HairObsessed

Is there an optimal length for wavy hair? Obviously, it'd be different for everyone, but I feel like my hair past it a couple weeks ago. Though I do need a hair cut, maybe that will help. Has anyone ever gone to a place like Great Clips or Cost Cutters? Good experience, bad experience?

When determining if your hair is fine or coarse, are there actually dimensions that determine this? I work in a place where we have micrometers that can measure in increments of 0.0001. I'm pretty sure my hair is medium, but one never knows. Yep, I'm nerd.

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Wave Pattern: 2A
Hair Properties: Normal Porosity, Thick Density, Medium Texture w/Fine Straight Underlayer
Co-wash: Suave Naturals
Low-poo: Ology
Rinse Out & Leave In: Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture
Gel: LA Looks Mega Mega Hold Gel, Garnier Fructis Spray Gel

bluebonnet

According to this website Types of Hair, medium = 60-90 microns, coarse = 100+ microns, and they don't specify for fine hair, but I'm guessing it's less than 60? I did the white paper test. Not as scientific, but it seemed pretty simple. I already knew I had a lot of wiry, coarse hair though. It is everywhere! This is one of mine. I have some that are kinkier, and some that have a more regular pattern.

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CG 4/13/2012
med-coarse texture/med density/low porosity
(2c/3a)
Clarifying: TJ TTT shampoo
Cowash: VO5 clarifying kiwi lime, Suave daily clarifying
RO: SN or Tresemme naturals, TJ TTT
LI: SN or VO5
Styling: Gels - HETT, Goddess Curls, AAV; John Frieda, HETT & Tigi strong mousse; TIGI Curl Booster aeresol; GF hairspray * Fan of plopping & diffusing

Touch.of.ink

I think optimal length is one of those times when the type and shape of curl you have, and the type and shape of curl you want, really matters. So, how curly do you want your hair to be (more curly? less curly?) How fine or coarse is your hair?

IA girl has a great post on her blog about how long it take a curl to show up in your hair, which you can use to translate how long you want your hair be for your results.

As for your other question: the finest hair is about 17-50 micrometers, with the thickest hair being 56-181 micrometers. (For those people that can't measure their hair at work, this is a cool site that says you can measure your hair with a laser pointer

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Hair: Very fine, normal porous (Finally! Yay!), normal elasticity, loves high dew points.
Daily: Nature's Gate Tea Tree shampoo, GVP CB, Cure Care conditioner, aloe vera gel, Jessicurls products, Spiral Solutions products.
Monthly: Henna
As needed: John Masters Organics Sea Mist
HG Product: BioSilk Rock Hard Gelee (aka BRHG. It even has HG in the name!)
Last perm: 12/10/10
CG since: 3/9/12
Last haircut: 4/17/12
Gossamer Fringe (my blog)

IAgirl

My finest hairs are in the 40 micron range. 40-60 looks "fine." But I have a big mix on my head. A lot depends on what you want your hair to do. If it's getting to look like the length is pulling the waves flat - then layers (long layers) or a trim (or both) might be in order.
But sometimes what you really need is another inch or so if you're trying to get more curls on the ends (if your hair does that). So really scrutinize what it's doing and what you want before you decide to cut or not.
So in true nerd fashion - study the subject and analyze it well. Map out its behavior and structure.
Also consider the seasonal change, if that happens where you live. It can really alter how your hair looks and make you think "haircut!!!"

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Fine (ii), not very porous, elastic-y waves and curls (IA = Iowa)
http://scienceyhairblog.blogspot.com/

plunkybug

I think it also depends on your face shape and all that. I got a decent cut a few days ago (see my I *may* regret this post) and while he left the overall length a little longer than I had wanted (but better longer than too short), it was not too bad. I got long layers and face framing layers. Cut was by a student and cost $16.

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IAgirl

+1 Seriously! There is a lot of info. on the web about face shape and hair length. Definitely worth reading.

Also think you can get a good cut at a "chain" salon if you're very specific about what you want. If you have straight places (like an underlayer) have them cut it shorter than the rest so it will match when dry. Ask for "long layers," take pictures, lift your hair around to show them exactly what you want.

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Fine (ii), not very porous, elastic-y waves and curls (IA = Iowa)
http://scienceyhairblog.blogspot.com/

HairObsessed

Wow! Thanks everyone for the replies very helpful.

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Wave Pattern: 2A
Hair Properties: Normal Porosity, Thick Density, Medium Texture w/Fine Straight Underlayer
Co-wash: Suave Naturals
Low-poo: Ology
Rinse Out & Leave In: Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture
Gel: LA Looks Mega Mega Hold Gel, Garnier Fructis Spray Gel