Help... In Desperate Need Of Moisture!

[HappilyLiberal]

As some of you know, I am in remission for breast cancer. My hair fell completely out with the chemo treatments. When it grew back, it grew back as a 2b/3a/3b texture when I was 4a/4b before. The problem I am having is keeping moisture in my hair. When I wet it and put product in, it looks fine until it dries then it looks a wooly mess! Does anyone have any products/tips to help me keep my hair moisturized (It isn't quite long enough to put into a ponytail yet; otherwise, I'd put a phony bun on top of my hair with moisturizer under a plastic wrap).

 

[mzteaze]

Congrats on remission from cancer - that's big in itself!

Look for the Chicoro pre-poo thread. I found that easy to do and it helped my moisture levels with consistent usage. If I can find it again, I will bump the thread for you to see.

 

[I Am So Blessed]

Care Free Curl Activator.

Scurl Activator.

Cantu curl Activator lotion.

Moisture for days...DAYS.

 

[keranikki]

Don't forget to add protein!

 

[Evolving78]

What are you using to deep condition your hair with?
The moisture should start there first.
Also do you have hard water?
Do you live in a dry climate?
Using a moisturizing leave-in spray under your styling product may help to keep the moisture in.

 

[Ivonnovi]

Aloe Vera Gel. It's my go to

 

[shortycocoa]

As some of you know, I am in remission for breast cancer. My hair fell completely out with the chemo treatments. When it grew back, it grew back as a 2b/3a/3b texture when I was 4a/4b before. The problem I am having is keeping moisture in my hair. When I wet it and put product in, it looks fine until it dries then it looks a wooly mess! Does anyone have any products/tips to help me keep my hair moisturized (It isn't quite long enough to put into a ponytail yet; otherwise, I'd put a phony bun on top of my hair with moisturizer under a plastic wrap).

Sending healing energy and thoughts your way! What product are you using now and are you using plain water?

Maybe you can make a spritz for your hair with glycerin, water, a liquid leave-in like Infusium-23 or Elasta-QP Leave-In H2 Conditioner.

Curl activator gels might help also. I always loved Long-Aid's curl activator gel (the green label) but when I couldn't get it I would just mix a few drops of glycerin and olive oil into a styling gel like ecostyler, wetline professional, or maxi professional (not the protein gel, the clear gel).

I prefer gels and conditioners, but if you prefer other types of styling products or moisturizing agents maybe the other ladies will chime in.

 

[HappilyLiberal]

I am using the Kimmaytube formula (Kinky Kurly Knot Today, Aloe Vera Juice, Castor Oil. and Jojoba Oil). That work well on my 4a/b hair but it isn't doing anything on the looser hair texture.

 

[moneychaser]

I love that cantu curl activator

 

[I Am So Blessed]

I love that cantu curl activator

I'm thinking about buying it in bulk. I'd hate to see it discontinued!

 

[snoop]

I am using the Kimmaytube formula (Kinky Kurly Knot Today, Aloe Vera Juice, Castor Oil. and Jojoba Oil). That work well on my 4a/b hair but it isn't doing anything on the looser hair texture.

Could it be that your hair didn't isn't reacting well to the AVJ? Maybe it's protein sensitive now?

 

[HappilyLiberal]

Could it be that your hair didn't isn't reacting well to the AVJ? Maybe it's protein sensitive now?

AVJ has protein in it?? That would also explain why the LCO method didn't work either. I used water mixed with Aloe Vera Juice as the Liquid!

 

[LushLox]

AVJ has protein in it?? That would also explain why the LCO method didn't work either. I used water mixed with Aloe Vera Juice as the Liquid!

I believe Aloe Vera has properties within it that mimic that of some proteins but I think the moisture benefits outweigh the trace protein that's in it.

 

[PJaye]

IMO, the lion's share of moisture is derived from water and deep conditioning. To that end, what kind of DCs are you using, and how does your hair feel after DCing?

