Struggling With Dry Hair...please Help!

[pre_medicalrulz]

Any more suggestions for a 1. leave in and 2. daily moisturizer that are VERY VERY moisturizing and will provide long lasting moisture?

Thank you!

I saw you've asked this a few times. Sorry I can't give you any suggestions on the above because I don't use leave-in's and I hardly ever moisturize and seal anymore since I deep condition at every wash with the treatment balm.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Any more suggestions for a 1. leave in and 2. daily moisturizer that are VERY VERY moisturizing and will provide long lasting moisture?

Thank you!

I keep waiting for others to chime in, because I haven't had much luck with too many products.

Kinky Curly Knot Today is a concentrated leave-in that is very moisturizing for my hair, especially if I let the shower steam it in. I can't say how it would do your hair.

Also, have you heard of the maximum hydration method? There is a thread here at the forum about it. It's an almost overwhelming amount of information, but it is supposed to really pay off. A lot of naturals try this method at least once to see how it does their hair, and some maintain the method once they start. It's something to maybe consider, but I wouldn't stress myself if I were you with hunting for products and learning/doing the max hydration method at the same time. I'd focus on one at a time, if it were me. It could be information overload to do a lot of learning about products and learning about the MHM at the same time!

 

[trueheartofgold]

I saw you've asked this a few times. Sorry I can't give you any suggestions on the above because I don't use leave-in's and I hardly ever moisturize and seal anymore since I deep condition at every wash with the treatment balm.

Thanks again for responding! I'm trying my best to avoid buying a ton of products but I do realize that it's trial and error. I am going to get the moisture balm though! Now a shampoo, leave in and daily moisturizer is yet to be determined lol...thank you so much for your help!

 

[SuchaLady]

Any more suggestions for a 1. leave in and 2. daily moisturizer that are VERY VERY moisturizing and will provide long lasting moisture?

Thank you!

Thanks again for responding! I'm trying my best to avoid buying a ton of products but I do realize that it's trial and error. I am going to get the moisture balm though! Now a shampoo, leave in and daily moisturizer is yet to be determined lol...thank you so much for your help!

If you want to keep costs down try the Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shampoo and 8-n-1 leave in. They can sometimes be found at Sallys for Buy One Get One (not this week though, Ive checked for you). Another line thats similar to CON is Beautiful Textures. They have a shampoo that Ive heard good things about and the moisture butter is very rich.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Please let me know how it work out for you! Patiently waiting....

Hi, true.

I'm not going to be able to DC with the Joico tonight. I didn't make it to Ulta. I hope to get there tomorrow, because I'm definitely doing a protein treatment with Komaza tomorrow, and I need to a DC after anyway.

ANOTHER OPTION REGARDING SHAMPOO:

You can put shampoo in an applicator bottle, dilute it with a little water until it's runny enough, and apply the shampoo to your scalp only (then rub your scalp, of course, with the pads of your fingertips). This will ensure that your scalp is clean to your desired standards. Some of the shampoo will run down your strands, but it won't be the same as saturating your strands with shampoo. Then you can wash your strands with a cowash, clay, sulfate-free shampoo, or whatever gentler cleanser you prefer.

That's an option should you decide to pull back on shampooing: Shampoo the scalp as much as you want, but not the strands for this strategy.

 

[trueheartofgold]

Hi, true.

I'm not going to be able to DC with the Joico tonight. I didn't make it to Ulta. I hope to get there tomorrow, because I'm definitely doing a protein treatment with Komaza tomorrow, and I need to a DC after anyway.

ANOTHER OPTION REGARDING SHAMPOO:

You can put shampoo in an applicator bottle, dilute it with a little water until it's runny enough, and apply the shampoo to your scalp only (then rub your scalp, of course, with the pads of your fingertips). This will ensure that your scalp is clean to your desired standards. Some of the shampoo will run down your strands, but it won't be the same as saturating your strands with shampoo. Then you can wash your strands with a cowash, clay, sulfate-free shampoo, or whatever gentler cleanser you prefer.

