Top products from r/HaircareScience

There’s a few factors that can greatly effect hair growth: diet, overall health, hormones, and hair/scalp health.

The one thing that stuck out to me when reading about your diet was the soy. Soy is known to moderately effect hormones (mimics estrogen in the body) and when you suddenly up your intake, it could throw things off balance. It could be contributing, so try to cut back a bit. Keep drinking that water & eating healthy!

Have you started any new medications?

Stimulating the blood circulation on the scalp is an awesome trick to encourage hair growth, however it sounds like you may be overdoing it. Which electric scalp massager did you purchase, and how often do you use it? How often do you use the scalp scrub? If it’s causing dandruff, it’s probably not the best option for you. Doing a quick 2 minute scalp massage daily can stimulate the circulation without being too harsh on the skin (I do this with my normal conditioner- but this is where an oil mixture or serum will come in handy).

I would recommend for you:

Shampoo with Davines Energizing Shampoo and condition with Davines Replumping Conditioner. This stuff gets pricey at full retail, but it WORKS. The energizing line is full of ingredients that target hair loss. The replumping line moisturizes from the inside out. Davines is cruelty free and vegan too! There’s only about 4,000 salons across the US that carry them, BUT you can order online through amazon (it’s the legit stuff too, they have some kind of contract to keep “black market” sales down).

Massage your scalp 2-3 days a week, or every day if you can. I have two good product recommendations for you: a serum from the Davines energizing line, and an easy homemade oil.

Davines Energizing Superactive
Be sure to get the traditional superactive as it’s designed for hormonal hair loss (this sounds closer to what you’re experiencing) rather than the seasonal.

Homemade oil mixture -
3 parts jojoba oil (closest to the skins natural pH and best for absorption)
1 part castor oil (antifungal properties)
1 part oil of your choice (tea tree for more cleanse, almond or lavender if you’ve got a sensitive scalp)

Rub in your scalp and use your fingers to massage for 2-5 minutes. The serum you can leave in indefinitely, the oil you will want to shampoo out.

Treating hair thinning/loss at the beginning stages is the best way to combat it!!! Your hair follicles are most likely still active since this is a recent problem. You just gotta wake ‘em up a bit! Keep your scalp clean and stimulated, and your ends moisturized. Stay away from hot tools! Skip the blow dryer and iron if that’s a normal thing in your routine.

As for brushing, look into a wide tooth comb or Wet brush. Anything that puts a lot of tension on the hair will only pull out what you want to keep! Brush as needed but don’t overdo it.

I hope this wasn’t too much at once! Please feel free to ask any questions if you need me to clarify or provide some more info!

Source: licensed cosmetologist for 8 years. Worked with these products first hand and have recommended this same routine to many clients!

Edit - I added a question about medications. These can definitely have an effect!

> The one thing that stuck out to me when reading about your diet was the soy. Soy is known to moderately effect hormones (mimics estrogen in the body) and when you suddenly up your intake, it could throw things off balance. It could be contributing, so try to cut back a bit. Keep drinking that water & eating healthy!


Wow thank you so much for all the info. Regarding soy, I have eaten soy as my primary source of protein and never had any issues. From homemade soymilk to daily tofu blocks and to sometimes edamame. I have done it for years and never had any problems, unless it’s catching up. I began cutting it recently, hope it helps.

> Have you started any new medications?

No new medication, but different vitamins (D3, zinc, biotin)

>Stimulating the blood circulation on the scalp is an awesome trick to encourage hair growth, however it sounds like you may be overdoing it. Which electric scalp massager did you purchase, and how often do you use it? How often do you use the scalp scrub? If it’s causing dandruff, it’s probably not the best option for you. Doing a quick 2 minute scalp massage daily can stimulate the circulation without being too harsh on the skin (I do this with my normal conditioner- but this is where an oil mixture or serum will come in handy)

This is the electric scalp massager I bought
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07G35RPSF?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

Today was the first time trying it out for 10 minutes and had about 10 loose hairs in my shirt by the time I was finished. I also use or used a wood hair brush for about 2-5 minutes and same thing. There was a large amount of hair by the time I was finished. A lot of dandruff would fall off also.

