Conditioning and Styling Extra Thick Hair
by Christine M.
(Michigan)
I'm of mixed European and Sicilian (primarily Sicilian) descent, and I have hair so thick that I've had people commenting on that characteristic since I was a teen. Unfortunately, the hair is also so thick that it's very difficult for me to keep tangle-free, and to style. My hair ranges from shoulder-length to mid-back, and it tends to be straight or a tad wavy.
My question is a two-parter:
1) How often should I condition my hair?
I never used conditioner as a child, but since turning 16 or so, I've been using a fair amount about once a month. I've heard from some people that I should be doing it every day, but I'm skeptical of this because of how oily it makes my hair feel. What's your professional opinion?
2) Apart from conditioning, how can I make the chore of styling easier on myself?
Are there certain styles that would be easier for me to maintain, or certain styling products that would help more with my particular hair type? I've given up on everything but headbands and ponytails, and as a young woman entering the job market, I feel a little silly going to an interview with an "exercise" hairdo.