For those of you who don't get haircuts

[everythingisginandroses]

I appreciate it's probably a minority here, but if you do not visit the hairdresser, either out of personal preference of for religious reasons, can I ask what you do to keep your long tresses looking presentable? Also, can you give me any hints and tips for pinning long hair up/good combs and clips, etc?

I am mid-40s and white, with fairly typical British hair (brown, straight, fine but plentiful). I have never really enjoyed going to the hairdressers - I just don't find it relaxing or pleasurable, and I did stop going for 9 whole years at one stage without missing it. Having recovered from the Illness Du Jour and not being keen to have a rematch, and preferring to spend the money on books or beer, I think I'm going to stay stopped again.

My main issue now is frizz. My hair is turning white, and I really don't mind that, but the change in texture is awful I'm thinking of investing in a hot brush and some K Water, but what else can I do?

TIA.

I learnt to cut my hair from youtube and products are trial and error. I have curly hair and like skin hair is individual so i dont know what will work on yours specifically but generally i have been happy with argan oil on ends and frizz ease by john frieda for frizz and conditioning.

Thank you, @Craddle64 - I am also a JF Frizz Ease fan. I found Argan Oil a bit heavy, but perhaps I'll just use it on ends next time, as you suggest. Not sure if I'd have the nerve to try and cut my own hair, but never say never I suppose...

My partner trims my hair regularly, whenever the ends start to look tatty. I haven't been to a hairdresser since 1988.

Dd trims mine.

I trim my own hair, there are hundreds of videos on youtube of different DIY trims. Make sure you like the results before trying it though, the classic mumsnet unicorn cut looks awful on me!

For clipping up, I love the Ficcare Maxima clip. It's a beak clip, and I know it's ludicrously expensive at about £45 for the cheapest one - but you only need one because it will never break.

Other than that, finding a hair washing routine that suits you so it looks great with minimal effort. There's conditioner-only, no-poo etc but without knowing more about your hair's texture and porosity it's hard to recommend something.

I cut my own using front pony tail method or occasionally 2 plaits method.

Naturally wavy/curly hair re frizz, only ever brush when wet, comb only the rest of the time, don't use special products just moisturising shampoo and occasionally conditioner on ends only as I find it too heavy all over

Length is to bottom of shoulder blades, mostly worn up in a simple twist secured with a clip but occasionally loose or simply pony or plait/plaits - I'm disabled so would struggle with putting up in any way that required arms up for any length of time though

I've had many compliments and been asked who cuts my hair inc off hairdressers who then try to furiously backpedal when I say I do it myself and claim they were just being polite

I'm not buying it.

I know others inc dd who also do their own hair and look gorgeous, hers is thick, dark, curly and bum length and looks amazing!

DD trims mine. Before that I cut it myself for a while.

I also use the front pony tail method and my teen daughter will tidy it up if needed, I tend to go to the hairdressers once every 18 months or so, although it was nearly 5 years the last time.

I shave my head myself...so probably not what you are asking for

For those doing the front ponytail method, how do you not end up with a ridiculous mullet? I tried it during lockdown and the front section was just below chin length with a massive step to a much longer back section.

I just trim mine when it gets uneven, I have loose curls so it doesn't need to be too precise. I last went to a hairdresser 5 years ago. I've never found one who makes my hair look better.

@DrFoxtrot

For those doing the front ponytail method, how do you not end up with a ridiculous mullet? I tried it during lockdown and the front section was just below chin length with a massive step to a much longer back section.

I don't put mine in a pony tail, I always cut wet - comb it all forward then cut a straight line across - snip up to break up the ends - this gives me loads of layers. It's always going to be longer at the back, but maybe you cut too short?

Organic virgin coconut oil (solid in a jar) spread all through your hair and left on under a shower cap or bit of cling film (to keep it warm) for a couple of hours (or over night) is the best re-moisturiser/de frizzer money can buy ...

and a big jar costs about 3 quid.

(Just as good as Olaplex which is £££ - i've tried both)

I cut my own. Kitchen scissors in the bathroom, with a couple of mirrors.

Dh cuts mine. He's got rather good over the years. It's thick and curly, currently just below my shoulder blades.

I either have it down or in a ponytail/twisted up into a loose bun.

@DrFoxtrot

For those doing the front ponytail method, how do you not end up with a ridiculous mullet? I tried it during lockdown and the front section was just below chin length with a massive step to a much longer back section.

Sounds like your ponytail was too far forward.

I cut my own (it's very long.) I part it and brush it down and just cut across the ends. It ends up in a point using this method, but I like it. I also never use heat or harsh chemicals on my hair (no bleaching/dyeing.) I've heard enough horror stories of people getting their hair cut shorter than they wanted it, so I don't let anyone else touch it.

op have you looked at silicone and sulfate free products?
JF frizz ease is full of silicone, which coats hair to reduce frizz. Silicone isn't water soluble so you use a shampoo with sulfates (SLS, SLES) to break the silicone down Sulfates make hair frizzy, so you use a conditioner or styling product with silicone, and just keep going around in a circle.

Coconut oil (cheap) or camellia oil (expensive) leave in for an evening then wash as usual.
I cut my own but it’s long and very thick so hardly rocket science

Don’t use from pony tail method - the layers from it look ridiculous. Search ‘Brad Mondo how to cut your hair at home’ on YouTube if you’re doing diy haircuts, he has the best tutorial at the moment.

@everythingisginandroses is there any reason that you want long hair? Especially if you’re just tying it up all the time anyway.

Frizz can occur from damaged ends. If your hair hasn’t been cut in a long time then the ends and shafts of your hair are going to be damaged: that damage travels up your hair. A good trim every now and then can stop that.

But I think you’re also talking about the texture of your grey/white hairs? That’s not frizz, that’s just different texture to your other hairs. You can make it feel nicer with products or straightening.

Also, those of you who do diy haircuts: be careful not to use shit scissors. There’s a reason hair cutting scissors are so incredibly sharp and part of that has to do with not damaging the hair.

I haven't gone for 3-4 years and I trim myself every couple of months. it's fine. i have very frizzy hair too, but the thing to remember with fine frizzy hair is that it can't hold on to moisture. So most days I put in a moisturising leave-in conditioner just on the ends to keep it healthy and I get fewer split ends just from doing that.

I do regular deep conditioner/oil masks too and I avoid blow-drying as much as possible. All these things have made my hair healthier and less frizzy and I've not felt the need to go to the hairdressers since.

I haven't been to a salon for over 15 years because I hate them. My hair is long and my husband cuts it for me, and it works out really well. I bought professional scissors and hair cutting guides which are absolutely brilliant.

www.amazon.co.uk/INTVN-Professional-Hairstyle-Accurate-Barrettes/dp/B08914DJ5W/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&crid=3SCPAMFEAGKJI&keywords=haircut+guide&sprefix=Hair+cut+guide%2Caps%2C249&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1600438810&sr=8-12

I also use a hot brush and I wouldn't be without one.

After several experiences of hairdressers not doing what I asked and leaving my hair looking awful, I very rarely go. Last time I went was November last year and that was a big thing for me!

During lockdown, I've managed to get my hair down to one wash a week and it's never grown so fast! 😊