I’m beginning to think besides hormone unbalance, I could have some sort of fungus scalp blocking the air. Like I said, the hair brush would take out a large amount of dandruff. I used a hair scrub in the shower yesterday and same thing, I noticed dandruff in my hair during the day. Something I never had. Perhaps the brush and scrub is cleaning up my scalp and all the built up dandruff.

> Shampoo with Davines Energizing Shampoo and condition with Davines Replumping Conditioner. This stuff gets pricey at full retail, but it WORKS. The energizing line is full of ingredients that target hair loss. The replumping line moisturizes from the inside out. Davines is cruelty free and vegan too! There’s only about 4,000 salons across the US that carry them, BUT you can order online through amazon (it’s the legit stuff too, they have some kind of contract to keep “black market” sales down).

I’m going to look into these. Quite honestly I’m a bit paranoid when it comes to anti hair loss products. I feel the simpler a shampoo is the better. I usually use this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0016BC2BM?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

And tried this one when the hair loss started happening

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CSMTPWL?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_yo_pop_mb_pd_t2

For some reason I decided to wash my hair with warm water (always cold water) and that’s when my hair began falling out.

> Shampoo with Davines Energizing Shampoo and condition with Davines Replumping Conditioner. This stuff gets pricey at full retail, but it WORKS. The energizing line is full of ingredients that target hair loss. The replumping line moisturizes from the inside out. Davines is cruelty free and vegan too! There’s only about 4,000 salons across the US that carry them, BUT you can order online through amazon (it’s the legit stuff too, they have some kind of contract to keep “black market” sales down).

>Massage your scalp 2-3 days a week, or every day if you can. I have two good product recommendations for you: a serum from the Davines energizing line, and an easy homemade oil.

>Davines Energizing Superactive
Be sure to get the traditional superactive as it’s designed for hormonal hair loss (this sounds closer to what you’re experiencing) rather than the seasonal.

>Homemade oil mixture -
3 parts jojoba oil (closest to the skins natural pH and best for absorption)
1 part castor oil (antifungal properties)
1 part oil of your choice (tea tree for more cleanse, almond or lavender if you’ve got a sensitive scalp)

>Rub in your scalp and use your fingers to massage for 2-5 minutes. The serum you can leave in indefinitely, the oil you will want to shampoo out.

Definitely a lot of great info here. Will this help with the dandruff?

Edit: btw I only wash my hair every third day, but by the second day my hair is already too oily. Almost as if I had gel on and my scalp feels warm ( could be the warm weather of Southern California,but still feels warm)and a little itchy.

Here is the comment linked in the above comment:

I currently use the Kerastase Resistance line. Kerastase (parent company is L'Oreal) was the brand I kept seeing mentioned when searching for "best hair products money can buy." I guess you're supposed to go to a salon that's trained in using their products because they can best recommend which line of their products to go with, but no salons near me use them so I just spoke to someone on their online chat to determine which would be best for my hair.

So, I use products within that regime, plus the other stuff I use regularly:

• Kerastase Soin Premier Therapiste (pre-shampoo, and sometimes if I don't feel like I want to use the mask I'll use this after shampooing as well as conditioner)
  
• Kerastase Bain Therapiste (shampoo)
  
• Kerastase Masque Therapiste
  
• Kerastase Serum Therapiste
  
• Marc Anthony Argan Oil Exotic Treatment - After I'm done blow drying my hair, I'll put a bit of this into my hands and run it through my hair to make it really smooth and shiny.
  
• Batiste dry shampoo
  
• Garnier volumizing hair spray - Although I've been using this less and less. I mostly would use hairspray to try to spray down flyaways / frizziness, but I've noticed that I have so many fewer of them now. As a result, I really cut back on hairspray (which seems good since it can be drying I'm sure).
  
• Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder - I might throw some of this in too, depending on how serious I am about volume. I have noticed that this can tend to cause more flyaways though, so I've eliminated this product from my everyday use.
  
  Some other favorite products that get occasional use (mostly if I'm also straightening my hair):
  
• Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray - Sprayed into my hair after the Kerastase Serum Therapiste to give volume while blow drying (and so hair is still voluminous after straightening).
  
• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - Sometimes I'll use this to make my hair shiny and nice looking, but usually if I'm really doing my hair (for a party, going out, etc.) when I know I'll be okay just washing my hair soon anyway since this is a little heavier than the Marc Anthony for daily use.
  
• Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish - This stuff is absolutely amazing for adding volume.
  
  In doing some research on hair products, I decided that not all silicones are bad and that it's mostly about making sure they wash out. Kerastase seems to use "better" silicones, and I'm assuming that at this price point you're probably getting a good wash as well - i.e., I figured everything probably does work well together, so I try to stick to the same line as much as possible and I've been pretty happy.
  
  Comment by: u/A5H13Y | Subreddit: r/HaircareScience | Date and Time: 2018-03-26 01:34:53 UTC |
  
  I'm a bot. Please click on the link in the original comment to vote.

Anecdotal experience coming your way!

My hair: very low porosity, very fine, kinda thin, dry and prone to split ends, longish (bra strap length), wavy (type 2a), damaged from previous abuse, oily scalp... I used to have to wash every day and would still look oily and stringy by the end of the day.

Dry shampoo: I'm a big fan of homemade solutions, and arrowroot powder (or corn starch, but I think the arrowroot is finer and more invisible) and cocoa powder (to match my color, my roommie uses cinnamon on her red hair), worked a LOT better for me than anything I tried from the store! All of them either looked good for the first few hours but left me clumpy later in the day, or you could see them in my hair no matter how much brushing I did. I just dust the arrowroot/cocoa powder on my fingertips and work it into my roots when I need it, and it actually gives me a lot of volume.

Current routine that I'm in LOVE with: conditioner only method using Trader Joes Nourish Spa Conditioner once every 2-3 days, and keep my hair dry on off days with an ugly shower cap. I've interrogated all my friends on day 3 about whether or not it looks oily and they think I'm crazy and say it looks like I'm fresh out of the shower. Deep condition once a weekish with Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner, and occasionally (maybe once a month, if that) wash with the shampoo in the same line if I get foreign crud in my hair from painting/what have you. The CO-washing totally takes care of my natural sweat/oils, even when I spent an entire day outside working my ass off in 98 degree heat. Since I've started doing this my natural texture has absolutely exploded, split ends have gone way down (I actually haven't gotten it cut since April and it still looks GORGEOUS, like I get complimented a LOT), and I no longer feel the need to use styling products beyond a little hairspray if I'm wearing it up or a glycerin mist if I want to make my waves even bigger (apparently glycerin can be tricky, proceed with caution! ) It's worth figuring out your hair porosity to determine what kind of protein/moisture balance your hair needs, I found this page to be really helpful. I sleep with it in an upside down french braid and that does all my styling for me, also keeps me from getting weird parts/matts etc in my sleep, and I've heard it's better for your hair not to sleep with it loose.

I've been doing this routine all summer (experimenting with no poo techniques for a year, CO-washing for about 6 months) and I can honestly say I've NEVER been this happy with my hair, and I've never spent so little money or energy on it. I'm so damn happy, I feel like an evangelical because I go on this rave about it so often.

In short: Damn the man! Save the empire! Shampoo is the root of all evil.

EDIT: Holy cow, sorry for the novel! But seriously, did I convey how happy this makes me? Great. Also, had absolutely NO transition period, aside from learning how to throughly massage my scalp. ALSO, here's a link to suggestions for good CO-washing conditioners Ok... watching Dexter now. Hope this was helpful!

I have to agree with the others and add one point...

1. Co-washing probably isn't the best choice for you. Your hair looks to be on the finer side, which means if you pick up one individual strand of hair between your thumb and finger and close your eyes you almost can't feel it. Finer hair can sometimes be weighed down too much by cowashing and look limp, or, according to the WEN lawsuit, the conditioner can weigh down hair and clog follicles causing hair loss/no new growth. I have finer hair as well and tried cowashing with New Wash, which was nice, but ultimately my hair felt to0 dragged down no matter how much I seemed to rinse it out.
   
   If you want to read/hear a scientific take on your shampoo and conditioner choices and their effectiveness I would read the summary/listen to this Beauty Brains podcast.
   
