Reddit mentions: The best hair conditioner

You collect lip balms too?? :D What are your favorite ones? Right now I'm really liking the Etude House Honey Cera lip balm, and I use Pure Smile lip treatment (also in honey) as a lip mask at night. I can't handle EOS anymore - I like the shape but the fragrances are way too strong for me and they don't really do much for me in terms of lasting moisture.

LOL I had no idea about feminine washes being good for body soap! That's hilarious and amazing, and potentially embarrassing when you have house guests over maybe ;)

I've tried the Nivea in-shower wash with CoQ10 (blue bottle) and then I switched to using cold pressed sunflower oil in the same way, because it was cheaper and more moisturizing while I was braving a German winter. But since then I've been reading that oil is bad for your drain/pipes, so I've stopped doing that and have been looking for a better alternative to getting an extra moisture boost.

The most moisturizing body wash I've ever used is Dove Pro-Age Body Wash, which I believe is only available in Europe now. I can't find it in stores now that I'm back in the states and it's pretty overpriced online (I used to get it for €1.50 sometimes!), but I might just bite the bullet and order some from the UK for $6/bottle. -.- I'm not that concerned about anti-aging for my body yet, but it's was the most moisturizing thing I could find and that works for me!

I've also been trying a variety of different sls-free soaps and body washes as an alternative (Happy Bath is a good AB option), and what I find is that initially they don't feel as moisturizing as the Dove body wash, but my skin retains moisture for much longer. My theory is that the detergents in the Dove soap are very drying, which they cover up with a lot of "lotiony" ingredients, but those fade and at the end of the day, my skin feels a lot drier. I think in the long term, sls-free body washes are the way to go, and if only I could find one as rich and moisturizing as the Dove one, then I'd be sold! I've been open to trying non-foaming shower oils, but the problem is that I have been using salux cloths and italy towels pretty much since birth so I feel really grimy if I don't get to exfoliate in the shower, and in order for those to work, you need a little bit of foaming action.

I've also done the layering or mixing in oils with lotion to get an extra moisture boost! Argan oil is amazing but pricey, so I use sunflower oil and it works for me. It has a ton of vitamin e in it so that's a plus! (Cosrx also uses a lot of sunflower oil in their products btw!) I want to try sweet almond oil but I haven't figured out which one to buy yet. I feel like cold-pressed organic food-grade oils come at a pretty good price and are good quality so I usually get them from a health food store. Another option would be to get a lotion with a "cream oil" formula - Aveeno has one that I really like with a pink label. I really want to try the illi's Total Aging Care Body Oil & Lotion!! It sounds really amazing but I haven't found an excuse to splurge yet :P Let me know how you like it!! The Innisfree one sounds like a cheaper alternative that could be really nice - I'll have to give it a try! Camelia in a body lotion sounds dreamy :)

Kikumasamune (did i spell that right) is definitely on my list! It's actually in my cart because the price just dropped on Amazon ($12.98 rn!). I'm just waiting to get one more $5 gift card from Bing rewards so I can get it basically for free :) I've also been looking at [Naturie Skin Conditioner] (http://www.amazon.com/Imyu-naturie-Skin-Conditioner-500ml/dp/B000FQP2YS) as another option, maybe as a hydrating body mist for the summer. But there was a [recall] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/42tafu/psa_imju_naturie_skin_conditioner_recall/) recently for this product for some reason, which has me a little concerned...

Omg the struggle with shaving is so real! I've had pretty good luck getting rid of ingrowns by splashing on Thayer's toner on my legs, after shaving and before lotion. I've also repurposed an AHA toner for the same reason and it made my legs super smooth, but I would only do it on days that I don't shave, to minimize irritation. My favorite shave cream is this [Shave Cream from Trader Joes] (http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Moisturizing-Cream-Shave/dp/B002URZUZG). This stuff changed my life! I can't really shave with anything else and I even brought a bunch of tubes with me when I was living abroad. It doesn't foam - it has the consistency of a thick conditioner or hair pack and it's the best! I kind of want to try shaving with an oil cleanser or with a face wash like Shiseido Perfect Whip, but I feel like that could lead to a really expensive habit. lol I feel like which razor you use is really important - I recently got a pack of the Venus Embrace Sensitive with Aloe and I feel like it's not as nice, a little bit more scratchy, than the original.

Sorry for the wall of text! Thanks for all your recommendations!! :D :::Snail Hugs:::

Hi, fellow curlies! Long time lurker, but I created a separate account to show off my 3a/3b work in progress! I’ve divided this up into sections because it’s definitely of TL;DR length, so skip right to the routine part if that’s what you’re after.


HAIR STATS

Mostly very strong 3a, but there’s a good chunk of something approaching 3b at the crown.

Really thick, I can’t use small hair clips or ties, even with it being shorter. It feels like it’s become a tad less thick, maybe due to age (I’m in my 30s).

Last cut in March (8 months ago), it’s a shorter curly cut that’s growing out but still looks decent.

Highlights and color applied at last cut. The highlights were subtle, the color was close to my natural hair color to help cover the whites coming in.

No flat iron/high heat for the last 4+ years. Most heat I’ve used is a dryer on low with bursts of cold air.

No “bad” products for the last 4+ years. It’s only been curly approved products with no traditional shampoo! Only No Poo with the occasional clarifying shampoo.

Very dry climate. So dry here I have a sinus moisturizing gel I shove up my nose before bed to avoid nosebleeds. I know most curlies hate the humidity but I wish I had a little bit, I think my hair would benefit.

Hair washed once weekly, twice weekly at most. More often during the week if I’m exercising (which I haven’t done much of lately, hah), but coarse/dryer hair + very dry climate = fewer washings. I do a lazy pineapple to pin it up when I do quick body-only showers.


HAIR HISTORY

It’s a story that’s all too familiar here: My hair was NOT cool as a kid— the 90s were not nice to big hair, and I was also one of the only “ethnic” people in super white schools. When in its natural state, it was almost nothing but fuzz and it almost looked like I had an afro. Stylists had no clue what to do with my hair, so the cuts never helped.

I first heard about the curly method in 2009 or 2010. Even though that wasn’t THAT long ago, the spectrum of products we have available now versus then is night and day. With my limited hair understanding, I took the plunge and went natural, but it didn’t look so great. I stuck with it, though, mostly out of laziness because life got really busy and stressful. Straightening my hair literally takes hours, so laziness won. Used to use DevaCurl No Poo and One Condition in the shower before crunching in the DevaCurl Light Defining Gel. Never experimented with other stuff because, again, I was lazy and busy.

Recently, my hair was going limp and was feeling greasy no matter what I did, so I started reading through the links in this subreddit and experimenting with newer products now that my life has slowed down. I bought a few new products based on recommendations here, and what I outline below is after playing around with a few different things for the last couple of months.


NEW "ROUTINE"

“Routine” is in quotations because routine suggests I do this with regularity when this is the first time I’ve done this whole “routine” as outlined below.

I realized I last clarified my hair when my hairdresser cut it several months ago, so I figured it was time to clarify. The pics are from last night, a couple of hours after washing.

1. Clarify with Kinky Curly Come Clean Natural Moisturizing Shampoo. I really spent my time massaging it into my scalp, and I liberally applied to my hair and worked it until it had the “squeaky clean” feel. I used a rake comb to help detangle and make sure the shampoo was applied evenly throughout. I NEVER, EVER tug at any tangles, I take my time gently combing them out.
   
   (I really love how my hair turned out, I’m not sure if I’m going to just clarify every time I wash my hair. I wash it so infrequently and it has so much product applied to it each time that I think I’ll be fine, but I’ll edit this post if it turns out to be a bad idea.)
   
   
2. Crunch out excess water.
   
   
3. Condition with Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-In Conditioner. I applied liberally, massaging it into scalp and crunching it up into my hair until my hair felt smooth/soft. I crunched by leaning my hair to the side (and switching sides periodically) and making sure the crunch action reaches my scalp to ensure that the product it applied throughout.
   
   NB: Don’t over-apply to the point that the conditioner is dripping out of your hair, it’s wasteful and doesn’t add anything more to your hair apart from making it feel too greasy later.
   
   
4. Crunch out excess water. Crunching will be your life for the next 20-30 minutes.
   
   
5. Crunch gently with a towel. I just used my regular bath towel. Same crunch method as detailed in #3. I crunch until the dripping mostly stops.
   
   
6. Apply Miss Jessie’s Multicultural Curls. I squeezed out a generous palmful, tilted my head to the side, and crunched it up into my hair. Same crunch method as detailed in #3. I crunched until I felt I’d crunched it up evenly throughout and my hands weren’t covered in product.
   
   
7. Apply Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls. Same directions as in #6.
   
   
8. Get a handheld hair dryer, remove whatever piece is at the head of it so the airflow isn’t concentrated in any particular way. I have a Che hairdryer I bought 10+ years ago that works well. (I had a diffuser, can’t find it, if I find it/use it I’ll edit this post. If anyone has any diffuser recs for someone with 3a/3b hair, let me know, I may have gotten rid of mine accidentally, oops.)
   
   
9. Tilt your head upside-down, and dry with the hairdryer on low heat setting with one kept a a few inches away while your other hand continues to crunch. Occasionally shift your hair to either side of your head and back to upside-down.
   
   
10. If your hair dryer has a cold burst setting, use it for 20 seconds every 60 seconds or so. If not, just remove the heat for a few seconds as you continue crunching. CRUNCHING IS LIFE, IT IS THE ONLY LIFE YOU NOW KNOW.
    
    
11. Dry your hair until it feels dry, never stop crunching. Your hands shouldn’t be damp or wet. I always used to rush through this part and the curls aren’t the same, the more time I spend with any low kind of heat (either with this hair dryer or using the helmet dryer at the salon), the better for me.
    
    
12. Finish your hair with a small amount of shine serum. I plopped my head upright and scrunched in a small palmful of serum, focusing on the hair at the crown, the most coarse/fuzzy. I have some old DevaCurl MirrorCurls Serum lying around. I don’t like the smell, I’m open to trying something else.
    
    
13. Fin. Maybe now is a good time to go gather the hair from the drain trap before your spouse yells at you for secretly threatening him with tribbles.
    
    
    GOALS
    
    I’m happy with my hair, but I have some things to work on:
    
    
14. Fuzz. It’s still a little fuzzy at the crown, way better than before, maybe I need to make peace with it? Maybe a diffuser would help.
    
    
15. Length. I haven’t had long hair in years, I’d like to continue growing it out and seeing how much more the thickness/length of the hair will weigh it down and make it less bouncy.
    
    
16. Finding these products in bulk. It seems impossible, but I won’t give up hope. I would be willing to spend more money upfront for this stuff if it meant it was cheaper per ounce.
    
    
17. Figuring out how to keep it looking good through the week. I do the pineapple at night with a giant, silky scarf and then cover the top with a night cap, but it still looks fuzzier/less awesome the next day. What do you recommend? This climate is WAY TOO DRY for me to do this this whole routine any more than twice/thrice weekly.
    
    
    Wow, that was a novella. Thanks for reading, and best of curls to you all!

This is about a 3b. I have 3b hair and while his cut is a lot different than mine the curl is pretty similar.

You need a good daily hair care routine that is going to require some trial and error on your end.

Here's a basic step by step routine:

Detangling - Get in the habit of detangling your hair while its wet. Get yourself a widetooth comb intended for detangling (like this one) and while your hair is wet use it and your fingers to pull out any of your tangles, pay close attention to the back of your head where it would normally rest against any sort of headrest (chair, car, whatever). Don't worry about getting them all, this is something you'll be doing throughout the routine, we're just getting started.

Now that we've loosened up our hair it's time to cleanse it.

Cleanser - It's best to think of this step like face wash, but for your hair, in this step you're getting rid of any oils or products still left in your hair and cleaning it.

There are three main types:

1. Shampoo - We don't want normal shampoo, however, it isn't good for our hair. You want a non-sulfate shampoo, which won't dry out or damage your hair.
   
   
2. Hair Cleanser - Often comes in a creme form, this is one of the more popular shampoo alternatives.
   
   
3. Cowash - This is a conditioner that also cleanses. Sort of like those all in one bottles of body wash/shampoo/conditioners except its just conditioner intended to clean your hair without damaging it like a sulfate shampoo. I currently use a cowash, this one in particular.
   
   With your hair still wet use your cleanser of choice and wash your hair, but before you start washing it out, it's time to break out your detangler comb and work out the tougher tangles now that your hair is lubed up and they'll give easier.
   
   Wash the product out and if you weren't using a cowash, go ahead and use your favorite conditioner (this is going to be a big experiment on your part, personally I cut this out by going the cowash route).
   
   To Dry or Not to Dry?
   
   So the next stype is styling your curls with any number of products, but before we get to that step, there's another thing you're going to want to experiment with, which is, whether or not you want to dry your hair before applying it. Personally, I prefer a good middle ground on this as it gives me the best results, so I'll towel dry my hair a little bit so that it's no longer "wet" but sort of "damp". Experiment with this until you find the best results for you.
   
   Curl Definintion, Anti-Frizz, and Styling
   
   Now that your hair is clean and conditioned and ready to apply hair product let's talk about some hair products. I recommend picking up at least 1 of each of the big options I'll list below because they each do things a little differently and often times you can find yourself mixing and matching and experimenting to find the best results.
   
