and explain your goals, Salons that also do women's hair will have more experience in styling longer cuts so they tend to be a better bet, (if more expensive.)
: 3. Finally, the hair at the forehead is just starting to touch my eyebrows now. But I have noticed that the hair strands want to turn back upwards. Does that mean that my hair is curly? Is so, does this fact have any implications on whether I will be able to tie my hair neatly into a pony tail at the back?
Not necessarily, mine did that and its just wavy. What I found was that by trimming the ends and getting a slightly blunter finish I stopped "the curl".
In spite of what others might say, trims aren't all evil and they can help you get through the awkward stage. Particulary if you have a good stylist who you see each time. But obviously keep them to a minimum, once every 3 months.
Re: First timer queries
Posted by Jenn on September 07, 2003 at 10:50:50: Previous Next
In Reply to: First timer queries posted by short-today-long-tomorrow on September 05, 2003 at 12:25:49:
I have hair that is about breast length (am I allowed to say breast? oops ^_^). I notice that when I shampoo more than once every other day, it gets dry and frazzled (because it strips the natural oils from the hair). Usually I don't shampoo until my hair feels so gross I can't stand it, which is once every third day (my hair doesn't get that oily). Personally, I don't think sweat will hurt your hair, so just rinsing it while you shower would be fine. Deep conditioners are something you might want to consider as well (I made a recommendation yesterday on this board).
Yes, avoid barbers at all costs!! This is something that I've said a million times (the guys here can attest to that). However, you should avoid any professional who will be going near your hair with scissors who doesn't understand exactly what you want. People tend to think "oh, guy with long hair, chop chop!" This is not a universal truth, but as a friend of longhairs, I can tell you that it happens more than I'd like to admit.
When your hair gets long enough, you'll be able to put it in a ponytail regardless of the texture. Curly hair is notoriously thick, though, so you may have a harder time with it. I wouldn't worry about it though.
We're rooting for you!
~Jenn