   
2. You might be too rough on your hair in it's wet state. As mentioned, hair is more susceptible to damage when wet so should be handled with care when detangling. I LOVE The Wet Brush for gently detangling and brushing through wet hair, you should definitely get one! It's made a huge difference for me when I have clients with wet, tangly hair. I see so much less hair in the brush afterwards when I go through their hair with a Wet Brush versus when I used a wide tooth comb on them in the past.
   
   ONE ADDITIONAL TIP: I'm a girl with finer textured hair, and medium to low density. My hair has always been that way. But something that has helped my hair is taking the supplement [Viviscal] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JPJ2ZS/ref=sr_ph_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1463724141&sr=sr-1&keywords=viviscal). You take it twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. It took two months for me to start really noticing a difference (and this is with me taking it twice a day almost everyday, I rarely miss any "doses"), but it has definitely improved the quality of my hair. My hair looks and feels stronger and healthier, seems thicker to me and it is actually growing faster as well. I've had multiple people mention how fast my hair is growing without me even telling them I have been taking a hair supplement.
   
   I know it's hard to stay faithful to taking it twice a day because it does take a while to start to see results but you have to think of it like exercise. You don't go to the gym once and suddenly have Jackie Chan "Rumble in the Bronx" bod. It's something you have to work toward and then maintain. I've been taking Viviscal for seven months and I'm really pleased, but I know if I stop taking it regularly the results will go away. So I guess I'm a Viviscal addict for life now ha.
   
   

I currently use the Kerastase Resistance line. Kerastase (parent company is L'Oreal) was the brand I kept seeing mentioned when searching for "best hair products money can buy." I guess you're supposed to go to a salon that's trained in using their products because they can best recommend which line of their products to go with, but no salons near me use them so I just spoke to someone on their online chat to determine which would be best for my hair.

So, I use products within that regime, plus the other stuff I use regularly:

• Kerastase Soin Premier Therapiste (pre-shampoo, and sometimes if I don't feel like I want to use the mask I'll use this after shampooing as well as conditioner)
  
• Kerastase Bain Therapiste (shampoo)
  
• Kerastase Masque Therapiste
  
• Kerastase Serum Therapiste
  
• Marc Anthony Argan Oil Exotic Treatment - After I'm done blow drying my hair, I'll put a bit of this into my hands and run it through my hair to make it really smooth and shiny.
  
• Batiste dry shampoo
  
• Garnier volumizing hair spray - Although I've been using this less and less. I mostly would use hairspray to try to spray down flyaways / frizziness, but I've noticed that I have so many fewer of them now. As a result, I really cut back on hairspray (which seems good since it can be drying I'm sure).
  
• Schwarzkopf Osis Dust It Mattifying Powder - I might throw some of this in too, depending on how serious I am about volume. I have noticed that this can tend to cause more flyaways though, so I've eliminated this product from my everyday use.
  
  Some other favorite products that get occasional use (mostly if I'm also straightening my hair):
  
• Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray - Sprayed into my hair after the Kerastase Serum Therapiste to give volume while blow drying (and so hair is still voluminous after straightening).
  
• Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil - Sometimes I'll use this to make my hair shiny and nice looking, but usually if I'm really doing my hair (for a party, going out, etc.) when I know I'll be okay just washing my hair soon anyway since this is a little heavier than the Marc Anthony for daily use.
  
• Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish - This stuff is absolutely amazing for adding volume.
  
  In doing some research on hair products, I decided that not all silicones are bad and that it's mostly about making sure they wash out. Kerastase seems to use "better" silicones, and I'm assuming that at this price point you're probably getting a good wash as well - i.e., I figured everything probably does work well together, so I try to stick to the same line as much as possible and I've been pretty happy.

Prevention of split ends is key.

First, don't wash your everyday. If you can, only wash with shampoo a maximum of 2 times per week. My washing schedule is usually Saturdays and Wednesdays. Also, when you use shampoo, make sure you are only massaging it into the scalp. Shampoo strips the natural oils in your hair and if you strip the oils from the ends your losing all that good hair nutrients that your ends desperately need!

Do not use heat. Let your hair dry naturally. Only use a straightener or curling iron on special occasions. There are a million no heat hair tutorials on Youtube that you can use if you need to style your hair. I never use a brush on wet hair and use a comb to detangle. When my hair is dry I use a wooden brush. The wood bristles soaks up the oils and when you brush through, it evenly distributes your hair's natural oils to the ends of your hair.