   The big ones to consider:
   
   
4. Leave-In Conditioner/Hair Milk - These are light hair products that are meant to hydrate/moisturize your hair. They are great to get your hair ready to style and are often used as a refresher to re-define loose curls and combat frizz. In some cases this is all you need to get a nice leave and go hair style. I have been using this leave-in for a few months now and I love it!
   
5. Curl Creme/Smoothie - This product is all about softening, moisturizing, refreshing, conditioning, styling, and combatting frizz, a lot like a Leave-In, and because they are so much like a leave-in you can use them as such, some cremes/smoothies are marketed that way. It's a moistorizing styler that leaves your hair soft to the touch unlike other options. I use this curl smoothie, I have been using this one for 2 months now, but I experimented with a lot before settling on this one.
   
6. Curl Definer/Pomade - In contrast to the Creme/Smoothie option we have the definer/pomade/gel option. These are good for hold, shine, and controlling frizz. They have a sleek/wet/polished look to them as they lock in moisture and often have wax in them. This combination makes them great for maintaining that defined curl look throughout the day, where others you'll have to re-apply or refresh at some point in a longer day. These products will leave your hair crunchy or oily or both, especially if you over-use the product, and if you have naturally oily hair I'd avoid using this product entirely. I have two products for this job. First is Curls' Gel-Les'C, which is pretty light (thanks to using a little gel in its mixture) and doesn't give me too much crunch, which I like. The second is
   Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey, which I'm really liking.
   
   Once you figure out which products youre going to use, follow their directions and style your hair the way you like.
   
   But just to quickly review my process is as follows:
   
   
7. Wake up, shower, de-tangle.
   
8. Cowash + detangle some more.
   
9. Partially dry the hair, and put in leave-in conditioner.
   
10. I let it sit for a few minutes while I get dressed/make breakfast/whatever.
    
11. Apply either Curl Creme/Smoothie or Pomade and style. My day-to-day is the curl creme and I usually shake and go/finger comb and use a pick to make sure there's an equal amount of "puff" all around.
    
    Hope this helps!

Your hair sounds a bit similar to mine tho a bit finer and more prone to be weighed down with synthetic products; that was very intuitive of you to notice! The major pitfall of common store brands is that theyre filled with sulfates, silcone and parabens. They will cling to your hair shafts and build up over time leaving your hair waxy and heavy.

If youre an ingredient reader look at like the top 5 ingredients; you can usually spot the bad synthetic stuff pretty fast. For sulfates, look for ingredients that end in “-ate”, this typically indicates that its a sulfate. Silicones normally end in “-cone”, “-xane”, and “-col”. And parabens can usually be spotted by ending in “paraben”.

Some general advice would definitely be: 1. Dont crank the shower temp up to max. Hot water only makes skin drier which leads to more compensation in oil production. 2. Dont wash your hair every day. you can shower everyday, by all means I encourage it! But save the shampoo for every other day. Most excessive oil problems are actually because youre stripping your hair dry and your scalp is over compensating.

As far as some product recommendations! I would get a nice Clarifying Shampoo ; These are best used maybe once a week if you have thinner hair, tho I have been known to use mine more frequently if my hair feels truly disgusting which sometimes hair just do that. These are good for stripping away the weeks build up of grime and sweat and dead skin. your hair will feel very squeaky after using this stuff. Always condition and leave it in for at least 5 minutes before rinsing.

A good Dry Shampoo for those days you dont have time to shower is a God Send or simply to spruce up your hair on No-Poo days. Remember to comb your hair after applying it cause this stuff can really cake up on your hair if you start to sweat.

Since my hair is so short its really hard to follow most of the instructions of hair regimens (theres a big to do about focusing on your roots versus hair shaft in most hair regimens) so I tend to use primarily Co-Washes! I dont have tight curls or coils but Ive found they are very effective at cleaning my hair, moisturizing it, but not stripping it so much that I end up back where I started. Theyre basically conditioners with a few of the sudsy bits of shampoos mixed in. Theyre similar to a 2-in-1 but they err on the side of the conditioner rather than the shampoo. They are much better for healthy hair and scalp.

A couple of my favorite cowashes are: NYM (Im very fond of this brand XD); Mop Top (if you dont mind a brand thats not in stores) or As I Am (This is the only CoWash I do not follow up with a light conditioner as coconut oil is very heavy on my hair).

With thinner hair its best to try and avoid products with heavier oils that are slow to absorb like Coconut and Olive oils; I would only suggest these if you are going to do something after your shower that will involve intense heat like curling or straightening irons. Products with lighter oils like Argan and Grapeseed will absorb more quickly and wont leave thin hair feeling greasier but will still moisturize it. Jojoba Oil tends to have properties of both and is a good middle ground.

Even tho I use co-washes, there are still surfactants in them and a light conditioning afterwards works wonders for sealing the deal. My fave conditioners usually have really light oils in them because my hair is prone to getting weighed down: Argan Oil Conditioner (my current go to particularly because it has more of a cedar wood and patchouli scent instead of typically floral scents); Argan Oil and Lavender (this one can leave a rather strong girly floral scent in your hair but its absolutely lovely); Leave In Spray or Leave in Milk (And if your hair is being an absolute pain about being weighed down, never underestimate a nice light leave in spray or milk. A little bit goes a long way for conditioning temperamental hair).

---

The best part is that a lot of these tips can also be applied to the skin of your face too. Too oily? Your showers may be too hot or the soap/astringent you are using may be to HARSH and are stripping everything away, good and bad. Try something lighter like a Toner. Moisturizing after washing your face can be important. Some toners also moisturize lightly (like Rose Water Toners) but if youre still feeling a bit dry, light moisturizers made for facial skin can be a nice way to finish up a shower routine!

Also Always remember to wash you pillow cases regularly!

---

The most important thing to remember is that changing the chemistry of your hair and skin routine can take a bit of time to settle in so you might not see a change immediately. Id say give it at least 1-2 weeks to really see if things start clearing up and if they dont keep track of the changes and adjust and try different products. its a bit of a pain in the wallet, believe me, I went thru half a dozen or so different products before I narrowed it down to a couple things: coconut oil was too heavy for my hair and jojoba oil was to slow absorbing for my skin but Argan Oil and Rose Water are a true delight; Im allergic to Salicylic Acid and thats a huge ingredient in a lot of products and acne medications; and my skin is Combination so it can vacillate wildly between oily and dry states. I did find a nice set of products tho that get the job done eventually! I hope you can find some faves yourself!

Hahahaha we can do this, together <3

But seriously so here is my process:

• Shower, Shampoo/Condition/Etc
  
  
• While still in shower and hair is soaking, add a dollop of this and comb through (I just find it conditioning and nice).
  
  
• Put hair up in an old graphic t-shirt (less frizz than a towel!)
  
  
• When 50-60% dry, take out and add a dollop of this - It's like a gel but way more forgiving and it smells like cake. (It doesn't taste like cake. Don't ask.)
  
  
• Do my 6 tentacle braids...yours probably looks infinitely better with the french braided pigtails hahaha.
  
  
• Go to sleep (my favourite step!)
  
  
• Wake up, hair spray braids and let set while I do my makeup and whatever else.
  
  
• When ready, take out braids and tousle roots - I try to avoid disturbing the body of the hair too much because then it's like brushing out curls and the frizz/largeness is oh my lol. But the roots definitely need some breaking up.
  
  
• First day that's usually the extent of it.
  
  
• Second Day I add the silkening gloss to control frizzies (2-3 pumps usually?). Second day is always the best day! Idk why hahaha.
  
  
• Third day I also add the gloss - It seriously doesn't make oily at all!!!!! It's as amazing as the original thread says <3 Also third day I do a bun or something with the nice texture the braids give. Sometimes I leave it down but I definitely look a little lazy if I do that haha.
  
  I hope that helps! It's also possible your hair doesn't hold as well (cough or you have higher standards for acceptable hair than me...totally possible cough), but I think with those products you will hopefully get a little more mileage out of it!

Sure!!! I LOVE all things beauty and hair!

Sulfate Free Shampoos & Conditioners:

• KMS California - Anything by KMS California in terms of hair care. They're my go to!
  
• Kristin Ess Shampoo - She's the stylist who does Lauren Conrad's hair. She has her own new line for hair care. All sulfate free.
  
• Living Proof Hair Shamp & Cond. - This is all sulfate free. I recommend this one if you're just starting out. They're not cheap but you're getting your bang for your buck in my opinion.
  
• Bumble & Bumble - Curly hair girls unite! This is also specifically made for wavy/curly hair.
  
  Dry Shampoo:
  
• R & Co Dry Shampoo - This is my ride or die DS. Absolute fav.
  
• Batiste Dry Shampoo - The first is on the higher end, this is a great and cheaper alternative! I love Batiste! They've got ones for specific hair colors as well.
  
  Cleansing Conditioners:
  
• DevaCurl Cleansing Cond. - If you've got any type of curl DevaCurl can help you maintain them without stripping them of their natural texture.
  
• Loreal Cleansing Cond. - Drugstore cleansing conditioners are also great! This one is a staple!
  
• Herbal Essences Cleansing Cond. - This one ppl also love.
  
  Products Mentioned in this thread:
  
• Deva Heaven In Hair Intense Moisture Treatment
  
• Hair forks
  
• it's a ten miracle leave-in Cond.
  
• Shower Cap
  
• Spiral Hair Ties
  
• Milkmaid Braid Hair Tutorial
  
• French Braid Hair Tutorial

Hi /r/Xylies

Well done for deciding to stop using the straightener!

Unfortunately at this moment in time, hair repair is not permanent. However, there are solutions that can have a lasting effect.
My first and most important recommendation would be to get a haircut, this will remove any split ends and the bulk of damage.

Here is a list of things that will help:

• Coconut oil (Raw, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed)
  
  Soak your hair in Coconut Oil overnight then shampoo and condition the next day as usual. This can be done as often as necessary, it will add softness and shine but will also protect your hair from further damage.
  
  
• Shampoo
  
  Choose a shampoo formulated for dry/damaged hair.
  
  L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverSleek Reparative Smoothing Shampoo
  
  Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
  
  
• Conditioner
  
  Again, choose a conditioner formulated for dry/damaged hair or for frizzy hair.
  
  L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverSleek Reparative Smoothing Conditioner
  
  Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner
  
  
• Protein Treatment
  
  Once or twice a month (if you can) replenish and strengthen your hair with a protein treatment. Be careful though as sometimes overuse may cause a buildup which causes the hair too feel brittle.
  
  Joico K-PAK RevitaLuxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment
  
  Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus
  
  ApHogee 2 Minute Keratin Reconstructor
  
  All of the above treatments can be used after shampooing and it's not necessary to condition afterwards.
  
  Also, always remember that you should rinse any type of conditioner/treatment out of your hair thoroughly.
  
  In my opinion, you would benefit from using a leave-in conditioner and then when your hair is dry, applying a drop or two of oil to the lengths and ends (keep it away from the roots)
  
  
• Leave-in Conditioner
  
  it's a 10! Miracle Leave-in Product
  
  Very concentrated and effective (read the reviews).
  
  
• Oil
  
  Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense
  
  I hope this helps and please feel free to ask any questions or PM me if you want any further advice/recommendations, I'd be happy to help if I can. Good luck! :)
  
  

> I just was paranoid about my products containing vitamin A, but it seems like few products do

Yeah, products usually make it pretty clear if there's a retinoid in their ingredients list since that would be a major selling point. If there isn't an indication of that in the product name or key effects, the product won't have a retinoid in meaningful amounts in there.

>The link I had is an emulsion, I’ve heard that the same-but-not-same as toner, and I’m confused. Can I be using that as a toner?

Toner just refers to the consistency of a product - a super thin, liquidy product. Emulsions are a bit thicker, but honestly I wouldn't get too caught up in all the different consistencies for moisturizing products - they go from thin to thick, the rest is just classification. I think an emulsion would be light enough to use before tretinoin, especially if you use a thin layer :)

>Do you have any suggestions, for a good toner?

Yes! I haven't tried most of these (my skin doesn't seem to benefit much from toners), but here's a list of common hydrating toner recs:

> Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (review, jolse)

> Paula's Choice Enriched Calming Toner (Paula's Choice)

> Rumase Bifida Snail Toner (review, ibbi)

> Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion (review, amazon)

> Klairs Supple Preparation Toner (review, wishtrend)

> Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner (review, jolse)

> Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner (review, jolse)

> Cezanne Skin Conditioner High Moist (review, amazon)

> Etude House Soon Jung pH 5.5 Relief Toner(review, jolse)

> Whamisa Organic Flowers Deep Rich Essence Toner (review, review 2, glow recipe)

Anecdotal experience coming your way!

My hair: very low porosity, very fine, kinda thin, dry and prone to split ends, longish (bra strap length), wavy (type 2a), damaged from previous abuse, oily scalp... I used to have to wash every day and would still look oily and stringy by the end of the day.

Dry shampoo: I'm a big fan of homemade solutions, and arrowroot powder (or corn starch, but I think the arrowroot is finer and more invisible) and cocoa powder (to match my color, my roommie uses cinnamon on her red hair), worked a LOT better for me than anything I tried from the store! All of them either looked good for the first few hours but left me clumpy later in the day, or you could see them in my hair no matter how much brushing I did. I just dust the arrowroot/cocoa powder on my fingertips and work it into my roots when I need it, and it actually gives me a lot of volume.

