Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with hair

What shampoo should I use after a keratin hair treatment?

CrazyLemonade — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:51:15 -0800

I had one of those keratin/chocolate hair treatments done. What shampoo should I use now? I didn't want to buy the EXPENSIVE bottle of shampoo they wanted to sell me at the salon, but I also want to get one that will make the effects of the treatment last longer. I've read that I should look for shampoo without _____ (maybe sulfate??). To avoid the whole "pick up a bottle and read ingredients, put down, repeat", does anyone know of a brand of shampoo I can get, preferably at something like a Walmart or drugstore? (I'm in Mexico now but I'll be travelling to Houston in the next few days.)

Winter hair woes.

blackcatcuriouser — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:24:44 -0800

I have long, fine, mostly straight (female) hair that becomes dry, limp and majorly staticky during East Coast winters. My normal hair routine involves moisturizing shampoo, conditioner at the tips, volumizing mousse when my hair is wet, and blow drying upside down with a bristly brush. Sometimes I use some light hairspray to keep it in place. Initially it looks and feels great. But by the end of the day, it is totally dead and full of static. I keep a dryer sheet in my bag to smooth out the static throughout the day but this isn't much of a long-term solution and it doesn't fix the limpness. Advise me please? Any product suggestions? Thanks in advance!

I don't get why aestheticians like their jobs!

Anonymous — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 07:20:21 -0800

I have finally worked up enough nerve to try getting a brazilian wax. It's not the pain; it's the privacy issue. My appointment is booked. I've been to gynos etc. Why does this seem different? I just can't get past the idea that the waxers must think it's a yucky job. But then, I think to myself, why did they end up in that job? Do people actually LIKE waxing other people's genitals? For example, the salon I've booked an appointment at is strictly a brazilian waxing salon. So the staff there are literally waxing vaginas etc all day long. They must enjoy or at least not hate doing it. How is this possible? How do they end up in the profession? If I can understand this, perhaps I will stop feeling so nervous.

Any further hints or encouragement or anecdotes to relax me about the whole thing are appreciated. Why am I so nervous when it aint no thing to other people!? The idea of someone paying such close attention to my private parts in a non-sexual non-clinical way is freaky!

Will my hair ever be the same?

a.steele — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:03:57 -0800

Please help me replace my favorite shampoo (Aveda's Sap Moss), which is now discontinued. Have you tried their replacement line (Dry Remedy)? Have you found something better? I have wavy/curly hair (type 2a or 2b according to this classification). The only way I can get my hair to do what I want is if it can be moisturized without being weighed down. What I loved so much about the Sap Moss shampoo is that I could use it frequently (every other day, and literally for years) and it never left any build-up or made my hair dull. It also left no need for conditioner, which I hate using. Every time I washed my hair, it felt strong and moisturized but not "coated" with anything, if that makes sense.

I'd love feedback from anyone who's used Aveda's new Dry Remedy shampoo (which is the line that replaced the Sap Moss stuff) to see if I would get similar results. I'm hesitant to try it because my hair really isn't that dry, it just likes a little moisture. I've tried the Be Curly line, but it only works well if you use the shampoo/conditioner combo. I do use the Be Curly cream for styling, fwiw.

Also, if you were an avid Sap Moss user (or even if you just have hair like mine) and have found something comparable, I'd love your feedback as well. Is there a similar shampoo out there? I'd love to find a "generic" one that smells and works the same way (Sap Moss had a distinct earthy smell that people either hated or loved), but I think that's probably a long shot.

Thanks for your help!

Are laser treatments a good way to get rid of facial hair?

shelayna — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:08:29 -0800

I'm looking for information regarding laser treatments to remove facial hair. I'd like to do something about the hair on my face (I'm female). Until now I've been using depilatory creams, but I'd like a permanent solution. Are laser treatments the way to go? I understand that it's easier than electrolysis, and that I'm an ideal candidate for laser treatments since I'm very fair-skinned with dark hair.

How many treatments are generally needed?

Do I need to let my facial hair grow (i.e. not remove it) to a certain length before starting? (I'd feel very awkward going out and about like that)

Are there any after-effects like pain, burning or redness?

Any personal anecdotes for or against would be much appreciated.

Products for long hair?

crickets — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:04:22 -0800

Long-haired guy looking for product tips... So, I know the theory that you shouldn't wash your hair every day, and I actually like the way my hair behaves when I haven't washed it in a day or so (it has some weight, so it doesn't fly away when it's down, and it stays tighter when it's pulled back).

