The protein-moisture balance is a #[email protected]*$$!

I am really struggling with how often to protein-load and how often to add on the moisture. I'm pretty new to this stuff too, so I've got an overload of products I bought in zealous fashion, and as a result, maybe too many choices when I go to address whatever problem arises. Lately, my dyed (and I believe, med-high porosity), medium density, quite springy 3a hair gets limp and lifeless if it's low on protein, but I deal with some crispiness because of dying and occasional heat (only a diffuser). I also think sometimes it gets too soft (like cotton candy by day 4) from over-moisturizing. If any of you have hair similar to my description, I'd be open to hearing about your cleansing/conditioning/treatment schedules. My recent routine involves DevaCurl No Poo or Jessicurl Gentle Lather Shampoo, then Curls Coconut Conditioner or CJ Beauticurls conditioner as RO, then more Curls for LI, and Curl Keeper instead of a gel (I really don't feel like I need a stronger gel hold, maybe this is a step I need to consider more). I do an occasional PT with CJ Intensive Treatment, every three-four weeks or so.
Any recommendations on how to tweak or modify this routine? I have been putting these products in with wet, not dripping wet hair, and letting air dry. Of course I wash out the PT before adding some leave in.
Any recommendations on how to tweak or modify this routine? I have been putting these products in with wet, not dripping wet hair, and letting air dry. Of course I wash out the PT before adding some leave in.
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Many of us rotate products. Back in the day that I was shampoo/conditioner only, my hair satiated on them. My hair would get limp and lifeless in a few weeks, so I'd change it up. Now, I wet, use a rinse out and style every day. Seldom use any one product more then once a week, if that.
Last of all. I have issues with polyquats, especially 4, 7 and 10. Very difficult for me to remove them. They coat my hair and prevent absorption. I discovered the issue because I had frizz when wet. The NoPoo has 7 and the CK has 10. You may want to clarify and see what happens when you don't use them for a while.
SE PA
HGs: Anything Sevi; Curly Kinks Satin Roots, Curlycue ReNew and Coil Jam; homemade FSG and okra gel; soap bars; UFD Curly Magic; Botanical Spirits Jellies, CJ Repair Me, Aloe Fix
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Curl Keeper is loaded with potent humectants (glycerin, propylene glycol) so not ideal for porous hair in high or low dews. That might well be part if the problem, either drawing too much water out of the hair or too much water out of the air.
Protein is useful for colour damaged hair but other proven ingredients include coconut oil, ceramides, 18-MEA and panthenol.
CO-wash: Inecto coconut/ Elvive Volume Collagen
Treatments: Komaza Care Matani, coconut/ sweet almond/ fractionated coconut oils, Hairveda Sitrinillah
Leave in: Fructis Sleek & Shine (old), Gliss Ultimate Volume, various Elvive
Styler: Umberto Giannini jelly, Au Naturale styling gelee
Flour sack towel, pixie diffuse or air dry.
Experimenting with: benign neglect
I have high porosity hair that really like protein and gets overconditioned very easily. I struggle with keeping that balance, too. I PT using IAgirl's pt at least once a week. Most of my conditioners have protein in them. To not tip that balance in one direction or the other I dilute my conditioner. I also add a few drops of Neutral Protein Filler (I got it at Sally's) if I need to make a stronger protein conditioner. It's annoying but I find I have to always be evaluating how my hair feels (dry and wet) to figure out what I need to keep it balanced or get it balanced. I definitely cannot use the same products every day.
Low-poo: Looking for a new one.
Condish: V05 Tea Therapy, Body Shop Banana
Leave in: Giovanni Direct Leave In
PT: My hair needs very little. I use Suave Naturals Coconut when I need a little bit and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.
Styler: Giovanni LA
Go Red Wings!:hockey:
Growing up I ALWAYS thought my hair was dry because it was curly and frizzy, so I overloaded it with moisture. Long story short, it never really helped much.
My hair really likes protein, makes my curls springy and more defined.
However, if I don't have a good moisturizing conditioner my hair feels dry. Too much weighs my curls down.
Its a constant struggle. But I love my curls.
Normal porosity/ Medium density
Henna over color-treated hair
Not currently CG
Poo: Pureology hydrate
RO: Pureology hydrate
LI: HSH Tri-wheat spray
DT: Coconut oil
PT: Henna/Cassia
Styler: AG recoil/mousse-gel