Current routine that I'm in LOVE with: conditioner only method using Trader Joes Nourish Spa Conditioner once every 2-3 days, and keep my hair dry on off days with an ugly shower cap. I've interrogated all my friends on day 3 about whether or not it looks oily and they think I'm crazy and say it looks like I'm fresh out of the shower. Deep condition once a weekish with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner, and occasionally (maybe once a month, if that) wash with the shampoo in the same line if I get foreign crud in my hair from painting/what have you. The CO-washing totally takes care of my natural sweat/oils, even when I spent an entire day outside working my ass off in 98 degree heat. Since I've started doing this my natural texture has absolutely exploded, split ends have gone way down (I actually haven't gotten it cut since April and it still looks GORGEOUS, like I get complimented a LOT), and I no longer feel the need to use styling products beyond a little hairspray if I'm wearing it up or a glycerin mist if I want to make my waves even bigger (apparently glycerin can be tricky, proceed with caution! ) It's worth figuring out your hair porosity to determine what kind of protein/moisture balance your hair needs, I found this page to be really helpful. I sleep with it in an upside down french braid and that does all my styling for me, also keeps me from getting weird parts/matts etc in my sleep, and I've heard it's better for your hair not to sleep with it loose.

I've been doing this routine all summer (experimenting with no poo techniques for a year, CO-washing for about 6 months) and I can honestly say I've NEVER been this happy with my hair, and I've never spent so little money or energy on it. I'm so damn happy, I feel like an evangelical because I go on this rave about it so often.

In short: Damn the man! Save the empire! Shampoo is the root of all evil.

EDIT: Holy cow, sorry for the novel! But seriously, did I convey how happy this makes me? Great. Also, had absolutely NO transition period, aside from learning how to throughly massage my scalp. ALSO, here's a link to suggestions for good CO-washing conditioners Ok... watching Dexter now. Hope this was helpful!

I have this same patch. I put in Havana Twists to keep the ends protected and it's helped a lot. Between that and my regimen, I've been seeing that section match up to the rest of my hair length. It's still a little shorter but it's a lot stronger and there's way less breakage there than there used to be.

I don't shampoo my hair ever. I just co-wash using This Trader Joe's conditioner. Though I do plan on switching to This conditioner by them because I've heard great reviews about it and my hair stops being really responsive to conditioners after a while. My hair still responds to the first one relatively well but I've noticed it's seeming a little more lack luster than when I first started using it.

I spray my hair/scalp with a mix of Aloe Juice and Water every day and use either just straight up coconut oil or this hair moisturizer (I know you're not all for a bunch of homemade stuff but I essentially swear by her products. They make my hair so soft and they seal in the moisture perfectly, helping bring out more natural shine). With that product, a little goes a long way. so though it's 16 bucks you're putting down, it will last you a while. I bought my first bottle of it about 4-5 months ago and I still haven't made much of a dent in it.

The biggest thing is probably making sure that part of your head is getting the amount of moisture it needs and locking it in.

I've also started doing deep conditioning protein treatments once a month or so. It's gross but I use a small thing of Greek Yogurt, one egg, a bunch of honey and vitamin E. My hair responds so well to it, and I make sure to slather that part with it a ton because it helps strengthen it a shit load. My hair has also been incredibly responsive to it, leading to way less breakage then what I used to get.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

creme does not hold up as well as gel does, but i think it looks nicer, on my hair at least.

Maybe you could find a picture of what you want your hair to look like to give me an idea? Like what is your goal, what would you want your hair to look like.

It sounds like you might want more...volume? Your hair seems more on the fine side and like a 3B/3C. I follow the curly girl method, you can learn more about that on the sidebar. I use Yes to Carrots Conditioner, but I'll be stopping that when the new formula makes it to the local grocery stores (they just started adding silicones, but old formula, which is still available near me, doesn't have that in it). And I use Curls Goddess Curls for gel. For creme, I use whatever I find on sale that fits curly girl friendly.

Gel is great for humidity, it also is lighter and helps curls curl better. Cream is heavier, better for dryer conditions because it adds moisture, but it's heavier and will loosen curls.

And you have to find the right balance of conditioner so your hair isn't too weighed down, but also isn't frizzy. For your hair, I'd think a poker chip size amount of conditioner would do and then half of that for the styling product.

Start with No brushing. No shampoo. Avoid heat styling.
Use fingers or wide tooth comb when co-washing. My hair is pretty different from yours, but I just started using Tresseme naturals and it is really affordable, super moisturizing and has great slip (easy to detangle). It also is a great leave-in. Not as shiny as I would like, but doesn't look dirty and doesn't weigh down the curl, yet really tackles the frizz. I also used the As I Am coconut co-wash and liked it, but it isn't as moisturizing and it is no good as a leave-in. My hair is thick, coarse and goes to my mid/upper back and I use several pumps (5-6) when it is really wet as leave-in. I plop when wet because it is long, but might be good for you to plop/wrap in a microfiber towel to minimize movement while drying so it keeps the curls together?

Good luck!! Hope you find a combination that works!

This is their leave in that I use and works well for my hair and I'm mixed. For figuring out better hair care practices I'd suggest you first pay attention to how much oil your scalp produces. A mixed friend of mine with almost identical curl pattern and texture had a lot more oil production on her scalp than me which led to very different hair care needs since her scalp would get lots of oil build up after 2 days without washing and I barely have any after week.

I use a shea moisture brand shampoo currently but have had success with other brands even not afro hair focused brands so long as the shampoo isn't too moisture stripping and most sulfate free products will work for that.

For me the best hair routine is shampoo then put in conditioner comb through and detangle hair with a wide toothed comb I leave the conditioner in for a while before rinsing it out then pat dry my hair just dry enough that it isn't dripping wet. Then I add the leave in conditioner by scrunching my hair rubbing it in to sections of hair and a bit on my scalp if the air is dry.

If you have questions or want any more advice feel free to ask, it took me a while to figure out how to best take care of my hair since it's neither white nor black but a unique combination of both hair types.

I'm not sure how much you know between you and your gf so I'm gonna give you a lot of info here just in case.

I highly recommend this detangling brush. My sister has 4C hair similar to this and with the right conditioner, it detangles her curls in a flash without too much pulling. Also, start from the ends, work your way up, and work in sections.

What products are you using to detangle? I would suggest getting a good regular conditioner as well as a leave-in so the curls and knots come apart with less effort. Aussie Moist is my fave in-shower conditioner and Shea Moisture Black Castor and Shea Butter is my fav leave in cause it detangles my hair in a instant and leave it soft and moisturized all week. It's not for everyone though so definitely do some shopping around.

Also, try wetting and detangling the hair a bit before washing because (in my experience) the movement and shrinkage of the hair during the makes the tangles a bit worse.

Technique is also important with curly hair. When you wash, try using slightly diluted shampoo in a squeezy bottle so you can apply it directly to the scalp and to the hair. Of course you want to shampoo the hair as well but it's better to work the shampoo from the root to the tip to avoid tangles.

You'll want to massage the scalp with your fingertips through the hair. Do not do this or yall will have a bad time lol. This creates so many tangles and damages the hair. I would recommend checking out a few poc curly hair wash day youtube videos for good technique.

Also, pat her hair dry. Please for the love of all that is good do not rub her hair on the towel.

I would recommend styling her hair while its damp with a leave in conditioner if thats easier for yall. There's nothing wrong with styling the hair while wet, in fact, a lot of curly girls prefer this because managing the hair when its dry has the potential to cause frizz or breakage. Also, I noticed you mentioned you oil her scalp. Try using the oil after the leave in so it seals in the moisture.

I'm not sure if you guys are already doing this but definitely give night scarves and bonnets a try. They'll be a huge help in the long run because they help combat frizz, tangles, lint, and breakage that occurs from sleeping on cotton.

1. Try an all natural pomade. Badger Balm is nice. It smells amazing and works well. Had a bearded friend back home who used it on his head and in his beard (lightly in the beard) and it smelled fantastic. Mmmm... bergamot.
   
   
   
2. You do have to be somewhat serious about it. It takes time for your hair and scalp to reset. The first few weeks you will be a little oily. Frequent brushing with a good brush helps. So does just rinsing with warm water in the shower (and brushing with the water running on your head). Don't overdo it though. After a few weeks you should balance out.
   
   
3. Yes you can use conditioner. BUT... nothing with silicone or sulfates in it. Try to stay as natural as possible. There's a short list about half way down this page. Suave naturals is cheap and has neither in it. Personally I use Dr Bronners. The lavender smell will put you to sleep.
   
   edit: wrong link
   
   
   
   It is just something you have to stick with for a little while. People get discouraged in the beginning because it "feels gross". That goes away. If you MUST clean it, Dr. Bronners Castile Soap can take the edge off. It's best to rinse with it though, if that makes sense. It actually is great for your skin, so draw a nice warm bath, add a couple tablespoons to the water, then lay down and swish your hair around, then rinse. Adding any kind of clenser (or conditioner for that matter) directly to your head can overpower your own natural oils. Always dilute it in something and rinse your hair with it. Like with conditioners, keep a cup in the shower, add a bit to the cup and mix it, then pour it over your hair. This is why it used to be called a cream rinse.

I think everyone loves a good toner on this sub so I'd be surprised if this post doesn't have every possible (well known at least) one recommended!

I'm combo with mild acne prone skin and have used and enjoyed:

Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion - No breakouts or irritation from this one. Gives a good dose of hydration with a slight tacky/stickyness on the side.

Klairs Supple Preparation Toner OG - This is a bit thicker than Kiku and some other ones and had a strong fragrance to it, for me. Hydrated very well and was one of the products I used during a time one of my acne flairs subsided very well. Don't use it anymore due to the overpowering fragrance but would recommend.

Secret Key Aloe - as watery and thin as Kiku, I used this in conjunction with the Klairs. I would layer one then the other x 2 and found this to be soothing and just 'nice'.

Hada Labo Premium - same viscosity as the Klairs and hydrates very well. Really good to slap on under a sheet mask or when your face is sopping wet. I don't personally enjoy how thick it is and prefer the thinner options but I am also interested/scared to see what my skin will do when I take a break from this

Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner - very new but am enjoying it already. Light as water, gentle and gives a real smoothing feel to my skin. I almost want to describe it like a ball of jelly. I spray it on my face after a shower and every couple of days use it to "wash" my face in the morning instead of water.

***

I'm hoping my Cezanne will be with me in the next week or two as I'm on my last drops of Kiku.

I find as the seasons change (it's getting warmer around where I am) my skin kinda freaks out and becomes very sensitive, especially the skin around my eyes.

Another commenter mentioned the Kikumasamune, but there's another one that's popular too called Cezanne. There are a lot of reviews on here about both. Hada Labo also makes a moisturizing toner. I think the key point it to layer moisture. So toner, essence, moisturizer.

Also, if you're not using a sunscreen you should get that as well (I can't remember off hand if the AM lotion you're using has SPF).

Also, one guide I like to link a lot is a beginner's guide by Snow White and the Asian Pear. She has a great graphic and examples of each type of product, just to give you a good overview and then you can go from there. I would say it's best to find a blogger that has similar skin concerns to you, because they're going to be your best bet on getting recommendations as they have been there, done that.

Edit: oops!! lol I didn't realize the comment had the same products listed, sorry!

Looking for some advice on when to use The Ordinary's Niacinamide + Zinc given my current routine. My skin is very oily and fairly acne-prone. At this point, I have less acne than I used to but still have a lot of PIH, which is why I'm planning to add the Niacinamide.

Current routine (strongly influenced by /r/AsianBeauty):

AM:

• Wash with Shiseido Perfect Whip
  
• Hatomugi Skin Conditioner
  
• Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Daily Leave-on Mask (2.5% benzoyl peroxide) — if anyone has a recommendation on a better drugstore benzoyl peroxide product, I would love that!
  
• Moisturize with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
  
• Sunscreen: Biore Watery Essence
  
  PM:
  
  
• Remove makeup with Simple Micellar Water
  
• If not feeling too lazy, wash with Perfect Whip
  
• If I used Perfect Whip, use the Skin Conditioner. If just used Micellar Water, my skin generally doesn't need the moisture.
  
• TO Glycolic Acid
  
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel
  
  I know TO's website recommends using the Niacinamide twice a day but I'm not sure if it will interact poorly with the BP or the Glycolic Acid. When should I use it?
  
  Edit: forgot to write my sunscreen

Non-Fluffed Album
Fluffed Version Album

Anyway next month I will have exactly 1 year of hair length I have never grown it out at all and this subreddit has been very helpful in taming my mane. It's been a very pleasant experience but as any guy growing out long hair... I really am alone in my endeavors and critique/advice is seldom. I just worry if im starting to look silly, so far I've gotten a lot of praise but at the same time I have gotten a lot of quiet stares. As usual my own folks hate it and rather prefer me clean cut. I figure I might as well get it over with now rather than regret it later. /worse im a guy and the potential to go bald can happen...

I like my hair a lot, I feel it makes me unique I however am mixed with the size of my forehead (more like a fivehead... sixhead maybe!) and the empty corners of my forehead have always been huge!! It makes it hard to emulate a male celebrity being that they don't have a huge forehead like mine. So far I try to emulate David Bisbal If you have any ideas what I should do please let me know.

