Hair So Dry

Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
Hey everyone, I recently started my hair natural again-- well, like 4 months ago. I have been natural for years but getting blowouts every week. I started by cutting it into a bob in August to get rid of a lot of the heat damage. In January, I got a DevaCut getting rid of most of the rest of it.

My problem is that when I wake up not only is my hair dry as a bone but also stiff so I don't ever not have to wet it again the next day. I saw a post with a video about deep conditioning the right way and I'm doing that but it is still dry as sand in the AM. What does one do?

I've used every deep conditioner out there- my hair is always soft and awesome after but not the next day. I've tried oils and curl creams... All the same results. What do I do? I don't know what else to try.

(written with Gabrielle Union's conditioner in my hair with a shower cap on :p)
 
F

FadingDelilah

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
Hey everyone, I recently started my hair natural again-- well, like 4 months ago. I have been natural for years but getting blowouts every week. I started by cutting it into a bob in August to get rid of a lot of the heat damage. In January, I got a DevaCut getting rid of most of the rest of it.

My problem is that when I wake up not only is my hair dry as a bone but also stiff so I don't ever not have to wet it again the next day. I saw a post with a video about deep conditioning the right way and I'm doing that but it is still dry as sand in the AM. What does one do?

I've used every deep conditioner out there- my hair is always soft and awesome after but not the next day. I've tried oils and curl creams... All the same results. What do I do? I don't know what else to try.

(written with Gabrielle Union's conditioner in my hair with a shower cap on :p)
Click to expand...

Some people need to remoisturize every day due to porosity no matter what they do. However, many have had success with whipped shea butter on top of a glycerin based leave-in. No matter the porosity, it tends to leave the hair moisturized for days. Try it :D Also, if your hair doesn't like glycerin you can just use plain ol' water like me or another leave-in that your hair reacts well to beneath the shea butter.
 
CurlyWhoCrux

CurlyWhoCrux

Well-Known Member
I also struggle with dry hair basically every day. What I recently realized is that I need to pay attention to how my hair feels at every step of my regimen. So I started searching for a shampoo that didn’t leave my hair dry and tangly. If I can work shampoo through my hair, I know I’ll be okay.
So I would start with making sure your shampoo is cleaning your hair but not completely drying it out.

Next I detangled my hair with a good conditioner. You shouldn’t be fighting with your hair as you detangle it, IMO. If your conditioner/detangling aid doesn’t ease the process, try another one.

I deep condition with heat. This is more effective for me than not using heat.

What I’m now realizing is that after I rinse out my DC, I need to reintroduce a Leave-in, and then add a sealant. I’m still working on this area but right now I top my leave in with the curl enhancing smoothie from Shea moisture. Note: I’m not using it as a styler, just as a sealant.

I also think braiding or twisting your hair at several stages of your routine is helpful. It makes detangling easier when you work in a smaller section, you can make sure you’re getting a sufficient amount of product on your hair also.

If at any stage of your routine, you think your hair doesn’t feel good, you should reconsider the product or technique you used for that step.

I hope something in here helps you. I’m in the same boat as you but I am learning a lot recently and I think my hair is already showing signs of improvement.
 
NaturalShe94

NaturalShe94

Well-Known Member
Love Gabrielle Unions Line! I have everything from her line and doubles btw, lol!
Anywho, sounds like you may have high porosity hair. Have you done a protein treatment at all recently?
You may need one just to help fill the hair cuticles so your hair can hold moisture. Try using more strengthening products rather that super moisturizing products.
Strengthening products tend to provide a good amount of protein with a really good amount of moisture...
I suggest, but, if you find others that's great too: SM High Porosity line and their Jamaican Black Castor Oil line...
Curl Junkie Curl Rehab Moisturizing Treatment.
Aphogee 2-step Protein Treatment for the deep treatment...

Another tip: DC with heat and rinse with COOL water.
 
Atthatday

Atthatday

Every knee shall bow...
@Shavonn: What is your natural hair color? What color is it now? Does your scalp sweat while you’re sleeping? Do you wear a bonnet while sleeping? How do you style your hair at night? Is it a particular area that feels dry and stiff? Are your roots dry and stiff and/or is it your hair length?

Sorry for asking a lot of questions, but there’s a method behind the questions.
 
Theresamonet

Theresamonet

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
I've used every deep conditioner out there- my hair is always soft and awesome after but not the next day. I've tried oils and curl creams... All the same results. What do I do? I don't know what else to try.
Click to expand...

