Hair Breaks When Curly..HELP!

[AudraChanell]

Ladies, I cannot wear curly hair without breakage. I think it's because my hair tangles in itself or I cannot moisturize it properly. This has caused a MAJOR problem for me off and on over the years to where I cannot wear a wash-n-go longer than 2 days due to breakage.

I came back from my last beach vacation to a 3" loss from wearing perpetually curly hair after swimming. The left side was destroyed, uneven, and choppy. It also cut my transition short because of tangling and the care required. I also had breakage from wearing a braided in weave so I chickened out. My hair seems to thrive when it's not curly.

Anyone else have this happen?
Did you remedy the problem and if so how?
I feel so alone an alien with this!

 

[Seamonster]

Hi,

You just need to improve the condition of your hair. People think the wash n go is a beginner hairstyle but hair is usually in pretty bad condition from heat and chemicals when we first go natural.

If you were able to lose three inches of hair while on vacation, it suggest improper combing, not getting the chlorine out, and a lack of condition.

1. Learn how to detangle your hair with your hands before combing.
2. Try wearing a protective hairstyle and getting to know your hair

Many naturals rarely wear a wash n go because of tangles and knots. Once you learn your hair, you will know how to counter these issues.

 

[AudraChanell]

Im not natural though and I wasnt during the vacay, I'm texturized so that may play a part. Also my hair isnt in bad condition, it's actually rather healthy or so Ive thought. The problem wasnt so much the swimming, I didnt swim everyday, but rather me wearing curly hair the entire time. Id' detangle when when I shampooed with conditioner and air dry into yet another curly hairstyle; it would be free and bouncy.

Im puzzled as to how others have managed to keep curly hair on their head LOL. I know that sounds bizarre, but I cant. It breaks *sigh*

 

[blackmaven]

It has also happen to me breakage,ssk and split ends in the curly stages. I am not going to throw in a relaxer yet,until I try everything. My hair thrived while relaxed. So,After reading the hair analysis thread,I decided to incorporate weekly protein treatments prepoo,deep conditioner using steam method,aloe Vera plant leaf scalp etc,creamy moisturizer leave in and virgin coconut oil to seal my ends. One if urbanbushbaby ladies on you tube relies a great deal on water to moisturize and oil to seal. Her bun is ginormous.

I will be taking iron supplements faithfully and hair vitamins.
Drinking plenty of water
Feeding my body plenty of Salmon and dark green vegetables

I expect to see a big difference in a few months. Grow baby grow!!!!

 

[AudraChanell]

blackmaven. Same here *sigh* I can grow my hair beyond my brastrap while texturized/relaxed so thought I could get much longer natural. No-go! My hair breaks when it's curly and I dont know why If I wear it up too much while curly it breaks and I thought, okay, maybe its the bobby pinning or elastic bands. I always used metal connector-free bands, moisturized, and only used bobby pins (2-3) with heads. After I did pin and band-free buns, Yes, just twisting and tucking a loose sloppy bun, I loved the style, but you guessed it! It still broke

Its soo bizarre and I cant find many others to relate to it

 

[blackmaven]

What is your hair regimen? What products are you using? I am sure the problem lies in protein moisture balance or iron issues

 

[AudraChanell]

I just re-thought your notations of green leafy veggies and salmon. Those on the forum in other groups with me know I religiously make (green) veggie soup as a means of caloric management and have it for lunch every.day. I eat more greens (kale/collard), cabbage, spinach, and fish than the law allows. lol Im feeling so doomed,grrrrr! Maybe because it's texturized hair it doesnt want to be curly?

 

[Lucia]

I just re-thought your notations of green leafy veggies and salmon. Those on the forum in other groups with me know I religiously make (green) veggie soup as a means of caloric management and have it for lunch every.day. I eat more greens (kale/collard), cabbage, spinach, and fish than the law allows. lol Im feeling so doomed,grrrrr! Maybe because it's texturized hair it doesnt want to be curly?

AudraChanell

Maybe your hair is allergic to the texturizer, you say it didn't grow past a certain length fully relaxed, so a texturizer is still a relaxer so you still have to treat it like it's more fragile. Also look at your porducts there may be hidden sulfates in them.

 

[blackmaven]

You eating habits seem to be on point. What products are you using?

When I was relaxed sweet almond oil,Aragon oil and Austrian oil name can not seem to remember were the only oils which prevented breakage during my was n go stages. My curly hair needed a silkier feel kinda oil.

 

[luckiestdestiny]

@AudraChanell

Maybe your hair is allergic to the texturizer, you say it didn't grow past a certain length fully relaxed, so a texturizer is still a relaxer so you still have to treat it like it's more fragile. Also look at your porducts there may be hidden sulfates in them.