My method. Basically I do my routine in about 15-20 minutes. I wake up rinse my hair in the sink do a fast version of squish to condition using Yes to carrots. Once I feel it is seaweed like during rinse... I then pat down with a t-shirt to remove excess water. Afterwards I apply Eco Style Gel olive oil in a squish-to-condition manner. My hair is flipped in curls to the front of my face covering my entire forehead and I then leave to work. I don't use a hair dryer... Im a guy and "ain't nobody got time for dat" the best thing I have is using my A/C on full blast in my truck. My commute is about 20-25 minutes and at about the 15 minute mark when im driving, once I feel that the gel has semi-hardened, I flip it back. it has to be a little hardened in order for my hair to have a bit of volume otherwise its just flat and lifeless hanging from my scalp. Sometimes I part it to the side or tuck one side behind the ear. It takes about 3 hours to fully dry at work I occasionaly scrunch it once or twice breaking the gel masque in order to achieve a softer look/feel. After the 3 hours have passed and its fully dry I decide if I want to fluff or not. Essentially I just pass my hand at the base of my scalp and gently tussle until I get the needed volume. And there you have it!

I know, the number of Shea Moisture products is overwhelming. I did a bunch of research before I bought their products. I'd say that the internet's favorite styling products are these:

• The Curl Enhancing Smoothie. This is more like a leave-in than a gel. It's a nice and heavy product, which I really like. It has some protein in it. My hair is protein sensitive and it's too much for regular use.
  
• Moisture retention conditioner. This is super moisturizing and protein free. It's a bit lighter than the smoothie. The advantage of this product is that you can use it as a leave-in or rinse out or deep conditioner. I've gotten great results from using it as a leave-in. I'm using it less lately because I think it made my hair over-moisturized. Like it feels too soft now.
  
• Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave-In Conditioner. I've never tried this but it's well loved. It has a lot of protein which some people like.
  
• If you want something lighter, the new Fruit Fusion Mousse is well liked. (Not to be confused with the 10 in 1 super fruit line.) I've never used this product either but I want to try it.

Love this idea! Maybe once we grow a bit more we can do more specific threads, too. This sub has been a wealth of information already, I love it.


Hair
Description: I have long curly hair. My goal is to keep it voluminous on top, and not-frizzy with defined loose corkscrews on the bottom. Similar Similar I do the "no-poo"/Curly Girl Method method which eliminates sulfates and silicones.


Tresemme Naturals Moisturizing Conditioner: I used to be a firm believer in using expensive hair care products exclusively. I used Redken for many years, then wandered into DevaCurl territory when I started No-Poo. Nothing was able to detangle, soften, and moisturize my hair just right, until THIS!


Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner I use this as a leave-in conditioner. Gels and mousse have worked similarly, but my husband hates the crunchy feel. This holds my curls, yet keeps them soft and touchable.


Skin
Description: I'm 25, used to tan, but after noticing a sun spot, I stopped! Since then, I've been focused on anti-aging and taking good care of my skin.


Biore Sunscreen SPF 50 this is the product that changed my life and stopped my skin from aging. Not greasy, no whitecast, sits well under makeup. I can't recommend Asian sunscreen enough, and this one is my favorite!


Perfume
Elizabeth and James Nirvana White "peony, chic muguet, and tender musk for a feminine scent with dark sophistication" so lovely. The first perfume my husband stopped to specifically comment on! Honorable mention to Nirvana Bourbon as well. In fact, has anyone here tried the Nirvana Rose? I'm interested but unfortunately don't have a way to smell it for free where I live!

Cleansers (Unless you're using a medicated cleanser most skincare products aren't really going to prevent acne.)

Mochitto Mochi Mochi Face Wash

Hada Labo Gokujun Oil Cleanser (200ml)

Hada Labo Gokujun Hyaluronic Cleansing Foam (160ml)

Medicated Deep Cleansing Oil L (200ml)

Cow Brand Additive-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser (200ml)

Rohto Hadalabo es cleansing foam type (160ML)

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (170ml)

Spot Treatment

Since your acne is deep in the skin I would look for a dermatologist that also serves foreigners because unless I'm mistaken a lot of products with Benzoyl Peroxide etc are prescription only.

Hydrating Toners

Meishoku Cosmetics Meishoku Facial Water Medicated Skin Lotion 2.7 oz (80 ml) - Acne Prevention

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Solution (170ml)

Hada Labo Gokujyun "Hyaluronic-Eki" Large-Capacity Pump-Type 400ml

Matsuyama Skin Moisturizing Water, Light Type

Kikumasamune High Moist Lotion

Mebika Moist Lotion

Cezanne High Moist Lotion


Meishoku Cosmetics Ceracolla Super Moist Face Lotion 6 fl oz (180ml)


Gels

Hada Labo Shirojyun Cool Hyaluronic Jelly (200ml)

Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel

Rosette Ceramide Gel

Meishoku Cerracolla Perfect Gel

Moisturisers

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Eaude Muge Medicated Skin Cream - 40g - Acne Prevention


Lion Pair Acne Clean Lotion - Look for the cream as well!

Meishoku Cerracolla Perfect Cream

MUJI Sensitive Skin Moisturizing Milk - Moisture (200ml)

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Cream 50g

Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Milky Lotion 140ml

Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Milky Emulsion (140ml)

Sunscreens

CANMAKE Mermaid Skin Gel UV

Nivea Protect Water Gel SPF35/PA+++ Pump 140g

Biore Sarasara UV Perfect Face Milk SPF50+/PA++++ 30ml

Biore Sarasara UV Perfect Milk SPF50+/PA++++ 40ml

Hada Labo Gokujun Perfect UV Gel (50g)

Never seen anyone mention it here, but I recently started using Maple Holistics Argan Oil Shampoo and Silk 18 Conditioner. Not cheap, but they really are incredible products, I went from some suave shampoo and conditioner and the difference is amazing. Both products use argan oil, jajoba oil, and other natural oils and ingredients that result in my beard being softer than it's ever been.

Bonus, both products are excellent in hair as well, so you get to benefit too.

I hope it helps! I know the pain all too well. I too abuse hot water. Not warm, hot, as hot as I can stand it until I turn into a lobster. I have learned that's a nono so if I want to scald my skin I wear a shower cap or at least pull my hair away to keep the hot water off.

So here is my shampoo and conditioner(erm, I don't know why it's $45 for a 2pack, you may need to try a different variety or vendor, should be about $6 each), very affordable and I am very happy with all aspects. Here is the leave in conditioner I use -- it is the only I have tried so no basis for comparison but I like it. I use about a dime size on my palm mixed with 4-5 drops of Argan oil then kind of rub my palms together to spread it out and run it very lightly through my hair (usually with my head upside down so it is easier to access the different parts). The key is to spread it lightly and evenly.

Also, I am a guy who always had short hair prior and didn't care about products etc. Well now I have shoulder length hair (it's fabulous!) and I can see how much trouble it is to have long beautiful locks! I had to relearn how to properly shampoo and condition, well more condition than shampoo. Just make sure you again spread the conditioners evenly (I even squeeze some excess water out with my hands so it is less runny) and let it sit for 2-3 minutes as I wash the rest of me.

All these tips have come from reading Reddit, I should add! So cheers to our community. The next trick I want to try is a satin wrap for my hair when I sleep, it is supposed to be great!

Have you ever tried not washing out your regular conditioner all the way? It's something r/curlygirl taught me and honestly game changing. You don't actually need to have curly hair to follow the curly girl method! My hair is wavy but using the different methods it taught me gives me bouncy, full curls without any heat and helping my formely bleached length heal.

Also, what are you using for shampoo and conditioner? The basis for CG is avoiding sulfates because it's harsh on your hair and dries it out, and also avoiding silicones because they coat your hair and prevent any other products from actually penetrating to do anything helpful.

My favorite leave-ins are Kinky Curly Knot Today (contains mallow which gives your hair amazing slip and sleekness,) Curls Co. Blueberry Bliss Leave in, As I Am leave in, but most of all, I love using a little bit of traditionally "wash out" conditioner since it's cheaper, convenient, & basically the same product anyway: Tressame Botanique Nurish & Replenish Conditioner with Coconut Milk & Aloe Vera, Garnier Fructis Smoothing Treat 1 Minute Hair Mask + Avocado Extract, (surprisingly they actually mention using it as a leave in on the label) & Sally's Beauty GVP Conditioning Balm (dupe for Matrix)

> They also told me that my hair should actually be curly.

What was their logic behind this statement? It seems that their statement launched you on a journey to get your hair to form curls at any cost. Were they able to apply products to your hair to style it in the curls that you should have?

Regarding your query, if you're trying to enhance curls, your biggest focus should be on styling products. The function of shampoos and conditioners are to cleanse and add back the moisture lost from cleansing, respectively. I actually use Tresemme shampoo/conditioner religiously because they get the job done, at such a low cost. I'm less loyal to styling products because I've figured out that once I use the conditioner as a leave-in, I get well defined curls regardless of which curling cream I use. Note that my hair is somewhere between a 3b and a 3c pattern.

My hands down favourite for curl definition is Kinky Curly Curling Custard. It has to be used in combination with the Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler. The draw back is the price. I do not recommend their shampoo, it strips way too much from the hair and left mine dry and crunchy. If you're interested in testing out Kinky Curly's Curling Custard, it's important to apply the way its recommended for best results:

1. Apply the leave-in while the hair is still soaking wet
   
2. Section off hair. This is veryyy important.
   
3. Apply the gel to one small section at a time. I find that I get perfect definition if I use my fingers to twirl the hair in a curling motion.
   
4. Once the entire head is complete, allow to air dry. And DO NOT TOUCH IT! You want to minimize handling throughout this process.
   
5. See the Kinky Curly demo for more info.
   
   Other tips for bringing out curls
   
   - scrunching: check any video on youtube
   
   - upside down shake: this is my go to every single morning before work. I wet my hair, apply my "leave-in" (Tressemme conditioner), apply whatever curl cream I have on hand, use my hands to make sure it's spread evenly and detangle the hair as I go along (I don't own combs, just a Denman brush I use every now and then). Then flip my head over and shake vigorously for about a minute. And I'm out the door. Drying it while upside down in front of the fan gives me better definition. I think that's because it dries faster so there's fewer flyaways (aka frizz).

Vanicream free and clear is great. They have a dandruff version too, but I recommend their free and clear line to anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. It's curly girl friendly too.

Here's the Amazon link and it's pretty affordable too.

I was the same way, I’d wake up and my face just felt kinda tight. Now that I use a sleeping pack it feels like I have a layer of protection on my face haha

Oh no! I didn’t realize there was fragrance in it. I currently do use the Benton Snail Bee High Content Skin before I put on the Kikumasamune. I personally just feel the Kiku is more hydrating than the Benton. I haven’t tried the Cezanne Lotion, but I’ve heard great things and it is alcohol and fragrance free. It also comes in a big size like the Kiku!

So, I purchase mine from a local AB shop in my area. I actually just happened upon it because I saw that it said “Barrier Repair” on it, which intrigued me, but then I felt the tester and it feels heavenly. It’s like a gel-cream consistency. I paid $18.99 at my local shop, but they have it on Amazon for $20!

Okay, that second paragraph is good advice. I kinda did that the first time around in March (there's a pic up there) - they said it was achievable, but definitely products play a major role. However, my hair is damaged, so I need to fix that first. I googled up something (kinda) near me, and it has like 43 reviews (all claiming that this one person is really good) and high rating. The price is 20 for men. The website doesn't look all that great though. The pictures (like 53 of them) are mostly girls, but all look fairly decent. There's another place (further) and it's like 15 for men, but has 90 reviews with high rating. Most of them seem to be girls.

Anyway, back to what I mentioned before, my hair is damaged, so AFTER the haircut - how do I make sure it grows out healthy and lush, non-damaged, non-frizzy, and thick as possible? That's my biggest issue. I don't want to get a haircut just to fuck up again - I don't mind trims, but fuck ups bother me lol. And, I guess, how to get thicker bangs (and hair) cause the pic's speak for themselves lol. That's where I read about keratin stuff, but yeah. To complicate it further, I'm not sure what products to buy and how frequently to use it. I'd really like someone who can help me on this via Skype or something. It'll mean so much<3.

And, I found these products, but again there's so many to choose from and dunno how frequently to use:
https://www.amazon.com/Sally-Hershberger-Hair-Hydration-Keratin/dp/B003N209EO?ie=UTF8&keywords=sally%20hershberger&qid=1416181022&ref_=sr_1_2&s=beauty&sr=1-2
https://www.amazon.com/Nexxus-Treatment-Pro-Mend-Binding-Leave/dp/B004H4VQ4Y?ie=UTF8&keywords=nexxus%20split%20end%20binding&qid=1416180906&ref_=sr_1_1&s=beauty&sr=1-1
https://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Hair-Concepts-Soy-Tri-Wheat-Conditioner/dp/B0009EXOO6?ie=UTF8&keywords=healthy%20sexy%20hair&qid=1416180954&ref_=sr_1_1&s=beauty&sr=1-1

Read simpleskincarescience’s compilation of research and product recommendations for fungal acne (Malassezia): https://simpleskincarescience.com/pityrosporum-folliculitis-treatment-malassezia-cure. I suffered from pityrosporum folliculitis for years. Taking fluconazole for a few months is the only thing that finally cured it. I recommend checking the ingredients in your skincare to make sure they don’t trigger/feed fungal acne. The products I use successfully are: Aquanil cleanser, Glaxal Base moisturizing cream, Differin, squalane oil. If you’re open to trying a pyrithione zinc product, I highly recommend Free & Clear Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, which is fragrance free and non-irritating https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD8YQKL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BZJYCb873DHQV. You’ll wash your face with it, leaving it on for 5-10 min. and then wash off. Good luck, and I’m happy to answer more questions.