That's an option should you decide to pull back on shampooing: Shampoo the scalp as much as you want, but not the strands for this strategy.

You're so resourceful and helpful! Thanks! I'll try to get the low poo. I saw a YouTube video and someone said that they got it from TJ Maxx for $6 so I'll check there (it's $22 at CVS). A lot of people recommend the Creme of Nature Shampoo too but it has parabens so I'm not sure. Please remember to keep me updated on the Joico Balm.

 

[NaturallyATLPCH]

Just curious, how much water do you drink? I think that's what helps me because it doesn't matter what I put in my hair, I don't have a major issue with dryness. But I drink 100 ounces of water everyday.

Not saying you have to the same, but hydration a lot of times starts from the inside out.

Just a suggestion.

 

[trueheartofgold]

Just curious, how much water do you drink? I think that's what helps me because it doesn't matter what I put in my hair, I don't have a major issue with dryness. But I drink 100 ounces of water everyday.

Not saying you have to the same, but hydration a lot of times starts from the inside out.

Just a suggestion.

Hello! I drink a gallon (128 ounces) and more of water everyday. Have been doing this since 2007...I eat right, exercise, etc., and I've already ruled out medical conditions.

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

You're so resourceful and helpful! Thanks! I'll try to get the low poo. I saw a YouTube video and someone said that they got it from TJ Maxx for $6 so I'll check there (it's $22 at CVS). A lot of people recommend the Creme of Nature Shampoo too but it has parabens so I'm not sure. Please remember to keep me updated on the Joico Balm.

Will do!

I definitely wouldn't lay down $22 for the Low Poo unless you have good reason to think it'll work for you. I just wanted you to be aware that such a product exists. I'm sure other brands have something analogous.

When I was relaxed years ago, I used Creme of Nature Shampoo. It was INCREDIBLY moisturizing.

Regarding parabens:

• A lot of people here at LHCF have noted that a lot of research says that the super tiny amount of parabens in hair products do not cause cancer.
• I don't use parabens because some countries ban it in their products and I'm always suspicious that the U.S. would rather make easy money than ban a substance to prioritize citizens' health. Also, I'm paranoid because cancer has occurred close to me.
• So I've just decided to simplify my life and avoid them 99.9% of the time. Only exception at the moment: I'm going to use a hair growth spray for a while that contains parabens, so I'm just praying it up. I lost some hair at my edges (that's why I transitioned to natural hair), and if I can grow it back I can relax my hair in peace again. (My hair tangles so much that I spend lots of hours detangling and cutting out knots and losing all sorts of hair, so I want to see if I can reach mid-back length if I relax my hair only 4 times a year. We'll see. If it becomes a problem, back to natural I'll go.)

 

[NaturallyATLPCH]

Hello! I drink a gallon (128 ounces) and more of water everyday. Have been doing this since 2007...I eat right, exercise, etc., and I've already ruled out medical conditions.

Ah! Okay got ya. Kudos to a healthy lifestyle!
I hope you find a solution soon!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Silk Elements Mega Silk is one of the best DCs on the market.

Hi, True! There's a "DC on Dry Hair" thread topic where this was shared. This is an inexpensive one to try. It's available at Sally's. Lots of people review this highly.

 

[curlicarib]

I'm on a personal No Buy challenge and I'd forgotten about SE Mega Silk. I just checked my stash and I have one jar left. I can't wait to finish one of my current DCs so I can start using it again.

Hi, True! There's a DC on Dry Hair thread where this was shared. This is an inexpensive one to try. It's available at Sally's. Lots of people review this highly.

 

[PR0MISE44]

I have bleached (level 6) and heat damaged WL hair. It is dry and fragile. Without product, it dreads up and feels like the nastiest straw ever lmao. Here's how I keep it from falling out and moisturized.

