Severly Damaged Hair

[DontTouchMyHair]

I previosly posted a thread about how I over processed my hair about two months ago.

http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=549391

I got a dye job and relaxed three weeks later with a regular realxer. My hair was coming out in the comb during the rinse out and since then its just been a mess. I have had very dry, brittle hair. Now I have reached my worst nightmare....

I noticed small sections of my hair (about the size of half a dime) where the hair is broken off and less than an inch long. So far I've discovered three differnt places. On the hunt for more.

Do I have to cut my hair off now? Is there anyway to nurse it back to health without cutting it off all at once?

I have been using Aphogee 2 Step but it only seems to make my hair nice for a few days then it's back to dry, brittle, broken hair.

Will cutting it little by little even matter considering that it's breaking from so high up the hair shaft.


Help Please!

 

[NIN4eva]

I noticed small sections of my hair (about the size of half a dime)

I just found some of these myself yesterday! I am PO'D! Broke off right where my highlights started, so I have a couple of nickle sized sections right at the top of my head that are about an inch long. My classmates have been dying to blow dry my hair and I gave in twice in the past 30 days. Now I remember why I don't have a handheld dryer at my house. I'm just going to keep them protected and hope for the best...

I wouldn't cut it until it started to look REALLY noticeable. Hopefully you won't find anymore sections and it won't get to that point. What's your regimen looking like these days?

 

[blackberry815]

Why cut it? Is it very obvious when u wear ur hair down? If not then hide it til it grows out...

Sent from my ADR6400L

 

[Keshieshimmer]

I would trim up the breaking parts (if they are split) and wear it in styles where you could not see the difference in length. If your hair is dry and brittle I would use a mositurizing DC and seal with the heavy stuff (castor oil, grease lol). I also have very pororus hair and this sealing with castor oil helps my hair not look or feel dry and brittle.

Please don't OD on the 2-step. When I used it I was not fond of the step 2 part.

Good luck.

 

[Kinkyhairlady]

I had the same issue back when I was relaxed and I just had to cut my hair into a bob sometimes it's better to start fresh!

 

[Evolving78]

i'm hiding my little spot now from some bad dye.

 

[LittleLuxe]

Ugh so does this mean I can't use a regular relaxer on my hair if I dye it?

 

[ManeStreet]

Go to Sallys and find and emergency product that stops breakage and do it ASAP. Your hair reached its processing limit but you can still save it somewhat. This has happened once in my life after getting bleach highlights on texlaxed hair. I cut it to long bob and ignored the pieces that were only an inch long. Surprisingly it only takes a few months and you won't notice them at all. But before you cut try treatments first. Go to Sally's and ask for a heavy duty stop breakage treatment. Don't use any heat styling. Be very gentle with your hair. Good luck

 

[NappyNelle]

LittleLuxe No, but you do have to wait 4-6 weeks so you are not over-processing your hair.

OP, start deep conditioning and leave the Aphogee alone. I would try a protein based conditioner, and a moisturizing conditioner and alternate them. I would bun my hair and leave it alone to prevent further breakage. Do you have a steamer by chance?

 

[Beauty2011]

Try elongate hair oil and their moisture milk....did wonder's on my hair! Also try to hold out on relaxer's and any type of direct heat! It's sounds like your hair is over processed. www.elongatehairoil.net

 

[hothair]

First you need to majorly step up your DCs (try and do a pre-poo with EVOO or other oils for a few hours) don't manipulate the hair more than once a week. While you should definitely incorporate more protein you must be sure to up your moisture.

Use a leave-in everyday and seal with a heavy oil. Put up your hair and don't comb, style or anything else unless its wash day. You need to stick to styles you can do by finger combing at most only but if you have your hair up (with bobby pins) with a side bang that should be no problem.

HTH

 

[LittleLuxe]

Wow thank God for this post and the helpful reply! I had an Appt. to relax my hair my hair tomm. after only dying it last week, I'd have been bald! Good luck to the OP I hope all the advice offered helps solve your problem.

 

[greenandchic]

Try elongate hair oil and their moisture milk....did wonder's on my hair! Also try to hold out on relaxer's and any type of direct heat! It's sounds like your hair is over processed. www.elongatehairoil.net

Hijack: Do you by chance had a list of ingredients for their products? I don't see it on the website.

