OMG!! Someone PLEASE help me!! Crisis goin on here.....

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

I'm about to have a nervous breakdown, I swear!! Just when I think things are getting a lot better, something comes along and just tears all of my efforts to hell. Setbacks are a b!$(% Take a look at the horrible pics below. My hair is breaking a crazy mess right now. And, it's causing my hair to thin out big time in the back. Worst of all, I don't know what's causing it and I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes right now as I type this. I almost choked when I took the pictures. Ladies, I'm scared right now, I don't know what to do and I'm desperate. Those big, fat clumps of hair are due to breakage, and that was all from today!! I've been on the lo manipulation thingie and I haven't put a comb to my hair since last Tuesday. Well, I got ready to detangle my hair before washing it today and it was all tangled up in the back and all around and before I know it, there was hair everywhere!!! Little and long broken strands all over the place. Now, there are some shed hairs in there too, but most of what you see in the pics below is breakage. It has gotten to the point now that if I even run my fingers through my hair, I will get broken hairs on my fingers, just from touching my hair. Again, I'm scared and I really don't know what to do. I've had this problem for about a month now, but it's gotten seriously worse and it's really freaking me out. I've seen the broken hairs before, but not in a big clump like this. Someone, please help me. I've been reading and searching, reading and searching. I have some Aphogee 2 Min. and the Nexxus Emergencee. I don't know what to use because I don't want to take a chance at making it worse. Here are the pics (with tears in my eyes):

 

[MoniintheMiddle]

Do you deep condition when you wash your hair? You mentioned protein treatments but I am wondering if you are deep conditioning? Also, have you changed anything in your regimen?

 

[LadyZ]

Well, I don't have anything to offer except, I really feel bad for you... Are you relaxed?... I did the low manip. thing and My relaxed hair hair went crazy with breakage and has not been the same since... and I am still fighting it... I guess it does not work for everyone... maybe you could clarify, moisturize poo, use a hot oil rinse and use a combo moisture/protein deep conditioner...

What is/was your regimen before/during the low manip?...
What products do you use?...
I am no pro, but I went/going through this also...
No more band wagon's for me... once I get my hair balanced... I am *stick a fork in it done* with jumping on band wagons....

 

[Softresses]

First of all, I am so sorry you are going through this. (((((HUGS))))))

Are you on some kind of no combing challenge? You may need to comb more often to detangle at least. Curly hair may dread if it is not detangled. Your hair may have gotten matted up.

Also if you are not combing for several days this would not seem like a lot of hair to shed (if it is shed hair). Seasonal shedding could be a culprit as well. Do they have the little bulbs on the end? If your hair has gotten a lot longer it will look like more when it really is not.


If you do use a lot of protein that may be the problem. Protein needs to be balanced with moisture. I have some posts saved in my journal from some of the ladies here on how to balance protein/moisture. There are also some tips there on breakage.

Supergirl did a great post as well on what to do about breakage.





HTH

Softresses

 

[Evazhair]

I am sorry this is happening to you. I don't have experience with the two dcs you mentioned, but I would try to PM Sistaslick, or one of the gurus on this board.

Was this after the La Bomba? I read your post earlier today. As far as I have seen, La Bomba ingredients just state "proteins" so it's hard to know how strong a protein it was for your hair at that time, imo.I am not an expert, but I have similar tangling/hardness if I have too much protein. I would clarify and use a very moisturizing deep conditioner with no protein. I am trying to bump that supergirl thread for you, I think I'm subscribed.

 

[lollyoo]

I think is the low mani that gave you tangles. just stick to your regular regimen and see how it goes before doing protein tx.

 

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

It looks like your hair needs some moisture STAT.

 

[Golong]

I know how you feel, I have similiar pics in my fotoki and I feel sooooo sorry for you (huggs). When was the last time you relaxed? are you stretching? Color added? anything new added to your regime. If so stop! Stop all grease, gels, sprays- everthing. wash and deep condish 2x's per week. Keep it moisturized- lite sprits such as dove moisture helped me. \Also I add EVOO to a few drops of my favorite leave in condish and sprits lightly a few times a day. Slowly the braking subsided. MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE IS KEY!!! Good luck !!