Globs of Aussie moist conditioner to slick back and moisturize first thing in the morning. Now that I'm transistioning from heat damage, I do not add water because it causes the two textures to dread up with shed hair. If you are not transistioning, wet hair first. Run castor oil or coconut oil through driest parts like crown and sides (hair hates when EVCO when styling as a wash and go, but I cannot deny the strengthening and shine benefits if simply tucking away). Twist into a bun using bobby pins instead of elastic holder to avoid breakage.

Next day, repeat but sub out Aussie Moist with Sheamoisture Jamaican Black Leave In.

Repeat every morning, rotating aussie and the leave in. This provides my hair with moisture (aussie) and protein (sm) balance.

7th day, coat hair heavy with extra oil and aussie. Detangle. Shampoo scalp only with any diluted, sulfrate free shampoo. Cowash length with Joico K-pak protein.

DC overnight with SM hi po, SM raw treat, and warmed RAW HONEY. Raw honey is the lifesaver. If you do nothing else from my routinr- please use warm raw honey. I'll usually treat myself to a wash and go the next day using Aussie Moist as a moisturizer (heavy), SM JBLI (less), and SM CES (least).

This routine is the only reason why my bleached, heat damage hair is still on my head and with impeccable shine and moisture at that.

Takeaways based on your remaining needs:
shampoo: diluted deva no poo or any diluted cheap sulfrate free poo
leave in: SM Jamaican Black Leave In. This is bomb.com for moisture/protein balance and shine
daily moisturizer: rotate the above leave in with Aussie Moist
Dc: whatever you choose, add warm raw honey

 

[Evolving78]

Hello Everyone,

As the title states, I am struggling 1 million percent with my hair!

I am transitioning from major heat damage and my biggest problem is DRY hair! My hair is dry, brittle, shedding and breaking so so bad. Its very hard for me because I don't know what to do to fix these problems.

My last relaxer was nine years ago (January 2007). I heat styled my hair up until April 12, 2015. So, I've been transitioning from major heat damage for 18 months. It has been a battle!

I've been struggling with dry/brittle hair for the entire time. No matter what I do, my hair is still dry like hay and straw had a baby (LOL)....

I don't know what to do at this point because everything and I mean everything I've done just does not work. I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong.

I've tried only incorporating moisturizing products (and a protein deep conditioner only once a month), trimming, a hard protein (Aphogee 2 Step), Clarifying/Chelating, eliminating humectants (glycerin, honey, etc), eliminating coconut oil, yet nothing works.

My hair is hard/dry/brittle the same day I wash it even if I go through the whole process: Pre-poo, shampoo, condition, deep condition, LOC or LCO Method no matter what products I use. My house looks like a beauty supply store at this point.

My current regimen/products:

Pre-poo: Coconut, avocado, olive and rosemary oils
Shampoo: The Mane Choice hydrating detangling shampoo
Condition (To detangle): Herbal essences hello hydration conditioner
Deep Conditioner: Eden body works jojoba monoi deep conditioner
Leave-In: Shea Moisture raw shea detangler
Cream: Shea Moisture raw shea conditioner
Oil: Grapeseed oil

Daily moisturizers: Taaliah Waajid protective mist bodifier and Shea Moisture coconut curl and style milk

Any advice and help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

I've tried all of those things and none of them gave me the moisture I needed. Products full of glycerin, coconut oil, wheat protein, etc.. just didn't help. Right now I use no products with protein in them. I use products from the Elasta QP line. I also use Silk Elements megs silk moisture deep conditioner. I got rid of using Ecostyler gel too. I was using that on top of other products laced with protein and glycerin, which caused me protein overload.

 

[Evolving78]

No no no to Joico! That brand is laced with protein as well. You have had enough of it. That's a balancing deep conditioner. No cowashing either right now, unless you shampoo frequently.

Silk Elements Mega Silk in the TAN jar. Not the olive (green) one. That's their protein treatment.

