foggybrooke
December 1st, 2010, 05:05 AM
Let me start with a little background. I have been using VO5 products (shampoo & conditioner) for years, alternating mostly between Sun Kissed Raspberry and Pomegranate and Grapeseed Extract. I have had no complaints. I joined LHC and took the newbie advice to keep my same products but switch to CWC. This was a rather big change for me since I had been shampooing regularly (about 5 times a week) but only conditioning every 2nd or 3rd wash. However, I was thrilled with the results. Thinking if CWC is good, I bet CO is great and started doing that. Again, pretty happy with the results in the week or 2 I was doing it.
However, I was still confused over the whole cone issue. I kept reading that VO5 products were cone free but could not find a list that specifically mentioned Pomegranate and Grapeseed Extract and reading that the Sun Kissed Raspberry may or may not have changed formulas (in my head, I am thinking does it or does it not have cones). I try my first SMT with Sun Kissed Raspberry (still confused about it's formula but that is what is mentioned specifically in the recipe). While waiting for the SMT to sit for a while, I make up my mind to change to VO5 Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream (I found it on a cone free list).
I do what I am planning on being my last shampoo (thinking I am switching to CO with the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream) with a bunch (way too much likely) Pomegranate & Grapeseed Extract shampoo, then condition with the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream. Then I do a few CO with the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream, then all the sudden I realize my hair is turning to crap (kinda crunchy but not breaking, not soft and smooth like it used to be). I think it took me a little while to notice because I try and wear my hair up in a jaw clip (if I put it up wet) or in a ponytail (when it is dry) and I try not to touch it much otherwise.
I notice that it says something about soy protein or soymilk protein (I can't remember which at the moment) on the front of the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream bottle and realize PROTEIN OVERLOAD!
I panic for about 3 seconds, then remember I read that I should go back to what used to work. I then CO with the Pomegranate & Grapeseed Extract for about a week. My hair just kept getting worse! Time for a new plan. I read the ingredients, and started thinking that the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream, Sun Kissed Raspberry and Pomegranate and Grapeseed Extract all had protein!
So, after some searching on LHC I came to the conclusion that Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple conditioner was cone and protein free (please correct me if I am wrong). Yesterday I washed with a baking soda & water mixture and did an ACV rinse, then conditioned with the Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple conditioner. I think my hair may feel a little better (I hope that isn't just wishful thinking on my part). I am planning on doing CO with the Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple conditioner and sticking to that until my hair returns to normal.
Enough story, now time for the questions!
Am I doing the right thing?
Any other suggestions?
Will my hair return to it's normal healthy state? If so, when?
For the record, I do not oil. I was dead set against it when I joined LHC but I am starting to be swayed a little and am thinking I may be willing to try it once my hair is long enough to bun or braid after oiling. I am unwilling to try it before then. (I can't stand the thought of oil on my hair. I am thinking if I could bun or braid it, I may be able to tolerate it.) So, I would appreciate suggestions that do not involve oiling. I do try and stretch time between my washes (whatever the method) and do nightly brushing with a BBB to try and nourish my ends with my own sebum.
Thanks in advance for reading all this and any advice you may have to offer.
However, I was still confused over the whole cone issue. I kept reading that VO5 products were cone free but could not find a list that specifically mentioned Pomegranate and Grapeseed Extract and reading that the Sun Kissed Raspberry may or may not have changed formulas (in my head, I am thinking does it or does it not have cones). I try my first SMT with Sun Kissed Raspberry (still confused about it's formula but that is what is mentioned specifically in the recipe). While waiting for the SMT to sit for a while, I make up my mind to change to VO5 Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream (I found it on a cone free list).
I do what I am planning on being my last shampoo (thinking I am switching to CO with the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream) with a bunch (way too much likely) Pomegranate & Grapeseed Extract shampoo, then condition with the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream. Then I do a few CO with the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream, then all the sudden I realize my hair is turning to crap (kinda crunchy but not breaking, not soft and smooth like it used to be). I think it took me a little while to notice because I try and wear my hair up in a jaw clip (if I put it up wet) or in a ponytail (when it is dry) and I try not to touch it much otherwise.
I notice that it says something about soy protein or soymilk protein (I can't remember which at the moment) on the front of the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream bottle and realize PROTEIN OVERLOAD!
I panic for about 3 seconds, then remember I read that I should go back to what used to work. I then CO with the Pomegranate & Grapeseed Extract for about a week. My hair just kept getting worse! Time for a new plan. I read the ingredients, and started thinking that the Moisture Milks Strawberries & Cream, Sun Kissed Raspberry and Pomegranate and Grapeseed Extract all had protein!
So, after some searching on LHC I came to the conclusion that Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple conditioner was cone and protein free (please correct me if I am wrong). Yesterday I washed with a baking soda & water mixture and did an ACV rinse, then conditioned with the Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple conditioner. I think my hair may feel a little better (I hope that isn't just wishful thinking on my part). I am planning on doing CO with the Suave Naturals Juicy Green Apple conditioner and sticking to that until my hair returns to normal.
Enough story, now time for the questions!
Am I doing the right thing?
Any other suggestions?
Will my hair return to it's normal healthy state? If so, when?
For the record, I do not oil. I was dead set against it when I joined LHC but I am starting to be swayed a little and am thinking I may be willing to try it once my hair is long enough to bun or braid after oiling. I am unwilling to try it before then. (I can't stand the thought of oil on my hair. I am thinking if I could bun or braid it, I may be able to tolerate it.) So, I would appreciate suggestions that do not involve oiling. I do try and stretch time between my washes (whatever the method) and do nightly brushing with a BBB to try and nourish my ends with my own sebum.
Thanks in advance for reading all this and any advice you may have to offer.