Can you explain exactly how you used the diffuser? How you held it, hot how hot the hairdryer was, how long you used it? That might help. I can't go without my diffuser!

I would try to go completely shampoo-free for 2-3 weeks. See what happens. You do need to give your hair time to adjust to it. It may take a while, but it WILL generate much less oil over time. After a few months, I could go without washing my hair (at all--no conditioner, nothing) for a week without it being noticeable. Well, noticeable in terms of oil--my curls weren't exactly at their best at that point. :)

If you really can't go without the shampoo, try something gentler. I can't remember off the top of my head if it's 100% Curly Girl Method-friendly (there are no parabens/sulfates at least), but I love the Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner if plain conditioner isn't cutting it that day.

Also, for frizz, have you tried leaving conditioner in your hair? I don't get a lot of results from leave-in conditioner, so I'll usually literally leave some regular conditioner in my hair rather than wash it out.

My best and cheapest solution is to use things I already have on hand. Once a month or so, I'll gently massage around my scalp with pumps of Hada Labo Cleansing Oil and comb it through my roots. That helps remove any product or build up of oil or dead skin, isn't at all stripping, and it rinses easily with water. Then, after rinsing, I'll apply generous amounts of Naturie or Kiku and gently massage on damp hair/scalp. I'm fine to just let that all air dry. The smell of Kiku is pretty strongly sake, so maybe Naturie (or any Donki/Valor/Welcia hatomugi knockoff) is a bit better. You can rinse after a few minutes, if you prefer. Or, stagger the oil and masking into two different days, so you just apply and wait before the shower.

A couple years ago I deployed to Guam where I would start my day with a wet bun in uniform, then after work we’d go to the beach to swim and snorkel, and then frequently out to town in the evening for dinner. My hair felt awful from wetting it three times a day, but I couldn’t deal with the salty sandy tangles that happened after wearing a snorkel mask.

I bought some As I Am coconut Cowash and it made my hair for that entire deployment so much better- soft enough to be gentle on my tangles, but still great for actually cleaning my bleached, salty hair. They used to sell it at Sally’s only, but I’ve seen it at drugstores lately too. And Amazon of course! Amazon

Best of luck!

There’s this :) No SLS! I haven’t used this specific shampoo, but have used other shampoos from this brand and they are very gentle...no fragrance, and very non-irritating.

Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for sensitive skin - all hair types - maximum OTC strength zinc pyrithione 2% - preservative free - dermatologist tested - 8 ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD8YQKL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Qn9VAb56N0FJK

I have also tried the Noble Zinc bar, and it didn’t work for me either plus it irritated my skin (it has a very high ph, I tested it). It also has a lot of oils etc in it. I have the Vanicream shampoo in my amazon cart, as it looks to be more mild and doesn’t have all that oil in it.

A tiny bit of leave-in conditioner can work wonders.

I use this for my crazy hair: https://www.amazon.com/Its-10-Miracle-Product-4-Ounces/dp/B000TKH6G2

I have fine, thin hair, though, but it also is somewhat naturally curly, and additionally is prone to split ends and intense frizziness. But they really recommend it at Beauty Brands when I've gone there, and it also does some protecting things to hair. Having thin hair means I use barely a squirt of it, so with as much hair as you have, you'll probably need to use more than me. They have sample sizes and stuff at some salons. The one I have was gifted to me by a friend who doesn't use it but got it for free.

You may want to consider this in your discovery process, but I actually have 95% foregone shampoo and mostly co-wash (conditioner-only wash). Basically, I wash out my hair with conditioner instead of shampoo, completely rinse my hair, then apply conditioner again and let it sit for at least 2 minutes before continuing with the rest of my routine. With the right conditioner, it will soften your hair, help it be shinier, and will absolutely avoid alcohols, silicones, sulfates, and parabens, obviously depending on the brand you buy. I recently bought this stuff, but haven't had a chance to use it yet. If you want a smaller bottle, Trader Joe's Tea Tree Conditioner will do the trick, too (nevermind the listed price in the link I gave you. In-store it's like $4 for a bottle).

I only mention this because you said your scalp is dry and flaky, and it may be that your hair is on the drier side, too, as a consequence of the product you're using. It could also be that your scalp needs a little more love and isn't the product at all. These are things you'll find out in the process.

I personally think you should start slow and easy with the hair styling products you're looking into. Try just a blow drier and a barrel/round hair brush to begin with. Here's a beginner video for how to blow dry with a round brush. If you really, really need one, a ceramic straightener would be the next tool you'd want. If you want your hair to never move, then tons of gel is the answer, but it's up to you if you want your hair to be more dynamic and flowy or stay in place more.

/u/Lunakill mentioned some things to seriously consider, because it will change how your hair reacts to certain products.
(For example, my hair is low porosity, meaning it takes longer to get wet and retain product. As a result, my hair needs to be completely sopping wet and I have to apply a megaton of gel before I let it dry.)

To reiterate, I would also agree that you should avoid putting product in your hair since you're just starting out. I absolutely believe that a blow dry with a round brush will do the trick.

The Ordinary is great. I also highly recommend an Asian style hydrating toner; put it on after any actives and before your moisturiser. Has really helped my dry dry skin retain moisture better.



They're often cheap as chips for a huge bottle off Amazon if you don't mind waiting a week or so; I have had great results from Cezanne skin conditioner: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RWMHTU8/

Btw, since the pump dispenser is messy, I usually fill a couple of little travel size spray bottles. Much easier to use if you spritz your face a couple of times; it's also so cheap I use it after a shower as a body moisturiser.

I recommend trying a ketoconazole shampoo (if you haven't already) and going sulfate-free. For example, a solid routine for active dandruff is Nizoral (1% ketoconazole) a couple times a week and a sulfate-free shampoo like Free & Clear on the days you aren't using Nizoral. Once the active flare up is under control, you can cut back to one application of Nizoral per week for maintenance and then ultimately replace it with Free & Clear Medicated (2% zinc pyrithione - essentially sulfate-free Head & Shoulders).

I used this approach with my last flare up almost 2 years ago, and I haven't had a problem since. I probably only use Free & Clear Medicated every other week or so at this point. Previously, I had been to a derm who prescribed me a 4% ketoconazole shampoo, but I didn't get sustainable results until I switched my "normal" shampoo to a super gentle, sulfate-free option.

Yup, probiotics have about as much health-benefits as taking multivitamins. Nothing concrete as far as we know now.

Want to treat your eczema? Take colder showers. Keep your living space clean. Get plenty of sleep. Eat healthier. Go to an allergist and figure out what you are allergic to (cannot stress this one enough). Keep your skincare routine simple, but effective. I basically only use a moisturizer and protopic when things get bad.

I use this moisturizer, Eucerin Original Healing Creme. I love this product because it literally only contains seven ingredients (Water, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Piroctone Olamine), none of which cause flareups for myself. Highly recommend it.

I also use this shampoo, and it's been working very well for me so far. No more dandruff or scalp itchiness.

I do not use any facial cleansers or body shampoo, mostly because I haven't found a good product for myself yet. My skin stays relatively clear even without using them too. Open to suggestions though if people have any.

Had a similar issue man. In all honesty, it sucks big time. I feel ya! What I found that changed drastically was to steer away from H&S, and other dandruff shampoos all together. They all never seemed to work for me, plus they made my hair drier than a powder house.

Once that was settled with I did a lot of research, and a lot of testing of different products to see what my hair took liking to. I found that using shampoo considerably less helped keep flakes away (About once a week), and I use a natural conditioner every day and it slowly made my scalp healthier and my hair all around more lively!

Here's what I use (I buy mines from target and it should ring you up around $10, plus they have a lot of different varieties that I still want to try myself)
Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Best of luck to you man!

Reposting most of a comment I made on a similar post.

Don't use a blowdryer--instead, pat your hair with a towel, and then let it air dry.

Always style with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb (preferably your fingers). Wavy/curly hair gets frizzy from normal combs and brushes.

Try a leave-in conditioner. I like this one by Shea Moisture. I put it in at night, then shower in the morning and wash my hair with just water.

I also recommend Bumble and Bumble's products, specifically their Tonic spray and Grooming Creme. You could also try their Surf spray and Grooming Creme. If you want more hold, I recommend Sumotech after the Grooming Creme. Another great product is Layrite's Natural Matte creme.

I'd recommend checking out /r/curlyhair as well.

I'd suggest experimenting with different shampoos. You need to try and find a good quality shampoo that it designed for oily hair. This should help to treat the smell and your oily scalp.

Are you using any other products like conditioner or hair oil? I'd suggest trying a leave in conditioner like http://www.amazon.com/HEALTHY-TRI-WHEAT-LEAVE-IN-CONDITIONER--PACKAGING/dp/B0009EXOO6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405072139&sr=8-1

It's hard to give you much more advise without seeing what your hair looks like. I would suggest that you try what I've suggested and if it doesn't work then upload a photo here and ask for more advice! :)

No problem!

I would shampoo then condition each time you wash your hair. See if that holds your hair freshness a bit better.

The item you linked looks like an oil, something you would put in your hair when it is drying if you have dry hair. This looks more like what I would consider a traditional "conditioner".

I would make sure to use very little of whatever product you get (pea sized use) for best results.

Happy to help!

What sulfate free shampoo did you use? Seriously, I went through everything that you are describing. I gave up being no-poo and settled for being low-poo. I use Shea Moisture products, I think they're awesome. My curls have really come back to life and my dandruff/itchiness has really settled down. I wouldn't say it's completely gone, but it is definitely way better. Shea Moisture has a line specifically for dandruffy/itchy scalp but I only use the shampoo and the purifying hair masque. For conditioner, I use the restorative condtioner and just make sure to keep it off of my scalp. It can be kind of pricey, so at the very least I would suggest trying the masque, it feels so good when you rub it into your scalp and it rinses out fine with just water.

this is my routine and what works for me :

Put a mixture of Coconut oil + castor oil all over your hair the night before you wash wash it (I wash my hair every 2-3 days, I run so it gets all sweaty and oily). You don't have to use castor oil if you're not interested in growing it.


Then, I wash with organic tea tree oil castor soap, it's literally just oils.

Then I use Trader Joe's Organic Tea Tree conditioner and do the squish to condish but I use A LOT! I'm running out so I'm looking for new conditioner and I'm pretty sure [I'll use this!](http://www.amazon.com/Acure-Organics-Conditioner-Moroccan-Argan/dp/B005Z49N86/ref=sr_1_5? s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1396453832&sr=). I've used it before and it works amazingly.

Now my magical products to hold my curls are:


MIXED CHICKS CONDITIONER AND Diva curl Gel. Together work amaziiingly. I suggest putting more conditioner than gel. Squish, squish! Then dry with a diffuser. And Bam! Amazing curls.

Yes, look up "vanicream free & clear shampoo"--- my dermatologist recommended it to me.

https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Clear-Shampoo-Sensitive-fragrance/dp/B0006FMK98


It has no SLS/paraben free and all of that good jazz and it uses the same active ingredient as H+S (Pyrth. Zinc).

Wash once every three days with sulfate free shampoo (and don't use any other shampoos) so that it will have more moisture and not be so puffy/frizzy. (I like this brand a lot: https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Medicated-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-sensitive/dp/B06WD8YQKL/). But if it's a day when you're not shampooing, make sure you still rinse you're hair out every night, especially if you put product in it.

Don't comb your hair at all. When you style it, get your head soaked and let it air dry with a dab curl activator spread through out (DevaCurl works wonders btw). If you towel dry, it will make it frizzy. Don't guide your hair to a specific direction, let it do its thing.

Source: we literally have the exact same type of hair. When I wake up in the morning, it looks like yours. But when I style it, I can easily get it to look like the second pic.

PS: The cut is definitely important. I like to have a taper on the sides like you do but a little longer. I keep the top front hair to be the longest part. As for the top/back of my head, I like for it to taper into the sides and taper into the top front.

self-employed hairdresser at private salon (no boss) here:

actually, a hairdresser that i share a shampoo room with likes "It's a 10" i've been using their spray-in detangler.

other than that, i use and recommend Senscience made by Shiseido. it's really hard to find, really expensive on line, unless you can find it on special. i only drive to BFE to get it for my clients because they love it, when it's on special (making it almost half the price)

get a vent brush, the kind with painted tips of the bristles, and when it's still wet, after toweling it dry, brush the ends first, brushing higher and higher till it's brushed out.

Some things I learned since I started CG Method:

1. No sulfate shampoo. This subreddit actually helped me find a great alternative to Head and Shoulders: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD8YQKL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dgAZAbVEBQTD1
   
   The price is more, but you don't need a lot. It can be a little drying.
   This leads me to....
   
   
2. Lots of (silicone free) Conditioner!
   
   
3. make you're own leave-in conditioning spray. Fill a spray bottle with one-third of your favorite conditioner, the rest with cold water. Shake before use, and spray! I didn't believe it until I lost all hope!
   
   
   Hope that helps! My hair texture is similar to yours so feel free to message me on any other questions.

> I apparently have mild allergies to yeast, bread and the like (which is interesting since it's theorized that an overzealous skin-yeast might be one cause of SD)

Yeast does not just mean the stuff you use to make bread. The yeasts that can contribute to skin problems are totally different than Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast used for bread and beer brewing. There are hundreds of different types of fungi that can colonize your skin, Saccharomyces isn't one of them. I'm a medical mycologist, sorry, but it's a big pet peeve of mine!