 

[gymfreak336]

It looks like your hair needs some moisture STAT.

I agree...what moisturizing things do you have

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

Do you deep condition when you wash your hair? You mentioned protein treatments but I am wondering if you are deep conditioning? Also, have you changed anything in your regimen?

Yes, I deep condition at least once per week, if not 2 sometimes. And whenever I do an Aphogee treatment, I always follow up with ORS replenshing pak. The same goes with the Emergencee treatment. And I haven't really changed anything in my regimen, except for doing the low manipulation thing. I only comb my hair about twice a week now.

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

Well, I don't have anything to offer except, I really feel bad for you... Are you relaxed?... I did the low manip. thing and My relaxed hair hair went crazy with breakage and has not been the same since... and I am still fighting it... I guess it does not work for everyone... maybe you could clarify, moisturize poo, use a hot oil rinse and use a combo moisture/protein deep conditioner...

What is/was your regimen before/during the low manip?...
What products do you use?...
I am no pro, but I went/going through this also...
No more band wagon's for me... once I get my hair balanced... I am *stick a fork in it done* with jumping on band wagons....

No, I'm not relaxed, I'm transitioning back to natural. I haven't had a relaxer in over a year. When I was combing my hair everyday, I did notice breakage, but I noticed shedding more. When I started on the low manip. challenge, I only combed on wash days. As for the products I use, I use Pantene's Daily Moisture Renewal poo, and for regular/deep conditioners, I alternate between ORS, Pantene R&N, and dominican conditioners. I don't use heat, except while DCing and only on special occassions.

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

First of all, I am so sorry you are going through this. (((((HUGS))))))

Are you on some kind of no combing challenge? You may need to comb more often to detangle at least. Curly hair may dread if it is not detangled. Your hair may have gotten matted up.

Also if you are not combing for several days this would not seem like a lot of hair to shed (if it is shed hair). Seasonal shedding could be a culprit as well. Do they have the little bulbs on the end? If your hair has gotten a lot longer it will look like more when it really is not.


If you do use a lot of protein that may be the problem. Protein needs to be balanced with moisture. I have some posts saved in my journal from some of the ladies here on how to balance protein/moisture. There are also some tips there on breakage.

Supergirl did a great post as well on what to do about breakage.





HTH

Softresses

Yeah, I read Supergirl's post about breakage, and I pulled out my Mizani Nighttime treatment to see if that will help. And yes, it's way more breakage than it is shedding. I checked for the little white bulbs. I do admit, I don't drink enough water like I should, and I started protein shakes not too long ago. I just grabbed me a bottle of water to drink before I go to bed to start drinking more water. And I decided that it was time for me to start back combing daily, or every other day. I am really blown right now.

 

[Je Ne Sais Quoi]

How long have you been lo manipulating and how often do you shampoo?

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

I think is the low mani that gave you tangles. just stick to your regular regimen and see how it goes before doing protein tx.

I am going to go back to combing daily or every other day. My head/scalp felt so tender after trying to detangle today.

It looks like your hair needs some moisture STAT.

Yeah, I started pulling out everything I could think of. I may start baggying again to see if that will help. I did notice a lot less breakage when I baggied.

I am sorry this is happening to you. I don't have experience with the two dcs you mentioned, but I would try to PM Sistaslick, or one of the gurus on this board.

Was this after the La Bomba? I read your post earlier today. As far as I have seen, La Bomba ingredients just state "proteins" so it's hard to know how strong a protein it was for your hair at that time, imo.I am not an expert, but I have similar tangling/hardness if I have too much protein. I would clarify and use a very moisturizing deep conditioner with no protein. I am trying to bump that supergirl thread for you, I think I'm subscribed.

No, I was experiencing the breakage before using the Una Bomba. It just wasn't this serious. My hair felt worse after using this stuff and I think it just may have been what sent my hair over the edge. I'm going to use my Pantene R&N masque to do a DC and continue to do that over the next few weeks to see if that will help. I really thank you guys for all of the tips. I've come out of my panic state now.

