I did my first CoW tonight, using Garnier Fructice or something (i really didnt want to waste all my nice Paul Mitchel conditioners!).

When i went to wash out my hair, i took about 3 minutes or so of rinsing in cold water, and dried off and waited around to see what would happen. As my hair started to dry, i felt the roots of my hair and i couldnt tell if i felt buildup/conitioner/wetness or anything...  

I went to go use my BBB to see if my hair 'stuck' together after it was all smoothed out- had to clean and wash my brush :P But then realized that there was definitly something icky in my hair, it was too 'dull' looking, and felt like it had some sort of residue on it. I went back to the shower and tried my best to wash it out with water... to no avail.  I broke out my All-One, Pure castille soap (Peppermint!) and massaged it into my roots and scalp. Rinsed and repeated.

My hair feels fine now, at least at the roots- and the rest of my hair is still sopping wet, so no reports yet! But just from earlier when my hair was drying, i could feel the ends of my hair felt SO much better.

In any case, can someone explain what might have happened? I dont know if maybe I just used horrible conditioner or what... i was really disturbed that i couldnt seem to wash it all out.   Anyone have any suggestions? Im really excited to try doing CoW's and want to get this to work!

I used Garnier for a while also.  It built up on my hair and made it feel sticky, it also felt damp all the time even when it was dry.  I tried CoW a couple times, but I have not found a conditioner yet that does not make my hair feel sticky.  Currently I am using a CWC routine which leaves my hair soft but not sticky.  Maybe you just need to try different conditioners until you find one your hair likes.  Good luck!  I am curious to hear what works for you. :)

I think i remember why i STOPPED using my Garnier conditioner now that you mention it :P

I think if i find time this week, ill go pick up something cheap from the store :)

Update:
After my hair dried, i could definitly feel an icky sort of residue. I brushed out my hair and it left little whiteish gray particles on the bristles. Eck! I think ill start over fresh tomorrow and give my hair a good cleansing before i try another CoW.

I used Garnier Fructis before and I don't think they're very good for doing COWs. How about trying Suave, V05, or White Rain?

wrote on Nov 30^th, 2005 at 6:52am:

I used Garnier Fructis before and I don't think they're very good for doing COWs. How about trying Suave, V05, or White Rain?

I've used White Rain and it worked for me! ;D

White rain it is then :)

Any suggestions on how to get a nice clean start on my hair, before i start doing CoW's?

I know i read somewhere about baking soda... but doesnt that dry your hair out?

Baking soda is great for removing buildup on your hair, and to my knowledge it doesn't dry it out.  You can mix a handful in with some shampoo in your palm to distribute all through your hair, and of course rinse well!  

I tried garnier fructise a while ago, and quickly came to the conclusion that I wouldn't even wash my dog with that stuff.  It left my hair so waxy, sticky and residue-y after just one use.  I gave it a second chance, just to be fair...even worse.  I then tried to pawn it off on my husband, he used it once and it looked like he rubbed wax all over his hair...so into the trash it went!  What a waste!  :-[  I'm not sure on which conditioner to recommend for your hair, but I can tell you that a great way to get a 'clean' start is to do an ACV (apple cider vinegar) rinse.  I don't know if you've read anything about it here yet, but it is very effective for removing any build-up or residues from previous styling products.

Nice to meet you, by the way!  :D