 

[junipertree]

Any more suggestions for a 1. leave in and 2. daily moisturizer that are VERY VERY moisturizing and will provide long lasting moisture?

Thank you!

I came in here to rave about AG Fast Food. I love this stuff as a leave-in and daily moisturizer (when doing wash and goes). I use as a leave-in for roller sets and wash and goes. Can't tell you how much I love this stuff. I too have extremely dry hair and this turns it around instantly. I'm a PJ so while I was experimenting with other products I totally forgot about it until this summer. Since then I buy the huge 33 oz bottle from Ulta.

It's a bit pricey at $55 but, thanks to this thread, I just checked and it's on sale right now for $21.99!!! I'm about to go buy 4 this morning!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Thought:

I know you are getting a LOT of information, product suggestions, technique suggests, and Do's and Don't's -- some of which are contradictory.

That's just the nature of the beast.

To help you manage the information and keep organized with what your trying/trialing . . . and most IMPORTANTLY to keep track of what works and what doesn't work . . . if you are the journaling type you might keep a HAIR JOURNAL for a couple of months or so.

It isn't necessary, of course. I just wanted to share because it's really helping me.

I made one in Micorosoft one Note. I have several tabs: Regimen Diary, Advice and Strategy Ideas, Thoughts, Products (subtabs here include Products Wish List, Products Used, My Product Reviews, etc.), From LHCF, etc.

I *try* to keep it simple: Mainly I stay in the Regimen Diary tab. There, I type the date and my product/technique combo for the day. After doing my hair, I snap a picture of my hair wet and dry, and then I attach the pictures right under the product/technique info. Later I add my review (just a paragraph about what works and what doesn't, how I like my hair, etc.). DONE.

I try to remember that a combo needs to be tried minimally 3 times before I can even think I know anything about it.

In the advice tab, I have typically copied and pasted the tip (usually from LHCF or some hair blog) and noted the rationale behind it. That has helped tremendously. ("Wait! Why am I supposed to be suspending use of coconut oil for a spell? Oh . . . yeah. An LHCF member and my stylist both said . . . .")

Goes without saying that you don't have to do NONE of that. But I have found my hair journal to contain INDISPENSABLE information that is keeping me encouraged and from going around in circles. I see previous victories and my hair looking goodt sometimes. Encouraging! And I don't have to wonder: "Wait!: Did I ever try DCing with so-and-so and THEN adding so-and-so?" I just go read my regimen diary. I notice patterns and learn. The pics help so much, especially the ones of the back of my head. If I were really good, I'd take pictures of the amounts of shed hair and add those in.

 

[momi]

I haven't read through the thread but hopefully you've tried a steamer.

 

[SuchaLady]

No no no to Joico! That brand is laced with protein as well.

It is not. It has hydrolized wheat protein which is moisture binding and will not dry out her hair.

 

[princess_z]

I second the hair journal. I have a terrible memory and honestly sometimes I cannot remember whether I liked a product or not or if I did like it what was the name of it.

Honestly, all these product suggestions aside it really is going to come down to actually getting moisture inside of your strands and then sealing it in so it doesn't escape.

 

[Evolving78]

It is not. It has hydrolized wheat protein which is moisture binding and will not dry out her hair.

No protein. I didn't say it was a reconstructor. It is a balancing conditioner. If you are experiencing dryness and need more moisture, then you go with full moisture. You use a balancing conditioner once you have corrected the protein overload. All of her products have protein in it.

 

[Wenbev]

I have had the dryness problems and at times I still struggle.

Here's what I do externally for my hair
weekly - I cowash with a conditioner 3-4x a week to add moisture into my hair. I dont need to use any other product after I cowash because the moisture content in my hair is high after introducing that much water. I usually flat twist in four before bed and release in the morning to style.
monthly - I prepoo with a moisturizing condish, sweet almond oil or castor oil and essential oils known for adding health and vibrancy to hair, use a shampoo diluted in half with water, DC with another moisturizing conditioner, thoroughly rinse with warm-ish water and tshirt dry for half hour before using a creamy leave in. After the leave in has penetrated, I'll add a quarter sized amt of castor oil to seal.
All in all I use only a handful of products - a shampoo, a regular condish, a DC, a leavein and an oil.

