Thread: Limp hair issues

I am growing my hair long for the FIRST TIME EVER ! The longest it has ever been was to my earlobes. I am having a blast with the exception of my dancing. I have tried wearing it straight and it looks dull, and when I go for curls, they fall out by the time I hit the stage. I would like to play-up my bone straight hair with a sleek look that if I tousle it, will not lose too much of its shape. I know wigs are an option but I would not even begin to know where to look and what to look for. Any suggestions on products or tricks before a show/gig that would give my hair some umph! Here is my hair, the red costume being the most recent:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p.../goldengal.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...joy/Karen1.jpg
Thanks!

Looks hot, sweety! ;0)

Look for shampoos and styling products for "volumizing."

Bumble & Bumble make excellent products for the straight, touseled look you're describing. Ask them for their "mattefying" spray. I don't recall the exact name of the product. You can also use their "Spray de Mode" which is a styling product that has memory, you can reshape it, spray it at the root for better lift, etc.

If you want to maintain a curl, B&B also has a product called "Styling Prep." It comes in a white plastic pump bottle. Spray into dry hair, comb through, then curl as normal (I'm guess you do thermal/heat curling?). Then spray all over with Spray de Mode or Classic to hold it. I use this combo for brides to keep curl in their hair all ceremony/reception long.

I'm also coming to Maryland for another Raq the Camera *hint hint* ;0)

...

Sparkly headbands do help to not only dress up your hair & complete your costume, but also help keep your hair from getting damp, sweaty & limp-er!

If you wanted to try some fake hair, I'd say think about your needs first. If you're dancing at a couple of haflas a year and your hair color is easy to match, you can probably pick up one of those cheap fake ponytails (Scunci is the brand, I think?) at Walgreen's or CVS or K-mart and it'll last you a year or two! Look for wig conditioner spray at Sally Beauty Supply to keep it nice, spray heavily and comb it with a wide-tooth comb before & after each wearing. If you wear a wide headband with it, it doesn't even matter if it's a shade off from your own hair. Most of us aren't the same shade from roots to tips anyway.

If you dance professionally, or just have more money to spend and want quality, you can look for a kiosk at the mall or see what your local beauty supply store has to offer.

I REALLY like dancing in fake hair. It instantly gives me 'stage-worthy' hair -- I could literally spend an hour working on my hair and never achieve the glory of those fake ponies! It also gives me an instant 'stage persona' and makes me less recognizable in my street clothes.

P.S. You can usually find an assortment of fake ponytails at those cheap jewelry-and-handbag import stores, too.

Safiya, love that red on you!

I have the same hair, and I'm a big fan of Bumble and Bumble products. I use the gentle shampoo, plus the Tonic Lotion (a leave-in detangling/conditioning spray) and a small amount of the Styling Creme, which gives my hair body and texture. It has made a tremendous difference in the way my hair behaves.

Oh, I feel your struggle! I have baby fine hair myself. But it is possible to have beautiful long locks for performance. Here are some things I've found work for me:

-If you curl your hair with an iron, spray each section with hairspray first. Then curl. Then bobby pin up each ringlet to your head until it fully cools. Let hair down after it's set, give it a tousel an spray. Curls will stay in place for hours. Honestly, this is the only method that works for me--every other way has the curls fall w/in 30 minutes.

-Volumnizing shampoos work well. Stay away from overly heavy cream conditioner that can weigh hair down.

-Buy some root booster and spray it on wet hair (at the roots), then dry your hair upside down.

I usually don't use a lot of product in my hair unless I'm dancing. I like the softness it has when it's product free. But for full va-va-voom hair, product is necessary! Don't be afraid of hairspray!!

Awesome advice, and so many possibilities I did not think of! I am heading out to do some shopping today for shampoo and am psyched to start experimenting/playing with these suggestions. And Azhia, I am superiorly psyched for your Raq the Camera return to our area! I think that will be my b'day present to myself .
Thanks!

I think you look terrific so far with that hair length, Safiya! How long do you plan to grow it?

I think I'll have to stock up on Bumble & Bumble when I come back to the States. Taxes are way too high here.

Have you tried setting your curls with setting lotion? Hairspray on the roots is helpful too.

Originally Posted by artsygirljoy

Awesome advice, and so many possibilities I did not think of! I am heading out to do some shopping today for shampoo and am psyched to start experimenting/playing with these suggestions. And Azhia, I am superiorly psyched for your Raq the Camera return to our area! I think that will be my b'day present to myself .
Thanks!

August 16, 2008 is the only day left at Latifa's!
I'm discussing an April '09 weekend with Sitamun...