*Le Sigh* I Knew It Was Too Good To Be True. My Hair Is Breaking off...

[Sianna]

It started off with the occasional broken piece of hair here and there, and now it is slowly getting worse and worse. I don't know why, but my hair ALWAYS breaks off around this time of year. I had believed it normally started in the early/mid autumn but it's only September 1st!! Not only that, but now that I know more about my hair and how to care for it, I had come to the conclusion that it broke off before because of dryness brought on by the changing seasons.

I am so sad right now. I really feel like crying! For so many years I've wanted to grow my hair longer, but every time I try, it always ends up breaking off. I haven't changed anything in my routine, the same routine that had my hair flourishing throughout the summer! Now it's breaking off again... just like it always does.

I'm thinking that, hopefully it's just a protein issue and can at the very least be minimized. I just did an Aphogee Two-step treatment and then followed up with a moisturizing conditioner. I'm going to start using the Aphogee Keratin and green tea Restructurizer that helped save my hair back in January, but I'm not feeling too optimistic at the moment.

I'm sure there are some threads that have info about breakage, I'll attempt to weed through and see what I can find, but any links would be greatly appreciated. In the mean time, does anyone have some inspirational stories? Advice? Words of encouragement?

All would be greatly appreciated. I'm really going to try not to let this end my healthy hair journey, but I'm just feeling at the end of my rope right now.

 

[LuvlyRain3]

Dang girl. I'm sorry to hair that. Do you use any protein? Maybe your hair just needs some tlc. Don't throw in the towel just yet.

 

[ms.blue]

The only way I know limit dryness in my hair is to hide with wigs, weaves and braids. Also I don't use much products with glycerin high on the list. Have you castor oil as a sealant?

 

[AmyRose92]

For what it's worth, I've noticed a significant amount of growth in your hair. I remember the first siggy I saw with your hair and compared to that time, your hair has grown! I know how it feels to feel that your hair is just not making any progress (even I feel like this sometimes), but always look at the positive. You know your hair better than anyone on this board. All you have to do is "listen" to it. A regimen that works for you will take a while and a lot of times, it's a hit-or-miss. Right now, it may be just a "miss" but as long as you keep trying, you'll definitely have a "hit"! If you feel your hair is dry, step up on your moisture game. Make sound judgments on what you do to your hair and if it doesn't work out, you can tweek your regimen and then see how your hair progresses in a couple of months. Don't give up!

 

[Honey Bee]

My hair always starts acting up in the fall, so I know where you're coming from. Have you changed your reggie yet (from a summer one to a winter one)? Cuz that could make all the difference. Last winter, I was feeling terrible about my progress, cuz it was just breaking off left and right, but then I incorporated Aphogee 2 min into my reggie, and it's been smooth sailing ever since. I actually use it every time I wet my hair, whether its for a cw or a poo, and I haven't had any 'extra-type' breakage since. Of course, the occasional stray bit here and there, but nothing like before.

I'm relaxed/ texlaxed with really fine strands, so this may be helpful to you or not, but I wish you the best. I know you been trynna make it happen. ((HUGS))

 

[Evallusion]

Wow, Sianna. Sorry to hear you are having breakage issues. Do you think the breakage is from too much moisture or protein over load? Check out this link: http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=22392

For me personally, my hair is not a big fan of protein so I stay far away from it. The last time I did an Aphogee treatment, my hair fell off like a dandelion.

Breakage has been a problem for me in the past but I finally have a solution: Protective Styling, Water, Castor Oil, Qhemet's Heavy Cream and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose. That's what holds down my hair during the cold NJ/NY Winters.

Maybe join in on the Hide Your Hair Challenge until Winter is over and then unleash the fro in the Spring. That's my plan. I don't know if this will work for you, but so far it is working for me. Good luck with everything and DO NOT GIVE UP!!

 

[Evallusion]

The only way I know limit dryness in my hair is to hide with wigs, weaves and braids. Also I don't use much products with glycerin high on the list. Have you castor oil as a sealant?

