Luscious Healthy Ends Challenge 2024

[GettingKinky]

@Chicoro are you in a house? If so you could have a water softener installed on your water supply. Or you can look for a filter for your showerhead, but I’ve heard that they aren’t as effective as the systems that use salt to remove the minerals

 

[newgrowth15]

View attachment 495115

So I weighed my dried sprouts and it turns out I had 1.45oz. I divided them so that they were roughly 0.75 oz (one batch had that, the other had the rest). then I added them into the oils that I infused earlier this week. (I never bothered with the double boiler method because I forgot.)

View attachment 495117

Calendula, Yarrow, Rosehip, Rose petals, Jasmine, Nettle, Lavendin, Hibiscus, Peppermint leaves, Lemongrass, Sage, Fenugreek leaves, Fenugreek seeds, Horsetail, Fenugreek sprouts

This time, I was particular about the oils that I infused them in. I chose Babassu because it's penetrative and I'm hoping that it will act as a conduit for the herbal goodness. I also added my trifecta (almond oil, macadamia nut, and hazelnut). This trio also feels great on the skin.

I'll use this oil for everything, sealing, healing scalp issues should any arise, and pre-pooing.

@snoop, how did your oil turn out? Do you like it? Are you experiencing any growth from using it?

 

[GettingKinky]

@Chicoro

This one looks promising

The ShowerStick - Shower Water Softener

Say goodbye to dry skin and hair with our ShowerStick shower water softener. Made in the USA, it removes hard water minerals for a truly refreshing shower experience.

watersticks.com

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro

This one looks promising

The ShowerStick - Shower Water Softener

Say goodbye to dry skin and hair with our ShowerStick shower water softener. Made in the USA, it removes hard water minerals for a truly refreshing shower experience.

watersticks.com

I live in a rented apartment. I can't change the shower head or add a filter.

 

[snoop]

@snoop, how did your oil turn out? Do you like it? Are you experiencing any growth from using it?

I have only started using it this last wash. It smells very... herbal. BUT I need to go back and find out what oils I used to make it because I like how they feel. It has a light, but glide-y feel to it.

The only thing is that I don't think that it's the best for sealing. I'm going to have to go back to the tallow. Maybe mix the two together before applying?

But first, I have to get rid of all of the build up on my hair. I'll try, tomorrow, with one of the past recipes that I used that I was satisfied with.

 

[Chicoro]

I have only started using it this last wash. It smells very... herbal. BUT I need to go back and find out what oils I used to make it because I like how they feel. It has a light, but glide-y feel to it.

The only thing is that I don't think that it's the best for sealing. I'm going to have to go back to the tallow. Maybe mix the two together before applying?

But first, I have to get rid of all of the build up on my hair. I'll try, tomorrow, with one of the past recipes that I used that I was satisfied with.

How are you getting rid of the buildup With which product? Or process?

 

[ScorpioLove]

I live in a rented apartment. I can't change the shower head or add a filter.

I rent too but I changed the shower head + added a filter and will change it back before I move out. It’s not too difficult assuming the shower spout is a standard one.

 

[snoop]

How are you getting rid of the buildup With which product? Or process?

I used a mix of aloe vera gel (fresh aloe), egg, honey, hibiscus, ACV

It worked! I'm going to post details in the no poo thread.

 

[Chicoro]

I rent too but I changed the shower head + added a filter and will change it back before I move out. It’s not too difficult assuming the shower spout is a standard one.

It’s not a standard shower spout like in the US. I bet if I investigate there is something out there! Thank you for the support!

 

[Chicoro]

I used a mix of aloe vera gel (fresh aloe), egg, honey, hibiscus, ACV

It worked! I'm going to post details in the no poo thread.

Please tag me when you do!!! And , what’s the science behind it? You always have great logic behind why you do what you do.

 

[Carrie A]

@Chicoro Maybe the owner might be open to you changing the shower head if you say that the water is affecting your skin. Here's one more that got good reviews. You ladies are genius with the detective work.

Eva filtering shower head, softens water

The EVA shower head naturally filters water for body hygiene and offers a soothing action for your skin. It filters, purifies and softens tap water. Its massage and soothing jet with extreme finesse reduces water consumption by approximately 30%. 3 years of research were necessary to put

eau-de-fontaine.com

 

[faithVA]

Thank you for that. I appreciate it. Do you have hard water in your area, too?

I don't where I live but the stylist is in the city and they could possibly have hard water there.

 

[faithVA]

Good suggestion!

