Beauty

[Arianny]

Hi Ladies! I am in the process of trying the different cc's to see which combination works for me. I have all of the core cc's except for Cucumber Aloe and Sweet Almond Mint. My understanding from what Chaz says is that the Cucumber Aloe is the most clarifying of the cc's. I'm just wondering if any of you use that every so often to remove any residue from your hair, even if it is not one of your faves. I used to used a clarifying shampoo every so often to remove residue, so that's why I am asking. I do not have oily hair, but I'm wondering if that should be in my collection. I appreciate any feedback you can give me.

[KMBSAB]

I use it. Right now I like to mix it with the BGT, usually 50/50 or 60/40 with more CA.

My hair use to be oily but since using Wen for 2+ yrs it is not anymore. You could always try it straight and if its not for you, mix it with something you like. CA is IMO the thickest regular CC so when I mix it with BGT it makes it a lot easier to work into my hair and the BGT give me great shine.

I also like to use straight CA for my first cleanse when I do an all over oil treatment.

[okiebug]

I have been using WEN for about 8 years and have never had a problem with product build up. WEN does cleanse your hair of all product and doesn't leave any residue. Some do use the cucumber aloe after an oil scalp treatment.

I understand your concern because you are used to how shampoo/conditioner works, but WEN works differently. There are habits we have been used to for years that aren't necessary when using WEN.

Welcome to WEN

[Arianny]

Thanks okiebug! I am still learning about WEN, and yes, it is definitely hard to realize that you don't have to do certain things now that you had to do when using shampoo and conditioner. I didn't realize that there is no residue buildup when using WEN. And thank you KMBSAB for your tip of using the CA with the BGT (which I have but haven't tried yet). That would be a good option if I want to try the CA. I really appreciate the help and advice everyone gives on the WEN forum - it's helpful to newbies like me!

[theatrebiz]

I switch to CA in the summer (or TT) because I live in a very humid climate and my fine straight hair leans toward being oily.

I don't use them to clarify but my hair just needs less moisture in the summer.

I use SAM during the transition seasons, and Fig and POM in the winter.

I don't have to use all these formulas but I am fickle and like changing (even when I used shampoo I used Phil 3 in 1's or AVEDA and tended to change the scent frequently).

Michele

[nycargirl]

I have been a WEN girl for the last 7 1/2 years and when I first started I used the FIG because my curly/frizzy dual processed hair needed to be healed. After a few years I felt my hair wasn't staying clean as long as it used to, and I decided to switch to CA, especially at the roots, and continued to add FIG to the ends. This is the routine I have pretty much stuck with ever since, except I switched the FIG to 613 (which i love) and and occasional dolup of TT. I wash my hair once, sometimes 2x a week and my hair NEVER looks oily. I do use WEN styling cream and oils the night before I wash my hair and sleep with it in. I also use the deep conditioning treatment every 2 weeks and before I get colored. Also, I bring 613 with me to the salon when I get colored because I feel the process does such damage I want to take care of my hair immediately. The only other thing I can add is that I use ALOT of WEN on my mid length hair wash 2x in the shower and rinse rinse rinse, including at the end with ice cold water. I am 57 yo and all the 21 yo's in my office always love the way my hair looks, so much in fact that I bought them the TSV with the videos for Christmas.
Hope all this info helps.

[Shadow1956]

I have used CA for 2 years, as long as I've used WEN. I am 57 yo with thick fine hair past my waist (thanks Mom). My hair was pretty oily when I started using WEN which is why I chose CA. Now, I wash my hair once or twice a week instead of every night or every other night, which is a big deal for me. It just stays fresher and has more body due to WEN. I ordered a special that also came with 613, so I will occasionally use that as my second wash, or sometimes I'll even use that alone. I wash my hair using 2 washes, as Chaz recommends. I use more WEN and get a thorough scalp cleanse during the first wash. Toward the end of that, I'll run a little water in it which helps to move the CA a bit. Then, I rinse well. For the second cleanse, I may use the 613, or the CA again. I use about half the amount of WEN and do a more thorough rinse with cooler water. I usually leave 1 pump of CA on the long part of my hair which makes it much easier to comb later on. I also use the styling creme in CA which leaves a nice wave in my hair. I am anxious to try the new orange blossom as that is our sweet heavenly smelling state flower. I also think that lavender would be fun to try. Otherwise, I've never had any desire to change from CA. It just works so well for me.

[bebe777]

Arianny, I bumped up a few threads on other ways to clarify your hair that I thought might be of interest to you. -- Below are the direct links to them:

Clarifying Rinses - apple cider vinegar & baking soda -- Used a Bragg vinegar rinse and my Wen hair is really happy. -- Solution for those who feel the need to "clarify"

-- bebe

[bebe777]

Arianny, I don't like the smell of CA but I rotate it into my routine:

first cleanse: TT (rotate CA in every fourth cleanse)

second cleanse: Seasonal (rotate 613 in every third cleanse)

I've used Chaz's CCs for three years and I've never had any build up from them. In spite of that (and partly due to the fear mongering that comes from people that don't seem to actually use Wen), I decided to add CA into my rotation. Simply put, it just makes me feel better. I haven't noticed any change. Nothing was wrong with my hair and everything is still just fine and dandy.

So that's the good news. Adding CA hasn't created any problems and I just feel better about it. I'd recommend giving CA a try.

-- bebe

[Arianny]

Thank you all for responding! bebe - thank you for the posts about clarifying and relating your experience with CA. I think I will give it a try in my rotation.