Need Shampoo/conditioner Recommendation

Updated on April 26, 2010
K.R. asks from Minneapolis, MN
27 answers

My hair is driving me crazy, and I haven't been able to find any shampoo or conditioner that improves things. My hair is colored (I'm thinking about going back to my natural color in case that helps), neither thick nor thin, naturally a bit wavy, kind of dry, extremely breakable (I've got tons of short pieces all over), and really frizzy in humid weather.

I'm hoping to find hair care that doesn't contain sulfates. Any suggestions on what might help? Thank you so much!

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So What Happened?

It has taken a long time, but things are finally starting to turn around. I was intrigued by the Wen recommendations, so I started googling it. I decided to buy a different brand that was cheaper but works the same. I was really disappointed. I started buying different products -- L'Oreal sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, Frizz Ease products, etc. Meanwhile, by June my hair was worse than ever.

I decided to stop coloring my hair. I have gone in twice for semipermanent color in a darker shade, to help me ease back into my natural color. (I thought for sure I'd be a brunette after all these years of going blonde, but it turns out my natural shade is just dark blonde.) I decided to wash my hair less often, so I used dry shampoo to get 2-3 days between shampoos. And for all of June and July I only blowdried my hair 3 times.

Then I decided to try Moroccan Oil. It's not a miracle worker, but it does help. I've been using that daily for almost two months, and I think that it is making a difference. I then bought the Moroccan Oil shampoo, but I can't tell if it's working or not. I found an argan oil conditioner by Kiehl's that is terrific, and much less expensive. I'm definitely going to keep using the Kiehl's conditioner. I've heard really good things about the Moroccan Oil styling creme, and will try that soon. I used my son's Dove shampoo the other day, and it was great. So I think I will use Dove shampoo, Kiehl's argan oil conditioner, and either Moroccan Oil or M.O. styling creme after that.

Now my hair has less breakage and is less frizzy. It just looks better.

Thank you everyone for all your suggestions!

Featured Answers

K.K.

answers from Appleton on

I love the brand Say Yes to Carrots. You can get it at Walgreens. They have a website too and a facebook page. I've used their Say Yes to Cucumbers and Say Yes to Carrots shampoo and conditioner and they also have a Say Yes to Tomatos line also... never tried that one though. They are for different hair types. GOod luck!

D.G.

answers from Lincoln on

I just bought shampoo/conditioner at Walgreens called Organix that is sulfate free. I just started using it last week but so far it seems ok. I fight the frizzies all the time and struggle to find something to tame it without being greasy!

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A.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

Wen by Chaz Dean is absolutely wonderful! You don't shampoo, you use a cleansing conditioner. It is a little strange at first, but after you get used to it it's wonderful! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to message me.
Good luck!

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R.H.

answers from Milwaukee on

It may not be just what you are putting on your hair...rather your body may need some better nutrition! When I added an optimal supplement to my diet, my hairdresser commented on the positive changes to my hair the very next time I went in to get it cut and colored!--R. H.

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I use Sebastian products and love it.

We also use Chi products and like them a lot. Love the Chi silk to use after hair is done.

Are you protecting your hair before you dry it or style it? If not, use a heat protectant on your hair before you apply heat.

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A.C.

answers from Minneapolis on

When I was nursing my youngest, my hair was sooooo super dry. I used just a bit of carrot oil.
I'd get out of the shower, and rub it between my hands, and rub it on my ends.
It made a LOT of difference! You can find it at most beauty supply stores. Good luck!

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P.G.

answers from Des Moines on

Wen is a cleansing conditioner - it has turned my hair around! All natural ingredients.
www.wen.com

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M.

answers from Cleveland on

i started using Morocan oil shampoo and conditioner. It has totally changed my hair! You can find it at salons.

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

I started using Joico products a year ago and they totally changed my hair to the hair I have always wanted!! You can get them at Ulta. I use the shampoo and the intensive treatment conditioner every time I shampoo (which is now only 2-3 times per week, which has also helped).

They probably contain sulfites but it is the only shampoo that works for me.

Alterna brand has a sulfite free line. Expensive, but suppose to be good.

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M.F.

answers from Kansas City on

Chi products do not contain sulfates. I think you may need a protein treatment. I know Redken had one years ago called PPT...AMAAAAZING. I don't know if they make iit still, but you can ask. Good luck!

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C.C.

answers from Omaha on

Hey I have an awesome shampoo and conditioner, botanically based no sulfates.... I have samples so if you would like to try it let me know. It is Arbonne's FC5 line, it was formulated by Peter Matrevers who use to work for Aveda, it is awesome!! email me for your free sample, ____@____.com

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K.H.

answers from Des Moines on

I'm in love with Garnier's Length and Strength. Last time I went in to my hair stylist, she told me my hair was SO healthy it would be hard to backcomb it - the cuticle was too smooth! :) I've tried everything from Bumble & Bumble to Frederik Fakkai and this is the best I've used! Honest!

