Hair Questions

[Dee]

I'm almost finished with my first year of cosmetology. If you have any questions, i'll try to answer them for you.

[admin]

I'm trying to grow my hair out. Hair dressers tell me having curly hair, it's harder to grow it out..
1) Is that true?
2) Any tips to help my grow my hair out, possibly faster.

[Dee]

Yes, curly hair is harder because the hair growing thru the scalp cuticle is curled. It's harder for that curl to get thru the cuticle than a straight hair that goes right thru.

Try deep conditioners and add heat. You can do this by putting on a cap and getting in a hot shower, putting a warm wash cloth over your head, or getting under a dryer. They stimulate the scalp which aids in hair growth. Get occasional trims, just a dusting, to prevent split ends. Use heat as little as possible and always use a heat protectant.

Do a strand test. Take a piece of hair and put it in water. If it floats, you're fine. If it sinks, your hair needs protein treatments.

[admin]

Thanks Dee.

Whoa.. that test sounds cool. haha

[Dee]

No problem. Any more questions, just ask.

Haha, you like that?

[admin]

Someone told me once it's healthier to leave your hair down... True or False?

[Dee]

Depends.

There are what are called protective hairstyles which would be like a bun, ponytail, braid, that some people need if they have problems with split ends or if their hair is affected by changes in the weather, where it frizzes up. They protect your ends from rubbing against your collar, hoodie, etc. and being exposed to the weather.

On the other hand, you have to be careful because if you use elastics for these hairstyles, they could be too tight, which causes stress on the hair, or the elastics can pull out your hair when removing.

I would say a combo. Sometimes up, sometimes down.

[admin]

Alrighty, merci Dee.

[lolly]

Is it true that using conditioner every time you wash your hair is bad? Someone told me that the othe r day and I was just wondering!

[Dee]

If you use shampoo, you should always use a conditioner with it. But conditioners can cause build up on the scalp if used excessively. That's why it's a good idea to clarify at least once a month, which deeply cleanses the scalp and hair, and makes the products you use more effective.

[lolly]

Any good brands to use to do that with then?

[Dee]

Not really, they all basically do the same thing. Some like using apple cider vinegar, but i like to buy a claryfying shampoo that smells nicer. Just make sure that you always follow it with a moisturizing shampoo, cause the clarifyer is harsh on the hair and scalp, since it's deeply cleansing them. Also, don't clarify more than once a month, you don't want to dry out your hair and scalp.

I use Suave clarifying shampoo, which is really cheap.

[lolly]

I'll look out for something like that in the shops then, thanks!

[Dee]

Yup, it will say clarifying.

[lolly]

My mum uses one but it stinks and is for blonde hair, but they might do one for brunettes