Maybe it is the weather, maybe it is that my hair is finally getting past medium length(28 inches), maybe it is my age (almost 40), but whatever it is, I am suddenly having an epidemic of splits and breakage! When I sit in the sun, I can spot lots of white dots an inch or two up the shaft and plenty of splits too. When I brush or comb over my white sink, I can see a good number of little pieces about and inch long that have broken off. Last night I counted over 30 in my sink! On the bright side, my epidemic of hair loss seems to have subsided...some months ago I was loosing hairs like crazy. Thankfully, that has ended!
Here is what I am doing...washing about twice a week. I use natural (Aubrey, Jason, Shikai) shampoos and conditioners with no SLS and no cones, except I occasionally (about every 3rd or 4th washing) use some Pantene conditioner, but I always make sure to vinegar rinse the next time to prevent build up. I am oiling my ends with jojoba regularly. I will confess that NONE of my conditioners seem strong enough to me. I can really pile it on, but my hair does not ever feel very slimy or like it has much slip, even after just conditioning...only the Pantene makes it feel that way, which is why I still use it on occasion. (I went almost a year with no cones at all, but this winter I was getting desperate)
I have been trying to do regular search and destroy missions, but I feel like someone trying to bail out a sinking ship using a paper cup.
I had a trim in December (just an inch or two off the length) and I am wondering if I need to do it again. One of my problems is that there are still some layers in my hair and the outer layer is shorter than the length. That outer layer has not been trimmed in ages and that is where some of the damage is. However, to get it all totally even and really healthy on the ends, I would probably have to loose another 2-3 inches off the length. I don't know if I am prepared to do that since it does not look too bad or scraggly yet and that would take me back to 25 inches. On the other hand, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I am wondering if my shorter layer is struggling to catch up because it is damaged and breaking off! I wonder if there is a professional out there who could trim my shorter layer, only taking off what is necessary to keep it healthy? Or, do I just leave it alone and keep gradually bringing the bottom layer closer and closer?
I would love to hear how others have handled this situation and any advice that anyone might have.
BusyHSmom
Growing out layers!
22/27/I've hit my first goal of BSL! Waistline, here I come!
Bangs have passed my chin
type 2cM-Cii
I s&d weekly and still seem to get split ends. I still have bangs that are trying to catch up with the rest of my hair. Maybe you could trim a little and since it is almost summer, wear it up so you don't notice it too much. Thank goodness for Oklahoma weather. It is either too cold, too windy or too hot to wear my hair down, so I am trying not to be bugged by my damage. I know some of the other ladies will have better advice, just wanted to let you know you are not alone.
Wanda
35"/35.5"/48"+
light brown with lighter natural highlights
1cnii
The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart. Helen Keller
Character cannot be developed with ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambitions inspired and success achieved. Helen Keller
Go confidently in the directions of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. Henry David Thoreau
And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Anais Nin
do you us a microfiber towel? I bought one and used it on a regular basis, I would pat my hair with it and then wrap my hair in a turbin style with it, I started noticing my hair breaking off quite a bit and couldn't figure out why all of a sudden it was breaking, I even had little stiff stubs at my hair line at my forehead where I wrapped this towel around and one day it dawned on me it could be the towel. So I experimented and just used the towel for patting, then I would take a bath towel and wrap my hair in it. It worked I have had no more breakage and the little stubs are now growing out. So I thought maybe you might have a microfiber towel.
You know, I've been having this same problem lately. I never thought to blame my new microfiber towel. I had a lightbulb go on over my head when you said this.
I'll have to try changing my habits to see if it helps.
Fia's Hairtyping System
2b - shorter, more distinct S-waves (similar to waves from braiding damp hair)
N - Normal. Strands are neither fine nor coarse.
ii - normal volume
I know mine does. If it doesn't get cones for a while, it does exactly what your hair seems to be doing. I think if I were you, I'd try using cones in every wash for a while and see what happens.