You took the words right out of my mouth. Great advice.

 

[choctaw]

Have you tried oil rinses?

 

[Honey Bee]

Wow, Sianna. Sorry to hear you are having breakage issues. Do you think the breakage is from too much moisture or protein over load? Check out this link: http://forum.blackhairmedia.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=22392

For me personally, my hair is not a big fan of protein so I stay far away from it. The last time I did an Aphogee treatment, my hair fell off like a dandelion.

Breakage has been a problem for me in the past but I finally have a solution: Protective Styling, Water, Castor Oil, Qhemet's Heavy Cream and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose. That's what holds down my hair during the cold NJ/NY Winters.

Maybe join in on the Hide Your Hair Challenge until Winter is over and then unleash the fro in the Spring. That's my plan. I don't know if this will work for you, but so far it is working for me. Good luck with everything and DO NOT GIVE UP!!

Which Aphogee product did you use? Because, for me, I cannot mess with that 2-step. That stuff is the devil! I used it a few times, just to make sure, and was like It didn't make my hair break or anything, but it was hard and brittle and wrong. But what's crazy is, I looooove the 2 min, followed by a moisturizing DC. My problem has never been getting my hair to grow, it was getting it to stay on my head, and this is what worked for me.

 

[Sianna]

Dang girl. I'm sorry to hair that. Do you use any protein? Maybe your hair just needs some tlc. Don't throw in the towel just yet.

I really hadn't been using any protein, nothing other than whatever small amount is in the conditioners I use. That's why I'm thinking that it might be a protein issue, I'm just so discouraged right now because I've seen this same pattern of growth and breakage soooooooo many times before!

The only way I know limit dryness in my hair is to hide with wigs, weaves and braids. Also I don't use much products with glycerin high on the list. Have you castor oil as a sealant?

I had sworn off wigs, weaves and hair extensions, but now I am seriously considering braiding my hair with extensions, or maybe do some kinky twists. I don't know if it's really a good idea or not, but I'm thinking the only way I'll be able to save all of my efforts and the growth I've retained so far, is to start braiding my hair now and keep it that way throughout the entire winter! erplexed

Is this even a good idea? If I do it, do I need to give my hair a break between re-braiding, and if so, how long? I feel so lost! I don't want to give up just yet but I am SO tired of failing!

ETA: Haven't tried castor oil either. Does that help breakage? I'm sure it's not an issue of dryness this time!

 

[Honey Bee]

I had sworn off wigs, weaves and hair extensions, but now I am seriously considering braiding my hair with extensions, or maybe do some kinky twists. I don't know if it's really a good idea or not, but I'm thinking the only way I'll be able to save all of my efforts and the growth I've retained so far, is to start braiding my hair now and keep it that way throughout the entire winter! erplexed

Is this even a good idea? If I do it, do I need to give my hair a break between re-braiding, and if so, how long? I feel so lost! I don't want to give up just yet but I am SO tired of failing!

ETA: Haven't tried castor oil either. Does that help breakage? I'm sure it's not an issue of dryness this time!

Is your hair delicate or strong? I would hate for whichever PS you choose to cause further damage, so think about the past, and whether braids/extensions/weaves helped or hindered your progress.

 

[Ronnieaj]

I know that naturals don't typically need protein the way some of our relaxed sisters do, but if you haven't been using any for a while, you might need a small dose to see how your hair responds. I know many here have problems with the 2-step from Aphogee, so it'd probably be best to start off the with 2 minute conditioner, which smells heavenly by the way . I use it weekly, mixed with wheat germ and coconut oil and garlic oil (this is my shedding season). I also use the 2-step every six weeks, but my hair is really odd that way and loves the hardcore treatment.

