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

[blazingthru]

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.

Welcome livesoundtech,
I agree with the above. I been using WEN and my hair is natural, I am also mixed with Irish and english descent as well as african. WEN makes it really easy to detangle there is almost no tangles when I use this product it use to take about 10 mins now it take 1 minute or 2 its amazing the change in my hair. Also you should do all your detangling in the shower and section your hair as you go about it, perhaps let it dry in sections and then flat iron if you so choosed.

 

[LunadeMiel]

Welcome
Are the pics above showing your hair in it's natural state? Is it straightened?
Is your hair naturally straight/wavy/curly?
OT: OP you should refrain from saying things like "white" hair and "black" hair around here. Also refrain from saying "good" and "bad" hair. People tend to get really offended when these words are used.

 

[LadyKaypnyc]

You should also try cowashing and detangling on WET hair, then use clips to secure the section as you go along....then apply your moisturizer to each section, put it in a big braid (secure with an ouchless band) and let it air dry. That might help.

 

[LiLi]

Biosilk and Infusium 23 are known to cause dryness. I would say ditch them, chelate, and deep condition and see if that resolves the problem.

As a side note, my oldest ends were starting to feel dry. I used Kerastase Noctogentist for fine hair and my ends feel like silk (this is on air-dried hair). Not to say that you have to use Kerastase but, when I am having serious issues, those products have always resolved my problems.

 

[livesoundtech]

Welcome
Are the pics above showing your hair in it's natural state? Is it straightened?
Is your hair naturally straight/wavy/curly?
OT: OP you should refrain from saying things like "white" hair and "black" hair around here. Also refrain from saying "good" and "bad" hair. People tend to get really offended when these words are used.

Sorry! I didn't mean to offend anyone.

In the pictures my hair is in its natural state, and mostly brushed out. When wet, it is curly. Once I brush it, it gets a bit straighter.

Thanks to everyone for all of the helpful advice!

 

[intergalacticartist]

Sounds like you need some moisture. I recommend Redken All Soft Heavy Cream or Redken Real Control Masque.
Actually, thinking about it, Redken Real Control is targeted toward bi-racial that is unruly.

I hope you sort this thing out

 

[LunadeMiel]

Sorry! I didn't mean to offend anyone.

In the pictures my hair is in its natural state, and mostly brushed out. When wet, it is curly. Once I brush it, it gets a bit straighter.

Thanks to everyone for all of the helpful advice!

oh...no, you didn't offend me.. I was just giving you a heads up....

Have you tried cowashing (washing only with conditioner)? Do you usually apply a lot of products to your hair? If your scalp is greasy but your hair is try, you may be overloading on products.

 

[intergalacticartist]

Sounds like you need some moisture. I recommend Redken All Soft Heavy Cream or Redken Real Control Masque.
Actually, thinking about it, Redken Real Control is targeted toward bi-racial that is unruly.

I hope you sort this thing out

 

[january noir]

Welcome livesoundtech,
I agree with the above. I been using WEN and my hair is natural, I am also mixed with Irish and english descent as well as african. WEN makes it really easy to detangle there is almost no tangles when I use this product it use to take about 10 mins now it take 1 minute or 2 its amazing the change in my hair. Also you should do all your detangling in the shower and section your hair as you go about it, perhaps let it dry in sections and then flat iron if you so choosed.

Trudy I see you tried the Wen. Good for you. See OP...that's what I'm talking about

 

[livesoundtech]

oh...no, you didn't offend me.. I was just giving you a heads up....

Have you tried cowashing (washing only with conditioner)? Do you usually apply a lot of products to your hair? If your scalp is greasy but your hair is try, you may be overloading on products.

I used to cowash, but I stopped because someone told me it would make the problem worse. If I start to cowash again, should I use a milder conditioner, or a full-blown moisturizing one?

 

[Crystal]

What city do you live in? Have you ever gone to a black stylist? Or a Dominican?

 

[gymfreak336]

Hi and Welcome Keri

Toss the Infusium, the mayo and the biosilk.

Clarify like the other ladies already mentioned to remove any buildup and get your hair to a clean slate to start the rebalancing process.

You need more moisture products. Things like Redken All soft, kenra moisturizing conditioner, joico moisture recovery, mop moisturizing conditioner etc....

You can also try co-washing with just conditioner instead of shampooing. Many of us here don't shampoo nearly as often as we used too and as a result, our hair has more moisture and is more managable but still clean.

Giovanni makes great products too. Many ladies including myself like the Giovanni smooth as silk line. It gives weightless moisture but still helps detangle the hair and control it.

 

[LunadeMiel]

I used to cowash, but I stopped because someone told me it would make the problem worse. If I start to cowash again, should I use a milder conditioner, or a full-blown moisturizing one?

You can try using a cheapie and see how your hair likes it. I currently use Herbal essence Totally twisted and I love it. The only issue with cowashing is build up. To combat that you can use shampoo every couple of washes.

 

[livesoundtech]

What city do you live in? Have you ever gone to a black stylist? Or a Dominican?