Personally, I deep condition every weekend. One time I posted that I thought it was a waste of time, because I didn't see a difference. Fox responded by saying that even if I didn't see a difference, it was keeping my hair in good condition. I get white dots more than I get split ends. In fact, I did an S&D mission last night (last one was three weeks ago) and I snipped only a half a dozen hairs.
So, if you don't deep condition on a regular basis, I would highly encourage you to start. It helps "keep" your hair in good condition!
Hope this helps - and I am sorry I am not of much help with the trimming thoughts -
Gentle care for healthy hair!
Kara
24.5/30.25/32 1aFii
Kettle Care Shampoo for dry hair – Wednesday and Sunday nights
ACV rinse with lemon EO after shampooing
Suave Naturals Conditioner (lavender at the moment) – every day as a leave-in
Coconut oil, shea butter, Africa's Best herbal oil, and Fruit of the Earth 100% Aloe Vera gel – glossing and setting gel
Vidal Sasson BBB, horn combs
Joyful in hope,
patient in affliction,
faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt
...but I found the less I did to my hair (not so much oiling, and wayyyyyy less conditioner than I was used to--my hair was feeling like a wet fish when I was conditioning it!--really helped out with breaking.
Sometimes I think we're trying so hard to put things over our hair that we might be suffocating it in a way. Ever since I've been using less conditioner it has really helped. I think that it helps for when I've gone without washings and helped to stabilize my hair (I hope that makes sense) so it's not completely coated all the time. Even using less conditioner has helped my tangles, and therefore my breaking.
I use maybe a quarter sized squirt for my entire length, rather than handfuls and handfuls of conditioner. I still see tons of white dots and split ends in the sun
It's worth a try I hope you find something that works for you! Best wishes! ~SR
@-->-- SerenaRose
*1aNi/ii as of 2/7/06=30/31"
as of 1/31/06=29.75*
was 32/trimmed back to 29.5/trimmed to ?(11/26/05)(1/19). Waist-length. Hoping for classic or longer! I am 5'2.5" tall.
Loomer since March 2005
Henna'ed (100% natural) twice for color and strength (5 months apart)
Weekly scalp wash: March-October 05 using Ida's shampoo bars,
ACV rinses
*October 05--Now using with Garnier Fructis Sleek N Shine shampoo & conditioner ~every 8 days*
*January 06-- Now Condtion Only Washing every Sunday upside down with GF conditioner+jojoba oil*
**Scuncii volume and detangler comb--is working so great!**
***I upgraded to a Mason Pearson rake comb, and I use this quite a bit because it isn't hurting my hair like plastic ones***
*detangle before and after bed*
Try putting a tsp of oil into your conditioner! works like a charm!
Virgin Oil de Coco Creme-LOST! Great for skin & nails, heavy for my hair
Aztec Secrets Cold pressed unfiltered 100% jojoba oil--luv it!
..a view weeks ago. I am also over 40th and i have some damaged side layers.
I changed my routine a bit and the breakage stoped after a while.
I am alternating now CWC and CO and i do the ACV only twice a month because i realised the ACV is stripping to much oils and humidity out of my hair - it was always very shiny but much to dry.
I am working now with two different conditioner togehter. After washing or Conditioner-wash i use a cone-free conditioner first and over it i apply a cone conditioner to keap the humidity in my hair.
After towel drying i put some jojoba and over it another leave-in con-conditioner ( all this cones a dimeticone ).
Every no washing day i first put some jojoba and spray some good amount of the leave in conditioner before i make my up-do or single braid.
At night i always moisten my hair with water and use a quarter teaspoon monoi.
I blame the ACV for the breakage i had to deal with!
Last night i made a deep-treatment.
1 spoon olive oil
1 spoon aloe vera
1 spoon honey
1 spoon cone-free conditioner
All this i mixed togehter and applied all over my hair. I made a single braid ( my hair felt very sticky! ) and covered the braid with a single nylon. Like that i slept with it and CO this morning..
My hair is extremely moistured and i had no one breakage hair in the sink today.
