Keep getting split ends. HALP

[GraceJones]

This thread reminds me of the old days when people would come with helpful info. I have to read and come back later to add what I know...

Off the top of my head, I just wanted to side eye the boar bristle brush. If they are too stiff, I think that they'd rip your strands. I've come across a soft boar bristle once, but I think that the bristles are still stiff. But maybe it was synthetic, because I think it was less than $10 even though it was a mini brush. A goat hair brush is super soft, but I'm not sure if it would be too soft for smoothing out your hair...?

I know some people mentioned getting a proper trim, but that wouldn't help if you are dealing with keyhole splits. What you need is lots of moisture consistently. (And a good diet.)

As for the silk bonnet/scarf, is it actually silk or satin. And if it's satin, is it silk-like satin or the rough polyester stuff that I see at the black beauty supply stores? I find that real silk makes my hair feel different over time vs satin.

Will come back later and read through...I might have more to add.

Yes! I've actually stopped posting on this side because when I would ask questions folks would barely respond...
I'm glad that's changed!

Maybe the boar bristles are too stiff. I got it from the BSS. Do you have recommendations for goat hair brushes?

Yes, I have midshaft holes in my hair as well. I do weight training, do I do track my calories in terms of protein, fats, and carbs. I also take iron vitamins for my anemia. My doctor says my levels are much better.

I've had this scarf since I was about 10 years old, but I'm pretty sure I got it from the BSS. Do you have any recommendations for a scarf/pillowcase? I typically don't wear bonnets

 

[Chicoro]

ENOUGH! I say.​

Let's cease this dithering about and continue posting and building this MAGNIFICENT, informative thread, reminiscent of the old days which was the reason SO MANY of us joined this board!



Shall I proceed? YES, indeed! And the rest of ya'll too.

Thanks for getting this thread started @GraceJones !

Night night from across the pond!

 

[Lute]

I usually wear my hair in a bun and then twist synthetic hair over it to make my bun look bigger. Hate to say that I'm not comfortable wearing my natural hair without length (working on it). Do you have any neat, stylish hair styles that you can suggest for me? I'm open to change because I want to see progress.

@GraceJones sorry for the late response. I normally have my hair in twists and minibraids/braids (with my own hair) and pull it back in the bun. I'm plane jane type of gal and I keep it very simple and I adorn my hair with the gold tube thingies to make it pretty.

Maybe its time to go in that route at your own mileage. Since I know your still trying to get used to your own hair.

 

[GraceJones]

ENOUGH! I say.​

Let's cease this dithering about and continue posting and building this MAGNIFICENT, informative thread, reminiscent of the old days which was the reason SO MANY of us joined this board!



Shall I proceed? YES, indeed! And the rest of ya'll too.

Thanks for getting this thread started @GraceJones !

Night night from across the pond!

Nuff said

@GraceJones sorry for the late response. I normally have my hair in twists and minibraids/braids (with my own hair) and pull it back in the bun. I'm plane jane type of gal and I keep it very simple and I adorn my hair with the gold tube thingies to make it pretty.

Maybe its time to go in that route at your own mileage. Since I know your still trying to get used to your own hair.

I'm way too high maintenance for this but maybe one day I will get there.

When I would wear cornrows , I would use this spray to moisturize and then seal with JBCO when I was in the cornrows under my wigs

I also bought this over Black Friday. I've never used it but I thought I would try it with the cornrows also

I was thinking about wearing the cornrows as protective style and then perhaps wearing a kinky curly wig like this. Therefore, I could cut time but not have to worry about styling the wig. I could just wash and them brush the wig with my Denman brush to form the curls.

I typically wear a straight wig with a side part and beach waves, but that takes a bit of styling because I would have to use flexirods to get the curls. At times, I work 80 hours a week and sometimes I'm too tired to have to flexirod each night.

 

[GraceJones]

@GraceJones

Yes! That image is exactly what I'm talking about. I only did one row but two rows make sense too.
And, wow, those braids are so neat and pretty!