My most important piece of advice is doing hot oil scalp massage treatments biweekly. Oils have SAVED my hair! I typically use organic unrefined cold pressed (can be found at your local health food store and some grocery stores) coconut oil. I let it melt by sitting it under a lamp or by the heater. I don't recommend using a microwave to melt it, I read somewhere that it changes the makeup of the coconut oil. I start off by applying it all over my scalp and massaging it in for about 5-10 minutes. I apply the rest to the ends and stick my hair in a bun for the remainder of the day or overnight. You will need to shampoo this out, but again, only shampoo the roots. When the shampoo travels down your hair it will cleanse the ends. I like to switch up my oils or even mix them. So far, I've found the most results from using coconut, argon, and macadamia nut oils.

Once every 2-3 months, I will go in and trim my own hair. I cut my own hair due to EVERY SINGLE stylist not understanding what a trim is. A trim isn't 3-4 inches... so I learned how to trim my own hair. I only snip the tinniest amount of hair or snip a split end when I see one.

I hope this information helps. I went from hair past my breasts, to a platinum blonde (I'm naturally a dark brown). My hair was so damaged that I had to cut over 8" off. Two years later, I went blonde again and had to cut off another 5". The last year I went from a chin length bob to past shoulder length hair. I will never again go blonde, it was fun, but it damaged my hair BAD. Unfortunately, genetics has given me the gift of premature grays... so I do have to color every 6 weeks, but I use a semi-permanent hair color and only do the roots.

These methods are tried and true! Good luck! Long hair is like having a baby. You have to care, nurture and love your hair. It's a lot of upkeep, but it's totally worth it.

EDIT: I forgot to mention one more thing. Swap out your conditioner for a deep conditioning mask bi-weekly or once a week. This one is my holy grail

I hope it helps! I know the pain all too well. I too abuse hot water. Not warm, hot, as hot as I can stand it until I turn into a lobster. I have learned that's a nono so if I want to scald my skin I wear a shower cap or at least pull my hair away to keep the hot water off.

So here is my shampoo and conditioner(erm, I don't know why it's $45 for a 2pack, you may need to try a different variety or vendor, should be about $6 each), very affordable and I am very happy with all aspects. Here is the leave in conditioner I use -- it is the only I have tried so no basis for comparison but I like it. I use about a dime size on my palm mixed with 4-5 drops of Argan oil then kind of rub my palms together to spread it out and run it very lightly through my hair (usually with my head upside down so it is easier to access the different parts). The key is to spread it lightly and evenly.

Also, I am a guy who always had short hair prior and didn't care about products etc. Well now I have shoulder length hair (it's fabulous!) and I can see how much trouble it is to have long beautiful locks! I had to relearn how to properly shampoo and condition, well more condition than shampoo. Just make sure you again spread the conditioners evenly (I even squeeze some excess water out with my hands so it is less runny) and let it sit for 2-3 minutes as I wash the rest of me.

All these tips have come from reading Reddit, I should add! So cheers to our community. The next trick I want to try is a satin wrap for my hair when I sleep, it is supposed to be great!

Looks like the prescription meds may be your last resort currently, unfortunately.

I like this Shea Moisture brand shampoo. I have pretty hard water, and this shampoo definitely negates some of the effects of it. My hair doesn't feel dry at all now since I began using it.

Also, this sub-reddit has a wonderful product recommendation resource for us all found here. Browse that to see if any other products sound like a good fit for you. Trial & error is the only way to know for sure what will work well for you.

Good luck to you! :)

I'm thinking about trying an in-line shower water filter. Kind of like how you can buy custom showerheads, some of them come with filters. I have similar issues and after switching up my shampoos/cleansers and treatments I'm beginning to suspect the water more and more.

Here's an example of what I'm talking about (simple inline filter without the showerhead): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M03C6PO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_gU0NybY67DNCN

Here's one that comes with its own shower head, or maybe it's built in: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PVXU5G/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_lS0NybN5357QS
(Not sure this one is specifically for hard water, but with activated carbon I'm sure it's going to be doing some work)

Now these are just examples, perhaps good products but again I can't say because I haven't tried them or done my research. Google or Amazon search "shower hard water filter" and figure out what suits your needs. These products also seem to be decently inexpensive to boot. Worth a shot.

