I need help with my hair :(

Jul 25, 2013

Laura S.

Hey everyone! I've been reading these boards every night for awhile and this is my first post. I'm really worried about the state of my hair and hopefully someone here can offer some advice or tips! :)

I apologize that this is long. For a TL;DR (too long didn't read) version: What are some excellent brands of color protecting shampoo & conditioner you'd recommend? Should I look for sulfate-free, if so what do you suggest? What can I do about my hair thinning/falling out like crazy? :(

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My first issue is since I just got some dark streaks in my hair, I've been wanting to use a color protecting shampoo. For awhile I've been using Bed Head Dumb Blonde shampoo with a different Bed Head moisturizing conditioner. I find that shampoo makes my scalp super itchy and causes flakes & buildup. Since my hair is always feeling so dry & damaged anyway, I keep searching for a shampoo & conditioner that will help my hair look healthier.

I was browsing the Sally Beauty website and found this Diamond Shine Color Protect shampoo & conditioner that were rated super high, and anywhere I looked for reviews raved about it mostly so I thought I would try and it was sulfate-free which was a bonus for something different. Well, everytime I wash my hair (which is every 3 days mostly) it looks super greasy and has a weird filmy texture on it like after it air dries. I've never had this happen before. So I'm bummed about that. The only good thing is that it doesn't make my scalp itchy and I've had zero flaking with this stuff. O_o

What are some good color protecting shampoos? Should I be looking for sulfate-free or does it matter?

Also my second issue is that lately I have been experiencing a lot of hair fallout/thinning... and I know it's natural, but I think the amount I deal with on a day to day basis is not normal. Should I talk to my family doctor about it and is there anything I can do to help the situation in the meantime?

Thank you to any of you who read this. So sorry this post is ridiculous & long but I am in need of some help.

Jul 25, 2013

Karen S.

Garnier fall out is really good! and also for color protecting there is a red bottle or garnier and it helps keep your hair color looking vibrant

Jul 25, 2013

Karen S.

of*

Jul 25, 2013

Michelle K.

I use the suave professional line. the one I use is the keratin infused for color treated hair but they also have one with morocan oil. its $3 for the shampoo and the same for conditioner. the morocan oil one is a dollar more but still not bad. my hair doesn't really fall out in the shower anymore since I started using it. also I colored my hair about a month ago and the color is still there. try it! it worked great on me :)

Jul 25, 2013

Michelle K.

Oh and they also have dry shampoo which is also keratin infused for three dollars.

Jul 25, 2013

Laura S.

Thank you, Karen & Michelle for the suggestions, I will look into them!! <3

Jul 25, 2013

Michelle K.

You're welcome! :D.

Jul 25, 2013

Sharon B.

I would recommend Wen. It's also sulfate free. Your color will stay vibrant. And it will make your hair much healthier. It is a bit pricey but totally worth it (in my opinion).

Jul 25, 2013

Sharon B.

And I would definitely see your family doctor about your hair fallout/thinning. You may just be deficient in something. Or it could be from stress. But either way, you should get it checked out ASAP.

Jul 25, 2013

Sharon B.

And you could also start taking Biotin (5000mcg/day). It's made a huge difference in the thickness of my hair.

Jul 25, 2013

Laura S.

Thanks Sharon! I've heard a lot about Wen, but I don't have easy access to it where I live so it would have to be a special purchase. I'll definitely be going to my doctor to see if there is a deficiency of something. Can I find Biotin where most supplements/vitamins are in the grocery store or should I look in a real health/vitamin store?

Jul 25, 2013

Dina U.

Hi I'm a cosmetologist! it sounds like you might need a lesson on how to properly wash your hair. it sounds a little weird but it will make a huge difference, believe me. I think what's happening is youre over using the conditioner on your scalp, so its no longer dry and flaky but greasy. the greasiness is from the product building up and I suspect this build up is preventing your scalp from breathing properly- hence the higher than normal fall out rate.
the products you are using are right on the money! I don't see a need to change them unless it keeps occurring once you adapt how you use them.
I wrote a blog about how to proper wash hair that I'll post a link to below, if you have any trouble with anything visit your stylist and explain to them your issue. they will take the time to work with you and physically show you how to shampoo/condition properly if you can't figure it out. 
http://lovelyhairbushytails.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/how-you-should-be-washing-your-hair/

Jul 25, 2013

Laura S.

Hey Dina! You know, I never considered that angle. Haha! I will give your blog a read & see if I can do something differently with what I have. Thank you!

Jul 25, 2013

Mani M.

Try using Dove and or Garnier for starters.

Jul 26, 2013

Dina U.

Hope it works for you laura!