Can anyone advise me on what to use?

No matter what I use on my hair, it's always dry the very next day.  This has been a constant for as long as I can remember. 

Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I need something...I don't want to keep spending $$ on products that do not work.

Thanx HG

My new staples that I use to maintain moisture & have been using religiously for the last 2 mos are L'Occitane Olive Hair Care Oil and Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter.  I use the both (oil first then hair butter) 2x day, once every evening and again in the am before I leave for  work.  Also have been using Elucence as a leave in when I wash my hair (1x week). I find that this product really makes my hair extra soft, silky and moisturized.  I realize that these are pricier than some other products out there (especially the L'Occitane) and may not be for everyone, but they are definitely worth it to me because they are simple and they just work.  Also, I need a super simple regimen because I do not have a lot of time to dedicate to hair (very busy schedule).

Also, I love Hollywood Beauty Carrot Oil, but the L'Occitane is lighter.  I use both (mainly use the Hollywood on wet hair especially when I have a lot of new growth or on my ends) but it is also really good on dry hair.  I would also try the Carrot Cream and use both, but tiny amounts, concentrating on ends and driest parts of roots.  I don't oil my scalp normally.  I just use products on roots and then massage my scalp.  This distributes residual oils to scalp, revs up circulation, all good things. 

Also, a simple thing to try is to just add oil(s) to your conditioner like olive oil, joboba, avocado or any of the ones that Carameldiva mentioned.

What products are you using & what is your regimen?  Maybe list the products so others here can tell you if they may be contributing to the dryness. 

cookiesnkream wrote:      i had a major dry hair problem also and this is what i use,, i use thermasilk for dry hair,, and Garnier hair mask!! this stuff is wonderful,, its in a little pot,, i put it all over every strand of my hair and then wait an hour with heat and i will have very very moisturized hair,, i use about a pot every weekend when i was my hair but its like 3.99 so its not tooo bad,,u could also try Neutrogena triple moisture cream lather shampoo,, this is the BEST, i dont know how i ever lived without it:-) good luck

Thanks, I will think about this.  I did not know that thermasilk had a solution for dry hair.

carameldiva wrote: Well- i use a rosemary oil, sweet almond oil and wheatgerm oil mixture to oil my scalp and hair at nite as well as jamaica black castor oil and shapley's m-t-g ( i cover my head with a thin plastic cap at nite). I co wash daily and add liquid aloe vera to my conditioner. I spray a glyverin/water mixture on my hair daily - i use this as my leave-in/moisturizer.  I use a pre-shampoo treatment of castor oil weekly and shampoo/ deep condition weekly as well. Hope this helps a little, any more questions- please feel free to ask

Hi Carameldiva,

I use MTG also. Which MTG are you using?   OR THIS?  

OR THIS?

I've been using the "Original" MTG. 

Pokahontas wrote: Shea butter is very moisturizing and it dosen't take very much to get the job done.  Also you could try adding honey to your conditioners or do a honey rinse.  This is very effective because the honey acts as a humectant.

Hi Pokahontas,

I like shea butter but it seems too waxy.  My hair doesn't seem to respond to it.

Ok...here's a dumb question.  What's a humectant?

When I think of honey...which I have, I think of sticky stuff that I can't get out of my hair.

carameldiva wrote: Well- i use a rosemary oil, sweet almond oil and wheatgerm oil mixture to oil my scalp and hair at nite as well as jamaica black castor oil and shapley's m-t-g ( i cover my head with a thin plastic cap at nite). I co wash daily and add liquid aloe vera to my conditioner. I spray a glyverin/water mixture on my hair daily - i use this as my leave-in/moisturizer.  I use a pre-shampoo treatment of castor oil weekly and shampoo/ deep condition weekly as well. Hope this helps a little, any more questions- please feel free to ask

I'm wondering if I wash too much now.  But I can't help it, I get sooo much build up from products I use to keep my hair moist...which doesn't help.  I've even used Amla oil.  Your advice on wheatgerm oil sounds good to me.  Does the glycerin/water mixture add build up?

