Battling my 4b dryness. (what am i doing wrong?)

[mallysmommy]

Okay so i have been natural since 2006 and ive learned so many things through out the journey that has helped and harmed my hair lol (its all a learning process)
anyways with all that i have gained from this expirience the one thing that i have always had trouble with was dryness. seriously what i am doing wrong?
For the most part i keep my hair in some form of braids and only wear my hair out for a week maybe two. After taking out my braids i clarify with ACV, co wash, DC using a deep condish mix with an oil (evoo or almond) blow dry mositurize, seal then plat my hair up.
The next day i am left with hard dry crunchy hair as if all of the night before's work meant nothing.
could it be my braids could it be my routine? all my 4b naturals what say you?

 

[Foxglove]

What products do you use?
ETA trying to figure out if your DC's and moisturizers are moisturizing or protein

 

[mallysmommy]

What products do you use?
ETA trying to figure out if your DC's and moisturizers are moisturizing or protein

ive done research on that and have expiriemented with different condishes to get the right moisture protein balance and its driving me crazy!
as a cowash i have been using Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner or Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner.
For DC i have been using Elasta Qp DPR 11 mixed with an oil and conditioner. i use a shower cap over night or sit underneath a dryer for 30 min.thats it

 

[LisaMar]

Could it be the ACV rinse? It maybe affecting the ph of your hair leading to dryness. Are you doing the ACV rinse everytime you take out your braids. Also, I know ORS replenishing conditioner is a light protein conditioner. Are you protein sensitive? how are you putting the moisture back into your hair if you are using both acvs and light protein on a regular basis?

Im 4a/4b fine, and my hair could not tolerate acvs let alone on a regular basis. I know kimmytube videos talks about ph and acvs and I believed she stopped doing them because they are too acidic? I think on the hair.
I use the bagging method to add moisture, I also use a sulfate, cone free moisturizing shampoo, and I moisturize with a cholesterol type conditioner using the "relaxer method" over night with a baggy on my head.

 

[mallysmommy]

Could it be the ACV rinse? It maybe affecting the ph of your hair leading to dryness. Are you doing the ACV rinse everytime you take out your braids. Also, I know ORS replenishing conditioner is a light protein conditioner. Are you protein sensitive? how are you putting the moisture back into your hair if you are using both acvs and light protein on a regular basis?

Im 4a/4b fine, and my hair could not tolerate acvs let alone on a regular basis. I know kimmytube videos talks about ph and acvs and I believed she stopped doing them because they are too acidic? I think on the hair.
I use the bagging method to add moisture, I also use a sulfate, cone free moisturizing shampoo, and I moisturize with a cholesterol type conditioner using the "relaxer method" over night with a baggy on my head.

thanx so much for your reply. ive never considered ph balance and that does make sense come to think of it. hmmm i know this shouldnt be as frustrating as i am making it, but we are talking about 5 years of dryness. i will eliminate the avc and ors the next go around, and i guess search for more mositurizing condish and shampoos while my hair is up (getting a sewin tonight).
any other suggestions anyone? i am all ears! =)

 

[Meritamen]

I don't know much about what ACV does to the hair so someone else will have to chime in there. It could be the blow drying.
Do you use shampoo at all? The cowashing could be leaving your hair with a coated feeling which gives the dry crispy feeling.

I saw that you said that you are trying to be mindful of the protein/moisture balance. I'm going to suggest something somewhat unorthodox compared to the standard LHCF doctrine here... if your a natural 4b you don't need to worry about it all that much. In fact focus mostly on moisture. Tightly coiled/curly hair is usually thirsty for moisture (meaning water) so when you are starting out with finding products for your hair and figuring out a routine look for anything and everything that will moisturize your hair.

You didn't mention how often you wash and condition your hair or how often you moisturize. Try to moisturize your hair every time it feels dry either with plain ol' water or a moisturizing spray and seal with whatever sealant you like: cream, oil, butter, etc. I don't think keeping your hair in braids is the culprit because that is actually a very good thing to do with 4b hair and can actually help the help retain moisture longer.
After you have the moisture stuff done then you can play with protein.

Sorry for the ramble. I hope this helps.

 

[curlyninjagirl]

Could it be the blow drying? How do you blow dry? With the hot, warm or cool setting? Is your hair 80% dry or 25-50% dry?

Also, I find that oils make my hair feel crunchy so I gave up sealing. I'm 4a but my brother is 4b and I've put him on the same regimen I'm on and his hair has never been so soft.

The key thing is he's been deep conditioning with Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose weekly and spraying it as a leave in mixed with water daily (5 oz. water and 2 T. conditioner in a spritz bottle.)

