new thread
Hi all,
I'll reach my one year milestone on June 1st. I'll post an update photo then. Even though I haven't posted lately, I check the board regularly for advice and inspiration. I love to watch everyone's progress. Without your support I don't think I would have made it this far in my hairy journey.
At the moment I am in the midst of the dreaded awkward stage at 11 months of growth. My hair is curly, and the way I generally deal with it is to mist it with water from a spray bottle. I add a bit of hair oil to the water as well. I then finger comb, shake it loose and scrunch it. If I brush or comb out my dry hair it is a bushy mess. My hair is healthy as a result of the tips I've gotten from this great board. Leaving it in loose curls diminishes the awkwardness but I am still far from my ponytail goal.
A big BUT needs to be inserted here, I have a bad problem with tangling. It's not so bad after washing or when my hair is wet, but it gets very tangled when dry, especially in the morning when I get up. I try to gently finger comb but a large tooth comb snags a lot of knots and rips the hairs out if i am not careful. Ultimately I fear that the hair I lose from pulling, will prevent my reaching my goal. Any advice for products, techniques or head covers you can offer? I'm washing twice a week on average, use Infusium 23 products and condition between washings regularly in the shower. I rinse with cold water
I'm confident I can make it through the awkward stage, but this tangling challenge does make me look back at the ease of a crewcut with some longing. Oh someone please stop me before I buzz again! I just can't give up now.
Cheers to all,
Don
Time and calmness. I wore a hat for a year. I had lots of " What's up with your hair?" comments. But now after 3 years + I am glad I stuck it out.
Endeavor to persevere.
Hi Quester,
I will persevere! Thanks for the support.
Don
hey Donald, i wouldnt worry about it lad,the longer your hair gets the more it looks and feels better, i would use a leave in conditioner for your ends and dry areas really works good with me, hope this helps!
Hey Mark, thanks for the advice. I know it will get easier as it gets longer. Hanging around this board will keep me on track.
Don
I'd love to be shaved again too sometimes, it definately is easier to maintain.....BUT...my backwards hat has now become my best friend and probably will be for another several months. You gotta stick it out!
Hi Mike,
HeHe, I guess my hat will become my friend too! I'm going to take good care of my hair and hang in there. I think a hat or a buff is a better solution than gels and blow drying. My hair may be out of control but it is more healthy than ever before.
Don
I've had similar experiences. I find the longer I go between soaking the hair (as though in a shower), the more tangles I get. Misting the hair or splashing up water with my hands was, at that length, sometimes enough to style it, but not enough to keep it tangle free.
I, too, use infusium products, but I only shampoo once a week or so, unless there is some product build up. I use a couple different conditioners, but infusium is the product of choice - not greasy-feeling, and scent-free. I even use some as a styling product like one would use gel. If you are in the Northern Hemisphere and the warm weather approacheth, you may wish to consider some bandanas or Buffs for outdoor wear. When wearing those, you can leave in a good amount of conditioners or oils (I've heard, though not tried, that Jojoba is great) and it won't look greasy as it is covered. A quick rinse when you are finished wearing it and a practically tangle-free head of hair will await you. Best of luck and keep us posted.
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
PS. Just posted my 2 year update a bit further down the thread. If my hair is similar to yours, you may see what lay ahead.
Hi Shawn,
Thanks for taking the time to give such a full response. I looked at your great and inspiring update. I think we do have very similarly textured hair, though mine is steel gray rather than brown. I don't have the length yet to try the spiral curls. Your hair is very healthy and good looking. It's good to hear from someone that has experienced what I'm dealing with. I'm going to order a couple of buffs and take your advice to keep my hair oiled and conditioned. At this awkward stage, my hair is best after it dries in curls.
I'll post an update at one year at the end of May. I really appreciate your advice.
Cheers,
Don
You are welcome. That's what we're here for!
Shawn
So comb right after your shower then! And forget about it for the rest of the day.
Missed you at our lunch Sunday; don't be a stranger!
Bill
Hi Bill, Thanks for the response. I will try to make the next local gathering. This time we had a concert in the afternoon. Take care, I will do better at staying in touch,
Cheers!
Don
Finger combing so you can feel the knots and when they're out then use the wide tooth comb. If yo have a bad knot wet it and add some conditioner it comes right out. At least that works for me.
Don't give up now you made it this far.
Kevin
Thanks Kevin,
I suppose I really wrote this message because I was wavering in my resolve. I got great advice from you and others here about my tangle problem, but the consistent support to hang in there and GROW has been just what I needed. My resolve is renewed. Now when I see a longhair I feel admiration for the commitment it takes to reach that hairy goal.
Take care,
Don