Dear Lisa
I have been growing out my hair for the longest time. I have worn a bob-type haircut and now I want to grow it out maybe four or five inches. However, I have noticed a lot of split ends and I really do not want to have it cut. What do you think I should do, since I do not want to have bad conditioned hair either?
I also have to blow dry my hair every day as I work in an office and need to look neat and stylish. Therefore, any advice on what I should do?
Thanks,
April Nat
Seal Beach
Hi, April,
The deal is you really have to cut them off.
People who have split ends and want to grow their hair do not tend to have their hair trimmed very often. In fact, this accelerates split ends.
The way to stop them and make your hair grow is to have a minimal trim more often. By that I mean 1-2mm—which means you cut off very little, but you do it often.
Most hairstylists recommend you cut your hair every six-to-eight weeks. Your hair grows half an inch or so each month on average.
People often think that by trimming their hair, it actually won’t grow.
Well that’s wrong. The hair splits and grows less quickly if you don’t trim it. So, by merely trimming the ends of your hair more often you will stop your hair from splitting. It will still grow. It won’t split and it will look as though it’s growing much more quickly. It will look healthy and the end result when you achieve the length you want will be that it will have a really good look.
Thanks,
Lisa
Less is more
Hi, Lisa,
I have over-highlighted my hair. It is naturally a flat brownish color and now I am just too blonde. I just had my color done two weeks ago and I am so light. So what now?
I need your advice as I am extremely frustrated and I am not sure do. Should I go for low lights or just let it grow out? Please help. When I first had my color done I loved it. Now I am in a rut.
I will need to have the roots done and I do not want to be so blonde …
Colleen Vance
Seal Beach
Hi Colleen,
My advice is to leave your hair until you get some roots. This is because adding more color will just overload it even more. It should take about 8-12 weeks and then I would go for some lowlights to break up the blonde.
However, I also recommend going for three shades of color: one dark to break up the light hair, a soft light brown and also a fine blonde.
It will take a while, but eventually your hair will be back in good shape.
While you are waiting to get back some of your own re-growth, I would recommend lots of treatments to keep your hair in good condition. Also use a shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, as this also prevents fading.
And always remember—less is more when it comes to highlights.
Thanks,
Lisa
Got a question for Lisa?
Lisa Brown Northrup is a freelance hairstylist based between Seal Beach and Sunset Beach.
She currently heads up her own company, Brown Sugar, which specializes in all aspects of hair color and cutting for weddings and just about all other hair and beauty needs.
She is an award-winning stylist in her hometown of Dublin, Ireland.
She has won such awards as the L’Oreal Color trophy and Hairdresser of the Year twice.
She has had many articles published in Europe and she looks forward to answering your questions regarding hair and beauty. E-mail her at brownsugarsealbeach@live.com.
