I have to cut all of my hair off

[meka]

It has no life whatsoever. I won't move or nothing. I have some split ends and a broke spot in the top and every stylist I talk to tell me I have to go really short. I don't know what to do. It is past my neck in the back and short neck length in the front. I have tried everything I don't know what else to try. Any advice please.

 

[Keen]

What's your regimen? Have you tried Aphogee or nexxus emergencee? You may be able to just cut the split ends and salvage the rest.

 

[KAddy]

Are you sure that is what is needed? I mean, can they just clip the split ends and trim up the broken section without it being noticeable?

I know when I had a broken section about an inch long (I had a weave and I removed it poorly) I just made sure those ends were not split and let it go. It was under some longer hair so it was not noticeable. It has since grown out and I didn't cut all my hair off.

My suggestion is to trim the split ends and the broken section and try a minimalist approach when dealing with your hair. Do you know what caused the breakage? I have breakage in the top of my head but that is from a stylist being to rough with my hair when I was going to get a touch-up. However, it is not anything that would make me cut it all short.

 

[meka]

The breakage came from me applying color twice in two days. My regimen is as follows
Shampoo every 5 days
Condition with Humecto or Humectress
Used Keraphix for first time last night
Use heat about once a month.

 

[Queenie]

I'd keep it well moisturized and very little manipulation to nurse it for a couple of months, then decide what to do.

 

[deedabug]

i agree with trying different things before you go to the extreme...more moisturization couldnt hurt at all

 

[KAddy]

Definitely add more moisture. Do deep conditioning treatments. Lay off the heat (even though you said you only do it about once a month). And just roller set your hair. If possibly I say do twist-outs or braid-outs so you don't have to comb your hair as much.

I don't think you have to cut all your hair off. I also broke off a lot of my hair with a relaxer a few years ago (way before I found this hair board) and I just shampooed and conditioned and twisted my hair back and wore it like that for a few days then I took it out and wore a twist-out for the rest of the week. Then shampooed and started the process over.

Don't stress, your hair will bounce back.

 

[KinksnCurlz]

Try and keep ur ends moisturized as much as possible. Maybe you can just trim ur splits and do a bun challenge for at least 6 months... you will definately notice the difference in ur hair, esp. the ends. Also, think about doing the baggie method and wearing phonyponies. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Erica78]

/images/graemlins/kiss.gif Meka...If you don't feel comfortable cutting it all at once...don't do it. I agree with KAddy. It is normal for everyone to have a few split ends...but I had an excessive amount a few months ago. What I decided to do was to have my stylist go throughout my hair and clip the ends. She would part my hair in several different sections and clip them. This way you are clipping the majority of your ends instead of just chopping off the longest part of them. Focus on keeping them super moisturized. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter are excellent for doing this. You can nurse your ends until your hair is @ a comfortable length for you to do more trimming. Personally...I think several small trims are better than one big cut...especially if you don't want to do it. /images/graemlins/up.gif

 

[miss_brown]

[ QUOTE ]
Definitely add more moisture. Do deep conditioning treatments. Lay off the heat (even though you said you only do it about once a month). And just roller set your hair. If possibly I say do twist-outs or braid-outs so you don't have to comb your hair as much.

I don't think you have to cut all your hair off. I also broke off a lot of my hair with a relaxer a few years ago (way before I found this hair board) and I just shampooed and conditioned and twisted my hair back and wore it like that for a few days then I took it out and wore a twist-out for the rest of the week. Then shampooed and started the process over.

Don't stress, your hair will bounce back.

[/ QUOTE ]

Excellent advice /images/graemlins/smile.gif I agree - just trim it for now, and keep the treatments up. You might even want to think about wearing some cornrows for a while to give your hair a break. If your hair doesn't turn around in a couple weeks, THEN consider more drastic measures. Good luck /images/graemlins/kiss.gif

 

[crazyabouthair]

