topic Re: Question for long time Wen users in WEN

Question for long time Wen users

jaxs mom — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 23:06:39 GMT

Did you hit a point where you had to change your CCs? It seems like every year I've ended up having to change my CC routine.

First year it was all 613, first gen seasonals, with Fig and TT plus I played around with CA. My hair was dry then and pretty coarse.

Second year I had to lay off the 613 and seasonals as it seemed to be too much protien so I was all Fig and TT . Hair was still dry but not as much.

Third year it was mostly Wen kids ( usually for both cleanses) but I also played around with the Dec TSV CCs and I found the second gen seasonals work much better for me than the first gen ones.

Fourth year it was Wen Kids and SOB. I also finally cut off the last of my shampoo hair when I cut my hair from tailbone to collarbone length.

Since then, I added SHP to the mix. I'm concerned that I've been using the seasonals too often. I don't know. It could also be that my hair is past my bra strap again and I haven't cut it in 11 months. No split ends though. Maybe I should just experiment with double cleansing with kids again and see if I like it better. A lot of the time I've been just using SOB and SHP instead and I think my hair isn't getting the curl definition it had.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

blackhole99 — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 23:16:45 GMT

I've been using WEN off and on for as long as he's been at the Q. I started out with Lavender and Tea Tree and when he brought out the seasonals I tried those too. Right now I like 613, Mandarin Italian Fig and Bamboo Green Tea. I have used all the accessary products too, I think the oils are too much work and I feel I don't need it anyway. I wear my hair very short and the new texturing spray does wonderful things to my fine thin hair.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

ANewHue — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 23:26:34 GMT

To tell you the truth I started using Wen so long I forgot where I started with the CC. All I remember was that first whiff of the "old" TT oil lol.

i do remember that I didn't mix for a long time until I joined the forum and starting learning about mixing,

i have the minimum of 4 different cc's in my shower at all times, I mainly use TT on my scalp for the first cleanse and use a seasonal or core, second cleanse is usually a seasonal with SAM, I always incorporate that formula in my 2nd cleanse.

now every season I do change it up with different seasonals, right now I'm using MIF and FTP in my setup. I haven't used either of these extensively and I am more than happy with the results. I don't stay with one combo for too long. I always change with the seasons, sometimes I give the TT a break and use BGT for the scalp on the first cleanse.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

gigy — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 23:28:04 GMT

Will NEVER use Wen again. Lost a lot of hair from it.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

HappyDaze — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 00:21:13 GMT

I don't know what you consider a long time wen user but yes, I've noticed that I've had to change formulas over the years. I used Pom for awhile. I also used TT for awhile even though I have no scalp issues - more to encourage growth- and I liked it for my first cleanse but then I felt like it became too drying over time. I also used fig for awhile because it is suppose to be the most moisturizing and I needed more moisture but then it eventually felt too heavy- I felt like it wasn't really moiturizing my hair as much as it was coating it, if that makes sense?

Before SHP came along, SMC was my most recent favorite - good moisture but not too heavy, nice scent- but then SHP came along and has been heaven sent for me as it is just the perfect amount of moisture without feeling heavy or way, keeps my hair shiny and bouncy and just lovely. I do like SHL but mainly for the scent as it isn't enough moisture for my hair.

I hoping another seasonal comes along that I like as much as SHP so I have a little variety. I don't use any of the core line anymore. I still plan to try another Kids wen.

My hair has always been long so I know that the length doesn't factor into why certain ones no longer work for me. I have no idea why they don't. It is odd. I know some think that you need to mix up your shampoo up as your hair "get used to" one particular kind but I've never subscribed to that belief as it has no real basis to it. So who knows??

ETA: @jaxs mom I updated my post to include more specifics as to why I was using certain CCs so that it is clear that I was changing due to changes in my hair's needs and not just changing CCs for fun or to mix things up.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

Venezia — Fri, 23 Sep 2016 23:43:19 GMT

@gigy wrote:
Will NEVER use Wen again. Lost a lot of hair from it.

Then you didn't need to "answer" the question. I believe the OP asked "long time Wen users" to give their experience.

I do hope though that you sought medical advice to be certain that your problem was caused by Wen and not another, possibly serious, medical condition.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

jaxs mom — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 00:02:22 GMT

I'm asking specifically about your hair having changing needs over time and performance changes. Not just changing it up because you feel like it.