I've seen ladies DC BEFORE washing. Maybe you can try that when you're in braids. That'll help keep your braids clean. Or, maybe you don't DC in the braids. Maybe you just use a regular moisturizing condish. You can still dilute both that and the poo.

Wouldn't you be washing away all of the benefits of the DC?

 

[Lute]

Nuff said


I'm way too high maintenance for this but maybe one day I will get there.

When I would wear cornrows , I would use this spray to moisturize and then seal with JBCO when I was in the cornrows under my wigs

I also bought this over Black Friday. I've never used it but I thought I would try it with the cornrows also

I was thinking about wearing the cornrows as protective style and then perhaps wearing a kinky curly wig like this. Therefore, I could cut time but not have to worry about styling the wig. I could just wash and them brush the wig with my Denman brush to form the curls.

I typically wear a straight wig with a side part and beach waves, but that takes a bit of styling because I would have to use flexirods to get the curls. At times, I work 80 hours a week and sometimes I'm too tired to have to flexirod each night.

I think that's a great idea. It's a good way to alternative and a good break to rest your hair.

 

[MzSwift]

Wouldn't you be washing away all of the benefits of the DC?

Right? But not according to the ladies who've practiced it. In my experience in hair board challenges over the years, I've interacted with more than 10 ladies who DC before washing. Maybe it's similar to prepooing. One thing I've learned being on the boards is "don't knock it till you've tried it." While it may not be for me personally, some lady has had success with it. So I pass along all of the info I can - even if I don't personally use it in my regi. Because I never know what will be that one little thing that helps someone's journey take off!

I've actually seen multiple silk press videos by a stylist who washes out the DC. **And all of her silk presses that I've seen have turned out AMAZING!**

 

[spacetygrss]

I've been using the Head and Shoulders for a few years. It works amazingly. Not too drying and it helps with the huge flakes on my scalp.The dermatologist gave me a Ketoconazole Shampoo, 2% shampoo but I found it too drying.

FYI, if Ketoconazole shampoo is too drying: coat your hair in coconut oil before washing (turn it into a hot oil treatment so that it does double duty). Then, wash your hair with the shampoo, focusing on the scalp (you can transfer it to a bottle with a nozzle). The hair will be cleansed as the shampoo runs down down the strands during the rinse.

 

[GraceJones]

FYI, if Ketoconazole shampoo is too drying: coat your hair in coconut oil before washing (turn it into a hot oil treatment so that it does double duty). Then, wash your hair with the shampoo, focusing on the scalp (you can transfer it to a bottle with a nozzle). The hair will be cleansed as the shampoo runs down down the strands during the rinse.

I can’t use coconut oil. I liked it when I was relaxed, but I can’t use it as a natural. It makes my hair really dry for some reason. I used JBCO as my hot oil treatment before. The shampoo was still drying but a bit better. I’ve never tried diluting the shampoo with nozzle though, that’s a good idea.

 

[spacetygrss]

I can’t use coconut oil. I liked it when I was relaxed, but I can’t use it as a natural. It makes my hair really dry for some reason. I used JBCO as my hot oil treatment before. The shampoo was still drying but a bit better. I’ve never tried diluting the shampoo with nozzle though, that’s a good idea.

That’s fine. Whatever oil works for you. The point is to coat your strands so that the shampoo doesn’t strip your hair. If Head ‘n’ shoulders works for you it’s a non-issue though. I feel like the most pressing issue for you is getting those splits under control. That’s a cycle that you need to break ASAP (been there).

 

[BeautifulRoots]

Right? But not according to the ladies who've practiced it. In my experience in hair board challenges over the years, I've interacted with more than 10 ladies who DC before washing. Maybe it's similar to prepooing. One thing I've learned being on the boards is "don't knock it till you've tried it." While it may not be for me personally, some lady has had success with it. So I pass along all of the info I can - even if I don't personally use it in my regi. Because I never know what will be that one little thing that helps someone's journey take off!

