Best Maintenance Products From Seasoned System Wearers?

[Scooty]

Howdy

I’ve had a system on for about 5 weeks now and am starting to notice the straw/unsoft hair that I’ve read about a lot!

I think I’ve spent more money on “hair products” then on the actual system and am wanting opinions on what works well for you all on human hair with a poly base?

I’m using a salon bought shampoo and conditioner (use the conditioner every night), Delorenzo leave in conditioner cream (works well but makes hair really boofy when it dries) and just bought a hydrating mask from Moroccan Oil which seemed to make the hair dryer (if that’s possible). Started with Schwarzkopf leave in spray conditioner and an oil as well but stopped using them when I bought more expensive/apparently better stuff.

Styling wise I use American Crew styling lotion (think it contains alcohol, probably shouldn’t use) and American crew forming cream (not sure if that’s making it worse)

So my main point is, what does everyone use to get the hair as close as to the first day “feels” and what styling products that are suitable for everyday use?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers

Scott

 

[Noah]

Hi Scott

I wonder if you may be over-treating it. The key things, I think, are (1) don't shampoo it too often - once a week is enough; (2) when you do shampoo, use a rich good quality conditioner. It doesn't have to be anything specialised - I just use American Crew; and (3) always use a leave-in conditioner with a good sun screen.

A spritz of argan oil is going for making the hair shiny but not

 

[Noah]

A couple of other thoughts:

Another thing that can dry the system out and degrade the hair is sleeping on a cotton pillowcase. Try using a silk or satin one and you will see a difference.

I have also heard people say that if you live in a very hard water area, that can have a drying effect, in which case you might consider getting a water filter, or at least using filtered water to shampoo your unit.

 

[Xyz23]

I only use once or max twice a week conditioner. no shampo at all. maybe once a month if they are really dirty.

Like noah recommended i also can recommend to use satin for sleeping. it helps alot and i barely lose hair while sleeping.

 

[Scooty]

Thanks guys.

I think I’ve been shampooing about 3 times a week as I’m fairly active and tend to sweat a bit at the gym (cross fit, it kills me!!!).

So I’ve generally been conditioning it every night then putting leave in on top. So should I stop the nightly conditioning and just wet it to wash the product out, then just put a leave in conditioner on afterwards?

Do you then also put a leave in on in the morning before putting styling products in?

Sorry, haven’t had “actual” hair in about 10 years so I think I am probably over doing it!

I’ve actually bought silk pillowcases but haven’t put them on yet (lazy, haven’t washed them yet).

Cheers

 

[Noah]

Yeah, three times a week is too much. I find that after the gym I just shampoo my natural hair at the sides, and just let the warm water from the shower run through the hairpiece hair and through the lace mesh. That is enough to keep the system looking good and my scalp in good nick. I know it's counterintuitive, but you'll find it's enough.

I only actually shampoo and condition the piece hair when I take it off, which is once a week. That enables me to give the hair shafts a good conditioning while at the same time keeping the conditioner off the base and knots, to avoid them loosening and shedding.

Personally I put the leave-in conditioner on in the morning, but I don't suppose that matters. Definitely get those silk pillow cases out.

 

[Scooty]

Ok yeah I’m definitely over doing it then! Will hold back on the constant conditioning then and let you know if it improves.

Are there any preferred brands you use for leave in?