However, I kind of have to wash my hair every day or my scalp gets unhappy.

What products would you recommend I use to get that second-day hair on days that I've washed my hair?

Also: what products can I use for when it's down? I like wearing it down, but, unless I have a headband or sunglasses on top of my head, it falls all over the place. What can I use to keep it flowing back?

HairFilter

pseudostrabismus — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:33:46 -0800

What's the best drugstore conditioner to smooth and detangle very dry, curly, tangled hair? My hair is long, fine, and dry, and it tangles like crazy. Because it's curly, I can only comb it in the shower while it's wet and saturated with tons of conditioner, so I need a thick, slippery conditioner that detangles really well. It should cost under $7/bottle, since I use so much. And it's ok if it's very heavy or weighs down the hair, as my hair isn't prone to greasiness. The product's "slippiness" and detangling ability are my main concerns.

Any suggestions?
Are there any ingredients I should keep an eye out for?
Thanks!

Like me, but less hairy.

Foam Pants — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:09:26 -0800

If it works, Tria Beauty would change my hairy life. Anybody have any experience with a home laser hair removal gadget?

Male pattern me?

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:53:50 -0800

Should I take something for my (possible) baldness? ***I did check out the other questions re: this and didn't find the question/answer I was looking for***

I'm 35, have always had a good head of really thick hair. My mother's grandfather (for whatever it's worth) was not bald, as far as I know. Died young though (late 50s I think). So who knows. There's not a lot of baldness in my family though.

Anyway, I've been in an extremely stressful educational program for the last 8 months. So stressful in fact that I blame it for giving me shingles this month. Which sucked. Different story. But anyway, I have definitely been stressed well beyond normal.

Somewhere about 2 months ago, I noticed that the hair at my forward hair line (bangs?) is way thinned than it used to be. Not sure how long it's been this way, but I've never seen my scalp before and I can totally see it now if I look in the mirror. Not noticeable yet from a few feet away, but definitely freaking me out. I would guess about 50% of my hair is gone.

I'm not sure if it could be stress that made my hair fall out. I've always been confident that I'd maintain a full head of hair throughout my life, so this is a big surprise to me.

YANMD but what do you think? My hair is maybe my best physical attribute, and my others are not all that great. But the idea of spending $30 a month for something that's only going to slow the tide is depressing to me and I'm not sure if it will be effective either way.

I just started dating someone (who is not superficial, and awesome, and I'm really feeling into her) and I was like, do you think I should start Rogaine (as a joke) and she's like, "yeah, totally, I know so many guys who wish they had started when they had the chance". But also I asked "could you love a bald man?" and she said she could. Her dad is 70 with a full head of black hair.

I'm inclined to not do anything, particularly with the idea that it might be stress and that my hair might grow back when this craziness dies down. But if it's not stress, and I lose what is left up there, I will definitely miss it.

Any advice, thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated.

PS I talked to my doctor...all my lab work checks out. Thyroid, anemia. She says "mail pattern baldness". I'm not totally sure I agree.

A good haircut?

chris p — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:23:19 -0800

Where can I get a good men's haircut (and style) in Las Vegas? (or Chicago?) I'm a 22 year old guy. I basically have the same hairstyle I've always had. I need a haircut and would like to try something different. I want to find a place where I can explain my basic needs and then have someone else pick the cut, then show me how to style it. There isn't really any place I know of that I'd feel confident doing that.

I'm not someone who puts a whole lot of attention into his personal appearance. I want something that looks good and is functional.

I'm in Las Vegas right now. I'll be in Chicago in a week or two. I'd prefer to do it Friday while still in Las Vegas, but will wait until Chicago if I can't find any place good. I look at this as a one-time investment into trying something new, so price isn't a huge deal.

Any suggestions where to go? Please also include rough price and how much I ought to tip, as well as any other suggestions you may have.

What are the "top" cosmetology schools?

biochemist — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:55:35 -0800

Which cosmetology schools are considered reputable/"top 10?" I know there's a list of colleges and some well-known names there, but I haven't been able to find such a thing for cosmetology schools. If location is important, I'm in Chicago.

The main thing I'm looking for is a solid reputation, as well as more frequent job opportunities/higher starting pay (compared to other schools.)

