"airdrying makes my hair dry and brittle"

jobrown said:

thanks for the response! and no lol I have no idea other than opening up Paint and resizing it

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jobrown said:

Hey all,

I know I've heard others mention this on here, and this problem is the same for me. I was wondering if anyone has any helpful points or tips to this problem? I'd like to cut down on blowdrying, but whenever I airdry my ends end up crispy.

My hypothesis is that my hair is just generally VERY dry and airdrying reveals its natural dry state, whereas when I blowdry, I artificially lay the cuticle down.

In addition, other than generally adding more moisture or protein (because it is also breaking in this dry, airdried state), does anyone have any suggestions for products or techniques for proper airdrying?

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virtuenow said:

Problem:

Air drying had been the worse thing for my hair. My air dried hair would be bone dry, hard and sticky once it got completely dry. It didn't matter what product I put in my hair. I used everything mentioned...nexxus humectress (alone & w/coconut oil), ausie moist (alone or with coconut oil), regular shea butter & coconut oil mix (less dry, but very hard.

Whether it was Coney or creamy, my hair was hard as a rock once dried. If I try to handle it, my hair feels crispy like it will snap off to the touch. I always dry in braids, and they are everlastingly stuck together when I air dry. It is very risky when I have done this b/c my hair is basically dread locked (yes, my hair was pre-detangled). I spent hours...days unlocking my hair from the disaster of airdrying.

By the way, my porosity control was in check as well (acv rinse/roux porosity rinse, check). I researched this issue heavily- and felt comfortable w/blowdrying after every wash- b/c my hair has thrived that way. However, I was not going to be completely satisfied until I could figure out a way to air dry if I wanted to!

Solution:

About two months ago, I read someones advice on another thread here and I melted shea butter, coconut oil and castor oil into my conditioner (Lustrasilk cholesterol or Trader Joes Nourish Spa). I have close to 50% conditioner and 50% shea/oil mix. I slather it on and braid my hair just like before. However, this time my hair has airdried soft, shiny & moist. I still can't wear it as a style but I am thankful to God to see it is possible!

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HairLiberty said:

"Hard as a rock", "crispy", "sticky", "dreadlocked"....it sounds like you were using too much of everything you tried. I'm glad you found a combo that works though. If you know the products you are using, usually work well for others, it makes sense to check your technique before moving forward.

You said you slather on the mix and you still can't wear it as a style...maybe you should try using less and see what you think.

I know you didn't ask for my opinion - just wanted to put that out there for anyone else interested.

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virtuenow said:

Well let me tell u, I've tried less product, more product and no product at all. My hair would always turns out the same hard, and dry. it is just the nature of my hair (very porous). The reason I don't wear it as a style is not b/c I can't - its b/c I don't like it. I cannot stretch my hair enuf for my satissfaction when I air dry. I have nearly bsl hair with more shrinkage than anyone I have seen on this board (about 90%- looks like twa).

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