Thanks,

HG

afrolatina wrote: My new staples that I use to maintain moisture & have been using religiously for the last 2 mos are L'Occitane Olive Hair Care Oil and Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter.  I use the both (oil first then hair butter) 2x day, once every evening and again in the am before I leave for  work.  Also have been using Elucence as a leave in when I wash my hair (1x week). I find that this product really makes my hair extra soft, silky and moisturized.  I realize that these are pricier than some other products out there (especially the L'Occitane) and may not be for everyone, but they are definitely worth it to me because they are simple and they just work.  Also, I need a super simple regimen because I do not have a lot of time to dedicate to hair (very busy schedule). Also, I love Hollywood Beauty Carrot Oil, but the L'Occitane is lighter.  I use both (mainly use the Hollywood on wet hair especially when I have a lot of new growth or on my ends) but it is also really good on dry hair.  I would also try the Carrot Cream and use both, but tiny amounts, concentrating on ends and driest parts of roots.  I don't oil my scalp normally.  I just use products on roots and then massage my scalp.  This distributes residual oils to scalp, revs up circulation, all good things.  Also, a simple thing to try is to just add oil(s) to your conditioner like olive oil, joboba, avocado or any of the ones that Carameldiva mentioned. What products are you using & what is your regimen?  Maybe list the products so others here can tell you if they may be contributing to the dryness.

I've heard of Carol's Daughter.  What are the ingredients?  Does it have shea butter?

I will definitely try other oils as you and Carameldiva mentioned.  I've used olive oil, but only for pre-conditioning and hot oil treatments.  I guess I should do them daily.

Yeah, shea butter is a bit heavy for some but I just use a little.  Was it refined shea butter that you used or unrefined? 

Humectants attract and retain moisture in the hair strand.  It is not sticky at all.  Even with the honey rinse (a cup of warm water and a spoonfull of honey) where the honey water is left in the hair it still is not sticky.

I also use Whipped Pudding from Oyinhandmade.com and it is very moisturizing and makes my hair so soft and it's not heavy at all.  It's smells like chocolate....I love it. HTH

Oh my goodness.  I'm so grateful, I did not expect such a good response.  I will have to think about everything all of you said and make a determination here.

Oh I almost forgot, here's my regimine at your request. 

I have a sort of mixed up one, cause nothing works here~

I wash every other day...sometimes daily depending on buildup.  I use Mane 'n Tail Shampoo and Conditioner sometimes, and sometimes just con  Other times I use Giovanni's Nutrifix Hair Reconstructor, Ion Straightening Conditioner, Avalon Organic Botanicals Mint Thyme Conditioner (ocassionally), Vonte Moisture Mint Energizer (ocassionally), and Mane 'n Tale leave=in conditioning spray.

I comb my hair right out of the shower and then apply MTG.  I massage it in and use:

1.  Ion Curl Solutions (Curl Defining Shaping Creme for Thick/Course Hair. (I use this for so-called moisture).

2.  Shine's Anti-frizz creme. (not moisturizing...adds build up)

3.  Hask Placenta Hair Polishser (adds build up)

4.  Moisture Max (which sucks) (Can't use this big bottle I have and it just sheds my hair right out wet or dry.

5.  QP Elasta Oil Moisture (does nothing more than add build=up)

I then do a braid-out and go to bed.  I get the curls the next day, but my hair is consistently dry.  I used my old Amla Oil this a.m. and now two hours later, it acts like I didn't do a thing.

When I flat iron my hair...once a month for trims, I use Ion's Heat Protection spray.

Also, I have a whole bunch of non-sense under my bathroom sink (I'm sure some of you can relate) which sits there for no reason.  Dumb stuff such as non-alcohol styling gel.

I know it's a lot.  HTH

HG

Pokahontas wrote: Yeah, shea butter is a bit heavy for some but I just use a little.  Was it refined shea butter that you used or unrefined?

