Give me your tips for healthy hair!

SergeantSunshine_reused

Hey all! I am getting pretty satisfied with my nutrition, exercise, and health now. Got it under control and perfected

Time to move onto other things! I have long hair, but is dry and prone to split ends. Any tips?

So far I got this:

Biotin can help (got some for super cheap)
Adequate protein and fats for repair (and omega 3s)
Try not to wear a ponytail too often, or to bed, or too tight
Wash hair only every other day
Shampoo only roots, condition ends

Any others?
(if any of these are not true sorry I am learning Usually I shower 2 times a day and wear it up often along with straightening. Fixing the problem now and hoping for pretty long hair for summer!)

ETA: I currently have little split ends and do not need a haircut since I just got a trim. Just looking for tips to keep hair as healthy as possible ^-^

skywa

wash with warm water, rinse with cold water.

NashvilleShelley

Hope someone gives some good tips...I can use them!! : )

SergeantSunshine_reused

Hmm and what could be used that would be less damaging than ponytails? All I can find is braids but I am terrible at those and they look horrible on me xD

rachyrach1234

Cut It



Im a stylist
if you have split ends you need to cut them off.period.

SergeantSunshine_reused

I got most of them trimmed. I just wont cut them off because I am so sick of having the same length of hair. Trying to prevent as much as possible xD

sarahbear1981

Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar for shine. Use a leave in conditioner once a week. Use sulfate free shampoo and conditioners.

rachyrach1234

ummmmmm why would you only shampoo he roots? and only condition the ends??
STOP IT!!!!!
dont buy cheap shampoo get the good stuff and get a haircut

ajbeans

Don't use shampoo. Around Thanksgiving I switched to just baking soda and vinegar, and it took about a week or so to transition when it looked pretty rough. But since then, it's super healthy, soft, and shiny. Never been better.

MaximalLife

Well, the secret to healthy hair is....:embarassed: CIGARS!

Sorry Sunshine, just had to. CARRY ON LADIES!

kmshred

maybe trim it a lil? i quit straightening unless i'm desperate for straight long locks... now i'm liking my wild hair! i use a deep conditioning masque a couple times a week.. (kerastase.. pricy but worth it!) as well as everything else you mentioned. biotin works wonders

Amberchalon

I like to put a mixture of mushed avacodo and mayo on my hair for about 10-15 minutes. It is a really good conditioner!

SergeantSunshine_reused

ummmmmm why would you only shampoo he roots? and only condition the ends??
STOP IT!!!!!
dont buy cheap shampoo get the good stuff and get a haircut

As I said it is just what I have been reading online, and could be wrong. I asked for tips to keep hair healthy and such, not if I needed a haircut or not :P

ChattyKitten

Use sulfate free shampoos! I recommend Diamond Shine
Agreed w/ a few above, wash with hot water, blast with cold when your done.
I got an old Dome-dryer-thing from a salon. I throw a bunch of conditioner on my hair...usually CHI heat treatment stuff and heat my head so to speak for 40 mins then rinse once every other month.

Fitness_4_Jess

Instead of a ponytail, I put my hair up with a chop stick. You can Google how to do it. You can also leave your hair in a chopstick at the gym too - just put a hair tie on top of the chopstick to hold it down and in place. I also use the Pantene Pro V Naturals shampoo and conditioner.

alikatu

Hi. I don't work for this company, but I wish I did. OMG! My hair is amazing after using these products. They're not cheap...but I can never go back to anything else after this: http://www.macadamiahair.com/ I have long hair too...so I have the same dilemma. Ponytails and all. Other things I found that I liked at a lesser price...Bed Head (Ego Boost) and Nexxus both have split-end repair...which, of course, I don't think really "repair" them permanently (how could they?)...but hold/bind the splits together so they don't get any worse. And that's my two cents.

