Dave has long hair. It’s also very fine and curly. It tangles, it get frizzy in humidity, and in short, it’s a nightmare to comb.
It got so bad when we lived aboard our previous boat that Dave finally cut it off. Easier to deal with maybe, but it wasn’t him. So he started growing it again . . .
And then Dave discovered Leave-In Conditioner — it does a better job of keeping his hair manageable than any other conditioner he’s used, he can use it every day (or even twice a day if we swim) and doesn’t use a bit of extra water!
Actually, it was LaDonna on Beagle Knot (where we spent 10 days aboard in the USVI) who gave us some to use — and Dave is now hooked. The one she had — and which we now use — is Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave-In Cream, available at Amazon (click here to see/buy).
And while my hair isn’t as long as Dave’s and it’s straight, it works really well on mine too. Between the two of us, we go through one bottle every five to six weeks. Bonus: it contains a sunscreen which keeps my white hair (really wish I could still call it “gray”) from burning and turning funny colors. Actually, the sunscreen will help protect any color hair (or colored hair) from sun damage.
You can use it on wet or dry hair — put a dab on your hand, rub your hands together, run them through your hair, then comb. Don’t rinse. It doesn’t make your hair look greasy; it’s not noticeable at all.
Meets my idea of a great boat product: works better than anything else, we can both use it, and doesn’t require extra water!
P.S. For really windy days when Dave’s hair still gets tangled, he’s now discovered Mane ‘n Tail Detangler — it also works on dry hair. Spray it on before trying to through tangles. Available in most health & beauty departments and on Amazon.
Some links in this article (including all Amazon links) are affiliate links, meaning that we earn from qualifying purchases.
Helen says
Carolyn, I found, totally by accident, which is another story, that any of the Olay body lotions work as a leave in conditioner. Other brands might work too. I put a little in my hand and run it through my hair, to remove tangles when combing when wet and also to stop fizz. I have also added it my dry hair. Don’t use much at the beginning until you have determined how much your hair needs. Easier solution if travelling for long periods of time on a boat and you can’t get special supplies
Jackie says
I have sort of done the same thing for years. I use just a dab of any kind of (cheap) conditioner in my hand with a little water and do mostly the ends of my curly hair, but the rest gets a bit too. I then finger comb my hair (it’s pretty long!) before taking a comb to it.
Jackie on s/v Lively Lady (but a mostly full-time dirt-dweller now in Antigua, Guatemala)
Tami says
Best thing I’ve found so far is pure argan oil. Just a dropper full in palm, apply to wet ends and comb in. Not cheap but has done wonders and isn’t chemical. (afaik)
Lupari Sue says
Leave in conditioner is the best for hair that is sun salt water and heat. And the saving on water coz you dont have to rinse it out makes it very worthwhile. Been using it ever since I moved onto our boat
sharon says
this is what we use. I love it. used it before sailing, now get friends to bring out my supply! 🙂
https://aussiehair.com/amazing-conditioner/best-leave-in-conditioner-for-your-hair-type/
sharon says
Yep I use Aussie Hair care leave in…. works great, not greasy and always stock up.
MacGyverRI says
I use “No Rinse” brand Shampoo, Body wash etc., they work great!
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=79887&catid=183491
Sams Club also has “Adult wash cloths” 5 pk. of 48 ea.(240 total) is only $10
8″x11″ Wipes that are sturdy for taking a Cloth based Bath.
MacGyverRI says
Link for the Sams Club Adult wash cloths
http://m.samsclub.com/catalog/product/prod3670057
Barbara says
Carolyn, took your advice and purchased a bottle. I have really been impressed that, as you said, most products weigh fine hair down but I have not found this to be the case! I love having that UV protection on my hair as I don’t much care for producs in my hair. Thanks so much! Yet again!!
Lynn says
Lynn says:
6/2/16 @ 10:53 p
Dave has long, fine, red gone silver hair and uses Mane and Tail as a leave-in conditioner. It works great and is not costly. t does not call itself a leave-in but sure works well
Lupari Sue says
Use it all the time on the boat…saves water too
Lupari Sue says
I only ever use leave in conditioner on our boat. It keeps my hair strong in sun and salt and wind and saves water, dont have to try snd rinse it out.