Team Wash and Go.. or Frequent Washngoers
 

Ok so I have some questions, maybe some can shed some light for me

1. Why does or do some products make the hair clump together like glue? I noticed it happens more with products that have PVP or carbomer in it but recently it happened with FSG
2. Do you find that a clear leave in works best to avoid the whiteness or does it not matter?
3. What leave in conditioner works best with your styler? Creamy leave ins or watery?
4. If you diffuse, how long do you diffuse, or have you ever sat under a dryer before?
5. Have you ever went straight from conditioning your hair to adding your styler, no leave in?
6. Can you name some good styler and leave in combinations?

Where's Elle when you need her?

Not answering in order:

I like creamy leave-ins in winter / cold weather and watery ones in summer / warmer weather.

I always add a leave in before styler. I use KCCC and gel-type stuff so I try to avoid crunch and/or the need to SOTC later (try to keep my hands out of my hair)

I have porous hair so I ususally don't get the whiteness / hair boogers because stuff just soaks right in. However; that Cantu Shea Butter leave-in did it to me no matter what. Also, Curl Junkie Curl Assurance did that to me. Anyway, if I am using something heavy in shea butter, I just give it a couple of minutes to soak in while I get dressed or something amd then add my styler.

I diffuse very rarely. I do it when it is extremely cold or if I am somewhere cold and I need to get out of the house quickly. I don't sit under a dryer. No patience. When I diffuse, I diffuse on low until mostly dry. Maybe 10-15 min?

I have fine hair and I like the combo of Curls Curl Milkshake and Gel'Es'C (sp?) until I use it up, I also like AfroVeda Curl Define and PurWhipped Gelly (until I finish it off), and I like the Curl and Style Milk from Shea Moisture's Target line with their smoothie or just some Aloe Vera gel or Aubrey Organics Mandarin Magic Moisturizing Gelly. I believe I will stick with the last combo. I can get it on the ground, it's reasonably priced and has good ingredients (and the packaging is pink and it smells like tropical relaxation).

Reporting for Duty!!
 

Why does or do some products make the hair clump together like glue? I noticed it happens more with products that have PVP or carbomer in it but recently it happened with FSG - ETA - I answered this wrong...lol. Nat's answer is better, but it still can happen to me with AV.

Do you find that a clear leave in works best to avoid the whiteness or does it not matter? Doesn't matter, it's the formulation

What leave in conditioner works best with your styler? Creamy leave ins or watery? Creamy leave-ins that are water or aloe vera based. Butter based leave-ins either turn my hair white (without anything else) or do not have enough slip for me.

If you diffuse, how long do you diffuse, or have you ever sat under a dryer before?
Don't diffuse, I just air dry. But when I dabbled in diffusing I only did it until I didn't have drippies.

Have you ever went straight from conditioning your hair to adding your styler, no leave in?Did it today (used Curl Queen, KCCC for extra frizz protection, then a little bit of Knotty Girl LI on top - which acts like a serum). If you do this, you need to make sure that your styler is also moisturizing. I usually fluff my hair out with a moisturizer though after it is dry.

Can you name some good styler and leave in combinations?
Anything + Curl Junkie Curl Queen (with the exception of super hydrating CJ LIs, because you can get over hydrated and your hair will puff out)
Oyin Honey Hemp + KCCC
Curl Junkie Beauticurls LI + KCCC
Shea Moisture Shea Butter LI + Aloe Vera Gel
Shea Moisture Shea Butter LI + Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel

If I don't feel like fretting with layering, I use Donna Marie Dream Curling Creme or Komaza Califia Styling Pudding alone. I find that the Curling Creme does not shrink my hair as much if I use the Cocoa Hemp Buttermilk underneath.

I recently turned in my team W&G card but I can surely tell you about the good ole days....*sigh*

Yes I've noticed the same as well....which I believe leads to major tangles. When my hair sticks to each other this way, its just asking it to wrap around each other. I solved this by letting go my BELOVED activator gels for wash and go hair since most of them contain PVP and carbomer.

The whiteness isn't what matters (for me anyway since my hair does absorb the products. What is the W&G killer is those white bugger things. I remember reading a while back that it was caused by mixing two products that have different electromagnetic charges. What I found that works is before I mix two products together in my hair, I put about a pea size of both in the palm of my hands and mix. If they mix smoothly without gumming up, then they will mix fine in your hair. If they thicken up and get gummy, they will produce those nasty white buggers.

I'm a hybrid as far as leave in conditioners go....creamy/runny/slightly liquid consistency works best for me. Makes it easier to distribute through the hair and makes it easier to distribute the styler.

If I diffuse, I usually one diffused for 15-20 minutes on low to medium heat....never high. I also usually stopped before my hair was 100% dry (about 75%) and let it finished air drying. If I had time to sit under a dryer or was going for a W&G with less volume and more "hang time" then I would shingle in my products and sit under the dryer for 20-30 minutes under low/medium heat until completely dry.

