How to Win the Battle with Problem Hair

If you have problem hair that is long, getting out tangles without damaging the hair can be a challenge. The mistake most people make with problem hair is starting near the scalp and then working down the hair strand. This causes the tangles to bunch up tighter, like pulling on a rope when you are trying to get out a knot. The secret is to start at the ends of the hair, and work towards the scalp when you are getting out the tangles. The best tool to use is a wide-tooth comb or a hair pick. Fine-tooth combs and brushes cause breakage and will result in more tangles later on and more problem hair. Use small gentle strokes to get out the tangles as you move up the hair strand.

If your hair is very thick, separate into two sections, top and bottom. Start with the bottom layer working your way through to the scalp, and then go to the top layer.

How to Give Yourself a Deep Conditioning Treatment at Home

If your problem hair is dry or over processed, from time to time you will need a really deep conditioning treatment. If your problem hair has a bad case of the frizzes and you don't have time to get to the salon, you can get a professional level deep conditioning treatment at home. Take a very warm shower (but not hot) and wash your hair. Work the conditioner through your hair starting with the ends and moving towards the scalp.

Then wrap your head with a plastic bag, secure, and place a towel around the bag. The heat from your scalp will open up the hair cuticle and allow the conditioner to penetrate more deeply into the dry ends. Leave on for 20 minutes. This will help tame your problem hair using any conditioner, however there are conditioners on the market especially formulated for deep conditioning, and they will give a more dramatic result.

For maximum effect rinse your hair in cool or lukewarm water. This will close the cuticle back down, and give the hair a smoother, shiny appearance.

How to Make Your Home Perm to Last Longer

When you are giving a home perm two different solutions are applied. The first is the perm solution, which breaks down the bonds of the hair into the shape of the rods. This solution is rinsed off and then the neutralizing solution is applied. This second solution "freezes" the bonds of the hair so that it will hold the new shape. If your problem hair has a hard time holding a perm, the secret to getting a home perm to last is making sure that the second solution is able to work with maximum effectiveness.

There are two simple steps to make sure your home perm lasts longer. The first is the rinsing off the perm solution. You must rinse the hair thoroughly until no scent remains from the perm solution. This may take up to five minutes. If the first solution is not completely rinsed from the hair the second solution will not be able to work efficiently, and this will give you problem hair.

The second step is to remove most of the water from the hair by blotting the perm rods with a towel before applying the neutralizing solution. Excess moisture in the hair will interfere with the action of the neutralizing solution. You need to blot the hair until it is nearly dry to the touch. If you have time letting your hair "air neutralize" for 5-10 minutes after blotting will have a remarkable impact in making your home perm last longer.

These two steps will make your perming time longer- but if you have problem hair that won't hold a perm these two simple steps can make your home perm last two to three weeks longer.

How to Get Maximum Body and Hold out of Fine Hair

Fine hair is, by definition, problem hair. The first step to get maximum body and hold out of your fine hair is paying attention to your daily regimen. If you have fine hair you will need to wash your hair everyday with shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for fine hair. Once or twice a week you will need to use a clarifying shampoo to prevent build-up.

The second part to get maximum body and hold is how your style your problem hair. Avoid heavy mousses or gels. Stick with light mousse formulated for fine hair, spray gels, or spritzers. Begin by towel drying your hair. Once most of the moisture is removed with the towel, apply your styling product at the roots of your hair. Bend over, so that your hair is hanging down, and blow dry your hair, roots first. This is a trick used in the salon to give fine hair body and bounce. Once your hair is dry stand up and shape into your normal style. Finish with a firm hold hair spray.

The third step to get maximum body and hold out of your fine hair is to consider perming or coloring your hair. Fine hair that has been permed or colored has more body and holds better throughout the day. Perms do not need to be tight, and coloring does not need to be extreme. A simple highlight or body perm will usually do the trick.