I'm not black, but I have impossible hair. Losing hope. Please help!

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livesoundtech

New Member
Hi,

This is my first time posting here. My name is Keri and I'm Sicilian, so I'm not exactly a woman of color. However, I've been blessed with an interesting blend of ethnic hair, thanks to my mixed background.

I'll start by saying that my hair has NEVER been longer than BSL. This is after growing it for 5-6 years. I used to dye it, so I knew by my roots how much my hair had grown. I could easily go 3 months without having to touch up the roots.

I recently stopped dying my hair, and I've been taking 5000mcg biotin a day, along with a variety of other supplements.

My hair is extremely dry AND extremely greasy. It literally sticks together. If I straighten it, I can get a brush through it... otherwise I'll have no such luck. If it's straight and I brush it, and then try to put my fingers through it... impossible. It immediately tangles up. I can't even comb it into a neat ponytail. My hair is impossible to work with.



I'm looking for some advice! I recently got my first professional haircut in almost 8 years, and the woman had to stop in the middle because she couldn't comb my hair. She apologized but said she couldn't continue. I have NEVER permed, relaxed, or used any chemicals in my hair. I always used organic hair dyes, but I've given that up too. I flat iron about twice a month.

Attached are pictures of my hair on a good day... it looks soft and silky, but it's not. It's a nightmare to the touch. So thin I can practically see through it. Please help! Even HAIRSTYLISTS won't help!





What is my hair type? What can I do? I'm desperate and at this point, I'm willing to spend money if I have to. The biotin has caused a lot of NG but I'm not sure how healthy the NG is.

Finally, this is what my hair looked like after I attempted to comb it one day. I tried to use curlers for my boyfriend's prom last year, but ended up with a sticky mess... literally sticky.

I'm looking for ANY advice.

HELP!!!
 
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SmartyPants

New Member
I'm no expert (particularly not when compared to some of the ladies on this site), but a cursory look at your hair tells me that you need to find a good pure moisturizer. What products are you currently using on your hair? What is your natural hair color? How long has it been since you last colored your hair?
 

mamauv2

New Member
I'm no expert (particularly not when compared to some of the ladies on this site), but a cursory look at your hair tells me that you need to find a good pure moisturizer. What products are you currently using on your hair? What is your natural hair color? How long has it been since you last colored your hair?

ITA with the bold. MOISTURE! MAN, I was completely thrown off by the topic...still am a little but I hope you find a solution.
 

wheezy807

Well-Known Member
ITA, i would try to incorporate weekly deep conditioning into your regimen also. I'm not sure exactly how often you shampoo your hair weekly.
 

livesoundtech

New Member
I deep condition with this once per week:



I shampoo 3 times per week, and only the roots. I try to use moisturizing shampoo but it doesn't seem to help. I condition every time I shampoo, because conditioner alone makes my hair way too greasy. It's a lose-lose situation.

My natural hair color is very dark brown, and I last dyed it 2 months ago. Never again!
 

Chromia

Well-Known Member
Maybe your hair needs a clarifying & chelating shampoo or an ACV rinse?

I agree that you could use a weekly deep conditioner. If you don't already use a moisturizing shampoo you can try that also.
 

JustKiya

Well-Known Member
Heya Keri.

First thing we need to know is what you do to your hair now - what is your daily routine? Products, styling tools, favorite hairstyles, etc, etc, etc.

Off hand, I'd say you need a GOOOD DC, and some acidification - the sticky hair sounds like raised cuticles, and if you can smooth your hair down, that might help, a lot.
 

livesoundtech

New Member
ITA with the bold. MOISTURE! MAN, I was completely thrown off by the topic...still am a little but I hope you find a solution.

Haha, sorry about the topic! I'm just pretty sure I'm one of the only white people here. When I registered for the forum, every single page reminded me that this was for "women of color", so what better way to introduce myself? lol.

Thank you for the suggestion!
 

Christelyn

New Member
Actually SoundTech, your Sicilian heritage is rich with African decent--which is why perhaps you have schizophrenic hair! What line of hair products are you using? If you like natural hair products, I highly recommend lines like Phyto, Rene Furterer, or Giovanni. I co-sign with what the other girls said--you need a moisturizer for your hair and perhaps a different treatment for your oily scalp.
 

Tarae

New Member
I deep condition with this once per week:



I shampoo 3 times per week, and only the roots. I try to use moisturizing shampoo but it doesn't seem to help. I condition every time I shampoo, because conditioner alone makes my hair way too greasy. It's a lose-lose situation.

My natural hair color is very dark brown, and I last dyed it 2 months ago. Never again!
This probably isn't moisturizing enough.
I agree with the ladies who said you probably need to clarify and follow up with a more moisturizing DC.
 

Christelyn

New Member
Oh, and I forgot to add in my previous post...WELCOME! We are all "sisters in hair care" here. Welcome to the family.
 

mamauv2

New Member
Haha, sorry about the topic! I'm just pretty sure I'm one of the only white people here. When I registered for the forum, every single page reminded me that this was for "women of color", so what better way to introduce myself? lol.

Thank you for the suggestion!

No biggie, I understand feeling outnumbered. :grin: It's the longhaircareforum and I don't have any hair! :blush:
 

livesoundtech

New Member
Heya Keri.

First thing we need to know is what you do to your hair now - what is your daily routine? Products, styling tools, favorite hairstyles, etc, etc, etc.

Off hand, I'd say you need a GOOOD DC, and some acidification - the sticky hair sounds like raised cuticles, and if you can smooth your hair down, that might help, a lot.