I think it depends on your hair type. Your hair looks so much like my sister-in-law's hair. Her hair gets some splits, but can go so long without a trim and have so little problems from it. I am sure there is someone who could trim up your layer. You just need to find someone who will absolutely listen to you and not cut off more than what you want. If you find someone you trust, getting a little trim that way might be good. Just be clear on how much you want off, very clear!
I can't tell you how to get rid of splits completely, because I've never been able to do it. My hair is very split prone, so I'm always having to do S&D missions just to keep them in check. I think that is my best answer, but if I had even ends, I'd trim the bottom of them, microtrim, every so often to keep them in the best shape possible. My hair is still so thin since my massive shed. I know it will be a LONG time before the fullness returns in the lower lengths, but at least I have that to look forward to. I'm not totally decided if I'll wait it out or trim back some while I wait. For me, it's a hard call. I am so glad your shedding has stopped!
-Fox
Special thanks to Carlynn for my custom doll signature!
17/38.5/40+ Type 2CMii (3B underneath layer) Somewhat fine, slightly wavy (with curls on the underneath layer), Hennaed Auburn. F.L.A. Ranking, Colonel. To see more pictures, click on the gallery collection link found here: Forever Fox
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, they will become your character. Develop your character for it becomes your destiny." -John MacArthur
"Love makes you beautiful" - quote from my nephew at age 7
Products Used:
Ida's Shampoo Bars
Aubrey Organics S&C
Nature's Gate Conditioners
Vinegar/herbal rinses
Oils: Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Virgin Oil de Coco Creme, Monoi, Castor, Meadowfoam Seed & essential oils
Shea Butter (from which I make my own leave-in)
MP Popular Mix Brush and Pure BB brush
Wood and Horn combs
Vitamins/Minerals/Herbal supplements
Recently I posted about cutting or not cutting and one of the answers that I got (from HeidiW) was that splits and white dots cannot be repaired. She was absolutely right, so I trimmed 1" off my ends. They are better, but I realised that I haven't mosturised them properly for a while. Oil is no good for my ends, they go crunchy and brittle. I found that the best is shea butter. Maybe using Fox's SBCC - of course with a cone free conditioner in it, not Pantene! - but to get rid of the damaged ends I believe a small trim is the only solution, then the SBCC for preventing the damage afterwards.
I am strongly against cones. I cannot understand when some say that their hair "needs" cones. It may seems that way, but cones do not nourish the hair! They just coat it preventing it from absorbing moisture, oils, butters etc. I'd ditch the Pantene if I were you and maybe try Honeymane's suggestion of adding oil to your conditioner if no conditioner appears to be strong enough, and try the shea on the ends.
As to the slippery feeling, I get that if I use oil on my soaking wet hair. I used to get it when I used cones as well, but with time my hair became more and more dry and dull.
Well, my two pennies anyway!
(LONDON)
03 Sept. 2004 (Hampstead Heath - London)
06 Jan. 2006 (with henna)
2c - C - iii
14" (31May2004) / 30"-Waist by March 2006 / whatever length by July 2008
Currently at 3" from waist
Shampoos: Aubrey Organics - Honeysuckle rose, Rosa Mosqueta; GPB
Conditioners: AO Honeysuckle rose, Rosa Mosqueta, GPB;
Leave-ins: Shea Butter, A mix of oils + rose EO;
Oils: Jojoba, Coconut, Almond, Monoi Pitate and Pitanie;
EOs: Scalp massage with Cedarwood or Rosemary;
Horn and wooden combs, Mason Pearson pure BBB.
"Without religion, no morality; without morality, no law." - Lord Denning
Just a suggestion since you have that layer.
I also suggest some light cones, at least in a deep conditioner.
If the ends are that bad they probably do need dusting.
You might want to try keeping your hair damp and moisturized and wear it up a bit.
HTH
Angel Hugs and Love
Betty
Light Golden Blonde
Med Golden Lowlights
2abMCii/iii
20 1/2 ~ March 24 3/4 BS ~ 30
Quarterly Measuring: June 1st
I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the
landscape - the loneliness of it - the dead feeling of winter.