How can I keep from worrying about this?

Anonymous — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:02:45 -0800

How can I keep myself from freaking out about a medical issue that, in all likelihood, is common and minor, and for certain is not life threatening? For the past two months I've noticed an increase in the amount of hair I've been shedding (I'm female with long hair, so I normally shed some hair..but this is markedly more than usual). And for the past couple weeks I've noticed a change in the thickness of my hair, the way it lays on my head, etc. Anyone looking at me probably wouldn't notice it, but I do. It's definitely thinner than it used to be.

At first I wasn't sure what this was at all, but then I heard sometimes a couple months after a physiological stressful event (like fever or surgery or crash dieting), your hair can sort of switch over to "fall out" phase - telogen effluvium. In July I was extremely sick while coming home from India - puking and diarrhea over the course of a day, high fever, all while trying to get out of Delhi in 100+ degree heat. At some points I was so sick I couldn't even stand at the ticket counter long enough to get my boarding pass, was curled up on the floor sweating and with chills etc. etc. I think that qualifies as stress on my body.

As a side note - I am 99% certain it was food poisoning ("Delhi belly"!) because my friend ate the exact same thing as me and also got extremely sick.. yeah we spent the evening taking turns in the bathroom, it was so not cool.

So, I've been operating under the assumption that this hair shedding thing is related to that, and what I've read is that it is pretty common and happens to most people at least once in their life, and that my hair will grow back in eventually. I've decided to go to my doctor after Thanksgiving to get blood work to rule out thyroid, hormone issues and possibly get a referral to a dermatologist.

In the mean time, how can I keep from freaking out? Worrying about going bald? Looking up stupid shit on the internet about it? I'd like to not worry so much about how my hair is changing.. I mean, it IS just hair. I guess the obvious answer would be "just don't freak out" but that doesn't seem to be working. Thanks--

nasal hair remover

page123 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:26:17 -0800

Which brand is the best for electric nasal hair remover for thick hair?

Im not a gringo!

freddymetz — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:05:44 -0800

European in Mexico. How can i avoid being called a gringo and how do i react elegantly? Im a German living in Mexico with dark blond hair, light-ish skin and blue eyes. Thus, according to many mexicans, i am a gringo.
I find it quite offensive when they call me this and address me with either "gringo" or "guero".
What can i do to avoid this? and, if colouring my hair black and wearing a fake moustache is the only option, how can i react elegantly and/or humourously?

Feel free to post your own experiences of this here please!

Should I use Rogaine on my front hairline?

Anonymous — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:05:55 -0800

Should I use Rogaine on my front hairline? Right, so I understand the whole part about it not being officially approved from the hairline -- vertex only, etc. But my hair is thinning pretty rapidly up front and I would like to do something about it. I do not want to take any pills, so Rogaine seems like the best bet, even if it is an iffy bet. Has anyone here tried it on the front hairline? Success? Failure?

To the extent it matters, I have a lot of thick hair (Jew-fro) and it's only the front hairline that is starting to go. I'd like to stop it or slow it if nothing else.

Help save my hair!?!

gilsonal — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:24:35 -0800

Post-surgery hair loss? Anybody have experience with this? How long does it last? Does it grow back on its own? Do I need to see a doctor? I'm female, 25 years old. I had surgery about three months ago, and my hair has started falling out rapidly. To the point that I'm losing more hair in a day than I would naturally over the course of a couple weeks. My ponytail is already smaller. I don't see any spots, but I do have long hair.

My surgery removed part of my small intestine, but my vitamin levels are okay and I'm injecting those that I can no longer absorb naturally. So i don't think deficiencies are at fault. It appears that the stress from surgery can cause hair loss, and I'm pretty sure that is the case here. They say it happens 3 to 4 months after, and that's pretty much on schedule with what I'm experiencing.

I'd really love to hear some personal experiences about this. I'm trying not to worry or be too self-conscious, but I'm losing what seems like tons of hair and I'm starting to panic lol. What was your experience? How much hair did you lose? How long did it last and is there anything I can do to make it stop sooner? Is a doctor needed or is this just going to resolve on its own?

Does hair stop growing?

