My care for very long, porous and brittle hair. “The best of the best”. Nutrition. Moisturizing. Restoration. Protection

Extremely long, porous, and brittle hair can be difficult to take care of. Compared to other hair types, it requires more care, particularly with regard to hydration, nourishment, and protection. Long hair can easily become dry and damaged without the proper care, losing its strength and luster.

I’ve tried a ton of products and methods over the years to maintain the health of my hair. Some were a complete waste of time, while others worked wonders. I’ve limited it to the methods I think work best for protecting, restoring, moisturizing, and nourishing long, delicate hair.

I’ll discuss my personal regimen and the best products I use in this post. You’ll discover some useful advice that could completely change your hair care regimen, regardless of whether you’re having problems with frizz, split ends, or dry hair.

Shampoos

Keen Hydro Shampoo Moisturizing shampoo

Description

The hair and scalp are generally revitalized and regenerated by moisturizing shampoo. The shampoo helps to maintain skin moisture and restores its elasticity because of its ability to fix moisture due to the hemp oil it contains. Biotin (vitamin B7) promotes scalp cell metabolism, while menthol revitalizes the skin.

Price: 1000 ml for 700 rubles Each time I wash my hair, I use it. You can feel your hair getting softer and smoother as it is being washed because it not only moisturizes your hair but also does a fantastic job of washing it. Additionally, this shampoo has a trick: menthol, which brightens and energizes, will be a lifesaver during the summer heat.

The second shampoo is for me; I use it in conjunction with the Lunden Ilona line, which is a 3-in-1 night mask or an intensely moisturizing balm-mask for hair that contains soy, wheat protein, and hyaluronic acid. These products work well together, amplifying each other’s effects.

Moisturizing shampoo Lundenilona with hyaluronic acid, wheat and soy protein

Description

After the FIRST week of use, for dry scalp:

UV protection for hair +57% 46 percent hair loss Moisture content of hair +53% Breakage of hair: 41% HYALURONIC ACID immediately repairs damaged and weak spots in hair while intensely moisturizing and nourishing the scalp and hair.

KERATIN AMINO ACIDS, which comprise approximately 6% sulfur-containing amino acids and 33.4% essential amino acids, primarily cysteine, arginine, lysine, and cystine, help restore the water and protein balance of the skin and hair, enhance biostimulation, and fortify the hair shaft. Low molecular weight, systematically balanced keratin amino acids aid in the restoration of the protein complexes that comprise hair.

Sea collagen stops the loss of moisture.

In order to prevent friction and tightening of split ends, WHEAT PROTEIN efficiently repairs "split" hair ends and envelops.

SOY PROTEIN helps restore the elasticity and shine of hair by containing a variety of peptide-containing substances and amino acids, primarily aspartic and glutamic. considerably makes brushing hair easier and aids in eliminating "frizz"

Tocopherol, or vitamin E, deeply nourishes hair and roots, giving them a glossy, appealing appearance again.

Group B vitamins act as an anti-stress complex, shielding hair from the damaging effects of stylers and dyes in the future.

JOJOBA OIL absorbs quickly, builds up inside the hair and bulb, and deeply restores without leaving a greasy shine behind. incredibly manageable and shiny hair is achieved by smoothing the cuticle.

H2O. Artesian water is used for drinking (according to GOST 2874-82 "Drinking water"). It is cleaned in four steps: reverse osmosis, softening, disinfection, and removal of iron.

Application: The shampoo’s plant-based foaming agent doesn’t create a lot of foam.

After thoroughly rinsing, massage the scalp for three to five minutes after applying the shampoo to well-moisturized hair. If required, repeat.

Any brand of natural shampoo works well with synthetic balms and masks; it’s always chosen based on the type of scalp.

