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Post by justkat on Mar 18, 2016 1:47:01 GMT
How on Earth do you take care of your hair?
All my life I've had long, thick, full hair. I would shampoo every other day. I'd condition every other wash, deep condition once a month save winter when I'd deep condition twice a month. My hair was beautiful. It was the rare day when I didn't get at least one compliment on it.Then I underwent chemo and lost it all.
It's finally starting to grow back in. However it's super fine, thin and at the moment very short. I've purchased shampoo and conditioner for thin/fine hair. It looks awful no matter what I do. If I shampoo only it's very dry, crunchy almost and feels like straw. If I shampoo and condition? It looks nice that day, but the next it looks as though I've dipped my head in a can of Crisco. And that's with just hanging out at home, not out and about getting sweaty/dirty whatever. lol
I've tried the shampoo/conditioner I used before and that's even worse. From the minute it dries it looks like an oil slick. I've tried baby shampoo and that doesn't seem to clean my hair. A friend recommended I try a clarifying shampoo and my scalp hurt afterwards as though someone had tried ripping out my hair (I have no idea).
Any ideas? Suggestions? Oh and if it matters, I let it air dry and don't use any product in it either.
Thanks for any help.
Kat
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,718 
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 18, 2016 1:48:57 GMT
Any chance you can share a pic? We might be able to offer some styling/product suggestions. Have you tried a dry shampoo for between washes?
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Post by salem on Mar 18, 2016 1:54:10 GMT
I've had short hair for years. The only shampoo I can use that doesn't weigh down my hair is Suave Clarifying shampoo. I don't use conditioner because it makes it too soft and flat. I do use a curling brush to give it some lift. A few rolls across the top and then brush it out. My hair has short layers and its parted to the side. Just a bit of spray and it stays all day.
With fine hair, I do have to wash it each day, otherwise it sticks out all over and feels greasy.
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Post by justkat on Mar 18, 2016 1:59:48 GMT
I haven't tried a dry shampoo but I'll look into them. I think I have a few samples from Birchbox. I'll also try the Suave shampoo. I don't remember the brand of the one I had but I know it's not Suave. I don't think my hair is long enough yet for a curling brush. It's just now long enough I can run a comb through it. lol No picture but I'll think about it. I'm still bald in many spots so don't know if I can do a pic.  Thanks ladies for the ideas. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:09:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2016 2:18:21 GMT
You may want to buy travel size until you find the shampoo that works best for you. I cut mine from waist long to a pixie last month. My hair/scalp is very dry. I've been using argan/Moroccan oil on it. Just a nickle size puddle on my palm, rub my hands together and rub both hands through my hair to distribute it. I use sauve shampoo with no conditioner.
But it sounds like your scalp produces more oil than mine does. I can easily go a week between shampoos even with it this short and it still won't be oily. The argan oil would make the first day hair soft and shiny but I don't know if you would still have the oil problem the next day. If your scalp is oily you may need to shampoo every day.
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Post by lancermom on Mar 18, 2016 2:19:22 GMT
By choice I cut my hair short, and hate it. But what I find that works for my fine hair is mousse. I wash and shampoo like you. Before I comb out I lather in the mousse. Then use hairdryer upward, and a one inch round brush on too to try to get fullness. Otherwise flip hair up towards other side and dry from roots up. Afterward if I have time I use a flat iron and to just the edges I won't it out, kind a like a flip.
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Post by lisae on Mar 18, 2016 2:28:02 GMT
I have had to wash my hair daily since high school. It is fine and somewhat thin. I thought when I got older and started getting natural gray (that I color) it would dry out but no. It is still oily if it isn't washed daily. I use L'Oriel Volume shampoo in the purple bottle. I do not use the conditioner that comes with it, it is horrible. I use a Garnier conditioner, nothing special. Once a week, I use the conditioner that comes with my haircolor. I used Redkin for years but after switching, I'm happier with the far less expensive brand of shampoo.
To style it, I shampoo and condition in the shower. Towel dry, comb it as I like it and then spritz with a spray gel. After breakfast, I come back and blow it dry using a round brush. That's it. Nothing fancy but I will never have gorgeous hair no matter what I do so I figure I'll just keep it easy.
