Hi--I'd like to draw on the collective wisdom of everyone, if I may.

I'd like to add something to whatever routine/lack of routine I have to help keep my hair healthy.  I'm simply trying to grow it longer.  Unfortunately, the last time I went to a salon the stylist "thinned it out" with a funny kind of scissors that made my hairs all different lengths.    So now all those lengths are splitting.  Besides S&D, what would be the next step to add to a hair care routine?  I'm confused with conditioner, wash, rinse, deep condition, oil...I just need someone to point me in one direction so I'm not paralyzed by indecision (which happens to me often.  I'm always the last to order at a restaurant...Dad always teases me with 'It's not your last meal'  ).

Currently, I wash my hair about every other day.  Shampoo (some cheap knock-off I got for free) and then Fructis conditioner so I can comb it in the shower, then occasionally I'll put in a leave-in conditioner (also Garnier Fructis); I've noticed that my hair feels better after just a shampoo and then leave-in conditioner.  Just yesterday I started sock-rolling my hair at night, and it seems to have made a big difference in the number of tangles I'm getting.

So...any ideas?  Move something around...add a step?

Also, is there a difference between an ACV rinse and using regular clarifying shampoo? 

TIA!

It sounds like you are doing a good job so far.

If there are some other things you would like to try to keep your hair healthy, you could oil your hair. Take something like olive oil (a bit heavy, may leave your hair looking a little oily if you use a bit too much) or jojoba oil (bought in places like Trader Joe's or a health store, this is what I use and like it a lot) and put a couple drips on your hand. Work it into the length (getting all those different lengths of hair) till your hands are clean. I do this every 2 or 3 days, depending on how dry my hair feels.

ACV is a vinegar rinse that I think (somebody correct me if I'm wrong) is just a cheaper and more natural version of a clarifying product. Sometimes one works better than the other. It depends on your hair.

One of the big things with hair is...try it. You won't know what will work unless you try.

Good luck and keep asking questions.
Meg

Hi!
I've used Ouidad's products,too and think they are wonderful.  I've also used Ojon products,especially the deep treatment.  Have you tried shampoo bars yet?  I just started using them from Ida.  Chagrin Valley is her and her husband's company and they put out all natural products.  Give them a look,samples are $1.85 each.  You may really like them.
Try different oils and see which one or ones your hair likes.  There are jojoba,mano,shea,coconut,sweet almond to name just a few.  Let us know how you do!

I agree with Angel Spun- those razors are evil! Tell your stylist that you want to grow your hair and aim at one length hair (that is easiest to grow).

Here's my routine, for ideas. I find it very easy and simple.

Wash: twice a week (I started from washing every other day). Wash with Chagrin Valley shampoo bar, then ACV rinse. Blot gently with a Microfiber towel, air dry. After hair has dried, oil the length (the "hanging" part) with a couple of drops of jojoba oil.
Deep conditioning: My hair loves deep treatments. I mix my own treatments and use them once a week- once in two weeks. Homemade deep treatments are just as good (if not better) than expensive salon products.
Combing& Styling: Combing only, no brushing. I keep my hair contained most of the time: usually a bun for day and a French braid for night. I use good quality seamless combs. For styling, I use aloe vera gel. It keeps my hair neat and is good for hair. Occassionally I also spritz my hair with rose water.
Trims: I have my spouse trim my hair. I'm not yet quite sure how often I need to trim- but it is several months. In between, I do S&D missions (though lately I haven't found many splits  8) ).

Things I avoid: Hairstylists and their advices. Chemical treatments like coloring and perming. All heat tools including blowdriers, curling and straightening irons. Elements: wearing hair in an updo or braided style protects it from a lot of harm. I also wear a headcover of some kind when it's freezing cold, I'm swimming, cooking or doing something messy.

Rapunzel's article "Ultimate Guide to Growing Long Hair" has some excellent information too. Lastly but most importantly: IF YOU JUST DON'T CUT IT, IT WILL CERTAINLY GROW. It is less harmful to neglect your hair than try to "fix" it- most damaged, bad hair grows on head of people who try to "do something" to it all the time. 

Everyone's given you great advice.. I just wanted to say, when you try new things,

(1) give it a couple tries before you pass it up
(2) try things one at a time

I know this sounds ridiculously simple but it's also so easy to miss. Happens to us all the time.

Anais