Need Some Suggestions If You Don't Mind

[CityGirlLuv]

I've noticed that my hair has this problem of feeling brittle and what not. I know it needs moisture b/c I use Mane N Tail Conditioner and from what I read that's mainly protein. I tend to use Africa's Best Organics Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner as a moisturizer. It does well temporarily, but it's as if my hair sucks out the moisture that it can - which in turn it still ends up being dry.

I've searched and read up on women using butters for their hair, but I'm still not clear on them. Can they be used as a daily moisturizer?

I'm looking into some Darcy's Botanical products as I know a lot of people have stated that they're good, but I'm just a little confused. Plus I think my hair is porous also and correct me if I'm wrong, but I read ACV should help that out.

So basically...I'm trying to learn how to keep my hair moisturized, and if it helps, I tend to wear it in a bun a lot as a protective style. Plus I just got a job at Target, so I'm trying to figure out what is good to use all day while I'll be working.

 

[CityGirlLuv]

Forgot to add...I have cut back on straightening my hair once a week, but now I usually do it twice if I can go that long.

 

[Nonie]

I personally think you need a moisturizing conditioner and should alternate it with Mane N Tail or use it after it. I think you should DC with a moisturizing conditioner so you infuse moisture into you hair. Hair doesn't just need moisture applied on the outside but also needs it to penetrate the strands. Baggying could help with that, but so could DCing with something uber moisturizing. Because I only buy shampoos/conditioners that say for dry hair, moisture is never something I find lacking in my regimen. Aussie 3MM Dee..p and NTM Mask
are two products that come to mind that are moisturizing. If you have some dough to spare, AVEDA Dry Remedy Moisturizing Treatment Masque says to improve dry hair 63%.

I don't know about anything but S Curl when it comes to leave-in so can't really give any info on other moisturizers. I do know butters and oils didn't do a thing for my hair.

 

[mzteaze]

If you are straightening your hair regularly, please consider how you can infuse moisture on every level.

Consider doing a moisture pre-poo (aloe vera juice/gel, 1-2 Tbsp of your choice in oil mixed together then cover your hair in the mix. Then go back and add warmed coconut oil. Let it sit for 15 mins to as long as you want).

I think Nonie made some good suggestions for condishes.

So you should look for a good moisture infusing leave-in:
- You can try Chicoro's leave in (there is a thread for this)
- Jane Carter's Leave-in (gets good reviews)
- Its a 10! Leave-In

There are definitely other suggestions that aren't coming to mind, but there is a decent thread with suggestions.

 

[CityGirlLuv]

Thank you very much to you both. I'm going to try some of these products b/c I really need to retain the moisture in my hair.

 

[virtuenow]

Shampoos strip your hair of moisture, so if you can try co-washing w/a moisturizing conditioner instead, this may be the first step forward for you. I ignored this advice for years, but just recently incorporated it in my routine and experienced moisture like never before. You can get a color applicator bottle and dilute your shampoo and poo just your scalp as needed. Or if you can't let go of the shampoos, dilute them (squeeze 2-3 squirts in the color app bottle and fill rest w/water). Make sure you do a pre-shampoo treatment, like chicoro's mix (mentioned by mzteaze above): http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=509482;
As far as conditioning, you should really try oil rinses (i use castor oil), which will help you retain moisture better as continue these techniques: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=150965

 

[YoursTrulyRE]

Shampoos strip your hair of moisture, so if you can try co-washing w/a moisturizing conditioner instead, this may be the first step forward for you. I ignored this advice for years, but just recently incorporated it in my routine and experienced moisture like never before. You can get a color applicator bottle and dilute your shampoo and poo just your scalp as needed. Or if you can't let go of the shampoos, dilute them (squeeze 2-3 squirts in the color app bottle and fill rest w/water). Make sure you do a pre-shampoo treatment, like chicoro's mix (mentioned by mzteaze above): http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=509482;
As far as conditioning, you should really try oil rinses (i use castor oil), which will help you retain moisture better as continue these techniques: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=150965

Do you warm your castor oil before you apply it to your hair? I'm thinking sticky castor on wet hair = hard to apply. erplexed

 

[virtuenow]

Do you warm your castor oil before you apply it to your hair? I'm thinking sticky castor on wet hair = hard to apply. erplexed

No, in the shower it spreads very easy-- I use abt nickel or quarter sized squeeze for each of the 4 quadrons of hair...its already steamy by that time. I guess it may depend on the brand b/c I get the Now brand and it spreads well. You can try a different oil if u please- just check that link for suggestions.

Sent from my SPH-M920 using Long Hair Care Forum App

 

[Rocky91]

I'm all about building up that internal moisture-I don't really use moisturizers on a regular basis.
I recommend regular deep conditioning with a moisture rich conditioner. I really like Silk Elements, and it's nicely priced for my student budget.

 

[maxineshaw]

I recommend that in addition to most of the advice you have received, you examine the quality of your water. I went through a long phase where I thought I needed to change moisturizers and such because my hair felt super brittle. Turns out the minerals in my water were preventing my hair from retaining moisture. I switched to a chelating shampoo (Elasta QP Creme Conditioning Shampoo and Organic Root Stimulator Creamy Aloe Shampoo) and now I can pretty much use whatever moisturizer I want. I don't even dc anymore.

 

[virtuenow]

I have actually been looking into a water softener/filter for the showerhead--it sounds liike

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[renren]

There were many great responses here about moisturizing the hair... in addition to those you can also try sealing the hair (after you impart moisture during deep conditioning etc) with some sort of butter or serum...

I not sure if i missed it above but are you a natural or relaxed?

 

[KhandiB]

As the ladies above said, it seems like you are missing some moisture. If you are a heat user, such as myself,you need to make sure you have lots of moisture. I suggest only using conditioners that have PolyQuats in them. If your hair is that dry, I would suggest laying off the heat a little while and try some co-washing and protective styling, braidouts and the like.