I have, but usually the only way I can do that is if I purposely don't rinse all my conditioner out. I usually only do this on the weekends when I plan on restyling in the next 24 hrs.

My HG for W&G hair was Shea Moisture Leave-in (the old school one) and Elasta QP Feels Like Silk. I used this combo for over two years exclusively and never had a problem with my hair and usually achieved up to 5 day "out" W&G hair that didn't need restyling. I still use this combo mostly in the summer because the Elasta is heavy on the glycerine.

A few other combos that I've used and liked include

1. Qhemet AOHC + Fantasia IC Gel
2. Oyin Whipped Pudding + Oyin Shine and Define
3. Leave in of choice + curl activator gel


Hope this helps

Thanks for all the replies so far. I'm reading and about to experiment.

I usually like to apply my leave in to soaking wet hair and then start to shingle in my styler. I think I might have to try it with just wet or damp hair because the only time my hair wasnt white was when I went straight to my styler after cowashing.

I applied my FSG on top which acted as a serum but then my ends stuck together , which pissed me off to no ends.

Ok I'm taking notes and off to try this eco styler argan gel

1. Why does or do some products make the hair clump together like glue? I noticed it happens more with products that have PVP or carbomer in it but recently it happened with FSG.
- PVP, hydroxyethylcellulose, carbomer, agave nectar, and even aloe vera are natural clumping agents. The agave in the FSG can explain, may be too much hold.

2. Do you find that a clear leave in works best to avoid the whiteness or does it not matter?
- IMO it doesn't matter if you train your hands. This only happens when I'm too heavy handed or there's a bad product interaction. Some you have to play with more than others, or realize that they simply don't play well together.

3. What leave in conditioner works best with your styler? Creamy leave ins or watery?
- depends on what I'm using. A heavier styler IMO needs a lighter LI, and V.V. Dewpoint also plays a role too. There are a few products that I can only use solo on naked hair. Keep in mind though that I'm low porosity.

4.If you diffuse, how long do you diffuse, or have you ever sat under a dryer before?

- I diffuse year round and I usually dedicate 5-8 mins on the canopy alone to make sure I don't frizz later on in the process bc it's mostly dry. This I start on high flow medium heat and then decrease to low heat gradually. Total diffusion time is 15 mins on avg. My outer layers are at least 60% dry depending on the styler. Stuff like KCCC, its less dry. I can't do hood dryers. :homework:

5. Have you ever went straight from conditioning your hair to adding your styler, no leave in?

- all the time, particularly in the summer when my hair doesn't need the extra moisture. I go by feel after my rinse out and go from there. Also dewpoint dependent.

6. Can you name some good styler and leave in combinations?

- Umm... hell yeah! Depends on what you have. I have a laundry list:

Shescentit CocoCreme LI or Nature’s Gate Hemp Condish with FSG or DMMCG
Curly Q’s Coconut Dream/ KissMyFace UpperMgmt Gel
CJ Aloe Fix (alone)
Ecostyler +CIAB (no LI)
Nature’s Gate Hemp Condish + QB BRBC
Nature’s Gate Hemp Condish (alone) [Fro or defined WnG)
Marie Dean Mango Pudding + FSG
Marie Dean Lemon Yogurt Smoothie + FSG
Mozeke’s Sweet Almond Pudding (alone)
CJ Curl Queen (alone)
CJ Smoothing Lotion + FSG
CJ Smoothing Lotion + Aussie Catch the wave gel
BS Avocado Coconut butter + KBN peppermint gel
Babassu Cream DC (BBB) + AV PWG
Komaza Califia LI+ pudding + FSG
KBN Shealoe LI + KBN gel
CCCC + KCCC
KCKT + KCCC
AV CD + AV PWG
Oyin honey hemp + BS magic Curls puree
Ohm SHP + FSG
DM SBC + KCCC Spiral Spritz
Oyin SBP + FSG or Hairveda Whipped Jelly
Elucence MBC + AG recoil
AOMM + AV PWG
Ori Organics Mango Curler Cream + CIAB
CIAB + any drugstore gel ( CIAB to go on top)
Any medium scale LI + HESMU
Deva OC (alone)
Deva OC + KCCC


I could go forever, but you get the idea. LOLOL! You can check my photobucket as well. I describe some combos there as well.

Interesting thread, ladies! I usually leave WnG for the summer, but I have been missing the style, so I might see how it stands up to the harsh Ohio winter.

Quick question: What is FSG?

Also, what is the difference between a leave-in and a styler? Can a leave-in serve both purposes?

Thanks in advance, ladies!

Flaxseed Gel

LI= moisture component of the style
Styler= hold/control component of the styler. Seals the moisture of the LI.

There are products out there with both hold and moisture components.

Do you find that a clear leave in works best to avoid the whiteness or does it not matter?

