Beauty

Hair!

| 42 Comments

The title of the post totally makes me want to start singing songs from Hair at the top of my lungs. I do think in a very stereotypical girl way that it could be an anthem for my life. I don’t have a laundry list of things I would change about myself, except for maybe my forefivehead… and my hair. But the truth is, I literally only know one girl who wakes up with absolutely perfect hair no matter what. (One of my sister’s friends was blessed with hands down the most gorgeous hair ever.)
So I know I’m not alone in the hair issues front. This is the first year where I actually feel like I have a good strategy in place for doing my hair. I do think that everyone’s hair is different (a miracle spray for one girl might cause greasiness for another), it does help to get tips and tricks. I feel like my routine is a collection of tips and tidbits that I’ve picked up from hairdressers, friends, and magazines.
I’m actually getting my hair cut today while I’m home in Florida. Even though I haven’t lived in Tampa for over six years, I still prefer to get my hair cut while I’m home. It doesn’t hurt to be family friends with the best hairdresser ever! I always think I’m going to do something drastic, like bangs or something, but I end up getting a healthy trim. Because I’m actually pretty happy with the length and state of my hair, I think a trim is all that’s called for. 

Here’s what has been working for me recently:
Clear & Dove Shampoos: I alternate between these two shampoos. I personally love them both. It may be an old wive’s tale, but I think switching my shampoos actually makes my hair feel better! I only wash my hair every other day. I typically use Clear the most because I have sensitive skin and it makes my scalp extra healthy. If I know I need to make my hair look great on Day #2 (anyone else plan their hair washes around their schedule?), I’ll use Dove. Dove makes my hair “fluffy,” in a good, smooth way! I’ll have extra volume on Day #1 so that it still looks fabulous when I wake up. I recommend both highly.

Drybar Cream Soda Smoothing Cream: This is a new addition into my routine. I used to use a few heat protectors, but needed to switch something that didn’t completely flatten my hair with heat. (If you do need heat protector, I think John Frieda has a good option.) To be completely honest, I gave this smoothing cream a shot because I LOVE the smell of Drybar. If I can have the Drybar fragrance at home, I’m all for it! The extra bonus of this stuff? It seriously works!!! Smooths without losing any volume. I use a comb a small bit of this using my fingers through my damp hair, mostly from my ears to the ends of my hair (aka avoiding my roots).

Hana Air Blow Dryer: This is a hair dryer I’ve been using since college. I’ve looked for it since, but it seems like it’s no longer available? I used to use cheap $30 ones from the drug store, but now I’m totally a convert for upgrading and going with a salon quality one. I’ve used mine for so many years and it cuts my drying time from 25 minutes with a cheap-y to 9 minutes!!! That seriously is a game changer for my mornings.

Drybar 3-Day Bender: I’ve definitely been talking a lot about this curling iron… sorry if you’re sick of hearing about it! It’s just that it is so, so good. I love the way my hair curls from it. It does take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t do your hair without it. It actually takes less time for me to curl it now than it did for me to straighten it. (And I straightened my hair for over ten years!) Bottom line: it’s great.

That’s it! I let my ringlets from curling cool off and then I either brush them out or use my fingers to tousle, depending on what I need for the day. The first day is extra curly and the second day is more of a beachy wave. 


Now… I’d LOVE your feedback on a couple of things. I’ve been considering dry shampoo. I used to use one and while it was so great to spray my roots on the second morning, it didn’t last long. (The bottle was seemingly empty after a month, even though I only used it a handful of times.) Do you have any favorites?! With my dark hair, my major concern is that it won’t show the spray in my hair and my second concern would be that it doesn’t leave a bad residue. I sometimes use a hair spray (for special occasions), but I’m wondering if there’s a great hair spray out there that is super flexible and keeps my curls soft and bouncy.



Let me know what your routine is and if you have any products or tips you swear by for your hair!

xoxo
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42 Comments

Caitlinn

try the batiste dry shampoo- its only about $8 at ulta and they have a special one for dark hair that sprays out brown instead of white. it was a game changer for me!!

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Marissa Vessels

I've never found a drugstore dry shampoo that does the trick. I do, however, absolutely swear by the Orlando Pita dry shampoo — it's sold at Costco in a 2-pack for $18! My hair is dark and oily and I used to never be able to go a day without washing. Since I've been using this dry shampoo for the past year, I can easily extend my style 2-3 days (without that awful white cast)!

xo,
Marissa
http://www.makinitwithmarissa.com

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Allie Jones

Batiste dry shampoo is life. Literally, I love it. I usually spray it in my hair right when I wake up- then I get ready, and let it soak up all those oils then I just use my fingers to spread it in my hair and get rid of that white residue. It took me about 2 years to get the hang of it, so don't loose hope!
All the best
xo
Allie

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Heather

I was recently noticing how fab your hair has looked in some of your recent outfit posts and was wondering what your secrets were! Though I'm pretty sure we have very different types of hair, I would definitely recommend Batiste dry shampoo (I no longer have to wash my hair every single day!) and it's a 10 leave in conditioner to spray in your hair after you wash it/before you brush it through. I'm in the market for a new shampoo/conditioner so I'm hoping to try Clear or Dove!

