Ah yes, another "Help me!" thread...

angelita23 · 07-30-2012, 09:45 PM

Ok, I have been doing CG for about 6 weeks now. I am a 2b (although my hair has been looking kind of different with this CG thing and making me look like a 2a) and I tried to just do a co wash (suave naturals) and a rinse out (tresemme silicone free naturals) and that definitely did NOT work for me. Made me feel like a grease pot. So, I got L'oreal ever creme sulfate free and I have been using that. But, I still kind of feel a bit greasy. I also have PCOS, so I'm trying to figure out where that comes into the mix.

I'd like to grow my hair out because I feel like my curly hair looks better longer and I love how healthy it feels on the ends now, but I'm wondering if I need a low-poo instead.

I also use Herbal Essences Totally twisted mousse and I think I like it...I'm just not sure what I'm doing that is making my curls so limp and not at all what I'm used to them looking like...

Do you think I need a low-poo or a different styling product? Blaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrgh! So frustrating!

kstan · 07-30-2012, 10:07 PM

you could just be transitioning still. My hair got very oily and weird for about a week and a half. however. that was at week 3 for me. So, you could just be taking a while to adjust.

Corrina777 · 07-31-2012, 05:23 AM

I would definitely try low-poo. Many wavies cannot co-wash exclusively. Some can't co-wash at all.

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angelita23 · 07-31-2012, 09:08 AM

Should I use a leave in if I can't co-wash or use a sulfate free shampoo?

Is it possible that I need a low-poo every few days and a sulfate-free shampoo on the days in between?

kstan · 07-31-2012, 09:14 AM

I just read the PCOS part. Does your condition make your scalp more oily? I know it can make your hormones kinda crazy. I low poo a few days a week if that helps. A lot of wavies do, because we tend to get weighted down.

Corrina777 · 07-31-2012, 09:15 AM

A low-poo is a sulfate-free shampoo. Leave-in is a totally different issue. I know some people who can't use leave-in ever. I'm the opposite- I use a leave-in no matter what I do. It takes some experimenting to figure out a routine that will work for you. It could be any combination of co-wash, water wash, low-poo, even a sulfate shampoo if that's what works for you. CG is definitely not a one size fits all solution. It can take time, but if you pay attention to how your hair responds you'll be able to find the perfect combo that will work for you.

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kstan · 07-31-2012, 09:16 AM

the low poo should be sulfate free, unless you've got cone build up. You can still cowash inbetween your low poos. Iike i shampoo two or three days a week and co wash or don't wash at all the other days. A leave in should be fine, but avoid getting it close to your scalp or it will only make it look oilier.

kellyrae · 07-31-2012, 10:54 AM

This is a routine I've been trying to figure out as well. Right now I'm low-pooing once/twice a week and co-washing most other days. I washed with SM on Sunday though and my hair was frizzy and poofy almost all day. That may have nothing to do with the SM though, because I've co-washed the last two days and I'm still feeling frizzy. Must be the humidity lately.

I guess this is something you just need to experiment with to learn what works best for your hair

Corrina777 · 07-31-2012, 11:16 AM

It definitely does take time. Have you tried protein for the frizz? I feel like I'm still learning after over 6 months.

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kellyrae · 07-31-2012, 11:27 AM

I haven't tried any protein yet (other than the protein that's already in my gel...) because I've been a bit weary, not sure if I need it or not or what the best process would be (whether I get a product with more protein in it to try, or just do a protein treatment). Maybe that's my solution though.

Corrina777 · 07-31-2012, 11:33 AM

If you have a Sally's nearby, ION Effective Care is a great trial protein. Some people use it as a PT, but it can also be used as your RO. I was wary of protein when I first started CG and was overconditioned in less than a month.

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kellyrae · 07-31-2012, 11:43 AM

Thanks so much Corrina! I do have a Sally's about 20 minutes away and was thinking of making a trip there soon. I'll have to check that out

I've been worried that I'm getting over-conditioned so maybe this will make a difference.

lcl0706 · 07-31-2012, 11:59 AM

I use protein regularly, although not daily as I used to. I dont need it as much now that my hair is healthier. I still use ION effective care as an RO 2-3x a week. Its a great protein conditioner because its also very moisturizing. Especially if your hair is fine textured, protein can make a big difference. I can't cowash, I have fine hair & thin density & it weighs me down. I low poo almost daily & use a richer conditioner as an RO.

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angelita23 · 07-31-2012, 04:35 PM

So, do you think a low sulfate shampoo would do the trick? I do think that the PCOS makes my hair a bit oilier than it normally would be. My daughter is 9 months old, and I see my skin returning to the oilier condition it was pre-pregnancy now. I think that makes my hair a bit oilier too.

I guess it would be possible to do a low sulfate shampoo at the roots and a sulfate free at the ends...

How do you know if your hair will like protein?

kstan · 07-31-2012, 04:54 PM

You just have to try and see. Gelatin made my hair limp and overly soft. Suave coconut conditioner made my hair feel like straw.

I'm currently using organix brand shampoo, the conditioners have cones so don't get those. I think its a bit drying for my hair. . . However, may be perfect for you. You can pick up a trial size for 2.50 or a full sized bottle for like 6 bucks at walmart. Its got a Sulfosuccinate which is supposed to be much gentler than a sulfate. The Dimethicone Copolyol is a water soluble cone, so it should wash out with the rest of the shampoo.

angelita23 · 07-31-2012, 06:03 PM

Do you know the first time you put protein on your hair whether or not it suits? Or do you have to use it a few times?

lcl0706 · 07-31-2012, 06:35 PM

You never know really. I was terrified of protein but it turns out my hair needed it so bad. Sometimes the first dose doesnt do anything & you need to keep doing it. Sometimes its an immediate reaction. Sometimes one protein works while another one doesnt. Silk protein & amino acids are usually the mildest proteins, collagen (the gelatin PT) is a stronger one. If you do the gelatin PT, do a weak one or a strand test first if youre scared. My hair hasnt met a protein it doesnt like, but some cant use silk or wheat or whatever it may be. I dont need protein as much as I used to, but I still use it. Its all trial & error.

Generally if your hair is coarse, it wont like protein like fine hair does though. Im on the app so if your hair properties are in your sig I cant see it.

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kstan · 07-31-2012, 07:12 PM

i've got fine/med hair and i used half the amount of gelatin in the protein treatment. I knew after my hair dried that day. lol. The suave coconut has protein. I used it as my RO. day one & two were the most fantastic hair days ever. Then later that week my hair was straw.

So I vote you give it a try.

the worst that could happen is you end up have to deep condition and maybe rocking an updo for a day or so.

angelita23 · 07-31-2012, 08:12 PM

How do you tell if a product has protein in it? What do those ingredients look like?

angelita23 · 07-31-2012, 08:13 PM

And where do you get these protein treatments?