HELP: Desert-dry hair

rakhkovskaya

Hi there, curly beauties! I am in need of some expert curly advice:

I have recently moved to the Southwest and the new climate is leaving my hair DRY and frizzy and, as a result, difficult to manage. :crybaby:I wash my hair every other day, and basically on the morning of day 2 it looks so dull, shapeless and dried out that I resort to putting in up and spend much time untangling it the next day =\

HAIR SPECS

curl type: 2c, the Jewish explosion
texture: very fine
color: naturally light brown w/some gold & copper. I have been dying it chocolate brown or black to match my eyebrows and skin tone (I've tried to only use mostly natural dyes, like Aveda)
length: medium, 2-3" below the shoulders
styling: I put the milk in my wet or damp hair, brush it out w/my fingers, scrunch, let air dry almost completely, then diffuse.
products: shea moisture thickening shampoo, conditioner & milk from Target (I have been using their curl line, but have switched).

Another concern is that I have very sensitive skin: I have been hesitant in applying anything too oily in fear of breaking out on my face and neck. I would prefer all-natural products, but at this point anything goes! Please, let me know what you think!

Thanks a bunch

L

SaraNoH

Really the only things to do is load up on moisturizing products, seal with an oil, and avoid humectant ingredients, like glycerin and honey (those are the big ones). It's a tough battle, but personally I find an oily leave in is one of the only things that really, consistently helps. You said your skin is a bit sensitive, so my suggestion would be to experiment with plopping. I used to have really bad bacne until I started plopping consistently because my skin would not come in contact with hair products. My bacne cleared up really fast and hasn't been a problem since. This way you can include oils without breaking out or anything.

jsuzkelley

+1 to Sara's suggestions.

curlypearl

Another +1 to SaraNoH's suggestions.

Here's another idea: instead of shampooing every other day, on some of those days use a "no poo" instead. Deva makes a No Poo which many of us like. It is used instead of shampoo, or just rinse with a good conditioner. If you can get away with shampooing less frequently, your hair will be less dry.

You have a great smile in the last picture - best of luck!

mom23angels

I also am with The above suggestions. The only thing I would add is an ACV rinse. The desert tap water has a lot of minerals in it. The vinegar helps remove them. I use 2 tsp with 3 drops of lemon essential oil to 2 c. water. I use this after I cleanse and condition, pour it over my hair, massage my scalp a bit then rinse with cool water. I can use it every other day.

DepressedCurls

I have no new advice. But you are beautiful. Just had to tell you.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using CurlTalk App

NvmbrCurlss

I second all the suggestions above. Want to add that SM products break me out ( coconut oil and Shea) , I only use the milk, not all 3 and I am working on cutting the milk with kckt to disperse better. I know how frustrating sensitive skin can b when choosing products. Shout out to my hair twin jkells!

rakhkovskaya

Thank you everyone for the compliments and the helpful advice! I have armed myself with super-moisturizing styling products & some oil for extra ooomph. I'm also going to try shampooing once/twice a week. Take THAT, dry air!

wavyrachel

Protien treatments arn't really moisture related but if your hair likes it its a great idea. They can improve the texture and holding abilities of the hair.