My last two dark ales have had pretty ordinary head, and head retention. I am not really sure why. Some of my lighter beers have suffered, but not like darker beers. The only difference lately has been that I add more cal chl than cal sulphate, but I do this in lighter malty beers without issue. I never add citric to dark beers, which I add to all my light beers. Can't see that affecting anything head related. My mild had a 15minute rest @71c, the porter just a standard single infusion. The mild also had flaked barley. Got no idea. In a galaxy pale, I added 5% carapils, which made a big difference. I never had to resort to this for decent head, but it looks like i'll be using more of it til I figure it out. If I had a choice of brilliantly clear beer with no head, or muddy beer with good lacing, i'd choose the latter. I can handle not having brilliantly clear beer, but poor head retention and lacing piss me off. Ideas??, and any other additives,etc I can add to help???? I want good head again!!!!