I always thought it was because my hair was more dry when I first started using Wen. And due to shampoo damage I needed the extra protien. Like @HappyDaze I think I've finally hit the point where Fig is too much for my hair. I know we've had discussions in the past about even the humidity and certain CCs. I forgot that for the last 2 years I've also been using a shower filter that removes chlorine and minerals among other things.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

ANewHue — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 00:12:35 GMT

@jaxs mom Sorry if my post was misleading but the reason I change is because my hair has different needs throughout the year. In the winter my hair needs more moisture because of indoor heating and meds. My hair does not get too used to a particular formula because I change it up so often.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

jaxs mom — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 00:20:26 GMT

@ANewHue I didn't think it was misleading. I just wanted to clarify since so many of us do enjoy switching it up for enjoyment, me included. You bring up a good point though, it's much colder where I live now than anywhere previously and it's also more humid in summer here. I used to live in the desert.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

nikki48 — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 00:38:07 GMT

Yes, my hair seems to have mood swings as I do. Like 613, I can use it every cleanse for a while and then when I attempt to use it again my hair doesnt respond or it just feels different. I have to take a break from 613 from time to time. 319 seemed to give my hair a good response for a longer period of time, now my hair seems to be ready for another break.

I havent sat down to tie it with nutritional, hormonal or seasonal changes but I do think that is the issue. Either that or my hair may just hit its moisture max and reject the formula. I have never had to "shelf" a product longer than a few cleansing though before my hair started to respond again.

I try to change things up frequently to help. And believe it or not sometimes going back to just core for a couple of cleansings helps.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

Gram W — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 00:46:56 GMT

I have used WEN for about 7 years. I always have at least 3 in the tub w/shower. Right now it is a gal of lavender, 613 and a seasonal. In about 2 weeks my gal will be gone and I have a gal of BGT waiting. My second cleanse always includes the 613. Everything I need to finish my cleanse is right there at my finger tips so it goes on soaking wet hair. Since I retired I let my hair air dry unless I am going away. I try to stay away from my styling tools although they are all supposed to be "safe". My hair is about to my shoulder blades. I get it cut about every other month. The last 2 visits she cut off about 5-6 inches. My hair is truly baby fine and straight as an arrow. Because of lupus and hypothyroidism I have had a problem with losing more hair daily than the average lady. My hair was brittle and would not grown past my shoulder. Since using WEN ,even my stylist of 25+ years has said, my hair is in its best shape ever. Because of my meds I stopped getting permanents because they burned my scalp and hair. I watch Chaz do his demonstrations even when I don't need supplies. I wrap my hair every night or when I am just working around the house. My hair does come down in curls and I only finger comb. I will never have hair like the models but I not far behind. I am 72. I get many compliments and I love my hair. I got my orders in this visit. Just in time as I am using my last bottle if oil. I need to do a quick inventory and make sure I am not low on other items.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

yisbuff2 — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 02:03:30 GMT

I only rotate between the rice based options at this point, but I have tried two of the soys and the kids. I didn't have much success with any of those, although that could have been user error, except for the kids which I used quite a while. Now I consider BGT the least moisturizing, MIF the most, and FF in between. I rotate among them. I do think my hair is nourished enough to try the seasonals again wiht potentially more success.

But yes, I do think my hair signals its needs. I have an MIF oil treatment on now for that reason!

Re: Question for long time Wen users

kesstrain — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 02:11:15 GMT

I have been using Wen since Chaz came to the Q over 10 years ago. I started with the fig and SAM and used both exclusively with great results until the seasonals started. The first year of seasonals, none of them worked for my hair. I gave up trying for a while.

Then, 613 came out and I tried it with terrible results. I now understand that my hair was not very porous at the time and therefore was protein intolerant.

About the time I turned 40, 2 years ago, my hair wouldnt hold on to moisture, probably due to color and age and I almost gave up on Wen. Thankfully, I tried the current seasonal and it was a major success.

I now understand that my hair is much more porous and actually needs the extra protein to fill in the "holes" in order to keep moisture in. I still can't tolerate 613 but I do well with 319 used sparingly.

I recently went back to try some core formulas after using only seasonals for about 2 years. It was not good. I tried the SAM and fig and they just did not perform well. My hair looked dull and lifeless.

So, yes, I have had to change formulas but it was because my hair changed.

I also have had to adjust other things- my hair used to hate anything oily but now it loves the oils- I add oil to my leave in and my mousse and mix some with RTM on day 2 and 3. It is amazing that I can use so much without getting weighed down or greasy but it works. I use 1/2 dropper in each step and I have shoulder length, wavy/curly hair that is color treated and a bit on the fine side.

go figure😀

Re: Question for long time Wen users

Drythe — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 01:21:20 GMT

@jaxs mom

Yes, when I started, about 5 years ago it was all TT 1st and FIG 2nd. I had oily, itchy, medicine issue scalp & dry, dry damaged hair. After about a year or so when all poo hair was gone, my hair seemed not to need the FIG so much & 613 came out!