Lucia side question did you just cut your hair...is that you in the top pic? Or is it just shrinkage. I am holding my breath a little.

 

[Seamonster]

From what you said, it sounds like improper manipulation and lack of proper conditioning. I would question your detangling practices, and the conditioning process seems inappropriate for curly styles.

Texturized hair is more fragile than natural hair so your have to baby it in natural style or it will curl around itself and break off. Curled hair should not be free and bouncy, that is way too much manipulation, it should be gently shaped. Furthermore, the products should provide slip and some coating. Relaxed ladies are usually uncomfortable with the amount of product needed to allow hair to glide across itself.

 

[MileHighDiva]

If you don't have patience, I don't recommend WNG's. Our strands like to love on each other too much (SSK&Tangle). It takes time and the proper technique to detangle a WNG w/length. With length I recommend keeping the hair stretched.

 

[brittle_hair]

In had this problem with my natural hair incessant breakage and ssks - some hair types are only happy when braided rather than worn in 'out styles' - I didn't go natural to permanently wear braids or twists , so I'm back to a relaxer. Hope you manage to work it out. Have you tried having a deep trim?

 

[Lucia]

Lucia side question did you just cut your hair...is that you in the top pic? Or is it just shrinkage. I am holding my breath a little.

luckiestdestiny

Breathe, That's just shrinkage crazy right? The avatar pic (it's a couple months old) it's shoulder length curly and MBL straight. my hair naturally grows in V-shape faster in back than in front so the front is always shorter. On the bright side the longer my hair grows the less it shrinks up ( it was much shorter last year same time ) and I can do braid outs to elongate the curl pattern too.

 

[Lucia]

AudraChanell

Back on topic: please check your products again, also treat your hair like it's relaxed, you probably need more protein in between your moisturizing DC treatments. I think you should do alternating protein DC, then Moisture DC weekly until your hair gets stronger/healthier, then you can back down to 2x/month. HTH

From what you said, it sounds like improper manipulation and lack of proper conditioning. I would question your detangling practices, and the conditioning process seems inappropriate for curly styles.

Texturized hair is more fragile than natural hair so your have to baby it in natural style or it will curl around itself and break off. Curled hair should not be free and bouncy, that is way too much manipulation, it should be gently shaped. Furthermore, the products should provide slip and some coating. Relaxed ladies are usually uncomfortable with the amount of product needed to allow hair to glide across itself.

ITA 100%
Relaxed hair appears stronger but it isn't, even texturized is compromised hair strength and elasticity which is what relaxed hair lacks. I can't speak for all naturals but wash n go's for me became easy once I found the right products that my hair liked and got the technique down. I went through several products in different combinations. For me detangling in the shower after co-washing is key, if my hair is not conditioned moist enough then wash n go is a bust. Your hair will not curl up properly if it's dry or damaged and that's with any hair type. You have to experiment with techniques, and products until you get it right and don't be afraid to use more product than described on the bottle.

 

[virtuenow]

If you don't have patience, I don't recommend WNG's. Our strands like to love on each other too much (SSK & Tangle). It takes time and the proper technique to detangle a WNG w/length. With length I recommend keeping the hair stretched.

I love this statement: "Our strands like to love on each other too much"

 

[AudraChanell]

I shampoo and deep condition at most shampoo sessions (moisturizing conditioner mostly; my hair is sensitive to protein so use as needed). No blowdryers, curlers, or flat irons and use my steamer when I want straight or curls in my hair.

What is your hair regimen? What products are you using? I am sure the problem lies in protein moisture balance or iron issues

 

[AudraChanell]

Its the same chemical, Motions mild. I only use it for 5 mins without smoothing.

AudraChanell

Maybe your hair is allergic to the texturizer, you say it didn't grow past a certain length fully relaxed, so a texturizer is still a relaxer so you still have to treat it like it's more fragile. Also look at your porducts there may be hidden sulfates in them.

 

[AudraChanell]

How would you suggest I tweak my conditioning. I literally have no detangling isues. *sigh* I had detangling issues when I was transisioning with two textures. I can almost comb my hair with a normal/small-toothed comb w/a rinse conditioner when it's straight. The breakage is "after" Ive worn a wash-n-go for more than 3-4 days as if it broke as I was wearing it or something. Same happened with braids. I finger comb it loose with little to no effort at all.

From what you said, it sounds like improper manipulation and lack of proper conditioning. I would question your detangling practices, and the conditioning process seems inappropriate for curly styles.

Texturized hair is more fragile than natural hair so your have to baby it in natural style or it will curl around itself and break off. Curled hair should not be free and bouncy, that is way too much manipulation, it should be gently shaped. Furthermore, the products should provide slip and some coating. Relaxed ladies are usually uncomfortable with the amount of product needed to allow hair to glide across itself.