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Post by mcscrapper on Mar 18, 2016 2:28:16 GMT
I've had short hair my entire adult life. I have fine, stick-straight hair. It looks low maintenance but it takes a lot of effort some days. I've worn my hair very, VERY short but now it is just above my chin.
I use Aveda Blue Malva shampoo and never condition my hair. I simply don't need it. I use the blue malva because it is great for blond hair and doesn't dry my hair our or make it look brassy like some shampoos can.
I also use a volumizer spray and mousse for styling. I use a round brush to blow dry my hair and give it a lot of lift at the roots. I also use hair spray but nothing too stiff. I mostly use Aveda products except for the mousse which is some new thing...Pai-shau or something like that my stylist threw at me. I love it!
I'm kinda picky about my hair stuff but it works best for me after buying tons of other stuff that just left my hair limp and unmanageable.
meredith
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valleyview
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,816
Jun 27, 2014 18:41:26 GMT
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Post by valleyview on Mar 18, 2016 2:52:01 GMT
I use Bumble and Bumble. I agree with the idea to try several shampoos. Perhaps you could go to Ulta or Sephora, explain your situation, and have them fix up some samples to try. I would by premium shampoo while your skin and hair are sensitive.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:09:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2016 2:58:23 GMT
I have a wash and wear cut...super easy...wash, light blow dry and a little spray wax.
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Post by alexa11 on Mar 18, 2016 3:03:39 GMT
My hair has been very short for about 30 years. I was using Pantene and have now switched to Nioxin because of thinning. I agree with voltagain about the Argan oil- I love it. I rub in a teeny amount while it's still wet. I also use this mousse that my daughter, the hairdresser, recommended. Then I just fluff it up and spritz- no drying. Of course, I have to do this everyday... |
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Post by internetmama on Mar 18, 2016 3:09:59 GMT
So, I think your situation is different than just having short hair. Regrowing post chemo hair is hard stuff! Here's an article I did a while back when I was growing my hair back. Let me know if you have any other questions. Best advice I got from my hairdresser was to keep trimming the ends as the hair that you have coming in now is very damaged and unhealthy from all the treatment. It will get better. I promise. It's also surprising what you can do with a little trim even when it's short to shape it. I used gel and it really helped. Hope this is helpful to you: motherswithcancer.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/how-long-will-it-take-for-my-hair-to-grow-back/ |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:09:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2016 3:36:41 GMT
So, I think your situation is different than just having short hair. Regrowing post chemo hair is hard stuff! Here's an article I did a while back when I was growing my hair back. Let me know if you have any other questions. Best advice I got from my hairdresser was to keep trimming the ends as the hair that you have coming in now is very damaged and unhealthy from all the treatment. It will get better. I promise. It's also surprising what you can do with a little trim even when it's short to shape it. I used gel and it really helped. Hope this is helpful to you: motherswithcancer.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/how-long-will-it-take-for-my-hair-to-grow-back/Thanks for sharing your journey. It makes total sense that the new growth is damaged from the treatment. |
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angie w
Full Member
Posts: 107
Jun 26, 2014 2:35:35 GMT
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Post by angie w on Mar 18, 2016 3:49:22 GMT
i agree that your first new growth may not be what you have in 6 months or so. when my hair first grew in after chemo it looked like grey berber carpet. ghastly. after awhile it came in more like my original hair, with some loose curls still in the back, but otherwise the same. the advice to trim it a bit to get the damaged stuff off is good. hope you get your beautiful hair back eventually.
p.s. congrats on getting through chemo!
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theshyone
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,458
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Post by theshyone on Mar 18, 2016 3:58:00 GMT
I think it has more to do with more than just short hair.
Hair regrow after a medical tragedy is different hair. It's a different texture, a different feel, and it does different stuff.
I'd had long hair, I'd had short hair, I'd had super short hair but nothing prepared me for what my hair would be post cardiac arrests and septic shock. I lost huge areas of it, I finally threw in the towel and cut it uber short. What grew back in was not "my" hair. Not the hair I'd had for my lifetime anyway.
