maybe you can help me

Your hair sounds exactly like mine! Thick and puffy! It can be such a nightmare. I also really hate blowdrying it (partially because of the fact that it`s so thick and takes forever!) and I can never make it look neat and "tame!" I would also really appreciate some tips:)

edwin paul smoothing lotion is awesome.

u can get it in the market place here at hair boutique

Firefly,

do you have access to a beauty supply store?

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danielle originally wrote:
I'm 14 years old and my hair is just below the top of my shoulder blades. I am completly dumbfounded as to hair styles and would like some help. I have a somewhat sqaure shaped face and dk(basically black) brown hair. My hair is thick and sometimes gets a bit "puffy". I would like a style that is realitivly easy to acheive and maitain and doesn't have too much volume to it(I also don't like stiff hair from hair products)I've been posting stuff on the teen bored,but thought that people on this one may have more experience and suggestions. Any way,Help if you can Please!General hair care tips are also welcome!

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Hi,

Sandra Bullock has a square face and her hair is also quite thick and bushy. What works for her is that she tends to wear graduated lengths. She prefers long hair but to get rid of some of the bulk she definitely has a stylist add some long graduated layers around her face and at the thickest and heaviest parts.

I read that she like thinner bangs that are easy to control and then thinned out hair right around her face.

It is definitely true that having the hair shaped with very long layers or thinned does help the thickness.

So the first step is to find a stylist that doesn`t feel the need to cut all of your hair off (some don`t know how to work with long hair so get a consultation before you let them touch your hair or they may feel the desire to cut too much off at one sitting).

Hair will often get puffy from dryness. The key is to moisturize your hair as much as possible to keep it sleek. There are many things you can do. I have to confess that I am not a big fan of drugstore products because I personally have never found one that really works for me. My own hair is very thick and naturally wavy and so I have to work hard at keeping it soft and moisturized. I flirted with Pantene but it did not work for me. It made it feel crunchy. Infusium was definitely a lot better for me although I still really need the hard core products like Aveda or Phytologie.

The reason that HB.com sells Edwin Paul, Paul Penders and Giovanni is because I love all those lines for my own hair. I use all of them on a regular basis.

So unfortunately I can not address or recommend a good drugstore line. Alberto Culver seems to be better than most with regard to the ingredients. Suave is OK too.

I would not personally use either because of my past history with drugstore products but if you have normal hair that is not chemically treated and no other problems I think you can try those lines and see how they do.

The Edwin Paul Smoothing lotion is amazing. It leaves hair super sleek and smooth. However, since you are uncomfortable buying on the Net I would recommend that you try KMS Flat Out. I used to use that with some results before I found the Edwin Paul Smoothing.

To avoid puffiness I would recommend the following:

1. Go have a consultation with a stylist and tell them you want to keep your length BUT have graduated long layers to help reduce the thickness. Do not let them cut the length, only the thickness.

2. Use a good moisturizing shampoo to add softness to your hair. Buy the Alberto Culver that says "moisturizing" or for "dry hair". Or buy a similar line that has the same claims.

3. Use a rinse out conditioner to match. This further softens the hair and makes it less puffy. Always finish with a cool/cold rinse to close and seal the shaft and deter even more puffiness.

4. Get a good boars head brush, paddle style is great. After you shampoo towel dry (blot don`t rub) your hair. Apply a light detangler spray. Use a wide pick and carefully take all knots out.

5. Apply the KMS Flat Out or similar. It is definitely not as good as the Smoothing lotion so you may need to apply a good amount to make sure your hair is saturated.

6. Using the paddle brush as the guide only (never brush wet hair or it will break), direct the flow of a blowdryer from your roots to your ends. This smoothes the cuticle as you blow dry. Also, consider using a medium speed, medium heat.

7. Use the paddle brush to hold a section of hair straight as you blow dry down the shaft. Do this around your head until your hair is 100% dry. At the end, if you have a cold setting, shoot a cold blast around your hair to seal.

Do not blow dry your hair upside down. This will add fullness and bulk. That is the last think you want.

If you do all this you should have soft (non puffy) hair that is in a flowing longer graduated style. A long soft bob would be idea. Also, to eliminate bulk a long shag, which is hot right now, would be great.

How to style? Adding little hair knots is very hot and easy. Take a few sections of hair around the crown and twist. Clip off with a cool hair clip or alligator clip.

Ponytails are always hot for summer. Play with those as an option. Even pigtails are fun. You can apply a gel (do NOT use vasline) to you hair after you have put it into the ponytails and then take individual sections and twist them into fake dreadlocks...which are hotter than ever.

Hope that helps. A key thing to remember is that any hair can be tamed with the right style, the right products and practice & creativity.

Best wishes,
Karen