6 Moth Progress Pics - Major Setback, Need Help ASAP!

[kbragg]

I'm a little bit heartbroken So close to APL now back to shoulder length. I've experienced major breakage. I use no heat. I've tried Humectress for mositure, CPR, did an Aphogee, etc. but it just keeps breaking. At first I thought it was the topic, but now I'm thinking maybe the no lye hair is breaking off from the lye hair? I dunno. I just know my hair is like a desert. I stopped using BT for a week thinking maybe the sulphur was drying it out but it's not, it's still dry especially my roots. I've tried ORS lotion, S curl, Dove Sheer Moisture, etc and nothing seems to moisturize. I've used Porosity control twice and no go. My hair is growing like a weed thans to healthy hair care, BT, and my exercise regimen, now I need to retain length. I co wash 6 days a week (I have to I sweat like crazy in my workout, it soaks my hair) with motions moisture plus. It's really slippy, but the second ingredient is mineral oil so I'm wondering if maybe that's the culprit. I just ordered a bottle of the UBH deep conditioner thanks to GlamourGirl to strengthen the hair and help retain length, now I just need a really good moisturizer. Something that'll help my desert drt hair. I was thinking of ordering the Dew and the other one Cathy sells, but wanted to see what some of you did to releve the dryness. Also, any better suggestions for conditioners to cowash with? Thanks in advance.

 

[preciousjewel76]

I've tried ORS lotion, S curl, Dove Sheer Moisture, etc and nothing seems to moisturize.

I co wash 6 days a week (I have to I sweat like crazy in my workout, it soaks my hair) with motions moisture plus. It's really slippy, but the second ingredient is mineral oil so I'm wondering if maybe that's the culprit.

OK, I left the parts of your post that really stood out to me. All of the moisturizers you mentioned using contain cones or mineral oil. These ingredients aren't always bad, but they can easily build up and make your hair feel dry. When was the last time you clarified your hair? How often do you clarify, if at all?

I'm especially concerned that you're cowashing with something as "heavy" as Motions Moisture Plus. Now, I like MMP, but I really only use it if I need serious detangling, or right after my relaxer. It has too much mineral oil and cones for me to use on a regular basis. My hair wouldn't be happy with me if I used it 6 days a week! Since you cowash so often, I would really suggest using a cone-free conditioner, like one of the Suave or V05 varieties. A lot of ladies also like Tressemme conditioners (I've never tried them), but I think they contain cones. You can also use these cheapie conditioners as daily moisturizers. I also really like Africa's Best Carrot Oil Cream and Qhemet's Sidr Tree Butter Balm for daily moisture.

Basically, I think product build up is robbing your hair of moisture and making it feel dry. Step away from that Motions Moisture Plus, girlie! LOL

 

[alexstin]

I have very dry hair. I've tried MANY moisturizers and what works best for me is half distilled water and half(actually just a tad less than half) scurl no drip and a couple of drops of oil(I use castor oil). I'm amazed at how great my hair feels and the elasticity has returned!

I thought I could avoid scurl but it works for my hair so I'm not fighting it anymore.

I'm a little bit heartbroken So close to APL now back to shoulder length. I've experienced major breakage. I use no heat. I've tried Humectress for mositure, CPR, did an Aphogee, etc. but it just keeps breaking. At first I thought it was the topic, but now I'm thinking maybe the no lye hair is breaking off from the lye hair? I dunno. I just know my hair is like a desert. I stopped using BT for a week thinking maybe the sulphur was drying it out but it's not, it's still dry especially my roots. I've tried ORS lotion, S curl, Dove Sheer Moisture, etc and nothing seems to moisturize. I've used Porosity control twice and no go. My hair is growing like a weed thans to healthy hair care, BT, and my exercise regimen, now I need to retain length. I co wash 6 days a week (I have to I sweat like crazy in my workout, it soaks my hair) with motions moisture plus. It's really slippy, but the second ingredient is mineral oil so I'm wondering if maybe that's the culprit. I just ordered a bottle of the UBH deep conditioner thanks to GlamourGirl to strengthen the hair and help retain length, now I just need a really good moisturizer. Something that'll help my desert drt hair. I was thinking of ordering the Dew and the other one Cathy sells, but wanted to see what some of you did to releve the dryness. Also, any better suggestions for conditioners to cowash with? Thanks in advance.

