PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE! ...

Hi! :)

I just need some help with my hair, and I want some advice/suggestions/tips WHATEVER! lol :)

I`m in my early teens and having the WORST time with my hair! :(

My hair is VERY (and when I say VERY I MEAN VERY) *THICK* and FRIZZY, DRY and PUFFY. And its driving me totoally INSANE! Its shoulder length now, and I`m growing out the layers that I had done months ago. It looks ok. Its JUST TOO THICK. So I thought about going to a stylist and having my hair "thinned" out..I have NEVER had this done before.

But the prob is, should I get another layered cut again or just get it thinned?Alot of ppl are telling me to get it layered again. I didn`t like my layers at first at all,but eventually I began to like my layers. But I don`t really want to do layers. BECAUSE my hair is pretty short right now, its about a hafl n` inch below my shoulders.

So I don`t think layers would do right(BUT again I don`t know)...and I DON`T want my over-all lenght of my hair SHORTER!! I just want to RUDUCE the thickness of it you know? So the question is: Get it thinned, or get it layered? What do you think? I`m just wanting some advice..I really don`t want to go do something..I might regret alot later on! Thanks!

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Megster132 originally wrote:
Hi! :)

I just need some help with my hair, and I want some advice/suggestions/tips WHATEVER! lol :)

I'm in my early teens and having the WORST time with my hair! :(

My hair is VERY (and when I say VERY I MEAN VERY) *THICK* and FRIZZY, DRY and PUFFY. And its driving me totoally INSANE! Its shoulder length now, and I'm growing out the layers that I had done months ago. It looks ok. Its JUST TOO THICK. So I thought about going to a stylist and having my hair "thinned" out..I have NEVER had this done before.

But the prob is, should I get another layered cut again or just get it thinned?Alot of ppl are telling me to get it layered again. I didn't like my layers at first at all,but eventually I began to like my layers. But I don't really want to do layers. BECAUSE my hair is pretty short right now, its about a hafl n' inch below my shoulders.

So I don't think layers would do right(BUT again I don't know)...and I DON'T want my over-all lenght of my hair SHORTER!! I just want to RUDUCE the thickness of it you know? So the question is: Get it thinned, or get it layered? What do you think? I'm just wanting some advice..I really don't want to go do something..I might regret alot later on! Thanks!

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Hi,

My heart goes out to you. I have struggled with similar hair for years and it is so nice when you can finally find products and styles that work.

The layering question is actually a personal choice. Jane Bullock who writes for HairBoutique.com has super thick hair. I mean, the thickest hair I have ever seen. She gets the top of her hair around the bangs and the crown heavily layered but it gradually flows into one length at the bottom of her hair. She told me that wearing her hair long has been just impossible because it is so thick. She loves heavily layered looks and likes spikey looks and bedhead looks.

However, thinning can work IF you find the right stylist who can work with your hair.

Before you do anything I would make an appointment for a consultation only. Seriously, do not let them cut your hair when you go for the consultation. Tell them that you will pay them for an appointment to just talk about your hair and discuss options. Then don`t let them do anything and go home and let some time go by before you do anything. This allows you to really think about your options and feel comfortable.

I think you are wise to weight your options seriously before you make a decision.

It sounds to me like layers aren`t exactly what you want. It also sounds likeyou want more length. So if that is the case you might go with very very minimal and longer graduated layers around your face but leave the rest of the hair one length and then discuss some thinning options.

How to deal with your hair? Use a good moisturizing product for shampoo and then use a good leave in conditioner. I have to admit that I am not a big fan of grocery store products. I just never had much luck with them and I tried them for years. I used Herbal Essence and Breck and Clariol and Flex and Sasson with no luck. It wasn`t until I started using products like Biolage and Bain de Terre and Aveda and ARTec that I got some control of my hair.

As a teen your budget may prevent you from going the salon route. If you can afford it I strongly recommend you try a moisturizing shampoo and rinse out conditioner like ARTec Smoothing. I personally alternate between ARTec Smoothing, Aveda Shampure, Edwin Paul Luxury and Phytologie 88. The Aveda and the Phytologie are expensive. I won`t deny that. However, they work for me and so I use them from time to time interspersed with the ARTec and Edwin Paul.

Heavy moisture products will flatten your cuticle and make it less puffy. So remember, moisture will help a lot with the puffy and dry problems.

If you need to do the grocery store product line then try Suave and go for the most moisturizing of the bunch. It will help the dry, puffy and frizzy. If Suave doesn`t work then try products that promise "moisturizing" or will help "dry" hair.

Also, always finish with a cool, cold rinse. This closes the hair cuticle, adds shine and will helps control frizz. Use a detangling spray and/or leave in conditioner and then use a big pick to detangle.

You can also use a good smoothing lotion to get even a sleeker look. I use Vavoom smoothing and Edwin Paul Smoothing when I want perfectly straight smooth hair. I don`t do it all the time because I let my hair airdry a lot. However, a good smoothing lotion or gel will help with frizziness.

Never blow dry your hair upside down, it is too thick for that. Instead, if you do blow dry, aim the airflow from the roots down the hair shaft. This helps the hair to lay flatter and will add shine. Use a paddle brush (preferably boars head) to hold the hair taut as you blow dry. Never brush wet hair.

If you can manage it, weekly deep conditioning treatments will also help calm down the puffy and frizzy.

Please let me know if I can help further. There is nothing more frustrating then having problems with your hair.

Best wishes,
Karen