Please help me hair
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skincare Tools & Do-It-Yourself Skincare

free skin care · Mon Jan 15, 2007 3:21 am

Hello everyone,

As some of you may already know, I've been experiencing major hair issues since I moved to Paris. My hair, which used to be glossy and bouncy and perfectly healthy, is now a frizzy, dull mess, and seems at the point of possible breakage.

I was under the impression that it was the chlorine in my water supply that was causing this change, since I myself am not doing anything different to my hair. I bought a vitamin c shower filter, which is supposed to neutralize chlorine, and my hair has only gotten WORSE! I must also say that it gets lighter with each washing.

I do not blow dry my hair or put anything into it. I take excellent supplements that make it grow like a weed. I use Kerastase or Phytojoba. I wash my hair only twice a week and brush with a natural bristle brush to distribute oils on the hair shaft three times a week, and before I wash my hair. I drink lots of h2o, eat green leafy vegetables and lots of fats (I'm in paris, mind you). The last two times I washed my hair, here is what I did:

Phyto pre-shampoo oil treatment
Phytojoba shampoo for dry hair
Phytojoba dry hair conditioning mask

night treatment with pure coconut oil
phytojoba shampoo
phytojoba mask as above with dollop of honey and two dollops of olive oil
avc honey rinse (1 tbspn avc and honey in a medium evian bottle full of filtered water)

You guys, my hair is worse than ever. it is crunchy. I'm patiently waiting on carekate's rosemary hair serum, but now I think it might not even work for me, since my hair did not respond to the above treatments!

Please help!

--avalange

free skin care · Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:07 am

I recently received from a dear friend a hair product called WEN.

It hasn't been mentioned much on this board, that I recall anyway. I only found 2 short threads on it.

Anyway - I have to say I am really enjoying this product. The idea of using a 'conditioner' to wash & condition my hair kinda spooked me. I figured I'd be walking around looking like a greaseball.

The result has been quite the opposite. My hair feels clean & conditioned.

I have straight, fine hair that is processed (high & low lights). And my hair feels soft, managable with no greasiness at all using this product.

Reading your plight my thoughts went directly to this as I'm thinking something in the water is effecting your hair using shampoo.

They have smaller, trial sized products. Maybe something worth looking into. I know it's available at QVC, but I am attaching the link to the WEN website. HTH.

http://www.chazdeanstudio.com/orderform.html

free skin care · Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:52 am

I have a friend who only shampoo's her twice a week. Every morning she wet's her hair put's a little dab of conditioner on it and rinses it out. Just regular conditioner. She uses Halo products on her hair. I've never seen her hair look so good. I unfortunately do not have the guts to try this yet.

free skin care · Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:55 am

by the way, i meant for the subject line to say "please help MY hair." I do not speak with "popeye diction" normally!

You both suggest excellent ideas, I will definitely try the conditioner treatment idea first (My sis owns a salon in la and she is also sending me some kind of excellent all natural shampoo/conditioner), since my hair can use all the moisture it can get! Thanks again!

--avalange

free skin care · Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:57 am

I have been using the WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner for several months. I became curious about cleaning your hair with conditioners from EDS threads. I tried doing it with conditioners I had at home but my baby fine hair was flat with no body.

After watching WEN on QVC I decided to give the Sweet Almond Mint a try. At present I am using it 6 days a week and regular shampoo once a week. Never have I had my hair color last so long. The Wen product leaves my hair ultra shiney. It does not weigh it down at all. May I say the Sweet Almont Mint feels so good on my scalp (I hate to rinse it off).
Once a week I use my regular shampoo as I find that I start to lose some fullness to my hair by the end of the week.

My Wen conditioning shampoo is a keeper. Now I want to try some of their other products. I do believe we are going to start seeing more and more soapless shampoos on the market.

free skin care · Tue Jan 16, 2007 9:29 am

Hi, I had the same problem in Switzerland. I think it may be calcium and Chlorine.
My hair went from long and soft to straw that was breaking off. I did a lot of reading and finally I used the recipe on MakeupAlley to alternate between
Nexus Emergencee,Nexxus Keraphix,Redken Deep Fuel,and Nexxus Humectress

I followed the routine and my hair came back.

I also use Nexus Allsoft Heavy creme in place of Humectress depending on what I have.

After a reconstructor you have to follow with a moisturizer.