I'm not a huge weaver or wigger, but I do use a hairpiece in the winter with a baggy underneath. I can't full head baggy, but I put a baggy on top of my bun before I put the hairpiece on, and my hair retained a lot of growth this past winter. I'm planning on doing that again. Also, my hair was around your length last year; I found that I had to do my hair SOAKING wet in order to get it into a ponytail for the bunning. I also go REAL low on the glycerin as well; even though the DMV isn't the worst winter area, it's just easier not to take any chances.

Best of luck to you!!

 

[mzteaze]

(((Sianna)))

Based on the pics only, we have a similar type hair. I use JBCO religiously on wet or dry hair. Its not nearly as thick as you think. My hair drinks it in like a glass of water now.

If you have access to a steamer, you could try infusing more moisture.

On other thing, altho I don't deal well with lots of heavy protein, I have found that my hair tolerates milk and soy protein on my hair nicely. You could look for products with those types of protein to help you as strive for the right protein/moisture balance.

 

[Sianna]

Let's see:

1. AmyRose, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words. As far as listening to my hair, I really don't know what its saying other than, "Screw you Sianna! I'm never going to be longer than NL no matter what you do!!" Aside from that, I'm really thinking that the problem is a lack of protein. I'm still in the trial and error phase so I haven't learned quite HOW to listen to my hair yet, but I haven't really been using any protein.


2. Honey Bee, I am digging your idea! Since I am suspecting that my problem is protein related, this just might help! I'm going to invest in another bottle or three of the Aphogee two minute condish. Also, I'm glad you understand what I'm talking about as far as the seasonal breakage. I was beginning to think I was the only one who had setbacks in the winter.

3. Evallusion, I'm not sure if I've overloaded my hair with moisture or not. I guess it's possible, though my hair does not feel mushy. It's usually pretty soft, but I thought that was a good thing! I know I'm not using too much protein because really I haven't gone out of my way to use any! I also know my hair likes some protein, I just haven't figured out how much. Guess it's time to work on that.

4. Choctaw, I haven't tried oil rinses. What do they do for the hair?

5. Honey Bee, to answer your last questions, I really don't know the answer to either. I don't consider my hair to be extremely delicate, but in its present state I don't quite know. I know that most of my strands are about medium to slightly thin. I do have some super fine strands, and also some thick ones too, so again, I really don't know how to answer that one. I also don't remember how braids affected my hair in the past. Its been so many years since I wore them! I don't remember them breaking my hair off though, so I'm thinking I'll be okay. I hope I will!

Sorry for the super giganto post, I just wanted to answer everyone's questions!

 

[LuvlyRain3]

I really hadn't been using any protein, nothing other than whatever small amount is in the conditioners I use. That's why I'm thinking that it might be a protein issue, I'm just so discouraged right now because I've seen this same pattern of growth and breakage soooooooo many times before!

I use really mild protein leave ins. Nothing hardcore. And the seem to help me keep my moisture/protein balance in check. I also just kinda stopped paying so much attention to my hair. I do my basic regimen but other than that I just let it be. Nurse your hair for a little while and them put it in a protective style. Sometimes hair just needs to be left alone in order to thrive. Especially now that the summer is almost over. setbacks just make progress feel a whole lot sweeter.

 

[Nonie]

Sianna, you've been given a lot of good advice.

I have a question: You just recently straightened your hair. Could the breakage have come from that?

In my opinion 4B hair does better with little manipulation. There are people who can grow long hair combing it out every day but for me, I get the most length when I leave my hair alone so I'm not causing it trauma each day that could be ripping at the strands, causing split ends which weaken the hair and lead to breakage. The only way to be able to leave my hair alone is to wear it braided or twisted.

You look really cute in a puff and if that's a style you like, you could still sport it by cornrowing your hair going back and then where one would normally have a puff, you put a phony puff. I'd post a photo or two of what I mean but Fotki seems to be having issues and timing out.

Also, I've never used Aphogee 2 Minute, but I do use GPB. Someone recently posted about ceramides and the difference they made in her hair (It was Halee_J). I know wheat germ oil is high in ceramides and while it is in both products, in Aphogee it is the 10 item or so, meaning it isn't as concentrated as in GPB where it's the 4th item on the ingredient list.