 

[snoop]

I believe Aloe Vera has properties within it that mimic that of some proteins but I think the moisture benefits outweigh the trace protein that's in it.

I think it depends on your porosity. When I first went natural I couldn't use AVJ on my hair. I would wonder why their hair would be so soft and mine would be crunchy. I've seen others on here have the same reaction to it. For tat reason I avoided it for years. Now that my porosity has changed I can do diluted ACJ rinses with no problem.

 

[snoop]

@HappilyLiberal How often do you moistuize? Also, do you wear your hair loose often?

I find that if you bind your hair (braids or twists) the moisture stays in longer. Maybe you could try moisturizing and then binding your hair over night so that it can be absorbed by your hair better?

 

[faithVA]

HappyLiberal I'm glad your treatments were successful.

 

[HappilyLiberal]

HappyLiberal I'm glad your treatments were successful.

Thanks @faithVA

 

[HappilyLiberal]

IMO, the lion's share of moisture is derived from water and deep conditioning. To that end, what kind of DCs are you using, and how does your hair feel after DCing?

I recently switched to Cantu Shea Butter's deep conditioner. I've only used it once though.

 

[Foxglove]

I'm not sure which DCs would work well with your new texture but Oyin handmade hair dew is amazing as a leave in.

 

[PJaye]

I recently switched to Cantu Shea Butter's deep conditioner. I've only used it once though.

If it's not allowing your hair to retain moisture for at least 5 to 7 days, it needs to be chucked because it's not doing its job. I think you might need a more effective, highly moisturizing DC, Sis.

 

[curlicarib]

Layering and pH. I use either the As I Am line or Komaza Aloe line.

1. light spritz with water
2. spray on liquid leave in
3. apply butter
4. apply oil
4a. comb as desired - I usually twist my hair
5. air dry or dry under hairdryer
6. leave alone for 24 hours
7. style
8. add butter for moisture as needed


pH:
Check the pH of all your products. High pHs (above 7.0) open your cuticles. Low pHs (below 7.0) close your cuticles. You want your DCs to be neutral or above 7.0. This will allow the moisture to get into your hair. You want finishing products to be below 7.0. This will close your cuticles and lock in the moisture.

A good product to use after DCing is a gloss/glaze. I use John Frieda Clear Glaze. It has a pH of 5.5ish which closes my cuticles and gives a beautiful shine. Then proceed with the steps above. My hair stays moist for days.

Amazon product ASIN B0012UEJ1S

ETA: Good DCs
1. Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm (5 stars)
2. L'Oréal Paris Hair Expert Total Repair line (any DC in this line that has ceramides, they are all great - 5 stars)
3. Silk Elements Mega Silk (5 stars)


Amazon product ASIN B000O6YJV6
Amazon product ASIN B00L1QF43U
If you don't already, you should add protein to your routine. I use a mild one with every wash and a heavy/strong one every 4 - 6 weeks depending on how my hair feels. Regular use of protein changed the hair game for me. It allows your hair to accept moisture and it helps strengthen your hair so you'll see fewer broken ends, which helps with retention.

Yes I have all of these. I rotate them every week.

Mild Protein:
http://www.nexxus.com/en/us/shop-by...onditioner-for-damaged-hair-605592416187.html

Amazon product ASIN B000NVVDWA
http://www.sallybeauty.com/aphogee-...keratin-reconstructor/APHOGE8,default,pd.html


Strong Protein:
https://www.amazon.com/Nexxus-Emergencée-Conditioner-Weak-Damaged/dp/B00ZVHH74O/ref=sr_1_1?srs=7301146011&ie=UTF8&qid=1504730443&sr=8-1&keywords=nexxus+emergency+conditioner

Amazon product ASIN B000KQ73J0
http://www.sallybeauty.com/aphogee-...st=Search_Results#q=protein+treatment&start=1

https://komazahaircare.com/product/protein-hair-strengthener/