My hair is rubbish, I need some advice!

It's really fine and fair coloured and needs washing every day, otherwise it looks dirty and scruffy. However all the washing and drying has taken its toll and I now have frazzled, lifeless hair that won't grow anywhere near as long as it used to.

I've tried baby shampoo, conditioners etc but nothing can really get past the fact that it still needs washing every day, except when I can get away with wearing a hat/bandana (ie when I don't need to leave the house), which would look a bit odd in the office!

What can I do, apart from pray for a return to fashion of the balaclava?

Any hairdressers out there with some tips?

A regular trim (every six weeks) works wonders for hair condition. I use vo5 hair repair once a week, or you could try hot oil, or anbody else's intense conditioner.

I used to wash it in Newcastle brown ale once a week, which was quite effective too.

Thanks Strix, I'll give these a go.

Any ideas on how to avoid washing it everyday without looking like a tramp though?

I wash mine every day.

If it's permed I can get away with every other day (coz perming dries it out.

If you need to let it recover it's balance for a couple of days -

wash it
put mousse on
Spray roots with hair spray

next day -
spray roots with hair spray

next day -
Spray roots with hairspray

next day -
wash it

The hairspray acts like dry shampoo, and it's dull finish takes the shine off stoping it from looking greasy. Feels claggy though :gag:

PS - use conditioner daily, but only on the ends, the bit that grows from your temples, and the bit that trails over your collar

Thanks again, my new hair regime starts tomorrow. Off to Boots for a big stock-up!

You'll want some spray on conditioner for emergencies too :thumbsup:

I use the vo5 stuff - in a pale blue packaging

Originally posted by Olive
Thanks Strix, I'll give these a go.

Any ideas on how to avoid washing it everyday without looking like a tramp though?

Try not washing it for a while......no seriously I mean it, it will give your hair chance to gain its natural oils back. Then once washed you will find you won't have to wash it everyday.

I find 'Linco Beer' shampoo works if your hair is dead dry but not many places sell it any more. Also Holland and Barrett sell a really nice Aloe Vera shampoo that isn't too expensive and they also sell the 'Dead Sea Magic' mineral shampoo (bit more costly though!) any of these should be ok to use everyday.
Good luck!

Brilliant, lots of ideas.

Skatiechick, I think you're right - it needs to get its balance back. How long do you think I'd have to leave it? Are we talking days or weeks?

If days, maybe Strix's plan would get me through, but if longer, how do I still manage to look half decent at work? This is the problem you see, I've got myself onto a treadmill I can't get off without looking c**p in the meanwhile!! Could join a convent I suppose - double whammy - out of public sight with handy disguising head-gear!

Ah, now you're into the 'diet' area :(

Keep away from oily or greasy food (crisps included) and eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg for a week :thumbsup: Makes the world of difference :)

I increased my intake of eggs and it did wonders for my hair. It was so shiny and glossy it was fab! (Soon wore off though when I got sick of eggs lol)