This is Why I need a better way to airdy!!! (pics!!)(vent)

*ElleB

New Member
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Look at all the hair I lost when from detangling AIRDRYED hair!!!!!!!

That, the way my hair tangles, and the fact that I think that I have HARD water, are driving me crazy....I'm bout to start washing my hair less (UGGHH, YUCK!) or UPPING the heat factor.... :(
 
Why not detangled when hair is saturated with conditioner first. Girl, I wouldn't DARE try to detangled my airdried hair 'cause of the manipulation! I am 4b relaxed and airdry exclusively without any problems for the last 2 years. The key for me is I make sure to do my detangling when my hair is saturated with condish. Once I rinse, apply leave ins and airdry, I don't manipulate my hair much again until its saturated with condish my next wash.

This hair thang is all trial and error and I hope you don't give up on airdrying without trying some different techniques, which I'm sure other LHCFers will chime in to provide.
 
Neroli said:
Why not detangled when hair is saturated with conditioner first. Girl, I wouldn't DARE try to detangled my airdried hair 'cause of the manipulation! I am 4b relaxed and airdry exclusively without any problems for the last 2 years. The key for me is I make sure to do my detangling when my hair is saturated with condish. Once I rinse, apply leave ins and airdry, I don't manipulate my hair much again until its saturated with condish my next wash.

This hair thang is all trial and error and I hope you don't give up on airdrying without trying some different techniques, which I'm sure other LHCFers will chime in to provide.

I agree. If my hair is going to be airdried, all manipulation is done to wet hair. Once I put it "away" to dry, I leave it alone.
 
I cannot airdry to save my life. I tried various techniques, and I have finally come to the conclusion that airdrying is not for everyone. My hair sheds and breaks much more when I airdry. So now I just rollerset or wet wrap. Even though Im under the dryer for an extended period of time, its worth it in the end. Airdrying is not my friend...:(
 
shunta said:
I cannot airdry to save my life. I tried various techniques, and I have finally come to the conclusion that airdrying is not for everyone. My hair sheds and breaks much more when I airdry. So now I just rollerset or wet wrap. Even though Im under the dryer for an extended period of time, its worth it in the end. Airdrying is not my friend...:(




I must agree!!!
 
Neroli said:
Why not detangled when hair is saturated with conditioner first. Girl, I wouldn't DARE try to detangled my airdried hair 'cause of the manipulation! I am 4b relaxed and airdry exclusively without any problems for the last 2 years. The key for me is I make sure to do my detangling when my hair is saturated with condish. Once I rinse, apply leave ins and airdry, I don't manipulate my hair much again until its saturated with condish my next wash.

This hair thang is all trial and error and I hope you don't give up on airdrying without trying some different techniques, which I'm sure other LHCFers will chime in to provide.

Trust me I do!!!

I even tried washing and conditioning in sections....

Then, I rinsed my hair the next day because my scalp was itching, and put it back....And it was a mess....But even when I don't my hair does the same thing!!:perplexed

I think I have hard water...Once my hair drys, the hair hardens and matts up....MY HAIR CAN"T HOLD MOISTURE FOR NOTHING!
 
I must add tho, after I got all that mess untangled...(With some Mane and Tail Detangler, ON HAND) My hair felt much better....I slathered on some beloved Heavy Cream....Its soft and nice now...hee hee...
 
I try not to comb my hair when it dry period esp airdreid, only if its flat ironed and I still spray a moisturizer on it first. I read this in browneyedgirls fotki about breakage problems. It helped me alot.
 
When I air dry loose (daily), I never lose more than a few strands. And my hair comes out the way it is in my signature, which is presentable on a daily basis. I recommend an acidifying conditioner to smooth and close the hair cuticle. Like Nexxus Ensure. Then, the hair will not stick together and tangle.

To tell the truth I really don't even detangle (and I think we have similar lengths). I use a good detangling conditioner. Then air dry naked (no product). When it's almost dry and apply a moisturizing creme leave-in and comb through for the first time. When it's dry I spritz with a liquid leave-in and let dry for a few mintues then put in my Caruso rollers.

Combing through that one time is really enough for me, although I sometimes comb through after the spritz.

Do you use a good detangling conditioner?
Do you air dry with too much product on?
Are you using a comb with teeth too close together?

Again, I say try an acidifying conditioner. :yep:
 
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That is why I left air drying alone...that exact same thing would happen to me too. I've started roller setting...and it has helped. I have recently started combing my hair less...I can't just not comb my hair because it starts to lose it's fullness and look piecey. It seems to be working. Try roller setting, I am sure you will have better results. HTH... and don't give up girl!:)
 
Do you think it could be the products that you're using? I get a little breakage when I air-dry then wrap, but I think it's better to wrap when it's a little damp (that's what I'm going to start doing). I use Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine 3 minute masque, which it really good for getting hair straight and detangled while air-drying...at least it works for me. I use it once a weekd. Oh, and I also detangle while wet like the other girls. HTH
 
Synthia said:
When I air dry loose (daily), I never lose more than a few strands. And my hair comes out the way it is in my avatar, which is presentable on a daily basis. I recommend an acidifying conditioner to smooth and close the hair cuticle. Like Nexxus Ensure. Then, the hair will not stick together and tangle.