I specifically left out the brands bc whilst it may work for me, it may not work for you and I wouldnt want you buying 50-11 products LOL.

I would focus on finding conditioners that are moisture adding instead of protein adding. I have found when I pick up products for "dry, damaged hair", they are full of proteins! Look for products that have ingredients made to soften and moisturize hair. The first five ingredients determine a lot about the product. if there's a bunch of chemicals, then I'd pass. Water should be the first ingredient. Aloe is another moisture giving ingredient. Benhentrimonium methosulfate is another good ingredient for moisture.

Also, maybe a series of mini trims to get rid of the heat damaged ends might help.

Internally, I take a multivit, concentrated silica, bamboo tea, cod liver oil, vit D and chlorella. I also drink 100oz of water daily.

If your hair is still dry after incorporating some/all these wonderful ideas in this thread, I would see your dr and get some bloodwork done to rule out any medical issue. I say this as I have an overactive thyroid and one of the symptoms is extremely dry skin, hair and splitting nails.

Good luck to you! BTW your new natural growth looks beautiful.

 

[trueheartofgold]

No no no to Joico! That brand is laced with protein as well. You have had enough of it. That's a balancing deep conditioner. No cowashing either right now, unless you shampoo frequently.

Silk Elements Mega Silk in the TAN jar. Not the olive (green) one. That's their protein treatment.

Thanks for the info! What products from the Elasta QP line do you use (shampoo, leave in, daily moisturizer, etc.)? A lot of people recommend the Creme Shampoo. I read a lot of recent reviews on Amazon and people said that they changed the formula and it now contains sulfates and causes dry hair. Do you use it?

What gel did you use? Does it play well with your leave in and daily moisturizer?

Also, is the Silk Elements you're referring to this one: http://www.sallybeauty.com/intense-conditioning-mayonnaise/SBS-373223,default,pd.html#q=silk+elements&start=48

Thank you!

 

[trueheartofgold]

Thought:

I know you are getting a LOT of information, product suggestions, technique suggests, and Do's and Don't's -- some of which are contradictory.

That's just the nature of the beast.

To help you manage the information and keep organized with what your trying/trialing . . . and most IMPORTANTLY to keep track of what works and what doesn't work . . . if you are the journaling type you might keep a HAIR JOURNAL for a couple of months or so.

It isn't necessary, of course. I just wanted to share because it's really helping me.

I made one in Micorosoft one Note. I have several tabs: Regimen Diary, Advice and Strategy Ideas, Thoughts, Products (subtabs here include Products Wish List, Products Used, My Product Reviews, etc.), From LHCF, etc.

I *try* to keep it simple: Mainly I stay in the Regimen Diary tab. There, I type the date and my product/technique combo for the day. After doing my hair, I snap a picture of my hair wet and dry, and then I attach the pictures right under the product/technique info. Later I add my review (just a paragraph about what works and what doesn't, how I like my hair, etc.). DONE.

I try to remember that a combo needs to be tried minimally 3 times before I can even think I know anything about it.

In the advice tab, I have typically copied and pasted the tip (usually from LHCF or some hair blog) and noted the rationale behind it. That has helped tremendously. ("Wait! Why am I supposed to be suspending use of coconut oil for a spell? Oh . . . yeah. An LHCF member and my stylist both said . . . .")

Goes without saying that you don't have to do NONE of that. But I have found my hair journal to contain INDISPENSABLE information that is keeping me encouraged and from going around in circles. I see previous victories and my hair looking goodt sometimes. Encouraging! And I don't have to wonder: "Wait!: Did I ever try DCing with so-and-so and THEN adding so-and-so?" I just go read my regimen diary. I notice patterns and learn. The pics help so much, especially the ones of the back of my head. If I were really good, I'd take pictures of the amounts of shed hair and add those in.