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K.M.

answers from Detroit on

Kristen,
Arbonne products DO NOT contain Sulfates, parabens, added colors, dyes, mineral oil or animal products or by products (and never tested on animals) and a long list of other DOES NOT contain ingredients. The products are made with only the Finest and Purest Organic Herbs and Botanicals. My daughter and granddaughter heave really Curly, Dry Frizzy hair especially in the humid weather also and they love the Shampoo, Conditioner and the Before Sun To the Rescue Hair Protectant it really helps control the Frizzies. I am sending you a private message with my contact information.
Kay

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S.B.

answers from Sioux City on

First of all, get a good hair cut to get rid of all the split ends. If you've been coloring your hair for a while, maybe going back to your natural color would be a. Good idea to give your hair a break.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

HI Kristin,

I use Envia products. I personally use the color protectant shampoo (I color my hair with Naturtint permanent hair color that I get from the health store) and condition and my teenage girls use the hydrating shampoo. There are several others and I think one wound probably fit your needs. My hair is lifeless without it. My girls have different hair types and they both get what they need from it.

Envia would be considered in the natural category. There are sulfates but they are vegetable derived.

Regards,

M.

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S.H.

answers from Lincoln on

Your local whole foods or health food store should have a wide variety of shampoos that do not contain any sulfates or parabens. I recommend trying a few of these until you find the right product. I also recomment getting an heavier conditioner (the kind that comes in the flat butter container).

I have also been known to treat my whole body by pouring a good olive or almond oil in the tub and soaking in it. Depending on you hair type, you may want to rinse you hair so it doesn't get too oily.

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C.G.

answers from Davenport on

I usually buy my shampoo from the salon I go too. But, my sister uses Dove Frizz Control. Her hair is sleek, healthy and gorgeous. I just bought some, but I haven't tried it yet.

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S.S.

answers from Milwaukee on

I am going to send you a link to an all natural shampoo. I have used the Chamomile Shampoo and it works great. Just go to the Health and Beauty and the Personal care is another one you can try. Good Luck

go to www.marketamerica.com/schmittfamily

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B.S.

answers from Omaha on

You could always make your own then that you are sure no chemicals in the Shampoo or Conditioner. You can Google Shampoo. Oops Can't think of the book I have. I'll get back at you with information.

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M.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I usually use Dove But where I saw a BIG difference, its when I started using Frizz ease, beleive me I have curly/wavy hair that tangled alot, post pregancy hormpones only got worst. but with Frizz ease you get much more controll on you frizzy hair. I personnaly use the sirum after I wash my hair, apply it then brush my hair, I personally love the results

http://www.johnfrieda.com/products/product_family_categor...

Hope this helps out

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A.H.

answers from Omaha on

Have you tried www.nuskin.com? I have colored my hair for years and it became very straw-like. I did go back to my natural color to give it a break and know that this helped some, but Nu Skin's moisturizing shampoo and weightless conditioner really brought my hair back to a healthy state. I also use the hair ReNu mask once a week. It is a deep conditioning treatment. Go to their website and click on the hair products. Scroll down and you should be able to click on more details to find out about the ingredients and sulfates. You can also click on resources to see the recommended products for different types of hair. If you like what you see feel free to email me at ____@____.com. I signed up as a distributor to get the 30% discount, so I can help you get some major savings too. Hope this helps!!
P.S. I pretty much wash my hair every day and these products last me a good 2 months.

A.

E.H.

answers from Killeen on

The Shampoo/Conditioner I have been using for the past 7 years do not have sulfates and are free of Parabens and other chemical preservatives.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

When I started graying, I started dyeing and it fried my hair. About 5 years ago I switched from commercial dye to henna to cover my gray, and my hair stopped splitting, breaking and is now longer than I could ever grow it before (about bra strap length). My hair is dark brown, so the henna gives me a great chestnut auburn color and my gray turns to coppery highlights which look fantastic.
http://www.hennaforhair.com/mixes
for more discussions about hair than most people want to know:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com

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D.G.

answers from Minneapolis on

K. - you may not need a different shampoo or conditioner, you may be lacking some nutrients in your diet.

I would recommend a blood test to determine if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals.

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K.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

Hi K.! I'm a hair stylist and I would highly recommend Pureology products. They are sulfate free and work very well. It's also a line made to help preserve hair color. The hydrate shampoo and conditioner is wonderful and smells great too. They also make a super smooth line, which could help with your frizz issues.

http://www.pureology.com/

Good luck!

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C.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

L'Oreal recently started making a line of shampoos and conditioners without sulfates specifically for color treated hair. I use the volumizing set, but I think there is also a set for dry and/or frizzy hair. It is reasonably priced and available at Target. Before that, I usually used Aveda products. I love Aveda products, but it's nice to be able to pick up my shampoo at Target and not have to pay a fortune for it.

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