To tell the truth I really don't even detangle (and I think we have similar lengths). I use a good detangling conditioner. Then air dry naked (no product). When it's almost dry and apply a moisturizing creme leave-in and comb through for the first time. When it's dry I spritz with a liquid leave-in and let dry for a few mintues then put in my Caruso rollers.

Combing through that one time is really enough for me, although I sometimes comb through after the spritz.

Do you use a good detangling conditioner?
Do you air dry with too much product on?
Are you using a comb with teeth too close together?

Again, I say try an acidifying conditioner. :yep:

Can you give me more examples of acidifying conditioners and is this like doing ACV rinses?
 
The thing is after I condition, when rinsing my hair feels great! Silky and all that jazz but as it dries, (I guess as the water evaporates, and the moisture leaves) my hair gets monstrous!
 
hmm.. i haven't lost that much hair since way before starting my regime. airdrying might not be for you if it's doing more bad than good.
 
Click here to read about one by Tosca: Acidifying Conditioner

Acidifying Conditioner

— Promotes smooth and tangle-free hair, while restoring the natural pH.

— Leaves hair lively and bouncy, never limp and lifeless.

— Constricts the cuticle.

— Increases tensile strength.

— Impoves elasticity and adds moisture.

— Locks in curl and color.

— Closes cuticle and eliminates static electricity.

— Adds instant shine and luster.


I don't like Nexxus so I've been looking for a non-Nexxus one, as well.
These work WAY better than ACVs. To me ACVs don't compare to acifidying conditioners even though ACVs do lower pH and close the cuticle (and have apple cider)...I prefer the citrus acid over apple cider. (like from grapefruit)
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/Acidifying Conditioner
 
MissFallon said:
Learn how to rollerset. Or go find that dominican lady and see where she is at now.

I keep saying "I'm gonna learn, I'm gonna learn" and I plan to. You see, my first attempt failed miserably.... :( And as far as that Dominican lady, uhhhh how in the world do you propose I find her :look:
 
I always airdry my hair and only lose a few shed hairs. I've noticed that washing my hair frequently, has helped a great deal w/ tangling issues.
 
:p
*ElleB said:
I keep saying "I'm gonna learn, I'm gonna learn" and I plan to. You see, my first attempt failed miserably.... :( And as far as that Dominican lady, uhhhh how in the world do you propose I find her :look:
I can feel ya on the rollersetting. I cant master the technique, either. So instead, I wet wrap my hair. But, to cut down on drying time, I put a few large magnetic rollers in the top of my head. So in the meantime, the rest of my hair is wrapped around. After I take it down, I have the most body ever. That is so much easier to me. And plus I lose a lot of hair from all the manipulation of trying to rollerset my whole head. So when I go for my retouch with my stylist, that is when I get my real rollerset.
 
shunta said:
I cannot airdry to save my life. I tried various techniques, and I have finally come to the conclusion that airdrying is not for everyone. My hair sheds and breaks much more when I airdry. So now I just rollerset or wet wrap. Even though Im under the dryer for an extended period of time, its worth it in the end. Airdrying is not my friend...:(

Me too, that would be asking for trouble!
 
I used to could not airdry. My air drys would make my hair look very dry and dull (and might I add bushy). But I think airdrying for me have to do with first detangling with a shower comb and conditioner in the shower. Conditioning and starting with wet hair is very important. My favorite conditioners for this are Silk Elements Moisturising Conditioner and following up with Aphoghee Keratin Conditioner which gives me nice slip. When I get out of the shower, I squeeze the excess water out. I apply Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave In Cream. I then apply Aphoghee EFA (Essential Fatty Acid) Oil. The leave in is an additional moisturizer and the oil works like a seal, sealing in moisture. I prefer this oil because amazingly it does not leave hair feeling greasy but supple. I then just air dry. When I am about 90% dry, I apply Profectiv Anti-Breakage Strengthening Mega Moisturizer. This I used for the first time this past weekend and this was a great addition to my air drys. I have finally perfected my braid outs so this will be a style of choice. I have learned that my braid outs work best though on slightly damp hair and then air dried. I am considering adding some Lottabody Wrap and Tap Setting lotion to better hold my braid outs and control frizz a little more because of our humidity. I am at this point very pleased. I might add that my hair is relaxed and colored and a very important product staple in my regimen is the EFA oil which can be purchased at a BSS. I use it faithfully after I relax and color and my regular routine during the week. It really battles dry hair and dry ends. I prefer it over all the other oils I have used. I even add it to my deep conditioners which is ORS Hair Mayonaise in which I add an egg and sometimes an avocado. HTH something I said helps. I will get better. You just have to play around with what works for you.
 