My hair is really damaged too from me applying my own relaxers. So now I only get them done at the salon. Every time I go to the salon my hairdresser is telling me how dry they are, but cutting them all off is not an option for me. Instead, here is what I am doing. I wash twice a week but I deep condition once a week. I throw 3-4 of my conditioners together (I have so many) and mix in some keracare essential oil. This makes the conditioner more moisturizing. I sit under the dryer for 10-15 minutes with a plastic cap then rinse. I either rollerset or I airdry and then wrap my hair. My hairdresser recommended dudley's hair rebuilder to strengthen my hair so I use that by itself every other shampoo, you can also sit under the dryer with this one for better penentration. Keraphix is a good reconstructor also. I'm also suppose to go to the salon every 2-3 weeks for treatments. I wrap my hair everynight to keep them from being dry, and I've cut down on hot curling. When I undo my wrap in the mornings I just wear my hair straight (and this is not always the cutest style) but it keeps me from using heat. Sometimes if I have no where special to go I will leave my hair wrapped all day, I'll even go to the grocery store and the post office with my hair wrap. I know women who come to work with their hair wrapped sometimes, and those are women with long healthy hair. I've learned to stop worrying about looking cute and do what's best for my hair. I'm still having some shedding from the chemical damage but I am seeing some improvements and growth. It takes time to get the hair back to a healthy state. Also a better option would be to trim the hair when you get your touch ups. That way you'll be getting rid of damage ends and keeping some length. A lot of us were you are now and some of us are still there. Take courage, it will work out.

 

[meka]

[ QUOTE ]
Try and keep ur ends moisturized as much as possible. Maybe you can just trim ur splits and do a bun challenge for at least 6 months... you will definately notice the difference in ur hair, esp. the ends. Also, think about doing the baggie method and wearing phonyponies. /images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]Girl, I don't think I have enough hair to do a bun.LOL
But I will try something. Thanks!

 

[meka]

Thanks for the replies ladies! I am going to try the things that you said!

 

[sengschick]

((((meka))))) /images/graemlins/Rose.gif I'm sorry to hear of your hair woes. As usual the LHCF ladies have already given wonderful advice, but I would like to second CaramelHonee's suggestion. I think the baggie-phony pony method would be great for you. It would give your hair a nice break and you could still wash and condition as needed.

I would wash every 3 days or so to limit manipulation. Try to use as little heat as possible. If you desire a straight look roller set only (on low or medium) or try the ponytail method (no heat). I would use Nexxus Emergencee as often as recommended (I think the bottle says once per week) for the next 6 weeks. Since you do have damage, do a big trim instead of a big cut. At a minimum you should be able to wait to cut it until it's a length you are more comfortable with. It'll be better. /images/graemlins/kiss.gif

 

[adrienne0914]

i also had a broken spot and treated it the same way. i agree 100% with what KAddy said!! you can't go wrong listening to that advice! /images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[GodsPromises]

I have been experiencing some breakage, and I have been following the regime posted on the Motion website using CPR. Like you I don't have enough hair for a bun so I have been wearing phony buns and phonytails more and not bothering with my hair as much.

 

[Poohbear]

CONDITION AND MOISTURIZE /images/graemlins/wink.gif

And check out Tracy's Bootcamp 2004 - For colored girls to consider

 

[SherryLove]

i also tell those who are contemplating or who have cut their hair, provided you are fairly healthy, your hair will grow back because it's programmed to.. and just think about how much healthier it will be this time around because you are much more smarter on how to care for your hair....i think sometimes we act as if cutting our hair is the same as cutting off an arm or a leg...hair grows back....lol

 

[zigzag1]

How about kinky twists? Less manipulation, the hair does not have to be long for this. Have a look at the growafrohairlong site for maintenance. Also there is someone on this site who shows you how to do kinky twists and maintain them, but i can't remeber her name. Ladies can you help here. I also agree with trimming the ends, protein treaments and moisturise. HTH. Try not to worry too much. xx

 

[Faith]

I would trim a little bit for now and put it in braids to grow it out.

 

[KAddy]

The other ladies have made a great suggestion for braiding your hair. I just have to caution you as with fragile hair the braids may not be the best option (at least braids with additional hair). It MAY create more tension (if too tight) and cause more damage than good.

 

[brownstallion]

If you think a short cut will look nice on you. I would just go with a cute healthy cut. So you don't have to worry about taking care of damaged hair and you can take care of healthy hair. I know It may be hard! Just write down your pros and cons them make you choice.

 

[Tracy]

If your hair is colored and that's what the damage is from, I absolutely disgree that you should add moisture. Too much moisture can be an enemy to colored hair because it further softens hair that, structurally, has already been "softened" by the double process of realxing and coloring. In short, relaxers soften the protein bonds in the hair so that can be reformed into a straighter texture; color softens it even further by removing some of the pigment, and therefore some of the internal weight of the hair. The result overall is hair that is weaker because it's softer - on the inside. You should therefore, NOT overdose your hair on "moisturizers" of any kind: conditioners, S-Curl, conditioner washing....go easy on these for at least the first 8 weeks of your "rehab" process.