If you haven't used products with ceramides, that means you've missed out on the glue that helps repair damage by gluing cuticles onto strands. So perhaps you will see a difference when you start. I use AO GPB at least once a week for a DC but I could also use it as a regular conditioner for my midweek wash.

 

[Honey Bee]

Let's see:

2. Honey Bee, I am digging your idea! Since I am suspecting that my problem is protein related, this just might help! I'm going to invest in another bottle or three of the Aphogee two minute condish. Also, I'm glad you understand what I'm talking about as far as the seasonal breakage. I was beginning to think I was the only one who had setbacks in the winter.

That's what I do! I have to keep several bottles in the cut because, last winter, I had run out, and I think that contributed to my winter mini-setback. "Mini" cuz I was able to stop it by literally fleeing to the bss.

5. Honey Bee, to answer your last questions, I really don't know the answer to either. I don't consider my hair to be extremely delicate, but in its present state I don't quite know. I know that most of my strands are about medium to slightly thin. I do have some super fine strands, and also some thick ones too, so again, I really don't know how to answer that one. I also don't remember how braids affected my hair in the past. Its been so many years since I wore them! I don't remember them breaking my hair off though, so I'm thinking I'll be okay. I hope I will!

Mine too, which is why I asked. I have some strands that don't even look like hair, they look like fibers from a mohair sweater. It's sad. Otoh, I have some strands that look nice and strong, like weave hair, lol. So I don't play with any kind of weave or extensions, I just try to stay low-mani/ no heat.

Also, I forgot to mention henna, which I do every two weeks. I don't mix it myself, I use a boxed set, but it comes blended with all these other ayurvedic goodies (like amla and brahmi), so it saves a lot of work. You might not want to use it as often as I do, cuz I'm trynna save some permed ends from breaking until I finally cut them, but it's definitely something to think about.

 

[Sianna]

Thank you ladies so much! I really appreciate all your advice and kind words!

Nonie, I have been trying to keep manipulation down as of late, but I still want to co-wash and condition it, not to mention styling. I've been doing mostly WNG's, which I can wear for days at a time. This has reduced my manipulation quite a bit, but the breakage is still only getting worse! And you're right, I did straighten my hair recently, but it was actually breaking before I did it.

My ends are not splitting and my hair fully reverted once I washed it. I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt that I damaged it with the heat. In fact, now that I think about it, I was actually seeing less breakage when it was straightened! erplexed

Oh, and I understand your idea about the phony puff and it sounds like a really cute idea! Unfortunately I can't cornrow to save my life! I could probably do the same thing with two strand flat twists though! :scratchch

 

[davisbr88]

I don't really know what to offer but I know how happy you were the other day when you straightened it. Maybe it might have something to do with that? Maybe too much heat?
Sorry I can't offer anything but a hug, but I pray that you will figure out whatever it is and that you will bounce back with FULL force!

 

[Tiye]

Read the castor oil and ceramides threads. They will help you. Oil rinses using these oils are also very effective (read up on that too). Also nutrition may be an issue. You know your body best and what nutrients you may be lacking and you may need to change your diet and/or add some supplements. I think protective styling is essential while you turn your hair around. Extensions are not a good idea but if you can braid/twist your own hair and rig protective style that's fine. Wigs or other head coverings are preferred because your hair won't be out. Anyway the point is your hair doesn't have to break just coz it's a certain time of year - I think there are things you can do to fix that without too much extra effort.

 

[Nonie]

Thank you ladies so much! I really appreciate all your advice and kind words!

Nonie, I have been trying to keep manipulation down as of late, but I still want to co-wash and condition it, not to mention styling. I've been doing mostly WNG's, which I can wear for days at a time. This has reduced my manipulation quite a bit, but the breakage is still only getting worse! And you're right, I did straighten my hair recently, but it was actually breaking before I did it.