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Callie leigh

Label M. has a really great dry shampoo. Since you're worried about residue, I will also mention they have color options. They offer a whiter powder for blondes, and a darker brown powder for brunettes. As a fellow brunette, this saves me! My sister is a hairdresser, and this is the brand she uses at her salon. 🙂

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Meagan

Batiste Dry Shampoo. I started using it last year when I was living the UK because all the girls I knew there used it! The one I have it called "fruity & cheeky cherry." It works really well! I've also been using the same bottle for over 6 months, so it lasts long! I don't use it every week now, but for a while I used it a lot.

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Courtney

Your hair looks gorgeous! I still use my cheap-o hair dryer, but I really want to get a nice quality salon one. I just can't justify it though when the one I have works (more or less). Fingers crossed it breaks soon! 🙂

champagneandcitylights.com

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Natalie Hames

I feel like I've tried every dry shampoo out there and none of them would really absorb the oil like I needed them to. Then I tried the Detox one from Drybar. HOLY COW this stuff is amazing! It does spray almost a tan color (which worried me at first because my hair is almost as dark as yours), but I let it sit for a couple seconds then brush it out and you can't tell at all!!

I've also found that sprinkling a powder dry shampoo (like Lush's No Drought) at night right before I go to bed and not brushing it out helps with oil absorption while I'm sleeping!

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NatalieAja

For more of a splurge I love Dry Bar's Detox dry shampoo. Smells amazing, no white residue and makes your hair bouncy and full. I usually spray my roots and work it on before going to bed so it really gets rid of those oily roots by the morning. For a more budget buy I like Herbal Essences's Naked Dry Shampoo. Smells heavenly as well, with no white residue but I feel it's not as long lasting as Dry Bar's. Another product I can't live without is Rusk's Texturixing Spray. It really gives your hair an extra oomf. I like to use it to give volume when my hair is feeling a little limp.

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asgoldasitgetsblog.com

Suave Moroccan line – and its only about $3 but SO great. I also love the Psst travel size, it smells amazing and is one of the few travel size dry shampoos I've found (you can get it at ulta for about $3!)

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kelseydefined

I use dry shampoo every other day! I like to wash my hair only every other day because it makes it healthier, but because my hair is so fine it gets oily and greasy really easily so dry shampoo is a godsend. I've been using Lush's dry shampoo (No Drought) and I love it! It's interesting because it's not a spray, it's a powder that you can shake into your hand or directly onto your head and work into your scalp with your hands. I like that better since I feel like it gives me more control. Also it smells great!

– Kelsey
http://kelseydefined.wordpress.com/

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Denise Murphy

For the hair spray I would go with Aquage working spray. It is designed to be flexible, and I spray it in, brush my hair out, and the curl, and the curl stays very well!

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Caroline Anderson

I love all of the tresemme products! I use their hairspray (I am on a collegiate dance team and need those curls to last!) constantly and their dry shampoo is great. It comes as a foam and I have been using one bottle for the past year! It is great because the foam completely disappears and since I have dark hair, that is a must!

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jdrysdale17

I think the Tresemme Dry Shampoo is wonderful! It's so inexpensive and works really well (and doesn't leave a gross residue). For the nicer dry shampoos, the Klorane one is amazing too.

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alaina shea

I definitely plan my hair washes around my schedule too…so you aren't alone! And for in between washes, the Batiste dry shampoo is too die for. It takes some getting used to with using it right, but it's a serious game changer.

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Ellie Lucash

It's pretty pricey, but the Oribe volumizing spray works as a dry shampoo and it's AMAZING. I got a mini bottle as a sample at an event and I seriously ration it out. I have super dark brown hair (I think darker than yours) and I've never had issues with it showing up white. Sephora might sell the small can if you want a lower risk trial!

Now if I could just master curls like you…

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Elizabeth Wenhart

I swear by Lush's "No Drought" dry shampoo! Regular spray dry shampoos don't work in my hair and most powders give my hair a gray tint (I have brown hair). But "No Drought" makes my hair look like I've just washed it and leaves no residue!

