Depression - After all these years, my hair feels like straw

[TrulyBlessed]

Hmm, your conditioners definitely sound good. Do you occassionally clarify your hair with a baking soda rinse or clarifying poo? Sometimes products don't really penetrate the strands as well if there is buildup of any kind, especially when using CON.

Also keep in mind that coconut oil helps to retain protein in the hair so maybe your hair is retaining too much protein and less moisture hence the dryness. The next time you condition your hair, you could add a bit of olive oil to help kick the moisture up a bit. Also it sounds like you may need a good water based daily moisturizer/hair lotion and seal with castor/olive oil a bit more often than the coconut oil. As for EFAs, Nordic Naturals makes a good one that's lemon flavored and you can find them at Vitamin Shoppe if there's one in your area. Good luck!

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

Excellent advice right here.. Flax Seed Oil is my new best friend...

It's the taste for me I can't handle. If you have any that have a better taste, pls suggest.

Also, do you take it with food or on an empty stomach? It kinda makes my tummy rumble.

 

[Irresistible]

Question, I know all hair is different, but does everyone do overnight oiling on dry hair? or damp hair?

you could do either, but try it on damp hair first and see how it goes

if you rinse your hair good and oil it up good with a good natural oil and leave it in overnight, it should add a tremendous amount of moisture/softness back into your hair

use Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

you still have to look into having your thyroid checked though, AND the other issues with your nutrition

 

[Irresistible]

It's the taste for me I can't handle. If you have any that have a better taste, pls suggest.

Also, do you take it with food or on an empty stomach? It kinda makes my tummy rumble.

Dont swallow the Oil alone, take your tbsp of oil in your mouth, hold it, and put some liquid in with it , like soda and swallow, you never taste it or feel it that way

If you could take
Fish Oil
Flax Seed Oil
Borage seed oil or Evening primrose oil

you would be getting all your EFA's

u can even add a lil Olive oil too

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

Also it sounds like you may need a good water based daily moisturizer/hair lotion and seal with castor/olive oil a bit more often than the coconut oil.

Yep, I occasionally clarify.

You know, I totally forgot that cocnut oil had protein.. but isn;t that good? Maybe it can plug the holes in my hair to keep all the moisture from escaping? I just thought of this now
Anyway, I do need to find a good moisturizer. LTR is pretty good but builds up quickly. I've been sealing w coconut oil, so I guess I'll try something else. I have some JBCO here...

 

[Irresistible]

I take 1/2 tsp of Fish oil (Orange or Lemon Flavored) Carlson's brand
1/.2 tsp of borage oil
1 tsp -1tbsp of Flax Oil
1/2 tsp of Olive oil

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

use Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

I have the unrefined coconut oil by Spectrum.. is that the same thing?

Dont swallow the Oil alone, take you tbsp in your mouth, hold it, and put some liquid in with it , like soda and swallow, you never taste it or feel it that way

If you could take
Fish Oil
Flax Seed Oil
Borage seed oil or Evening primrose oil

you would be getting all your EFA's

u can even add a lil Olive oil too

Do I need all that? Can you prioritize, lol. I just dont see me habitually taking that unless they are all in one bottle..

 

[Irresistible]

Yep, I occasionally clarify.

You know, I totally forgot that cocnut oil had protein.. but isn;t that good? Maybe it can plug the holes in my hair to keep all the moisture from escaping? I just thought of this now
Anyway, I do need to find a good moisturizer. LTR is pretty good but builds up quickly. I've been sealing w coconut oil, so I guess I'll try something else. I have some JBCO here...

all I use is Coconut oil , it should be fine, it keeps you from losing protein it doesnt really add protein

 

[Lucky's Mom]

You have been given lots of good advice!!! Are you conditioning Long enough?
I know that for me - that has made all the difference. I condition at least 1 to 2 hrs. Prepoo - is an hour or overnight.... Post poo is at least an hour.

 

[Irresistible]

I have the unrefined coconut oil by Spectrum.. is that the same thing?



Do I need all that? Can you prioritize, lol. I just dont see me habitually taking that unless they are all in one bottle..

if its unrefined its ok

well thats all the Omega's (3,6 and 9)

Fish oil is is the long chain of Omega 3
Flax oil is the short chain (its supposed to turn into the form the fish oil is already in provided all factors are present for it to do so) but has its own benefits in the short chain state
Borage Oil is Omega 6 (Flax oil is supposed to have some of that too)
Olive oil is Omega 9 (Flax Oil is supposed to have some of that too)

so if you wanted to narrow it down to the one that is supposed to give you all three, depending on if the short chain is able to convert in your body under all the right conditions

then take Flax Seed Oil

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

You have been given lots of good advice!!! Are you conditioning Long enough?
I know that for me - that has made all the difference. I condition at least 1 to 2 hrs. Prepoo - is an hour or overnight.... Post poo is at least an hour.

Yea, the least amount I do is 30-45 min. I used to leave it in for longer but I haven't had time. This is when I enjoyed my hair. I will try to get back to that. Are you ever afraid of letting your hair get mushy??