If you end up getting one, send me a review, I'd love to hear if it helped you out-- again, I'm in the same boat! :)

I appreciate the suggestion, but I think I had looked at pretty much all of their products available in stores near me and I think they had coco betaine. Some examples from Amazon:

• OGX Shampoo, Hydrating Macadamia Oil, 13oz
  
  
• OGX Shampoo, Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen, 13oz
  
  
• OGX Shampoo, Hydrating TeaTree Mint, 13oz
  
  I reacted a few months ago to coco betaine in Ecos laundry detergent and TreSemme Naturals, and then again in Selsun Blue Naturals. I seem to be able to use coco betaine in some hand soaps (Wegmans seems ok!), but I'm going to an allergist soon to get tested. In the meantime, I've been keeping a super close eye out for coconut-derived ingredients in products I try, which is how I've figured out there are a few I do okay with.
  
  I didn't mention this other stuff in my initial post because they don't cause allergic reactions:
  
  Clogs my pores or breaks me out - Fatty alcohols, mineral oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, and then something in several shampoos I've tried over the last few months
  
  edit: fixing formatting
  edit: fixing formatting again (sheesh)

> I have this same thing. I used to have a bald patch at the back of my head but it eventually grew back. It's completely normal now.

Just for clarity you excessively scratched the crown of the scalp for a year or two (?) but eventually grew back? Hopefully that patch behind your ear grows back like your scalp did though.

> What kind of oils helped you, if you don't mind my asking?

For sure! The oil I use is called fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% topical oil. Additionally I was prescribed ketoconazole 2% shampoo. I don't use the shampoo anymore as it was only prescribed to be used 2 times a week for 4 weeks. My scalp still doesn't itch as much even without the ketoconazole. Also, the ketoconazole I was prescribed is Nizoral AntiDandruff Shampoo but 2x stronger.

http://i.imgur.com/HO7koeS.jpg

Alright, so I checked out the product list as instructed and still have some unanswered questions.

The girl who posted about Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo said she shampoos once a month. But I exercise daily. Is it OK to use this on a daily basis?

I think I'm going to go with the TheraNeem Shampoo and conditioner. It seems to be a great combination and has awesome reviews. Are there any drawbacks to these two products? How often should I use the conditioner? And can I find this product in stores or is it only available online?

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction, guys!

Nizoral doesn’t work for my seborrheic dermatitis either. When I have flare ups I use coal tar shampoo. It’s cheap and available almost everywhere. I usually just buy it on amazon. I sometimes buy the extra strength version if I’m having a really bad flare up.
Rub it into your scalp and let it sit on there for a few minutes before you wash it out. It has a strong smell that’s not the greatest so I usually follow by shampooing my hair with my regular shampoo to help tone it down.
This is what has worked for me. I’m sure others here have more suggestions as well. Good luck!

They're both on amazon.co.uk! Organix shampoo here (apparently there's a root boost spray available as well) and Shea Moisture Conditioner here. edit: Organix also has a shea butter shampoo/conditioner if you find you like that brand.

Mine is itchy just like my dry skin all the time, so that's part of how I figured it out. Especially since I've treated my seborrheic dermatitis and the itch remained.

I'll let you know how they work for me (also type 3, edit: fairly mild case, I think) but if you don't want to wait the while for me to get to it and then adjust for my first time switching to sulfate free, they are available on amazonUK and probably elsewhere near you :)

>https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G7AZB96/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you! This is very helpful to know more about what my city is using, and very good advice to do more research on my part. :)

I personally like the Wet Brush. It has super flexible bristles and is really good for detangling. I don't brush my hair when it's wet though. Does anyone else use these?

If you think it might be your water, you can go here and request a hard water test strip. Many people in /r/skincareaddiction find that an in-shower filter really helps their skin and hair, like this one.

