Spotlight on... Strengthening Hair Products!

Looking to add some strength to your hair? Does your hair feel a bit limp or lackluster?

The first thing most people do is run to the store and buy a whole line of "strengthening products". But with textured hair, these products can dry out our hair and increase breakage and shedding.

When it comes to strengthening shampoo, always follow with a moisturizing conditioner to smooth the hair shaft and add moisture to the hair.

When it comes to strengthening conditioners, always remember that less is more. Start off by applying a quarter size amount and see how your hair reacts to the product. A quarter size amount that is well-distributed might be all you need.

Or, take the product to your stylist and let he or she apply it to your hair. Your stylist may be better able to concentrate the product on the areas that need it the most.

Comments

[shelley]

Would have been helpful if we were given some idea of what the strengthening products are....

[Andrea]

I think that she means high level protein products: The Redken Extreme line, Aveda Damage Remedy, Mizani RenewStrength. Are those examples?

Macherie: yep thats it. There are exceptions, of course. I can use the Aveda DR line and its not too bad on my hair but this has been my observation with most lines advertised as strengthening products. Thanks for the question.

[shelley]

Okay ladies, thanks for responding. I use the Aveda DR line myself but only once a month. In my experience, I find the that DR intense treatment works better at strengthening than the DR conditioner, and works best if its concentrated mid-shaft to the end of the hair.

[Dee]

Yes I most definitely say use those types of products in moderation. LESS IS MORE. And like Macherie said... ALWAYS follow up with a moisturizing conditioner. I made that mistake once and now I know better.

[Tete]

I think that Profectiv has quite a few strengthing products. They are too thick for me, but not for everyone.

[Sandra]

Ovation Cell Therapy and MegaTek are great hair strengtheners.

[Narcotica]

I thought the ORS HairMayo was a strengthner, right?

I've used that without a moisturizing condi for a while and my hair was breaking beyond belief..

[Tete]

O_o thats because ORS hair mayo is a CONDITIONER. Meant to be RINSED OUT.

[abpolen]

Thanks, I had to learn this the hard way as well. I started using protein treatments b/c my hair had way too much elasticity and then I freaked out b/c my ends started looking so bad I thought I would have to cut them all off. I did an overnight moisturizing DC and its doing the trick--its still a bit frizzy but one more round should do it.

[Toya]

Keracare Restorative Hair Masque is a good strengthening treatment.

[Dominique]

Awwww....I wish I had seen this about 2 months ago! LOL! I KILLED my hair with it. I love color and ended up having to get it all cut off because that part was completely brittle and beyond repair. I could not comb it or anything, it was very upsetting.:(

[Ings]

I had a request. Could you do a post on hairstyles/ways to fight humidity when you have relaxed hair? I'm in Boston and fall is basically the rainy season here =\
What's a girl to do?

[Danielle]

lngs,

I live in south Louisiana and know all about humid weather and what it can do to our hair. I like to use Garnier Fructis Smoothing Milk or products from their Anti-Humidity line, namely the Anti-Humidity cream. Just a little bit spread throughout the hair will last until the next washing.

Also, Keracare makes an oil sheen that has a humidity block in it. Use it sparingly because it's concentrated. I just spray a little on my hands and spread it throughout instead of spraying it directly on my hair.

My hair is never frizzy. I hope you like these products because they work for me.

[Kris]

I like Nexxus Keraphix as "strengthening conditioner"

[Ings]

Hi Danielle - I just saw your response - I will definitely try them out - thanks !!