SergeantSunshine_reused

maybe trim it a lil? i quit straightening unless i'm desperate for straight long locks... now i'm liking my wild hair! i use a deep conditioning mask a couple times a week.. (kerastase.. pricy but worth it!) as well as everything else you mentioned. biotin works wonders

Just had it trimmed actually! Which is why now I am trying to keep it healthy and avoid further damage :] I have a little split still, but would rather keep it since it isnt that bad.

I love your hair! I used to straighten every single day, but I cut back a lot to only like 2-3 days a week when I have lab. Now I have to wear a silly hair net anyway so I might as well not even bother xD

CarolinaGirlinVA

About once a month I do a hot oil treatment using EVOO. It helps keep it soft and gives it a good shine. As for split ends and damaged hair...there is nothing to repair it. Best advice is to trim it, sometimes that means you will lose a few inches until you get to healthy hair. Once that is done, maintain it with regular trims. Also...I take Biotin which is found in the vitamin section. I started taking it to help my nails grow and found it has made my hair stronger and healthier too. To protect your hair, try to cover it when you are in the sun or wind. I'm sure you know this, but use covered hair elastics if you are going to put up a ponytail, don't make it too tight or it will strain the hair.
HTH, if I think of anything else I'll be back! Good luck!

maru84

The best conditioner I've ever used is from Aveda, it's their Dry Remedy masque. I leave it in for 5 minutes (up to overnight) and rinse WELL after using (even shampoo it out a bit, you don't want any staying in your hair). It totally eliminated frizz and dryness.

http://www.aveda.com/product/5233/16366/Collections/Dry-RemedyTM/Dry-Remedy-Moisturizing-Treatment-Masque/index.tmpl

Hayesgang

I get mine trimmed every 6-8 weeks and I love Aveeno shampoo and conditioner. I only put my hair in a pony when I'm working out and never sleep in it. I usually don't wash my hair on either Saturday or Sunday, which ever day I don't have plans.

My stylist always comments on how healthy my hair is.

DominoFrost

Alrighty. First off, it's all about finding shampoo that works for your hair. For me, it's Aussie. For my mom, it's something completely different. If it doesn't work, look at the ingredients list and then make sure the top ingredients one you tried aren't the top ingredients on the next thing you try. Otherwise you're just wasting time. Avoid 2-in-1 shampoos. They're a scam.
Second off, you can wash it every day. The reason they tell you to wash every other day is because you strip off essential oils and stuff. Since you have dry hair, I'd recommend sticking to washing every other day, but make sure you brush it.
Third, it's all about conditioner. The longer you leave it in, the longer your hair gets to absorb. I typically shampoo first, then conditioner in, then all the other stuff I do, and the conditioner is the last thing. Just a warning, there have been reports of this causing acne on your bum, so just keep that in mind. And it's not about how much conditioner you use, but how you use it. Keep that in mind, it will save you money.
Fourth, the less heat you submit your hair to, especially since it's dry, the better. The conditioner will help with this, but try not to straighten on the highest setting. If you have hair that isn't very thick, keep it as low as you can while still straightening.
As for split ends, trim it up. Best advice I can give. I haven't had a haircut since summer, and just developed my first split ends about a week ago.
Fifth, be careful what product you use in your hair, and how much you use. For styling, since you have long hair, keep to gels that are less sticky and hairspray should be used sparingly. All in all, you don't want to pile it on because that just defeats the purpose of having awesome hair.
Another thing that can help is by assessing your pillowcases. The rougher the material they're made of, the more damage they will do to your hair. The ponytail advice is something to live by, since breakage and damage occurs most for me when I wear nothing but a ponytail for days. I've started going for a side braid more, but that's just personal preference.
I personally don't do anything extra when it comes to diet, but apparently I overproduce testosterone, which helps your hair. Either way, it's up to you to find what works for you and your hair. These are just the things that I've noticed about my own hair. Good luck!

lisaisso

i try to limit blowdrying and flat irons, maybe 1x a week or so.. it's amazing how much heathier my hair has gotten.