You may escape the manipulation by WNGs, but the detangling that you have to do later is manipulation that undoes all the good your low mani did. Also I do think wetting the hair all the time can weaken it. There's a school of thought that hair is weak when wet so I don't know how much this may have to do with your breakage.

If you look at MOST 4Bers with long hair, you will see that they rarely, if ever, WNG'd; they keep their hair stretched in braids or twists or cornrows or banding and hardly manipulate their hair; they don't wear their hair out every day unless it's in a braid-out or twist-out or bun. In other words, they aren't combing their hair day in, day out, but rather will give it a break from daily styling by wearing styles that last more than one day but that also do not lead to tangles that will later cost them strands of hair.

My ends are not splitting and my hair fully reverted once I washed it. I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt that I damaged it with the heat. In fact, now that I think about it, I was actually seeing less breakage when it was straightened! erplexed

Please don't take this the wrong way but when people say that they don't have split ends, I give them the side-eye because I don't believe there's any way to know that unless one JUST had a trim a few seconds/minutes ago. What people don't realize is splits starts at a scale the naked eye cannot see. And even when the naked eye can see, you may see some even at about 1 millimeter size (but just think about how strained your eyes would be if you had to look at even just ten strands focusing on so small a split), but most times you will not see the splits because you get there too late. The absence of an actual split doesn't mean your ends are in good shape. Splits tear away and so you may not be sure what you're looking at. To help illustrate this, I took a photo of an end of my shed hair magnified 4 times. I honestly couldn't really see what it looked like just looking at it but with my camera's zoom, I could clearly see that the end is worn out. I then cut the hair so that I'd have a freshly trimmed end and the difference between a damaged end and one that isn't, is very clear.

Also you will see from my the size of my fingers/thumb that we're looking at a very small section of my hair. Imagine having to look at all your strands with such concentration/focus to know for sure that they look like the second one. Can anyone say eye-strain and headache? And because your hair is short, it's not possible for you to even do the futile S&D that many people use as their "proof" that they have no splits. Scientific photos of split ends show the damage starts at a microscopic scale so unless you're able to zoom in on each strand to that level, I think it's inaccurate for anyone to say they have no split ends. Trimming, sealing and protective styling can keep the splits to a minimum or limit them to the tips of your hair, but I don't think there's any way to fully eliminate them. Because as soon as you trim, you just exposed a new cross section to the elements, so moisture loss from that now open section is inevitable whenever it's exposed to the air thus starting the cycle all over again.

Oh, and I understand your idea about the phony puff and it sounds like a really cute idea! Unfortunately I can't cornrow to save my life! I could probably do the same thing with two strand flat twists though! :scratchch

Yes you can. It'd give your hair a break from daily styling/manipulation.

 

[lilsparkle825]

I love your hair in your sig pics, but I really think the WNGs may not be the best styling choice for you. Heck, they aren't really that great for 90% of the naturals I know, unless they are a silky 3c or some other type 2 or 3. I had to swear them off because while I love the simplicity of them, they just wreak too much havoc on my ends when it comes time to detangle. I wear them very rarely now -- as a matter of fact, I don't think I have worn one since the beginning of July.

For some reason, this isn't a savory idea for a lot of people -- as a matter of fact, there are people on this very site who kick and scream and REFUSE to do it -- but I think you may need to look into protective styling in order to curb the breakage and retain more of what you grow. I have been wet bunning since July, and before that I had a sew-in for a month....and these two things helped me retain THREE INCHES since the first week of June. Seriously. People sleep on wet bunning, or bunning in general, because they feel it's "boring". Well, I'd rather be the chick with the "boring" BSL hair than the "not-so-boring" hair stuck at NL or SL because I couldn't protect my ends. And buns are SO not boring -- a high bun with hoops is so pretty, IMO. I'm not even saying you should bun, because I can't tell you what to do to your hair, but I am saying you should think about styles that keep your ends hydrated and hidden, especially with colder weather right around the corner.