But you should be conditioning. Add PROTEIN. Protein is the single most important thing in your regime when you have a color.

You may indeed need to cut it, but you don't HAVE to do it right now. Depending on how damaged it is, you may be able to baby it a bit and cut off a little less later on. If the damage is severe (which happened to me earlier this year) it may be easier to just get rid of it so you aren't struggling with managebility issues and breakage and you can start fresh.

Either way, it's up to you. It's all a matter of giving your hair what it needs.

 

[Tracy]

[ QUOTE ]
The other ladies have made a great suggestion for braiding your hair. I just have to caution you as with fragile hair the braids may not be the best option (at least braids with additional hair). It MAY create more tension (if too tight) and cause more damage than good.

[/ QUOTE ]
And I agree with Kaddy on this. As a general rule, colored hair requires too much care to be locked away in braids. The only exception is if your hair responds well to braids as a general rule. In that case, if you can figure out a way to do a heavy duty protein conditioner once every 2 weeks, and mild ones weekly with your braids in, then go for it.

 

[Aerie17]

I remembered this thread that was re-posted by Lagniappe some time back about how to "fix" damaged hair. Perhaps this regimen will help you.


I found this on another site. Its long but informative.

Quote:
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Here are my Conditioning recs for fixing Dehydrated, Chemically and/or Heat Damaged Hair, and/or Dry hair (lacking Oils):

These products (Aphogee Treatment, PM Supercharged, Nexxus Emergencee, and Porosity Control) will work on ALL damaged hair types, with the EXCEPTION of curly permed hair. Using the Porosity Control on Chemically Curly Permed Hair, MAY loosen the curl.

Alternative shampoos have been listed below for those unable to use the Sebastian Laminates...which is BEST for VERY thick, wavy/curly or coarse hair. Can be used on Straight hair...if the hair is VERY thick in abundance, and at least a med coarseness.


1 - Do an Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair, and then RINSE OUT.
2 - then do the PM Supercharged (for 15 min), and RINSE OUT.
3 - then use the Porosity Control (for 15 min), and RINSE OUT.

If your hair is ALSO "dry" (lacking in oils), you will need to incorporate a Hot Oil Treatment once per week. I rec Queen Helene's Cholesterol Hot Oil. It is avail at Sallys, and is color safe!

If your hair IS damaged due to heat or chemicals, then Dryness is the first damage stage (oils have been stripped away). This can also occur from HARSH SHAMPOOS! Avoid shampoos containing Ammonium Laurel Sulfate...which is very DRYING to hair. Look for Sodium Laurel Sulfate, or Sodium Laureth Sulfate. While also somewhat drying, using a shampoo that does not contain them, may not be "cleansing enough" to remove dirt and styling product buildup. If your hair is REALLY fried...just skip shampooing all together for a while! Or, dillute your shampoo with water. Put in a tint bottle, and apply the shampoo sparingly JUST TO the scalp. Massage in...and RINSE OUT! Do not apply shampoo to your hair strands.

Hair that is Dehydrated (lacking in moisture), is usally ALWAYS also DRY (lacking in oils). But Dry hair is NOT always Dehydrated. It depends on how DEEP the damage has gone into your hairshaft.


Hair Damage has 3 stages:#1 = Dry (oil has been stripped) You need a Hot Oil Treatment once per week.

#2 = Dehydrated (moisture has been stripped...which means hair is also POROUS). You need PM Supercharged Moisturizer + Porosity Control.

#3= VERY DAMAGED STAGE! Protein Bonds have been broken (hair breaking)--Use Aphogee Treatment ....or Protein Bonds have been STRIPPED (hair is spongy when wet...melts off!) --use BOTH Aphogee Treatment for Damaged Hair, and use Nexxus Emergencee.

The following TREATMENT is written for those with a #3 STAGE OF DAMAGE. If you have less damage (Stage 2 or 1), then use those products appropriate for you. However, following the below treatments will NOT hurt your hair, even if you do not have a level 3 stage of damage. Neglecting to do them, however, if you DO have a level 3 damage, IS bad.



Aphogee Treatment (for level 2's AND 3)
-------------------
Repeat once every 5 weeks and BEFORE (24-48 hours BEFORE coloring) AND AFTER any FULL BLEACH or TINT or COLOR REMOVER process. Not necessary for just "root touchups".