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Laura Kathleen

BATISTE. Get it with free shipping from Nordstrom or they have it in stores at Urban Outfitters. I have light blonde hair and usually the white residue from a lot of dry shampoo doesn't look HORRIBLE on me, but I had been looking for an affordable dry shampoo that doesn't leave this behind. Batiste offers solutions for plain, blonde, and brunette. I think you'd be best off with the brunette one. I personally swear by the blonde Batiste.

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Dani Fairbairn

Put baby powder in your hair before you go to bed. Works better than any dry shampoo i've ever used. I have a blonde hair so I dont have the problem of being able to see it in my hair, but if you put it in at night it will absorb all the oils while you sleep and then if there is any leftover residue in the morning you can brush it out.
Batiste also has dry shampoo for specific hair colors which would prevent the whole being able to see it in your hair.
-Dani
The Postcard Journals

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mlovesglitters

i use batiste dry shampoo; i use it at night so i don't have leftover residues in my hair and if i have some residues i just brush it out in the morning.
do you have some tips to still have volume on the second hair day??

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Shannon Falzon

I think growing up has made me appreciate my hair and, in turn, learn how to work with it just like you. For a dry shampoo I would suggest Oscar Blandi's Pronto Dry Shampoo. I tried every single aerosol and felt like it was making my hair greasier…then I realized that a powder works best for me instead! I sprinkle some on my palms and rub it in like I would normal shampoo and it blends into my medium brown hair. Keep trying different ones and I'm sure you'll find the one that works best for you!

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Devon

I saw a few posts saying this already but it's worth repeating – try the detox dry shampoo from Dry Bar!!! I used a Redken dry shampoo recommended to me for a year or so before discovering the perfection that is Dry Bar Detox. It's light brown, which is perfect for my reddish-auburn hair (red hair is hard! Dry shampoos for blondes are too light but the dark formulas are usually easy to spot on your pale scalp!) and it dries quickly so it's easy to see if you need to work it in!

And I'm with you 100% – the scent of Dry Bar is enough to get you addicted. It's heavenly!

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Amber Lee Rosenzweig

Try Batiste dry shampoo or B&B White Powder – I know that that sounds scary, but I swear, my roommate who has SUPER dark hair uses it and it does NOT turn your hair white! For hairspray L'Oreal Elnett is great, brushes out and feels like there is nothing in your hair, but I feel like it has a strong smell. I really like the Kerastase Laque Couture and there is also another Kerastase one in a container that looks like a paint air brush that my stylist always uses (knowing that I hate hairspray) that is great too. Good luck!

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Virginia

I have really dark brown hair and I used to wash it every day or it would look super greasy. I have tried *so* many different dry shampoos but they all made my hair look grey no matter how much I brushed it out. I finally found Batiste dry shampoo for brunettes and it is amazing. Total game changer. It has a slight brown tint but it completely disappears once you run a brush through your hair a couple times. It gives my hair nice volume and takes away all the greasiness. It's pretty reasonably priced and is even cheaper on amazon prime. Good luck! xoxo

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Morgan Hassell

I swear by Batiste! I know they make one for dark hair, and people really seem to like it! Because I have light hair, I don't really have to worry about the color change. But I'm EXTREMELY picky about smell. Batiste smells so good! I know it's available at Ulta, but I usually get it from TJ Maxx for a bit cheaper 😉

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Lea Pratt

You have to try Living Proof's Flex Shaping Hairspray, it's the best hairspray I've ever tried! It gives a great hold but also keeps your hair soft and touchable. I also have the Drybar curling iron and use it with the Living Proof hairspray and always get a great result.

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northwestpearls.com

I've got dark hair and I've had trouble with the dry shampoo residue too, but I really like Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo For All Hair Types. I put it in at night before I go to bed and the residue goes away by morning, or if I'm using it and going out, I just spray it further away from my head and then brush my fingers and a hairbrush through my hair to get rid of the whitish residue.

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Rachel Sederberg

For dry shampoo, I actually use baby powder and then blow dry the excess out of my hair. I do have light blonde hair, though, so the residue isn't as much of an issue.

Hairspray seems to be a constant hair battle for me. Many leave my normally light blonde hair a dirty light brown color (not ok!). I splurged and bought the money maker hairspray from drybar when I bought my 3 day bender curling iron (obsessed!) and I can't say enough about it. My hair color remains virtually unchanged, my curls last all day and night, and my hair is still so soft!

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Veronica

Baby powder in your hairbrush instead of dry shampoo. I have the same color hair and I avoid brushing the top of my hair or my part so I don't get that grey color. Flip or part your hair so you're only getting it on the underneath side.

And for flexible hairspary I use the pink bottle of Suave felxible hold. Not only is it ridiculously cheap it works really well. My curls hold and I can run my fingers through my hair. It smells yummy too!

