6yo hair issues...

[Aubrey]

she looks like a scarecrow! Dh has even noticed. I'm going to cut it today, but we all really hate to see it cut too short. But...it's so damaged & so thin. Any suggestions? I mean--as to help it get healthier, thicker, OR to styles when I cut it. Maybe something that would be more conducive to preventing the damage. For ex, I'm afraid the braids are a problem. :sad:

 

Dh thinks she's done it to herself, trying to fix her hair. I don't think she's done that much to it. When I comb it, it falls out in big wads. My hair does the same thing most of the time, but I've got plenty of it.

 

What do you all think?

[Lovedtodeath]

We had a similar problem with DDs hair. I would do a chin length bob or shorter... pulling hair up or back in any fashion can damage it. I would also do V05 hot oil treatment or consult a hair stylist. If her hair is curly you might consult a book like "curly girl" on treatment of that type of hair. If someone other than you (including Dad or herself) is washing her hair be sure to teach them how to wash it and dry it to prevent damage. It will grow fast. As it grows, wash it less often, brush it more often, always use a good conditioner (my cousin swears by Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner) and treat it gently, especially while washing it. I hope that helped some. I am reluctant to post as I don't know the problem. I really feel for her though, as my hair is falling out and it has really made me emotional.

[asta]

Does she have caucasian hair, asian hair or african hair? (sorry for the gross generalizations, but there you are)

 

Different solutions for different hair.

 

 

a

[CalicoKat]

Does she have caucasian hair, asian hair or african hair? (sorry for the gross generalizations, but there you are)

 

Different solutions for different hair.

 

 

a

:D That was my first thought -- what is her hair type? But I do like one of the pp's suggestions to do a hot oil treatment. My kids have coarse hair and 45 minutes with a cap for hot oil treatment has been the best thing.

[Tammyla]

The bob cut would be adorable and easy to take care of. Ideas...

 

1. Good brush is a blessing to crazy hair. I've used a boar-bristle from Sally's on my dd since she was three. They are a bit pricey, but last forever.

 

2. Bottle of homemade detangler (conditioner & water) can tame the scarecrow look. You can also rub in a little each day or even spray your brush before she gets ready.

 

3. Bows, barrettes and headbands allow her to create fun styles without the breakage of pulling it up. If you have to do ponytails or braids use elastic throw aways. They're easier on the hair.

[Aubrey]

We had a similar problem with DDs hair. I would do a chin length bob or shorter... pulling hair up or back in any fashion can damage it. I would also do V05 hot oil treatment or consult a hair stylist. If her hair is curly you might consult a book like "curly girl" on treatment of that type of hair. If someone other than you (including Dad or herself) is washing her hair be sure to teach them how to wash it and dry it to prevent damage. It will grow fast. As it grows, wash it less often, brush it more often, always use a good conditioner (my cousin swears by Mane and Tail shampoo and conditioner) and treat it gently, especially while washing it. I hope that helped some. I am reluctant to post as I don't know the problem. I really feel for her though, as my hair is falling out and it has really made me emotional.

 

I don't think anyone in the house will put up w/ her hair being shorter than shoulder length, although I realize that that might be the best thing for her for a while, at least.

 

I've been thinking about some sort of hot oil treatment. She probably needs the moisture anyway. She's got straight, caucasian hair, & she washes it herself. I check on her sometimes, & she looks like she's doing it fine to me, but then--I've been surprised at the things I've learned here, so maybe *I* don't know what I'm doing, lol!

 

She's using Suave right now--shampoo & conditioner. That's all we'd used for yrs, but I got a few bottles of nicer stuff for free w/ some coupons over the last yr, & since my hair decided to curl & I've been doing conditioner-only, I've really noticed the difference between what I'm using (Aussie at the moment, I think) & Suave. The one I'm using isn't even phosphate-free (the shampoo--can't remember about the conditioner), & there's still a difference.

 

So I was thinking I'd bump her up to better shampoo, but...jeepers, she's 6. I can't imagine my mom doing more than washing & braiding my hair at that age. But mine's always been about as thick as a quarter, & my mom's not exactly the gold standard for kid hair care. I've got pics of bangs to prove it. ;)

 

She only washes it a couple of times a week as it is--would you go less often than that?