Day 1 - Light shampoo with Sebastian's Laminates Shampoo. (if your scalp is OILY, use a gentle shampoo for Normal hair, on scalp only. Do not pour shampoo directly on length of hair strands). If your hair is VERY thin....use Nexxus Diametress Shampoo.

Aphogee Treatment - ALWAYS wear a Salon Cape [Sallys], or drape a towel around your neck and shoulders WHEN EVER you use a PROFESSIONAL product. These are VERY strong. The Aphogee can cause an irritation on your skin (burning sensation...redness...welting) IF it is allowed to remain on your skin for LONG periods of time (as in you did not rinse it all off!). Drying time in Aphogee can vary according to how damaged your hair is ...or how long or how thick it is. It takes me between 25-45 min to get it HARD! You must let it get HARD and Stiff before rinsing. I use a blow dryer on high heat, high air flow setting. Just keep drying until your hair is REALLY HARD.

Rinse this product off in the SHOWER, for 2 reasons:
1)you do NOT want to manipulate your hair while it is in the HARD stage. It could SNAP off. Do not touch it as you BLOW DRY or sit under a hooded dryer. Do not bend your head over a sink.
2) RINSE off all the Aphogee from your neck and shoulder area. This does NOT irritate the scalp but it does irritate the other skin if left on for a few hours.

If your hair is not damaged enough to warrant their use...nothing will happen. You just won't notice a dramatic change. BUT, if your hair IS damaged...you will LOVE the results!

Follow any Aphogee Treatment with an application of PM Supercharged.
* Leave the PM on for about 15 min. - Rinse
Follow up with Porosity Control IF hair is porous.
* Leave the PC on for about 15 min. - Rinse

Day 2-8 - Light Shampoo with Laminates Shampoo.
Nexxus Emergencee Treatment (for level 3 Damage) + follow up with PM Supercharged, and then Porosity Control..if needed. Repeat this for a total of 7 consecutive times, every time you wash your hair. Days 2-8.

Day 9+ - use Nexxus Emergencee ONCE a week...until hair regains normal strength. Always follow with PM Supercharged.

During this time, continue to use the Porosity Control as needed. Keep the Porosity Control on for 15 min...not the 30 sec as per directions.

YOU must ALWAYS use the PM Supercharged after the Aphogee or Nexxus. Or your hair will feel BRITTLE and ROUGH.
Porosity Control helps to make hair LESS porous. And it restores hair to the proper pH levels.....it is an "acidifier". It will make your hair more sleek and shiny and conditioned.

Use the PM Gloss Drops before and after blow drying.

For ADDED protection from heat...or if hair is VERY chemically stressed...use the Wellatex "Liquid Hair Leave-In Protein Reconstructor". You must spray on damp hair, comb through, and do not use any other products. Blow dry with AIR HEAT only (not brush) until hair is 80% dry. Then add Gloss Drops, gel, whatever...and style/blow dry with brush, etc. Because the Liquid Hair contains Protein, it is DRYING, and you must use the Gloss Drops on your hair BEFORE blowdrying.

If you want to do a "Gloss Treatment" without adding COLOR....use the Radiance ClearShine alone...with just the Infuser.
Use 2 oz. Clear Gloss mixed in an applicator bottle with 2 oz. Infuser

*NOTE: If you have an OILY Scalp/Damaged Hair...just use the conditioning products from your midlengths to your ends. NOT on scalp or hair roots! That includes GLoss Drops! Only apply gloss drops to the LENGTH of your hair.


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[brownstallion]

Wow thats some good stuff Aerie!

 

[Lucia]

You've gotten really good advice ITA with the ladies don't cut all your hair off, just trimm the offending ends and condition, keep the ends tucked under and moisterized.
I suggest using Aubrey Organics shampoos and conditioner rinses because they don't have sodium lauryl/laureth sulfates. You can order them online or buy them at whole foods stores. hth

www.aubrey-organics.com

 

[shelli4018]

I used to have chronic split ends and a spot in the back that had been terribly broken for as long as I could remember.I used to trim that area (but never trimmed enough) so the damage persisted.

When I discovered LHCF I learned to cut back on the heat and chemicals. So finally this year I said what the heck and chopped all but 2 inches of hair off!! It's been 8 months and my hair is healthy and super thick! When I straighten it, its just as long as it was before I chopped. I have no regrets.

Believe it or not, some of us NEED to start over. So don't discount your options right off the bat. Personally, I'd rather rock a TWA than baby 3 strands of long damaged hair.