Oils and curl creams aren’t moisturizers. What are you using to moisturize? Are you applying on wet hair? Have you tried a method such as L.O.C or L.C.O?
 
I

intellectualuva

Well-Known Member
mzteaze said:
You might consider using a regular hot oil treatment under a steamer.
Click to expand...

This is the only thing I haven't tried yet. When I was relaxed my hair LOVED regular hot oil treatments, but I stopped doing them because I used to use those BSS oils that always seem to include mineral oil in those plastic containers. Maybe I can try them when I get home using Olive oil or something? Recommendations for oils?
 
Last edited:
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
@FadingDelilah yea, I’m not really sure about my hair’s porosity. I watched a couple YouTube videos about it. One said you could test it in water. It held right below the surface which meant low? Accurate?

I will also say I don’t do a good job or really, any job at all at checking ingredients. :-X

@CurlWhoCrux that’s a good methodology. I’ve definitely noticed the drying effects of some shampoos. I try not to shampoo too often and bought a cowash.

I want to wash and go, and not wet it for a few days but I’m starting to think it won’t be a sustainable model for me.

@NaturalShe94 I have not done a protein treatment lately. I’m not sure about my hair’s porosity. (See my comment to FadingDelilah above). I do have some Jamaican Black Castor Oil though I’ve not really made much use of it. I used to regularly use Aphogee so if I do a protein treatment, it will def be that one.

@Atthatday It’s naturally dark brown. It’s got blonde highlights. My scalp doesn’t sweat when I sleep but I do wear a bonnet. I just put it on- no styling (trying to maintain wash-n-go curls?). I’ve tried different bonnets too. I’d say the ends are dryer. It’s around shoulder length per the bob I got just last fall.

@Theresamonet I have I use Oyin’s Honey Dew sometimes and I have jojoba oil that I’ve been trying.

@ajoke the stylist that did my DevaCut said that the oil I was using may have been keeping moisture out so I’ve been trying jojoba oil since it’s water soluble.

@mzteaze ha! I have a steamer in my Amazon cart already and I’ve been deliberating on whether or not to get it. I might try that. I can’t remember the last time I did a hot oil treatment.
 
E

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
@Shavonn
Hi and welcome!
First and the most easiest thing you can do is when you shower, put a plastic cap on. When you get out, apply your products! Try some of the other suggestions, but at least my suggestion will get things going. Also, you just may need to moisturize daily. And you may need to change your bonnet, or scarf. And try a humidifier in your sleeping quarters.
 
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
shortdub78 said:
@Shavonn
Hi and welcome!
First and the most easiest thing you can do is when you shower, put a plastic cap on. When you get out, apply your products! Try some of the other suggestions, but at least my suggestion will get things going. Also, you just may need to moisturize daily. And you may need to change your bonnet, or scarf. And try a humidifier in your sleeping quarters.
Click to expand...
I don't mind moisturizing but the big hook is how dry it is in the am... it's also usually stiff, flattened (curls lost).
 
E

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
@FadingDelilah yea, I’m not really sure about my hair’s porosity. I watched a couple YouTube videos about it. One said you could test it in water. It held right below the surface which meant low? Accurate?

I will also say I don’t do a good job or really, any job at all at checking ingredients. :-X

@CurlWhoCrux that’s a good methodology. I’ve definitely noticed the drying effects of some shampoos. I try not to shampoo too often and bought a cowash.

I want to wash and go, and not wet it for a few days but I’m starting to think it won’t be a sustainable model for me.

@NaturalShe94 I have not done a protein treatment lately. I’m not sure about my hair’s porosity. (See my comment to FadingDelilah above). I do have some Jamaican Black Castor Oil though I’ve not really made much use of it. I used to regularly use Aphogee so if I do a protein treatment, it will def be that one.

@Atthatday It’s naturally dark brown. It’s got blonde highlights. My scalp doesn’t sweat when I sleep but I do wear a bonnet. I just put it on- no styling (trying to maintain wash-n-go curls?). I’ve tried different bonnets too. I’d say the ends are dryer. It’s around shoulder length per the bob I got just last fall.

@Theresamonet I have I use Oyin’s Honey Dew sometimes and I have jojoba oil that I’ve been trying.

@ajoke the stylist that did my DevaCut said that the oil I was using may have been keeping moisture out so I’ve been trying jojoba oil since it’s water soluble.