 

Fwiw, here's a pic, for the kind of hair--it's from last yr, & doesn't really show the problem:

 

[Aubrey]

2. Bottle of homemade detangler (conditioner & water) can tame the scarecrow look. You can also rub in a little each day or even spray your brush before she gets ready.

 

We do this, but honestly--tangles aren't really the problem any more. It's too thin to even tangle much. :sad:

 

As far as brush, I usually use a rat tail comb. Is that bad?

 

ETA: I looked on Amazon for the boar-bristle brush, & there are too many choices. I need help! :)

Edited December 6, 2009 by Aubrey

[WiseOwlKnits]

There shouldn't be any way she's doing that to herself. Her hair should be able to withstand being played with, brushed out, etc. It's going to take a WHILE to fix it. But the longer you wait, the worse it will be.

 

I would cut it as short as you could. Then I'd start using a LOT better shampoo/conditioner. MY DH went to the store once when I was sick and bought shampoo for DD. He got Suave and it was stunning how bad her hair looked after a few washings with it. Her hair was almost as long as your DD's hair in the picture. Then I'd get rid if that comb. Hair should be combed with wide-teeth combs to get tangles out and rat tail combs are bad for breaking the hair wherever there is a knot. Then get a good quality brush to use when her hair is dry and some spray-in conditioner (or make your own) to use whenever you comb/brush her hair. The deep conditioning treatments once a week should help too.

 

Washing it more often will probably dry it out more, although I'm not the one to ask since I wash my kids' hair every day. LOL! I don't know if you're washing it more often with better shampoo/conditioner if it would still have that effect. You could try it and see. Oh, and I'd check to make sure she's getting all the shampoo washed out and putting enough conditioner in each time too.

 

Then, I would look at her diet over the last few months to a year. Your hair is only as good as your diet. Make sure she's getting a lot of fruits and veggies, enough protein... Gelatin is also good for hair (and nails) so you might look at a supplement to help it grow healthier and faster. Remember that it will take MONTHS before you'd see a difference from diet since hair grows slowly.

 

Hope this helps!

[chiguirre]

My dd's hair breaks easily. A hairdo like that ponytail would eventually result in bald spots for her :tongue_smilie:. She had to have a bob because of an unfortunate scissor incident, and it's made it much healthier. As hard as it can be, I think going shorter so that you don't have to pull it back or use clips is the way to go for now. Perhaps you could read Madeline and comment on how sweet her haircut is?

[Aubrey]

 

I don't know if you can tell from this pic (dd is the one in the back), but she'd cut her hair not long before this was taken, & I had to give her a haircut to make it blend. I tapered the edges around her face, & it was pretty cute.

 

Do you think something like that might work? It's still not very short....oh, dh is going to be beside himself.

[Lovedtodeath]

My DD has wavy/curly hair. So my advice was based on my experience with her hair. When you wash and condition your hair you should start at the top and work your way down, and do not scrub or muss the hair while washing or drying.

 

My hair is falling out like crazy. I assumed it was my meds and the doc said no. I have an ND who tested and found me deficient in sunlight. She lowered one of my meds and prescribed a couple of emotional therapy sessions along with vitamin d, since I am unlikely to get sunlight.

 

It seems to me that if your DD is losing a lot of hair then she may have more going on than hair care.

[Chris in VA]

Can you add some oil, like fish oil or flaxseed, to her diet? Also, a great multivitamin can help--go to Whole Foods or whatever natural folks you have there. It's amazing what that can do.

 

As far as shampoo, try a bottle of salon stuff--Infusium helped a friend of mine with straight, damaged hair. You might try one of the natural shampoos from the same store-type as above. Aussie is good, but still "commercial." (I love it, tho...)

 

No more rattail comb, as someone said. Don't brush too much, either. And yes, a little-longer than chin-length bob is the way to go until it gets healthy. I'd buy her some beautiful hairbands (velvet covered?), bows and barrettes to compensate, and have a heart to heart with your dh just so he really knows how important it is for little girls to hear Daddy say how pretty she is. :001_smile:

 

Here are some pics of how cute they can be!

Edited December 6, 2009 by Chris in VA

[Jennifer in MI]

Me? I'd cut it - I love little girls in those bob styles. They can be really cute and it'll grow back healthy. I kept my dd's hair in a short, chin-length bob until it was thick enough to grow out and look nice. It's now shoulder length and looks beautiful with a headband or barettes. It's still long enough for ponytails and braids.