They don’t have filtered water at my local store. They do have bottled drinking water, though. I can’t even find ice in the grocery store here in my French town.

What I can do @faithVA is just start with one braid! That can be as a test.

Bottled drinking water and 1 braid should definitely be a good test.

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro Maybe the owner might be open to you changing the shower head if you say that the water is affecting your skin. Here's one more that got good reviews. You ladies are genius with the detective work.

Eva filtering shower head, softens water

The EVA shower head naturally filters water for body hygiene and offers a soothing action for your skin. It filters, purifies and softens tap water. Its massage and soothing jet with extreme finesse reduces water consumption by approximately 30%. 3 years of research were necessary to put

eau-de-fontaine.com

Thank you so much, @Carrie A !
See, I told you the people in this thread are fabulous. All you have to do is ask. They are magical. So, if you stick around, they will help you figure out your issue, too.

 

[Chicoro]

Bottled drinking water and 1 braid should definitely be a good test.

Thank you. My little wheel in my head is turning!

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro

This one looks promising

The ShowerStick - Shower Water Softener

Say goodbye to dry skin and hair with our ShowerStick shower water softener. Made in the USA, it removes hard water minerals for a truly refreshing shower experience.

watersticks.com

Thank you. I am going to the Home Depot Equivalent, Castorama here in town and see what they have. There are lots of online stores 'here' in France, too.

 

[Chicoro]

I don't where I live but the stylist is in the city and they could possibly have hard water there.

Hmmm, that's interesting.

 

[snoop]

Good suggestion!

They don’t have filtered water at my local store. They do have bottled drinking water, though. I can’t even find ice in the grocery store here in my French town.

What I can do @faithVA is just start with one braid! That can be as a test.

If you can find bottled distilled water, that would be the best option for your test.

Drinking water will still have some minerals in it and may not give you enough of a variance, depending on where their water source is.

 

[Chicoro]

If you can find bottled distilled water, that would be the best option for your test.

Drinking water will still have some minerals in it and may not give you enough of a variance, depending on where their water source is.

Alright, let me do some ferreting around and digging and see what I can find.​

 

[Chicoro]

Alright ya'll, I've hijacked this thread enough with my personal situation so it's time for me to parachute out as the sole center of attention. Enough about me for now. I will keep you all updated about what I decide to do and my results! Thank you again for the incredible epiphanies and all the support and suggestions!

So please, bring on your questions for your situations and share with us what's going on. What's popping in the world of YOUR HAIR Ends?

 

[Theresamonet]

@Chicoro Most shower filters I’ve seen, don’t require changing the shower head. It’s is just an attachment added between the pipe and the existing shower head. Nothing changes structurally. Would that still not be allowed in your apartment?

 

[Chicoro]

@Chicoro Most shower filters I’ve seen, don’t require changing the shower head. It’s is just an attachment added between the pipe and the existing shower head. Nothing changes structurally. Would that still not be allowed in your apartment?

Thank you!

Young Grasshopper, I’m investigating. I’m going to the local hardware shop on Saturday and will take a photo of my shower head and kitchen sink. I wash my hair in the sink. We’ll see.

 

[Theresamonet]

Thank you!

Young Grasshopper, I’m investigating. I’m going to the local hardware shop on Saturday and will take a photo of my shower head and kitchen sink. I wash my hair in the sink. We’ll see.

For the kitchen sink you could probably just use a regular Brita water filter.

 

[GettingKinky]

I’m getting blow out trim on Thursday. This time I am only going to ask for a dusting. Last time I asked her to fix my shape a bit and she chopped off a bunch in the back. It looked much better but it doesn’t help me with my quest for 30” hair. If she cuts off too much this time I will bite the bullet and learn to do it myself.

My ends don’t feel tangly when I wash, so a dusting should be all I need. Then this weekend I will measure my hair and see how much progress I’ve made since the first week of March.

And since my hair will be stretched, I can try to bun with my hair sticks.

 

[snoop]

For the kitchen sink you could probably just use a regular Brita water filter.

From my understanding, Brita filters don't actually soften water.

I just grabbed this from the interwebs...

Source: https://www.aquasana.com/info/high-quality-water-filter-vs-water-softener-pd.html



I don't think that my water is particularly hard, but I know that eventually the kids of my Britas and the inside of my kettles do get hard water build-up. It takes a long time, but it happens. I imagine it would Halen faster for you because of how hard your water is.