Volume: 260 milliliters; cost: 990 rubles It smells very nice, like kid-friendly chewing gum, and it foams up nicely after the second washing. This tells me that the hair won’t get too dry or frizzy. I have been using these two shampoos exclusively for the past month, and I can honestly say that my hair has changed. Naturally, proper hair care is important, but the process starts with a good moisturizing shampoo that won’t leave your hair looking greasy the next day.

Why I choose moisturizing shampoos

My preference for moisturizing shampoos for daily hair cleansing is based on the composition of the product. I do not like shampoos that have the word "moisturizing" written in large letters on them. Instead, I prefer shampoos that only include film formers in the composition, which will only moisturize your hair if it is already moisturized. Unfortunately, because of my porous hair, this does not happen. Therefore, pay close attention to the compositions when selecting a self-care product. Indeed, shampoo still has a significant impact on hair care even though it only spends a maximum of three minutes on your hair (during two latherings).

I was personally persuaded of this since my dry hair disappeared as soon as I opted for effective shampoos. I mention this because after using the typical products (mask or hair conditioner) after washing my hair a few times during the test, such as with Natura Siberica or Olesya Mustaeva’s Workshop’s chamomile-infused shampoo, I noticed that the ends of my hair were a little dry. I’m not just saying this, though.

How I wash my hair at the moment

I first thoroughly wet my hair with water, allowing it to drip out. Next, I take shampoo and begin to lather my hair. The first time, neither the first nor the second shampoo nearly lather, but I don’t let that bother me; instead, I just rinse the shampoo from my hair with water. Next, I apply shampoo a second time, lather well, massage my scalp, and lather both the roots and the length of my hair. In my experience, shampoos do not dry out hair in any way.

I want to draw attention to hair conditioners in the next step. I currently own two of them, and I also think they are the best. Incidentally, because of their price, one of them was wrongfully listed among the "top 20 losers." However, after carefully examining the costs and effectiveness of the product, I have come to the conclusion that I should buy it in batches, sort of, alternating with the second one, in order to avoid building up a surplus of similarly potent products and to prevent my hair from growing accustomed to them.

A balanced approach that emphasizes nutrition, deep moisturizing, repairing damaged strands, and preventing further breakage is necessary for taking care of very long, porous, and brittle hair. In order to help you have healthier, more manageable hair, I’ll share the best products and techniques that have worked for me. I’ll also provide advice on how to keep your hair hydrated, strengthen it, and nourish it.

Hair conditioners

Now, let’s introduce ourselves: The first conditioner in the Kaaral brand’s keratin series has a pleasant, faintly lemony scent. It coolly softens hair, giving it elasticity and vitality, making combing easier, and preventing hair tangles. 1000 ml in volume, 600 rubles in price. Very sparingly used.

Description of the Kaaral series with keratin

An innovative product for the care of colored and chemically treated hair. The unique composition of the conditioner based on natural hydrolyzed keratin and olive oil most effectively restores the dry and porous structure of the hair both on the surface and from the inside. Microparticles of hydrolyzed keratin, penetrating into the porous structure of the hair, replenish the lack of lost proteins, returning the hair smoothness and elasticity. Olive oil, rich in amino acids, intensively nourishes hair and promotes its natural restoration. The slightly acidic pH level carefully closes the cuticle, preventing the color pigments from being washed out, which allows you to maintain the shine and brightness of colored hair for a long time. Suitable for daily care of colored and chemically treated hair.

The second is the well-known conditioner Angel Professional, which I have a version of for dry hair, from the spa series with marine collagen.

It looks great on my hair and lives up to all the manufacturer’s claims. The cost is 950 rubles for 1000 ml. used judiciously.

Description of ANGEL PROFESSIONAL Marine Depth SPA Conditioner

The hair conditioner ANGEL PROFESSIONAL Marine Depth SPA Conditioner readily penetrates deep into the hair structure, replenishing the lack of vital nutrients, because it contains a nourishing extract of seaweed. Angel Professional conditioner leaves curly, dry hair feeling hydrated and better. The product completely restores the structure of burnt hair after just a few applications.

You should be able to afford it.