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Beauty

hair.

| 46 Comments

No, no… not the musical.
(Although, sidenote: Sporty Sister and I saw it at the beginning of the summer.  Amazing!!!  A little raunchy, but it’s ike, really really really good.  Even if the girl sitting next to me was higher than a kite.  They let you come on stage at the end.  Hello, my dream!!!)

But seriously, I’m talking about MY hair.  It’s driving me nuts and I feel like I’m totally in a pickle.
Here’s the deal:  I have really curly hair naturally.  I was born with, um, no hair… but when it finally grew in, I was stuck with crazy curls.
Sorry Soccer Mom, but what were you thinking letting me get bangs!!!  And can we just take a minute to discuss how unfair it is that Sporty Sister has stick straight hair???
Moving on.
Thankfully, I was given a Chi straightening iron for Hanukah in eighth grade.  It took me a few years and more than a few bad hair days to figure the thing out, but eventually I did.
My hair has been long, straight, short, curly.. you name it.

It could be the heat (and frankly I really believe it is) but I need to overhaul my hair.  My internal dilemma, is that I don’t want to do something damaging to my hair or alter it in a way that isn’t “natural.” I have justified the Chi because when I wash my hair it’s curly again… but I’m interested (ahh) in chemically straightening my hair.
BUT I’M SO FREAKED OUT TO LOSE MY CURLS.
What is my problem???
That’s really only dilemma number 1.  Dilemma number 2 is that I want bangs, even though I don’t want bangs.  So feel free to talk me out of that ASAP.
Okay… so I need hair straightening horror stories, successes, opinions, and persuasions against bangs.
Ready?
Set.
GO!

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46 Comments

Diane

My hair is my worst enemy sometimes, but I highly highly recommend the Brazilian blowout/Keratin treatment. You can get an express treatment that lasts 30 days and is generally about $80 (from my experience) or one that lasts 4 months and costs $200+. If you're interested, I know Ulta salons are having a special until July 30th for the 4 month treatment for $159. I've gotten three so far and love them!

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Stephanie

Well I can't speak for straightening, because my hair is quite straight. But I've always wanted to have full bangs but have held back because I think they look much better on girls with very dark hair – and that's YOU so you should go for it!

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Anonymous

Your story just about parallels mine (right down to the 8th grade hannukah chi…) I've really been considering a Japanese blowout. But the chemicals scare me. I've heard keratin is way way more natural and better for you, although it more gets ride of frizz than actually straightens. I'm thinking about trying it after sorority recruitment because I just don't want to take that risk beforehand.

I'm going to try to talk you out of bangs right this second. Because it's a bad idea. No matter what you do to your hair and how often you try to straighten it, those small pieces that touch your forehead are always going to curl back up into little nubs. Let's not talk about how I know. Bad memories. When you run, work out, spend time in the humidity, your forehead always gets a little shiny, and those pieces get curly and stick to it. Not. Cute.

I really wanted side bangs at one point but my hair stylist who has known me since I was 12 told me no. Instead I got my hair sort of tapered around my face, kind of Jennifer Aniston ish. Basically I was told if you have curly hair you should never cut it above your ear lobe unless you're going for the "Orphan Annie" look. Which is totally cute, if that's what you want, but I doubt it is.

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Anonymous

I wouldn't recommend getting the keratin treatment for your hair type. My hair stylist told me that it really only works for people that have "mixed" hair types, like hispanic or african american hair types. For you, it could weigh down the curls and not really do all that much. Having curly hair myself, it's nice because we have the best of both worlds. You can straighten it and have it curly. Some people with straight can't hold a curl at all. As far as bangs go, I would do the long side swept bangs if you're looking for a change.

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Anonymous

I have really really straight hair… Curl it, hair spray, etc it usually straightens out. In eighth grade my mom let me get a perm (she's always had one for a number of years now.) I don't know if it was because my hair is so thin, or because I went to a bad salon, but my hair was damaged and fried so bad that I could only let it grow out. After that, I am not a fan or any chemical treatment on my hair.

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Anonymous

I have some of the worst hair ever created. It's frizzy and messy and I didn't know what to do with it. I wanted in on the bang craze, and it was one of the biggest mistakes of my (hair) life. I had to dry and flat iron my hair every time i washed it to not look like a poodle. It took me 45-60 minutes every time I did it. I was so thankful once my bangs grew out enough so I didn't have to deal with them.