But the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner look no bueno to me. In your shampoo there's a few silicones (which are probably causing build up) and some other questionable stuff. Casual internet browsing shows that the 1st ingredient in your conditioner is water, and the 2nd is behentrimonium chloride, which according to wikipedia is "is an irritating, toxic (to aquatic organisms), and slightly flammable yellow waxlike organic compound." I'm sure its not that bad (I'm not being sarcastic! It's probably not that bad), but there has to be better ingredients out there. Not to mention more dimethicone (6th ingredient), while the argon oil is #10, right after parfum. Awesome. So I'd switch that one out, too.

The silicones in both are probably building up in your hair making it what it is. Not all silicones are bad, but they need to be washed away now and again. I'd look in the side bar and what not to find a nice clarifying shampoo to wash out the build up, and get a good regular shampoo and conditioner.

My hair turns out like hay too if I don't use a heat protector spray and a high heat from the blow dryer. My hair is naturally curly/frizzy. The high heat + the heat protector (I use Tresemme) is the only thing I've found that will get my hair silky smooth. I think the barrel brush also helps to smooth out the hair cuticles cuz I don't get the same silky smooth result from straightening my hair.

Also, my blow dry savior is this thing from Amazon. I was dubious at first, but omg. This thing is my bestie now. Probably the best $50 I spent all year.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LSUQSB0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Try Nizoral, pretty great for dandruff control.

http://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-AntiDandruff-Shampoo-7-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B00AINMFAC/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453737125&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=nizolra

Oh, bummer about the Malibu C! As for the filter, this is the one I bought: https://www.amazon.com/5-Stage-CaptainEcos-Advanced-Shower-Filter/dp/B01M03C6PO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1495210219&sr=8-3&keywords=shower+filter+5+stage

It comes with the actual filter attachment plus two filters and Teflon tape for only 30.00 USD. Definitely worth the buy. I hope this helps!

Have you tried Culligan Filtered Shower Head. It works well for me.

Edit: DevaCurl also just came out with a clarifying shampoo based on miclear water. It's really easy on the hair. That should help you wash away the hard water build up.

I personally love this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006VVN1S/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0006VVN1S&linkCode=as2&tag=waters05-20&linkId=MTPAFU7FOY2KBO5D It really helps with hard water.

This dog shampoo is my secret weapon against sebderm https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0037Z6VK8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The reason it probably goes straight is probably what happens to me: my curl isn't that strong and also like most people prone to sebderm my scalp tends to be oily. The combo of just time and oil relaxes out the curl. I have to wash every 2-4 days. A strong hold gel can get me some more time, plus in the morning I can use a bit of water scrunched in to "reactivate" it.

I use this one

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G7AZB96/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works really really well, although you do have to look up what kind of chlorine/flouride is in your city water. I think the info is in the reviews for the product but there's a certain kind that some cities use that pretty much no filter can filter out.

How about a scalp massager/shampoo brush? It's gentle, feels good, and is meant for your hair/head :)

I also use a tea tree shampoo. I'm not sure how much that helps exfoliating, but it does wonders for my sensitive/itchy scalp.

This isn't a substitute for more frequent washing/medicated shampoos like others suggested--but using a silicone brush like this one has completely gotten rid of my mild itchy scalp and buildup issues within a week. Make sure to brush in long strokes in the direction of your hair growth to avoid yanking

My bf has a similar problem with flakes and the neutrogena t/gel shampoo works pretty well. If it's severe he'll wash his hair every other day and use the shampoo for three-four washes. Then on his "break" from the shampoo, I give him a thorough concout oil massage. Then he uses normal shampoo. If flakes are still there, he goes through another cycle.

The shampoo can be a little drying even though it clears out the flakes. The coconut oil makes it less dry and he loves it when he gets a massage!

The Wet Brush is amazing for everyday use.

But as far as styling, I prefer something with straight bristles without caps and a metal or ceramic base because that heats up to decrease drying time and increase styling power.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000L596FE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1456863438&sr=8-1&keywords=the+wet+brush&pi=SY200_QL40



http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0012V7XU6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1456863488&sr=8-1&keywords=square+brush&pi=SY200_QL40

Sorry for the ugly links!

