HELP!!!! My hair is breaking...TERRIBLY!!

[happyyogi]

Hello ladies! I am writing to ask for some much needed help. The problem is in the front (where I should/use to have bangs) and a little around the edges. I noticed that my hair, especially the bangs, have broken off very badly. My bang is getting so thin. I don't know what is causing this. The only thing I can think of is that I have been going to the gym more often lately (5-6 days a week), but I always wear my hair in a ponytail. And, I always cover it with a scarf before working out. (I sweat a lot.) I go to the gym early (6:00am), so I don't get to wash/rinse my hair before heading to work. And, I don't wash it after work. Do you all think this may be the reason for the breakage? What can I do to correct this ASAP?? Thanks soooo much for any advice. I always wear my hair in a ponytail, but on the w/ends I wash it and wear it down. So, I noticed it a lot this w/end! This is really freaking me out! I don't want to look like I am loosing my hair line!!! PLEASE HELP....Thanks!

 

[shellzfoshizzle]

I don't know what the initial cause of the breakage could be. My hair is breaking off too and it's to the point where I want to cut it all off. I still don't know why all of a sudden my hair started breaking off. One thing could be the weather, one thing could be stress. However, I noticed a difference in my hair when I kept my hands out of it and STRESSING (which can be a MAJOR factor as well) about it. I just quit piling so many products in my hair and scalp, stuck to one (that moisturizes well since it's the winter) and kept my hands out of my hair. Do you take vitamins? Drink water?

 

[happyyogi]

Well, the only vitamins I take are a multi and flaxseed. As for water--I have being "trying" to get at least 64 oz lately. I don't know what is going on. It's to the point that when I brush my hair into a ponytail, I can still see the split ends at the top. Thanks for your reponse.

 

[shellzfoshizzle]

Those split ends on your ponytail...I think it's called the demarcation line...the place on your hair where you can SEE THRU your hair/split ends and then there is the rest of your hair that is normal and thick. Last year, my entire head was like that and the lady who cut all my hair off (it wasn no use saving my hair) said that it was good to cut the hair at the demarcation line to get rid of those see-through damaged hairs.

 

[happyyogi]

Oh, my ends actually look nice. That's not where my problem is. It's just my top (beginning at the hairline) that I can see the split ends. It's mainly where my bangs are.

 

[Cleo]

I do believe that sweat will do a number on your tresses if you don't wash it out. I would suggest washing your hair at least twice a week since you work out so often and increase moisture. Also, make sure your ponytail holder is not tight as that would certainly cause breakage (use a scrunchie or elastic band with no metal). How often do you use protein?

 

[luvlonghair]

Cleo is right. Sweating and not washing your hair is really bad on the hair. That was my biggest problem. I wanted to lose weight and work out but couldn't stand the thought of washing my hair that often (I know, that's a sad excuse). To me sweat that is dry is like salt, which will dry out your hair. If you can't wash your hair after you work out, try to do a conditioner wash every other day. This should ease your hair from drying and breaking.

Another thought is you said you can't wash after working out, what you can do it stop your workout a little early and wash your hair with conditioner, blow dry, (use a heat protector) then style your hair in a bun. If you don't like using heat, susbstitute it with a towel dry, a good pomade/hair cream and use a phony pony.

That's all I can think of at the moment. I hope this helps. Also remember to Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

 

[happyyogi]

I have used protein (Nexxus Emergencee) only once. I didn't really care for it. I made my hair feel dry or something. Oh, and about the hair wrapper, you know I do know that I have been wearing them too tight. But, I have doing this for years! I know somedays I would go home w/ a slight headache and once I take the wrapper off, I feel so much better. I know I should be ashamed, but I can't help it! I use the elastic kind, but I just have to put it on tight. I haven't thought about that! But, I still don't know why the hairline would be doing the breaking?! Thanks for ALL your reponses!

 

[Poohbear]

happyyogi, did you or do you use a lot of heat on your bangs?

 

[luvSLave]

While it could be the sweat I work out regulalry and only wash once a week in the winter and have never experiended ill effects from not rinsing. Your hair is probably damp with perspiration after working out. Are you letting it dry completely before putting it into a ponytail? It could be that you're being too rough with your hair while its damp. First with the brushing, then with the too tight ponytail holder. You may want to find an alternate style for your workout days - perhaps wearing in braids while you excercise and then releasing them to sport a braidout.