I've actually seen multiple silk press videos by a stylist who washes out the DC. **And all of her silk presses that I've seen have turned out AMAZING!**

Yep. I'm one of those people who DC before shampooing. I started doing it so I don't have to hop in and out of the shower on wash day and to save time.

I don't feel it washes away the benefits. Mmm, maybe a tiny bit, but not enough to make a noticeable difference from when I DC after shampooing. My hair feels good when I'm done. I use a moisturizing rinse out conditioner after shampooing. So I DC with heat, shampoo, then use a rinse out conditioner.

My hair seems to be doing well with it so far, been doing it for about 9 months now.

 

[GGsKin]

Yes! I've actually stopped posting on this side because when I would ask questions folks would barely respond...
I'm glad that's changed!

Maybe the boar bristles are too stiff. I got it from the BSS. Do you have recommendations for goat hair brushes?

Yes, I have midshaft holes in my hair as well. I do weight training, do I do track my calories in terms of protein, fats, and carbs. I also take iron vitamins for my anemia. My doctor says my levels are much better.

I've had this scarf since I was about 10 years old, but I'm pretty sure I got it from the BSS. Do you have any recommendations for a scarf/pillowcase? I typically don't wear bonnets

Just as a tip, in my early days on the board, I bought a goat hair brush. That thing really is way too soft for smoothing our hair. I’d say it’s more suitable for a new born baby’s scalp, and even then, not mine because I was born with a head full of hair. The bristles have the pliability of a soft make-up brush.

 

[MzSwift]

Just as a tip, in my early days on the board, I bought a goat hair brush. That thing really is way too soft for smoothing our hair. I’d say it’s more suitable for a new born baby’s scalp, and even then, not mine because I was born with a head full of hair. The bristles have the pliability of a soft make-up brush.

Ooooh, so I could use one to brush in a moisturizing DC while using the palm of my hand on the other side. Kinda like an applicator brush but easier for me to maneuver. THAT would really pay dividends to my ends care! Thanks for that tidbit!

 

[GGsKin]

Ooooh, so I could use one to brush in a moisturizing DC while using the palm of my hand on the other side. Kinda like an applicator brush but easier for me to maneuver. THAT would really pay dividends to my ends care! Thanks for that tidbit!

@MzSwift Possibly could work well as it is so gentle, but the bristles could become laden with product as they do seem absorbent. I’ve tried to add a video to better show what I mean.
View attachment 75788257579__B3CE8D6D-610F-44D1-B59B-2FEEA930AAA7.MOV

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

I having a similar issue, constant tangles and split ends. I cut two inches off and still the same tangling really frustrated and don't know what to do.

I can run my finger through my hair clearing the tangle and a moment later its tangled again. I wanted to cut it all off but my hair at the crown is thinning and there's no way to camouflage other than to wear a wig.

 

[GraceJones]

I'm also thinking that maybe I could attempt to do my own goddess braids and cornrows as a base?

I would go to an African salon seeing as there are salons by the dozens here in NYC, but I don't like how they expect you to have your hair blow dried before your appointment. I also don't like how they rip through your hair with the rat tail comb. I figured I would be more gentle myself, and hopefully cut down on breakage.

I want to see if I can try it, but I don't want to risk going outside looking crazy. Maybe I should buy a dummy head and practice on that first?

 

[MzSwift]

I having a similar issue, constant tangles and split ends. I cut two inches off and still the same tangling really frustrated and don't know what to do.

I can run my finger through my hair clearing the tangle and a moment later its tangled again. I wanted to cut it all off but my hair at the crown is thinning and there's no way to camouflage other than to wear a wig.

That also sounds like raised cuticles to me. They catch on each other and cause hair clinging and tangling. Are you using a lot of alkaline products? Try adding something more acidic to help close your cuticles. Don't forget to cold water rinse at the end of your washing and conditioning routine.

So check for protein in your products (might be too much for your hair) and if that's not the problem, I'd try closing the cuticles.

 

[MzSwift]

I'm also thinking that maybe I could attempt to do my own goddess braids and cornrows as a base?

