Clarifying can make a HUGE difference. If your hair has build-up, that build-up will block out moisturizers/oils that should be getting absorbed. They will just sit on top. Clarifying doesn't dry out my fine hair; maybe because I do it as a first step. I don't clarify frequently, but when I do, it is on a DC day; so my hair isn't stripped, it's just more "receptive" to the conditioner.
I agree. I clarified my hair (I just use Pantene Pure) and my hair was so shiny afterwards.
Of course I conditioned well afterwards.
OP, I feel your pain though. I too have fine hair and am ALWAYS on the search for a (1) light moisturizer that will (2) allow me to keep some body.
I recently purchased Carol's Daughter Healthy Butter. Hated it. Will be returning it back to Macy's.
Of late, I have been skipping the styling moisturizers for the first couple of days right after shampooing. I am relying on my leave-in's to give me adequate moisture. To do this, I upped the amount used going from my usual nickel size, to quarter size. Still, my hair only has body/swing for a good two days.
The two days leading up to wash day, I will moisturize though. Those two days I am wearing a ponytail or hair up in banana clip.
I have been using a few things:
Phyto's Daily Nourishing Botanical Cream (#7). This weekend I purchased #9 (Ultra Nourishing). I really like #7. It is pretty light. I will see how #9 works. Just because I have the box near by, I will list the ingredients.
Kiehl's Silk Groom. I just realized I need use this sparingly (duh)as it contains amino acids (protein).