 

[sareca]

Yes, I deep condition at least once per week, if not 2 sometimes. And whenever I do an Aphogee treatment, I always follow up with ORS replenshing pak. The same goes with the Emergencee treatment. And I haven't really changed anything in my regimen, except for doing the low manipulation thing. I only comb my hair about twice a week now.

So you're doing 2-4 protein treatments each week? Do you use a moisturizing conditioner?

I agree with LadyZ lo-mani is not for everyone. My hair is thriving, but if it's not working for you don't keep doing it.
You should probably return to your normal combing schedule, but to be honest it sounds like protein overload. I overloaded my hair with protein
for 3 months before it started breaking by the handful. Sounds to me like your hair needs some serious moisturize.

 

[LadyZ]

No, I'm not relaxed, I'm transitioning back to natural. I haven't had a relaxer in over a year. When I was combing my hair everyday, I did notice breakage, but I noticed shedding more. When I started on the low manip. challenge, I only combed on wash days. As for the products I use, I use Pantene's Daily Moisture Renewal poo, and for regular/deep conditioners, I alternate between ORS, Pantene R&N, and dominican conditioners. I don't use heat, except while DCing and only on special occassions.

===========
there might be a connection between the low manip ... But my relaxed hair started the same thing when I tried the no comb but on wash day... Now my hair hates to be combed and I am slowing starting to comb it again... I hate this happen to you... *hugs*...
They products you use are good ones... So it might be the no comb thing... IDK....
try not to stress, it will get better...

 

[Supergirl]

First let me say that I think your hair is so pretty. Now, here it is plain and simple--get some Mizani Rose H20 Nighttime Treatment STAT and call me in the morning!

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

I know how you feel, I have similiar pics in my fotoki and I feel sooooo sorry for you (huggs). When was the last time you relaxed? are you stretching? Color added? anything new added to your regime. If so stop! Stop all grease, gels, sprays- everthing. wash and deep condish 2x's per week. Keep it moisturized- lite sprits such as dove moisture helped me. \Also I add EVOO to a few drops of my favorite leave in condish and sprits lightly a few times a day. Slowly the braking subsided. MOISTURE MOISTURE MOISTURE IS KEY!!! Good luck !!

I agree...what moisturizing things do you have

I have the Avacado condish, the Pantene R&N masque, Lustrasilk Cholesterol (shea butter & mango), ORS pak, Oyin's HoneyHemp condish, CFCG, oils, ORS Olive Oil (jar), I've been breaking out everything moisturizing I can find. I think I'm going to try my baggy again tonight. I was being consistent with it. I might need to step my game up and get back on it. I really do want to thank you guys for the support. I really need it right now and I feel a lot better already.

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

So you're doing 2-4 protein treatments each week? Do you use a moisturizing conditioner?

I agree with LadyZ lo-mani is not for everyone. My hair is thriving, but if it's not working for you don't keep doing it.
You should probably return to your normal combing schedule, but to be honest it sounds like protein overload. I overloaded my hair with protein
for 3 months before it started breaking by the handful. Sounds to me like your hair needs some serious moisturize.

Oh no!! I only do a protein treatment about once every 4-6 weeks. My hair can't handle a protein treatment weekly. It really would go crazy then. Sad to say, but I think that the lo-manip thing isn't working either. I really wanted it to work, but I'm going to have to break out the ol' comb again. That detangling I went through today actually left my head sore

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

How long have you been lo manipulating and how often do you shampoo?

I've been doing the lo-manip thingie for about a month or so, and I poo at least 2xs a week.

First let me say that I think your hair is so pretty. Now, here it is plain and simple--get some Mizani Rose H20 Nighttime Treatment STAT and call me in the morning!

Aww...thank you Supergirl. I just broke out the ol' Mizani and already slapped some on. It was one of the first things I thought of!!!

