HELP! I overprocessed my hair!!!

DontTouchMyHair

New Member
Help!

about 3 weeks ago I colored my hair with a permanant dye made by revlon. This saturday I put in a regular relaxer (optimum care) and let it sit for 20 mins (i know, how STUPID).

After i washed the relaxer out and put in the conditioner, i noticed alot of hair coming out in the comb. My mom thought it was dead hair but it was coming out together not stringy. It ended up being a fist full or hair.

The hair was extreamly brittle and was completely streatching until it broke apart so we washed out the conditioner and opted to skip the styling we had planned and just blow dried it out.

Luckily, i still have my hair. The shedding and breakage isnt visible but it is dry and hard and brittle. I had to oil it (which i never had to do before) and i'm scared to style it.

Is there anything I can do to save my hair? Or is it damaged. I'd hate to have to cut my hair.

(sorry no pics, please don't ask)
 

virtuenow

Well-Known Member
Wow, it sounds like you need to do an emergencee protein treatment (designed to stop breakage in its tracks-- lasts abt 3-6wks hav to do again). I never feel comfortable suggesting the "hardcore" protein that Aphogee has to offer (the 2step), but you should definitely look that one up b/c your situation sounds fitting. As an alternative, a safe, and yet effective option is the Nexxus Emergencee protein treatment. Be sure to absolutely follow up with a moisturizing conditioner whichever protein treatment you choose to use. I use either Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose (AO HSR) moist cond or Nexxus Humectress moist conditioner. both protein treatments cost around $15 at Sally's (Aphogee) and Walgreens/CVS/prof'l retailers (Nexxus)
 
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Lynnerie

Well-Known Member
Oh gosh, when you said it was stretching and then breaking I was thinking protein but you say its dry and brittle so now I'm thinking moisture. I hope someone can come in and suggest something for you. I wouldn't cut it yet just baby it with treatments.

And in the future always remember. You color a perm(relaxer) Don't Perm a color.
 

DontTouchMyHair

New Member
Wow, it sounds like you need to do an emergencee protein treatment (designed to stop breakage in its tracks-- lasts abt 3-6wks hav to do again). I never feel comfortable suggesting the "hardcore" protein that Aphogee has to offer (the 2step), but you should definitely look that one up b/c your situation sounds fitting. As an alternative, a safe, and yet effective option is the Nexxus Emergencee protein treatment. Be sure to absolutely follow up with a moisturizing conditioner whichever protein treatment you choose to use. I use either Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose (AO HSR) moist cond or Nexxus Humectress moist conditioner. both protein treatments cost around $15 at Sally's (Aphogee) and Walgreens/CVS/prof'l retailers (Nexxus)


I'm usually a DIYer so I'm thankful for your tips. I'm just so torn between going to the shop this time around or not because clearly I didn't know what I was doing. smh.....
 

hothair

Well-Known Member
Two step Aphogee to the rescue. For next time wait at least 3 weeks before each process. I managed to melt my hair off so you were lucky:lol:
 

Keshieshimmer

Active Member
Two step Aphogee to the rescue. For next time wait at least 3 weeks before each process. I managed to melt my hair off so you were lucky:lol:
She did wait 3 weeks.

I saw go to a salon IF they know about haircare. Otherwise I would do a protein treatment.
 

hothair

Well-Known Member
She did wait 3 weeks.

I saw go to a salon IF they know about haircare. Otherwise I would do a protein treatment.


Really???? That colour must be very strong I colour with loreal and can do another chemical treatment in a week but I wait at least three. I melted my hair cause I bleached and relaxed on the same day (pre LHCF)

Well I say do a hard Aphogee and follow up with a good moisturising DC (Nexxus humectress/humectin is the best for me).
 

Arcadian

New Member
Emergencee for sure. If you have a hood dryer, do it with heat for about 15 minutes. Wash rinse with cool water (not hot).

Use it with 15 minutes of heat rinse with cool water.

Follow up with a good moisturizing conditioner, seal with oil, wrap it up and let it be.

I'm going to urge you to not use any heat other than a hood dryer until your hair is stronger.

You're going to have to really take good care of your hair, I would suggest making sure hair stays well moisturized and doing Deep Conditioner bi/weekly. When I was relaxed I DC'ed weekly. You may also have to considering the condition of your hair right now. I always added a couple of tablespoons of Keraphix to my Deep Conditioner when I was relaxed. :yep:

For some people permanent color and relaxers really don't mix. If you're going to do both, always do a strand test even 3 weeks after.

If you relax bone straight you may not want to go that route if you know your hair cannot handle both. You may want to only go 75-80% (basically wavelaxed).


-A
 

Keshieshimmer

Active Member
Really???? That colour must be very strong I colour with loreal and can do another chemical treatment in a week but I wait at least three. I melted my hair cause I bleached and relaxed on the same day (pre LHCF)

Well I say do a hard Aphogee and follow up with a good moisturising DC (Nexxus humectress/humectin is the best for me).
Maybe because it was permanent it caused more damage?

