Hi Everyone!
I'm really new so I hope I'm in the right place!
I have learned so much by reading these boards these last few months, or longer.

My goal is to have really long hair, hip length or longer.

My first question is in regard to gels left in the hair.   My hair will scrunch and  I have tried the Curly Girl routine, but I am concerned about what having my hair constantly soaked in gel will do to the condition of my hair over the years.  I have experimented with Knox gelatin as a gel and I'm still trying to get the consistency right.  And I'm not sure if this would really be any healthier for my hair than some other product.  Any ideas?

I really prefer no product, air drying. ;)

My hair is very fine, medium thickness, oily scalp.  I find I can do the CO washes for about 3 weeks and then I shampoo with (cringe) diluted Prell on the scalp only and rinse, rinse, rinse, rinse and then rinse some more.

I saw on a post by bikerbraid on product ingredients that made me think that perhaps my sodium laural sulfate in my Prell might not be too awful(especially since I use it infrequently).  I know it is very shiny afterward.  But is this okay?  What would you suggest?

Thanks so much to all of you!

strawberryfine
12/15.5/ALAP (as long as possible!)
1c/2a F ii ;)

Prell is typically known as a very harsh shampoo.  It strips all the natural oils from your hair.  A good moisturizer would be necessary after using such a harsh shampoo.

As for the gelatin - I used to use it on my hair when I was in synchronized swimming.  We would mix it, paint it on our hair.  Then the cold water would cause it to "set", holding our hair in place while swimming.  I don't remember it causing any damage, just that it took lots of HOT water to get it out!  LOL!

Thanks bikerbraid!

The Prell is history!  For now I'm going to continue COing alone and see what happens.

strawberryfine
12/16/long as it will grow and look healthy
1c-2a? F ii

You could always try a different, moisturizing shampoo if you feel like you need it from time to time.

LOL, Bikerbraid. I never thought about swimmers needing to use gel! What an amusing image I get in my head!  ;D

/Kate

My brothers use Prell and love it. It probably helps get rid of all that icky poo gell they put in it, LOL! Nevertheless, their hair is thick, shiny, black, and *beautiful*  ;D (now where did MY genes for that go? Haha)