DontTouchMyHair - So sorry this is happening to you! I agree with others here to suggested protein treatments. I would do protein, followed by a moisturizing treatment, no heat (not even a blow dryer), leave in and seal.

It may not be a bad idea to do protein treatments weekly or at least every other week.

 

[virtuenow]

Why not try a moderate protein conditioner that you can use more often. Try a moisture-protein balanced restructuring conditioner all in one- Aubrey GPB. much better than harsh treatments every 4-6weeks on top of the same hair. Aubrey organics GPB as a deep conditioner is strong and when you are consistent (weekly) you will notice the awesome affects. or you can try Nexus Emergencee and follow up w/a moisturizing conditioner (Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose). It can also be used more often, I know some lhcfer use it once a week or every other week. More safe than aphogee, use consistently and also notice the difference. However, I think I already suggested these in your original forum.

if you cut your hair, I'm almost certain u will regret it. Since it broke off so short, an inch you say, and its not your whole head, then you should leave it alone. Do some trims as it grows in to let your thickness "catch" back up...but when the majority of your head is on the longer side then u should leave it. Now, if the majority of your head-- or even half your hair had broken off to 1inch and you had some longer strands here and there in patches, then I would say cut it!

 

[DontTouchMyHair]

Okay everyone... thanks for the reposts here's the update

I didn't cut it, I went to a stylist I trusted and she gave me a very good trim that didn't take away too much length. I'm gonna baby it and trim it until it grows back out.

Everyone gave such helpuful advice. I'm going to look for the Aubrey conditioner so many people are suggesting.

Now I just need some protective styles..... I was thinking sew in but then I couldn't wash and condition weekly. I have clip in weave but I'm afraid to use it now. My sylist said it should be okay. After looking at my hair she said it's def overprocessed but nothing that cant be salvaged while we grow my healthy hair back out. So no need to chop. *whew*

 

[DontTouchMyHair]

@LittleLuxe No, but you do have to wait 4-6 weeks so you are not over-processing your hair.

OP, start deep conditioning and leave the Aphogee alone. I would try a protein based conditioner, and a moisturizing conditioner and alternate them. I would bun my hair and leave it alone to prevent further breakage. Do you have a steamer by chance?

No don't even know what a steamer is.

 

[DontTouchMyHair]

Everyone says no heat styling but what do I do? I only blow dry and flat iron after my weekly wash. Is that too much? Someone reccomended swapping the blow dryer and flat iron for a hood dryer wrap.

I dont know how to style without heat. my hair has just been straight down for weeks, except for the roller set I did a few weeks ago under a hooded dryer.

 

[NYDiva]

Everyone says no heat styling but what do I do? I only blow dry and flat iron after my weekly wash. Is that too much? Someone reccomended swapping the blow dryer and flat iron for a hood dryer wrap.

I dont know how to style without heat. my hair has just been straight down for weeks, except for the roller set I did a few weeks ago under a hooded dryer.

I part my hair a little in the front and do a twist on each side and either pin it up in the back or use a clip . Kinda like two french braids, but twists. It's neat and quick.

 

[Prudent1]

DontTouchMyHair, here'a link to a site with all types of steamers you can purchase-http://www.ccibeauty.com/scan/mp=cat/se=Hair%20Dryers%3A%3ASteamers%3A%3AIrons.html

or you can steam your hair by following the instructions found here-http://www.ehow.com/how_5651620_give-hair-homemade-steam-treatment.html

I steam+DC at least twice a week during the colder months. I live in a humid area so I don't need to during the summer. I have only used the towel/ baggy method but I loved my results. Do a search on here. Our resident steam treatment guru is @Lucky'smom . She has posted some great info on the towel steaming method.
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=215663
http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=220327

 

[virtuenow]

Okay everyone... thanks for the reposts here's the update

I didn't cut it, I went to a stylist I trusted and she gave me a very good trim that didn't take away too much length. I'm gonna baby it and trim it until it grows back out.

Everyone gave such helpuful advice. I'm going to look for the Aubrey conditioner so many people are suggesting.