Hi again

I'm not sure?  It says it's Pure African Shea Butter.  It's white. HTH

Hair Goddess, have you tried mixing oil in your conditioners? Just a small amount, about the size of a pea. That really helps me, also I recommend trying conditioners that containthe word hydrating in it's title. One brand that has a great hydrating conditioner is PHYSIQUE and Pantene Pro-V has one as well.

Shea butter makes my hair feel greasy...it doesn't work for my hair but it works for my skin.

cmesweet wrote: Hair Goddess, have you tried mixing oil in your conditioners? Just a small amount, about the size of a pea. That really helps me, also I recommend trying conditioners that containthe word hydrating in it's title. One brand that has a great hydrating conditioner is PHYSIQUE and Pantene Pro-V has one as well. Shea butter makes my hair feel greasy...it doesn't work for my hair but it works for my skin.

No I haven't tried it.  Maybe it's time I'd start.  I will look for Jojoba or Wheatgerm oil tonight.  Maybe I'll even sit under my hooded heat cap for an hour.  What do you think?

Thanks for the advice.

I agree.  I like using it on my rough feet (rough from wearing sandles all summer long).

One item I would throw away is the Hask Placenta Hair Polisher which cointains hormones. The hormones (Placenta) are being studied  because of their possible link to cancer in black women under 40. (Read the article.  It is explained much more clearly than what I wrote here)...see article below and the ingredients for the hair polisher.  Not meant to scare you but want to give you a heads up..  If you need a hair polisher, switch to IC Hair polisher.  It's a pretty good one and a good value.

http://www.newpittsburghcourier.com/?article=10522&font=15 - http://www.newpittsburghcourier.com/?article=10522&font= 15

Hask Placenta Hair Polisher Conditioning - 6 Oz
INGREDIENTS
Purified Water; Acetamide MEA; Cetearyl Alcohol; Ceteareth-20; Cetyl Alcohol; Soluble Collagen; Propylene Glycol; Isostearyl Ethylimidonium Ethosulfate; Henna Extract; Placenta Extract; Hexylene Glycol; Citric Acid; Imidazolidinyl Urea; Methylparaben; Propylparaben; Fragrance; Glycerine; Phosphoric Acid

I don't know the ingredients in the Mane & Tail condish but it could be causing buildup.  I've read elsewhere that Mane & Tail can be coating.  But if it works for you and you plan to continue using it, then maybe try switching up with another conditioner that is known to be moisturizing and does not have silicones or mineral oil:  Tresemme, Suave Milk & Honey, V05 Kiwi Lime or Strawberries & Cream, Herbal Essence are some that I have read are very good and you can find easily.  

Also, it sounds like you need to clarify with ACV or a clarifying shampoo. 

Not sure about the MTG but it may not be necessary to use so frequently. Try cutting back and/or diluting it.

Also, I would definitely try the oils that Carameldiva & others have mentioned.  Just add a little to your condish.  My hair really thrives when it gets enough of the right kinds of oil.  Also, try the honey.  Some people mix with conditioner (a small dollop in a palmful of condish) and rinse.  Some use/mix with their styler. 

Carol's Daughter products are by mail order or at a few stores.  They can be pricy compared to just purchasing something from a local store.  I would try Carrot Oil Cream or Olive Oil Cream as they are easier to find and I think I have checked the ingredients and they seem to be very good. 

Also, if there are any health food stores in your area (or vitamin stores) look at their hair products (good source for essential oils, shampoo and condish).  Some of the ladies on this board purchase their oils online.