 

[AudraChanell]

I do and actually prefer it this way. I just hate that I'm truly limited, especially in the summer. One week of curly hair equates to a 3" or more cut for me.
I'm SO tired of loosing length to trims! erplexed

Ive decided to just be happy with hair that roughly 2-3" longer than shoulder length.

In had this problem with my natural hair incessant breakage and ssks - some hair types are only happy when braided rather than worn in 'out styles' - I didn't go natural to permanently wear braids or twists , so I'm back to a relaxer. Hope you manage to work it out. Have you tried having a deep trim?

 

[faithVA]

AudraChanell[/USER];18090947]How would you suggest I tweak my conditioning. I literally have no detangling isues. *sigh* I had detangling issues when I was transisioning with two textures. I can almost comb my hair with a normal/small-toothed comb w/a rinse conditioner when it's straight. The breakage is "after" Ive worn a wash-n-go for more than 3-4 days as if it broke as I was wearing it or something. SAm happened with braids. I finger comb it loose with littel to no effort at all.

What products are you using to do our WNG? How are you preserving it over the three days?

 

[AudraChanell]

I've been considering this and have to re-evaluate the notion of my hair being protein sensitive, but I'm afraid. In 2002 and 2004 I suffered loses for regularly using protein, mild at that, via Affirm 5-n-1, Salerm 21 Leave-in, and Mane-n-Tail. I couldnt figure out why I'd have boughts of straw-like hair, random breakage, etc, and removed protein altogether (for a awhile) after the emergence of SO many hair forums on the internet. I realized others were suffering from protein so I back off majorly and havent hair straw-like or breaking hair since. Like you're suggesting, however, maybe I still need more? If so, WHY does this only happen when it's curly... does it slice itself, break from friction etc and Why dont others have this type of curly-state sensitivity? Everyone is growing natural hair...mine would snap, crackle, and pop lol

I loss so much hair from wearing a weave as a protective style. Many use it to transition; I had to cut 4"! I wore a braided weave, 3 installs, over 4 months ... horrible results. I put it in myself and in many others heads as well and they dont have the horrible breakage I had. I watched their hair grow like weeds.

AudraChanell

Back on topic: please check your products again, also treat your hair like it's relaxed, you probably need more protein in between your moisturizing DC treatments. I think you should do alternating protein DC, then Moisture DC weekly until your hair gets stronger/healthier, then you can back down to 2x/month. HTH



ITA 100%
Relaxed hair appears stronger but it isn't, even texturized is compromised hair strength and elasticity which is what relaxed hair lacks. I can't speak for all naturals but wash n go's for me became easy once I found the right products that my hair liked and got the technique down. I went through several products in different combinations. For me detangling in the shower after co-washing is key, if my hair is not conditioned moist enough then wash n go is a bust. Your hair will not curl up properly if it's dry or damaged and that's with any hair type. You have to experiment with techniques, and products until you get it right and don't be afraid to use more product than described on the bottle.

 

[AudraChanell]

Hmm, Im not consistent with one moisturizing product, usually a creamy moisturizer and some oil. A bad thing may be using a liqui-gel like Wet, but I use about a nickle size one time only. I may re-mist with water the next day to liven it up. Sometime I'd put it up (friction from bobby pins and bands possibly) but why doesnt that happen to anyone else?

What products are you using to do our WNG? How are you preserving it over the three days?

 

[faithVA]

AudraChanell[/USER];18091145]Hmm, Im not consistent with one moisturizing product, usually a creamy moisturizer and some oil. A bad thing may be using a liqui-gel like Wet, but I use about a nickle size one time only. I may re-mist with water the next day to liven it up. Sometime I'd put it up (friction from bobby pins and bands possibly) but why doesnt that happen to anyone else?

I don't know. I'm really just trying to pinpoint where the issue is. To have that kind of breakage is has to be something either in the products or the way that you are putting it up. I have some hard hair to manage and that is even more breakage then I would experience wearing a WNG or puff.

Sometimes you put it up. What do you do when you don't put it up?

Are you wearing a scarf, bonnet?

 

[AudraChanell]

Just a tradidional bun or chignon. I use a metal-free elactic band and bobby pins. I have worn a curl pin up in about 2 months because Im sensitive about the breakage. I now only air-dry in a ponytail to prevent "curly" hair.

Timeline:
1. end July 6-7 days W-n-Go vacation hair, loss 3", took it hard
2. September, put in weave to grow out and hide hair
3. End January Took out weave and just about died! SEVERE breakage all around! Cut ANOTHER 2-3" and my hair has never been this thin in the back in my life! It broke it of sooo bad in the back

I don't know. I'm really just trying to pinpoint where the issue is. To have that kind of breakage is has to be something either in the products or the way that you are putting it up. I have some hard hair to manage and that is even more breakage then I would experience wearing a WNG or puff.