 

[Cayenne0622]

I'm a little bit heartbroken So close to APL now back to shoulder length. I've experienced major breakage. I use no heat. I've tried Humectress for mositure, CPR, did an Aphogee, etc. but it just keeps breaking. At first I thought it was the topic, but now I'm thinking maybe the no lye hair is breaking off from the lye hair? I dunno. I just know my hair is like a desert. I stopped using BT for a week thinking maybe the sulphur was drying it out but it's not, it's still dry especially my roots. I've tried ORS lotion, S curl, Dove Sheer Moisture, etc and nothing seems to moisturize. I've used Porosity control twice and no go. My hair is growing like a weed thans to healthy hair care, BT, and my exercise regimen, now I need to retain length. I co wash 6 days a week (I have to I sweat like crazy in my workout, it soaks my hair) with motions moisture plus. It's really slippy, but the second ingredient is mineral oil so I'm wondering if maybe that's the culprit. I just ordered a bottle of the UBH deep conditioner thanks to GlamourGirl to strengthen the hair and help retain length, now I just need a really good moisturizer. Something that'll help my desert drt hair. I was thinking of ordering the Dew and the other one Cathy sells, but wanted to see what some of you did to releve the dryness. Also, any better suggestions for conditioners to cowash with? Thanks in advance.

awwww!! Sorry to hear that! I think the Motions Moisture Plus might be the culprit. It does give great slip but its filled with cones. I'm thinking the cones have coated your hair strands and may be preventing moisture from getting in. Have you done a clarifying wash yet? Give it a shot and then do a mild protein reconstructor like Pantene Relaxed and Natural Breakage Defense Mask or AO GPB or a combination of both. And change your cowash conditioner to something like AO Honeysuckle Rose or Giovanni or some other conditioner that doesn't have a lot of mineral oil and cones.

Good Luck, hon! I know you were doing so good with that length. I want you to reach your hair goals.

 

[RZILYNT]

Kbragg

I am so sorry that you are having major breakage. You may need to clarify so that any moisturizing products that you are using can penetrate the hair shaft. It could be that your efforts have been futile since mineral oils can coat the hair or you may just have product build up. UBH Conditioner is great. That is one of my staples. You may want to invest in the UBH moisturizer as well. I like them both ( Dew and the Creme) The conditioner is a weekly protein treatment so you will need a good moisturizer if you choose one on other than hers. In addition to those products, I use Neutrogena Triple Moisture Conditioner and Poo. When ever I condition or moisturize I always use a hooded dryer for at least 15min minimum.

Another product that stops breakage, which may be similar to the Aphogee treatment is a Mizani product that Super Girl has in her regimen. Check her profile or PM her. She has had great results with that.

I hope you can get things under control. You will gain that length back in no time.

RZ~

 

[LocksOfLuV]

OK, I left the parts of your post that really stood out to me. All of the moisturizers you mentioned using contain cones or mineral oil. These ingredients aren't always bad, but they can easily build up and make your hair feel dry. When was the last time you clarified your hair? How often do you clarify, if at all?

I'm especially concerned that you're cowashing with something as "heavy" as Motions Moisture Plus. Now, I like MMP, but I really only use it if I need serious detangling, or right after my relaxer. It has too much mineral oil and cones for me to use on a regular basis. My hair wouldn't be happy with me if I used it 6 days a week! Since you cowash so often, I would really suggest using a cone-free conditioner, like one of the Suave or V05 varieties. A lot of ladies also like Tressemme conditioners (I've never tried them), but I think they contain cones. You can also use these cheapie conditioners as daily moisturizers. I also really like Africa's Best Carrot Oil Cream and Qhemet's Sidr Tree Butter Balm for daily moisture.

Basically, I think product build up is robbing your hair of moisture and making it feel dry. Step away from that Motions Moisture Plus, girlie! LOL

Excellent EXCELLENT advice. I would clarify and look for some Suave/Vo5/White Rain conditioners to cowash with. Sounds like you are using too heavy products.

 

[prospurr4]

I am so sorry about your setback. I'm gonna basically agree with what the other ladies have already mentioned. I use Motions MP as my deep conditioner. It does give good slip, making detangling so much easier. However, because of all the cones it contains, I clarify every 2 weeks to remove the buildup. If I don't, my hair feels dry and breaks, no matter how much moisturizer I use.

I don't do cowashes, but if I did I would use my cone-free favorite, Vo5 Moisture Milks Strawberries and Cream.

 

[localhost]

I would say that you could try to cut back on co washes and maybe do them every other day or every 3 days. Give your hair a chance to maintain the oils and moisture.

Also, when was your last trim or dusting? That might help!

Good luck!

 

[janeemat]

At first I thought it was the topic, but now I'm thinking maybe the no lye hair is breaking off from the lye hair? I dunno. I just know my hair is like a desert.

KB did you switch from no lye to lye relaxer lately. If so, that could definitely be the culprit. My sister always used a no lye, for years. She switched to lye and just as you stated, her hair broke down to the ng all over. I'm not trying to upset you, but you may have to cut all off and start over, which is what my sis had to do. I don't know why this happens when you go from no lye to lye. I switched from lye to Affirm no lye and did not have a problem. Just keep putting a good mixture of protein and moisture cond. It will take awhile but it will soon be healthy again. Good Luck!

