Answering All Your Hair Questions

Today I’m answering 5 of your hair questions picked out from the YouTube comments. My mission is to help de-mystify hair and make it easier for you to understand how and why your hair behaves the way it does, and what you can do to get beautiful hair that you love.

Q: “I have fine and thin curly hair and keep reading that my hair should love protein, but it’s the complete opposite. Protein leaves my hair dry and frazzled. Too much moisture leaves my hair limp. Every time I grow my hair out, I hate how straggly it looks and end up chopping it all off again.” -@ginettemurdoch6857
A: Protein is a general term and an ingredient in so many hair products from a collection of brands. It comes down to trial and error. You may be using a harsh protein treatment. I’m not sure what your regimen is but my recommendation is to get a professional brand because professional brands (not drugstore, sorry) do a much better job at hydrating and volumizing hair in one step, leaving your hair looking fabulous for more than just one day. I recommend the Kevin Murphy Re.Store line for you.
Q: “Should thinning shears be used on fine hair? The last haircut I had the hairdresser used thinning shears and my hair actually looked thicker, but frizzy?” -@juliejbf42
A: Traditional thinning shears take out a lot of hair and cut in blunt lines. It’s a definite no-no for me. I use texture shears if I absolutely have to. They take out way less hair than the traditional thinning shears. The reason you’re feeling like your is thicker is because the short hairs are pushing up the longer hairs, giving your hair the illusion of fullness (which is what we want). However, because the hair has been cut in between various other hairs, you will notice the frizz pop out, especially as it starts to grow out.
Q: “My hair is thin, low density but my scalp is dry. This is where it becomes confusing to me because clarifying shampoos really dry out my hair and scalp and yet hydrating shampoos are too heavy for my fine hair. Your hair seems pretty similar to mine. What products do you use on your own hair please!”
A: I use the one and only Hairstory New Wash (get 15% off your first order). This is hands down the best hair cleanser and conditioner I’ve ever used and I recommend it to all my friends and clients, with incredible success. It has made my hair so healthy and vibrant, and my scalp so supple — I’ll literally never look back.
Clarifying shampoos are very drying on the hair. Think of them as exfoliators on your skin. They strip your scalp and hair of oils and debris. Use them sparingly, especially if you have colored hair, and more if you use a lot of styling products.
Q: “Is Kevin Murphy good for black hair people?” @thecasualgamer1824
A: Kevin Murphy is a wonderful line and can work for practically anyone. I had to highlight this question because "black hair” has so many different textures of hair. Not all black hair is created equal. Black hair is not always kinky or curly, contrary to popular belief. The curls can grow in so many patterns, that one head of hair can have 4 different curl patterns at once. There are also factors like chemical damage and color damage to consider.
Q: “What do you suggest for a gal with very, very, VERY fine hair? I got a short cut on sides, long top cut last July. I looked like a man. NO hair anywhere on my neck. It’s May now and it’s only close to my chin and a little longer in the back. I feel like no one in my area is good with fine hair. I don’t care how flat it is on the sides, but I can’t handle no volume on top. It’s just about long enough to pull up and add a hair piece clip on bun. I have a pony tail of a toddler :(“
A: Sounds like you got a cut you didn’t ask for! Don’t you hate it when that happens? As your hair grows out, you’ll want to create more volume on top as you mentioned. To do that you have to start with your cleanser first. I love New Wash for its health-encouraging properties.
You can also use any volumizing shampoo or a clarifying shampoo to remove debris and oils from the scalp. Follow with a volumizing product to lift your hair at the roots, and blow dry up and against your growth pattern. I use Undressed from Hairstory, and you can use any volumizing mousse or root lifter.
Finish off with a root lifting powder to set your hair in place.