Virgin Natural....

[Aviah]

As long as I have been natural, I noticed my hair has split a lot more than when it was relaxed. However I have always dyed my hair as a natural. I'm thinking that my hair is healthy otherwise, the dye may be contributing to it? I'm considering growing out the dye and using direct heat less as a staple rather than a challenge to see if maybe that helps... However, both dyes and relaxers lift the cuticle of the hair to penetrate the cortex, if this was the cause I should have always had splits.

Anyone experience something similar? Or is it just the natural territory?

 

[mzteaze]

Both hair dyes and regular use of direct heat are know contributors to splits. I am natural with permanently dyed hair. However, you must baby the hair MORE by infusing moisture and using oils.

I can't stress it enough how important it is to make sure that you get your protein/moisture balance down. This includes finding products that will strengthen your hair yet leave it pliable.

Consider cutting back if not cutting out the direct heat for a while AND either steaming your hair with oils, doing a moisture pre-poo and adjusting your products so that you DC-ing with protein/moisture products.

 

[Aviah]

See, this is what I don't do: take extra care of it. Usually as long as its not dry, or weak I treat it as I would virgin hair. Having fine hair, I'm unsire of what to use for protein, other than egg/mayo.

 

[Nonie]

I don't think my hair has been any more split natural than when it was relaxed. I do have fine hair and never use pure protein or home-made protein concoctions. I just use GPB and Emergencee...and keep splits at bay by regular dusting.

 

[mzteaze]

See, this is what I don't do, I don' do extra to care for it. Usually as long as its not dry, or weak I treat it as I would virgin hair. Having fine hair, I'm unsire of what to use for protein, other than egg/mayo.

I like, nonie, have fine hair. But what I mean by "baby it" is, sometimes we think of our hair as wash and go, meaning we just wash it & condition it without any regard to setting up a real regimen.

For color treated hair, you can't just use any old product. Your shampoo should be ideally sulfate free or you can do a simple modification of your sulfate shampoo.

I suggest a protein conditioner because you need something to build and fill in the weak spots on the hair shaft. However, also you need moisture to keep the hair supple and flexible. Regardless of whether your hair is fine or thick, you still need nurse the hair back to health.

nonie suggested what she uses Aubrey Organics GPB Conditioner. I haven't used it before so I can't offer an opinion on the product. But it seems to get really good reviews here. Do you need conditioner suggestions? If so, there are great threads that offer plenty of suggestions. I can post a few for you if you like.

 

[Tiye]

Hair dye is drying. I was surprised at just how dry even dark colors can make your hair - I thought this was a problem only if you go light. If you're dying your hair the color in your avatar you might consider switching to henna and indigo it's much better for your hair. And take vitamins.

 

[Aviah]

Tiye I have some hendigo from Lush since last summer. I won't ever do commercial dye again (for the forseeable future).

mzteaze I use Elasta QP's Conditioning Shampoo (no sulfates) and since they changed the formula on their Intense conditioner, I'm back with ORS (Replenishing conditioner) for the moment, but I don't like that my hair isn't as soft as it was with Intense. I wonder if that's down to the extra protein in ORS?

 

[ms-gg]

Yep, the heat and color can cause splits. You have been given great advice so far though

 

[Rocky91]

yep, I'm fully aware of what effects color might have on my retention, especially with fine strands. I really have to be up on my protein/moisture game, and I must trim regularly or have ends that look busted.
but i'm too vain to wear my natural hair color, so....

 

[mzteaze]

Tiye I have some hendigo from Lush since last summer. I won't ever do commercial dye again (for the forseeable future).

mzteaze I use Elasta QP's Conditioning Shampoo (no sulfates) and since they changed the formula on their Intense conditioner, I'm back with ORS (Replenishing conditioner) for the moment, but I don't like that my hair isn't as soft as it was with Intense. I wonder if that's down to the extra protein in ORS?

I used to use ORS. It worked pretty well but is considered a mild to medium protein condish. Too much protein without the corresponding moisture can make the hair feel brittle, slightly hard and lead to breakage. So that adds to your list of potential causes as well.

While I hate suggesting running out to buy a bunch of products it really sounds like you need at least a second conditioner, something that is moisture intense. I think each person should have at least one protein conditioner and one moisture conditioner in their stash as you never know when you will need one or the other.

I would also suggest a trim of your ends as waiting too long can cause the splits to migrate up the shaft.

 

[glamazon386]

It's possible. Dye made my hair break and split which led to more frequent trims.