Hey, thanks for the advice! Do you have any products you could recommend? Here is my routine:

- Herbal Essences moisturizing shampoo
- Herbal Essences moisturizing conditioner
- Biosilk serum in damp hair (ends only)
- let hair dry naturally, and brush only when dry
- if hair is sticky/greasy or if I am unable to brush, I wear it in a messy bun.
- if i AM able to brush it, I leave it down, or on a rare occasion, flat iron with Remington Wet 2 Straight flat iron.

Once weekly:

- Hair Mayonnaise deep conditioner
- Infusium 23 leave-in conditioner

Would you be able to recommend any products? Thank you all so much!
 

wheezy807

Well-Known Member
I deep condition with this once per week:



I shampoo 3 times per week, and only the roots. I try to use moisturizing shampoo but it doesn't seem to help. I condition every time I shampoo, because conditioner alone makes my hair way too greasy. It's a lose-lose situation.

My natural hair color is very dark brown, and I last dyed it 2 months ago. Never again!
I'm thinking this is more protein based. Please someone correct me if i'm wrong. Maybe you need something more moisturizing, a good moisturizing deep conditioner.:yep:
 

Sepia_Rose

New Member
Maybe your hair needs a clarifying & chelating shampoo or an ACV rinse?

I agree that you could use a weekly deep conditioner. If you don't already use a moisturizing shampoo you can try that also.


I agree with the bolded. :yep: I would try a good clarifying shampoo and not just in the roots, then follow up with a very moisturizing deep conditioner.
 

livesoundtech

New Member
This probably isn't moisturizing enough.
I agree with the ladies who said you probably need to clarify and follow up with a more moisturizing DC.

Thanks so much. By the way, I love the Sarah Palin thing in your signature. She's a character...
 

livesoundtech

New Member
Actually SoundTech, your Sicilian heritage is rich with African decent--which is why perhaps you have schizophrenic hair! What line of hair products are you using? If you like natural hair products, I highly recommend lines like Phyto, Rene Furterer, or Giovanni. I co-sign with what the other girls said--you need a moisturizer for your hair and perhaps a different treatment for your oily scalp.

Actually, my dad's family is African and Middle Eastern, so you hit the nail on the head!

I'll research those products. Thanks for the advice!
 

Neith

New Member
Your deep conditioner gets a thumbs up from me. If you find that it works and makes your hair moist (as it does for me), keep using it :yep:

These are the ingredients:

Water , Glycerin , Polyquaternium 32 , Mineral Oil , Dicetyldimonium Chloride , Behentrimonium Methosulfate , Cetearyl Alcohol , Panthenol , Cholesterol, Egg Powder , Dimethicone , Copolyol Laurate , Phenyl Trimethicone , Cetyl Alcohol , Olive Oil , Lanolin Oil , Tocopheryl Acetate , Carrot Oil , Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil Safflower , Officinalis Leaf Extract Rosemary , Urtica Dioica Extract Nettle , Equisetum Hyemale Extract , Soluble Collagen , Oregano , DMDM Hydantoin , Fragrance


Barely any protein in it. It has a good amount of petroleum though.
 

january noir

Sunny On a Cloudy Day
I recommend Chaz Dean's Wen Cleansing Conditioner.
  • It comes in 5 scents (Sweet Almond Mint, Fig, Lavender, Tea Tree and Cucumber Aloe)
  • It is an all-in-one all purpose product used to cleanse, condition, deep condition, use as a leave-in and for shaving.
  • I recommend the Sweet Almond Mint (good for all hair types)
You can purchase online only through Chaz Dean's Store, QVC or Amazon.

It really is FANTASTIC! If you want to know more, click here for one of the threads on this Forum.
 

WomanlyCharm

New Member
Hi there, welcome to the board! :wave:

You use Infusium leave in...that has alot of protein in it, and could be contributing to the lack of moisture problem. Try not using it for a while, and see if things improve.

And I'd definately try a clarifying shapoo or an ACV rinse, then if you can DC using a steamer or a home steam treatment (plastic cap and a hot towel).
 

hopeful

Well-Known Member
I knew a little girl once who's mom was German, dad was African and her hair was very similiar to the way you describe your hair, terribly tangly and it would easily get that sticky feeling. I tried to help her mom out once but was unsuccessful. I had never encountered hair like hers before. Just wanted to wish you luck, I am sure that with time, patience, and some experimenting you will find some products and techniques that will work for you. Good luck and welcome to the board.
 
Hey, thanks for the advice! Do you have any products you could recommend? Here is my routine:

- Herbal Essences moisturizing shampoo
- Herbal Essences moisturizing conditioner
- Biosilk serum in damp hair (ends only)
- let hair dry naturally, and brush only when dry
- if hair is sticky/greasy or if I am unable to brush, I wear it in a messy bun.
- if i AM able to brush it, I leave it down, or on a rare occasion, flat iron with Remington Wet 2 Straight flat iron.

Once weekly:

- Hair Mayonnaise deep conditioner
- Infusium 23 leave-in conditioner

Would you be able to recommend any products? Thank you all so much!

what about infusium 23 or ic. these are good leave ins. since you love natural products maybe you should incooperate honey in your deep conditioner of choice. i don't know about hair mayonnaise though. honey is a homectant and it helps to lay your cuticle down. hope this helps
 

malachi74

Well-Known Member
Hi there, welcome to the board! :wave:

You use Infusium leave in...that has alot of protein in it....

Cosign! I think maybe it's so rough b/c you're overloading on the protein between the mayo and the infusium. maybe try alternating with a good moisturizing deep conditioner.

You might want to try a moisturizer too, one you leave in the hair. Since you like herbal essencs you may want to try their long-term relationship leave-in.
 
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