Goodluck OP!
 

hothair

Well-Known Member
I use permanent colours (and highlights every 4 months) but usually the Excellence range with no problems, like a PP said not everyone's hair can take the two chemicals so OP you may have to give on one. Good luck!
 

RubyWoo

Well-Known Member
I use permanent colours (and highlights every 4 months) but usually the Excellence range with no problems, like a PP said not everyone's hair can take the two chemicals so OP you may have to give on one. Good luck!
Do you relax after your color or before?

The rule of thumb w/respect to color & relaxer is to color a relaxer, not to relax a color. Relaxing after coloring will lead to overprocessed hair.

OP, I suggest aphogee protien treatment. That treatment is specifically for severely damaged/overprocessed hair. Good luck!
 

BraunSugar

New Member
Do you relax after your color or before?

The rule of thumb w/respect to color & relaxer is to color a relaxer, not to relax a color. Relaxing after coloring will lead to overprocessed hair.

OP, I suggest aphogee protien treatment. That treatment is specifically for severely damaged/overprocessed hair. Good luck!

Not to mention that it can also fade your color or completely change it. I had that happen to me back when I relaxed & colored.
 

Misseyl

Well-Known Member
If your hair is coming out while combing no amount of protein is going to help. In 2009 I experienced the same thing and I had to cut it off and start from scratch. I've been wearing braids since December 2009 and have another year to go. It grew back but I will never catch up. I'm waiting until Spring of 2012 to remove my box braids completely and begin again. I plan to have it professionally relaxed at first then I'll go back to relaxing it myself. What I did was to leave the relaxer on too long, well it was breaking off and I didn't make the connection until it was too late. I don't know what I was thinking that day because usually I relax my hair w/out problems but not that day.

Good luck with whatever you decide but in the end you might need to trim it a little at a time until the breakage stops.
 

tenderheaded

Well-Known Member
A professional stylist did this to me pre-LHCF. I regret to tell you that all my hair fell out. I would see straight pieces with little nappy ends while it tried to grow. I now use Bigen one week AFTER my relaxer and have had no problems for the last 5 years.

I sincerely hope you can save your hair!
 

blessedandlucky

Well-Known Member
I highlighted my hair when I was almost 6 wks post because I forgot how long it had been. I then waited 5 weeks to have it professionally relaxed. My stylist used a mild relaxer and while it wasn't as straight as usual, I still have my hair. I was really scared. I plan to do a protein treatment next wash. I would recommend going to a stylist you trust for help. Good luck and pls keep us posted.




Sent from my iPhone using LHCF
 
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Your Cheeziness

New Member
I agree with a hard core protein treatment. Your hair is like swiss cheese right now and won't hold anything. Protein is designed to temporarily fill that in and stop breakage. Protein also helps the hair retain moisture - I think people forget that.

That happened to me prior to my HHJ. Ultimately, you may end up needing to cut it off over time. I think if you want to be double processed, you should let a trusted stylist do it in the future.
 

Spring

New Member
If your hair is coming out while combing no amount of protein is going to help. In 2009 I experienced the same thing and I had to cut it off and start from scratch. I've been wearing braids since December 2009 and have another year to go. It grew back but I will never catch up. I'm waiting until Spring of 2012 to remove my box braids completely and begin again. I plan to have it professionally relaxed at first then I'll go back to relaxing it myself. What I did was to leave the relaxer on too long, well it was breaking off and I didn't make the connection until it was too late. I don't know what I was thinking that day because usually I relax my hair w/out problems but not that day.

Good luck with whatever you decide but in the end you might need to trim it a little at a time until the breakage stops.

I had a similar experience.

OP I'm so sorry this is happening....

I had a relaxer setback in the late 80s... unfortunately I couldn't save my hair (I didn't try a protein treatment because my hair doesn't respond well to it), but it took about a year before I absolutely had to trim, and by that time I had ~ 6inches of newgrowth. The protein may be able to slow down the breakage, but I'd be very careful about the hardening effect it may have even after a DC.
 
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GraceV

New Member
A hard core protein treatment might not solve the problem but it can't hurt to try one. Joico K-Pak reconstructor is another good option.
 

NIN4eva

Well-Known Member
I'm sorry you're going through this OP.

Guys please do not use permanent box color from the drug store if you're relaxed. That's just asking for trouble. Use a professional color product that's specifically made for relaxed hair (like Avlon), with a 10 volume developer (no higher) or use semi permanent hair color. If a color product does not specifically mention that it is safe for relaxed hair you shouldn't use it.
 

NIN4eva

Well-Known Member
btw, if you're coloring your hair black just use semi permanent color or a rinse. You'll get the same results with less damage. Use a semi permanent made to cover grays for longer lasting results.
 

DontTouchMyHair

New Member
Thank you so much for all of the replies. It is still shedding/breaking off very bad in the comb and I have done very good with keeping the heat out of it.

I hate that I made such a silly mistake. People look at me and say my hair looks fine but I know my hair and the texture has comepletely changed. I had silky smooth strong hair and now it's dry, brittle and needs lots of oil that just sits on top of it anyway.