===========
there might be a connection between the low manip or just a little *karma* too... But my relaxed hair started the same thing when I tried the no comb but on wash day... Now my hair hates to be combed and I am slowing starting to comb it again... I hate this happen to you... *hugs*...
They products you use are good ones... So it might be the no comb thing... IDK....
try not to stress, it will get better...

Karma?!? What do you mean?? I haven't done anything to anybody!!!

 

[indefinite]

My hair was breaking profusely as well. I combed today and only had 2 hairs. I had to go back to the basics as well. I had to clarify, then keracare dry & itchy scalp, deep condition with humecto, keracare leave in, a lil serum and rollerset. I had to give up all the products containing proteins.

 

[sareca]

Oh no!! I only do a protein treatment about once every 4-6 weeks. My hair can't handle a protein treatment weekly. It really would go crazy then. Sad to say, but I think that the lo-manip thing isn't working either. I really wanted it to work, but I'm going to have to break out the ol' comb again. That detangling I went through today actually left my head sore

Sad? That's not sad. It doesn't look like you need any help from lo-mani. Your hair is beautiful so your current reggie must be working just fine.

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

Sad? That's not sad. It doesn't look like you need any help from lo-mani. Your hair is beautiful so your current reggie must be working just fine.

Awww.....thank you Sareca. That really put a smile on my face. Funny thing is that when I told my friend that I wasn't combing daily, she advised me not to do it and I didn't listen to her. I guess she knew what she was talking about.

 

[sareca]

My hair was breaking profusely as well. I combed today and only had 2 hairs. I had to go back to the basics as well. I had to clarify, then keracare dry & itchy scalp, deep condition with humecto, keracare leave in, a lil serum and rollerset. I had to give up all the products containing proteins.

Me too. Any tiny amount of protein (that wasn't silk or wheat) caused me major problems.

 

[gymfreak336]

Me too. Any tiny amount of protein (that wasn't silk or wheat) caused me major problems.

Me too. Silk or Wheat is the only way to go for me.

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

My hair was breaking profusely as well. I combed today and only had 2 hairs. I had to go back to the basics as well. I had to clarify, then keracare dry & itchy scalp, deep condition with humecto, keracare leave in, a lil serum and rollerset. I had to give up all the products containing proteins.

I may have to cut down on the proteins or get rid of them too. It's amazing how your hair will pitch a fit when something's being done wrong. I guess that my hair had finally had enough and this is it's way of telling me that if I don't shape up, then it's going to fall out

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

Me too. Silk or Wheat is the only way to go for me.

I have both of those. Maybe that's what I'm going to have to start using.

 

[gymfreak336]

I have both of those. Maybe that's what I'm going to have to start using.

Silk and wheat protein have become my new best friends...My hair needs alot of protein but is protein sensitive these two help me out without making my hair go haywire

 

[the_UnPrettiest_pretty]

Silk and wheat protein have become my new best friends...My hair needs alot of protein but is protein sensitive these two help me out without making my hair go haywire

Thanks for sharing gym. How do you use your silk & wheat protein? I've used the silk in a prepoo and a rinse out condish before, but really haven't used the wheat protein yet.

 

[Evazhair]

My bad I didn't realize you were transitioning. From my experiences with it, the more natural you have, the greater the tendency for the relaxed hair to snap off. IMO and my experience , natural hair needs wayyy less protein than relaxed. You might not need as many protein treatments, say one half or one fourth as many as you already do on the natural hair. I would try only doing the protein treatments on the relaxed portion, starting maybe a little above the line of demarcation.

Also, like someone said moisture, moisture, moisture. My natural hair sucks the moisture out of the relaxed hair.

I suggest you try detangling in sections (start as small as you feel comfortable using) with your fingers first, and with some moisturizing product at least on the natural part. It will take forever, but it saves hair., be it cheapie or a dc. After detangling, you might want to wash, cowash or whatever and let it dry in large braids or loose twists with a barette or clip where your relaxed hair starts. This may cut down a lot of the tangling. I hope I am saying something that will help you. Don't worry too much, I'd be worried if your whole head was relaxed.