Lex LFA

I think I've just realize my prob with my hair is its not very porous. I have 2c coarse(not coarse as in feel but as in resistance to styling) thick blonde hair. This explains why products just sit on my hair n I can smell them all day. So it's my guess that inside my hair shafts are quite dry. So my question is can anybody tell me what products should I use n how do I wash it?

dresdendoll

I found the best thing to do with my coarse, thick, low porosity, 2c hair was to use a soap-based shampoo, like Beautiful Curls Shampoo for Curly to Wavy Hair, because it temporarily opens up the cuticle so products actually absorb and don't just sit there. It's helped my hair a lot!! I follow up with other BC products too, and it works great You only need a pea-sized amount of the shampoo. Then I use a lot of conditioner, rinse out, blot my hair, apply a leave-in, and then scrunch a creamy gel into my hair. I never use heavy or sticky products--my hair hates them. I would recommend lighter, creamier stylers and light yet moisturizing conditioners as well as a soap-based shampoo.

HTH!

__________________
2c/2b with some 2a, coarse, dense, thick, low porosity
Growing out a CL bob. Last significant haircut 12/2011.
CG again as of 7/20/12


Cleanser: BRÖÖ Hydrating Porter Shampoo
Conditioner: Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Conditioner
Styler: homemade coconut/aloe flax gel
Trying to make my own products!

all-natural products, MOISTURE, Mehandi henna, argan oil
PROTEIN, synthetic ingredients, heavy oils

Lex LFA

Ok I was thinking of just putting warm water through my hair to open the cuticle apply conditioner wash out, apply leave in, run cold water through to close it or something n air dry. But anyway how often do u shampoo n what temp water do u use?

dresdendoll

That sounds like a great method!
I, personally, just find I need shampoo because it really does help my hair absorb a lot more moisture than it used to with cowashing. But that's because my shampoo is basic, and it's partner conditioner is acidic, so the shampoo opens my cuticle and the conditioner moisturizes and seals it back up. If you're going to shampoo, definitely check the pH because a lot of them are probably around 4.5-5.5, which won't open the cuticle.

I also shampoo with hot water and probably every day to every 2 days and only use, literally, a pea-sized amount, following up with a lot of conditioner.

If you don't want to shampoo, though, you can add some baking soda to your cowash every few days because it's basic.

__________________
2c/2b with some 2a, coarse, dense, thick, low porosity
Growing out a CL bob. Last significant haircut 12/2011.
CG again as of 7/20/12


Cleanser: BRÖÖ Hydrating Porter Shampoo
Conditioner: Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Conditioner
Styler: homemade coconut/aloe flax gel
Trying to make my own products!

all-natural products, MOISTURE, Mehandi henna, argan oil
PROTEIN, synthetic ingredients, heavy oils