 

[Tiye]

My hair is 4b natural and I love braids, especially in the winter. I suggest moisturizing shampoo and conditioner instead of conditioner only. Conditioner washing never worked for me because of the buildup factor. I don't know if acv strips off all buildup and if you've been doing it for a while you may have build up that's making your hair feel dry.

 

[Foxglove]

I may be mistaken but isn't elasta DPR a protein condish?

 

[tiffers]

I wouldn't consider ORS Pak a protein, since the proteins it contains are moisturizing. If it softens your hair and makes it feel good, keep using it!

Also, like another poster mentioned, baggying is a MUST. I baggy every single night and couldn't imagine how dry my hair would be without it.

There are ladies in the baggy challenge who are in braids and do it nightly and their hair is thriving.

How often are you moisturizing? I notice that there was no mention of a moisturizer. What do you use while your hair is in braids all those weeks? What do you use once the braids come down?

You can make a cheap and simple spray that consists of water, glycerin and oil (my favorite is hemp ) Spray it on your hair a few times a day and that should help a lot.

Last but not least, my hair used to be chronically dry as well. It was hard and crunchy, no matter what I did to it... until I got my hands on Qhemet and Marie Dean products. Both lines leave my hair soft and moisturized and happy. Since I use these exclusively, I don't get build-up and only need to cowash every now and then.

 

[melissa-bee]

Do you blow dry hair just to stretch it or dry it?
Either way, maybe you should try to eliminate blowdrying. I see blowdrying as forcing moisture out of your hair. If you let it dry naturally your hair will hold on to the moisture it wants.
Why don't you try moisturising and sealing on damp hair and then braid and let it dry over night.
You could also try to seal with something a bit heavier than oil. Castor oil is great for sealing. I currently use shea butter which I love. You can also try grease on damp hair.

 

[mallysmommy]

Do you blow dry hair just to stretch it or dry it?
Either way, maybe you should try to eliminate blowdrying. I see blowdrying as forcing moisture out of your hair. If you let it dry naturally your hair will hold on to the moisture it wants.
Why don't you try moisturising and sealing on damp hair and then braid and let it dry over night.
You could also try to seal with something a bit heavier than oil. Castor oil is great for sealing. I currently use shea butter which I love. You can also try grease on damp hair.

I blowdry just to stretch my hair so that i section and plat. i say its about 80% i initially start hot just to get the kinks then change the setting to no heat. ive never used castor oil but did some research and i think i should use that instead of EVOO. thanks for you reply!

 

[mallysmommy]

I don't know much about what ACV does to the hair so someone else will have to chime in there. It could be the blow drying.
Do you use shampoo at all? The cowashing could be leaving your hair with a coated feeling which gives the dry crispy feeling.

I saw that you said that you are trying to be mindful of the protein/moisture balance. I'm going to suggest something somewhat unorthodox compared to the standard LHCF doctrine here... if your a natural 4b you don't need to worry about it all that much. In fact focus mostly on moisture. Tightly coiled/curly hair is usually thirsty for moisture (meaning water) so when you are starting out with finding products for your hair and figuring out a routine look for anything and everything that will moisturize your hair.

You didn't mention how often you wash and condition your hair or how often you moisturize. Try to moisturize your hair every time it feels dry either with plain ol' water or a moisturizing spray and seal with whatever sealant you like: cream, oil, butter, etc. I don't think keeping your hair in braids is the culprit because that is actually a very good thing to do with 4b hair and can actually help the help retain moisture longer.
After you have the moisture stuff done then you can play with protein.

Sorry for the ramble. I hope this helps.

i don't shampoo my hair i guess you can say because i believed in the co wash theory. i only clarified my hair with acv to proceeded to co wash and dc. washing and condition comes right after taking down my braids. then i mosturize seal then get ready for more braids so i guess you can say maybe 4x a year??? (i think i just solved my problem) while my hair is braided i usually don't do anything to it because its in a sew in.

 

[mallysmommy]

Thank you all so much for responding, all of the advice was very helpful and sounds promising. At this point I am up for anything to get my hair healthy. i realized that while i was focusing on my hair when i took down my braids/sew in i didn't do much to it while it was braded/sewn in. even though i do all of that work while my hair is down that’s really only about 4x a year, while i didn't do much for the rest of the time.
Perhaps now i need to find more ways to keep my hair moisten while braided, which i guess will be my next research project. Thanks yall again.

 

[greight]

Subscribing! I can't really add much except for my own experience

Personally, I find that I have better results using weekly protein conditioner instead of doing only moisture DC's. My hair is stronger and while it's still somewhat dry, it's a lot better than when I only used moisture DCs and stayed away from protein. I use moisturizing leave ins (no protein) afterwards and it has helped immensely.