These are two products I'm currently loving
http://www.amazon.com/Giovanni-Smooth-Silk-Xtreme-Ounce/dp/B001VN0XOS

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002WTC37A/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?qid=1457194162&sr=8-2&keywords=macadamia+mask&pi=SX200_QL40

Careful with this last one, the reviews are saying its a fake but I'm sure you can find this products in drugstores. I've seen it in target and cvs.

Also a good blow-dryer....this has changed my game! https://www.amazon.com/Revlon-Salon-One-Step-Dryer-Volumizer/dp/B01LSUQSB0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1522788559&sr=8-1&keywords=revlon%2Bhair%2Bdryer%2Band%2Bvolumizer&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Nourish-Moisturizing-Conditioner/dp/B002LV317A

Is this the product? If so, those ingredients look color safe to me.

Things I do that seem to help:

• Brush hair before showering
  
• Condition/rinse twice
  
• Dry hair with an old t-shirt instead of a towel
  
• Apply Alba Botanica Leave-In Conditioner to damp hair
  
• Air dry
  
• Then brush

I've been using Theraneem because it's very thin and it has helped get down to my scalp! I use a clarifying shampoo once a week (just Neutrogena) and it's been worthwhile.

I ordered it and it came in yesterday and when I brushed it while my hair was wet and had heads and shoulders, like 30 hairs fell out. Is that normal? I’m using https://www.amazon.com/Rolencos-Shampoo-Massager-Tourmaline-contained/dp/B06XNPJVVK BTW

This stuff is amazing. It’s shampoo.. it smells a bit weird but it was the only thing that ever worked for me. Give it a shot! You can find it at Walmart, CVS, etc.

I know this seems absolutely ridiculous, but I swear by this shampoo scrubber. My nails are constantly changing their length and shape, and some styles are just better at getting my scalp and actually scrubbing. This has completely changed my game. I echo everyone saying clarifying shampoo, but this is a nice little assist.

He should see a doctor, it sounds like seborrheic dermatitis to me. He can try nizoral shampoo with no other products following (like conditioner), let it sit on the scalp for a minute or two per use. Here’s a link to get it off amazon.

Check out this shower head filter: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006VVN1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_scdLBbR1WQKSW

$30 and its a decent showerhead regardless of the filter benefit. I got this when I lived in Florida with really low quality water and it helped my hair and skin enormously.

I am planning on using thisfor shampoo and this for conditioner. Will this help my hair situation? I am currently using head and shoulders dandruff shampoo.

Nizoral. https://www.amazon.com/Nizoral-D-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo-Fl/dp/B00AINMFAC

I'm gonna try these 3 :

https://www.amazon.com/Rene-Furterer-Purifying-Shampoo-Curbicia/dp/B0017SQHW4/ref=sr_1_59_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1467931295&sr=1-59&keywords=rene+shampoo

https://www.amazon.com/Rene-Furterer-Melaleuca-Anti-Dandruff-Shampoo/dp/B004LT0BZK/ref=sr_1_29_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1467931195&sr=1-29&keywords=rene+shampoo

https://www.amazon.com/Neutrogena-Therapeutic-Shampoo-Original-Formula/dp/B0009KN8UA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I SWEAR by this brush- The Wet Brush

Okay, so "cured" is probably the wrong word there, but it's made it far more manageable than it's ever been.

SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037Z6VK8?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Scalp massager https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074ZDXFL6?ref=yo\_pop\_ma\_swf

Honestly, since you said this started when you moved I think this is all you need. Hard water can cause havoc on your hair: can lead to scalp buildup, dandruff, and hair loss. I think just making this small change will make a huge difference.

I also think you should go back to getting a trim every other month.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the impact biotin can have on your hair! I personally recommend biotin and ashwagandha. The later makes a huge difference on your stress levels, which leads to decreased cortisol production, which means less dandruff!

I've had extremely bad dandruff / dry scalp problems in the past - most of which I've now attributed to dying my hair and using products without properly cleaning them off of my scalp. I recently started using a pre-shampoo exfoliator, this one to be exact , and I've really found it helpful. I haven't had any dandruff issues since I started using it. This one comes with a silicone scrub brush tip, similar to these things , so you can probably just buy the scrubber and use regular shampoo, I think getting in deep with a stripping formula is what really makes the difference in maintaining my scalps health and PH balance.