afrolatina wrote: One item I would throw away is the Hask Placenta Hair Polisher which cointains hormones. The hormones (Placenta) are being studied  because of their possible link to cancer in black women under 40. (Read the article.  It is explained much more clearly than what I wrote here)...see article below and the ingredients for the hair polisher.  Not meant to scare you but want to give you a heads up..  If you need a hair polisher, switch to IC Hair polisher.  It's a pretty good one and a good value. http://www.newpittsburghcourier.com/?article=10522&font=15 - http://www.newpittsburghcourier.com/?article=10522&font= 15 Hask Placenta Hair Polisher Conditioning - 6 Oz INGREDIENTS Purified Water; Acetamide MEA; Cetearyl Alcohol; Ceteareth-20; Cetyl Alcohol; Soluble Collagen; Propylene Glycol; Isostearyl Ethylimidonium Ethosulfate; Henna Extract; Placenta Extract; Hexylene Glycol; Citric Acid; Imidazolidinyl Urea; Methylparaben; Propylparaben; Fragrance; Glycerine; Phosphoric Acid I don't know the ingredients in the Mane & Tail condish but it could be causing buildup.  I've read elsewhere that Mane & Tail can be coating.  But if it works for you and you plan to continue using it, then maybe try switching up with another conditioner that is known to be moisturizing and does not have silicones or mineral oil:  Tresemme, Suave Milk & Honey, V05 Kiwi Lime or Strawberries & Cream, Herbal Essence are some that I have read are very good and you can find easily.   Also, it sounds like you need to clarify with ACV or a clarifying shampoo.  Not sure about the MTG but it may not be necessary to use so frequently. Try cutting back and/or diluting it. Also, I would definitely try the oils that Carameldiva & others have mentioned.  Just add a little to your condish.  My hair really thrives when it gets enough of the right kinds of oil.  Also, try the honey.  Some people mix with conditioner (a small dollop in a palmful of condish) and rinse.  Some use/mix with their styler.  Carol's Daughter products are by mail order or at a few stores.  They can be pricy compared to just purchasing something from a local store.  I would try Carrot Oil Cream or Olive Oil Cream as they are easier to find and I think I have checked the ingredients and they seem to be very good.  Also, if there are any health food stores in your area (or vitamin stores) look at their hair products (good source for essential oils, shampoo and condish).  Some of the ladies on this board purchase their oils online.

Thanks for the advice.  I thought all good shampoos clarify. If I shampoo too much I will have even more drying to my hair.

I use HASK PLACENTA, but the ingredients are natural they say it's plant based.  I assume from the ingredients they contain silicone.

Here are the ingredients on my bottle:  Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, placental protein, aloe barbadenis extract, grape seed oil, Methoxcinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Fragrance, Dioctyl Sebacate.

The ingredient "placental protein" is the hormone.  These hormones are easily absorbed through the skin (think of the "patch" birth control).  Companies use wording on their products that will appeal to consumers and convince them to buy their products.  I am sure there is some element of truth to "plant based" but to some people who read this they will assume the product is earthy or healthy. 

Also, this is just advice on my part.  I realize that it is ultimately your decision whether or not to switch from this particular product to another.  I hope I was not too forward.

Nope.  Forward is good.  I appreciate your help.  I usually consider all avenues and then rule my final decision(s).

I wonder though if the placentia is harmful though because it's not applied to my skin, just my hair?  I only have a little left, but from the info that I've learned, I will not be purchasing anymore.

Sorry for the delay in my response- i have a crazy work schedule. Ok first question-

Which M-T-G oil do i use?- i use the shapley's original m-t-g- which is the third bottle that you showed.

Does the glycerin/water mix promote build-up? No

i only use a little glycerin- because it is thick like syrup and a lot of water. You use too much glycerin and you can't spray it on.

Hope this helps- any more questions- please let me know.

Hi Carameldiva,

That's okay, I understand work schedules.

I use the same MTG (The original).  Does this seem to dry your hair?  It has an oily feel, but I'm not sure if this one of the factors....I'd hate to think so.

Anyway, I'm leaving now.  I'm doing a deep conditioning on my hair.

carameldiva wrote: At first when i was using the m-t-g , it did not seem drying but lately it has. what i do now is use it and then spray my hair with my glycerin/water mix- re-massage it and then apply my baggie. Enjoy your deep conditioning.

Hi,

I went overboard with my conditioning....stayed under the heat cap for about 2-1/2 hours.  I actually did a combo of a hot oil and conditioning treatment, followed by the mix that cmesweet recommended in the shower (used olive oil in my conditioner).  I had much more shrinkage initially, but my hair was softer and easier to comb.
~Hair Goddess

Hey cmesweet, Thanks for the advice.