Hi All -
I have long, color processed hair.  In my pre-op life, it was always super shiny and healthy.  Now I seem to have very dry hair.  Perhaps it's due to the WAY lower amount of fat in my diet or just the general malabsorption factor.

Anyhow, anyone know of a good smoothing and/or high moisture product?  I'm not losing hair per se (read: not from the root) , but I find my hair breaking a lot and I think if it was more supple, it would not break off as much.   I was even thinking of doing a homemade mayonaise hair mask.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Lisa

Lisa,

My hair used to be down to my waist and was dry.  I used (and still use) Redken products.  Their All Soft and Real Control are good products for dry hair.  The salon I go to does Redken chemistry treatments---a deep conditioning (and they give you a scalp massage while the product is in your hair!).  My hair always feels so much healthier after a treatment. 

Good luck finding something that works for you!

Julia

Hey Julia -
Thanks so much for the info.  !  I think my salon carries Redken products.  I'll give it a try.
Lisa

Both ideas seem great. The thought of Using Redken Products and getting treatments sound very relaxing.

But my pocketbook screams NOOOOOOOOO! (Stupid wallet)

I have done the mayo thing. Also the home V05 Hot oil treatment. I also occasionally slather my hair with conditioner and leave on my hair for about an hour. I just put a towel over my head and let it soak in. That seems to help.

Now because I don't have time to do these things regularly, my hair doesn't look as shiney as I'd like. But just a few "cheapo" suggestions. I am sure there are more quality ways that I am too broke to be aware of. LOL

I definitely hear you on the "broke" factor.  I may try the mayo thing first just for kicks.   I think I remember hearing that beer was good for shiny hair too, not so sure about the moisture factor.

Anyone remember the shampoo from the 70's called "Beer on Tap"......now I'm showing my age.  hahaha.....My grandmother used to buy it and I loved the smell of it. 

Lisa

Oops....edited to clarify....it was "Body on Tap"

No beer in my house would be wasted on my hair!

I can hear Johnny "gasping" at the thought of it! "You're gonna do what? With the beer?"


But here's a recipe.........HMMMMMMMMM

How To

How to Make Beer Shampoo

Member By HS Schulte
eHow Community Member Article Rating: (17 Ratings) Beer Shampoo

Beer shampoo adds body and shine without harsh chemicals. You can make your own beer shampoo at home. This shampoo, although natural, does not need to be refrigerated. After you’ve tried it, you’ll use it again!

Difficulty: Easy Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Beer
• Sauce Pan
• Source of Heat
• Shampoo

1. Step 1

   Reduce the beer:
   First, you will need to reduce the beer by heating it. Heat the beer in a sauce pan over medium heat until it is approximately ¼ the amount.

2. Step 2

   Let the beer Cool:
   Let the reduced beer sit in the pan to cool until it reaches a temperature that can be handled easily.

3. Step 3

   Mix the beer into your shampoo:
   Once the beer is cooled, pour it into approximately 1 cup of regular shampoo.

4. Step 4

   Shampoo your hair:
   You can use your beer shampoo to wash your hair as you normally would, rinsing well.

5. Step 5

   Beer shampoo will add volume and body to your hair. Shampooing with beer daily is a natural way to help hair appear thicker and fuller.

We must have twin soul boyfriends.....
I would hear the same thing.
Whaaaaaaatttt?????  Noooooooooo........

OK, I am bored...........here's a link I found. Enjoy and kill time!


http://chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com/beerrinse.htm

I use a chlorine filter on my shower head and that helps with the dryness. Chlorine is VERY drying to skin and hair.

I can really tell that I don't have it on the shower here and can't wait for my stuff to arrive so I can install it.

I bought mine at whole foods for ~$40 and the filter lasts a year or so. It's well worth it. My skin and hair are happier.

Well, mayo works really well.  The key (if you've not done it before) is heat - so you clip a plastic baggie over your hair after applying the mayo and wrap the whole thing in a warm towel, leave it on for about 30 mins, then wash out.

As prepared products go, the Aussie Mane Conditioner (i may be getting the name slightly wrong) is really good and not expensive.  There's also a mane conditioner for horses that comes in big bottles and isn't really expensive but works really well on human hair, if you have a saddle shop near you. 

Color processing hair is just really tough on it, because (as i understand from repeated lectures from my dear friend and longtime hairdresser) it opens the cuticle of the hair (think fish scales sticking out instead of laying flat).  That's why the hair feels so much thicker after coloring.  But it also lets the moisture out really easily and makes the hair more vulnerable to environmental damage.  

He told me also that as we age, we should NOT wash our hair too often - that dries it out as well.  Every day is a no-no, and for many women with longer hair, once a week is ideal.

I ended up giving up on coloring it a little more than a year ago - let the gray grow out and love it!  I just got sick of the perpetual routine of touchup and color and hair breaking off all over the place.   You wouldn't believe how many compliments I get (even from total strangers)!

Karen