To Diane K.: Can You Answer This?

> Dear Diane K.,>>> My questions generally involve dealing with a stylist> who I went to recently. Overall, she is good, but we> are still adjusting to each other. She is very> patient. I want to handle the whole situation gently> because with the warmer months, I know that I will be> going to her from time to time, much more so than> during cooler weather.> First, the issue of back combing when wet. I am not> sure whether I am describing this correctly. What I> mean is, when my hair is wet in the back of my hair,> she started combing from underneath out rather than> straight up and down. A friend of mine told me never> to do this with wet hair, regardless of length because> of great breakage. The last time I visited the> stylist, I asked her if she would not do this and she> stopped, but she said this was not true.HI Jade21,Im confused about the back combing part. I think what you mean is (correct me if Im wrong) Your stylist starts coming out tangels from the bottom up? If thats the case the hair should be sectioned with a small section hanging out. The rest should be pinned on top of the head. If this is what shes doing and shes using a wide tooth pick or comb and combing gently there is no problem. It gets the tangels out easier them combing only from the top. It also keeps the the tangles from reforming as she finishes. In my experence this is a better way for the client because its less painful than just tugging the hair.Now if your talking about backcombing or teasing witch is usual done to style the hair for hight or lift. It must only be done on dry hair. Backcombing on dry hair can be damaging I wouldnt suggest it for wet because it probably wouldnt work anyway.> Second, the issue of rough handling. I suppose that> this is in the eye of the beholder. I don't think that> I am particularly tender-headed, but once again, I had> to stop the stylist a couple of times because frankly> the tugging hurt my scalp. I discussed this with a> friend of mine who is a master barber. He indicated to> me that I had to be firm about this or otherwise, it> would just be worse. Unlike her, he is extremely> gentle. He is twice her size and has the hands of an> angel. I've started having him check for any stray> ends which I may have missed. He's got eagle eyes:)>This guy sounds great maybe he should do your hair for you! If someone hurts you or makes you uncomfortable you should deffinatly tell them. The only thing is shes probably just very strong handed and may forget. Your salon experience should always be relaxing and comfortable. You may think of trying someone new. (maybe the barber?) :)One example is working the conditioner through my hair> especially at the scalp area. When I do my own hair, I> always try to make sure that the area is saturated and> I work it through the hair. Her idea of working the> conditioner through my hair was like an intense> massage. Is this ok? Another is combing through my> hair after the set when it is dry. This was where I> stopped her twice. It seemed like she forgot that the> hair was attached to a head.A massage is a great thing but like I said if it makes you hurt then it isnt right. I knew a stylist like this she was great but shed bouce your head around like a basketball. Some people just arent aware of there hand stregth! Combing after the hair is set is probably your call. Is that the effect you were looking for? If not its your hair you have to look at it all day so get what you like. Combing after the hair is dry may losen the curl but it all depends on what your looking for.> In keeping with the the second question, I want you to> give me your best judgment on an appropriate> breaking-in period for a stylist. I had thought about> going two times per month this summer.Hairstyling is such a personal thing. I think a lot has to do with personality as well as skill. Lots of people can cut hair. You (probably)want someone you can talk to who will listen and most important someone you can trust. I would give the person a couple of tryes and if you dont hit it off find someone else. There are lots of great stylist out there who will treat you like a queen. Isnt that why we go so we can feel GREAT? So find someone who you realy like and the rest should fall into place!> By the way, is it really true what you say about a> strong conditioner causing breakage? That's> interesting:)Im sorry I have never heard that before. I guess if it has strong chemicals it could deffinatly damage the hair.Hope that helps!Let us know if you find someone new or if you stay with your current stlist.:)Happy Healthy HairDiane K

> Hi,> I was wondering if you could answer this question> which was prompted by Jena's posting about best hair> tips.> In that message, she indicates that a stylist gave a> tip about combing conditioner through hair before it> has had a chance to do its job to avoid tangles. I> tried this method for a while--a long time ago-and> stopped because of the amount of breakage which> occurred. Intuitively, it seems inappropriate because> the conditioner has not had a chance to do its job,> one of which is to help detangle.> Please give me your thoughts.> Jade21Jade21,Thanks for the question. Id be glad to help. Jena`s Tip is actualy a good one. But I definately would first put the conditioner on wait a few moments then comb threw. I would use a large wide tooth comb and very gently comb out you hair them rinse. Is this a leave on conditioner? If it is once you have combed out you should be ready to go. And In that case the condioner is working while your combing because its still on the hair.I have hair a little past my shoulders. Its got a tiny bit of natural wave to it also. Heres what I do I wash rinse towle blott my hair then I use a heavy condioner. I apply to my ends first then I put it on the rest. I turn my head upside down and comb through with my fingers. I let it stay on for as long as possible then rinse. Then after I shower and towel dry my hair then I apply a leave on spray conditoner. I personaly dont care for leave ins that are creams because of build up. And the spray on after helps to get rid of static. (I also spray my brush with leave in so the brush dosent get static in it.)As far as your brakage goes it could have been caused my many factors. Your hair type, possible to strong a condioner or just a strong hand when combing. I do argee that condioner needs to stay on for at least a couple of minutes before rinsing.I hope this helps. If not try me agian. Im always here to help when you need it! Thanks agian for thinking of me.:)Happy Healthy Hair!PS.By tip is: Towel blott before adding conditioner. Then rinse in cool water. And rinse and rinse and rinse! ( until the cows come home!) You cant rinse enough! A wise teacher once told me rinse until you think your done then rinse somemore. DO 1 Mississippi, 2 Missisippi until youve done a full two minutes (Or three if you can stand it :)) then your done!Happy Day!Diane K.