For myself, I’ve noticed the following pattern: conditioner once a week and hair masks twice a week. If not, HI, BRITTLENESS AND DRYNESS.

How I use hair conditioners

Naturally, I start by shampooing my hair twice as directed by the standard protocol. I then wrap my hair in a towel to prevent water from dripping out and apply conditioner to the entire length of my hair, keeping a distance of 10 cm from the roots. Finally, I use a JANEKE comb from Fix Price and rinse it out right away. Conditioner is only necessary to seal in hair flakes and coat the hair in a protective layer that will wick away moisture and shield it from harm.

So, everything is clear with conditioners, now it"s time to move on to the most important components of my care, masks. I believe that they should be with the most effective compositions, if shampoo, conditioner and even oil can be any, then masks should be selected carefully, taking into account the characteristics of your hair, its structure and type.

Remind yourself that I have porous hair that is prone to split ends, dryness, and breakage. Please keep this in mind as you read this post. If you have thick, straight hair, you run the risk of purchasing a product that will weigh it down and cause "icicles" to form in your hair.

Masks

I’ll start by mentioning that I own five masks: one is nourishing and restorative, and the other four are moisturizing. Moreover, I would split them as follows: Three of them are "for everyday care," and two are for spa care (for deep treatment and emergency care). The masks are "wow" expensive, but they do wonders for my hair, and as they say, "beauty requires sacrifice," both material and financial.

I’ll start with masks from the Angel Professional line. The first is the well-known Nourishing Cream mask, which comes in an orange jar and is part of the spa series with marine collagen.

Nourishing cream Angel Professional Water Element Nursing Cream

Description Nourishing cream Angel Professional Water Element Nursing Cream

Based on extracts from Mediterranean Red Algae, Angel Professional Water Element Nursing Cream successfully shields hair from UV rays of types A and B. Hair gets soft and shiny when Angel Professional cosmetics are used, and the cream’s high penetration ability makes it easier to highlight the masks’ potential for healing.

The mask has a light, subtle scent that is pleasing to the senses. Its texture is airy, comforting, and just a little bit feeding.

Moisturizing without being heavy on the hair. Hair gets supple, sleek, and free-flowing. The mask is appropriate for continuous care.

The second mask is made with prickly pear (cactus) oil and argan oil, and it is also from the Angel Professional brand.

Dancoly Argan Active Oxygen Instant Repair Hair Mask – Instant Recovery Mask with Argan Oil

The mask has linoleic acid, essential fatty acids, and highly concentrated vitamin E. effectively hydrates and repairs hair all the way around. Smooth and manageable hair is produced by encasing each hair in a protective shell made of a mixture of prickly pear tuna and Boswellia carterii extract. The hair appears healthy and lustrous after applying the mask.

The smell of lemon in the mask is very nice. Smooth and light in consistency.

Lemon in color with a few red specks. The marine collagen mask functions in the same way as its "orange sister" from the spa series. Since these masks are interchangeable and I plan to purchase them individually, I will always buy a new mask as soon as my current one runs out to keep the smell interesting.

The first mask costs 1200 rubles for 1000 ml, while the second mask costs 990 rubles for 500 ml. How do I make use of them? I wash my hair following the recommended protocol, wring out the excess moisture with a towel, and then apply the mask to my whole hair, letting it soak into the hair completely. I need, on average, 1.5–2 tablespoons of the mask for my length, thickness, and structure. I then wrapped a towel around my hair and covered it with a shower cap. I wear the mask for twenty to forty minutes before rinsing it off.

