Very dry and sensitive skin: need moisterizer reccomendation

[TrekTheKaty]

We added a mister to our furnace--a built in humidifier. Kicks on with the heat. I also use body oil--slather it on before I get out of the shower (learned that on the weather channel!) Hubby recommends Bag Balm--his fingers used to split open in the winter (just avoid petting the cat until it soaks in).

I also have naturally curly hair and only shampoo once a week--just rinse and condition the rest of the week. I was grossed out at the concept, but desperate to save my curls.

[shootingstar]

I also have naturally curly hair and only shampoo once a week--just rinse and condition the rest of the week. I was grossed out at the concept, but desperate to save my curls.

I'm lost: you mean washing your type of hair more often, means loss of the natural curliness or what?

From a naturally straight hair person. For certain, I will be unable to leave my hair unwashed up to once a wk. My system still produces plenty of hair oil..even in old, frail age I predict I just need that shampoo sudsing several times/wk.

[GLC1968]

I'm lost: you mean washing your type of hair more often, means loss of the natural curliness or what?

From a naturally straight hair person. For certain, I will be unable to leave my hair unwashed up to once a wk. My system still produces plenty of hair oil..even in old, frail age I predict I just need that shampoo sudsing several times/wk.

Curly hair and straight hair have totally different textures and as such, require different things. It's like the difference between how you would treat cashmere fibers or how you might treat silk. Both can be luxurious but both need different care.

Curly hair tends to be dryer - so it will absorb moisture out of the air. This is why curly or frizzy girls get curlier or frizzier in humidity and straight hair girls don't (or get limper, sometimes!). By not washing, we can keep our curls better naturally moisturized so that they remain healthy and don't need to absorb environmental moisture. Plus, curly hair tends to be fragile, so it can't take constant washing, harsh chemicals, rubbing with towels, rough brushing, etc and still remain curly, smooth and healthy looking. It's a pain for sure!

I did notice that while my scalp produced a lot of oils when I washed daily, part of the reason was precisely because I was washing daily and it was trying to compensate for it. When I stopped washing so much, my scalp calmed WAY down and so did the oil production. Similiar to not using harsh cleaners on oily skin to keep oil production lower (another issue I have!).

[badger]

I did notice that while my scalp produced a lot of oils when I washed daily, part of the reason was precisely because I was washing daily and it was trying to compensate for it. When I stopped washing so much, my scalp calmed WAY down and so did the oil production. Similiar to not using harsh cleaners on oily skin to keep oil production lower (another issue I have!).

I thought this as well when I washed my hair daily. About 4 years ago I decided to wash every other day to stop this oil over-production. I have to say that my scalp is still oiler than ever, much to my frustration. In 24 hours my roots are noticeably oily so the second day I usually have to wear my hair in a pony tail.

[shootingstar]

Plus, curly hair tends to be fragile, so it can't take constant washing, harsh chemicals, rubbing with towels, rough brushing, etc and still remain curly, smooth and healthy looking. It's a pain for sure!

Honest, I had no idea about the fragility of some curly hair. See how different life is for straight-haired chicks.

I think lots of thick fine straight hair or thick, coarse straight hair tends to be stronger than with thin, fine/straight hair. Some people have straight hair that takes ages to grow any noticeable length. My hair grows fast.

But then, how does one explain when curly-haired gals iron their hair to straighten it? That must be awfully tough on the hair especially if the hair has a strong wave/curl. To me, it looks tougher on the hair compared to using a curling iron for touch-ups daily for just a few min.

I'm not keen to try to reduce washing my hair daily, especially when I've been cycling nearly daily since I've moved to Vancouver. I've tried skipping a day of hair washing..at different times in life. Just hasn't worked. My scalp starts to itch, etc. Then skin near hairline tends to break out.

That is why I don't need hair conditioners at all. I probably voluntarily used hair conditioner less than 8 times in my life. And my hair is healthy ..as assessed by every hair stylist I've had. I don't do manicures, pedicures, facials, body wraps, etc. But the health of my hair & scalp is something I make an effort to look after.