Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

The StarThrower — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:08:03 GMT

Does anyone have a suggestion for gray hair that feels like straw? I am blessed with a very full head of dark naturally wavy hair that used to almost glow in sunlight. Now that it's mostly gray, it feels dry and very fly-away, despite the use of Dove Shampoo and Daily Moisture Therapy Conditioner. (Note that I only need to wash my hair weekly at most. I suspect it would fall out if I washed it daily!) Can anyone make a suggestion to tame down this mane and make it behave?

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

Doreen — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:25:55 GMT

ok listen, i know your problem. do you use a lot of hair spray??? If you do, then your hair feels like straw. if thats the problem then well you should stop using so much.

for more information email me at hannahminay@aol.com

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

The StarThrower — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:13:40 GMT

Doreen... Nope, I haven't used hair spray in many, many years. Matter of fact, the shampoo and conditioner I mentioned are the ONLY products I use on my hair. I don't even blow it dry! I just wash & condition it and let it air dry naturally. I wish it was as simple a fix as just not using too much hairspray, but thanks for trying to help! :-)

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

knightbird — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:33:53 GMT

I have similar hair - gray, very dry and fly away (although I wouldn't say it feels like straw). Saw an infomercial for Wen Cleansing Conditioner by Chaz Dean and decided to try it. Although I was expecting a drastic change - like in the infomercial - that didn't happen. But it did make my hair softer, not as "furry" and greatly reduced the static electricity. More pricey than regular shampoo but I was able to return the other products which I don't use without a problem.

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

The StarThrower — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:44:50 GMT

During the summer, it's not so bad. During the winter, when the heat is on, is when mine gets straw-like. Did the Wen Cleansing Conditioner specifically mention gray hair? If so, I'll have a look for it on the web.

I remember reading somewhere that gray hair lost something (other than the melanin?/color) and that's why it got more wiry and coarse, but i can't remember exactly what it was. With so many of us Baby Boomers around and not all resorting to coloring their hair, you'd think more manufacturers would be trying to lure us into using their products, wouldn't you??? I can't say I've seen ANY products advertised specifically for gray hair, except the ones that want to cover it up!

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

olga — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:51:09 GMT

I had the very same problem and solved it by mixing mayo with olive oil and honey. put it on your hair for 1 hour then shampoo and condition. Always do this before shampooing and you will start to see a differance in your hair.

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

The StarThrower — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:12:40 GMT

Olga... Mayo and olive oils sounds a) revolting and b) like a major pain in the tail-feathers, but I guess if it really works, it might be worthwhile... a lot would depend on the frequency.

How much of each?

Before or after shampooing?

How long do you need to leave it on?

And the big one... how often have you had to do it? If it's every time you shampoo, I somehow can't see myself going to that much trouble.

Thanks for the suggestion tho! It's probably not something I would ever have come up with on my own!

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

The StarThrower — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:16:24 GMT

Aah... I only saw the first part of your answer before I replied. I probably will try it, at least once, just to see, but it does sound like an awful lot of trouble and mess to go through. (I can see that my four cats will be chasing me around the house for that hour trying to get a lick! *LOL*)

Thanks again for the suggestion. :-)

RE: Suggestions for lackluster gray hair?

knightbird — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 04:25:11 GMT

It doesn't mention gray hair but it does a nice job of smoothing and softening the hair.

I agree, there is really nothing much on the market specifically for gray hair. I've tried one or two, I think Pantene has one and although it brightens the color, it didn't do much for the texture or the static. The shampoo was purple in color. Not sure why.

I've never colored my hair and don't intend to start now. It's too expensive to have it done & I'm too lazy to do it myself.