 

[kbragg]

Thanks for your responses! Alexin, do you use the white bottle or grey bottle of s curl?

I clarify once a week or 2 weeks with my Motions Neutralizer.

I switch to lye 6 months ago, so maybe that's not the culprit.

I've been thinking of using stay so fro and care free curl for moisture too. Any experience with those? I see Motions moisture plus has got to go I was loving the slip but man it's costing me. Well, time to get some more products YAY! Thanks in advance!

 

[alexstin]

Thanks for your responses! Alexin, do you use the white bottle or grey bottle of s curl?

I clarify once a week or 2 weeks with my Motions Neutralizer.

I switch to lye 6 months ago, so maybe that's not the culprit.

I've been thinking of using stay so fro and care free curl for moisture too. Any experience with those? I see Motions moisture plus has got to go I was loving the slip but man it's costing me. Well, time to get some more products YAY! Thanks in advance!

I use the white bottle. Now, I'm thinking did I ever know what moisture was before I started using this Scurl concoction.LOL!! I played around with it a bit before I made a larger amount in my spray bottle but the 1/2 and 1/2 has my hair saying THANK YOU!!

 

[BrownBetty]

Thanks for your responses! Alexin, do you use the white bottle or grey bottle of s curl?

I clarify once a week or 2 weeks with my Motions Neutralizer.

I switch to lye 6 months ago, so maybe that's not the culprit.

I've been thinking of using stay so fro and care free curl for moisture too. Any experience with those? I see Motions moisture plus has got to go I was loving the slip but man it's costing me. Well, time to get some more products YAY! Thanks in advance!

I don't think that the Neutralizer is actually clarifying. Try Kenra, neutrogena, Suave....

 

[preciousjewel76]

I don't think that the Neutralizer is actually clarifying. Try Kenra, neutrogena, Suave....

I don't know about Motions, but I use Silk Elements Neutralizing poo as a clarifier. The directions say it can be used to remove product buildup.

 

[RubyWoo]

I don't think that the Neutralizer is actually clarifying. Try Kenra, neutrogena, Suave....

Agreed. I was using ORS Creamy Aloe shampoo (neutralizing shampoo that claims to remove and prevent build up) but I still had hair issues (minor dryness, dullness). Although it made such claims, I still believe that since it is a neutralizing shampoo, it still has it limitations where clarifying is concerned.
Recently, I used a shampoo that explictily had clarifying in the title and description my hair has done a complete turnaround. I would also suggest you(OP) get a clarifying shampoo. Try it out and see what happens. Good luck!

 

[gymfreak336]

I second everything else that was said here. You use alot of cone heavy products. Do a full clarifying wash and use porosity control again, and deep condition with a conditioner that doesn't have as many cones so you can really get a deep moisture treatment. I know some one mentioned aubreys honeysuckle and rose and that would be great to try since it has tons of coconut, shea butter and other oils that really help surge moisture into the strands.

 

[hopeful]

I would say that you could try to cut back on co washes and maybe do them every other day or every 3 days. Give your hair a chance to maintain the oils and moisture.

Also, when was your last trim or dusting? That might help!

Good luck!

I agree with this. When I was relaxed I tried the frequent conditioner washes and my hair became very dry and lifeless. Even now as a natural I cannot conditioner wash daily because it strips my hair too much and I suppose it's also just too much manipulation as well. The most my hair can handle is 2-3 times a week.

 

[InnerSoul]

Kbragg

I am so sorry that you are having major breakage. You may need to clarify so that any moisturizing products that you are using can penetrate the hair shaft. It could be that your efforts have been futile since mineral oils can coat the hair or you may just have product build up. UBH Conditioner is great. That is one of my staples. You may want to invest in the UBH moisturizer as well. I like them both ( Dew and the Creme) The conditioner is a weekly protein treatment so you will need a good moisturizer if you choose one on other than hers. In addition to those products, I use Neutrogena Triple Moisture Conditioner and Poo. When ever I condition or moisturize I always use a hooded dryer for at least 15min minimum.

Another product that stops breakage, which may be similar to the Aphogee treatment is a Mizani product that Super Girl has in her regimen. Check her profile or PM her. She has had great results with that.

I hope you can get things under control. You will gain that length back in no time.

