Hi Trudy!
It sounds to me like you need to work on builing up moisture in the ends of your hair. I was having the same problem a little while ago, and I learned that I was experiencing dryness from product build-up. The main thing causing it - CO washes and CON! Who knew! My ends were crunchy, and when I pressed, the hair closest to my scalp would get silky straight and the ends laughed at me.
Here is what I did to correct my problem (may not necssarily be yours, but maybe...) :
1. I dusted it just a little - not even an eighth of an inch.
2. Gave myself a protein treatment (I now do it once a month using Joico K-Pak for 5 minutes in the shower).
3. I IMMEDIATELY switched shampoos. The CON feels great at first, but it is not worth it for the build-up it gives that can cause dryness and breakage. I now use ABBA Moisture Scentsations Moisturizing Shampoo. It is the BOMB!
4. I follow with ABBA Moisture Scentsations Moisturizing Conditioner (mixed with a little castor oil). I put it on in the shower and put on a plastic cap and let is stay for 15-20 minutes while I complete my shower, then gently comb out under the water.
5. I then add a little bit of hot six oil and ABBA Nourishing Moisturizer, put in a braid, and let air dry. The results are wonderful !
I don't mean to sound like an ABBA ad, but I love the stuff
I do this entire process once a week (except for the K-Pak, I do that once a month). As for CO washes, I only do that every other day if I need to. Sometimes I don't do it at all, because completely rinsing every day dries out my ends, and this may be an issue for you too. I don't use conditioner though, I use castor oil and let it sit while I shower, then rinse it out (NO SHAMPOO, I shampoo only once a week). If it is really tangled, I use a little Mane-and-Tail. I don't CO wash more than 2-3 times per week. To stlye my hair without completely wetting it, I keep a spray bottle. I mist my hair with plain water until it is damp, apply a little moisturizer, add pomade to my edges, then smooth up into a puff. I put on a thin scarf for a few minutes to set it, and it looks the same way my avatar does without completely rinsing. This method has helped my hair retain more moisture, and feel really soft and strong. My end are now GREAT
I am sorry this is so long, but I hope this helps. If you have any questions, don't hesitate