Last year I got a Brazilian Blowout on a whim and I love it. My former tight, frizzy curls have become much looser and less frizzy, so now I can rock the beach-y wave look and all I need to do is let it air dry. If I want straight hair I just use a round brush and it takes about 20 minutes to get straight hair without even using a flat iron. I would say to check out salons in your area to find the best price because they are expensive. This is what I have in my hair. http://www.brazilianblowout.com/home

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Anonymous

Since I have kind of wavy hair, its much easier to straighten AND curl my hair, but sometimes after straightening my hair, even with heat protectant, it felt "fried". it even started smelling like that burnt hair smell. A friend of mine got a brazilian blowout, and she loved it. it doesn't really straighten it, but relaxes the hair and makes it so much easier to blow it out or style it…

every time i go to the salon to get a cut, i always seem to want bangs. my dresser always talks me out of it though, except for the last time i went. if you want bangs, get them kind of long, so that you can tuck your bangs behind your ears. if they aretoo short, they're always in your eyes or irritating you.. I think the perfect length for bangs is where it hits at the bottom of your nose or top of the mouth. and getting angles or layers are also something else to think about!
hope this helped!

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appleblossom2009

I got my hair chemically straightened. IT DESTROYED MY HAIR! I don't know the texture of your hair, but mine is fine–I just have a lot of it. It broke off so many pieces. I was like you, and I straightened my hair everyday.

I would go to a GOOD hairdresser and ask them what they thought first. I swear by Aveda. I don't know if they straighten hair or not, but if you can find a hairdresser trained by them, then I would ask their opinion. Basically, it all depends on if your hair can handle it. If it's fine, DON'T GET IT. If your, hair is thick, then you should be okay.

I have learned to work with the hair that the good Lord gave me, and I believe that it is my best look. Your hair is already very beautiful, but I understand being a girl and always wanting the hair you can't have.

I hope this helps and good luck!

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Anonymous

I know a TON of people with the same problem as you. Honestly, I'd recommend chemically straightening your hair. I've heard all these horror stories about peoples hair falling out and breaking off but I have NO CLUE where that is coming from.

I've gotten my hair chemically straightened multiple times and my hair is healthy as a horse! But the thing is you need to go and get it done at an korean salon place. Okay now you're probably thinking im crazy but I promise you I'm like not kidding. I'm korean and me and all my friends go and get it done. And honestly, I feel like it makes my hair look healthier! You know when you straighten your hair and its all soft and shiny? Its like that 24/7 when you get it chemically straightened. I actually call it a "straight perm". Everyone is korea does it so its really not a big deal. Anyways, I love having mine so straight and soft. The only downside is that a lot of people like touching it. Its really strange but other than that I LOVE IT.

Oh yeah and it never like fades or anything. It just grows out and I go and get it done again!

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Hillary

I sincerely recommend getting a Brazilian Blowout treatment. I have extremely thick, curly, and unruly hair. What the treatment does is it keeps your curl, but completely knocks out your frizz. You will be able to dry your hair completely natural WITHOUT THE USE OF ANY PRODUCT!!!! I swear. It is a godsend. Using product in your hair actually causes your hair to be heavy and shaggy similar to a dog. The treatment even lasts in high humidity weather. This summer I went to Myrtle Beach and there was close to 100% humidity and I still dried my hair naturally without it frizzing. The treatment will last you about 3 months and will set you back anywhere between $100 – $300, but seriously it is worth it. What the salon will do is, after washing your hair with just shampoo they will blow dry into an obnoxious fro. Then they will coat your hair with keratin from the root to the end all over. Finally they will blow dry / flat iron your hair to secure the keratin. Then about a day later you may wash it all out. I will say it takes about a week or two to get used to it but again…it. is. completely. worth. it.

……please, join the Brazilian Blowout club.

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Anonymous

I'll ditto the korean hair salon comment. One of my best friends has super curly, frizzy, red, fine hair and she lived abroad in Hong Kong where she started getting it chemically straightened. When she moved back to the US she always would go to Korean salons to get it straightened. If it doesn't ruin her fine hair that I think anyone is safe!

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mint juleps and magnolias

I like the photo of "grown-up" Carly with natural, wavy hair! It looks very summery and casual!

I have extremely curly hair as well. I long ago adopted the "don't fight it" routine, as even the Chi damaged mine…

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Emily

I get the Chi chemically straightening process done to my hair every year. I started it in high school because I have crazy curly hair and it was so hard to manage since I was on the swim team and had practice before and after school. So I got it done and it was amazing it looks completely healthy and it stays straight for around 9 months and then the curls start to come back.

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Whitney

I've had the Keratin Hair Treatment before. It really works. About the bang thing… you can always buy the clip in bang extensions from the Jessica Simpson extensions line. I tried them out around Christmas of last year.