I have fine hair that needs the extra boost of protein to help the strands bond to the moisturizing leave ins. I could follow up with a DC, but I've been having the best results prepooing with WGO and following up with Duo Tex.

I will put a nice big disclaimer and say that I do NOT follow typical LHCF rules, but I cut off a lot of split ends back in August and they have stayed away. I've been religiously following every shed hair that I've caught . Split ends are my sign that my hair has mucho issues, especially dryness.

 

[Alta Angel]

Another vote for taking a look at the ACV. ACV dries my hair out something terrible! My hair was so frizzy and unmanageable after using a capful in a gallon of water to rinse out my hair, that I promised to never use it again. I use aloe vera juice to balance out the ph. It may be worth a try.

 

[Carrie A]

Now although I'm not 4b I think you should also consider the Oyin. Why, because despite the extreme support of glycerine in the hair community, there are some that really can't use it. Glycerine especially during the Winter can be drying. I did a braid out yesterday with Oyin HH and although initially it felt soft during the day it shrunk something serious and got dry and crunchy like straw. I rewashed and used products with no glycerine Oyin Dew + oils to braid and so far so good. I've been experimenting in the last few weeks and I've just had to accept that glycerine is not for me.... although I may give this condish that so many love dearly another try in the summer. I'm just saying you may was to switch up once and make sure thats not the culprit.


I agree with castor oil over Olive
and Aloe vera over ACV

 

[indigoCniqy]

Subscribing! I can't really add much except for my own experience

Personally, I find that I have better results using weekly protein conditioner instead of doing only moisture DC's. My hair is stronger and while it's still somewhat dry, it's a lot better than when I only used moisture DCs and stayed away from protein. I use moisturizing leave ins (no protein) afterwards and it has helped immensely.

I have fine hair that needs the extra boost of protein to help the strands bond to the moisturizing leave ins.I could follow up with a DC, but I've been having the best results prepooing with WGO and following up with Duo Tex.

I will put a nice big disclaimer and say that I do NOT follow typical LHCF rules, but I cut off a lot of split ends back in August and they have stayed away. I've been religiously following every shed hair that I've caught . Split ends are my sign that my hair has mucho issues, especially dryness.

At the bolded-----
OP, I had the same problem, and looked into porosity. I did the porosity test and realised my hair was highly porous and although I initially thought I might be protein sensitive, I found the right protein conditioner and my hair began to act differently. It retained moisture a lot longer. So I say to look into blending both protein and moisture ingredients into your DC.

 

[theNaturalWonders]

OP i feel your pain. i too suffered chronic dryness for 2 1/2 years until this summer. i have really stepped my game up and have seen a major difference in my hair. i finally found out i have very low porosity and my hair doesn't do too well with protein. i did a "hair detox" over the summer with the mud wash that naptural85 raves about. there is a long thread about it on here. at first i wasn't a believer but i did see my hair transform over the 5 days with moisture retention. now i can immediately tell if my hair doesn't like something because i know what my naked hair is supposed to feel like. also do you know if you have hard water? that can be an issue with the dryness too. i invested in a good shower filter and i have seen an improvement with my hair and skin. don't forget about hydrating your body with water too. i make sure i get at least 65 oz of water each day. i hope this helps.

 

[lana]

I would immediately start with a water filter. You can buy one at Home Depot or Lowes.

Then I would stop the ACV and stop conditioner washing.

Try a moisturizing shampoo followed by a moisturizing deep conditioner (with a heat cap or hooded dryer/shower cap).

I'm 4a/b (mostly 4b) and my hair doesn't need much protein at all. Water is your friend, moisturizing creamy lotions are great and seal with jojoba/castor oil. Give it a try and let us know your results.

If you can...put down the blowdryer. You will help your hair retain moisture. (I use a blow dryer without comb attachment -tension method) so I understand...

 

[lushcoils]

I also third using a moisturizing protein product weekly if you have fine strands. Protein has put an end to my chronic dryness of 7 years.

 

[Foxglove]

Quoting myself from another thread. I would go through these threads highlighting some 4b regimens and incorporate some of them into your regimen.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=507817&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=559443&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=526649
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=557573&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=497078&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=507817&highlight=4b

 

[Nonie]

Okay so i have been natural since 2006 and ive learned so many things through out the journey that has helped and harmed my hair lol (its all a learning process)
anyways with all that i have gained from this expirience the one thing that i have always had trouble with was dryness. seriously what i am doing wrong?
For the most part i keep my hair in some form of braids and only wear my hair out for a week maybe two. After taking out my braids i clarify with ACV, co wash, DC using a deep condish mix with an oil (evoo or almond) blow dry mositurize, seal then plat my hair up.
The next day i am left with hard dry crunchy hair as if all of the night before's work meant nothing.
could it be my braids could it be my routine? all my 4b naturals what say you?