@mzteaze ha! I have a steamer in my Amazon cart already and I’ve been deliberating on whether or not to get it. I might try that. I can’t remember the last time I did a hot oil treatment.
Click to expand...
Can you just mist your hair with some water in the morning and apply your moisturizer? If you are using a gel for a wash n go, It will be dry the next day. And certain oils will rob you of moisture. Jojoba oil maybe drying as well.
 
E

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
I don't mind moisturizing but the big hook is how dry it is in the am... it's also usually stiff, flattened (curls lost).
Click to expand...
So you may just have to remoisturize. But like I said in another post, from my experience my hair is dry in the am when I use gel for a wash and go. And the air in my environment (home) is drying.
 
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
shortdub78 said:
Can you just mist your hair with some water in the morning and apply your moisturizer? If you are using a gel for a wash n go, It will be dry the next day. And certain oils will rob you of moisture. Jojoba oil maybe drying as well.
Click to expand...
My hair is so stiff and dry that it loses curl (probably because of previous heat damage- end curls being looser)- in the morning it is the shape of my bonnet lol I have not been having much success with jojoba the last month or so...
 
CurlyWhoCrux

CurlyWhoCrux

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
My hair is so stiff and dry that it loses curl (probably because of previous heat damage- end curls being looser)- in the morning it is the shape of my bonnet lol I have not been having much success with jojoba the last month or so...
Click to expand...

What do you do at night with your hair? Sorry if you’ve answered this already, I may have missed it.
 
E

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
My hair is so stiff and dry that it loses curl (probably because of previous heat damage- end curls being looser)- in the morning it is the shape of my bonnet lol I have not been having much success with jojoba the last month or so...
Click to expand...
Yeah you may just have to re-wet your hair. And just use a diffuser if it’s too wet. But use a mist water bottle, and a spray fresher/leave-in instead of adding creams and oils everyday. And you look like you may have enough hair to pull up in a with a satin scrunchie, then put your bonnet on.
 
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
shortdub78 said:
Yeah you may just have to re-wet your hair. And just use a diffuser if it’s too wet. But use a mist water bottle, and a spray fresher/leave-in instead of adding creams and oils everyday. And you look like you may have enough hair to pull up in a with a satin scrunchie, then put your bonnet on.
Click to expand...
Ha. I had to look up the pineapple method. It does look like it could help but I don't think it will work well with my hair length. I can just do a ponytail. I did see a video about banding though- seems like that could be an option? (edit) I saw some ones with short hair doing pineapple. Seems like it's worth a shot.
 
E

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
Shavonn said:
Ha. I had to look up the pineapple method. It does look like it could help but I don't think it will work well with my hair length. I can just do a ponytail. I did see a video about banding though- seems like that could be an option? (edit) I saw some ones with short hair doing pineapple. Seems like it's worth a shot.
Click to expand...
Yeah it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just gather your hair up at the top.
 
Coilystep

Coilystep

@imperial_acquisitions
Hey @Shavonn I recommend letting the shower water and steam get to your hair in the morning and apply conditioner into your hair while you’re in the shower. I shake while in the shower. Usually doing this reactivates the gel and my curls snap back you can also add more gel at this time.
 
mzteaze

mzteaze

Pilates and Yoga Kinda Gal
intellectualuva said:
This is the only thing I haven't tried yet. When I was relaxed my hair LOVED regular hot oil treatments, but I stopped doing them because I used to use those BSS oils that always seem to include mineral oil in those plastic containers. Maybe I can try them when I get home using Olive oil or something? Recommendations for oils?
Click to expand...

When I was working in my hair balance, I used JBCO and emu. These days I use my CP oil but you can use anything that your hair likes.
 
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
The pineappling thing worked for not having smushed curls so that so much for that idea @shortdub78 !
After a bunch of research, turns out I have low porosity hair and it looks like most of my deep conditioners have protein in them so I'll have to change it up.
 
Honi

Honi

There is no board.
When I first went natural I had the same problem. Every conditioner I put on my hair felt like nothing after rinsing. I washed it down the drain with no benefit.

Heat forces the moisture in. I'm also low porosity. Also, I had forgotten about bentonite clay from my relaxed days. Felt like getting a whole new head of hair.
 
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
Honi said:
When I first went natural I had the same problem. Every conditioner I put on my hair felt like nothing after rinsing. I washed it down the drain with no benefit.