Another source: https://clearwaterarizona.com/blog/filtered-water-vs-soft-water/

If you are searching for a water softener online, you may see some companies promoting “salt-free” water conditioners (also called descalers). These systems are not true water softeners because calcium and magnesium can only be removed from water through ion exchange. Instead, these systems change the molecular structure of your water to prevent residue build-up on pipes and fixtures (but do not remove these minerals entirely). Since minerals are still present in water processed through a descaler, it may continue to leave sticky or scummy residue on hair, skin and dishes.

A water filter doesn’t treat water hardness like a softener. Instead, it removes chemicals and contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, chlorine and biological organisms. Some of these chemicals and organisms may be naturally occurring; others may come from pollution sources in your region.

Water softeners and water filters perform two different types of treatment. Soft water may still need to be filtered, whereas filtered water could still be hard water. Depending on your needs, you may only need a water filter or water softener — or in some cases, a combined water filter and softener.

 

[Theresamonet]

From my understanding, Brita filters don't actually soften water.

I just grabbed this from the interwebs...

Source: https://www.aquasana.com/info/high-quality-water-filter-vs-water-softener-pd.html

View attachment 496733

I don't think that my water is particularly hard, but I know that eventually the kids of my Britas and the inside of my kettles do get hard water build-up. It takes a long time, but it happens. I imagine it would Halen faster for you because of how hard your water is.


Another source: https://clearwaterarizona.com/blog/filtered-water-vs-soft-water/

Brita claims that their filters reduce water hardness through an ion exchange process, just as your source says is required. However, their filters do not remove all of the calcium and magnesium because they are designed for drinking water, and Brita considers some degree of these minerals to be healthy. While a water softener would remove more calcium and magnesium, it still would not achieve 100% removal (I couldn’t find the exact percentages for either).

All water contains calcium and magnesium, and their amounts determine its hardness. If the Brita filter removes enough minerals to prevent negative effects on hair, it serves its purpose, even if it does not remove as much as a water softener.

I suggested this particular filter because I’ve used it before and I know it is very easy to put on and take off. Totally apartment friendly.


Source: Brita - What is Limescale?


I have heard of people using Brita filters (and other brands of filters) to wash their hair and faces, claiming it has made a difference.

I've been rinsing my hair with a Brita water pitcher...

Filtered Water= Beautiful Hair!!! [Archive] - The Long Hair Community Discussion Boards

Several years ago, before finding this forum, I told a friend who has super long beautiful black hair that i was growing my hair out. She told me that if I really wanted long hair, there were some things I needed to know. And then we both forgot, and, thankfully, she didn't tell me what it was...

forums.longhaircommunity.com

 

[Dare~to~Dream]

Speaking of shower filters, I just received a reminder email that it is time to replace my shower filter soon. I thought it was nice that the company reminded me but I had already marked the date on my personal calendar.

I definitely believe I have hard water though I never tested just how hard the water is. I have used three different shower filters over the years but honestly I can't tell much difference in my hair. The first ever shower filter I tried was a $25 Culligan model I got on Amazon. I felt an immediate difference in my skin right out of the shower so I knew it was doing something but I didn't feel much difference in my hair. I would have tried it again but you have to replace the filter after 2 months. My next shower filter was from Berkey and the filter lasts a whole year but it was extremely difficult to install until I got a tool to tighten it up and I felt no difference in my skin or hair. I now use a Crystal Quest filter. The filter lasts 6 months before it needs to be replaced. I think it is okay. I think I notice a slight difference in the way my skin feels but once again not much difference with my hair. I also like the Crystal Quest filter because it is easier to install. You just screw it on the shower stem and shower head; no tools required if you have a simple setup. I have this double shower head setup so I need a tool to reattach all of that. I would try a water softener but it would be kind of complicated to install with my current living arrangements.

Even though I don't notice a whole lot of difference with my hair, my hair has always been pretty soft whether I have a shower filter or not. Once I apply my moisturizers, it stays pretty moisturized until I am ready to apply them again. There was one time when my hair felt off but I think that was due to some hair products I had used on freshly washed hair.

Anyway, to be safe I clarify with shampoos that have chelating ingredients in them just to be on the safe side every 4-5 weeks. I even tried a citric acid chelating treatment that I found online but that wasn't the best for my hair. For the record, I have also done a final rinse with room temperature distilled water and still didn't notice much difference in my hair lol. I do keep distilled water in the house to use for anything I mix up for my hair outside of the shower like ayurvedic masks, apple cider vinegar spritzes and anything else requiring water.