Neekee — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:44:30 -0800

Hair growth question: some people say that their hair will only grow until a certain length. Is this a myth? How would the follicle know when to stop growing? Some of my friends claim that their hair will grow until a certain length and then just stop. At first, I thought that this was just a broken-hair issue (that older, longer hair would "break" with brushing), but then I met people with perfectly healthy, strong hair that claim the same thing. Is this just a myth? How would the hair follicle know when to stop growing? Are they just impatient and get haircuts before they allow their hair to grow longer? Is it just an impression that hair grows faster when it's shorter?
My hair doesn't stop growing so it's hard for me to understand.
Thanks!

Looking for swim cap recommendations.

jennyb — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:07:05 -0800

Tell me about swim caps. I take water aerobics twice a week. I'm growing my hair a bit longer and want to start wearing a swimming cap to protect my hair and to comply with the pool's regulations.

I bought a basic silicone cap but it pulled my hair and gave me a headache and I hated it and threw it away. I'm hoping there is some magical alternative out there.

I have a large-ish head and slightly longer than ear-length, thick-ish hair, if that helps. I don't care too much about looking foolish, but I am not entirely lacking in vanity.

Using spirit gum to attach a prosthetic near my real hair

Riki tiki — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:36 -0800

Tell me about using spirit gum near my actual hair. My Halloween costume has a prosthetic that I intend to attach to the top of my head. The prosthetic came with a tube of spirit gum as an adhesive. I've never used spirit gum before... is it okay to use it near hair? Will it stick? Will I be able to remove it afterwards? Is there a better alternative?

(this is the prosthetic... it's a latex bolt-looking thing with a thin flower of flesh-colored latex as the base)

Best Hair Product for Men

jameslavelle3 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:02:47 -0800

Men with short hair: what hair product do you use to style your hair on a daily basis, if any? Also, I am looking for high quality hair product that has a decent hold and is as non-flaky and non-greasy as possible. Cost is not a concern. In the past, gel has worked for best for me but I am open to new ideas.

Keeping my laundry hair-free?

meerkatty — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 18:02:38 -0800

Do you have tricks or tips for keeping hair off your clean laundry? I have long hair that sheds a lot. And I'm currently being treated with chemotherapy which is making me shed even more. When I pull my clean clothes or sheets out of the dryer rogue strands of my long hair cover everything. Is there a way to prevent this?

I use a Bounce dryer sheet in my dryer, clean the lint filter religiously and just had my dryer serviced. Using a lint brush afterward is pointless because the hair is long and difficult for the brush to pick up and using a lint brush on things like king size sheets is a nightmare. Thanks!

Name That Model

ThePinkSuperhero — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:35:43 -0800

What's the name of the grey-haired lady who models in the Lands' End catalog? She wears her hair in a chin-length bob. I can scan a page of the catalog, if that will help.

Zebra hair?

Tarumba — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:12:36 -0800

I want to be a zebra! (nothing to do with Halloween) So after a lot of deliberating, I decided to go for a very dracula-ish retro-sophisticated hairdo, something like this.

I cannot think of how to explain it to my hair dresser. I can't even find any decent pictures! Can you help me find some, or tell me the name of this style? My hair is naturally brown, and I want one or two blond bunches (can't decide where they would go). Similar ideas would be really appreciated!

Help!

How do I make long hair, moustaches, and beards for large (mascot-size) costumes?

HappyEngineer — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:59:41 -0800

How do I make long hair, moustaches, and beards for large (mascot-size) costumes? The fur fabric that I've found is fairly short (just a few inches). I'd like to make a long white dwarf-like beard. Here is a picture of a small gnome statue. How would I make a beard like that for a 24" wide face? Here is the best example I've found so far. This costume actually has a long beard. Does someone actually sell fur fabric with hair that long?

Peanut butter won't get this out.

DeltaForce — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 21:34:46 -0800

HalloweenFilter: Help me attach a toy plane to my hair. Hair background: I have just-below-shoulder-length hair. It is thick, though not frizzy, and I have a lot of it. A lot. Though with the right product and a day or two between shampoos, it can be very sleek. It also holds curls well.

For Halloween, I would like to curl my hair, and attach a toy plastic plane somewhere. Initially, I was thinking of doing a messy, curly updo, but I have bangs, and I think it would look odd. Plus, I look better with my hair down.

My question is, where should I place the plane on my head and how can I attach it? I'm thinking maybe on the side, in a place where one would otherwise see a bow.

I realize that if my hair were up, this would be easier; I could probably just stick it somewhere in the bird's nest. But alas...

Thank you!