So, my new routine for a while was Tt & 613. But shortly my hair just didn' seem to like 613 daily as much as I did.

As as time has move along, I'm now using TT @ every other cleanse alternating with MIF or BGT mixed with SHP, WIF, or WVM for 2nd cleanse.

I don' think this is all in aid of my desire to tr new flavors! I don't eat or drink the same thing every day why should my hair.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Re: Question for long time Wen users

cac140 — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 12:17:50 GMT

@Drythe wrote:
@jaxs mom

Yes, when I started, about 5 years ago it was all TT 1st and FIG 2nd. I had oily, itchy, medicine issue scalp & dry, dry damaged hair. After about a year or so when all poo hair was gone, my hair seemed not to need the FIG so much & 613 came out!

So, my new routine for a while was Tt & 613. But shortly my hair just didn' seem to like 613 daily as much as I did.

@As as time has move along, I'm now using TT @ every other cleanse alternating with FTF & BGTmixed with SHP or WVM for 2nd cleanse.

I don' think this is all in aid of my desire to tr new flavors! I don't eat or drink the same thing every day why should my hair.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Your system resonates with me. I also mix it up and very rarely use the same thing two shampoos in a row. I mix one pump of 613 in whatever I'm using for my first cleanse, most of the time TT or POM, but only every other shampoo or so and this works well for me. I always use a seasonal as my second cleanse mixed with a little bit of SAM occasionally. But never the same one twice in a row. I like variety. My hair does too.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

Doherty — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 13:24:49 GMT

I do switch up my products from time to time. When my hair starts getting unmanageable I usually need a haircut or the weather has changed,pregnancy also changed it. In addition, switching my CC and leave in products help tremendously.

In high humidity I find that slcv and FAS work best. My stylist told me to deep condition more often which makes a difference. She believes that if hair has enough moisture then it won't pull in more moisture from the air. The cuticle can only hold so many molecules and if it is loaded already then it won't attract water molecules from the air. She specializes in curly heads like mine.

I like fig in the winter but seasonals year round. FTP and SHL are two that I can use any time, these seem to be more universal to me. The SHP and FVWP are very similar in performance and I use them based on scent. They are super hydrating without being heavy and they make my hair shine and my curls tighter, sometimes too tight. I can't imagine SHP loosening curl definition. If your hair is wavy and you want more curl, maybe you just need to change up styling/leave in products. I change leave in products based on weather. I usually air dry my hair and the leave in products help me to achieve looser or tighter curls. I love loose, big ringlets but the level of humidity over rules my preferences. I also think of the CC as my foundation since healthy hair is key. You may want to choose a lighter core CC also.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

jaxs mom — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 14:06:55 GMT

Yesterday I did do an oil treatment ( my oil mix on the scalp and coconut oil on the length) and then cleansed with CA I had in travel packs. No leave in, no SC and air dried and I love the way it came out.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

LAMS — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 14:22:43 GMT

Long time for me is that I have been using WEN for 5 years. I started with SAM and only used it. Over the years I have added and become a mixologist. I have tried many scents but have stuck with SAM for my first cleanse, then my 2nd cleanse consists of mostly SHP (my fav for my fine hair) and a pump of BGT and a pump of 613. I'm not sure if I love the Summer Honey Peach mostly for its scent or the honey complex and how wonderful it makes my blonde hair look. I love the SHP for my leave in. I get a whiff of it all day!

My 81 year old mother is a WEN user, because I keep her supplied She told me the other day that she has noticed that PJP works best for her. I have given her TT, SAM, POM and the Pink Jasmine Peony. She has very thin, fine hair and her hair is completely gray. Since she has been solely using WEN for a couple of years, her hair is better than ever. Her gray is a beautiful, shiny gray. It used to be dull and yellowing. And her hair is getting thicker! I sure hope Chaz brings the PJP to us at the Q in October like he mentioned he might! I will definitely stock up to keep my mom supplied with it year round!

Re: Question for long time Wen users

libbyannE — Sat, 24 Sep 2016 20:24:31 GMT

My dermatologist told me to throw WEN away. I developed scalp issues, and he has seen numerous patients with similar problems and with hair loss. Beware.

Re: Question for long time Wen users

Drythe — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 04:45:23 GMT

@libbyannE wrote:
My dermatologist told me to throw WEN away. I developed scalp issues, and he has seen numerous patients with similar problems and with hair loss. Beware.

@libbyannE

No need for the 'warning'. This is the WEN forum.

We're quite savy about WEN, love it & Chaz.