Starting Over...

HAIRapy

SuperDuper Member
I haven't been in this section or on this site in quite a while. I've achieved long hair and it's still long but I backslid and now I have a bunch of broken hairs. I don't want to cut off my length though. Where should I start? Deep conditioning? A protein treatment? I need to catch it now before it starts to look REALLY bad.
 

newgrowth15

Well-Known Member
I haven't been in this section or on this site in quite a while. I've achieved long hair and it's still long but I backslid and now I have a bunch of broken hairs. I don't want to cut off my length though. Where should I start? Deep conditioning? A protein treatment? I need to catch it now before it starts to look REALLY bad.
A tea rinse stops my breakage and hair fall immediately. Go back and look at what you did successfully to get to where you are now. Did something change in the products you use? Did you change your diet? Are you drinking enough water? Are you taking vitamins? These are just a few questions to ask yourself to help you get back on the right track. I'm sure the LHCF community will band together to help you get back to having healthy hair and scalp.
 

Saludable84

Better Late Than Ugly
I haven't been in this section or on this site in quite a while. I've achieved long hair and it's still long but I backslid and now I have a bunch of broken hairs. I don't want to cut off my length though. Where should I start? Deep conditioning? A protein treatment? I need to catch it now before it starts to look REALLY bad.

What do you mean by a bunch of broken hairs? Is it noticeable? Do you wear your hair out? Are you protective styling? What were you doing that changed your regimen.

Breaking hair may need protein or moisture, depending on how it's breaking. If it's snapping, you may need moisture. If it's stretching, you may need protein.

@newgrowth15 suggested tea rinse and I second that for a quick fix, but you need to see what change over time before your setback becomes major.
 

HAIRapy

SuperDuper Member
A tea rinse stops my breakage and hair fall immediately. Go back and look at what you did successfully to get to where you are now. Did something change in the products you use? Did you change your diet? Are you drinking enough water? Are you taking vitamins? These are just a few questions to ask yourself to help you get back on the right track. I'm sure the LHCF community will band together to help you get back to having healthy hair and scalp.
Thank you for responding :) I think I may be lacking moisture. My hair is dry... I'm thinking I may need to do the rinse and baby my hair with care moisture. I drink lots of water and take vitamins.
 

HAIRapy

SuperDuper Member
What do you mean by a bunch of broken hairs? Is it noticeable? Do you wear your hair out? Are you protective styling? What were you doing that changed your regimen.

Breaking hair may need protein or moisture, depending on how it's breaking. If it's snapping, you may need moisture. If it's stretching, you may need protein.

@newgrowth15 suggested tea rinse and I second that for a quick fix, but you need to see what change over time before your setback becomes major.
Thank you for responding :) I got my hair done the day before yesterday. I got a straight flat iron, parted in the middle. When she was done, I had a bunch of broken hairs standing up at the top of my head. It kinda looked like when your hair stands up from static. I was shocked. I came home and wrapped my hair. I typically don't wear my hair out- I usually wear it in a bun. I think that and lack of moisture is what made that happen. It's definitely snapping off
 

HAIRapy

SuperDuper Member
The eternal optimist, is it definitely breakage or could it be new hairs? Did you notice the breakage before getting your hair done? Is it breaking when you handle it/ comb it?
It could be and I so hope that is what it us. I do see pieces (w/ no root bulb attached) breaking off when combing sometimes though. :(
 

HaveSomeWine

Well-Known Member
Well, I think the first step is determining what exactly is causing your hair to break off so you can stop doing it. It sounds like the buns may be causing Breakage in the middle of your head. That could be from the hair drying out in the middle of from the buns being too tight. You may want to switch to a less tight hairstyle for a while that allows your hair to breathe while it grows out. Options could be wash and goes, twistouts/braidouts, a single braid or two going straight back, etc.

If your hair is mushy or stretchy, I would start with a protein treatment. If it's dry and snapping off, I would do a mouisturizing deep conditioner. If your hair is somewhere in the middle, a mostly moisturizing deep conditioner that contains some kind of protein may help.

You should get into a schedule of deep conditioning regularly, like at least once a week. It doesn't have to be a tedious process either. Just use a deep conditioner on your hair in the shower after shampoo rather than regular conditioner. Allow it to sit while you bathe/shower and rinse before you get out.

As far as keeping the breakage under bay, you also want to ensure that the tools you use to detangle or style aren't contributing to your hair breaking off. Whether you choose to finger detangle, use a wide tooth comb, or a paddle brush, make sure it actually works well with your hair type.

To get your hair back on track as fast as possible, I would also lay off of using heating tools or if you do, be sure to use heat protectant.

Keep your hair moisturized so it doesn't break off. There are different ways to do this- frequent washes/cowashes, frequent application of leave in conditioner and sealing with oil, etc. Use whatever method works for you, but do it consistently. Don't ever allow your hair to get dry to the point it's ready to break or snap off.

Trim your hair every few months to get rid of any damage.
 

southerncitygirl

Well-Known Member
What about DC with a reconstructing condish weekly and doing a harder protein treatment monthly? Komaza protein strengthener and their Supermane line could be a good place to start. You won't have to cut. You may need a trim though.

I haven't been in this section or on this site in quite a while. I've achieved long hair and it's still long but I backslid and now I have a bunch of broken hairs. I don't want to cut off my length though. Where should I start? Deep conditioning? A protein treatment? I need to catch it now before it starts to look REALLY bad.
 

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
Thank you for responding :) I think I may be lacking moisture. My hair is dry... I'm thinking I may need to do the rinse and baby my hair with care moisture. I drink lots of water and take vitamins.
Just a good trim and Moisturizing deep conditioner should do it.
 

Evolving78

Well-Known Member
Thank you for responding :) I got my hair done the day before yesterday. I got a straight flat iron, parted in the middle. When she was done, I had a bunch of broken hairs standing up at the top of my head. It kinda looked like when your hair stands up from static. I was shocked. I came home and wrapped my hair. I typically don't wear my hair out- I usually wear it in a bun. I think that and lack of moisture is what made that happen. It's definitely snapping off
So that's your fragile point. Shampoo, deep condition with moisture for 20-30 mins under the dryer.
And just make sure you moisturize that area. The crown area is a challenging one for most of us.
And you need to use some type of serum, hair polishing spray, or oil sheen before you comb your wrap. That's mechanical damage.
 

Satya_R

Active Member
Nothing to suggest atm. But, I am right there with you battling my own damage. Keep us updated on your progress and stay optimistic!! :)
 
Top