RZ~

ITA with the bolded... KBragg you are on the right track as others have stated with purchasing UBH products.. they are my main staples as well and I refuse to switch to any other deep conditioner(b/c that deep conditioner is off the chain)!! Also I just learned from the other ladies posts that cones build up on your strands and keep moisture from getting in... yikes I need to watch this as well when I do my conditioner washes. I think I will use more of the suave conditioner on my con wash days and cut back on my herbal essences conditioners(filled with cones) I don't mind cones but I think overuse is the culprit for my breakage too(prone to one area on my head )! I guess everything in moderation is the key Good luck and I can relate to your breakage too.. you are not alone!! HHG

 

[InnerSoul]

I agree with this. When I was relaxed I tried the frequent conditioner washes and my hair became very dry and lifeless. Even now as a natural I cannot conditioner wash daily because it strips my hair too much and I suppose it's also just too much manipulation as well. The most my hair can handle is 2-3 times a week.

something else for me to think about as well!! Relaxed hair is already fragile... so less manipulation for my hair is the key.. boy I learn more and more on these hair boards ... it is just a matter of retaining all the info and applying it

 

[kimbaparis]

I have very dry hair. I've tried MANY moisturizers and what works best for me is half distilled water and half(actually just a tad less than half) scurl no drip and a couple of drops of oil(I use castor oil). I'm amazed at how great my hair feels and the elasticity has returned!



Alexstin, how often do you put your s curl mixture in. and do you seal it with anything or is that mix enough. i haven't found anything i'm happy with yet. and a lot of moisturizers make my hair frizzy. how does everyone combat that?

 

[14got]

Excellent EXCELLENT advice. I would clarify and look for some Suave/Vo5/White Rain conditioners to cowash with. Sounds like you are using too heavy products.

I have a closet full, walgreens has the buy 2 get one free every few week.
Maybe you need to keep it simple a minute
good luck

 

[alexstin]

I have very dry hair. I've tried MANY moisturizers and what works best for me is half distilled water and half(actually just a tad less than half) scurl no drip and a couple of drops of oil(I use castor oil). I'm amazed at how great my hair feels and the elasticity has returned!



Alexstin, how often do you put your s curl mixture in. and do you seal it with anything or is that mix enough. i haven't found anything i'm happy with yet. and a lot of moisturizers make my hair frizzy. how does everyone combat that?

I don't seal with anything since I've already aded oil to the mix. I use it once or 2x a day. 2x a day=morning and night.

 

[Aalize]

In addition to what the others have said maybe you are manipulating your hair too much by co-washing 6 days a week?

Have you tried any of the alternatives in this thread? http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=93610

 

[Lavendar]

Sorry this is happening to you, kbragg. Setbacks are so heartbreaking. I can sympathize though cause I had been struggling with breakage the past several weeks myself. Of course, the advice you have been given is on point. I just really think the neutralizing poo is way too harsh for clarifying. I'm only saying it over again because I've seen the damage it can do. Really consider switching to something that specifically says clarifying. Hope you find your way back real soon! (((HUGS)))

 

[14got]

Up your water intake , I'm sure you drink a bit, but it can't hurt to drink more

 

[sareca]

Sorry 'bout chu hares.

 

[thegirltolove]

I know what you mean sis. I used to co-wash all the time and my hair got real dry and brittle. I am an army girl, so I work out urrrrr-day!! When I was constantly co-washing, and my hair was still brittle, I was like . Just confused. I remedied that problem with a few changes to my routine:

1-Cut down the co-washing and opted for plain ol' water rinsing on some of those days. When I was done, I used the s-curl and an oil (usually castor) to seal my ends. I try to co-wash on the days that I run, since those are the times when I sweat the most...and believe me girl....I SWEAT!!!

2- Started baggying my hair when I worked out. I have a phony-bun that I wear over my baggie so that my hair is up out of the way, plus it is also already in pre-poo mode. When co-wash, my hair is not all depleated of oils.

Also, for clarifying, my hair LOVES Kera Care 1st Lather Shampoo!!! My it always leaves my hair clean and moisturized. I have officially given my 2 cents...

 

[*Happily Me*]

i would like to add that perhaps you should start stretching and texlaxing.

 

[thegirltolove]

I know this is waaaaaay off topic, but OMGoodness DSylla. Look at all that hair!!!!! I am lovin' it!!!!!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program....

 

[kbragg]

Wow ladies, thanks for all the advice! I'm taking notes. I used some VO5 for my cowash this time and WOW what a difference! I bought the Suave Cucumber Melon tonight (No Milk & Honey Here but Ima find it doggoneit) and will be cowashing with that. It fely so much less brittle than it has been with the motions. I sprayed on the Dove Moisture Mist (I just bough this one, can't get away with not using it..hubby is conservative lol) and sealed with Patient1's oil and let air dry. Super soft and moisturizing! So apparently my problem must be the mineral oil daily Will keep everyone posted!

 

[ladytq]

I looove stay soft fro!!!! I also started using BB oil moisturizer, me really likey this too!!!! Girl, I will be praying for ya hur.