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

My next step was ayurvedic powders.. I bought some two days ago but havent tried them because I don't really like doing new stuff w/o mastering old stuff... but if the old stuff's not workin...

So, do ya'll think I should hold off? ( ithink I already know the answer, I just don't want them to expire)

 

[Cichelle]

I know this will not be popular and I'm not saying it is a cure for all. But I went through a period of time when my hair was SO DRY. I clarified and stopped using oils. I learned that too many products can make my hair dry. And oils can make my hair dry (and crunchy). It took a while, but I no longer have hay for hair.

I started using oil again but very, very little and not all of the time. If I go overboard, it never fails to result in dry hair. In general I use as little product as possible.

 

[Irresistible]

My next step was ayurvedic powders.. I bought some two days ago but havent tried them because I don't really like doing new stuff w/o mastering old stuff... but if the old stuff's not workin...

So, do ya'll think I should hold off? ( ithink I already know the answer, I just don't want them to expire)

yeah you know the answer, find the answer to whats going on with your hair first and address it from every angle till its doing better

no telling what those powders will do to your hair in the state its in right now

 

[Irresistible]

I know this will not be popular and I'm not saying it is a cure for all. But I went through a period of time when my hair was SO DRY. I clarified and stopped using oils. I learned that too many products can make my hair dry. And oils can make my hair dry (and crunchy). It took a while, but I no longer have hay for hair.

I started using oil again but very, very little and not all of the time. If I go overboard, it never fails to result in dry hair. In general I use as little product as possible.

well I guess in trying to find out if your hair loves oil and will benefit or if its causing a problem, the only thing to do is try it first, then if it there is no benefit then ditch the oil


I cant imagine you non oil loving hair headed ladies

my hair drinks it up, but yeah I think some hair loves oil and some just doesnt

 

[Irresistible]

Yea, the least amount I do is 30-45 min. I used to leave it in for longer but I haven't had time. This is when I enjoyed my hair. I will try to get back to that. Are you ever afraid of letting your hair get mushy??

I dont know if there is a difference with natural /relaxed with this mushy hair thing , but I leave conditioner in my hair for days on end and it never gets mushy

 

[Lucky's Mom]

Yea, the least amount I do is 30-45 min. I used to leave it in for longer but I haven't had time. This is when I enjoyed my hair. I will try to get back to that. Are you ever afraid of letting your hair get mushy??

Nope. Now - I am not relaxed, but no - because I stick to my regimen - in my fotki.

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

I know this will not be popular and I'm not saying it is a cure for all. But I went through a period of time when my hair was SO DRY. I clarified and stopped using oils. I learned that too many products can make my hair dry. And oils can make my hair dry (and crunchy). It took a while, but I no longer have hay for hair.

I started using oil again but very, very little and not all of the time. If I go overboard, it never fails to result in dry hair. In general I use as little product as possible.

Of course, I have thought of this. The reason why i started using oils was because it really does help seal in the moisture. After everything, when I moisturize my hair, I put a dab of oil to seal it in. I do, however, do get buildup which is another reason why I stopped cowashing.

How long did you try not using oil before you noticed a difference?
How much, if any, oil do you use now and which kinds?

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

I just have to finish studying and I will be back on later tonight. Thank you Ladies!

 

[Irresistible]

I just have to finish studying and I will be back on later tonight. Thank you Ladies!

are you going to make a Doctors appt? oke:

 

[Kalani]

I know this will not be popular and I'm not saying it is a cure for all. But I went through a period of time when my hair was SO DRY. I clarified and stopped using oils. I learned that too many products can make my hair dry. And oils can make my hair dry (and crunchy). It took a while, but I no longer have hay for hair.

I started using oil again but very, very little and not all of the time. If I go overboard, it never fails to result in dry hair. In general I use as little product as possible.

Same with my hair. I have to oils sparingly and only certain types of oils.

 

[Cichelle]

Of course, I have thought of this. The reason why i started using oils was because it really does help seal in the moisture. After everything, when I moisturize my hair, I put a dab of oil to seal it in. I do, however, do get buildup which is another reason why I stopped cowashing.

How long did you try not using oil before you noticed a difference?
How much, if any, oil do you use now and which kinds?

I use coconut oil, sparingly, on wet hair. I have had success with oiling before shampooing. But shampoo must be involved in this equation, as opposed to co-washing.

How long....hmm... It wasn't right away, as clarifying leaves my hair feeling a bit dry. But I think within a couple of weeks I started to see that I was on the right track. Taming my heavy hand was difficult. It's a mental thing to for me, because when a little of something works for my hair, I always think a lot will work even better. Wrong.

 

[JustKiya]

I'm another one who couldn't use oils initially, and then came back to them, and found that my hair likes castor oil. I haven't tried anything else.

