That is some long hair!

I'm glad you've found us! I think one of the best things to start with for you would be oiling. Just using some oil on the lower length of your hair will help protect your ends. You may need to try a few oils to see what works best for you, but a good one to start out with might be coconut oil. Coconut oil is known for helping hair retain the protein in it. This would be extremely important for you since you do not even trim for religious reasons. The stronger your hair is, the less likely you will develop split ends, which can cause breakage and eventually would actually shorten your hair even without trimming. So keeping your length as strong as possible would be the best way to care for it. If coconut oil doesn't suit you, you could try any good vegetable oil. Some of the best ones for hair are: Jojoba (closest to human hair sebum), Sweet Almond, Apricot, Meadowfoam seed, Rose Hip, even Olive and Castor oil can be good on hair. Just avoid mineral oil (baby oil) at all costs! Just apply a few drops of oil on your palms and rub them together. Then place a section of your hair between your palms and lightly press together your hands and slide down to the ends. You will have to use more oil after a couple of sections because you have so much hair. You can also use a boar bristle brush to run through the length after oiling to help distribute the oils well.

You wear your hair up, which also protects it, so that is good. I condition with every wash, and use the CWC method. There is an article on this method in the library, but basically when you wet your hair to wash, you put conditioner on the length first, then shampoo only the scalp, rinse and then condition the length again. It helps protect the length from shampoo. Like any fine, delicate fabric, washing it over and over again wears it down. Your hair is like this and doesn't need the harsh cleansing from shampoos. Conditioner is usually cleansing enough unless you use a lot of styling products.

I hope this helps get you started! Please feel free to ask all the questions you'd like!

-Fox

April 2008
Special thanks to Carlynn for my custom doll signature!
17/35.5/40+ Type 2CMii (3B underneath layer) Somewhat fine, slightly wavy (with curls on the underneath layer), Hennaed Auburn. F.L.A. Ranking, Colonel. To see more pictures, click on the gallery collection link found here: Forever Fox
My Journal: Faithfully Fox


Want custom sticks? Please visit: Sticks and Stones, Hairsticks by Fox

"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, they will become your character. Develop your character for it becomes your destiny." -John MacArthur

"Love makes you beautiful" - quote from my nephew at age 7



Products Used:

Ida's Shampoo Bars



Aubrey Organics S&C
Nature's Gate Conditioners


Vinegar/herbal rinses

Oils: Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Virgin Oil de Coco Creme, Monoi, Castor, Meadowfoam Seed & essential oils
Shea Butter (from which I make my own leave-in)

MP Popular Mix Brush and Pure BB brush
Wood and Horn combs
Vitamins/Minerals/Herbal supplements