style="font-size:15px;"> why I have to wash it every day. Also, it’s really long,and it takes forever for me to wash.
Wondering
For most girls in puberty, keeping their hair clean means washing it
several times a week, using a shampoo made for their hair type. But
you don’t need to shampoo every day unless your hair is very oily or
you’re very active or athletic. And you shouldn’t shampoo every day
if you have a sensitive or dry scalp. If washing your long hair is taking
more time than you can give, this may be a great time to consider a
shorter style. A shoulder-length cut has most of the advantages of
long hair with less shower time.
Dear American Girl,
I want long hair, but it doesn’t look good after a while
and I have to get it cut off. What can I do? I have to keep
starting over.
Trying
I am trying to grow my hair long. My mom says it still
needs to be trimmed, but I don’t want to lose a single
inch. Why does it need to be trimmed?
Wannabe Rapunzel
Although it may not make sense, hair needs to be trimmed while
you’re trying for those Rapunzel locks, because the ends of your hair
naturally split and break off. Trimming removes these frizzy-looking
ends and keeps hair healthy while it grows.
You can reduce split ends by being kind to your hair. Don’t brush more
than you need to. Use only a wide-tooth comb after shampooing
because wet hair breaks more easily than dry hair, and comb gently.
Use a conditioner or detangler to make combing easier, too. And last:
Heat is hard on hair, so use a blow dryer on a low or cool setting and
avoid curling or straightening irons.
Hair grows about half an inch a month, so if you trim a quarter inch
every couple of months, your hair growth will far outpace the
amount you trim. With care and patience, your hair will be long
—and beautifully healthy.
Dear American Girl,
This summer AND the summer before, I got head lice.
If I go through it one more time, I am going to go
seriously crazy. This time my mom cut off my hair
with scissors, and I cried and cried. How can I stop
getting them??? It’s HORRIBLE!
Sick of It
It’s probably no surprise that
head lice are very contagious!
These tiny insects move fast,
and they can live for a short
time on a hat or hairbrush until
they find a head of hair to call
home. As a result, they can
be spread when two heads
touch, such as while playing
or hugging, and when sharing
things that touch hair. To lower
your chance of catching lice
again, never share hairbrushes,
combs, hair ties, headbands, or
any other accessory used in hair.
Don’t share your own, and don’t
borrow anyone else’s. Watch
out with hats, headphones,
and pillows, too. Having short
hair or wearing your hair up
does not protect you, so follow
these rules no matter what your
hairstyle is.
Dear American Girl,
I am scared to wear shorts and skirts to school because I
have such hairy legs. I am 11 years old. Is this the right age
to start shaving, or should I wait a little longer?
Ready to Shave
Dark hairs on your legs are normal.
Other girls your age are sprouting
them, too, and some girls are
starting to shave. If you feel
ready to learn how to remove hair
from your legs, let your parent
know. Try saying, “I’ve been feeling
really self-conscious about the hair
on my legs and would like to know
more about shaving.” If your mom
or dad thinks you’re too young,
don’t be discouraged. Ask if you can
talk about it again in a few months
or when the weather gets warmer
and it’s time to break out the shorts.
Dear American Girl,
What is the difference between all the ways
you