 

[halee_J]

Hey girlie

I'm not natural but I'll put in my I agree with Nonie and lilsparkle, I think the WNGs may be the culprit. I think a little protein boost and some consistent hair hiding for a while will help. Also, maybe you can try incorporating a little ceramide into your reggie. They've made my hair stronger smoother and more elastic which is a good formula to ward off breakage check out the ceramide challenge

It'll get better soon

 

[Kindheart]

Perhaps you re cowashing too often ,I ve experienced breakage and shedding with cowashing ,didnt have any since i ve stoppped.Try to use a sulfate free shampoo (preferably 100% natural) and Deep condition twice a week instead of cowashing You could try to use Joico Kpak Liquid Reconstructor leave in(its light )to spray on your hair when you notice any breakage instead of doing a hardcore protein treatment.Good luck

 

[Janet']

These ladies sure are knowledgeable on here. They really have given you some GREAT advice. Please keep us posted as you tweak your regimen. I know things will work out for the best!!!

 

[leleepop]

I havent look @ the whole thread but I bet its not as bad as you think. Baby it for a while and Ill bet it bet back in no time.

 

[SimJam]

Hay Sianna come here

I must say that u HAVE to try ceramides, these along with juicing have made my hair extremely happy !!!

quick question, how did you "verify" ur breakage? Now that Im natural I really dont see broken off ends, though I figure there must be some. Like did u notice little "Cs" and "Os" when you wash/comb etc?

I only ask this bc I too thought I was experiencing breakage bc I felt my hair wasnt gaining enough length.

So for last month I measured a section of hair from my scalp up to where I had colour and also the entire twist then, just yesterday I measured again (being 1 month) and the horror .... only abt 1cm (less than 0.5 inch). But the good thing when I measured the whole twist, I had actually retained the growth.


so why the long post????

Just to say that in addition to tweaking ur reggi to combat the change in seasons and to include more protective styles, you may also just be in a "slow growth" period.

really hope you find out whats upsetting your hair, but u r in the best place to get that done.

 

[Iluvsmuhgrass]

Hey lady,

Don't panic! I'm going through the same thing. This is my "shedding season". Every year, SAME TIME, it never fails. A majority of my setbacks have occurred between September and November because I didn't know how to handle it. Alot of good advice was posted so now you just have to find out what works for you.

What works for me is little to no manipulation and plenty of moisture. What I'm going to do is limit manipulation by braiding, wigging, or weaving my grass up to keep it protected. During this protective time I usually use a braid spray for my hair and something with sulfur, aloe juice, or just plain witch hazel (anything soothing because my skin gets dry in the fall) for my scalp. I get plain LAZY (which for good for my grass) and I don't do anything.

Right now I'm mixing a little CO in with my HELTR leave in while wet and twisting up. This has helped ALOT in retaining moisture and it makes for awesomely soft twistouts. I HATE greasy feeling hair and a way to combat this is adding CO/mix while my hair is still wet (but making sure to keep the amount in check so I don't end up with a greasy mess.)

Don't forget to keep drinking lots of water.

Thankfully I'm not losing alot (only dime sized amounts in mostly shed strands) but it's still more than what I'm used to.

 

[SingBrina]

How about putting your hair in a weave for when the time comes that you know that it will be breaking off, like for three months? Or do you not do weaves? Idk, hmmm

And for some reason my hair is breaking off more than the norm, but I know that it is because I overprocessed my hair from the relaxer, gosh!

 

[Leeda.the.Paladin]

I gotta agree with Nonie on this one. You have enough hair to do some twists, box braids, or coils (a style without extensions) that will allow your hair to remain unmanipulated for long periods of time. I know Nonie was referring to wash n go's being problematic for 4bs, but as someone with coarse thick hair, they are the devil for me too. My hair just feels better, has less splits, and stays moisturized while in protective styles.

For me, practices outweigh products most of the time when it comes to hair health.