Hair/Haircare Discussion - Like the skincare thread but for the dead cells on your head.

[emocunt]

I have wavy and fine hair that I dye almost every two months... I also straighten my hair almost everyday can someone recommend some products?

 

[Nique la mere de Macron]

I'm dying of scalp itchiness. Not lice. Not ringworm (forest nearby). Not dandruff. Hair clean and well cared for. I'm ready to jump out of my skin. Dr. Google says probably seasonal allergies, but I have a doctor even worse than that. A woman could walk into that office with a bloody stump where her hand used to be and the diagnosis would still be anxiety and depression.

 

[Liber Nihil]

Me, a moid, needs serious hair care advice.
I have a mane of beautifal hair, thick, course and wavy. I am also middle age and have more hair than most guys my age. My hair is one of my best points, I refuse to keep it cut short, military style. I like my hair, why would I want to keep my head almost shaved. Medium lenght at most, but most of the time touching my collar. At this length it starts to curl. My hair doesnt get long, its gets big.

How do I make it behave? What are good hair styles for my type of hair. What type of product should I use? Brushing habits?

Sounds like Mr. Liber Nihil. What I tell him is that if you want long hair, you have to take care of it. Even if that means doing the occasional “girly” stuff to maintain and style it.

Since you have curly hair, accept that it’ll always be poofy and never lay flat (unless you use a straightening iron on it every day). I’d start with getting a professional trim that goes well with your face shape. Unless you know a barber who specializes in men with long hair, a regular salon will probably be better for this.

You can go down a rabbit hole of hyper-specific curly hair routines for every texture category, porosity level, etc. The basics you need to know is that curly hair is usually sensitive to drying out and breaks more easily, so avoid shampoos with really harsh cleansing sulfates that will strip your hair of *everything*. Follow that up with a conditioner, applying it on the mid length and ends. The hair closest to your scalp will normally be moisturized enough by your natural oils. Detangle while you shower with a brush made for detangling (seriously), and rinse with lukewarm or cool water.

Right after you get out, don’t dry your hair. “Scrunch” in a leave-in conditioner while it’s still dripping wet, then a lightweight curl cream or gel right after that. Squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel or old cotton t-shirt, since regular towels are kind of too rough and can cause frizz. Let it air dry and you’re done.

You also don’t need to wash curly hair every day or every time you shower (just keep it dry). Every 2-3 days is fine if you’re not getting massively sweaty and dirty in between. If you need a refresher spray your hair with some leave in conditioner diluted in water, or you can buy a “curl refresh” spray made for that.

Other miscellaneous advice: Don’t brush curly hair when it’s dry, or you’ll lose all definition and just look like a caveman. Only detangle when it’s wet and conditioned. Buy a silk or satin pillowcase to sleep on if you want to go the extra mile to avoid frizziness. Avoid styling products with heavy silicones since they build up over time and you’ll have to use one of those harsh sulfate shampoos to get it out.

Here’s a list of what to use:
- Shampoo that’s curly hair friendly
- Conditioner (the kind you wash out)
- Detangling brush
- Leave-in conditioner
- curl cream or gel (pick one, you don’t need both)
- microfiber towel or old cotton shirt
- spray bottle/refresh spray
- silk or satin pillowcase if you want