Mary Hernandez

Color treated hair that breaks needs a gentle cleanser... Check the label for sulfate free wording and avoid sodium lauryl sulfate or ammonium lauryl sulfate. Milder surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine or isethionates are easier on the cuticle which, yeah phrases like moisturizing or hydrating and color safe help. Bonus if it mentions pH around 4.5 to 5.5. Helpful ingredients are glycerin, panthenol, aloe, ceramides, fatty alcohols such as cetyl or stearyl, and light silicones like amodimethicone or dimethicone to cut friction. A little hydrolyzed protein can help with strength, but if your hair feels stiff or straw like, switch to protein free for a bit. Skip anything labeled clarifying or volumizing for daily use since those tend to strip. Use a small amount and focus on the scalp, then let the suds run through the lengths for a quick pass. Rinse with lukewarm water, then cool. Small amount.

If you truly cannot find another gauge you can still get close by doing a simple flex check at home. Set the board on the floor inflate toward 14 to 15 and stand at center with feet shoulder width and watch for sag the rails should stay straight and the deck should not potato chip under you. It is not precise but after you do it once at a known good pressure you will recognize the feel and the sound when you tap the deck. I still think borrowing a shock pump for one calibration is the best move then mark your gauge and forget about it.