I want to say one more thing. While I may not notice much difference or any difference at all with my hair, I do like shower filters for the other perceived health benefits. I read a detox book that said you are exposed to more chlorine in your shower than you are when you drink it straight from the tap. It makes sense. Think about it, the warm/hot water full of vaporized chemicals like chlorine is seeping into your largest organ, the skin. You are even inhaling more vaporized chlorine from the steam too. There are tons of articles about it online. Of course, there are a few articles that claim that unfiltered shower water doesn't do much harm but I rather be safe than sorry.

 

[snoop]

@Dare~to~Dream Thanks for sharing your experience. I used the Sprite filter on my shower for years, but I can't say that I've felt any real difference on my hair than when I didn't use it. I'm not even entirely sure that I felt any difference on my skin. The thing that seems to make the most difference, for my hair and scalp, is water temperature. (For example, after I clarified on Sunday, my scalp had a lot of flakes after my hair dried. My scalp also felt very tight and my hair was a bit crispy. I was rinsing in hot water. The next day I went back and rinsed again, but this time with cooler water. There was nothing there after my hair dried and my scalp felt like skin and not a leather bag.)

I think eventually, I'll look into getting a water softener for the house. Mainly because one of the kiddos has eczema on and off (moreso in the winter) and a couple have KP issues both of which may be aided by softer water (my guess, not anything I've looked into, yet.)

There is one lady on the interwebs that I've been following who has done experiments (water only) on her hair using distilled water. Her hair actually changed colour (got darker) and changed wave pattern after months of using distilled. She does not let ANY tap water get on her hair. I find it interesting to see hair experiments on looser textures because some changes are really hard to see on my hair because my coils are so tight. Sometimes my regimen is based on feel and faith.

 

[snoop]

So this is the water harness for the country. The area where I live has anywhere from moderately to very hard water, depending on which part of the lake you are. This is a span of 400km (250mi) -- so not a huge distance.



I'm also assuming that "slightly hard" is another way of saying "soft"?

Below, is the water harness for my city. I'm not entirely sure how to interpret what I'm reading, but I think that it's safe to say that I have moderately hard water.

The column with "500" is the Ministry's Aesthetic Objective
The column with "80-100" is the Operational Guideline
Yellow column is the Detection limit
The circle is my city's Distribution

 

[Dare~to~Dream]

@Dare~to~Dream Thanks for sharing your experience. I used the Sprite filter on my shower for years, but I can't say that I've felt any real difference on my hair than when I didn't use it. I'm not even entirely sure that I felt any difference on my skin.

The thing that seems to make the most difference, for my hair and scalp, is water temperature. (For example, after I clarified on Sunday, my scalp had a lot of flakes after my hair dried. My scalp also felt very tight and my hair was a bit crispy. I was rinsing in hot water. The next day I went back and rinsed again, but this time with cooler water. There was nothing there after my hair dried and my scalp felt like skin and not a leather bag.)

I always do my final rinse in cool or cold water but my initial rinses of shampoo and conditioning treatments are always warm/hotter. The cool rinse was something I learned as a teenager from a magazine that might have been Essence so I have been doing that for a long time. However, over the last year, I briefly experimented with doing all rinses in warmer water because of some YouTube video that said it was better for low porosity hair. I tried it and it was okay but my hair and scalp didn't feel any better doing it that way so I switched back. Besides, I don't think I really have low porosity hair anymore. I do experiment a tight scalp from time to time so I can probably turn the temperature down on the warm water rinses too.

I think eventually, I'll look into getting a water softener for the house. Mainly because one of the kiddos has eczema on and off (moreso in the winter) and a couple have KP issues both of which may be aided by softer water (my guess, not anything I've looked into, yet.)

I think a water softener is the best option. Add an whole house water filter to remove the chlorine and other filters and then you will have covered all bases.

There is one lady on the interwebs that I've been following who has done experiments (water only) on her hair using distilled water. Her hair actually changed colour (got darker) and changed wave pattern after months of using distilled. She does not let ANY tap water get on her hair. I find it interesting to see hair experiments on looser textures because some changes are really hard to see on my hair because my coils are so tight. Sometimes my regimen is based on feel and faith.

Interesting. Due to lack of convenience, I guess I can't see myself doing a whole wash with just distilled water. Even though a gallon of distilled water is very inexpensive, it would just take too many to use each week to thoroughly rinse out all everything (plus I will have to warm some of it for at least two rinses). If I were to try this experiment, I would just use distilled water as a final rinse for a certain period of time to gauge any results. I never tried it more than once since it didn't wow me but maybe the results are cumulative.