missmo

Hey guys -

As I mentioned in one of my other posts on here, I work at a pool and my hair has been severely damaged and dryed out from chlorine and sun exposure, as well as having it pulled up tightly almost every day. Now that I'm done for the summer, I have been trying to keep my hair oiled and down and I'm trying to nurse it back to some sort of health before I start college soon. Is there anything I can do to help undo some of the damage? I have been trying to pick my hair out daily, then put my Care Free Curl Gold Activator in, as well as Cantu Shea Butter Repair Creme and sometimes Olive Oil mosturizing lotion or Pantene Relaxed and Natural Leave In Conditioner. Is there anything else I can do?

On most days I style my hair I also use gel and hairspray, and even though I know these are bad on my hair, it's the only way I know how to control frizz.

Truly

Grrrrr, there was a miracle product from CHI that seems to be discontinued when I looked it up I used to put in my little cousin's hair whenever she'd come back from the pool and wash and condition her hair. I would recommend a serum, but not biosilk, or garnier. I've tried these and they don't work nearly as well as the one I'm talking about. I heard the one from OUIDAD is good but I haven't tried it myself.

Nexxus Humectress is a good leave in, but it might have too much protein for long term use. However, it seems to give the illusion of healthy hair if you put it on before any styling product after you're out of the shower.

Hot oil treatments work well at giving shine and since you shampoo them out it isn't greasy. I'm about to get one of those heat caps and start doing weekly deep conditioning treatments. I get so lazy about it though lol. I had to cut off several inches of heat damage last year, but it looked SO MUCH BETTER afterwards that it was worth it. I didn't follow up with trims and good deep conditioners so I have about 2 inches to cut off next time I go.

Also, Rusk Smoother is a great styling lotion. It's not perfect, but it genuinly does give shine, softness and definition.

Throw out that Pantene stuff though. I haven't tried any of the other things you listed, but the Rusk Smoother is $10 for 8 oz, and works WAAAAY better.

I would recommend a super gentle, moisturizing shampoo, followed by a good conditioner. I love the Pantene Relaxed and Natural ones, and if you have a decent budget, Bumble and Bumble Super Rich conditioner is great and you only have to leave it in a minute.

I saw a picture of your hair in one of your other posts, so I think this stuff will work great for you. After you shampoo and condition, towel dry, put the serum in, and then put the Rusk Smoother in.

Don't be afraid to put a lot in, because when it drys it will look soft and smooth. When I do it, I put it at the roots first, then I put it on the ends and scrunch. Then, I flip my hair to the left and put it all throughout, and do the same thing on the right. This way you get it everywhere.

I REALLY REALLY recommend the Rusk Smoother for you. Good Luck!

*Marah*

I think moisture is really key with water and decent conditioner rather than putting a lot of mineral oil, silicone, and petrolum based products on the hair.. a lot of times those sorts of products lock out moisture.

If I were a person that really just liked some sort of oil in my hair.. I would use a natural oil like Coconut, Olive, Jojoba, or Sweet Almond. I would try to stay away from mineral oils and petrolum..

Natural raw unrefined 100% shea butter is great. I actually look at it as sort of a hair and skin healer. Might be worth a try...

Also Aloe Vera gel!

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