Hair Despair- advice sought... pretty please..?

[jazthejitterbug]

Hello ladies:

I'm a bit of a lurker, and am hoping that some of you ladies might be able to help...

I have fine, wavy hair, currently a couple of inches past my shoulders. I've never been brilliant at styling my hair (I can make a decent go of it if going to a special event, but most days I put it up in a bandanna or braids across the crown, vintage style). I have noticed that since having my daughter nearly two years ago, it has got even frizzier, and now there are some dreaded white hairs sneaking in, so no matter what I do, I seem to end up with a scruffy halo of frizz with wiry bits sticking out.

I've tried conditioning with self-heating coconut oil before washing, I always condition, I don't often use a hair dryer, and I use Mythic Hair oil too... but nothing seems to get it to lie down, let along look sleek.

It has been long for a few years now, and I'm reluctant to cut it 'short' short as I do like the option of doing pin curls etc- especially as I invested in one of those special pin curl tools recently!

So: have any of you got any suggestions? I'll be buying some henna/indigo soon as with the right preparation I understand it will cover the grey and may thicken the appearance of the hair a little, so the colour isn't the issue- it's the cut/style.

Era: I tend towards the 40s, with forays into the 50s occasionally. My hair is thicker at the back. Roundish face... will try to post a pic to profile.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice: I shall be eternally grateful.

 

[jazthejitterbug]

Dash it. Can't work out a way of putting an image up on my profile. Will try to attach it here.... <nervous>.

Bah. Can't seem to do that either. Imagine Cindi Lauper's scruffy younger sister with chestnut brown hair and a careworn expression, I guess?

 

[fortworthgal]

I have extremely thick, coarse, dry hair that is color-treated, highlighted, and heat-styled. :laugh: You can imagine what I deal with!

I start with a good shampoo & conditioner, but the only thing that really keeps my hair under control is a good silicone-based smoothing serum. I know lots of ladies avoid silicone, but my hair adores it. My current favorite is Biolage Deep Smoothing Serum, just 2 pumps will keep my hair sleek & frizz-free for multiple days. My second favorite is Paul Mitchell Super Skinny. I wear my hair straightened on a daily basis, but these should work fine for curly styles as well.

I also had good luck with MoroccanOil and the Sally Beauty brand knockoff (One 'n Only), but I found that over time it began to weigh my hair down and was tough to wash out.

You might also look into having a half inch or so taken off, just enough to trim off any split ends, which may help with the frizz. Avoid having your hair thinned.

 

[jazthejitterbug]

Thankyou fortworthgal! Your hair looks very glam in your profile pic, so you obviously know what you're doing.
I'm so jealous of people with thick, strong hair. And of people who seem to be gifted with the ability to do their hair properly and end up looking groomed... sigh.

Anyway, I may have a wee look at the Sally's brand oil... but have to say, I've used serums before, and they just seem to do nothing... until all of a sudden my hair rolls over and plays dead. Not in a good way. Also tried macadamia oil and one or two others... ah, well.

Tried a trim about 3 weeks ago, but it didn't do a whole lot- so maybe it's time to accept that my hair's not suited to be any longer than 5" or so. Anyway, I may go nuts and treat myself to a visit to the proper vintage hairdresser in town, and throw myself on her mercy.

Thanks again, fortworthgal.