I am going to try the protein treatment tonight. Hopefully that works. I wish I had a time machine... my hair was getting to the length and strength that I wanted.... smh
 

Prudent1

Well-Known Member
:bighug: I've already thanked several posters and you've received excellent advice.Just wanted to give a hug. Setbacks suck:down:! At least you're a board member and will know what to do going forward.
 

NewHairWOWeave

New Member
I am soooooo sorry that this happen gurl .....I had this happen twice to me once when i was younger which was due to complete lack of respect for my hair. And the second time was just was when I was a lurker on LHCF . That is what made me purchase my subscription but I digress. my hair was breaking and brittle. I have used both Aphogee and Nexxus Emergencee and I can contest that both of those products work.

PS please dont feel bad, it happens ... we just have to learn and do better.
 

umesbelle

New Member
This happened to me summer 2009. I went to the hair dresser to get my first ever color. I didn't know what she should or shouldn't do. Then she told me to come back in a few weeks for a perm. Bad idea. My hair came out in chunks. I had apl hair in some areas and nothing in most parts.

I started going to my sisters hair dresser to nurse my hair back to health. I went to her for a treatment (not sure what she used, but it had a tingle). When I couldn't make it to the salon, I used the Aphogee products at home. Until it was long enough to get a short hair cut.

I said all this to say you will be ok. Just nurse it back to health and you will be fine. Not to much heat and pulling.

This is what I did, but find what works for you. Good luck.
 

DontTouchMyHair

New Member
So I used the Aphogee two step and so far it SEEMS like it worked.

I got the product for a great deal 19.99 for a package that contained the large bottle of Aphogee two step, the balancing moisturizer, and the styling spritz.

I followed the directions, shampooed and let the treatment sit under the dryer. I only sat long enough for it to dry. I rinsed it out followed with the moisturizer, rinsed that out and conditioned. (I conditioned because it still felt a little stiff and alot of threads mentioned having to still condition after the treatment.)

Afterwards, I blow dried it on medium and didn't flat iron it, just oiled it and wrapped it up. Unwrapped it this morning and its soft and flowy again. No hair was coming out in the comb when I combed it.

I'm gonna give it a few days and monitor it to see how its behaving. I am keeping heat out and not styling it as much. Just unwrapping and going. I really hope this saved my hair.

Am I supposed to use the treatment every week for some time or is the one time treatment enough?


Thanks so much everyone you all have been so helpful.
 

Cherokee-n-Black

Well-Known Member
LOL. I see you already did the aphogee. This really should help. I only used it after a chemical process. I used it after every chem process so if you color or relax again, you should use it, every time. When I did this (many moons ago on relaxed hair), My hair would not stop growing. Once it got to BSL (which is pretty much my limit for wanting to take care of that much hair) I just cut it because it would have continued to get longer and longer. I'm a big fan of aphogee because I think it made all of my style mistakes irrelevant to the health of my hair.

If your hair is in a fragile state, I would really recommend alternating biweekly oil treatments and deep conditioning (oil treat on the weeks you don't DC, DC on the weeks you don't oil treat so that you are oil treating every two weeks and DC'ing every two weeks). This gave me some really thick healthy hair, grown out from over-coloring and superstrength relaxers. GL!
 
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DontTouchMyHair

New Member
LOL. I see you already did the aphogee. This really should help. I only used it after a chemical process. I used it after every chem process so if you color or relax again, you should use it, every time. When I did this (many moons ago on relaxed hair), My hair would not stop growing. Once it got to BSL (which is pretty much my limit for wanting to take care of that much hair) I just cut it because it would have continued to get longer and longer. I'm a big fan of aphogee because I think it made all of my style mistakes irrelevant to the health of my hair.

If your hair is in a fragile state, I would really recommend alternating biweekly oil treatments and deep conditioning (oil treat on the weeks you don't DC, DC on the weeks you don't oil treat so that you are oil treating every two weeks and DC'ing every two weeks). This gave me some really thick healthy hair, grown out from over-coloring and superstrength relaxers. GL!

Okay! That's great advice. I was in the store forever trying to find a good dc the other day. smh. Thanks to LHCF it takes me forever to pick out products now. LOL

Do you recommend anything?
 

SingBrina

Active Member
Wow, it sounds like you need to do an emergencee protein treatment (designed to stop breakage in its tracks-- lasts abt 3-6wks hav to do again). I never feel comfortable suggesting the "hardcore" protein that Aphogee has to offer (the 2step), but you should definitely look that one up b/c your situation sounds fitting. As an alternative, a safe, and yet effective option is the Nexxus Emergencee protein treatment. Be sure to absolutely follow up with a moisturizing conditioner whichever protein treatment you choose to use. I use either Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose (AO HSR) moist cond or Nexxus Humectress moist conditioner. both protein treatments cost around $15 at Sally's (Aphogee) and Walgreens/CVS/prof'l retailers (Nexxus)


I don't think there is anything wrong with Aphogee. I had made my hair a lil unhealthy a few weeks ago due to relaxing it. I put Aphogee in and just got a package for 2.99 at Sally's they have it... and my hair was thick and full and back to normal. I am pulling it back and cowashing it to make it healthy again. But Aphogee did wonders. Barely breaks off..... and is a lot thicker.
 
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