One thing I haven't seen anyone mention - I assume all of your products have silicones in them? My hair was the same way when I was using conditioners with cones - and at that point in my hair life, I was also using shampoo regularly, so I doubt that I had significant buildup - but my hair would feel fabulous the day of a wash/condition - soft, moist, silky. The next day though, it would be hard, dry, and rough feeling - almost a whole different head of hair, and nothing - nothing - I did would make my hair feel better. I ended up locing, because I couldn't take it.

This time around, I'm not using any cones, and my hair - while still very much so moisture loving - does not get/feel like that - ever. Okay, if I didn't do ANYTHING to my hair for 2 or 3 weeks, it might start to feel like that again, but otherwise? No.

 

[locabouthair]

Excellent advice right here.. Flax Seed Oil is my new best friend...

I just started taking flaxseed oil. It is nasty but I always take it with some juice so I dont taste it. If you lack EFA, your hair will become dry and dull. I havent seen results yet though.

OP, I'm having the same problem as you, my hair feels crunchy and hard. Besides, nutrition, hard water, and everything everyone else mentioned I cant think of anything else. Like you I've been on the board for three years and I still cant get my moisture balance right.

Oh wait, what about cones and mineral oil and sulfates in your shampoo. Check and see if your products have that because that can block moisture.

But definitly take flaxseed oil or omega 3,6,9.

 

[charmtreese]

You have been given some great advice the only thing that I can add is:

* When you apply your moisturizer only apply a little at a time. rub it in between your palms and then dab onto your hair starting at the ends and working your way up. When using cream moisturizers less is always more. Seal your hair with oil using the same technique!

* ACV rinses do not work for me, however I did a green tea rinse this past Sunday and my hair has maintained moisture really well. Green tea is slightly acidic and will smooth the cuticles of the hair and is not as harsh as ACV. When I used green tea I applied my deep conditioner over the rinse sat under my heat cap for about 30 minutes and then rinsed.

 

[gymfreak336]

Have you had your iron levels checked?

Also, drop the oil for a while like the others have said. If you hair is having a chronic problem, its a sign that something you are doing is not helping.

Even though I love it, drop the Joico. Some people find that it has too much protein.

 

[tuffCOOKiE]

Even though I love it, drop the Joico. Some people find that it has too much protein.

I've dropped a LOT of protien from my reggie. I'm REALLY sad to hear you say this as, I love, love love this condish. But I feel the same way about HoneySuckle Rose so, I'll use that for the duration. I secretly hate you for speaking ill about my hunniebunnie Joico!!

* When you apply your moisturizer only apply a little at a time. rub it in between your palms and then dab onto your hair starting at the ends and working your way up. When using cream moisturizers less is always more. Seal your hair with oil using the same technique!

This is the method I use. I pincurl my hair at night because it's too dry to wrap and it's less manipulation. In the morning I take them down, moisturize just the ends and then put in a bun.

Green tea is slightly acidic and will smooth the cuticles of the hair and is not as harsh as ACV. When I used green tea I applied my deep conditioner over the rinse sat under my heat cap for about 30 minutes and then rinsed.

Question- did you just buy green tea (like, Lipton) adn boil some water and add tea bags? or are we talkin loose leaves? What is the formula for this? like, 1 tea bag for every 8 oz? was it dark or light tea? Lastly, did you make the rinse, do you DC and then make another green tea rinse to rinse the DC out?

Oh wait, what about cones and mineral oil and sulfates in your shampoo. Check and see if your products have that because that can block moisture.

I know mineral oit dries my hair out.. it just sits on my hair. I try not to use cones, I think the only stuff that has cones in it that I use is the Joico or the Kenra MC.. The Kenra MC not so much. I think I'll switch to HSR just to make sure. My leave in (LTR) doesn't have that though. I do not use shampoo w sulfates. Maybe my neutralizing shampoo has some..

Same with my hair. I have to oils sparingly and only certain types of oils.

I thought I recovered from this mistake but, maybe not. The first time I was using oils it was a MESS (i did an oil rinse) but I've gone a lot lighter. This condition prompts me to question maybe I'm still a little too heavy handed. I'm also adding this to the list

 

[Evolving78]

i think you need a break. wash, dc, dry, moisturize, and then braid it up/ do you like cornrows or kinky twists? if you get cornrows, you look like you have enough hair to wear that you can just braid your own without adding extentions. i would follow the crown and glory method. ifyou do the cornrows, just make sure they are not too tight, change the pattern every two weeks. trim your ends every few months, and that should help you out a lot. hth!

 

[chebaby]

i think the problem may be the moisturizer you are using. ltr is a leave in and while some people have success using leave ins and everyday moisturizers some of us need a real moisturizer. a cream, butter or lotion.

 

[SmartyPants]

Lye. Mizani Butter Blends for fine textured hair. My hair is coarse but not very resistant. I dint want to get my hair really straight and, this got my hair Straight. See this is the thing, the week i got my relaxer, my hair was really soft. Even after drying.. it was amazing! I was like THIS IS IT!!!. Lol, I want to relax my hair just to get that feeling back

You might want to try another lye-based relaxer. My stylist used Mizani Butter Blends on me the last time and my hair hates it! It definitely feels drier than usual.