Hair Breakage and Hair Questions

> Hello, I have some questions about African-American> hair that I really need some help with. My hair is> very thick, relaxed, and colored with a Dark and> Lovely Aubrun shade. I have some breakage and my hair> seems to be very dry. Does anyone have any suggestions> on how I can take care of it. I have been using> Infusium 23 to make my hair stronger and Luster's Pink> oil for the dryness. Also, can anyone suggest a> relaxer that will not damage my hair. I have used> Elasta QP, Optimum, and Bantu in the pass. Some have> been No-lye and others have had lye in it. Which is> most healthier for my hair. I have also been confused> about the kinds and brands of shampoos I should use.> Friends have told me that I should only use ones that> are manufactered by African-American companies, but I> have seen other brands being endorsed by black hair> style books. I have been using Optimum shampoo and> conditioner for about 4 years, should I change? My> final question is where can I get joboa oil and shea> butter. Where is a good place to get it.> Thanks, RamonaI apologize, Ramona. I'm fairly new to computers and I apparently fouled-up in sending my message. I was telling you that the best place to buy products like jojoba oil (1 oz. for $2.72, 4 ozs. for $7.20), shea butter (5 ozs. for $5.28), coconut oil (5 ozs. for $1.92), panthenol (1 oz. for ($3.62), etc. is definitely at www.nowfoods.com. Their products are pure and high quality, and the prices are the best you will find anywhere. Click on "find NOW" , go to Discount Natural Foods, check their price list and click on their "vitamins" to order. DNC ships in a few days and there is no postage or other charges.My hair is not relaxed or permed but although I am African-American, it is very fine, soft and and fragile. I was always plagued with broken hair shafts and split ends until I recently began adding panthenol to my shampoo and water-based conditioners (one 1 oz. jar to every 16 ozs. of each). My hair is much stronger and the breaks and splits have virtually disappeared because panthenol temporarily seals these damages. I read that it also moisturizes the hair. Panthenol is a very thick, clear liquid but is dissolves readily in water-based products.If you buy the shea butter and do not like the granular texture or the odor, just melt it completely and add a few drops of essential oil such as lavender (DNF sells that, too). I also add some jojoba oil, to make it less hard, before I let it cool again.I gave up on shampoos with their harsh sulfates and began washing my hair with liquid Castile soap (Dr. Bronner's) from a health food store. I like the clean smell and the way it lathers and makes my hair feel, especially with the Panthenol I added to it.I hope this will prove helpful to you.

Thanks, the information was informative. Ethel, I didn't see you message. Holly, I have used the Infusium 23 leave in conditioner, but not the shampoos. Is the leave in conditoner any good.

> Hello, I have some questions about African-American> hair that I really need some help with. My hair is> very thick, relaxed, and colored with a Dark and> Lovely Aubrun shade. I have some breakage and my hair> seems to be very dry. Does anyone have any suggestions> on how I can take care of it. I have been using> Infusium 23 to make my hair stronger and Luster's Pink> oil for the dryness. Also, can anyone suggest a> relaxer that will not damage my hair. I have used> Elasta QP, Optimum, and Bantu in the pass. Some have> been No-lye and others have had lye in it. Which is> most healthier for my hair. I have also been confused> about the kinds and brands of shampoos I should use.> Friends have told me that I should only use ones that> are manufactered by African-American companies, but I> have seen other brands being endorsed by black hair> style books. I have been using Optimum shampoo and> conditioner for about 4 years, should I change? My> final question is where can I get joboa oil and shea> butter. Where is a good place to get it.> Thanks, Ramona