FWIW, coconut oil does not contain protein. It's a fat.
Thanks Deeanna, I wondered about that but the gals over on the hair forum I go to always say not to use coconut oil if you are sensitive to protein. Must be something else in it that makes some peoples hair brittle.
That is awesome-ly helpful for a first/non-intro post, Tea Leaves! You shouldn't have lurked for so long
I'm probably on the same hair forum! The deal with coconut oil is that it prevents protein loss, so if your hair gets protein-overloaded easily, and you use other protein-containing products, and then oil with coconut oil, you're more likely to end up with protein overload than if you oiled with another oil.
I also found coconut oil makes my hair feel "crunchy" in the winter because it solidifies before absorbing. But if you're not using other protein-containing products, you're probably fine to use coconut oil.
Great explanation tealeaves, thank you. I haven't tried coconut on my hair in a long time, not after the last mess it made. I don't use ANY protein on my hair anymore, that has made a huge difference in the condition of my hair. I stick to olive oil or shea butter now.
I make a very simple surfactant bar which although it isn't sulphate free, seems to be pretty kind to my sensitive scalp. I melt sodium coco sulphate powder in a little coconut oil and add some silk or rice protein - that's it. It makes a hard, long lasting bar which gives great lather.
I have also made a liquid shampoo without sulphates, I think the ingredients were a bit more expensive and you need to use a preservative but it is equally as effective as the bars. I used a blend of coco glucoside, lauryl glucoside, cocomidopropyl betaine and SCI, diluted in water again with some proteins added.
I save all other additives for my conditioner, panthenol, ceramides etc but I think some people do use them in shampoos.
Someone else mentioned swiftcrafttmonkey - I completely agree that there is a huge amount of information there and encourage you to check it out!
Hope this is some help, good luck
I was just looking at that shop lol. They look really nice but my hair can't handle any kind of added protein, makes it brittle. So no coconut oil, keratin or other added proteins.
I might have found something I can use, no proteins or oils I can't use and no nasty waxy stearic. https://www.etsy.com/listing/185557122/peppermint-shampoo-bar
So, I have checked out the monkey lady and PHEW...so much info! I have just gotten a handle on CP and lingo and ingredients...this is a whole NEW ball game!
I checked out hair group, which is good for me since I learned a bunch there too.
Having gone back to shampoos--I found that my scalp health is a problem (dandruff/sores) with the shampoos I used. I used them for a week and decided if they caused problem. I have to wash my hair daily due to sweat-soaked hair workouts.. Most of them do cause problems with my scalp so far.
I now know I need to either find some without irritants to me or try to make my own, (probably bar form) that makes my head happy.
My question for you--since you have made one--I feel the process I can handle, but it is finding the ingredients from the best source in the States. Can you make a recommend for a place to get all stuff in one spot?
If I need help with this, should I post a thread in CP? It would be a bar, but not CP/HP.
Is there a forum for stuff like that--anyone know? I thought I would try to ask on the blog if I needed, but I do love the forum when looking for opinions...
Any help and direction would be fab!
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