It's dry because this is your normal hair under the silicones. The silicones KEEP any moisture you put on your hair, OFF. This includes normal water. Almost all silicones used in conditioners, and yes, some shampoos, are not water soluble. This means they do not come off when you wash your hair. And over time, they build up, especially on the ends of your hair, and cause crunchiness and tangles. Now to truly remove all traces of silicones, you need to use a clarifying shampoo. Neutrogena puts out an excellent one and it will strip everything off your hair,, so be prepared to do a deep treatment of mostly moisture stuff, such as honey and clear aloe mixed with a cone free conditioner. Oils do not mean moisture, but they can help protect against damage in almost the same way 'cones do, but at least you can wash them off easily! I even clarify my hair every two months or so, because almost everything can cause a bit of build up. That's the reason I like to alternate between products. If you have hard water, try using 8-10 ounces of distilled water poured over your hair after your final rinse, this really helps soften your hair!
A rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar will help correct the ph balance of your scalp, especially if you are having oiliness . If you are blonde, use white vinegar. Use 2 tablespoons of vinegar in about 10-12 ounces of water. If you have distilled water, this is even better. Once you've finished washing and conditioning and rinsing, pour this over your hair, mostly on your scalp. Let it sit for a few seconds before rinsing off with warm water. Follow with a cool/cold rinse, this helps calm the cuticle, and promote natural shine. I think I did two vinegar rinses and then noticed my oily scalp was being tamed. Also, rinsing with vinegar like this , often, will not harm your scalp. It will also help remove any shampoo residue.
Here is a list of water soluble cones. I haven't tried the ones that CLAIM they are water soluble, so even be careful of those.
The non water soluble (BAD ONES) are marked in red.
Amodimethicone..........not soluble in water by itself
Amodimethicone (and) Trideceth-12 (and) Cetrimonium Chloride..........mixture that is soluble in water in the bottle
Behenoxy Dimethicone..........Sparingly soluble in water
Cetearyl methicone..........not soluble in water
Cetyl Dimethicone..........not soluble in water
Cyclomethicone..........not soluble in water
Cyclopentasiloxane..........not soluble in water
Dimethicone..........not soluble in water
Dimethicone Copolyol..........water soluble
Dimethicone copolyol..........water soluble
Dimethiconol..........not soluble in water
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Hydroxypropyl Polysiloxane..........water soluble
Stearoxy Dimethicone..........Sparingly soluble in water
Stearyl Dimethicone..........not soluble in water
Trimethylsilylamodimethicone..........not soluble in water
Lauryl methicone copolyol..........water soluble
To keep your hair hydrated between shampoos, and believe me, this will help you more than anything, use a home made spritzer every day. I even spritz the ends of my hair and apply a drop or two of oil before putting it up in a bun. I only have to get two micro trims a year (just the tips snipped off to shape up the 'u' formation, the way my hair grows) because I have very few split ends and I owe it all to using spritzers and covering my ends with cone free conditioner before shampooing with diluted shampoo.
4 ounces of distilled water
4-5 drops of oil (I prefer jojoba oil, but grapeseed, emu, and organic coconut oil work well too)
several drops of your favorite Essential Oil (I use orange blossom in the winter and peppermint in summertime)
a tiny squirt of your cone free conditioner.
Shake this well before using and use it as often as you wish. It also helps control that naggy static.
Use wide toothed combs, preferably non-plastic. Try to get away from brushing hair, especially curly hair! And never brush wet hair! It stretches it and breaks the hair shaft.
NO straight irons, all these do is cook the ends of your hair and that's why you have to get it cut so often. The silicone products help 'seal' the ends and you don't think the irons are harming you.
Blowdry as little as possible. You might be surprised at the volume you have once you get the silicones off. I always get my ends drippy and let them dry last. This helps pull down the hair and help straighten it without using a dryer. It also helps with hydration. If I'm going to blow dry, I NEVER use it on my ends, mostly on the crown of my head and underneath as I bend over. As my ends start to air dry, I'll use a huge round brush and gently shape them under and by the time they are dry, they are nice and calm.
I also do not believe in applying oils or conditioners to my scalp. The scalp needs to be kept open and clean. Oils are easily rinsed, but conditioners sometimes leave a waxy buildup, even cone free ones. :scared:
Once your hair gets long enough, you'll be able to do all sorts of really cool up-do's and this helps you through that awkward 'wanna cut ' stage.
Never use rubber bands or ANY of the pony tail products. These cause breakage. I know this is trite and outdated, but scrunchies are the only way to go if you want a nice clean line. I prefer silk, satin or velvet ones. These do not rub against your hair and cause breakage.
I think I've covered as much as I can remember. Don't hesitate to ask me questions, I don't mind.
*justy*
/emoticons/