 

Good luck!

 

ETA - is your 15 mo bigger than you 2 yo? Your kids are adorable!!

[Aubrey]

Can you add some oil, like fish oil or flaxseed, to her diet? Also, a great multivitamin can help--go to Whole Foods or whatever natural folks you have there. It's amazing what that can do.

 

As far as shampoo, try a bottle of salon stuff--Infusium helped a friend of mine with straight, damaged hair. You might try one of the natural shampoos from the same store-type as above. Aussie is good, but still "commercial." (I love it, tho...)

 

No more rattail comb, as someone said. Don't brush too much, either. And yes, a little-longer than chin-length bob is the way to go until it gets healthy. I'd buy her some beautiful hairbands (velvet covered?), bows and barrettes to compensate, and have a heart to heart with your dh just so he really knows how important it is for little girls to hear Daddy say how pretty she is. :001_smile:

 

Here are some pics of how cute they can be!

 

Oh, dh tells her how pretty she is all the time. He just *loves* long hair, & I don't do anything major to their hair w/out talking to him first. He'd agreed that she needed a haircut last night, but couldn't stomach anything shorter than her shoulders.

 

I talked to her about it, & she understood. I cut it, & got it really cute, even a little longer than I'd told her, by tapering the front. Then I goofed up one side w/ a bad layering. When I fixed that, it was still the length I told her, but so much for an inch longer. :glare:

 

Anyway, I got almost all the damaged part off, & it already looks *so* much better. Ds is in tears over it, lol--sentimental little guy, but dd is happy w/ it. She wants to grow it back out, but she actually likes the look she ended up w/ just fine. (I heard her in there telling ds, "I didn't think I would like it, but..." & a bunch of giggles.)

 

The upper part that's left feels like her normal thickness, too, so I'm feeling a little relieved. I'd been kind-of worried about health issues, but dh won't ever listen to stuff like that.

 

Ok, so better conditioner, new brush, & vitamins. :gnorsi:

[Aubrey]

ETA - is your 15 mo bigger than you 2 yo? Your kids are adorable!!

 

Nope--I only had 3 in that pic. The sweet little blonde is my niece, 6wks older than my #3.

[Lovedtodeath]

 

The upper part that's left feels like her normal thickness, too, so I'm feeling a little relieved. I'd been kind-of worried about health issues, but dh won't ever listen to stuff like that.

Oh, (sigh of relief) I have bald patches on my head, which is what I started to picture from your description.

[Jami]

Olivia's hair is like that, Aubrey. So very fine and thin. And after a summer of swimming it's just a frizzy mess.

 

We've found that the bob haircuts look best. About chin length, honestly. Though now that she's 7.5 it's getting thicker and isn't so bad. Maybe if you cut G's shorter for now, it will eventually be a thicker, fuller hair.

[Aubrey]

Olivia's hair is like that, Aubrey. So very fine and thin. And after a summer of swimming it's just a frizzy mess.

 

We've found that the bob haircuts look best. About chin length, honestly. Though now that she's 7.5 it's getting thicker and isn't so bad. Maybe if you cut G's shorter for now, it will eventually be a thicker, fuller hair.

 

L could barely be talked into shoulder length--it was only because he could really see the necessity. And G could barely be talked into losing more than an inch or two. So I'm afraid if I said "bob" I might get kicked out of my own house, lol.

 

But, really, I think this will work. It's soft & silky, starting maybe a quarter of an inch above where I cut, & I did layer the back, to get a smidge more off, since it was mainly that top layer that needed help anyway.

[CalicoKat]

how about adding a sleep hat or braiding her hair before bedtime. I rememer having snarled hair around age 10. I was a really restless sleeper and it snarled, frizzed, and knotted up my hair.

 

Take a pair of old panty hose, tie the legs together in a knot about 3-4 inches above the crotch area, cut off the extra legs and throw them away. Put the hat on waste band first. I've used other night time head covers but this is the only kind that stays on. Tuck her hair/braid up under it.

 

Or buy a satin sleep hat from Sally's Beauty Supply. I think Walmart has them too. They're about $6.

