Any help for hair that has been stripped and feels like straw?

use good quality products for damaged hair. try deep conditioning your hair with a treatment every week. don`t blow dry, use curling irons, scrub your hair, brush it over-zealously etc. just be extremely gentle, take really good care of it, and it should recover somewhat until the damage can grow out. be patient!

Hey there. I just posted a reply to a very similar question on another board, so I`m cutting and pasting my answer since it`s so LONG! (and what the above posters suggested is also good advice.)

I`ve scoured the market for the best moisturizing products and believe me I`ve tried almost everything you can imagine. I`ve also read Paula Begoun`s hair product book--she`s a consumer advocate reporter who critiques thousands of products based upon their ingredients and performance. You don`t really have to spend a ton of money to get results--I sure can`t being a college student.

For shampoo, I look for a formula with a mild detergent (I like sodium laureth sulfate--not to be confused with sodium lauryl sulfate, which is harsher and more drying.) Currently I`m using Loreal Nature`s Therapy mega moisture nuturing shampoo. This whole line is fabulous for making dry hair supple again.

For conditioner, I use Aura Cherry Almond Bark revitalizing conditioner, which is really a lower-priced version of the Aveda product. Let me tell you, the stuff emits a black licorice smell like you wouldn`t believe, but if you don`t mind that it`s a great, great product for dry hair. There are many, many other conditioners out there. I look for products with a silicone derivative in the ingredient list (dimethicone, cyclomethicone, all with "cone" endings.) Some people don`t like silicone derivatives because they tend to build up on your hair, but if you`re suffering from fried hair cones will restore some of the shine and softness. Plus, it`s easy to just deep cleanse once a week.

Other suggestions....these are just my own opinions on what works for me. I don`t shampoo every other day. Since your hair is dry, going every other day if possible will cut down the wear and tear of shampooing and drying your hair. Since your hair is short, the second day probably won`t feel as gross as it does with my past-the-shoulders hair.

Hot oil treatments can help, as can deep conditioning. I do both at night. I put the products in my hair, then sit with a heating cap on for about 15-20 mins. Then--here`s the slightly messy part--I sleep with the conditioner in my hair. It really works for me. I pull my hair into a ponytail/bun and cover my pillow with a nice, thick towel. Debra Messing does the same thing and has those great curls. Coincidence? Nah.

My final suggestion is to buy Begoun`s book...I think it`s called Don`t Go shopping for Hair Care Products without Me. Although I don`t agree with everything she says (especially her tips on styling, sheesh, look at her do!) she examines the ingredients and effectiveness of tons of shampoos, conditioners, styling products, etc. You`ll find many of the overpriced salon products are no better than those you can buy in the store. Not always true, but often. Sorry this response was SO long--I hope it helps. Good luck! :-)

i permed my hair twice
its terribly frizzy and unmanageably dry and damaged yer

i recommend EVErYONE who has damaged hair to use Kerastase products
this is the first time i used it today, and cow me, my hair`s georgiously soft!
it feels like when its been blowdried!

get it! its unreal! :D:D:D:D:D::D:D:D:D::D:D
:|

Thanks so much for answering my question
You were so informative!! Yes, I have
hope again. My hair is doing better too.
Where can I get Aphogee products??