Air Drying.

[Leona28]

It's coming to my 3rd week of my hair journey. Few weeks ago noted that my hair had been breaking after using a new hair dye. I have since been deep conditioning more often and air drying with the occasional flat iron on lower than 400F.
My most concern is re the air drying stage. My hair loses moisture very quickly and quite soon it feels brittle and crispy. Sounds exactly like a dry plant leaf when rubbed together. I've tried the porosity test - prior to my relaxer (Used Phytorelaxer last night with a reconstuctor), my broken hairs floated in water whereas since relaxing, the hairs sank quickly. I have since deep conditioned this afternoon and boy did my hair feel succulent. Once DC's, I shampoo'd (Tresemme Moisturizing Naturals) and conditioned (TMN again). I followed this by adding John Frieda Extra Strength Frizz Ease. Braided into four sections and am currently air drying. I'm really concerned that my edges are drying and turning 'crispy' again.
I have relaxed type 4 hair.

 

[constance]

IMHO, I think you may be doing a little too much to your hair. It is in a very fragile state due to the double processing (relaxer and hair dye). Is it possible to dc and rinse rather than shampoo?

Also, try to be extra careful in manipulating your hair and try to avoid heat when possible.

 

[MrsJaiDiva]

I agree with constance re the shampooing. This might be a good time to experiment with cleansing conditioners...the less moisture you strip out, the less you have to do to keep it in. The L.O.C method might work as well. Co-cleanse, then oil, then conditioner...I leave my conditioner, Tresseme Naturals, in.

 

[KhandiB]

The main thing I would suggest, if your hair is that brittle, you should stay away from direct heat . Maybe use heat when you are DCing. And Incorporate significant co-washing into your regimen . Whenever I go through dryspells that helps me a lot. And when selecting a DC, I always make sure that it contains Polyquats,

 

[Fhrizzball]

Sounds like you have high porosity as well so perhaps invest in a product that will balance the P.H in your hair to close the cuticles?

 

[Leona28]

Thanks girls. Only thing is that this is the first time I've shampoo'd in 2 weeks. I neutralized yesterday after the relaxer but that's about it.

I understand that moisture is key but it seems to be a need at present. I find my hair lasts well with low flat ironing once every 2-3 weeks therefore this is not an issue of mine. I used to use the Babyliss Big Hair which broke my hair therefore I have ceased a few months now.

 

[Leona28]

Sounds like you have high porosity as well so perhaps invest in a product that will balance the P.H in your hair to close the cuticles?

I'm waiting on my order for porosity control therefore this too is coming into my regime. cheers

 

[Leona28]

Hey MrsJD, I am not aware of any cleansing conditioners. Which are you referring to, please? Secondly if you have oils going into your DC, how will you remove them if not shampoo'd? I believe tea rinses are used as DC instead of creamy conditioners with a concoction of other goods like honey and olive oil...right?

 

[sunnieb]

Hey MrsJD, I am not aware of any cleansing conditioners. Which are you referring to, please? Secondly if you have oils going into your DC, how will you remove them if not shampoo'd? I believe tea rinses are used as DC instead of creamy conditioners with a concoction of other goods like honey and olive oil...right?

WEN is an excellent (but expensive) cleansing conditioner.

 

[lolascurls]

I agree with the ladies above about leaving out the shampoo for a while. Or alternate shampooing every other week and in between, co-wash (use conditioner as your cleanser after DCing).
Secondly, I feel your choice of leave-in conditioner is important. They help keep the hair smooth and supple whilst drying (even air-drying) after a wash. John Freida's Frizz Ease is mainly full of silicones which are not actually that conditioning. They just stick to your hair. You need a moisturizing leave-in before applying that. You may find you don't need the frizz ease with a good leave-in.

 

[MrsJaiDiva]

Hey MrsJD, I am not aware of any cleansing conditioners. Which are you referring to, please? Secondly if you have oils going into your DC, how will you remove them if not shampoo'd? I believe tea rinses are used as DC instead of creamy conditioners with a concoction of other goods like honey and olive oil...right?

There's:
Wen - http://www.qvc.com/WEN-Beauty.category.6285.html?refine=1282822+4294966535

Ren - http://www.renpure.com/cleansing-conditioners

Curl Junkie - http://www.curljunkie.com/Daily-Fix-Cleansing-Conditioner-p/dfcc32.htm

As-I-Am - http://www.asiamnaturally.com/coconut-cowash.html

Hair One - http://www.sallybeauty.com/on/deman...=subBrand&prefv1=HARONE&brandLandingPage=true

And many others. Cleansing Conditioners do the same job as shampoo, without stripping all the moisture out of your hair. I like co-cleansers better than cowashing, because they really keep my scalp clean...which is a Must for me.