[Tammyla]

This link is to Sally's and has a picture of a very similar porcupine (boar) brush at a great price. I've always purchased the German made one, a Sporenett because my mom said to. I'm sure Walmart, Target or other stores would have a similar brush too.

 

I do think this one would work for her, it's gentle and shines and smooths hair.

 

Your dd is adorable, a few inches off is where I'd start.

 

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Cushion-Brush/SBS-217508,default,pd.html

 

 

We do this, but honestly--tangles aren't really the problem any more. It's too thin to even tangle much. :sad:

 

As far as brush, I usually use a rat tail comb. Is that bad?

 

ETA: I looked on Amazon for the boar-bristle brush, & there are too many choices. I need help! :)

Edited December 6, 2009 by Tammyla

[Jami]

how about adding a sleep hat or braiding her hair before bedtime. I rememer having snarled hair around age 10. I was a really restless sleeper and it snarled, frizzed, and knotted up my hair.

 

Take a pair of old panty hose, tie the legs together in a knot about 3-4 inches above the crotch area, cut off the extra legs and throw them away. Put the hat on waste band first. I've used other night time head covers but this is the only kind that stays on. Tuck her hair/braid up under it.

 

Or buy a satin sleep hat from Sally's Beauty Supply. I think Walmart has them too. They're about $6.

 

Satin pillow cases can help with that too.

[Aubrey]

This link is to Sally's and has a picture of a very similar porcupine (boar) brush at a great price. I've always purchased the German made one, a Sporenett because my mom said to. I'm sure Walmart, Target or other stores would have a similar brush too.

 

I do think this one would work for her, it's gentle and shines and smooths hair.

 

Your dd is adorable, a few inches off is where I'd start.

 

http://www.sallybeauty.com/Cushion-Brush/SBS-217508,default,pd.html

 

How's this one? I'd like to order from Amazon, if poss. Otherwise, there's a Sally (I've never been in!) over by the mall/WM.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0002YE8IO/sr=8-1-fkmr0/qid=1260128136/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=3760901&s=hpc&qid=1260128136&sr=8-1-fkmr0

[Tammyla]

http://www.amazon.com/Spornette-Porcupine-Genuine-Bristle-Germany/dp/B0007IFB2W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1260129896&sr=1-2

 

Hey cool, Amazon has the brush we love too.

 

The one you linked looks good, I can't what the bristles are made of. It looks very similar. The boar bristles do not add static to the hair or rip it as plastic ones do.

 

How's this one? I'd like to order from Amazon, if poss. Otherwise, there's a Sally (I've never been in!) over by the mall/WM.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B0002YE8IO/sr=8-1-fkmr0/qid=1260128136/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=3760901&s=hpc&qid=1260128136&sr=8-1-fkmr0

[TXMomof4]

My dd's hair is very thin and this weather makes it crazy. I use garnier length and strength shampoo and conditioner for her plus their leave in conditioner. It really helps a LOT. If her hair is really rough and unruly I use their shine treatment also. She's the only one of the girls with hair like this. I have one curly girl and one with more hair than the rest of us put together so it's taken some trial and error to get hers manageable.

[skaterbabs]

Just a note on the Suave shampoo. Suave has good ones and bad ones. The good ones are VERY good, and the bad ones are VERY bad.

 

Dot and I both have very long, thin, fragile hair. A good conditioner is a must. I do like the Suave Smoothing shampoo & conditioner.

[Supertechmom]

From my dd's experience, vitamins made the difference. She's on a good mulitvitamin, Vit d, and Vit b complex. Plus, lots of proteins in her diet - eggs, peanut butter, (She had Celiac disease so we had to do something and the hair improvement was a great bonus.)

 

Her hair is no longer straw, doesn't break off, and is silky though daily conditioner is a must to comb through the tangles.

 

The hair vitamins are: (from this hair site)

a, c, d, k, e, h and B1,2,3,6,9, and 12.

 

 

Making sure I get those vitamins has even helped my hair be something other than a thin stringy mess for the first time in my life! The site goes into great detail on each vitamin and how to get it into your diet.

[JFSinIL]

My youngest has straight, fine hair. She is 13 now, and it is thick and looks fine. BUT - for several years she had to have it cut short to have it look fuller - and bangs and bobbed hair does look traditional and cute on little girls.