For OP: Nizoral is also a really good one to use for SD. I also have it and have found a few things that really make a difference. First, SD can be caused by over production of oils. We often react to what looks like dry flakey skin by using heavy moisturizers and things like that when we need to dial back a bit. My dermatologist recommended Free and Clear products for me. They make a facial cleanser and moisturizer. Also, drink a lot of water and wash your face twice a day. I find that if I skip a washing, it makes it worse. Hope this helps!

The shampoo depends mostly on your scalp. If it’s normal and healthy, you can get away with using any shampoo. If you have a scalp issue like dryness, dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis…etc you’ll need to use a shampoo designed to tackle that particular issue.

[I have an extremely dry scalp (gross, I know) and I really like these two shampoos: 1 2 ]

​

My hair also hates protein (and coconut oil); here’s a list of products I found that don’t contain protein:

​

conditioners

Shea Moisture's Low porosity line

Avoado oil and Shea butter conditioner*

TRESemme Conditioner, Naturals Nourishing Moisture

The Body Shop's Banana Truly Nourishing Conditioner

The Body Shop's Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Conditioner

​

masks

Shea butter mask*

Argan Oil and Almond Milk

raw shea & cupuaçu

Omega 3, 6, 9

The Body Sop's Shea Butter Richly Replenishing Hair Mask

​

​

leave ins

Knot Today*

Weightless Moisture

Shea Soft & Smooth Creamy Hair Butter (this may be too heavy for your hair)

The leave in from shea moisture's low porosity line up above

​

* these are the only products I've tried from the whole list: not a huge fan of the conditioner bc it makes my hair a lil stringy; I REALLY like the mask; the leave-in is too heavy for my hair so I only use a small amount

​

Hope this helps 😆

If you have any questions let me know xx

I am a 3b (I think) and am having frizzing issues.

I use Regenepure, primarily for the active ingredient, for shampoo and a conditioner reccomended in the FAQ: Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave In Conditioner/Detangler

I use Beyond-Zone-Noodle-Head-Moisture and apply when wet straight out of the shower. It hardens, which I dislike, and after about 4 hours dries to give my hair the best appearance from all products I've tried (not many)


However, my hair has become drier, I know not whether this is due to the weather or what but my hair has become frizzier and harder to have those good hair days. I'm looking to try a new leave in conditioner/curling moisturizer. My hair isn't as thick as it appears, it just holds a lot of volume, especially when dry. I'm looking for something that is great for retaining moisture.

Any ideas?

We use this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IX2J9E0/ref=pd_aw_lpo_194_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=S4ZK0ATPRVDAF18NZQE8

My daughter has super curly, thick crazy hair and it works great! You need both shampoo and conditioner. And only shampoo hair twice or once a week if the hairs really dry.

Also you should use a leave in conditioner too. I just use my hair stuff on my daughter this is what I use. https://www.amazon.com/Its-10-Haircare-Miracle-Product/dp/B000TKH6G2

and we have used this leave in too when she was younger and it worked well too. I just stopped buying because using mine was easier.
https://www.target.com/p/johnson-39-s-no-more-tangles-detangling-spray-10-0-oz/-/A-11427127

Also make sure to comb with a wide tooth comb and not a brush. This will help a lot too.

Damn that's expensive. I use "free and clear" shampoo, which is significantly less expensive and is free of all the same stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Pharmaceutical-Specialties-Clear-Shampoo-Sensitive/dp/B0006FMK98?th=1

You can also find it at Walgreens. I wish that site offered a variety pack with smaller portions because I would love to review them all.

What are your symptoms? Inflammation clearly, what else? Ask him if there are any gentle topical steroids that you can take now, even though you had the shot given to you.

Ask about the one that I use and keep talking about on here--- fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% scalp oil. It's very gentle, they even use it on babies with cradlecap, so you might be able to use it even though you had the steroid shot--- check with the derma.

My current regiment that my derma put me on is alternating between Keto 2% and this shampoo



https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Clear-Shampoo-Sensitive-fragrance/dp/B0006FMK98/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518784843&sr=8-2&keywords=vanicream%2Bshampoo&th=1



and then I put Dermasmooth (the fluocinolone oil) on every other night and I use a vitamin D3 topical foam on the other nights.

This has kept me completely clear and my doctor said this is a good long-term routine for maintenance.

They're both on amazon.co.uk! Organix shampoo here (apparently there's a root boost spray available as well) and Shea Moisture Conditioner here. edit: Organix also has a shea butter shampoo/conditioner if you find you like that brand.

Mine is itchy just like my dry skin all the time, so that's part of how I figured it out. Especially since I've treated my seborrheic dermatitis and the itch remained.

I'll let you know how they work for me (also type 3, edit: fairly mild case, I think) but if you don't want to wait the while for me to get to it and then adjust for my first time switching to sulfate free, they are available on amazonUK and probably elsewhere near you :)

Yeah, of course!

The right picture I used Macadamia Hair Mask and then Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave-In. I put it up in a hair wrap for a while (do HW, clean, etc) then applied Cantu Curl Activator Cream.

The left pictures were about 1 year ago so I'm not exactly sure but I probably I used either Trader Joe's TTO Conditioner or Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shampoo. Leave-In, up in hair wrap, Curl Enhancing Smoothie or KCCC.

This is my favorite method for definition.

)

This is my Eternal Struggle. My hair is wavy and bleached and I live in a hard water area too, so I still struggle with dandruff pretty frequently, but it's much more under control than it used to be.

Shampoo - I'm currently alternating between Free & Clear's dandruff shampoo (sulfate free, but it still feels kind of harsh) and the new As I Am dandruff shampoo (which is hands down the gentlest one I've tried, but with less pyrithone zinc). Sciencey Hair Blog has a massive list of medicated shampoos with notes on whether they contain harsh or drying ingredients, although some of the links are out of date.

For hard water, look for a chelating shampoo and do a deep clean once every week or two. Chelating shampoos will be more stripping, so you'll want to deep condition afterwards. As noted at the bottom of that article, most water filters won't actually help with hard water anyways, so a chelating shampoo is your best option there.

For other ideas, check out this guide on the fungus that is thought to be behind sebhorreic dermatitis, which is the most common cause of dandruff. It's a LOT of info and it's focused mostly on facial skincare, but your scalp is skin too, and the rundown on what ingredients help and hurt may help you narrow down whether any of your current products are aggravating the problem.

The same friend I got the other advice from has recommended this conditioner and the shampoo that comes with it.

I haven't tried it personally yet, but her hair always looks great, so I'm assuming it works well.

Nails:For your cuticles you can try a cuticle remover like this one: http://media.uxcell.com/uxcell/images/item/catalog/ux_a08071400ux0047_ux_c.jpg
I have one to remove my wild cuticles. It can be used with cuticle oil to soften them up and lessen any damage to the cuticle bed.

Body:As far as lotions go, I've found that Dr. Bronner's magic-all-one lotion(not the tattoo balm) is good for me head to toe. It's a bit oily at first but soaks in quickly. http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronner-Lavender-Conditioner-Styling/dp/B0017QK7A4/ref=sr_1_4?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1323654995&sr=1-4

Face: Aztec Healing Clay aka bentonite clay is a good facial mask! It draws out the impurities in the skin and gives a good glow. It does tingle a bit(I have sensitive skin) but isn't bad at all. Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Aztec-Secret-Indian-Healing-Clay/dp/B0014P8L9W

Me too, that will make it easier for me to help :)

I like VO5 Moisture Milks as a co-wash. It's CG-friendly, inexpensive, and runny/thin, so it spreads easily and rinses out easily. No residue at all. If you find yourself running into the greasy-scalp issue, alternate between co-washing and non-sulfate shampoo for 3-4 weeks. The sulfate-free shampoo will still lather and down out the grease while your scalp is adjusting. Shea Moisture tends to be the favorite, I like their 10-in-1 Superfruit.

Conditioners are totally hit-or-miss depending on the person and hair type. I'm fine, thin, and low-porosity, so what works for me may not work for you. I have yet to find a rinse-out conditioner in a store that I like, so I buy mine online - Darcy Botanicals Vanilla Delight is my favorite, but I think the company may be going out of business :( , so my regular is Yes To Carrots Nourishing Conditioner.

I'm not 100% CG, and I use a leave-in that has a non-water-soluble silicone. It gives me the best shine and moisture and clumping, no matter what extra gels (etc) I use. Its available online or in drugstores, Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioning Repair Cream.

As for styling products beyond that - what's your goal? Do you want curl clumping, volume, loose curls, tight-and-smooth, etc?

Routine!

I wash my hair with Burt's Bees shampoo and use a super rich conditioner that I totally forgot to grab the name of but will update later!

After the shower I put in Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner while it's still wet and then let it sit while I do my makeup. I diffuse my hair on low heat until 80% dry and then scrunch in Marrakesh Oil to tame the frizz/give her a little extra moisture.

My routine isn't perfect yet but it is so much nicer than trying to fight my hair. I love it!

Well...I don't really know. My hair just does that on its own most of the time. I have to put an effort in to get it to stop doing that.

>Herbal Essences Totally Twisted gel

Use products for curly hair. Herbal Essences, Dove and other mainstream beauty products that market to "curly" hair are actually made for very wavy or loosely coiled hair.

Your hair loss may be from using horrible products on your hair. I know if you're using Herbal Essences, you are probably also sleeping with a cotton pillowcase, so that could be a reason also.

After you wash it, you should put in a leave in conditioner, followed by an oil and then a gel or a cream.

This my favorite detangler/conditoner if you need a product recommendation. To grow you hair back you could try a shampoo and conditioner with argan oil or black castor oil. Mane and Tail also makes a hair growth line.

Alopecia Free With Jass is a youtube channel that also might help you deal with alopecia. You could also try taking biotin.

i use desert essence fragrance free shampoo and conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/Desert-Essence-Fragrance-Shampoo-Conditioner/dp/B00W33MQPE/

and alba botanica fragrance free leave-in conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Advanced-Leave-Conditioner/dp/B0011DL6R6/

they work well, but the grass is always greener, so I might also have to check out the new Cantu line and the SheaMoisture beauty hack line, too!

(also, for unscented gel, I use the 'maybe doesn't actually have aloe in it but whatever it seems to work' Fruit of the Earth aloe vera gel: https://www.amazon.com/FRUIT-EARTH-ALOE-VERA-GEL/dp/B001GION5I/)

Defienetly check out the r/curlyhair subreddit. Tons of great info. I have similar hair and it's been a long process of figuring out what it likes. I also like the less is more approach.

For me, I don't wash or condition it. I scrub my scalp every 2-3 weeks. I get it wet and comb it out in the shower every 2-3 days depending on activity. Run some coconut oil through it, heavy on the tips moving lighter towards the roots and then top it off with Dr. Bonner's Creme (This stuff is pure magic). Flip it over, throw it in a towel bun thing, let it be for a few hours, release it, and let it dry naturally. Results are magic.

Of course everyone is different and this took me a year and half to figure out, still working on it.

Are you referring to the Scalp RECOVERY? If so, the active ingredient is 1% pyrithione zinc, so you’ll want to look for another shampoo with the same. I believe the T Gel has coal tar, which is why you didn’t like the smell. We like this one:
Vanicream Free & Clear 2%

My husband uses a co-wash on his. It is a product traditionally meant for curly hair but he started using it on his beard and loves it! Here is a link to what we use. The smell is very neutral too not fruity or flowery just clean smelling.

What have you done so far to help the frizz and volume situation? Have you tried a leave-in conditioner? I find leave-in conditioner helps keep my hair from frizzing very much. If you need a leave-in, Alba Botanica Advanced, Leave-In Conditioner may help.

I use this with a big comb after I get out of the shower. It helps a lot. And I comb from the tip to the root. I have long hair... I don't know, this 'It's a 10' line is really awesome. I'd really recommend this product.

Last couple of suggestions. 1) You could try combing it. Lol. 2) You could get some leave-in conditioner, it will help manage it and make you like it more during the times when you're unhappy. I got this stuff off Amazon and I love it.

In the mornings I usually wet her hair with a squirt bottle and then spray it with a leave-in conditioner/detangler. I let that sit for a couple minutes and then I use a wide-toothed comb to detangle her hair. At that point her hair is ready to be styled, but again I always use a wide-toothed comb while styling to make sure the curls stay intact.

Also, I only wash her hair with a gentle sulfate-free shampoo once or twice a week because otherwise it gets dried out. I use conditioner every time she bathes though (usually Deva Curl).

EDIT: I forgot to mention that at night I usually put her hair in braids or up in a "pineapple" so that it's more manageable the next day. I also put a [satin pillowcase] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001683MCS/) on her pillow, which helps keep her hair from getting frizzy.

You might want to switch to the Natural version of the TRESemmé conditioner (on Amazon) - the normal version has silicones in it, which coat the hair shaft and can promote that oily feeling after the first day. It's also why the clarifying shampoo + deep conditioner didn't need dry shampoo - I'm betting the conditioner you used was silicone free.

If you go to the Amazon JP link there is a box that says ship to: (country name) in Japanese. My Japanese is very rusty, so if you can translate the page, please do so.

I think you can just check out like a usual Amazon purchase after that

i use a sheamoisture shampoo as well. i like the yes to carrots conditioner. i find it extremely lightweight. my hair also gets easily weighed down.

