This man seeks beauty advice...

Son_of_Atropos · Jun 28, 2010

For those of you who don't know me, I'm just an above average guy who wishes to learn more about taking care of his body, mind, and soul. Now when it comes to beauty products, I know nothing. So I throw myself onto the mercy of any men or women who frequent the beauty forum to show some pity and compassion onto this poor soul.

To whomever it may concern, I am dissatisfied with my shampoo and conditioner mainly because it dries my hair out and I have a dry scalp that flakes too much. Thanks to the anonymity of the internet I don't feel self-conscious about asking any beauty tips from people who likely know more about beauty than I do. So, any advice on a shampoo and conditioner that doesn't dry out one's hair and moisturizes the scalp? I don't want to be that guy who ruins his look by having poor hair and flakes on his suit.

Some suggest head and shoulders but doesn't it contain alcohol which dries out one's hair?

I am looking for the best shampoo at a price that doesn't break the bank. However, I am willing to pay more for a product that gives amazing results. I was told that shampoos containing soy protein and conditioners that contain jojba oil are good shampoos.

I got the advice about soy protein and jojba oil from: http://gentlemenstandard.blogspot.com/2010/06/art-of-shaving-sam-saboura-interview.html

What are your thoughts, loungers in the beauty forum?

------
I invoke the spirit of Cary Grant to help me on my quest.

Caity Lynn · Jun 28, 2010

You may try a dandruff shampoo. Such as Axe Dandruff shampoo. It may help

miss_elise · Jun 28, 2010

my friend with a skin condition recommends a tar shampoo

pretty faythe · Jun 28, 2010

Yes, a tar shampoo is a great help, and a low low price.
I have to use it on my daughters hair when she starts to get to flakey. The joys of curly hair = dry scalp skin.

Antje · Jun 28, 2010

I found a range of products on Pomade shop .eu, here is a link,
I put Dandruff in the search section and this products came out.
Maybe if you look further there will be more products.

http://www.pomade-shop.eu/epages/61591627.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/61591627

TillyMilly · Jun 28, 2010

Neutrogena T-gel tar soap is a really good coal tar shampoo- but if you have short hair a bar of good old Pears coal tar soap would work. For conditioner I like Pantenne- any really.

If you have a dry scalp you might try getting some almond oil (or olive oil- but that smells of olives!- any oil might work) and rubbing into your scalp and leaving for 10 minutes once a week. Then wash it out with shampoo but make sure the water is not too hot as this will just make your skin dry again.

Hope this helps

Trish

Puzzicato · Jun 28, 2010

Tishkaminx said:
Neutrogena T-gel tar soap is a really good coal tar shampoo-

Agreed! I have had a terrible time with my hair and scalp since I moved to the UK - the change of water I think - but the Neutrogena has been the thing that sorted me out. I have even learned to love the smell.

kamikat · Jun 28, 2010

As a licensed hairstylist and someone who has scalp issues, there is a key bit of info that is needed. You need to discover the origin of your scalp flakes. Dandruff is caused by a microorganism called pityrosporum-ovle. This is usually treated with a dandruff shampoo, such as Head and Shoulders. Flakiness can be a sign of other issues such as seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Flakiness can also be caused by an allergy, either topically to the products you use or internally to something in your diet. If the flakes are new, try to examine your surrounding, any new hair care products, any new foods or medications, did you move and have a new water supply? If this is not the case, try Head and Shoulders (regular) for a week. If your flakes are not cured by Head and Shoulders, it's time to move on to find other cures. Coal tar shampoos are highly toxic and only recommended as a last resort. You can try a shampoo made for dry scalp (Head and Shoulders does make one, in the dark blue bottle) or sensitive scalp. Paul Mitchell and Trader Joes sells shampoos with tea tree oil that are good for flakes. You can try the selenium based shampoos, but also, these are highly toxic for long term use. If, after trying these things, the flakes are still there or if your scalp is very itchy, weepy (ie scabs and or puss or blood) or painful, see a dermatologist or an allergist.

Miss Neecerie · Jun 28, 2010

I second what Kamikat says....

start with the least invasive....

one other thing you might try, as it sometimes helps me...is a non SLS (sodium laurel sulfate) non paraben shampoo......if its more an irritation based issue, that change alone might fix things.

I have used the T-gel for years...well until they changed the smell...and the new 'better smell' ingredient turns out to be something else I am allergic to...

And switching to a non sls has at least kept things under some control.....

MarieAnne · Jun 28, 2010

If dandruff shampoos don't work I would try CO (conditioner only) washing.

Son_of_Atropos · Jun 28, 2010

Thank you all for the help. Time to use the scientific method and get to the root of the problem.

SayCici · Jun 28, 2010

Personally, I would go for Lush's shampoo bars. They last a very long time if you take care of them and mine has cut down a lot on the amount of times I need to wash my hair and condition it.

zendy · Jun 29, 2010

I can't recommend Hawleywood's shampoo more. A few years ago I got rid of my dreads because my scalp was extremely tender and irritated. I used a ton of different products, but this was the only that I felt actually helped (maybe because of the teatree?). Plus it has "cool kid" packaging. Unfortunately I think it's discontinued and it's a bitch to hunt down.

Antje · Jun 29, 2010

zendy said:
I can't recommend Hawleywood's shampoo more. A few years ago I got rid of my dreads because my scalp was extremely tender and irritated. I used a ton of different products, but this was the only that I felt actually helped (maybe because of the teatree?). Plus it has "cool kid" packaging. Unfortunately I think it's discontinued and it's a bitch to hunt down.

You're right Zendy this one is discontinued, I don't know why

MirandaFern · Jun 29, 2010

I like Max Green Alchemy Scalp Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner.
http://www.maxgreenalchemy.com/

It has left my hair flake free and super shiny. And it smells very "gender neutral" and pleasant.

I can't recomend it enough!

SugarKitten · Jun 29, 2010

Totally second SayCici's choice with Lush shampoo bars. They last a very long time and are not too drying - and they are all natural so nothing on a watch-out list in them!

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/products/hair/solid-shampoos/soak-and-float

Puzzicato · Jun 29, 2010

Just because it is natural doesn't mean it won't cause problems!

SugarKitten · Jun 29, 2010

Sure, people can be allergic to all sorts of things, Puzzicato (and thankfully they list and provide a glossary for all the ingredients)... hopefully I won't contribute to giving anyone a rash around here =)

Kishtu · Jun 29, 2010

Both Hairy Bloke and I were using the rosemary Lush shampoo bar at one point which left both our hair (mine long and coloured/dry, his long and slightly oily) lovely and shiny.

The one thing I will say that I don't think anyone has mentioned so far is whatever you decide to put on your hair rinse, rinse, and rinse again. (In water as cold as you can stand it, for preference - will give your hair a lovely shine!)
Soap residue on the surface of your hair will build up and leave it as dull and flaky as if you'd never done all this hard work.

Puzzicato · Jun 30, 2010

SugarKitten said:
Sure, people can be allergic to all sorts of things, Puzzicato (and thankfully they list and provide a glossary for all the ingredients)... hopefully I won't contribute to giving anyone a rash around here =)

I don't think I have any allergies, but the Lush shampoos I tried just didn't suit me.

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