I would go to an African salon seeing as there are salons by the dozens here in NYC, but I don't like how they expect you to have your hair blow dried before your appointment. I also don't like how they rip through your hair with the rat tail comb. I figured I would be more gentle myself, and hopefully cut down on breakage.

I want to see if I can try it, but I don't want to risk going outside looking crazy. Maybe I should buy a dummy head and practice on that first?

I'm partial to DIYing when it comes to my hair. Almost no one will care for your hair better than you will. Even a badly braided base will pay off for your hair. I'm not the best braider either. lol

Also, you could do your braids and then put a weaving cap on top of it and rock your wigs if it's bad. That'll give your wig something more secure to hold on to.

There's also head wraps, cute caps and fly earrings until you perfect it all!!

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

That also sounds like raised cuticles to me. They catch on each other and cause hair clinging and tangling. Are you using a lot of alkaline products? Try adding something more acidic to help close your cuticles. Don't forget to cold water rinse at the end of your washing and conditioning routine.

So check for protein in your products (might be too much for your hair) and if that's not the problem, I'd try closing the cuticles.

I barely touch my hair, I took out braids in November and noticed considerable thinning in my crown area and other damage from braiding, I'm now doing a two strand twist and that I do about twice per week. I'm willing to try anything right now.

 

[GraceJones]

I also have a small patch of hair near my ear that is broken off. I remember I had a bump there a few year ago that was really itchy. I kept scratching and then afterwards I realized that area seemed shorter. I try my best to keep my hand away from it. Can you guys see it?

 

[GraceJones]

I also have a small patch of hair near my ear that is broken off. I remember I had a bump there a few year ago that was really itchy. I kept scratching and then afterwards I realized that area seemed shorter. I try my best to keep my hand away from it. Can you guys see it?

View attachment 500538

@MzSwift @Chicoro @Lute

Any ideas on the broken patch? I feel like it’s been like that for about a year and a half and hasn’t really been growing in.

 

[Chicoro]

@MzSwift @Chicoro @Lute

Any ideas on the broken patch? I feel like it’s been like that for about a year and a half and hasn’t really been growing in.

The great news is that you have hair in that area. Meaning, if the area were smooth and hairless, it would be probably be too late because a smooth area means the hair follicles no longer function there.

That is clearly not the case here! The hair is nice and thick over that area.

Does the hair not gain length in
this area? Also, the texture of hair there may be different in that area and require a more specialized care than the rest of your hair.

You didn’t ask me, but your hair looks super dry. Chronic dryness aggravates split ends.

You have extremely thick and jet black Afro textured hair. This is the kind of hair that is unmatched in its beauty when it is well moisturized.

Have you started to implement a new process yet to deeply moisturize your hair? Have you made any changes to your routine since starting this post? If so, what are those changes?

 

[Chicoro]

I also have a small patch of hair near my ear that is broken off. I remember I had a bump there a few year ago that was really itchy. I kept scratching and then afterwards I realized that area seemed shorter. I try my best to keep my hand away from it. Can you guys see it?

View attachment 500538

Is your hair breaking in the back nape area or did you cut or shave that hair there in the lady 12 to 15 months?

 

[GraceJones]

The great news is that you have hair in that area. Meaning, if the area were smooth and hairless, it would be probably be too late because a smooth area means the hair follicles no longer function there.

That is clearly not the case here! The hair is nice and thick over that area.

Does the hair not gain length in
this area? Also, the texture of hair there may be different in that area and require a more specialized care than the rest of your hair.

You didn’t ask me, but your hair looks super dry. Chronic dryness aggravates split ends.

You have extremely thick and jet black Afro textured hair. This is the kind of hair that is unmatched in its beauty when it is well moisturized.

Have you started to implement a new process yet to deeply moisturize your hair? Have you made any changes to your routine since starting this post? If so, what are those changes?

No, I'm not gaining any length in that area. It's been super short since I had the bump there and it hasn't grown back how it was previously. I don't remember having that problem previously.

Yes, it is dry. I’ve been away from my hair products over the holidays. I used some 360 waves pomade to slick my ponytail a few days ago. That might be the culprit.


