The Ultimate Hairstyle Handbook by Abby Smith Read Free Book Online

was a girl who hated my hair. It was dry, my ends were constantly breaking off and I couldn’t grow it out to save my life. After heeding suggestions from my stylist, spending a few dollars on new product and lots of patience, I was finally able to grow long hair. And it was healthy and thick. Soft and shiny. Needless to say, I loved everything about it.
    I wrote this book to share with you what I’ve learned over the last few years. I’m not a hairdresser, nor do I profess to be one. I’m just a girl with a passion for hair. I hope this book can provide you with a few extra tips on how to care for and style your hair.
6 rules for long, healthy hair
1)
Start out with healthy hair. That’s right. Chop off every inch of hair that is damaged. It’s just non-negotiable. If you want healthy hair you need to start with healthy hair.
2)
Get it trimmed every 12-15 weeks. Many stylists will tell you to trim your ends every six weeks. In fact, while I was growing out my hair that’s exactly what I did. I trimmed it every six weeks and it took forever. I met a professional stylist from LA and he told me that it’s unnecessary to trim your locks before twelve weeks.
3)
Do not wash your hair everyday. Your best friend in growing out your hair will be the natural oil your body produces. It will strengthen your hair against the elements. It will keep it from drying out and breaking off. Wash your hair every 2-6 days to avoid stripping it of those natural oils. Did I just say 6 days? Sure did! I wash my hair once or twice a week. And no it doesn’t stink, no it’s not oily and yes I work out!
    Two common complaints about rule number three: “Absolutely not! My hair gets way too greasy, there’s no way I could go that long” and “I work out too much. . . I have to wash it everyday.”
    Here’s the deal. Because you’re washing your hair everyday—stripping it of those natural oils that we love so much—you’re telling your body that it needs to produce more. You can’t just wake up one morning and say, “Hey, I’m gonna go four days without washing you!” Because yes… that would be gross. You’ve got to train your hair. Train it to do what you want. You are the boss. Go one extra day in between washings and give your hair time to acclimate to the change. When it stops producing as much oil, try going one more day! Give it some time though, your body needs it to get use to the changes.
    Let me guess… you workout. And your hair gets so super wet around your face from sweating that you just have to wash it? Not anymore! Pull your hair up while you shower off and when you get out of the shower just blow the nape of your neck dry and where ever else it’s wet. I promise it’s not gross. Sweat is made up of mostly water So just dry it and you’ll never know the difference. If your hair is anything like mine you’ll probably have a bunch of kinks in it when you get out of the shower Immediately let your hair down after getting out the shower and brush it through while blowing it dry and the kinks should release themselves. Then just style it like normal.
    If you must wash your hair every day, go easy on the straighteners and curling irons. Maybe even let it air dry one day. Avoid heat whenever possible.
4)
Spend money on products. If you want to know what products I use, please refer to my products post at twistmepretty.com . The thing about products is they can be expensive. . . for cryin’ out loud I’d rather buy a new pair of boots! But you need them. It’s a love hate relationship really. The products I use have allowed my hair to not only grow long and healthy but stay long and healthy.
1)
Buy some thermal heat spray or serum. I use Hana Shine from Misikko. Please don’t buy the cheap stuff! You usually get what you pay for. Depending on the serum, you can put it in while your hair is wet or you’ll need to put it in after you blow it dry. I use a nickel sized amount and apply it to dry hair You’ll want