Sometimes you put it up. What do you do when you don't put it up?

Are you wearing a scarf, bonnet?

 

[heirloom]

Even though my hair is relaxed it was a little bit like yours in that If I didn't wash and condition every three to four days it will break. My current regimen has helped stop the breakage. I prepoo with Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Shampoo with Herbal Essences Ignite my colour shampoo, use Redken Extream Cat and condition with Nexxus Humectress. Then the next time I need to wash I prepoo with coconut oil overnight, shampoo again with the herbal essence and condition with ORS replenishing conditioner. I also spritz with rose water and seal with castor oil everyday. HTH

 

[faithVA]

Just a tradidional bun or chignon. I use a metal-free elactic band and bobby pins. I have worn a curl pin up in about 2 months because Im sensitive about the breakage. I now only air-dry in a ponytail to prevent "curly" hair.

Timeline:
1. end July 6-7 days W-n-Go vacation hair, loss 3", took it hard
2. September, put in weave to grow out and hide hair
3. End January Took out weave and just about died! SEVERE breakage all around! Cut ANOTHER 2-3" and my hair has never been this thin in the back in my life! It broke it of sooo bad in the back

Ok that was helpful. I also scanned back through the thread. I agree with the blackmaven about the protein moisture balance. And I definitely understand your issue with protein. I did my last protein treatment in 2011 and I was like So I stopped with the protein and over the last 1.5 years have lost more and more hair. Talked to divachyk, and realized that I'm just using the wrong protein. Not only are there different types of protein, their are 15 types of keratin protein.

I would suggest a protein reconstructor, not a conditioner and not a full blown treatment.

If you have a Sally's, they sell the ION Reconstructor in a sample pack for about 2". I would do the reconstructor and then follow it with at least a 1 hr DC. This will at least let you try something before you go out and buy it.

If you decide you want to just purchase a reconstructor, I would recommend finding the thread on reconstructors and stick with the top 5 reconstructors.

I would avoid Aphogee. It's just too hit and miss. Shescentit gets good reviews.

I can try to find some others if you want.

But I really think this is your issue. Your hair is chemically treated. You weakened the protein in your hair with the texturizer and you need to strengthen it.

 

[AudraChanell]

Thank you so much faithVA heirloom Seamonster Lucia. I am going to stop pass Sally's on the way home this evening and pick up the ION packet for this weekend. I can still remember like it was yesterday, my hubby's response after I removed the weave! "That is NOT my baby's hair!" He was bothered by it as well, but tried not to say too much because he didnt want to upset me. *sigh* He says it's looking better but, "I better not put that **** back in my hair anymore!" . I"m still very much devastated and want my hair back.

Ok that was helpful. I also scanned back through the thread. I agree with the blackmaven about the protein moisture balance. And I definitely understand your issue with protein. I did my last protein treatment in 2011 and I was like So I stopped with the protein and over the last 1.5 years have lost more and more hair. Talked to divachyk, and realized that I'm just using the wrong protein. Not only are there different types of protein, their are 15 types of keratin protein.

I would suggest a protein reconstructor, not a conditioner and not a full blown treatment.

If you have a Sally's, they sell the ION Reconstructor in a sample pack for about 2". I would do the reconstructor and then follow it with at least a 1 hr DC. This will at least let you try something before you go out and buy it.

If you decide you want to just purchase a reconstructor, I would recommend finding the thread on reconstructors and stick with the top 5 reconstructors.

I would avoid Aphogee. It's just too hit and miss. Shescentit gets good reviews.

I can try to find some others if you want.

But I really think this is your issue. Your hair is chemically treated. You weakened the protein in your hair with the texturizer and you need to strengthen it.

 

[greenandchic]

AudraChanell I agree with faithVA about the types of proteins. They are not the same for sure. Aphrogee tore my hair out. Wheat proteins (the ones found in gels) are pretty neutral for me and reconstructive treatments, keratin and silk proteins love my hair.

When it comes to WnG, I have to use gel to keep my hair from knotting on each other and butters to keep my hair sealed and soft. I rarely wear WnG but when I do, its a process.

 

[lana]

I read the entire thread and the only thing I have to add is that I think it might be your texturizer/texlaxer. Are you using Motions (Lye or No Lye)?

I was texlaxed for years and the only thing that stopped breakage was switching to a LYE relaxer for my texlax (no mix relaxer Mizani). While using a NO-lye relaxer I could not get my hair to grow past shoulder length. Dryness and breakage city. I really hope this helps.