Disintegrating Hair

[peony]

Hi Ladies,

I'm wondering if any of you ever had an experience with what I call "disintegrating hair." Many years ago, when I used to braid my hair with extensions, I was never able to retain length because when I took out the braids the ends would sort of...disintegrate. It was breakage I guess, but it was so much all over the place, and seemed like it just melted off, that it was more dramatic than ordinary breakage. I attributed it to the chemicals in extension hair and eventually I developed a skin allergy to extension hair. Although the middle of the shaft wouldn't break off, it would also be weaker than before putting in the braids.

More recently, when I combed out my locs, the hair was very long (the longest it has ever been, although I had to cut a lot of it off because it was color and dryness-damaged), but at the very end it was also like the hair had disintegrated like it had with braids. What I mean is, I would comb out the loc from the bottom and the bottom two to three inches would all be these short brittle hairs. Once I got past a couple of inches, the hair was intact although not in great shape. (I rarely moisturized my locs because I hated build-up and it looked really good with just regular washing/instant conditioner and a little oil.)
Anyway, I was just wondering if I'm the only one who has had the experience of hair that has just seemed to melt off at the ends even when it is in a "protective" style because it wasn't properly cared for or because of chemicals in extension hair.

 

[Pandora1975]

I couldn't help but notice that you stated that you rarely moisterize because of buildup. I think that was what went wrong. The first few times I had braids, I had this problem. I learned that I HAVE to moisterize. I'd use braid sheen and oils for that. Then for build up I'd wash with a clear shampoo diluted. Id just hold the length of my hair in my hand and over my shoulder in the shower to support the weight. Then apply the diluted shampoo in a squirt bottle at the roots and let gravity do the rest followed by a long long rinse. Worked for me and no frizizes.

 

[Sunrise]

^^^^ agreed.

Next time you put extension in your hair, try the Crown and Glory method: http://www.growafrohairlong.com/braidreg.html. #

Do a search on here for it. There are loads of threads.

HTH

 

[peony]

I actually don't plan on wearing extensions ever again because of the allergic reactions I had (and I don't really like the way they feel, I don't like make up or stilettos either, not a bombshell type, lol.) I was just curious if others had had this experience. I didn't moisturize often with locs but I DID moisturize frequently when I wore extensions. I think you're right that lack of moisture was a big part of the issue with the loc take down. But I think for my hair it definitely was the case that when I had extensions the chemicals in extension hair damaged it. I know this doesn't happen with everyone. Obviously lots of people here do really well with extensions, but for me I think it was just too much.

 

[Pandora1975]

I've had a mild reaction before. Now I wash it immediately after I'm done putting them in. Also tightens my hair within the braid thanks to shrinkage.

 

[tash85]

I've also experienced an adverse reaction to the chemicals in weave. That was basically why I decided to go natural (the "eww look at the rash on the back of your neck" comments from my SO were a factor too but whatever)

I think if your hair is disintigrating when in braids and logs, it may have something to do with a lack of hair care. I too got very lax when I had my hair in braids but having read around, hair needs constant TLC, something that is very hard to give when you can see it all (in braids) or can't get to it all (in locs)

 

[Junebug D]

I've seen that before. The hair is just extremely dry, brittle, and fragile.

You could make a light spritz to avoid buildup in braids or locs.