Aww cool!
I recommend getting this from sally's: http://www.amazon.com/Am-Coconut-Cowash-Cleansing-Conditioner/dp/B00641UCY8

I'm loving it! And it's leaving my bleached hair feeling silky smooth. I was real nervous about bleaching too

There are Tresemme naturals shampoos that are low in sulfates/silicone free that have worked well for me and are still pretty cheap. This and this have been fine for me.

Oh oh oh oh try curl keeper! I use it and love it, and I've used it on a lot of my friends with different hair textures, and it's helped them out

Seconding seborrheic dermatitis, I have it and my symptoms are the same. My dermatologist recommended Neutrogena T-Sal and Neutrogena T-Gel (both western products) or prescription shampoo/topicals. I have also used Vanicream Free & Clear Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo although I wouldn’t repurchase because it’s a milky/creamy feel and doesn’t wash out 100% on my fine greasy hair, I have to wash again with a separate shampoo to get it all out.

Neutrogena Shampoos

I use this, As I Am Coconut Co-Wash, this stuff just makes my hair a little bit softer and smells a lot better than using nothing, plus it's all natural and has many different oils in there to make your hair even better looking.

Stratia LG

And lots of asian beauty options:

Kikumasamune Sake Skin Lotion High Moist (it's a toner, amazon), emulsion (light liquid cream, amazon) or cream, amazon; Mebika moisture lotion (toner), Rosette ceramide gel, Dr. Jart+ ceramide products (there are balm, cream, toner), Cezanne High Moist Lotion (toner, amazon), Meishoku Ceracolla lotion, milk, or gel on amazon, Holika Holika Good Cera toner, emulsion and Cream

Tons of reviews on /r/AsianBeauty

I've tried LG, Kiku emulsion, Cezanne and Dr Jart ceramidin Liquid. They are all light but moisturizing, but get the job done. Never tried Cerave though, so can't compare. But they all should be lighter then Cerave oitment for sure.

Before getting a shorter haircut I'd work on the texture of your hair. No offense, but it looks sickly thin and dry. Look into conditioners (I've grown to love this product ) and/or washing your hair with shampoo less frequently. If you wash away all the oils your hair needs, it tends to get dry, thin and worn out. Think of it as taking a hot shower often without moisturizing afterwards.


I think you can make quite a few haircuts work, as long as you put some basic care into your beard. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, just comb it or sth.

Great suggestions by everyone. Tried tar gel and nizoral, I think nizoral worked better for me but the fragrance was flaring my eczema. I do jojoba oil scalp treatments, as needed.


This is my daily shampoo these days and I think it has help to prevent a flaky scalp:
https://www.amazon.com/Vanicream-Medicated-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-sensitive/dp/B06WD8YQKL/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

1. Check
   
   
2. Check
   
   
3. This is the most awesome hair product ever
   
   Thank you for the contest!
   

Sounds similar to mine, here's what I've figured out as I've been growing mine out for around a year now. I have recently started to use a leave in conditioner and that's been helpful making it more managable. I also use argan oil like the above poster said, and will also use an anti-frizz serum on days I think I'll really need it (like humid ones or days I might be more active). I'd also look into getting a boar bristle brush if you really want to grow it out, that has really helped me out.

"It's a 10" is a favorite brand of many. I used it for a while and loved it until I decided I wanted to do something different with my hair.

Should be able to find it in probably any store's hair section.

I'm a wavy-curly just like you, and I can not say enough amazing things about "Curly Hair Solution's Curl Keeper." I am OBSESSED with this. It is amazing how smooth and frizz-free my hair keeps with this product.

I use this product with a little AG:Recoil. I put on the Curl Keeper first, then the Recoil. I know people who use the Curl Keeper by itself with just as amazing results.

Kinky curly knot today is great for me. In very dry weather, I'll use regular conditioner, but this is my favorite most of the time. https://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Curly-Knot-Today-Conditioner-Detangler/dp/B00128WK4I/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494388438&sr=8-1&keywords=Kinky+curly+knot+today

My hair is pretty long and has tighter curls that i throw in a bun once its dry so YMMV

I use this for cowashing and this leave-in conditioner for "styling" with right after getting out of the shower. Both are sulfate free and "CG approved"

wet/after shower
fully dry
top bun

Good shot. Are there any other oils you use?

Argan oil is the most exotic of those four, and thus most expensive. It's worth every penny though. I wouldn't bother with products that have trace amounts of it and then advertise it prominently on the label. Just buy pure Argan oil. The bottle I have comes with a dropper and I spread it on my face and beard. The conditioning effect it has on your skin and hair should be immediately obvious.

Rosemary oil -- I use this shampoo & conditioner from Trader Joe's:

http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Nourish-Moisturizing-Conditioner/dp/B0040BY45W/ref=pd_sim_bt_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0KS2THQJ3WN1E53S9N92

http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Nourish-Moisturizing-Conditioner/product-reviews/B002LV317A/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

http://mo-to-the-jo.blogspot.com/2011/05/ups-and-downs-of-trader-joes-nourish.html

I know it's not the active ingredient you asked for, but Vanicream makes a good zinc pyrithione shampoo that might be worth trying?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WD8YQKL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iGoxCbNFV0EE3

I tried Dr. Bronners for the first time this afternoon, I have a pretty coarse, curly beard (~2 mos growth) and it seemed to help soften things up quite a bit and catch some flyaways. LINK

The It's a 10 line of products is fantastic for dry, damaged hair. I use the shampoo, the hair mask, and the leave-in. I can't rave enough about how well it's rescued my hair!

I had a feeling because its always been this way. I am sure my genetics may have a factor too (I'm part Scandinavian-mostly Swedish and part European Jewish), and I know Scandinavians tend to have high up foreheads.

Anyway alright! Do you think baby shampoo is good enough? I've never switched to an adult shampoo since I was younger because I hate the burn I get from other shampoos. Also I use this as a conditioner once a week: https://www.amazon.com/Carrots-Nourishing-Conditioner-16-9-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B001EWET96

Do you think these are two ok products I should use?

Woman with curly hair here 👋🏽

Curly hair doesn't need to be washed daily unless for some reason her hair gets really oily. Once or twice a week is fine. Get a wide toothed comb, I use this one . They come in different colors like blue, pink, purple and orange so you can maybe take her with you and let her pick out the one she wants. That way she'll feel involved in the decision and hopefully be excited to do her hair. Detangle her hair while she's still in the tub or invest in a spray bottle that you'll mix water and conditioner in. Detangling sprays aren't gonna do much unless they're formulated specifically for curly hair. They contain less conflicting chemicals. The cheapest route is the spray bottle. Get her out and comb her hair from the ends and work your way up the shaft. Her hair doesn't need to be soaked but it should be damp so you'll use the spray bottle to wet any areas that are drying. Make sure the conditioner you use has lots of slip to make the knots slide out easier. After combing, apply a curl cream and a gel on top to hold her curls past day one. Most weeks I only have to style my hair once and don't style again until wash day. Her curls are loose and I've got 3c curls (think Tracy Ellis Ross) and this routine works for me every single time. If you're still having trouble, head over to r/CurlyHair and we'll help you out some more. I'll link my products below to kinda give you an idea of what you should be looking for.

Leave in conditioner
Curl cream -this one is just a cream that doesn't provide hold so you'll need to layer a gel on top.
Curl Defining cream -this one is a cream but it's got a gel consistency and does provide hold so you can use it alone.
Detangling Spray

Sorry for all the links but I know curly hair is a bunch of trial and error and our products can get very expensive so I wanted to give you an idea of what you should be looking for. Mixed Chicks has a kids line if you're looking for more sensitive products.

I have a dry itchy scalp and use Yes to Carrots. It really helps with the flaking and as far as I can tell it's curly friendly.

You can find Cezanne skin conditioner here. If you haven't ordered from Amazon Japan before, it's very easy - here's a review. They take care of Japanese customs for you, and pack your items very well. That's where I found the Rosette Gel too.

And no problem! You can also search the Holy Grail Megathreads for recs.

So I just figured this out a couple of days ago when I took those last two pictures.

I wash my hair with regular shampoo, then I apply this conditioner

I don't towel dry or anything, just shake out the excess water, then I apply this stuff as a [leave-on conditioner] (https://smile.amazon.com/Mystic-Divine-Nourishing-Leave-Conditioner/dp/B00IYLY67U/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1496382092&sr=1-2&keywords=mystic+divine)

Lastly, and this is the important step, I put it in a loose bun like this What I've come to suspect is that the reason we get the flatness are the roots is because we have the roots are drying too fast, or because the weight of your hair/ is flattening the roots. When you put it in a bun and sleep, it gives it a chance to semi-dry slowly while encouraging the curly to form at your roots. (But thats just huge bro-science that I have no evidence for)

I make sure its a a loose comfortable bun, and I wake up with slightly moist, but shapely hair.

Leave-in conditioner. Makes your hair soft, keeps it in place, and smells amazing.

https://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Hair-Concepts-Soy-Tri-Wheat-Conditioner/dp/B0009EXOO6

Thanks! This one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003USIHZY/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

Do you know of any stores that carry it (I prefer buying in person)?

I tried a toner with fermented ingredients and ended up giving myself fungal acne. Yeast naturally lives on your face, you don't want to feed it so it takes over, which I essentially did.

This was the toner.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FQP2YS?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title


Scaj warned me about it, but I didn't listen. Oops :(
At least it's easy to treat with anti dandruff shampoo and athlete's foot cream. It took me a month to stop itching and seeing the little red spots and white heads.

Sorry I should have clarified but it's literally called "It's a 10" lol

Can you tell me which ingredients are silicones? This is what I bought, I thought i was supppper careful to not get silicone in the product I chose.

I looked at the brands other products and a good portion of those do, at least they had obvious silicones/the ones I know about.

I live in NJ so it's hot but not like the southern states hot.

I find that DC alone doesn't hold my curl that well alone. My curl is a 2A-2C (although some people said it's a solid 2B-3A).

I just got this to try https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003USIHZY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm waiting for it to come in.


I'm just getting so annoyed with my hair. I love it when it curls nicely. But a lot of the days it turns into a quazy birds nest where some are loose curls and some are just straight. I just end up throwing it in a pony tail and it looks unkept and unprofessional.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: MIXED CHICKS CONDITIONER


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|Spain|amazon.es|
|France|amazon.fr|
|Germany|amazon.de|
|Japan|amazon.co.jp|
|Canada|amazon.ca|
|Italy|amazon.it|




This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

Dry, coarse, wavy hair here! The two things I've learned from this sub are 1) putting some Kiku hydrating toner on your hair when its slightly damp to add some moisture in it and 2) using this to co-wash my hair

The other thing I haven't tried yet is using oil cleanser that doesn't work on my face for my scalp. I'm not sure if that addresses any particular issue you're experiencing, but still wanted to share some of the things I've picked up from this sub!

i also use this: https://smile.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica-Advanced-Leave-Conditioner/dp/B0011DL6R6/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1486408336&sr=8-1&keywords=alba+botanica+leave+in+conditioner

i find it really helpful especially since i have dry, fly away hair most of the time.

Two suggestions,

First off, I used coal tar for a bit, but have recently switched to a "cleansing conditioner". It washes your hair without drying out your scalp, works about as well as coal tar and doesn't smell awful.

This is the stuff I use,
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4TQ49I?keywords=cleansing%20conditioner&qid=1453066534&ref_=sr_1_7&s=hpc&sr=1-7

To answer your question though, when I used coal tar, I would just be sure to condition my hair afterward and that took a lot of the stink out of it.

https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Nourish-Moisturizing-Conditioner/dp/B002LV317A

Is this the product? If so, those ingredients look color safe to me.

This is the shampoo I use:

http://www.sallybeauty.com/color-protecting-shampoo/HAIRTRIT02,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

And to keep it looking healthy (ie, not fried) I use this:

http://www.amazon.com/Its-10-Miracle-Product-4-Ounces/dp/B000TKH6G2

Things I do that seem to help:

• Brush hair before showering
  
• Condition/rinse twice
  
• Dry hair with an old t-shirt instead of a towel
  
• Apply Alba Botanica Leave-In Conditioner to damp hair
  
• Air dry
  
• Then brush

I definitely wasnt massaging my scalp enough. And I was using this half the time and some generic store bought one the other half https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00L1KFQKC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1502592066&sr=8-3&keywords=silk+conditioner

I’ve definitely had them on my scalp. I started using this shampoo which has helped immensely (I’ve tried SO many others):

Vanicream Medicated Shampoo

Yup sure! Here you go: https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B00RWMHTU8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You could try a co-wash product, like this one?

Try conditioner washing with a cleansing conditioner. It won't strip your oils like shampoo while still cleaning your hair I use this https://www.amazon.com/Herbal-Essences-Naked-Cleansing-Conditioner/dp/B00F4TQ49I/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1498631428&sr=8-1&keywords=herbal+essence+cowash

6 months, washed, oiled, waxed, brushed. Mustache styled with 81 T comb, fingers, and Fisticuffs.

Edit: for the lazyyyyy

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Kent The Handmade Comb

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Retention Shampoo

[Honest Amish Original Beard Wax] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NNA3IY/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_P7y2tb1YE73EZHNQ)

Honest Amish Beard Balm

Fisticuffs Mustache Wax

I use The Stuff detangling spray. It really helps. Bizarre word of warning though, don't spray it over a wood or tile floor. Any spray that doesn't land on your dog will land on the floor and make it very slippery! I only spray it over carpet or rugs.