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Legally Brunette Kate

In terms of bangs, I think it really depends on how much time you want to spend on your hair every day. Bangs definitely add a layer of complication to styling your hair…they need attention to look good. I'm very wash-and-wear so that would drive me nuts, but some people are more willing to spend time doing their bangs…so that should be a consideration.

legallybrunettekate.blogspot.com

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Love and Lilly

I feel your pain with the hair — my curls never look just right so I always end up just straightening it! And I loved my (side) bangs while I had them, but I wanted a change so I grew them out, and I can't say that I miss having to spend the extra time in the morning making sure they were falling the right way!

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Taylor

I think our hair texture is probably really similar…it looks that way at least! I always toy with the idea of getting a straight perm/keratin treatment, before eventually chickening out. Eventually though, I always become relieved that I didn't do it. My curls are something that set me apart. When I straighten my hair, it looks good,but it looks like everybody else too. People can't replicate our naturally curly hair and the way that we can sometimes rock a messy do. Also, I had a friend with very curly hair who got a keratin treatment…it was easier for her to straighten but it basically looked liked she smashed the top of her curls and brushed out the rest all the time. Not cute. Her hair has yet to go back (almost two years after the treatment) to its voluminous springy curls! I would keep the curls & rock them! The days when you look so hot because of your curls that no one else has, make all the frizz worth it.

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soanthro

I wish I could help you but unfortunately I've got the opposite problem– super duper fine straight hair that won't hold a curl for more than twenty minutes!

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Mademoiselle Michael

Ah I feel your pain! I have very, very thick hair, like pageant thick hahaha. It's also semi-curly. It takes me over half an hour just to blowdry it, and an hour to straighten it. A few years back I did the Rusk Thermal Straightening treatment, and it was AMAZING. I would definitely do it again. It did not get rid of my curl all together, it basically worked to just tame my hair down. If I wanted to wear my hair curly, I just had to scrunch it. It was drastically smoother and so so soft! It cut my blowdry time in half. Talking about it, I am definitely going to get a similar treatment again!

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Kelly

Read the book Curly Girl. It will totally make you never want to straighten your hair again. I think we have a similar hair type, and I went through the same thing last year. Recently, I've started using lots of deep conditioner and sleeping with my hair in a french braid to sort of 'style' my curls. And I've also been there with the bangs. I can provide humiliating pictures of my home-styled bangs to try to convince you not to do that! r

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Anonymous

I would say skip out on the bangs because honestly everytime i go to the hairdresser after my hair has grown out i want change so i ask for med-longish length bangs…and they absolutely make my forrhead break out more often afterwards. My hair comes into more contact with my forehead so the oils irritate it more and i tend to breakou…i always swear not to cut them again but its like a cycle and i make the mistake again and again. Dont start the cycle!

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Anonymous

DO NOT GET BANGS! I highly recommend against it. I had bangs and all they are are high maintenance. Also – they kind of make your forehead break out, if you are prone to acne.
ESPECIALLY if your hair is naturally wavy – it is way too much of a pain to straighten your bangs.
Also — once you cut them it takes FOREVER to let them grow out.

DON'T DO IT CARLY!!!

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Erin Goodchild

My hair is insane. It's super thick, wavy/curly on the bottom and straight on the top. At the end of April I had a Keratin treatment done thinking it would save me from my hair misery this summer. While it worked great and cut down on drying/straightening time (it takes me about a half hour to do my hair in the morning) I don't think it's worth the money. It lasted for about a month-two months and now my hair is back to the way it used to be. Not worth the $350.

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Megan

Not to not talk you out of it, but I love bangs! My hair is also naturally really straight so they're not too much of a pain to deal with.

And as for horror stories, my best friend had wavy hair and decided to get it chemically straightened (after doing chi for quite some time). I'm not sure if she just got it done at the wrong place, as I've heard many great stories, but she lost about half of the thickness of her hair and it took over a year or so to grow back.

My mom, on the other hand, does keratin treatments… a little bit more natural, lasts a while, and she loves it! She still obviously has to blowdry her hair after washing, but it is much more manageable.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

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Shontal

I have crazy curly hair that I used to have chemically straightened. Whatever chemicals they used made my hair so weak and it would fall out with a simple stroke of a brush! I wouldn't recommend it. Stick to the straightener because you can go back and forth between curly and straight!