As I am a new member I am not able to post a website. Under hair (redken deep fuel) search for monchichi

" I came upon monchichi's review of how she brought her hair back to life. I have just finished the 5th course of this "cocktail treatment" in the past 3 weeks and am totally grateful for getting new like hair back on my head. I never thought I would have that ever again. Like she said: 1) Wash with Redken Deep Cleansing Shampoo. 2) Then wash with Redken Extreme (although I used "Just Curls" and "Smooth Down" since I didn't have the Extreme shampoo. 3) Towel Dry. 4) Mix Nexxus Emergencee Reconstructor with Redken Deep Fuel Treatment and massage into hair covering every hair. 5) Put on a plastic shower cap and sit under the dryer for 30 minutes. 6) Spray on Redken's Addictive spray and then dry hair. 7) Rinse and towel dry. Cool

Massage Nexxus' Keraphix onto hair and let dry overnight. 9) In the morning, I rinse and put on a conditioner. My hair looks like a commercial girl. I will maintain with just a shampoo and conditioner from now on but this has made my hair alive, shiny and healthy again."

best of luck

free skin care · Tue Jan 16, 2007 10:29 am

Winnie wrote:

I have been using the WEN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner for several months. I became curious about cleaning your hair with conditioners from EDS threads. I tried doing it with conditioners I had at home but my baby fine hair was flat with no body.

After watching WEN on QVC I decided to give the Sweet Almond Mint a try. At present I am using it 6 days a week and regular shampoo once a week. Never have I had my hair color last so long. The Wen product leaves my hair ultra shiney. It does not weigh it down at all. May I say the Sweet Almont Mint feels so good on my scalp (I hate to rinse it off).
Once a week I use my regular shampoo as I find that I start to lose some fullness to my hair by the end of the week.

My Wen conditioning shampoo is a keeper. Now I want to try some of their other products. I do believe we are going to start seeing more and more soapless shampoos on the market.

Winnie,

I obtained a cleansing conditioner today, just by chance, not Wen, but "Christophe Robin, I'll let you know how I like it!

--avalange

free skin care · Wed Jan 17, 2007 4:09 pm

I'm afraid I don't have any help to offer - just information: I have always had that problem in France - on holidays I just end up as a frizzy, dry, mess. They have hard water whereas we have very soft water in the part of the UK that I live. Chlorine is not the problem - it's the minerals (I don't know which) that are in the water. So, rather than a chlorine filter, I would buy a water-softener rig (don't know what that entails but I know you can get them).

free skin care · Wed Jan 17, 2007 4:37 pm

Thank you, Cesce, I've caught on to that now, and I've purchased magnetic contraptions to change the calcium ions... We'll see if it works!

I appreciate all of your help and advice with my problem, thank you so much!

--avalange

Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:43 pm

And one more thought ... have you tried a vinegar rinse? In hard water areas particularly, that helps seal the cuticle. 1 TBS vinegar to 12 oz. water is a good start; adjust for your own needs.

An aside, I also primarily use conditioner to wash my hair, and it works beautifully. I use a shampoo bar once a week, and conditioner the rest of the time. My hair's healthier than it's ever been. I live in a hard water area, by the way (California), and vinegar rinses really do help. Smile

free skin care · Thu Jan 18, 2007 8:31 pm

Email I received from WEN in regard to application:

To add body I would recommend the Sweet Almond Mint Styling Creme. You also need to make sure you are using the Cleansing Conditioner properly because inproper use can weigh your hair down. I list instructions for proper use below.

Instructions for proper use of the WEN products

Start by rinsing hair thoroughly and completely for at least 1 minute.

Amount of Cleansing Conditioner to be used: For hair down to your shoulders use a minimum of 30 pumps, past your shoulders 40+ pumps and above your shoulders 20 pumps. The more product you use the better the results.

For application: Start by applying 8-10 pumps to the crown of head, 8-10 pumps to nape/back of head. Massage vigorously into scalp for 2-3 minutes and add an extra splash of water to help evenly distribute through the ends. Now add remaining 10-20 pumps (depending on hair length) through the mid-shafts and ends to thoroughly cleanse and hydrate the hair. Comb through with a wide-tooth comb and clip up for the remainder of the shower. Leave on for at least 3-5 minutes. The longer you leave it on the better for maximum results. Rinse thoroughly and completely for 1-2 minutes by massaging your scalp and running your fingers through to the ends.

Then apply 1-3 pumps of the Cleansing Conditioner as a leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair starting at the back of the head and working through to the ends. Immediately following add 1-3 pumps of the Sweet Almond Mint Styling Crème to soaking wet hair starting at the back of the head and working thought to the ends. Let hair dry naturally, style or wrap a towel around your head to absorb moisture. Do not abrasively dry your head with a towel as this will stress the hair and cause it to frizz.

You can cleanse daily but when used properly you should only have to cleanse every 2-3 days. Our 16oz size should last you between 4-6 weeks.

You can also use the Cleansing Conditioner as an overnight deep hydrating mask treatment by leaving on the hair after you have cleansed and rinsing out thoroughly in the morning.