I also use Kinky Curly Knot Today as a leave-in conditioner on problem areas like the arm pits. It's a product for humans but it works on dogs as well. I've also rubbed a bit of this into a mat and then combed it out.

A bit late to the party, but do you have a Trader Joe's nearby? If so, I highly recommend their Tea Tree Tingle conditioner (it's not that expensive in-store). It's really lightweight and highly moisturizing for my curly hair.

Edit: also, if that is too light, I also use the TJ Nourish Spa conditioner. This is thicker, and I use it to clump my curls, but it is very very moisturizing. I've been using these conditioners for about three years, and my hair is never heavy.

My girlfriend starting buying sulfate-free shampoos and "natural" conditioners so that she could avoid using harsh shampoos to get them out later. I started using her stuff when mine ran out (I've had the beard itch/druff problem for a while) and surprisingly my beard itch and beardruff problems when away. I'm pretty sure the shampoo's were the cause of the beardruff (they were too effective and removed the oils from the skin as well as the hair) which led to the itching as well.

I always thought the "all-natural" marketing stuff was bs but it makes sense in a way. I would definitely recommend avoiding the shampoo though, especially if you are prone to dry skin.

https://www.amazon.com/Am-Coconut-Cowash-Cleansing-Conditioner/dp/B00641UCY8

https://www.amazon.com/Shea-Moisture-Strengthen-Restore-Conditioner/dp/B00MXD6GBY/ref=sr_1_7_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1537597381&sr=1-7&keywords=shea%2Bmoisture%2Bconditioner&th=1

^ These are the two that we use now. The cowash is a shampoo replacement, but you have to avoid traditional conditioners if you start using it because it's not strong enough to remove them and it will start to build up in your hair, which is why we use the second product as a conditioner since it doesn't contain any heavy duty surfactants.

They still have it on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/TRESemme-Conditioner-Naturals-Nourishing-Moisture/dp/B003RSY1NE?ie=UTF8&keywords=tresemme%20naturals&qid=1458835450&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1

Not AB, but for hair care, have you tried Vanicream's Free & Clear shampoo and conditioner? I ask because I have bad seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp and have tried dozens of shampoos/conditioners to get it under control and they've all been irritating.... but I've been using the Free & Clear stuff for a few days now and my scalp no longer hurts or itches. (It's still flaky as hell, though.)

Shampoo ingredients:
Purified water, lauryl glucoside, coco-glucoside, acrylates copolymer, disodium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate, glycerin, sucrose cocoate, panthenol, pentylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium cocoyl glutamate, disodium EDTA, caprylyl glycol, sodium hydroxide, sodium chloride.

Conditioner ingredients:
Purified water, cetearyl alcohol, hydrogenated polydecene, propanediol, distearoylethyl dimonium chloride, glycerin, ceteareth-20, panthenol, 1,2-hexanediol, arginine, caprylyl glycol

I ordered it here on Amazon.

I purchase the Curl Keeper from Amazon. It's a bit spendy, but they sell small bottles so you can try it without committing!

This is available on Amazon US for those who don't want to create a new account. It's sold by TOY SHOP JAPAN HOBBYONE
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RWMHTU8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qYwGybCVWBNHE

I would like to ask what is this product meant for? It's called a skin conditioner, but I'm not entirely sure what this refer to. The ingredients listed are: water, butylene glycol, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, coix lacryma-jobi seed extract, styrene/acrylates copolymer, dipropylene glycol, alcohol, citric acid, sodium citrate, methylparaben, propylparaben

Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

https://www.amazon.com/Mixed-Chicks-Defining-Eliminating-Conditioner/dp/B000G1MT2U/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=mixed+chicks+leave-in+conditioner&qid=1559262967&s=gateway&sprefix=mixed+&sr=8-3

This stuff right here? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Miracle-Leave-In-115-oz/dp/B000TKH6G2

I use this stuff:

Conditioner 1

gel


conditioner 2


It frizzes out all the time, but such is life in the south. I don't rinse anything out. I don't use a lot of the gel. I'll update again when I go full simba.

I'll look that up. That's new to me

Edit: Found it, if anyone else is curious?

If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, I found this conditioner to be decent for co-washing: http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Conditioner-Peppermint-Eucalyptus/dp/B002LMNJDA

(It's much cheaper, $3.99 at the store).

I just use Trader Joes. Works the same and is a lot cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Peppermint-Eucalyptus-Botanicals/dp/B002LMBLTY

https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Conditioner-Peppermint-Eucalyptus/dp/B002LMNJDA/ref=pd_bxgy_194_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002LMNJDA&pd_rd_r=GMZVBCNK17PZNZY7FBKW&pd_rd_w=9iAjh&pd_rd_wg=eGMON&psc=1&refRID=GMZVBCNK17PZNZY7FBKW

it's this one

After trying out at least 10 different shampoos/conditioners/co-washes this year, I've finally landed on this: https://www.amazon.com/Am-Coconut-Cowash-Cleansing-Conditioner/dp/B00641UCY8/

Use this and this according to package directions.

Here is the mobile version of your link

I use [This] (http://www.amazon.com/Shea-Moisture-Butter-Restorative-Conditioner/dp/B0097OXE4O) in lieu of hairspray and an Aussie product I can't remember the name of atm

Have you considered trying a leave-in conditioner?

Currently experimenting with this one by Shea Moisture (assuming you're in the US).

This one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00MXD6GBY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_2&smid=A25FM7YXF1FRPZ

There is this

Is this the right one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RWMHTU8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7icPBbRMTR3NY

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RWMHTU8/?ref=idea_lv_dp_vv_mw

This has it for 20$ but still expensive. I'm saving the link to when I could afford it and it was 17 then.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/aw/d/B00RWMHTU8/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I found this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RWMHTU8/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A111T5BUDCP21Y

I buy it from Amazon

I have long straight hair that I wash once or twice a week. I use lulu hair powder in between washes: http://www.amazon.com/Lulu-Organics-Hair-Powder-ClarySage/dp/B001Q6JPOE

When I wash, I don't shampoo and conditioner, I use this instead: http://www.amazon.com/As-Am-Coconut-Cleansing-Conditioner/dp/B00641UCY8

It's wicked cheap, lasts forever, cleans my hair better than shampoo ever did (even after swimming), and after a week or two of not using shampoo, my hair stopped getting greasy btwn washes. I'm a total convert.

If I use product, or my hair gets extra dirty, I'll use a solid shampoo from Lush, and the As I Am as conditioner.

Edit: I should also say, I am the queen of lazy hair. Very thankful jcrew is still rockin' the messy hair look. I can barely manage to brush it most days. Hair powder, a bit of moisturizing oil on the ends, rake through with my fingers, and ponytail. Hair clean enough and done in 5 minutes.

Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper is a very light product & leaves no residue. The consistency is only slightly thicker than water.

Shower every morning and let hair air dry, I use this conditioner every 3 or 4 showers

Before NoPoo my hair used to be crazy frizzy and very hard to manage

Bonus pic from front of bed hair before my morning shower around 3 weeks in, before I used to look like I'd been electrocuted but nowadays it's so much more controlled!

Had to go look and apparently I don't know what I'm talking about because what I actually bought was Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (unless they're the same and I'm just too drunk to tell??) Anyway, here's the link.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FQP2YS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I wash my hair after OTF all the time. I also have bleached hair so its fairly damaged. So I always use leave in conditioner

Hairstyle: Cut the sides and get a taper fade from the barber

Products: apply shea moisture leave in conditioner after you wash your hair: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shea-Moisture-Jamaican-Strengthen-Conditioner/dp/B00MXD6GBY/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=shea+moisture+conditioner&qid=1558201417&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Hairstyle alone: https://youtu.be/NRNyf8RClNs

Also wear a durag when you go to sleep

I usually bathe in the bathtub as my skin is very sensitive and gets dry/itchy in the shower (even with lukewarm water)

I soak my hair in the water and pull out any stray hairs that have fallen out and are tangled.

I then use DevaCurl Buildup Buster if my hair is feeling clumpy, otherwise I just use water or Devacurl No-poo Shampoo

Next, I use the faucet to rinse the shampoo out, use a microfiber towel to dry my hair a bit, and then use Agadir Argan Oil Conditioner I let it soak for about 3 minutes while using a wide-tooth comb to comb through my hair and then use the faucet to rinse it out.

I will use Shea Moisture Strengthen & Restore Leave-In Conditioner about once every 3 weeks and leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it out.

After my hair is drying from using another microfiber towel, I put some DevaCurl Light Defining Gel in my palm and scrunch it in my hair.


I have no idea why my hair is so bad, I'm wondering if maybe hard water could be a culprit. The only reason I still keep my hair is because I hate having short hair..But at this point seeing it makes me want to chop it all off.


Here is another picture of my hair: https://imgur.com/a/8TO7BCK

Cowash: Yes to Carrots Nourishing Conditioner

Conditioner: Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner (Also my leave-in if needed)

Deep Conditioner: Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Mask (Once a week)

Shampoo: Creme of Nature Argan Oil Moisture & Shine Shampoo (Once a week)

I don't really style my hair because I'm scared of picking the wrong styler. :/

I've watched so many YouTube videos and have followed the guides on here and product recommendations, they are so helpful!

So I have low porosity/thin/fine hair and I've been trying to take care of my hair more (I bleached my virgin hair last year and I regret it; I also cut my own hair recently using the double ponytail method and it has given me a boost in volume!). I have a new routine down that's been giving me amazing results but I still need to figure out how to keep this style to last for days...

Once a week my routine is this (ALERT - not a true CG method):

Pre-poo: I heat up a small amount of a homemade mix of coconut, jojoba, and caster oils. I rub that into my scalp and the lengths of my hair. I put it in a heat cap and leave it for 10 mins.

Shampoo: I shampoo TWICE using a sulfate free/clarifying shampoo (Giovanni). I do this and use this specific kind of product because my hair is low porosity so it gets weighed down easily from a lot of product build up. Cowashing is the enemy for low porosity. I suffer from oily/itchy scalp and dry hair so this really helps it to tone down.

**ACV RINSE**

Conditioner: My hair detangles like A LOT and I lose A LOT of hair. By the end of the week, my hair is rat's nest. I used to use my fingers and/or a wide toothed comb to detangle, but recently I just bought the Wet Brush Pro Quick Dry and it helped decrease my detangling time by 30% plus I shed a lot less. I just use a conditioner with lots of slip. I'm still trying to find one that is CG-approved and has lots of slip for my type of hair, but Giovanni does the trick right now. SQUISH TO CONDISH!

I rinse some of the conditioner out and put a deep conditioning masque on along with the heat cap again for 10ish minutes. I've been using a random one I found, but I'm going to be trying a SheaMoisture one soon.

I make sure to rinse all of the conditioners out AND rub my scalp to make sure it doesn't stay and cause buildup under hot water.

I then run Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner through my hair, followed by LA Looks gel (just tried this out!). I style my hair using the denman brush (brush outwards from the scalp, scrunch, then push back. I put a little bit more of gel on my hands and scrunch the end a bit more.

I put my hair in a silk cap, air dry for 10-15 minutes, diffuse until 80% dry, SOTC, and fluff.

​

Items:

Heat cap: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07174WPZX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Detangling brush: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BE8XJOK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Denman brush: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OUBC8A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Shampoo/conditioner (Giovanni): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HDNB9SY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Deep Conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I32AN4K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Leave-in conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/Kinky-Curly-Today-Leave-Conditioner-Detangler/dp/B00128WK4I/ref=sr_1_2?almBrandId=VUZHIFdob2xlIEZvb2Rz&crid=HLNTF6DKTGEZ&fpw=alm&keywords=kinky+curly+knot+today&qid=1574052033&sprefix=kinky+curly%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-2

Gel: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007RRNE2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006FMK98/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I got this and the conditioner.

Oh man dish soap is the worst! I refuse to wash dishes regularly because I get those same bumps. And forget using gloves. No matter what water gets inside and makes things worse.

I recently bought [Hatomugi's Skin Conditioner] (https://www.amazon.ca/Naturie-Condtioner-Adlay-Lotion-500ml/dp/B000FQP2YS). However, the label says
>this product contains chemicals known by to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.

Should I be worried?

Newbie here! I need some advice on repairing Damaged hair.

My hair type is naturally a 3A, but I've damaged it due to bad dye jobs and not properly taking car of it, so now parts of it look like 2A, others like 2C. Just overall horrible damage, but it looks okay if I use a diffuser and blow dry it.

I found this sub a couple days ago and got the following products after watching a lot of tutorials here and reading the product list to begin my curl repair/curl maintenance journey:

A Satin Pillowcase

Evo Liquid Rollers Curl Balm

Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Hold & Shine Mist

Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner Set W/silk Protein and Neem Oil

*SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Reparative Leave-In Conditioner

I also have this heat protectant spray I use when diffusing my hair by CHI.

I wash my hair with sulfate-free shampoo about once or twice a week, but I condition my hair every morning so that it's wet and I can style it. I currently do a lazy-girl version of what I've seen people describe here: I flip my hair over my head, put product in my wet hair, use a cotton t-shirt to scrunch/dry a little bit, then I diffuse.

So, my question is, do you guys have any other suggestions for repairing hair? Anything I could add/change about this routine?

Thank you!!!