I got hair like shredded wheat

[BlastedPimples]

I've tried overnight oils, intensive conditioners, leave in - the lot.

I'd love silky, smooth hair. My hair is also very fine so don't want to weigh it down. I get highlights every six weeks.

Any great ideas?

I've used olaplex. I'm not impressed.

This overnight serum did wonders for my hair, even from the first time I used it. Mine was straw-like from bleach, too. Slathered this on before bed, it soaked in overnight and I woke up with much silkier hair.

https://m.aveda.co.uk/product/25100/100535/hair-care/treatments-and-masks/botanical-repair-strengthening-overnight-serum

The whole range is amazing tbh.

Sadly Olaplex isn’t a magical cure for a bad hairdresser

What is your water like? I live in a soft water area but our water is from a private source and it is hard. My hair is very matted when I wash it, its awful. In our previous house ( soft water ) my hair was much less knotty and it was in much better condition ( thought it didn't hold a style as long as it does now) If it's a special occasion I'll wash my hair in (bought) bottled water ( takes 4 litres) or fill 4 x 1 litre bottles form the tap at DS House.

You really need a better salon - they'll be able to do nicer highlights with less damage, and suggest hair treatments too

Try L'Occitane intensive repair shampoo & conditioner. I had a colleague swear by it. I use the strength & volume which has been superb for my hair loss & thinning.

This.

If your hair didn't react well to olaplex then it may well have too much protein in it not too little.

OP I think it's the bleach and your age. I'm 50 and perimenopausal. My hair has completely gone to straw. I'm having to go darker at the roots
to reduce the amount of bleach I'm using on it.

All advice much appreciated. Thank you.

also don't use purple shampoo/conditioner on it. Its awful for the condition of your hair.

Same. I had hair like silk but since turning 52+, my hair has changed beyond all recognition. I now resemble the wild woman of wonga most days.

Interesting about age. I’m 44, regular highlights (ok only every 12 weeks), fine hair and don’t have this. Also olaplex 8 does help mine. But sounds like this may all stop working at 50+ 😕

Camellia oil will fix that in less than a few applications. Put it on your hair, clean bathroom or have a slow coffee, then shower and shampoo. Once a week or slightly more or less depending on your hair. Wash as normal otherwise.

If you have another couple of colours blended in with the blonde you'll be able to leave it longer than 6 weeks.

Agreed with hairdresser. Over lockdown I had a hairdresser who put bleach on my head straight (as a permanent colour) when I’d asked for bleach highlights. I switched to another hairdresser who helped me correct the colour and now she does highlights for me. Cheaper than my previous hairdresser and great results too.

I’ve started having an Epres treatment at the hairdresser every time I have a colour, and I think it’s working to help the condition of my hair. It’s also helping to retain the colour. I’ve also tried Olaplex in the past and liked it to start off with, but then it wasn’t helping at all. I still have a full bottle of the No. 3 in the cabinet.

Been around for years. VO5 hot oil are quite good, the little tube you put in hot water for a minute then apply to hair, leave for 10 minutes and shampoo out.
Vo5 Hot Oil Therapy Treatment 2 Count 0.5oz (2 Pack) https://amzn.eu/d/eSp9bSu

Your hair is like mine, fine, thin and has a mind of it's own if left to it's own devices.

I use PK Elasticizer for 5 minutes before shampooing, then olaplex purple shampoo, then a quick condition with Kerastase resistance conditioner. Then I use colourwow dreamcoat on towel dried hair. Olaplex bonding oil no 7 on the ends and then Kerastase ciment thermique heat defence cream. This routine leaves my hair shiny, bouncy, not weighed down at all. I sometimes use pk root boost to ass a bit of lift to the roots, and use pk dry shampoo beween washes to keep the roots from looking greasy. I use K18 very very rarely when my hair needs it, but not as a leave in, I have to wash it out after 5 minutes or it ruins my hair.

I agree, there isn't much that can revive bleached hair, just make it more manageable. Coconut oil helps but strips toner so maybe not ideal for blondes.

I agree a shadow root, root smudge or balayage looks nice and is much less effort, and kinder to fine hair.

My hair began going really dry and tangled and almost sticky! I read all sorts online and now I have a routine that has turned it back to silky lovely hair.

Faith in Nature Shampoo and Conditioner
Pureology Leave in conditioner
OGX Argan oil

I suspect that the bleaching every six weeks is what’s doing the damage..

Surely you are only having a root touch up and not a full head every time??

I suffered for years, like this had tried argan oil. Now I’m using Aussie purple shampoo and conditioner and there leave in coconut oil - it is finally nice

The Elvive purple shampoo isn't drying. Nor is the Provoke hydrating mask. They are the only purple products I will use.

This. Better to have a less dramatic colour change that is kinder to your hair, imo.

philipb.co.uk/products/russian-amber-imperial-gold-masque

Does your shampoo and conditioner have plastics in it?

You need to ditch them and find non sulphate products.

It takes months to wash them out.

Get the Olapex salon treatment and then buy Olaplex no3 to use at home every week.