Finding the right balance?

[sarel]

Hey ladies, I've got the hair blues! I hope you can help because I'm losing faith. Last week, I noticed that my strands weren't holding their shape at all when I stretched them. They immediately became stick-straight wherever they were pulled. I figured I needed more protein asap. I applied a Keraphix treatment, then I DC'd w/ Humectress for an extra protein boost. To stop the breakage I had, I cornrowed my hair, and put a baggie on the ends. Now, it's been less than a week, and I've failed the stretch test again. I've also noticed that my hair is breaking off 2-4 inches at a time now (vs centimetres, which is why I started the baggie in the first place). I'm getting so frustrated because I feel like I'm taking the necessary steps toward healthy hair, but making zero progress. Where am I going wrong? I either go overboard w/ protein, or I go overboard w/ moisture, and it's driving me bananas. What are your tips on finding the right balance? TIA.

 

[Ms_Twana]

Unfortunately, I haven't found the right balance either. But I think it's just a matter of trial and error. Just keep experimenting. Does your hair feel hard??? Did you clarify before the protein treatment???

 

[LynnieB]

Hey ladies, I've got the hair blues! I hope you can help because I'm losing faith. Last week, I noticed that my strands weren't holding their shape at all when I stretched them. They immediately became stick-straight wherever they were pulled. I figured I needed more protein asap. I applied a Keraphix treatment, then I DC'd w/ Humectress for an extra protein boost. To stop the breakage I had, I cornrowed my hair, and put a baggie on the ends. Now, it's been less than a week, and I've failed the stretch test again. I've also noticed that my hair is breaking off 2-4 inches at a time now (vs centimetres, which is why I started the baggie in the first place). I'm getting so frustrated because I feel like I'm taking the necessary steps toward healthy hair, but making zero progress. Where am I going wrong? I either go overboard w/ protein, or I go overboard w/ moisture, and it's driving me bananas. What are your tips on finding the right balance? TIA.

Sarel, are you natural or relaxed (checked your profile and didn't see it listed).

you sound like i was when i first started transitioning...trying to find that perfect balance.

first i thought i needed protein for the strengthing but it just made my hair more hard and cracky (at the ends especially).

so during the summer i started a intensive moisture program. it took around 4 months of non stop moisturizing products, i even changed my products and got rid of the huge amount of cones i was using for washing and conditioning. now i only use cones sparingly like for flatironing (haven't consciously used it for rollersetting). my ORS pack has a cone but i don't use it every wash. ETA: the Proclaim mist i just bought has a cone in it.:S

your hair just might not like the products or the products are ineffective. try doing hot oil pre-poos. reduce the strength of the protein you're using.

<knocking wood> finally, i'm happy to say that my hair is doing soooo much better now.

it took about 4-5 months before i really saw and felt a huge difference in my strands condition. hair that snapped before has alot more give and breakage is extremely minimal.

also i've stopped using small braids and instead went to twisting and saved the braids for braidouts only (no more than 6-8). smaller braids seem to make too much crinkle and stress out my hair too much.

maybe you can try to use a lower strength protein. try aubrey organics GPB - it's protein is mild and it's moisturizing at the same time and has not a cone, then keep up with the moisture treatments and do some really deep moisturizing conditioning (15 minutes, an hour or even overnight).

it'll get better...you just have to figure out what your hair needs.