Doesn't matter

What leave in conditioner works best with your styler? Creamy leave ins or watery?

Watery, but my hair is fine and can't take too much heavy product

If you diffuse, how long do you diffuse, or have you ever sat under a dryer before?

I don't diffuse often, but if I do, it's after my hair has been drying in a microfiber towel or tshirt for a while. I normally diffuse for about 10 minutes, no more than 15. I sat under a dryer for a wash and go style at the salon once (my big chop appt) and I hated it because I got so much shrinkage.

Have you ever went straight from conditioning your hair to adding your styler, no leave in?

Yup, makes my hair crunchy. At the very least, I'll leave in some conditioner.

Can you name some good styler and leave in combinations?

Yes to Cucumbers + KCCC
Curl Junkie Leave In + Coco Coffee Curl Cream
Giovanni Direct + Coco Coffee Curl Cream (but not too much or your hair will get white)

I had to retire my WnGs for the winter in NJ. I caught bronchitis last month so I've been on a braidout kick since mid-January. My answers are pretty similar to Elle's.

Do you find that a clear leave in works best to avoid the whiteness or does it not matter?

Doesn't matter

What leave in conditioner works best with your styler? Creamy leave ins or watery?

Creamy leave-ins that are water or aloe vera based. Butter based leave-ins either turn my hair white (without anything else) or do not have enough slip for me. (Copied from Elle)

If you diffuse, how long do you diffuse, or have you ever sat under a dryer before?
Don't diffuse, I just air dry. But when I dabbled in diffusing I only did it until I didn't have drippies. (Also copied from Elle)

Have you ever went straight from conditioning your hair to adding your styler, no leave in?

I used to but I've found I need some type of moisturizer under the styler. If not a leave-in, a moisturizer of some sort.

Can you name some good styler and leave in combinations?

• Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Moisturizer with Bee Mine Curly Butter
  
• My Honey Child Type 3 Cream with Komaza Coconut Pudding
• Marie Dean Mango Tango Hair Detangler with Marie Dean Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie
• Mane and Tail Conditioner with Komaza Coconut Pudding

During the summer I can actually use the Bee Mine Luscious Balanced Moisturizer by itself. I've also found that Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner works well by itself in the summer too.

Do you find that a clear leave in works best to avoid the whiteness or does it not matter?
It depends on the formulas for both. If I use my TJ Tea Tree Tingle with BM Curly Butter I get white balls. However, I can use the TJ Tea Tree Tingle with KC Spiral Spritz and not get any whiteness.



What leave in conditioner works best with your styler? Creamy leave ins or watery?
I love creamy leave-ins that are watery/runny

If you diffuse, how long do you diffuse, or have you ever sat under a dryer before?
I used to diffuse but not anymore. I still have a TWA (5in) so I don't think I need to right now. I also stopped because I feel like I retain more moisture and softness when I air dry.

Have you ever went straight from conditioning your hair to adding your styler, no leave in?
Yes, I tried just using the BM Curly Butter by itself and it was not good. No slippage at all and it dried frizzy and undefined:cwm10: I think I might try using the KC Spiral Spritz alone since it has great slip and see what happens.


Can you name some good styler and leave in combinations?
Currently I'm loving: TJ Tea Tree Tingle as leave-in + KC Spiral Spritz as styler (softness and clumpage glore:thumbleft:)
Also like: DB Cleansing Condish as a leave-in + BM Curly Butter

loving the replies


OkIm going for round two with the Ecostyler Argan oil thingie mahjiggy

last night I cowashed with CJ Moisturizing Daily Conditioner.

Hair was super soft and moist , so I went straight to the Gel, over it I layered a little bit of FSG,

Ends result= banging hair that everyone loved, no hair boogers, no gluey like ends BUT HARD AS HELL .I even tried to SOTC , did help a tiny bit but in my cold office my hair was harder,

So tonight I'm going to cowash , rinse, apply QB OHHB and then a little of the Ecostyler.

or should I apply the OHHB with a little CIAB then styler? or OHHB , Styler then CIAB?

OHHB may be just right addition for you since you're more porous. It would do me in! I would do--

OHHB, ECO + CIAB. The CIAB is always the last to go on any styler. Then shingle.

ok Nat ,Im going to try that. thanks sugahtoes

I think you might need something else under that ecostyler than just the Qhemet OHHB....

i would either leave some conditioner in my hair, apply the OHHB and then the ecostyler or I would use the AOHC + OHHB and then Ecostyler. If your hair looks a bit white from the AOHC, don't worry, it will dry clear.

Ok question...What't the purpose of the CIAB? Is it for additional hold or to soften the hold of the ecostyler?

Anytime, but let's see if it works out 1st. LOLOL!

^^CIAB softens hold and adds extra moisture without fear of being too producty or turning your hair white. It's my HG finisher.

It also makes the curls, plump, bouncy and shiny when I use it with any gel.