I haven't read anyone's responses yet, so not sure what suggestions you've gotten. I was going to tell you that not using S Curl is your biggest mistake but the part in bold caught my attention.

First you close your hair cuticle with an ACV. Then you use a conditioner to coat the outside of the now closed strands which does give a nice slippery smoothness to the outside of the closed strands. Then you try to put moisture inside the sealed strands by DCing with a product that has a sealant (oil) in it. Then you use heat to evaporate any remaining moisture out of your hair.

So far, all I see in that whole procedure is how you make sure that no moisture ENTERS your strand by doing everything in your power to SEAL your strands.

That's just as good as using a glycerin product in the Sahara or blowdrying your hair bare and then sealing with a serum. You end up with straw.

I'm telling you, except for a few freaks I know (not mentioning any names coz she knows herself, S Curl Hater!), S Curl is the type 4B hair moisturizer. Check this thread out

 

[Foxglove]

^^^ I'm an SCurl hater too *whistles*

 

[Nonie]

^^^^ ^^ ignoring Foxglove :covereyes

@Kiki0130

 

[mallysmommy]

Another vote for taking a look at the ACV. ACV dries my hair out something terrible! My hair was so frizzy and unmanageable after using a capful in a gallon of water to rinse out my hair, that I promised to never use it again. I use aloe vera juice to balance out the ph. It may be worth a try.

sounds like a good try. dern that acv!!!!! i knew it had to be my routine. i'd followed LHCF doctrine to the t and never understood why my hair was so parched. guess i am on the quest again to find what works for my hair.

 

[mallysmommy]

Now although I'm not 4b I think you should also consider the Oyin. Why, because despite the extreme support of glycerine in the hair community, there are some that really can't use it. Glycerine especially during the Winter can be drying. I did a braid out yesterday with Oyin HH and although initially it felt soft during the day it shrunk something serious and got dry and crunchy like straw. I rewashed and used products with no glycerine Oyin Dew + oils to braid and so far so good. I've been experimenting in the last few weeks and I've just had to accept that glycerine is not for me.... although I may give this condish that so many love dearly another try in the summer. I'm just saying you may was to switch up once and make sure thats not the culprit.


I agree with castor oil over Olive
and Aloe vera over ACV

thanks so much for that tip i will definately conisder. you know i brought my oyin HH into the salon for my stylist to use and she herself said she didn't like it as much. (granted her hair was looking tore up so i ignored her lol) anyways after conditioning with my oyin she added Nairobi's leave and then blow dried and my hair felt much better. i don't know much about this brand so i never gave it a chance. does anyone have any expirience with Nairobi's hair products? I

 

[mallysmommy]

I haven't read anyone's responses yet, so not sure what suggestions you've gotten. I was going to tell you that not using S Curl is your biggest mistake but the part in bold caught my attention.

First you close your hair cuticle with an ACV. Then you use a conditioner to coat the outside of the now closed strands which does give a nice slippery smoothness to the outside of the closed strands. Then you try to put moisture inside the sealed strands by DCing with a product that has a sealant (oil) in it. Then you use heat to evaporate any remaining moisture out of your hair.

So far, all I see in that whole procedure is how you make sure that no moisture ENTERS your strand by doing everything in your power to SEAL your strands.

That's just as good as using a glycerin product in the Sahara or blowdrying your hair bare and then sealing with a serum. You end up with straw.

I'm telling you, except for a few freaks I know (not mentioning any names coz she knows herself, S Curl Hater!), S Curl is the type 4B hair moisturizer. Check this thread out

hahahaha well i feel silly. . i used the s curl way back when i had a twa. it may be perfect for while my hair is braids. thanks so much!

 

[mallysmommy]

Quoting myself from another thread. I would go through these threads highlighting some 4b regimens and incorporate some of them into your regimen.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=507817&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=559443&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=526649
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=557573&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=497078&highlight=4b
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=507817&highlight=4b

thank you will check all of these out!

 

[mallysmommy]

OP i feel your pain. i too suffered chronic dryness for 2 1/2 years until this summer. i have really stepped my game up and have seen a major difference in my hair. i finally found out i have very low porosity and my hair doesn't do too well with protein. i did a "hair detox" over the summer with the mud wash that naptural85 raves about. there is a long thread about it on here. at first i wasn't a believer but i did see my hair transform over the 5 days with moisture retention. now i can immediately tell if my hair doesn't like something because i know what my naked hair is supposed to feel like. also do you know if you have hard water? that can be an issue with the dryness too. i invested in a good shower filter and i have seen an improvement with my hair and skin. don't forget about hydrating your body with water too. i make sure i get at least 65 oz of water each day. i hope this helps.

it did and thank you!