Now I just need some protective styles..... I was thinking sew in but then I couldn't wash and condition weekly. I have clip in weave but I'm afraid to use it now. My sylist said it should be okay. After looking at my hair she said it's def overprocessed but nothing that cant be salvaged while we grow my healthy hair back out. So no need to chop. *whew*

You can still wash your hair in a sew in. In fact, it is recommended here and many lhcf threads about it. As long as you have quality hair (Remi human hair in these brands for instance --> extensions plus, or opheratique) then your extension hair should last long thru washes. see this link rule #14 http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?p=6014741. Dilute yoru shampoo in a color applicator bottle, squeeze on to scalp (i don't know why the link says to pour it over your head).

 

[NappyNelle]

DontTouchMyHair You can bun and air dry your hair, weave, wig, braid, etc! There are cute protective style options for you. I know you like to wear your hair out and down, but that won't help your strands to get stronger after all of the damage.

I also mentioned a steamer because it will impart a lot of moisture into your hair. It magnifies the effectiveness of your conditioners tenfold. I just purchased one based on the reviews from the board and I am extremely happy with the results. I use my steamer for protein and moisture based deep conditioning.

 

[beautychic]

Everyone says no heat styling but what do I do? I only blow dry and flat iron after my weekly wash. Is that too much? Someone reccomended swapping the blow dryer and flat iron for a hood dryer wrap.

I dont know how to style without heat. my hair has just been straight down for weeks, except for the roller set I did a few weeks ago under a hooded dryer.

I would recommend no longer using direct heat and sticking to roller sets for a straight look (roller set wet hair, dry under hooded dryer, then wrap hair overnight)

 

[JayAnn0513]

Alternate Aphogee 2 step and a moisturizing deep conditioner. Until you get the breakage under control. Then do the 2 step every 4-6 weeks. The wash after the chemical service would be best.

For styling you need to rollerset, and pin curl or pineapple it at night.

The blow dryer is sucking the life out of your already damaged hair, so you ate going to have to give it a break.

Also make sure you are moisturizing and sealing your hair every couple of days.

Good luck.

 

[ms-gg]

try rollersetting or by some foam rollers (the name escapes me at the moment). I hated heat styling my hair when I was relaxed because I knew it was damaging (although I was not up on the healthy hair thing until I went natural). I would always ask my beautician to give me a roller wrap because I could not "take the heat" and the damage of the hot curlers.

 

[DontTouchMyHair]

Okay ladies... i can put away the flat iron and the blow dryer... but the hooded dryer too? I need some type of way to style my hair. I'm not confident that air drying will do the trick. i have a few textures going on right now.

 

[KhandiB]

If your hair is that severly damaged you shouldnt really be using direct heat that often. You should let your hair heal, you know braid outs, twist outs, buns etc..

I know a lot of ladies have had success with no direct heat, but I cant cut it out completely myself, I usually do it about once a month.

Okay ladies... i can put away the flat iron and the blow dryer... but the hooded dryer too? I need some type of way to style my hair. I'm not confident that air drying will do the trick. i have a few textures going on right now.

 

[fitnessmommy]

I had a bit of an issue with breakage earlier this year when I overconditioned my hair. It got mushy and would NOT stop breaking with moderate protein conditioners/reconstructors. I used Aphogee two step one time and it IMMEDIATELY put a stop to the breakage.

 

[leona2025]

DontTouchMyHairI had this same issue about 2 or 3 months ago. Lucky for me I only dye my bang area. My hair was broken off to a inch and less in some place. I am relaxed. I double bleached my bangs and then I put a rinse over and then a week later I put a permanent color over it.erplexed. Red is very hard for me to maintain. My hair while a little frazzled was ok. I didn't experience any breakage.

The problem came when I decided to touch up a week or two later after the permanent color. I had forgotten that I had did the permanent color on my hair since it had faded from washing. To combat the breakage I did do the Aphogee 2 step and surprisingly it immediately made my crunchy hair soft and pliant. Because the hair was so short it stuck up and would not lay down.

For those months I would put Ic Fantasia Gel on my wet edges and tie it down and airdry with a braid out or just big hair. Then I would put a headband on it. Also with my hair if I completely air dry and then put on creamy leaves and a touch of water and comb and brush the hair out. I can roll it on flexi rods and get pretty shiny curls. That's what I did in the pictures. This is mostly how I wore my hair for a few months. My bangs now are about 2inch or 3 inches long.

For medium protein I now use Duo Tex mixed in to a creamy conditioner, but it can be sprayed on. I believe it is like Aphogee 2 step without the horrible smell.