Intensively moisturizing hair balm mask with hyaluronic acid, wheat and soy protein from Lundenilona

Now, let me tell you about a mask that I use "in a hurry": Lundenilona’s intensely moisturizing hair balm mask, which contains hyaluronic acid, wheat, and soy protein. Its composition is so cool:

Description

HYALURONIC ACID deeply moisturizes and nourishes hair and scalp. Instantly restores broken and weakened areas of hair.
JOJOBA OIL is instantly absorbed and accumulates inside the hair follicle and hair, intensively restoring and leaving no greasy shine. Smoothes cuticle, making hair incredibly manageable and shiny.
MACADAMIA OIL eliminates root damage, strengthens and restores depleted hair.
SWEET ALMOND OIL softens and nourishes hair and scalp, relieves itching. In the cold season, it protects hair from dry indoor air, and in the summer – from sunlight and sea salt.
SEA COLLAGEN prevents moisture loss.
AMODIMETHICONE fills damaged areas of hair and prevents breakage.
SILICON strengthens the root and is an excellent prevention of hair loss.
GLYCERIN instantly makes hair shinier.
VITAMIN E strengthens and moisturizes hair. Restores damaged and overdried areas, prevents breakage and enhances shine.
VITAMIN C actively participates in the blood supply process, in particular, it supports the work of capillaries.
VITAMIN B5 perfectly strengthens the roots and stimulates the growth of dormant hair.
VITAMIN B3 is an excellent prevention of early gray hair, as it is responsible for the formation of pigment.
VITAMIN B6 eliminates scalp itching and is an excellent preventative for dandruff.

I use it after using shampoo and only leave it on my hair for five to ten minutes after using a hair dryer to warm my hair.

Each hair becomes incredibly smooth and soft, and it becomes elastic and flexible. I believe people with porous hair are aware of how occasionally this sensation is absent. In addition, when I applied it to the roots of my scalp to relieve the burning and dryness, my hair did not become greasy.

Although the 250 ml bottle costs 1350 rubles, its rich composition makes it effective for hair. Now, let me tell you about two masks that are used in emergency situations and fall into the "spa-care" category.

Cocochoco from the intensive series

The initial mask from the Cocochoco brand’s intense series (green) is designed to provide moisture. However, despite the fact that many of the ingredients in its composition also function to moisturize, I still classify it as a mask that works to nourish and restore hair. It has everything one could want because of its amazing composition. I’ve already given it a thorough evaluation, and I’ll provide a thorough analysis here:

