Dark Hair Thread

[jenwexler]

I haven't really seen an official one for dark hair. Share your tips and what not that helps you make your dark color look radiant . Colors and naturals included.

[luxepiggy]

Oh, me, me! I belong in this thread! *jumps up and down* (^(oo)^)/"

I'm a cone user, but I don't seem to have buildup problems like others do. Years of daily shampoo & conditioner application didn't noticeably decrease my shine at all. I didn't even know clarifying shampoos existed until last year, and that's only because I use them to wash lingerie!

The one thing that stopped my shine dead in its tracks (and brought me to LHC - oh hidden blessing in disguise!! ) was the application of a protein-laden deep treatment! Never again, said the little piggy! Major pigtastrophe ensued ( ' (oo) ' )

I've been giving CO-washing a try for about 3 weeks, with good results - still lots of shine, and fewer flyaways. My hair is much softer too. It does seem to be looking a bit lighter in colour though - I'm not sure why.

I learned something interesting recently- dark hair actually reflects less light than fair hair. Makes sense if you think about it - the darker pigments absorb more light. However, dark hair often *appears* shinier because light that is reflected contrasts more with the dark colour of the hair. Neat-o! (^(oo)~)

[cmnt831]

The times that my hair has been super shiny is when I've used an acidic rinse after shampooing like ACV, soapnut tea, or lemon rinse and then oiled my hair with shea butter/olive oil mix.

Here's an example. I used dandruff shampoo, soapnut tea and conditioner. Then I oiled it and air dried.

[luxepiggy]

The times that my hair has been super shiny is when I've used an acidic rinse after shampooing like ACV, soapnut tea, or lemon rinse and then oiled my hair with shea butter/olive oil mix.

Here's an example. I used dandruff shampoo, soapnut tea and conditioner. Then I oiled it and air dried.

Pretty!!! (^(oo)^)

[jenwexler]

Wow I didn't realize dark hair shined less than fair hair. It does make sense and the contrast does make our shine more noticeable. My hair has been shinier and more manageable since I decided to be cone free. Without cones, I don't feel the need to straighten....plus my short hair makes it impossible to get the hair between the iron I bet. I haven't tried though and I don't plan to ^_^

[cmnt831]

Pretty!!! (^(oo)^)

Thank you!

[DARKMARTIAN]

Wow...that is interesting about the reflectivity of dark hair. Dont do anything special to mine really though. Wash, rinse, repeat, condition. (I just always try to place myself in ideal lighting conditions )

[luxepiggy]

Wow I didn't realize dark hair shined less than fair hair. It does make sense and the contrast does make our shine more noticeable. My hair has been shinier and more manageable since I decided to be cone free. Without cones, I don't feel the need to straighten....plus my short hair makes it impossible to get the hair between the iron I bet. I haven't tried though and I don't plan to ^_^

1b hair is still pretty straight, isn't it? At least, I think so . . . I kind of stopped going through the hairtyping system photo examples when I landed on 1a

[jenwexler]

Does anyone know if dark hair is stronger than fair hair? I always wondered. Fair hair looks very fragile.

[luxepiggy]

The times that my hair has been super shiny is when I've used an acidic rinse after shampooing like ACV, soapnut tea, or lemon rinse and then oiled my hair with shea butter/olive oil mix.
*snip*

Oh, I second the acidic rinse + oil routine! I use beer for the rinse, and then I put a few drops of Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil on the damp hair afterwards.