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Felipa Villegas

I have really curly hair as well! I wouldn't recommend getting any kind of chemical process done to your hair. A lot of people assume curly hair is a great candidate for chemical process but in reality it's the WORST. Our hair is very porous and gets damaged easily. My stylist recommended for me to just straighten my crazy intense curly with a T3 ManeTamer Flat Iron {one of the best} it is pretty costly runs around $200 at Sephora but well worth the price and you can use it on wet hair which I happen to find easier to manage because it's not as thick as it is when dried.
Don't damage your hair if you don't have to. I've dyed and bleached my hair many times and all those chemicals don't even compare to having your hair chemically straightened. For some of the treatments salon owners and their customer have to wear surgical face masks/gas masks because the chemicals are so strong. Hope this helps 🙂

http://www.felipavillegas.com

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Ashley K

As a girl with stick straight hair, I've had my own internal dilemma with my hair..long, shoulder length or bob, bangs or no? Every other year I decide to grow my hair out nice and long; then in the off years, I think cutting it short is what I need. When cutting my hair, I always say yes to bangs and then regret my decision 2 months later.
My opinion: no bangs, but if you are getting your hair chemically straightened, some angling around the face can give the feel of bangs, without all those annoying pieces directly around your eyes 🙂

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Anonymous

I would suggest a keratin treatment/Brazilian tretment as opposed to getting your hair "Japanese straightened." Relaxed hair is so convenient! The curls are not as difficult to manage, and you can still wear your hair straight or wavy. Trust me, keratin treatments make straightening one's hair SUCH a breeze!

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Leslie

Hi – your story is very similar to mine. I have super curly/frizzy hair. I tried doing the relaxers and the chemicals are really harsh. I have done Japanese straightening the past few years and love it. It lasts for a full year and looks amazing. I've had no damage to my hair or thinning or anything. It's the least harsh of all the straightening methods (all of them contain chemicals, so none are natural). Please seriously think twice before doing the Brazilian. It contains formaldehyde which is what morticians use on dead bodies. Every hair stylist I have asked has warned me against it. Allure wrote a huge article a year or two again warning about the dangers of it. And my co-worker who used to get it done actually lost some of her hair. Just make sure you do your research.

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Lyndsey

Don't cave in and get your hair chemically straightened. It's simply not healthy, regardless of what treatment you choose. My mother's a hairdresser, and I too have the curse of curly hair. I used to keep it extremely long, however, last summer with an internship at a courthouse, I decided I needed something a bit more professional. I keep it at shoulder length or just above, and I personally think bangs are a wonderful way to add something to the mess of curls I am forced to tame. I keep them side-swept now, however, in the past, I've done the straight bang look, and I'm contemplating returning to that style. Point is, when you want straight hair, if you retain your curls, you can put your Chi to use. Getting bangs must satisfy your craving to switch up your style, and worse comes to worse, they grow back!

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Sam

I have super curly blonde hair (hello taylor swift comments)and I straighten it all the time! I would totally not recomend getting your hair chemically straightened though it can REALLY damage your hair!
I would and have side-swept bangs and LOVE them, I always straighten them or pull them off to the side! I would recomend getting side swept bangs, becuase you can get them a little longer then straight blunt bangs and if you don't like them they are super easy to put in a pony tail or pull them back in bobby pins! They also look cute with curly hair!

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Amanda

You've basically just described my life. Born with a full head of bouncy, beautiful curls. Then middle school hit and I wanted to look like everybody else and took the straighter to it daily. After high school, I said screw it, and fell back in love with my curls, until I studied abroad in Italy and the weather affected my hair in weird ways, so I would straighten it every day again.

I don't know if it was the water, straightening, gelato, whatever, but my curls have vanished. Completely. Let me tell you, it's the most depressing thing in the world.

I have what my friends have dubbed "curl envy" I literally stare at every person I pass with hair like I once had. It's an addiction, and I can't seem to stop it.

Moral of the story: get some bangs, highlights, but no chemical straightening. I promise you'll regret it.

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Anna

I have been having the same debate for awhile now! I JUST got a keratin treatment done on Monday!!! And ironically, I just blogged about it…

http://www.annasfavs.blogspot.com

Feel free to read about my experience, ha! But yeah, if you're going to get it done, I'd definitely go with the Keratin treatment, hands down.

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Anonymous

Chemically Straightening is amazing when you first get it done, I got it done to my hair in 9th grade it started growing out and getting really curly at the top so I had it re-done at the same place, well they used a new chemical and didn't wash it out all the way, therefore the chemicals they use ate through my hair and I was left with four completely bald spots all over my head. For a 9th grader I was devastated and have vowed to NEVER EVER do anything to do with chemicals to my hair ever again! I suggest not doing chemical straightening, I have heard wonderful things about the keratin treatment I would try that! Hope this helps!

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Anonymous

Don't get bangs! It is just a hassle and trying to grow them back out just isn't worth it. Also, I wouldn't go for any treatments if I were you. I think it's all about finding that miracle product. Don't fight your hair! It really is beautiful!