Analysis of the composition

In first place is water, then
2. Сetearyl alcohol and Behentrimonium Methosulfate – an emulsifier that is very gentle and careful on the skin, does not irritate either the skin or the hair, is often used to prepare leave-in hair products, has excellent conditioning properties and gives a pleasant emulsion, tames unruly hair, gives shine.
3. Coconut oil Decyl Esters – a coconut oil emollient, used to soften and nourish hair.
Helps the mask spread well on the hair.
4.Behentrimonium chloride – Has strong conditioning and emulsifying properties, smoothes hair, thereby facilitating combing; has an antiseptic effect; returns hair softness and silkiness.
5.PEG-60 almond glycerides- hair softener, structure-forming agent
6.Swertia Japonica Extract – plant extract used as a conditioner for skin and hair
7.PG-Propyl Silanetriol-PG-film-forming agent, acts on hair in two directions: penetrates into hair, moisturizing it and making it elastic and smooth, and also protects against breakage, due to the fact that it forms a thin film on top of the hair.
8.Sodium Stearoyl Casein- sodium caseinate, used as a structure-forming component and emulsifier, which has a softening and conditioning effect.
9. Argania SpinosaKernel Oil- argan oil, has restorative and moisturizing properties. Very strongly softens hair, makes it smooth and obedient.
10.Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein – Hydrolyzed wheat proteins – nourish hair shafts well, promoting the formation of keratin protein in them and the restoration of damaged hair. Beta-glucan stimulates hair growth; wheat proteins restore hair damaged by perms and dyes.
11.Arctium Lappa root extract – burdock root extract – has antibacterial, skin-soothing properties.
12.D-PANTHENOL – PROVITAMIN B5 (D-PANTHENOL) – helps in the treatment of various skin diseases and other damage to the skin, hair, stimulates skin renewal, is indispensable in the treatment of burns, has an anti-inflammatory effect, restores hair and deeply nourishes.
13.HYDROLYZED WHEAT STARCH – Wheat starch hydrolyzate – softens hair, protects hair from breakage.
14.SODIUM HYALURONATE – hyaluronic acid.
Creates an invisible barrier on the skin that prevents evaporation moisture
Improves skin structure
Promotes epidermal regeneration
Reduces fine wrinkles
Makes skin smooth and soft
15.Avena Sativa extract – oat extract – Oat extract contains amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, PP, K, E, minerals (phosphorus, iron, cobalt, manganese), zinc and silicic acid occupy a large part of the oats, this is very important for the formation of the structure of proteins of the skin.
16.Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice – Has a powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, healing, tonic effect.
17.Algae extract (Seaweed extract) – Completes the collagen lattice, increases elasticity, stimulates cell regeneration. Conditions and normalizes moisture levels.
18.Tocopheryl acetate-tocopherol acetate. Vitamin E nourishes the skin, an excellent absorbent and antioxidant. Local application, has anti-inflammatory, healing, soothing, softening and moisturizing properties.
19.POLYQUATERNIUM-67 – A polymer that provides ultra-strong fixation and durability of curls even in extreme conditions, increasing the volume of fine hair. Due to its cationic nature, it has conditioning activity, a thermal protective effect, and facilitates hair combing. The combination of polyquaternium and panthenol creates a highly flexible, durable film.
20.Fragrances — fragrance
21. HYDROLYZED KERATIN- Hydrolyzed keratin is a natural keratin molecule chemically destroyed to a smaller size and a water-soluble form. These substances easily penetrate the structure of the hair and even the skin and have a very effective conditioning effect.
22. Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein-hydroxylated vegetable protein included in cosmetics allows the skin to look well-groomed, healthy. Effectively helps in hair care, gives it shine, strength, nourishes the hair and helps it look healthy and well-groomed.
23.Caprylic / Capric Glycerides – Triglycerides moisturize the upper layer of cells and hair, nourish and protect from the negative effects of the environment. Eliminates the unpleasant feeling of tightness and dryness of the skin. Together with cetyl alcohol, they retain moisture, helping to preserve it in the skin. Used in creams and lotions as a fatty phase, with partial or complete replacement of vegetable oils
24.Phenoxyethanol. Phenoxyethanol-In perfumery, it is used as a fixative.
25.Benzyl alcohol in cosmetics is nothing more than alcohol, which is obtained from oil or tar. It acts as a preservative.
26.
KERADYN – shine and mobility of healthy hair.
CHROMAVEIL – reduction of fading of colored hair.
KERAMIMIC – natural keratin.
MIRUSTYLE – maximum reduction of fluffiness.
LUSTRAPLEX – relief combing.
CUTISSENTIAL 18 – replenishment of hair matter.
VOLUMINS – hair thickening, increasing volume.
HYDRO TRITICUM 2000 – intensive moisturizing.
KERAVIS – Fill the loss of keratin caused by clarification and discoloration.

Outstanding? Yes, me. Its 99% scent is reminiscent of Dkny’s green version, which includes cucumber and green apples. It is doubly nice to use this ruler because, personally, I really like this perfume. How does the mask function? It weights her hair, seals it, makes it incredibly soft, and shines like a mirror.

Mask consistency: extremely dense and thick.

Because the oily and "fat content" of the mask is felt during application, it is not recommended for people with thin, straight hair, even in small amounts, as they will experience "fat icicles" right away. Even my porous and dry hair is so focused that you can only use a spray on them instead of a nonsense like oil or cream.

Although the mask is pricey, its rich composition and 250 ml capacity should last you a year, in my opinion, as it should only be used in an emergency when your hair is in dire need of nourishment and restoration. These days, I use it once a month, no more. You literally only need 1 teaspoon, and that’s for my length because of its thickness and fat content. I don’t see the need to apply it any higher; the nutrients in the roots are sufficient, and if you apply it higher, you’ll get the sleek hair effect. Instead, you should start at the neck.