I find the only thing that really works now even three years later, even though my hair is longish short now is switching up products constantly, so the hair and scalp gets used to nothing.
My previous straight straight wouldn't hold a curl hair that was think and luxurious is still today thin, fine, and poufy. A good cut is critical to work with it. And my stylist has been off on maternity and I hate it. Just hate it.
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Mar 18, 2016 5:55:58 GMT
You got some good advice regarding your particular situation above. I just wanted to add that when I have short (pixie) hair I have always had to use some product to give it shape. I prefer not to use product but over the years of growing my hair out and cutting it I've come to accept that I need product when I have pixie hair.
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Post by mymindseyedpea on Mar 18, 2016 6:05:44 GMT
So, I think your situation is different than just having short hair. Regrowing post chemo hair is hard stuff! Here's an article I did a while back when I was growing my hair back. Let me know if you have any other questions. Best advice I got from my hairdresser was to keep trimming the ends as the hair that you have coming in now is very damaged and unhealthy from all the treatment. It will get better. I promise. It's also surprising what you can do with a little trim even when it's short to shape it. I used gel and it really helped. Hope this is helpful to you: motherswithcancer.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/how-long-will-it-take-for-my-hair-to-grow-back/This was my insight too but wasn't sure what tips to give so glad someone agreed and did it for me  |
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 20:09:09 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2016 10:37:52 GMT
Congrats on getting through your chemo! I think you have gotten some great advice. I wash mine everyday, and one thing that I have used for years and years with my short hair is Aquage wax. It's one of the only products I haven't switched up over the years. It does amazing things for fullness and style. I style my hair with a round brush and blower dryer. Then I flat iron. Once all done, I put a small dab of wax on my fingers, rub into my hands, and "piece my hair" how I want it. Love the stuff, and one jar lasts for a few years. I get it from amazon. www.amazon.com/Texturizing-Wax-Unisex-Aquage-Ounce/dp/B000RUO43M/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1458297453&sr=8-1&keywords=aquage+wax |
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Post by littlemama on Mar 18, 2016 12:27:30 GMT
I use Redken Color Magnetics Shampoo, which is Sulfate Free. My hair has never felt so soft in my entire life.
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Post by deshacrafts on Mar 18, 2016 12:45:49 GMT
I've had both short and long hair and I find that short hair is much more "labor intensive" than long. When my hair is short I have to wash it every day or it looks like crap. When it's long I was every other day and can sometimes push it to three days and it still looks okay. I've been using Garnier shampoo and conditioner and really like it, but my hair is long right now. I hope you have good luck growing your hair out and good luck with your chemo too!
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Post by mikklynn on Mar 18, 2016 12:57:24 GMT
Congratulations on finishing your chemo!
I have short, fine hair. I use Nexxus Exxtra Gel to style my hair. I put about a nickel size in my palm, rub my hands together and then rub through my wet hair before I dry it.
I also use Bedhead manipulator (in a blue pot) to give it a little texture when my hair is nearly dry.
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magz811
Junior Member
Posts: 94
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Post by magz811 on Mar 18, 2016 13:19:33 GMT
I have very fine hair. When I Have it cut short I do find it gets oily quicker than when I have it long. I finally figured out the reason - when my hair is short, I tend to run my hands through my hair more. When it is longer, I usually have it up in a pony tail and don't fuss with it as much.
Congrats on finishing up your chemo!! HUGS!!!!
