Moonpi

Mine is long, too - not sitting on it yet, but close to it. It seems like as soon as I fall in love with a conditioner, they "new & improve" it so it doesn't work any more. This Florida heat is tying my hair into knots, to the point where I am thinking of cutting it shoulder-length. I've been using a children's conditioner since it does a better job with tangles.

About the only rule I try to follow is never combing or brushing my hair when it is wet - all it does is create breakage. I've tried boars hair brushes, and they helped with winter static buildup. So dank in Florida, it's not an issue any more.

Stress from being out of work has led to me losing a lot of hair in the last few months. Any suggestions for that?

Baren*eh*ked_canadian

Make sure you eat properly, for sure, Moonpi. My best friend was in the hospital for severe eating disorder, that combined with the stress of being in the hospital for 3 months intensive, made her hair fall out like crazy! It's grown back, now that he's healthy and eating properly.

BellaBoo

I'm not thin and so long hair emphasizes my weight and generally makes me look sloppy. I think hair smells after 3 days of not being cleaned. It's like a big air filter, it catches dust, germs and odors plus neck and scalp perspiration.
I use no soap shampoo and that makes my hair shinny and gives it a lot of body. The best place to buy 100% no soap shampoo is at a dog salon! The high dollar show breeds can't tolerate soap on their skin.

SaraSewing

My hair grows like weeds. Last time I it was long I donated 15" to Locks for Love, where they make wigs for children with cancer. There is some little "mini-me" running around. I wash every other day, and just water in the meantime for styling. I'm blessed with curly hair, so it isn't much work. I agree that keeping it in a braid keeps the ends from splitting. It's down past my shoulders again from having it cut, in only about 18 months. The photo of your hair is beautiful!

pittsburgpam

I have read about using vinegar but I haven't tried it yet. I think I will use the very light shampoo. I haven't washed my hair since Monday and last night I brushed it for a long time, working all the oil down the shaft. It does feel very sleek and smooth, which is perceived as oily I suppose. :lol: I have it in a braid today.

I remembered that when I was in the hospital and unable to wash my hair the nurse used baby powder on it, sprinkled it on the scalp, rub it in, then brush it out. It takes the oil and dirt with it. I guess that using herbs on the hair does much the same thing.

Baren*eh*ked_canadian

I've always wanted to donate my hair, but in Quebec, they won't take it unless it's at least 12" of cut hair. Even when my hair is really long, cutting 12" off would leave me with really short hair, and I do not look good with short hair, at all. It's thick and tends to want to curl up more if it's short, so it looks like I have a bushy triangle on my head. No thanks!!
The way I see it, they should be happy with any amount of hair to make wigs for people who have none... I mean anything over 6" should be workable... I cut off 7" about 3 months ago.

redkimba

It is so nice to see other people with hair that long. Mine is down to my tailbone now.

This person has LOTS of wonderful styles and tips for long hair:
http://www.youtube.com/user/torrinpaige

I found out that silk drops really work for my hair. I need to get it trimmed though - it's starting to split really badly. :(

redrummy

I had hair to my waist 2 years ago. I used nothing but panteene shampoo and panteene conditioner (every 3-4 days). I use a wide tooth comb, never brush wet hair, it causes breakage and that looks bad on long hair. I would braid my hair for bed every night, because you will roll over on it and that hurts. My husband got on mine one night, and I cryed for days when I had to comb it, my scalp hurt every time I touched it. I used 3 times the conditioner as shampoo, to make sure I had all the hair coated good, let it set in while I showered, and only air dryed it. Blow dryer caused frizzies. Good luck with yours!!!!

k3n

Mine is middle of my back and I wash it every 4 days or so with a very tiny amount of shampoo then I use a royal jelly conditioner - it's a product that comes from bees and is supposed to be very nourishing. I never blow dry and use a special brushy thing for wet hair, with little rubber nodules on the bristles. I have to dye with a product because otherwise I'd be completely grey and I'm not ready for that yet. :shock:

The person talking about hair loss - I had that really bad last fall and my hairdresser recommended a 3 month course of B vitamins - within a few weeks I noticed a difference but I completed the course and now my hair is back to full thickness. She also told me that it's fairly normal to lose a bit more hair in spring and fall - like a dog moulting! :shock: :lol: I also should have the ends trimmed more often - they're a bit straggly at the moment, but I mostly keep it up in a scrunchy, especially when gardening. When on holiday in the Mediterranean recently, I used to wet my hair and put some conditioner in it before going on the beach - it protects against sun and salt. Then just wash it out in the evening. My hair stayed relatively frizz free although my grey roots came through because the sea water and sun stripped all the dye out! :D

I love your hair Pam - I have a plan that when I'm an old lady, I want a great, long grey plait. One of my friend's Mum's has one and she looks really cool! :D

MadQuilter

How do you keep from smelling like a salad? :twisted:

I don't have the head for really long hair - short either, so now I keep it at "just this side of ratty"