StatutoryGrape

I shampoo every day, condition every other day, but I NEVER heat style. I dye my hair once every couple of months, and that's about the worst thing I do to it. Aside from the fact that my hair can sometimes get a little frizzy on top (which is going to happen anyway--it's thick and wavy), it's very healthy and soft. I cannot go a day without shampooing. I've tried going once every 2-3 days in the past and kept it up for a few months, but my hair always looked bad and I broke out all over my face from the excess oil. Sigh.

embersfallen

it's a ten leave in conditioner I believe it is called... is amazing... It really does help it stay healthier... my hair is very processed... and that is the one thing that if I use it consistantly, helps keep the split ends very minimal!!! I also use the chopsticks to twist my hair into a bun type thing... when it is JUST slightly damp... barely damp at all... and I get TONS of compliments on it when I take it out the bun... it makes the best, long lasting bouncy curls.... you can do it in either one of two of the twists... Since I came across them, I have not ONCE used a curling iron in my hair...!

SergeantSunshine_reused

Wow very informative thank you! I got a shower cap so I can keep up with my showers but save my hair my roommie sure thought it was funny! xD

I just bought the red Herbal Essence for long hair. I love it so far I have a leave in conditioner and a product that protects against heat, otherwise I have no hair products. Probably a good thing!
I think i will just have to let my hair air dry, and see how it looks all wavy and touch up/straighten my bangs if they need it. I usually get those cut every couple of months anyway.

Loving these tips! I am certainly a nutrition person and have been looking more on the nutrient side of hair, but a little clueless on others. I actually had no idea that ponytails were even bad for your hair until recently xD

stylistchik

Use good shampoo and conditioner. It sounds basic but it really does make a difference. When you go for a trim ask your stylist for recommendations because she can customize a system for YOUR hair after seeing it, feeling it, and learning about your maintenance routines. Saving a couple dollars on some herbal essence will really strip your hair in the long run.

Also, if you blowdry or use heat styling tools always use a heat protectant at least on your ends. There are tons out there so you'll be able to find one that works well with your hair and doesn't feel greasy, heavy or sticky. My personal favorites are Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Smoothing Serum and It's a 10 miracle leave-in treatment but feel free to try out a bunch until you find one you like.

jennifer282000

well I actually just cut my hair a few months ago It was just about to my waist and regret it now..well I did donate it to locks of love so that makes me feel better about it..I have super thick hair and I would only wash it a couple times a week and if you blow dry do it on a low setting..I also use good shampoo and conditioner and let it sit in for a few min before washing out. I dont rinse the conditioner completely out and I rinse it with cold water. My hair is pretty healthy.

SergeantSunshine_reused

I think I may not dye it again until summer either. Since it is pricy and I wont see my boyfriend until then.. so who am i trying to impress right?! haha

stylistchik

Hmm and what could be used that would be less damaging than ponytails? All I can find is braids but I am terrible at those and they look horrible on me xD

Ponytails aren't that bad, use the softest ponytail holders you can find (ugly old school scrunchies are really best lol) and wear your ponytail in a different spot every day, somedays low, some high, some middle, etc.

stylistchik

ummmmmm why would you only shampoo he roots? and only condition the ends??
STOP IT!!!!!
dont buy cheap shampoo get the good stuff and get a haircut

If you're a stylist then you should know that's how hair should be cleansed and conditioned, especially if it's damaged.

bjs06

I have really long but thin hair. It gets a little dried out and because I have died it a million times and use dryers, straighteners and curling irons it can get pretty damaged. I was getting sort of embarrassed of it so I bought Pantenes new Breakage to strength Shampoo and conditioner and I really like them. I try to use less product and less tools on my hair and I get regular trims to get rid of the split ends and it makes it look a lot healthier. Some people really hate to get trims because they want their hair to grow longer but as you can see in my pic, my hair is pretty long and its not extensions lol and i get my hair trimmed every few months. It makes a difference for sure!