Emergency restorative night hair mask 3 in 1 Lundenilona

The second mask is an emergency restorative night hair mask that combines three benefits: nutrition, moisture, and restoration. It is intended for spa care. The mask does a better job of moisturizing my hair than it does at making it supple, shiny, and elastic.

It takes six hours for it to start working, so applying less is pointless. How do I make use of it? After using the shampoo from Lundenilona that I previously discussed, I wrap my hair in a towel and take a 15-minute walk without applying any makeup. Next, I remove the towel and begin mask application, working my way back 10 centimeters from the roots of my hair. Use the mask sparingly—"two walnuts" is sufficient for my length.

Then I braid my hair and do my business. After 2 hours, my hair dries, and the mask is almost completely absorbed, now you can go to bed, you don’t have to worry about your bed becoming dirty and sticky. In the morning, I wash off the mask with running water and wrap my hair in a towel, then dry and style my hair. And after my hair dries, I understand what a cool mask it is, with the same cool and effective composition.
White spots, which are called brittleness, simply disappear, the stiffness of the hair goes away. In the photo, you can see the mirror shine of the hair.

A 250 ml version of this mask costs 1850 rubles. I switch up my mask rotation, but occasionally I can wear the same one for the entire week. I usually use the one that my hand naturally goes to. And the hand reaches for what’s in demand right now—my hair. I therefore lack precise instructions regarding which mask to use and when.

Hair Sprays

Librederm Hyaluronic Moisturizing Leave-In Fluid Conditioner (Spray)

Description

With its ultra-gentle formula, LIBREDERM Hyaluronic Fluid Conditioner leaves hair feeling incredibly hydrated, silky, and naturally shiny. From roots to ends, hair can be instantly detangled and restored with it. The appearance of hair is significantly improved after use.

Normal to dry hair can benefit from hyaluronic fluid conditioner, but colored hair is the best candidate.

Ollin Megapolis series with keratin

In the care, this is the second spray.

Description

Use spray to deeply repair dry, damaged hair. stops breakage and restores the structure of hair from the inside out. gives hair anti-aging, anti-stress, and protection properties.

After using the product for the first time, a favorable outcome is apparent. Absent alcohol.

Hydrolyzed keratin, wheat proteins, sericin, and betaine are the active components.

How I use sprays

I use them based on the same tenet: "whatever my hand reaches for" (i.e., what my hair needs right now). To be honest, my hair would break off and dry out without hair sprays. As I dug deeper into the details of maintenance, I discovered that the spray would serve as the foundation for leave-in treatments; it would saturate the hair with the essential ingredients (the molecules would seep deeply into the hair and hold onto moisture there), and the ensuing leave-in treatment—a cream or oil—would hold onto moisture as a result of film formation.

Oils and creams finish the care stage by adding shine and smoothness to hair while shielding it from the damaging effects of the environment.

Hair Care Step	Best Products/Methods
Nutrition	Argan oil, coconut oil masks, balanced diet with vitamins
Moisturizing	Leave-in conditioners, aloe vera gel, deep hydration masks
Restoration	Keratin treatments, protein-rich serums, trimming split ends regularly
Protection	Heat protectant spray, silk pillowcases, avoiding heat styling tools

Using the proper products and patience are essential for maintaining long, porous, and brittle hair. Your hair can be greatly improved by concentrating on nutrition, moisturizing, restoration, and protection.

It’s crucial to regularly apply hair treatments, such as oils and masks, that fortify and nourish your hair. Frequent hydration keeps it pliable and silky, avoiding the dryness that can cause breakage.

Protective techniques, like using heat protectants and handling your hair gently, will stop additional damage and guarantee that it stays healthy. It might take some time to find the "best of the best" for your routine, but your hair will appreciate the extra attention.