Yes, thick and coarse but low density. Will I have to cut all my hair off to battle the splits?

I tried the maximum hydration method tonight. These are the products that I used in this order:

^^^with water

I'm currently airdrying. Let's see how it turns out in the morning.

 

[Chicoro]

No, I'm not gaining any length in that area. It's been super short since I had the bump there and it hasn't grown back how it was previously. I don't remember having that problem previously.

Yes, it is dry. I’ve been away from my hair products over the holidays. I used some 360 waves pomade to slick my ponytail a few days ago. That might be the culprit.


Yes, thick and coarse but low density. Will I have to cut all my hair off to battle the splits?

I tried the maximum hydration method tonight. These are the products that I used in this order:

^^^with water

I'm currently airdrying. Let's see how it turns out in the morning.

The Devil is in the details.

Could you explain EXACTLY what you did, please? It's not enough for me to know the title and see the products. Please explain. The more information you give, the better we can find clues and see what is really going on.

I absolutely do NOT recommend you cut anything right now. NO.

Why?

Because the split ends (I don't see them, just going by what you said) are a SYMPTOM of your real problem. You need to get to the figurative root of the problem.

If you don't understand why your hair is breaking now and is split now, and you cut it, you may end up with even shorter hair that eventually splits and breaks again at the newer, shorter length.

I think it is GREAT when a stylist starts a client with a fresh cut. BUT, the difference is the stylist has already analyzed and identified the source or root cause of the client's damage. AND, the stylist has made a commitment to accompany and support that client on the client's hair journey. That accompaniment of the hair stylist is in the form of deciding what needs to be done to the hair and what specific products to use on the hair.

Your situation is totally different. You are on your own. That is why we are gathered here together: to NOT be alone and to get support and to have a whole bunch of eyes on our personal, individual situations and challenges.

Collectively, we are amazing on this site.

The fact that you are documenting in this thread with photos and analyses indicates you have a tremendous chance to reach your goal.

So, tell us in MINUTE detail, how did you employ the maximum hydration method to your hair?

Thank you,

 

[GraceJones]

The Devil is in the details.

Could you explain EXACTLY what you did, please? It's not enough for me to know the title and see the products. Please explain. The more information you give, the better we can find clues and see what is really going on.

I absolutely do NOT recommend you cut anything right now. NO.

Why?

Because the split ends (I don't see them, just going by what you said) are a SYMPTOM of your real problem. You need to get to the figurative root of the problem.

If you don't understand why your hair is breaking now and is split now, and you cut it, you may end up with even shorter hair that eventually splits and breaks again at the newer, shorter length.

I think it is GREAT when a stylist starts a client with a fresh cut. BUT, the difference is the stylist has already analyzed and identified the source or root cause of the client's damage. AND, the stylist has made a commitment to accompany and support that client on the client's hair journey. That accompaniment of the hair stylist is in the form of deciding what needs to be done to the hair and what specific products to use on the hair.

Your situation is totally different. You are on your own. That is why we are gathered here together: to NOT be alone and to get support and to have a whole bunch of eyes on our personal, individual situations and challenges.

Collectively, we are amazing on this site.

The fact that you are documenting in this thread with photos and analyses indicates you have a tremendous chance to reach your goal.

So, tell us in MINUTE detail, how did you employ the maximum hydration method to your hair?

Thank you,

First, I prepoo’d with the JBCO with a shower cap in and out of the hooded dryer for about an hour and a half on high (doing chores, eating, etc.)
Then, I shampooed once with L’Oréal Ever Pure Clarifying shampoo underneath the shower. I shampooed once with the Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Cooling Itching Relief shampoo. No detangling has been done yet. My hair was way too dry and I didn’t want to risk breakage.

Then, I DCed with a shower cap under the hooded dryer on high for thirty minutes with the Shea Moisture Intense Hydration Masque. I rinsed this out in my bathroom sink. Still no detailing has been done.