Suggestions for anyone with curly or ethnic hair:

(Use WEN Sweet Almond Mint, Tea Tree or Fig Oil)
When applying your leave-in mix 2-6 drops of WEN Oil to the Cleansing Conditioner first and then 2-6 drops of WEN Oil to the Sweet Almond Mint Styling Crème. You may also need to increase the amount of WEN Oil and pumps of the Cleansing Conditioner and Styling Crème for different hair textures.

Suggestions for Texture Balm:

To calm and tame dry/styled hair apply 2-4 strokes to palm. Rub palms together to activate product and squeeze into hair starting at the back/ends. Add more if necessary. This will leave the hair soft and shiny due to the moisturizing properties.

To add separation, definition and texture apply 2-4 strokes to palm, spray palm with “Big Sexy” spray & play. Rub palms together to activate products and squeeze into hair starting at the back/ends of head. Add more if necessary. This will leave the hair soft and shiny due to the moisturizing properties.

Suggestion for Refresher Spray:

In a 6oz spray bottle mix 4 pumps of WEN Cleansing Conditioner, 2-4 drops of WEN Oil and 2 pumps of Sweet Almond Mint Styling Crème. Use warm water initially to help mix ingredients and shake well before each use.

Let us know if you have any additional questions.

CHAZ DEAN STUDIO

free skin care · Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:02 am

Winnie,

Thank you for that! So the other day, I went to my mutual friend's salon and he gave me his "creme lavant au citron," which incidentally IS a cleansing conditioner! I was thrilled, because I felt like I (sort of) get to try the Wen conditioners and experiment with this kind of product! Bizarrely, the directions say to begin with dry hair and work the cream through, adding water as necessary. Then to leave it on for 5-20 minutes and rinse--that's it! It's a treatment cream for colored hair to be used once a week. I didn;t do that, because I first applied his lavender oil treatment on my hair and wet it first. I will try the recommended application and report back.

I did this earlier on in the week, and my hair was definitely better. But since then, it has even improved more--no more crunchiness. I did a lot of research on the long hair community boards, and figured out that I have both a Ph and a calcium carbonate problem. I was using a vitamin c shower filter, which makes the water slightly acidic, which in theory would be a great way to balance out the alkalinity of shampoos and conditioners, but it seems to be bonding with some of the minerals in my water and coating and drying out my hair further (the water filter customer service informed me of this). So I removed the filter, adding a bit of baking soda to a non-detergent, non-salt shampoo (Bioderma's Node, ph balanced), and then conditioned with Phytojoba masque intense + honey. My hair seemed to drink this up. Then I finished with an ACV rinse, and when my hair was beginning to dry, I ran a bit of coconut oil through it. And guess what? My hair feels oily!!!! This would annoy most people, but I'm just so pleased with it, because before, no matter what I slathered on to my hair, it still stayed crunchy and lifeless. My hair now has body. Razz

I am going to leave this in until I wash my hair again, and then just use the node shampoo and condition and acv rinse again. The acv rinse is acidic (to balance out the alkalikinity of the shampoo/conditioner), and it ALSO has the ability, in higher concentrations, to remove mineral deposits from hair! Yay!

Hopefully my next wash will be a positive one, and then I will be able to use my fun hair products again once in a while!

--avalange

p.s. The magnet things apparently don't work, and water softening systems will set me back 1000 Euros, so I'm stuck with the reality of hard water! But understanding Ph and how the minerals are deposited onto the hair really helps--I'm going to get a chelating shampoo and use that every month to start fresh... And I'm NOT going to put my face under the showerhead ever again (I'm developing mild roseacea days when I take showers! Crying or Very sad

I went to the BHV and talked to a 'specialist,' and told him how I was suffering, and he said, yeah, "your skin is red and itchy? Yes, that is the "CALCAIRE."" Neutral

free skin care · Fri Jan 19, 2007 7:07 am

avalange, I am so glad that your hair is looking better Smile

. Your findings on how your hair got in poor condition were very interesting. Thank you for your detailed post. Surely it will help others going though such hair dilemmas. Keep posting on your findings and progress.

free skin care · Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:27 pm

You might try just conditioner and ACV. I've done this for years and my hair is my crowning glory. Yesterday I got two compiiments on my hair -- having done not-a-thing to it!

Mon Jan 29, 2007 10:26 am

Anyone experiencing hair problems, such as breakage, fall out, brittle, hard hair . These people should have their thyroid checked before purchasing a ton of shampoos, etc.
Thyroid problems are common in women, and you never really know you have it unless its checked yearly ( at least) another sign is weight gain which slowly creeps on you over time. So you think you gained a few pounds and it could be something serious. go to any search engine and type in thyroid, check it out. Very Happy

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.