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Carly

Stop right there Carly! First of all, stick with the Chi, the damage that chemical straightening could do to your hair could be absolutely detrimental. Is it worth ruining your hair, possibly permanently, only to save a little time and effort? Imagine all the time and effort that will go into making your damaged hair look good again in the future. And it's CHEMICAL straightening– the word "chemical" is a red flag screaming "toxic and harmful to your hair." Secondly, don't get bangs. I had bangs for about a year and they were so difficult to manage. There were days when they looked horrible and there was nothing I could do to help them, thus, they made my entire head of hair look like a mess. Also, I ended up with a TON of acne on my forehead. I had never been prone to acne before the bangs, but within weeks pimples started to appear and shortly after, my forehead erupted in a massive gross breakout which lasted for months. I tried every acne cream and facial scrub I could find in the Target pharmacy, but nothing helped– in fact it got worse. I began seeing a dermatologist who prescribed several medications which I have been on for over a year now. It's a pain to have to remember to take them twice a day every day, and I'm soon to start a painful laser treatment in order to erase the scarring that resulted from the countless pimples I had. And all of this because of a stupid want for bangs. Totally not worth it. Besides, you have very beautiful hair as is. I love curly hair and I have envied some of my friends who are fortunate enough to have it.

So don't stick with the Chi and don't get bangs. You are a naturally pretty person, so don't use anything unnatural to change that.

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amorvincitomnia

I have gotten my hair chemically straightened 2-3 times a year for almost 12years. My hair is super thick and wavy. This is partially genetic, but the biggest problem is that I was really sick when I was born and when the nurses shaved my head for tubes and wires they shaved what is pretty much a zig zag near my crown on the back of my head and my hair grows in extremely curly and wavy and coarse in that spot. I have tried several chemical straighteners but the best one and actually the cheapest is when they use the stuff for perms and comb it straight. They also put deep conditioning stuff in it to keep it from drying out your hair. Using shampoos for colored or treated hair will also help it last longer and be healthier.

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Grace

Ah, not to put salt in the wound, but I actually have Sporty Sister hair, naturally straight that is. As for bangs, I don't have much experience with anything but side swept bangs because of an unfortunate cowlick. I don't think chemically straightening it would be a good idea, but perhaps a Keratin treatment?

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Jamie Lynn

One word for you… Keratin! Speaking from experience it is the way to go. I get what is called a blowout, I keep my curls but lose the frizz and puffyness. I live in DC but go to school in Mississippi so trust me when I say it is the only way to beat the humidity. When I want my playful curls I got them but flat ironing them straight is no problem at all.

The key to it is finding the right place. Certain treatments have different chemicals (my sister gets a keratin treatment in her hair that leaves it permanently straight and I just can't force myself to do that.) Back to the chemicals, Keratin is something already found in your hair so its not as damaging, it leaves the hair looking shiny and very healthy. But do your research and ask question when you find a salon that does it. Beware it can get costly!

Best of luck!

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Anonymous

Everyone is saying Keratin — and I agree! I would suggest checking out Organix 30-day at home Keratin treatment. It works pretty well and $15 will get you at least two applications. It should be pretty easy to find in a drug store… its' the same brand as that new shampoo that's been popping up with the funny roundish bottles.) it's a nice test run before plunking down the serious cash on a salon Keratin treatment (which will last 3-4m).

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CMQ

One of my college roommates had super duper curly hair when I met her…like curlier than yours by far, the kind of curly hair that only requires an elastic looped around once, triangular shaped if left alone, etc. She got a Keratin treatment and it's perfectly straight now, something which would have taken at least an hour straightening before. Something to keep in mind: with Keratin she tries not to wash it as often, which is something I personally would be annoyed by. Disregard what other people are saying about needing non-Caucasian hair for it to work — my friend is Italian and Irish and it was perfectly fine.

As far as bangs, expect to spend at least 5-10 minutes doing them even on days you don't do your hair, otherwise you need to pin them back. They are awesome when they're cut perfectly and are styles nicely, but if you don't want to dedicate the time to making them look good each day, you'll end up regretting them! I had bangs two years ago and loved them, but only because I made them part of my "getting ready" routine.

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irene

Hair treatment is now available in maybe in all salons, but we must be choosy of salon we will go in. We should seek referral from some who got service from one of them. Because our hair is one of our assets that should make or brake our day.

salon business cards

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Kloe Kariski

Shielo is my new holy grail shampoo! It leaves my chemically treated hair very clean, very moisturized, fuller looking and softer feeling, no matter which conditioner I pair it with. I use the Shielo Hydrate Shampoo & Conditioner and I seem to get fuller and healthier looking hair with each and every use. It's the best shampoo I have ever used. In addition, it's sulfate free.

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