Heat forces the moisture in. I'm also low porosity. Also, I had forgotten about bentonite clay from my relaxed days. Felt like getting a whole new head of hair.
Click to expand...
Right after rinsing and until it dries, it actually feels awesome. I guess that's why I didn't think that the dc could be the problem. I actually have some bentonite clay I bought for use on my face. I saw someone used it as a cleanser for their hair?
 
sunflora

sunflora

Flowah Powah
Shavonn said:
Right after rinsing and until it dries, it actually feels awesome. I guess that's why I didn't think that the dc could be the problem. I actually have some bentonite clay I bought for use on my face. I saw someone used it as a cleanser for their hair?
Click to expand...

Hey, I did the same thing! (Transitioning from heat-trained). I started in November and it was ROUGH. One thing is you need to figure out your hair. Things that work for other people may not work for you. Here's the steps I took:

1. CLARIFY. I needed to clarify specifically because I planned on converting to curly girl (no sulfates, no cones). Well, when I was heat trained I needed cones to protect my hair. The only way to get cones out is with a sulfate shampoo, so I started by clarifying with sulfates, deep conditioning with no cones and starting from there to add moisture.

2. Figure out what products work. If your hair is low po as you say, you need to start simple and work your way up. That means, do not immediately after washing put 3 or 4 products in your hair. Try just one. Then a second to seal. I found that build up is what made my hair dry and crispy. Using only water, following by a creamy moisturizer (I delude conditioner), followed by a seal help best. Also, spritz with warm water before adding product when you want to add moisture. It opens the cuticle.

3. Research your oils. I found that coconut oil was the culprit behind making my hair feel like straw. I never would have known - I used it for years on end, but that was when I was heat trained and my hair needed something to fill the open cuticles. Well, when I cut off my damage and started taking care of my hair, my strands no longer craved those extra bonds and all they did was sit on top of my hair. Try oils that are liquid at room temperature.

Once you basically start with a clean slate and find what works, stick to it.

Sorry for long post xD
 
Shavonn

Shavonn

Active Member
sunflora said:
Hey, I did the same thing! (Transitioning from heat-trained). I started in November and it was ROUGH. One thing is you need to figure out your hair. Things that work for other people may not work for you. Here's the steps I took:

1. CLARIFY. I needed to clarify specifically because I planned on converting to curly girl (no sulfates, no cones). Well, when I was heat trained I needed cones to protect my hair. The only way to get cones out is with a sulfate shampoo, so I started by clarifying with sulfates, deep conditioning with no cones and starting from there to add moisture.

2. Figure out what products work. If your hair is low po as you say, you need to start simple and work your way up. That means, do not immediately after washing put 3 or 4 products in your hair. Try just one. Then a second to seal. I found that build up is what made my hair dry and crispy. Using only water, following by a creamy moisturizer (I delude conditioner), followed by a seal help best. Also, spritz with warm water before adding product when you want to add moisture. It opens the cuticle.

3. Research your oils. I found that coconut oil was the culprit behind making my hair feel like straw. I never would have known - I used it for years on end, but that was when I was heat trained and my hair needed something to fill the open cuticles. Well, when I cut off my damage and started taking care of my hair, my strands no longer craved those extra bonds and all they did was sit on top of my hair. Try oils that are liquid at room temperature.

Once you basically start with a clean slate and find what works, stick to it.

Sorry for long post xD
Click to expand...

I spent the afternoon watching videos and reading stuff about low porosity hair and went through all of my products. Most were good but I didn't know about the thickness and quantity issue so I am doing less at a time. I had the same problem with coconut oil. I went off that rather quickly. I lean towards almond oil or jojoba usually. I saw a vid today where the girl said to apply oil after it's dry and she dried with cold air to close the cuticle instead of hot which she said would let the moisture right back out?
 
YvetteWithJoy

YvetteWithJoy

On break
Have you seen this video on the science of and good practices for hair that has low porosity? It's AMAZING. It's part 1 of 2, I believe.


Also, if your hair has low porosity, then you might need to raise your cuticles before applying your hydrating/moisturizing product (followed by your sealant). This can be done via using a product with a pH level that is cuticle-raising.

Here is a video by a doctor and hair specialists that gets into this. The video is crazy long. It's very good, but if you skip to time stamp 43:40, if I recall correctly, that's just before she's about to get into the topic of how to lift the cuticle of lowpo hair to receive moisture instead of having moisture just temporarily sit on top of the strand until dry.

 
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