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,926
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Mar 18, 2016 13:24:23 GMT
How on Earth do you take care of your hair? All my life I've had long, thick, full hair. I would shampoo every other day. I'd condition every other wash, deep condition once a month save winter when I'd deep condition twice a month. My hair was beautiful. It was the rare day when I didn't get at least one compliment on it.Then I underwent chemo and lost it all. It's finally starting to grow back in. However it's super fine, thin and at the moment very short. I've purchased shampoo and conditioner for thin/fine hair. It looks awful no matter what I do. If I shampoo only it's very dry, crunchy almost and feels like straw. If I shampoo and condition? It looks nice that day, but the next it looks as though I've dipped my head in a can of Crisco. And that's with just hanging out at home, not out and about getting sweaty/dirty whatever. lol I've tried the shampoo/conditioner I used before and that's even worse. From the minute it dries it looks like an oil slick. I've tried baby shampoo and that doesn't seem to clean my hair. A friend recommended I try a clarifying shampoo and my scalp hurt afterwards as though someone had tried ripping out my hair (I have no idea). Any ideas? Suggestions? Oh and if it matters, I let it air dry and don't use any product in it either. Thanks for any help. Kat This is me (without going thru chemo). I had super fine, thin, hair that was all the way down my back. I just cut it all off (back in February). My hairdresser said I'm not doing myself any favors washing it everyday. I told her I had to because the next day it looked like my hair hadn't been washed in weeks. She told me "dry shampoo". This shit is the BOMB. I wash my hair 2x a week now. Love the dry shampoo. You spray it on your oily roots, rub it in and brush it out (though I read a tip about using a towel like you're towel drying your hair, instead of brushing it out and I've been doing this). It gives me texture and volume. I don't know how I didn't know about this stuff before. |
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MerryMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,615
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Post by MerryMom on Mar 18, 2016 17:04:36 GMT
My mom, who was a radiology technician for 45 years and the last 30 years she worked in cobalt (radiation) therapy for cancer patients. Cancer treatments do alter your hair and skin during treatments and for some time after the treatments have ended. Your skin and hair are a reflection of your health and also reflects whatever medication or treatments for your body. With your hair, you have your actual hair strands, but also the scalp (skin). She also told her patients to use the Nioxin products for their hair (one of the 3-part kits). It is about getting your scalp in good shape. Keep trimming off the damaged hair until you see healthy hair. Nioxin The website has an online consultation to direct you to the right product for your hair. You can then look up where to purchase it. It is a bit "tingly" when you use it, almost like a minty tingle sensation. |
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Mar 18, 2016 17:17:03 GMT
Everyone's different - my hair is curly and thick - to the point where I have it thinned every time it's cut so I don't look like a q-tip.
I co-wash every other day, and just rinse with water on my off days. |
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Post by Dori~Mama~Bear on Mar 18, 2016 17:28:39 GMT
daughter and I use Clear shampoo and conditioner. The conditioner is not heavy and doesn't not make my hair greasy. I can go 3 days without washing my hair and my scalp doesn't hurt or itch and my hair doesn't get greasy. If I dry it and straighten it It looks good for the 3 days. but if I let it go curly I have to wet it every day to get the curliness back. but getting it wet doesn't make it look greasy either.
I do know you can get Clear products at Walmart.
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Post by Lindarina on Mar 18, 2016 20:17:36 GMT
I have thin, fine hair and trust me, dry shampoo is your best friend |
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Post by justkat on Mar 18, 2016 20:47:55 GMT
Thanks everyone for your responses. I've made a list of all the recommended products. I'm going to head out tomorrow and check them out, buy a few and start trying them.
I do have several dry shampoos from Birchbox.I'll give them a try tomorrow as I washed my hair this morning.
I've also made an appointment at the salon. I'll see what they say.
I do think, with it short, that I am touching it more. I think it's psychological, like I'm making sure it's still there or something.lol
Again thank you all. I really appreciate it. Once it's grown some I'll post pics and maybe we can figure out a style.lol
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Post by lisacharlotte on Mar 18, 2016 21:15:19 GMT
I have thick strait short hair. I only shampoo no conditioner. I use Moroccan oil cream (small dab) and work it through my wet hair. Blow dry and a little pomade for texture (otherwise it's too flat). I have to wash it daily or it's super greasy looking on day two. My hair this afternoon.  |
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Post by anniefb on Mar 19, 2016 0:12:42 GMT
You've had some great advice. I've had short hair most of my adult life and find i pretty easy to care for. At times it's been in a short bob, now I have a pixie cut. I wash only a couple of times a week, just condition the ends. I don't even blow dry - just dry it naturally. My hair is coloured thought, so I use L'Oreal shampoo/conditioner for coloured hair which I think helps.
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