I'm from Queens, NY, so that's easily doable. Great idea! Thanks!

 

[Toy]

Welcome to the board Livesoundtech.

 

[Wildchild453]

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!

Hi and welcome

I think the Herbal Essence is a good start, Hello Hydration is my favorite line. I think you need a good leave in. Giovanni Direct Leave in really good and light, you should be able to pick it up at the Vitamin Shop. Giovanni has a few other products if you want to try more.

You might want to try brushing it when your hair is damp, starting from the ends and moving up to the roots. This brush http://www.goody.com/Products/Collections/Styling_Therapy_Collection/add_shine/add_shine.aspx is my favorite!

I personally think you need a better deep conditioner and there are many all natural ways to go. Coconut Milk and Honey is a good mix. How often do you shampoo? Did you answer and I miss it?
.

 

[livesoundtech]

Hi and Welcome Keri

Toss the Infusium, the mayo and the biosilk.

Clarify like the other ladies already mentioned to remove any buildup and get your hair to a clean slate to start the rebalancing process.

You need more moisture products. Things like Redken All soft, kenra moisturizing conditioner, joico moisture recovery, mop moisturizing conditioner etc....

You can also try co-washing with just conditioner instead of shampooing. Many of us here don't shampoo nearly as often as we used too and as a result, our hair has more moisture and is more managable but still clean.

Giovanni makes great products too. Many ladies including myself like the Giovanni smooth as silk line. It gives weightless moisture but still helps detangle the hair and control it.

Thank you sooo much. I'm going to try the Redken, and I'm going to look into the Giovanni products as well.

Many people have suggested tossing the Infusium... I didn't even think it could be causing any problems... I just assumed it would "help" because it was a conditioner. I have a lot to learn! Thanks to everyone for the heads up.

 

[livesoundtech]

Hi and welcome

I think the Herbal Essence is a good start, Hello Hydration is my favorite line. I think you need a good leave in. Giovanni Direct Leave in really good and light, you should be able to pick it up at the Vitamin Shop. Giovanni has a few other products if you want to try more.

You might want to try brushing it when your hair is damp, starting from the ends and moving up to the roots. This brush http://www.goody.com/Products/Collections/Styling_Therapy_Collection/add_shine/add_shine.aspx is my favorite!

I personally think you need a better deep conditioner and there are many all natural ways to go. Coconut Milk and Honey is a good mix. How often do you shampoo? Did you answer and I miss it?
.

Wow, that's an awesome brush! I'll have to try it.

I used to shampoo once or twice a week, and now every other day, on average. I'd love to shampoo less, though, but I don't know how to get rid of the greasiness.

 

[gymfreak336]

Thank you sooo much. I'm going to try the Redken, and I'm going to look into the Giovanni products as well.

Many people have suggested tossing the Infusium... I didn't even think it could be causing any problems... I just assumed it would "help" because it was a conditioner. I have a lot to learn! Thanks to everyone for the heads up.

Check TJMaxx for the giovanni first since they have been having it lately for good prices. You can also find mini sample bottles at Ulta. Lonei, a member here with very long relaxed hair, uses Giovanni products nearly exclusively.

 

[MonPetite]

When you get an idea of what you need, my fotki has 193 product reviews and counting. I don't believe in "white" or "black" products so you'll find everything from Herbal Essence, to Redken, to Aveda, to Suave to help you save $$$ an figure out what your hair likes!

 

[Kurlee]

welcome to the board livesoundtech!!!

I suggest that you toss the infusium, mayo and biosilk, too much protein will make your hair feel dryer. I say get some elucence moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, or some kenra moisturizing conditioner. When you condition, use heat for about 20 minutes.

 

[carameldiva]

Welcome Keri

 

[RedVelvet310]

I used to cowash, but I stopped because someone told me it would make the problem worse. If I start to cowash again, should I use a milder conditioner, or a full-blown moisturizing one?

CoWashing is only worse if you don't clarify because some conditioners cause build-up. If I'm not mistaken Herbal Essences has cones and it can cause build-up when used continuously so you have to make sure to clarify if you decide to co wash with Herbal Essences condish. I believe WEN conditioners are good because they don't cause buildup (correct me if I'm wrong )

You have some pretty solid advice from the LHCF veterans here, deep conditioning with moisture rich conditioners may be a great place to start on your hair journey. And then work your way up from there.

HTH

BTW WELCOME TO LHCF

 

[KAT25]

try mixing aloe in with your conditioner

 

[KAT25]

 

[SoAnxious12]

hello there newbie!

 

[nicki6]

Just wanted to say Welcome

 

[BostonMaria]

Welcome livesoundtech

I wouldn't shampoo so much if I were you. You mentioned that your hair feels too greasy if you co-wash, but maybe its from product build-up. I would give co-washing a try again and maybe if you stay away from Infusium it'll work better. I know that when I first started co-washing I had to give it 2 weeks before I noticed the difference.

Good luck!

 

[NYAmicas]

Hey, Welcome Keri!
I hope out of all the advice given, you find something that will help.

 

[Shalilac]

Welcome to LHCF!