I then mixed the bentonite clay with water within a glass cup and plastic spoon. I didn’t measure but I tried to make a paste. I applied this to my hair and kept it in my hair for about an hour under a shower cap. I was folding clothes so I was not under the dryer.
The mix was lumpy so next time I’ll use a blender to mix the clay. I rinsed this out under my bathroom sink.

I divided my hair into small sections and applied the Garnier Fruitis Curl Air Dry Dream. I finger detangled my hair while snipping any knots I can across that I could not pull out. I sealed with JBCO and twisted my hair. I covered my hair with my BSS satin scarf to air dry.

Here is how I tie my scarf. I also added pics on how I sectioned my hair to dry in twists

 

[MzSwift]

I barely touch my hair, I took out braids in November and noticed considerable thinning in my crown area and other damage from braiding, I'm now doing a two strand twist and that I do about twice per week. I'm willing to try anything right now.

You can absolutely repair your issue in the twists that you're using. You can try getting old school and put water + condish + oil into a spray bottle. Spray it twice a day on your twists and squeeze it in until they are moist and seal that in with an oil or butter. Then style your twists. Is there any reason you're taking them down twice a week? Could you possibly leave them in for a week or two before redoing them? One way to prolong them is to find ways to style them, esp in updos or any way where your ends are tucked away. Buns are easiest but they can braided and twisted. You can use headbands and hair jewelry to make it pretty. I'm sure YT has lots of ideas. The purpose is to keep your hands out of your hair as much as possible, keeping manipulation minimal, and to give your hair time rest after having those braids in.

Try incorporating a lite protein DC biweekly after a wash to help keep your strands strong as they recover from the stress of the braids.

 

[Chicoro]

First, I prepoo’d with the JBCO with a shower cap in and out of the hooded dryer for about an hour and a half on high (doing chores, eating, etc.)
Then, I shampooed once with L’Oréal Ever Pure Clarifying shampoo underneath the shower. I shampooed once with the Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Cooling Itching Relief shampoo. No detangling has been done yet. My hair was way too dry and I didn’t want to risk breakage.

Then, I DCed with a shower cap under the hooded dryer on high for thirty minutes with the Shea Moisture Intense Hydration Masque. I rinsed this out in my bathroom sink. Still no detailing has been done.

I then mixed the bentonite clay with water within a glass cup and plastic spoon. I didn’t measure but I tried to make a paste. I applied this to my hair and kept it in my hair for about an hour under a shower cap. I was folding clothes so I was not under the dryer.
The mix was lumpy so next time I’ll use a blender to mix the clay. I rinsed this out under my bathroom sink.

I divided my hair into small sections and applied the Garnier Fruitis Curl Air Dry Dream. I finger detangled my hair while snipping any knots I can across that I could not pull out. I sealed with JBCO and twisted my hair. I covered my hair with my BSS satin scarf to air dry.

Here is how I tie my scarf. I also added pics on how I sectioned my hair to dry in twists

Once again as I look at your hair pictures, I am reminded of what I saw, felt and thought yesterday.You have thick, jet-black, beautiful hair.

Six (6) things that JUMPED OUT at me:

1. Why are you waiting to detangle, or barely detangling until the very end of your process?
   • I saw that you said that your hair was way too dry when you started and you didn't want to snap it off.
   • But, your hair starts out dry in your process, it continues to be dry and it stays dry after you wash it.
   • Have you considered doing a WATER BASED pre-shampoo?
     • Mixing water and oil and glycerine and a cheap conditioner.
     • Mixing water and and aloe vera and oil and glycerine.
     • Mixing water and whatever you find works for you via trial and error.
2. Why are you using a clarifying shampoo and clinical strength shampoo?
   • Why are you using a clarifying shampoo? Do you put lots of product in your hair? Clarifying shampoos are DRYING. Should not be used more than every 1 to 2 months.
   • I know you said you have scalp issues. Is the Head and Shoulders Clinical Strength Shampoo okay to be used by itself to cleans your scalp?
3. Why are you cleansing AGAIN with a clay mix? What is your reason for doing a clay treatment?
   • I use clay to wash my hair and it so stripping that I do a mix that @snoop taught.
     • I use WHITE clay and it is one of the most mild clays out there and I NEVER use it by itself or on its own because it is too drying.
     • @snoop taught me to mix it with powdered milk. honey and charcoal powder.
   • You are using BENTONITE clay, STRAIGHT, with nothing mixed into it. Bentonite is harsh and is used to deeply clean and clarify. You've got three clarifying cleansers in place: clarifying shampoo, Head and shoulders and bentonite clay - DRYING
   • Clay is very DRYING
   • I clarify my hair every 3 to 4 months.
     • Regular, non-clarifying shampoo is too harsh for my hair.
     • You are using three (3) on the same wash day.
     • How often do you use these?
     • How often do you wash with them?
4. Where is your protein treatment?
   • Do you have protein in your conditioner?
   • What are you using to fortify the outer structure of your hair?
     • Do you use protein in your routine?
     • If so, what are you using?
     • How often are you using it?
5. What is your moisturizing process?
   • That Dream Product may not have ENOUGH moisture in it once it dries down.
   • Do you re-moisturize 2 to 3 times per week?
   • How often do you put water in your hair, other than when you wash it?
6. What kind of scissors are you using to cut those knots out of your hair?
   • Are you using scissors that you ONLY use on your natural hair?
   • Or do you just use whatever scissors you can find?

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

The great news is that you have hair in that area. Meaning, if the area were smooth and hairless, it would be probably be too late because a smooth area means the hair follicles no longer function there.

That is clearly not the case here! The hair is nice and thick over that area.

Does the hair not gain length in
this area? Also, the texture of hair there may be different in that area and require a more specialized care than the rest of your hair.

You didn’t ask me, but your hair looks super dry. Chronic dryness aggravates split ends.

You have extremely thick and jet black Afro textured hair. This is the kind of hair that is unmatched in its beauty when it is well moisturized.

Have you started to implement a new process yet to deeply moisturize your hair? Have you made any changes to your routine since starting this post? If so, what are those changes?

thanks for this, I think I need a series of deep moisturizing treatments,

 

[MzSwift]

@GraceJones

Oh, so you did a clay after DCing?? I'm interested to hear how your hair turns out.

When I read about the MHM, it was heavy on conditioning and not using anything drying very often. So using too many cleansers seems to go against that.

I agree with Chicoro that I don't see any splits either. And also like she mentioned, that area appears to be growing back in. I believe someone mentioned up thread that the MHM grew back a spot for them too! So it looks like you're on the right track for getting that area back in the game.

Whenever there's a hair issue, to pause and then baby your hair is one of the best ways to fix it. I find that aggressively throwing everything at it, might do you more harm. Also, it'll be hard to know what you did that worked bc too many things were used at the same time. You'll see better progress by putting your hair into a bound PS (like braids/twists under wigs or mini braids/twists) and sticking to a simple regi of daily M&Sing (LOC or LCO), and weekly cleansing and DCing (just two steps) and evaluate every 2-3 months. Using only one cleanser, one condish at a time will help you to know better how they perform on your hair. Putting a plastic cap over your hair at night (GHEing like in the MHM) under your scarf or bonnet will help to increase your moisture levels. I think that's a good start.

I know I probably sound like a broken record but there's a reason why so many naturals live in bound styles like small twists and braids. They are extremely low manipulation and very low maintenance. When trying to do any repair or to rest to your hair, it helps to keep manipulation as low as possible. Your hair is at a great length where it looks really good in small/mini twists. Also, they're very easy to doll up or style in a way that suits you. More importantly, they do a great job of holding in any moisture you impart to your hair - which I believe is the crux of your original problem. One of my early hair crushes (Domin/LHDC2011) started using them in 2003 to grow her hair to HL by getting them redone monthly.

The braids and wig are also another great way to rest your hair while you're trying to impart moisture to it. Same daily and weekly simple regi but it'll give you the added bonus of physically protecting your hair from the elements.