Over Conditioning?

[HairPhoenix]

I have a couple of questions about conditioning for you ladies.

1) Since our hair tends to be dry, is it possible to over condition? If so, how can you tell when you have over conditioned your hair?

2) I have been using Profectiv Break Free for about a week. The label says Daily Leave-In Strengthener. I first used it as a leave-in after my co-wash last week. I used an applicator brush to get it on my new growth (2 inches) and then smoothed a smaller amount through my relaxed ends. Since the instructions indicate daily use, I would run my fingers through my roots each day and if they felt dry I put a little more Profective at my roots. I just washed my hair today and went through the leave-in procedure again. Then I noticed that I was about to finish off the jar. The jar is 8.25 oz. (All this to get to my question) Am I using too much? Am I using this product in the wrong way?

I just didn't expect to use so much so fast. I have noticed less breakage and my hair has been more moisturized this past week than it has ever been. So...

3) What is a good rule of thumb for applying leave-in conditioners and oils as far as the amount?

4) Can someone suggest some other creamy leave-ins? My hair drinks like a fish!

 

[CinnaMocha]

1) Since our hair tends to be dry, is it possible to over condition? If so, how can you tell when you have over conditioned your hair?

From what I know, you'll know your hair is over conditioned when it is limp and lifeless when you try to style after doing the process.

 

[bajanplums1]

I personally do not think there is anything as overconditioning. I think that there is using products that are too heavy for your hair or using too much of one product.. I say this because:

I use 4 different conditioners + a serum + oil, and my hair is not weighed down or greasy. I also use no more than a dime size - quarter size amount of any product that does not get rinsed out of my hair.
* Super 10 en 1 as a deep conditioner
* Elucence MB as a leave in
* Keracare Foam Wrap Set Lotion
* Serum
* Sebastian Potion 9 (every other day)
* Oil of my choice
* grease on my scalp

In contrast: When I used Keracare Humecto ALONE, my hair was super greasy, lip and weighed down.

My hair is very fine textured and relaxed. I found Profectiv was too heavy for my hair. Any product with oils will weigh my hair down. Instead I use oil as a finishing product to seal in the other conditioners.

 

[hot_pepper96]

Well there was one time that over moisturized w/S-Curl. My hair usually accepts oils, serems, and creams well. And i think I overdid it with S-curl like 3 days in a row. I woke one monring and my ends sort of melted off. I had to spray my L'Oreal Air Out spray which dried it out to just the right amount.

 

[Candy_C]

i think its possible, it happened to me.

the buildup of the conditioner can break off your hair (co- washes - be careful) and in general too. just swap conditioners every now and then, and shampoos and all will be koooool

 

[hairmaster]

Conditioning with leave- ins only seal in the dirt and pollutions you are exsposed to daily.

 

[Candy_C]

Conditioning with leave- ins only seal in the dirt and pollutions you are exsposed to daily.

thats true

 

[goldensensation]

If your hair is lifeless or is breaking off, brittle or not, you have either over conditioned with a moisturizer or a protein.

I have been using Profectiv for a couple of years and breakfree is one of my staple products. As a leave in, I use it after every wash and most of the time I put a plastic heat cap on for 15 minutes before I dry or style as usual. I also go through breakfree quickly. I use all of Profectiv's products quickly- but I love them.

 

[Mizani_Mrs]

As far as using alot of moisturizing conditioners and daily products, i personally do not believe that you cannot overdo it.

However....protein conditioners and daily products is a DIFFERENT STORY. when i overly use a protein conditioner or treatment, my hair will break off very easily and my hair will be extra dry. when i overly use daily products that contain protein very close to the top of the ingredient list (ample amount of protein), then i can instantly feel my hair becoming harder like after the 2nd or 3rd day of using it. Therefore i know it's time for me to stop using it and then use an oil if i feel like i have to add something to my hair. This is why I use the UBH daily moisturizers because they are the only ones (that i have found) that doesn't contain not one single drop of protein in it. so i can use it to my hearts content and never have to worry about overdoing the protein. then when i want a dab of protein...i simply will use EQP mango butter or something similiar....

 

[Lady_Lioness]

I have a couple of questions about conditioning for you ladies.

1) Since our hair tends to be dry, is it possible to over condition? If so, how can you tell when you have over conditioned your hair?

I feel it's possible...I can tell when my hair is over conditioned...by when it starts feeling mushy and too soft...and with that I would start to shed uncontrollably...when this happens I know to add some protein back into my hair.

 

[goldensensation]

I definitely agree with the other ladies. Overtime, you will be able to *feel* what your hair needs. You can have a routine but sometimes you will have to adjust it to suit those needs.

 

[benosayi]

I don't believe in over conditioning. When I was doing cw everyday, I would get more of a build up. If I did not clarify with Apple cider vinegar then my hair was lifeless. I did have to ease up on the protein. It made my hair brittle.

 

[HairPhoenix]

Thanks for all of your input, ladies. I am washing my hair today and I will add a clarifying step and cut back the cond a bit. I'll see what happens.

I am just going to try to find a balance between my natural roots and my relaxed ends. My new growth is doing so much better thanks to you all in LHCF.