I'm going to start a journal right now...already have notes in my phone but will definitely break things up so I can keep better track....

 

[trueheartofgold]

I have had the dryness problems and at times I still struggle.

Here's what I do externally for my hair
weekly - I cowash with a conditioner 3-4x a week to add moisture into my hair. I dont need to use any other product after I cowash because the moisture content in my hair is high after introducing that much water. I usually flat twist in four before bed and release in the morning to style.
monthly - I prepoo with a moisturizing condish, sweet almond oil or castor oil and essential oils known for adding health and vibrancy to hair, use a shampoo diluted in half with water, DC with another moisturizing conditioner, thoroughly rinse with warm-ish water and tshirt dry for half hour before using a creamy leave in. After the leave in has penetrated, I'll add a quarter sized amt of castor oil to seal.
All in all I use only a handful of products - a shampoo, a regular condish, a DC, a leavein and an oil.

I specifically left out the brands bc whilst it may work for me, it may not work for you and I wouldnt want you buying 50-11 products LOL.

I would focus on finding conditioners that are moisture adding instead of protein adding. I have found when I pick up products for "dry, damaged hair", they are full of proteins! Look for products that have ingredients made to soften and moisturize hair. The first five ingredients determine a lot about the product. if there's a bunch of chemicals, then I'd pass. Water should be the first ingredient. Aloe is another moisture giving ingredient. Benhentrimonium methosulfate is another good ingredient for moisture.

Also, maybe a series of mini trims to get rid of the heat damaged ends might help.

Internally, I take a multivit, concentrated silica, bamboo tea, cod liver oil, vit D and chlorella. I also drink 100oz of water daily.

If your hair is still dry after incorporating some/all these wonderful ideas in this thread, I would see your dr and get some bloodwork done to rule out any medical issue. I say this as I have an overactive thyroid and one of the symptoms is extremely dry skin, hair and splitting nails.

Good luck to you! BTW your new natural growth looks beautiful.

Thank you! I've been to the doctor and did multiple tests...all normal. I also use fish oil and vitamin D. Eat healthy and also drink a gallon and more of water daily as well as exercise. Thanks regarding the new growth. I'm hopeful things will work out and I'll be able to overcome this challenge!

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I'm going to start a journal right now...already have notes in my phone but will definitely break things up so I can keep better track....

I hope it helps. I started out with too much, but once I honed in on basically documenting my attempts and jotting advice + the rationale behind it, it was easier and still helpful. I'm so glad I jotted product combos that worked and didn't work. Photos are great to have, too.

 

[trueheartofgold]

I hope it helps. I started out with too much, but once I honed in on basically documenting my attempts and jotting advice + the rationale behind it, it was easier and still helpful. I'm so glad I jotted product combos that worked and didn't work. Photos are great to have, too.

I will document photos too. Do you have a link to the dry hair thread you mentioned in a previous post?

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

I will document photos too. Do you have a link to the dry hair thread you mentioned in a previous post?

Here is the link: https://www.longhaircareforum.com/threads/deep-conditioner-for-dry-hair.800173/#post-23235501

HEADS UP: The thread is about DC-Ing on dry . . . as in NON-WET . . . hair. I know.

Still a good thread, though!

 

[trueheartofgold]

Here is the link: https://www.longhaircareforum.com/threads/deep-conditioner-for-dry-hair.800173/#post-23235501

HEADS UP: The thread is about DC-Ing on dry . . . as in NON-WET . . . hair. I know.

Still a good thread, though!

Ohhhhh doesn't apply to me then lol

 

[YvetteWithJoy]

Ohhhhh doesn't apply to me then lol

The OP had dry hair, lots of DCs were discussed and mentioned . . . It mentions a good number of products. Not too long a thread. Worth the read, I think.