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when i'm far in the relaxer stretch, i really hate doing ANYTHING to my hair.

it's like, i wash it and try to detangle with my fingers, and when it's wet, quickly put on the leave-ins and put it in a ponytail to airdry, and it STILL get matted. clumps of hair that look like dreads, it's kind of crazy. and even airdrying straight after i've detangled causes more shed hairs then if my hair was rollerset.

that's why i want to go back to rollersetting. ihaven't done that in a looonnng time. my hair stays healthier that way.
 
Neroli said:
Why not detangled when hair is saturated with conditioner first. Girl, I wouldn't DARE try to detangled my airdried hair 'cause of the manipulation! I am 4b relaxed and airdry exclusively without any problems for the last 2 years. The key for me is I make sure to do my detangling when my hair is saturated with condish. Once I rinse, apply leave ins and airdry, I don't manipulate my hair much again until its saturated with condish my next wash.

This hair thang is all trial and error and I hope you don't give up on airdrying without trying some different techniques, which I'm sure other LHCFers will chime in to provide.

ITA w/Neroli...I have the same type of hair and I think in the last 3 years I've blown dry my hair once...You should really, really detangle while your h air is wet with lots of conditioner/slippage (also if you can do this is the shower use a wide tooth comb) so once you rinse the conditioner out standing up you can go from there..i.e wrapping/roller setting/poy-tail to air dry
 
Did you already try braiding before washing your hair? Also, I am with the other ladies that do not detangle when the hair is dry (I comb it while it's damp). Here is what I do (I have two years of new growth and I have 4b-mostly hair):

1. Braid my hair in sections

2. Wash (when using the shampoo, I squeeze it down through the braids so my hair gets clean and I rub the scalp so my scalp gets clean).

3. Let the shampoo sit for about 3-5 minutes (longer if I am using a chelator to remove buildup).

4. Rinse really well

5. Place a towel over my head and gently wrap it around my hair to soak up the water. I do not rub it, just let it sit for about 3 minutes or so. ... this helps with the conditioner soaking through and not being diluted with water.

6. Slather the conditoner on (and gently massage it through the braids) and let sit for however long I need it to.

7. Rinse conditioner well.

8. Place the towel over my head (just like #5) - this soaks up any excess water. I used to just comb my hair dripping wet but it was causing unnecessary breakage (especially when dealing with different processing textures). So I've been doing it this way for about 8 months with no problems.

9. Take a braid down, comb it in the three sections (each braided part - left, middle, right - or even break it down smaller if I feel that the braid is too big) ... put my leave-in in and either rebraid it if I'm not going anywhere or bantu it just to keep it smooth and out of the way. Then I just do the rest the same way.

Did you try the Paul Mitchell Super Skinny products yet??? I'm telling you.girl ... all of your problems will be gone.

Also, I always touch the shedded hair after combing because that will give me a gauge as to how my hair will feel after it dries. I noticed that the shedded hair feels dry when I use products with mineral oils -- they always feel really good while my hair is wet but once it's dry it feels dry.

Another thing is that I never try to comb a huge section of hair. I always get a lot of breakage when I do this (especially if there is a tangle). I break the sections down even smaller if I have to.

Also, these are the things that work for me and I just felt that I would share as they may help you or anyone else. And keep in mind that I have over two years of new growth so I do these things to lessen any demarcation breakage.

I used to have serious tangles and would always just comb right through them (resulting in a big section of hair broken off). But now, with the products and methods that I use, the tangle just comes right out with no breakage.

It took me MANY years of trial and error and I have finally got. I am retaining length and my comb out process is not stressful any more. At any rate, I will be happy when you find what methods work for you because it will just be happy growing from there. :)
 
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Try banding your hair in one or two ponytails. I do two and my hair dries like a blow-out. Drying your hair this way works well because the hair is being forced to dry as straight as possible. Just apply bands and inch or so apart down the length of the hair, combing and smoothing your hair as you go. It really makes flat ironing a breeze also. I did a thread on this a while back. I'll try to find it....
 
This may or may not help you. My hair isn't that long yet so I don't have detangling problems. I'm relaxed 4a/b. I feel that is necessary to point out so that people with the same type of hair will know that it works or doesn't work on that type of hair. Anywho. I start with wet hair and put a moisturizer on right away. I then us Elasta QP Design Foam and that usually helps smooth my hair. I comb it straight back (starting from the tips and working my up until smooth) and then I tie my hair down with wrap strips...just flat to my head. I tie them on like Tupac used to wear his bandanas, with the knot in the front. The ends are usually the only part sticking out so you may want to braid, twist or roll your ends. This should help. You definitely need to find a liquidy product that has slip. Once my hair dries it is almost completely straight because the wrap strips, tied firmly, prevent the hair from reverting or riding up. It helps smooth it flat down.

Good luck.
 
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