Something waits beneath it - the whole story doesn't show.
- Andrew Wyeth
Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments,
embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour.
- John Boswell
I love cats because I love my home and after a
while they become its visible soul.
- Jean Cocteau
If dogs are not there, it is not heaven.
- Elisabeth M. Thomas
ACV Rinse information - link to trichology hair pix - conditioning technique & prod find
March 8 2006, 4:02 PM
If you feel that your conditioners are doing you no favors, then looking for a better one might be in order. You might like to try Biolage’s Conditioning Balm. It’s pretty pricey, but I buy the 38 fl oz size jug. I also have a lead on buying it from a source for the hair care industry so I get it pretty cheap these days.
However, I did find the generic version at Sally’s Beaty Supply, about 16 fl. oz., for $5.99 (not including tax). I compared ingredients and viscosity; it’s the same. Similarly the companion shampoo is available, the Humidifying Shampoo in generic version for the same price/volume (fl.oz.)
This is what some consider a heavy conditioner; its viscosity is thicker than most. I find many conditioners are a little too thin. Also, I condition with a certain technique:
Often the hair, once wet, hangs in ropey clumps. This typically means the inner hair strands are less wet than the outer. This also often means the inner strands receives less conditioner, so I fan my hair clumps, gently, and make sure the hair is quite wet with warm water (opens the cuticle) and pack with conditioner (conditioner’s hydrogen atoms bond to the cortex, simple explanation). This technique means every hair strand is well conditioned.
28 inches, huh? That typically represents approximately 4 years of growing time. It’s common to have a larger shed, followed by a resting phase around this time frame per the cycle of how hair grows.
Correction on concept: “…use some Pantene conditioner, but I always make sure to vinegar rinse the next time to prevent build up.”
ACV (aka vinegar) rinse does not “prevent” buildup. ACV Rinse does not remove build up that has had an opportunity to dry on the hair and remain on the hair for a short to long time. ACV has 4 benefits:
1) Primary Benefit: pH balance the skin of the scalp. Particularly when using Apple Cider Vinegar because this type of vinegar is derived of, you guessed it, apples – and apples contain malic acid which is good for skin. (reference, Naturally Healthy Hair by Mary Beth Janssen)
2) Strong Second Benefit: binds the cuticle. The word bind means that the cuticle will lie closer and somewhat tighter together within the context of one’s hair type. In turn, this can help a tad amount with improved shine and softness. When cuticles are as closed as they can be, the protective wall that the cuticle is to the inner portion of hair, then the feel of the hair tends to be softer and further, reflects the light better (shine). (see link’s first photo)
3) ACV Rinse has the ability to remove residual product that may be remaining on the hair strand’s surface in that specific wash only. Once it’s dried on the hair, upon a subsequent hair wash and ACV rinse of some kind, then the ACV won’t remove it (the shampoo might, but the ACV won’t. Some report it does help them to ‘clarify’ (see below) but this is not a reliable function by any means.)
4) ACV Rinse can likewise remove residual minerals that may remain on the surface of hair strands that is contained in hard water. Again, in that hair wash only. Once dried, either the next hair wash or clarifying will get it off.
What ACV (aka vinegar) rinse won’t do:
1) ACV Rinse is a rinse; it is not a clarifying hair wash. Once something has dried on the surface of the hair strands, it won’t be removed by an ACV rinse. Many on the boards often recommend ACVing as a clarifying action. ACV is too diluted to be powerful enough to effect such a change. That does NOT mean to undiluted or dilute less. This IS an acid, and should not be applied to hair or skin too strongly, except in unusual circumstances (for example, I once had a foot fungus/bacterial problem and I had already, prior to visiting the podiatrist, begun soaking my feet in a dilution of ACV and water. He recommended to increase it to 50/50 to help combat the odor, and to help speed up the healing process of the spread of the bacteria. He also recommended a Nizoral ointment, and I had already tried washing my feet with Nizoral shampoo. He explained how ACV pH balances skin. Note, though, still diluted!!)
2) ACV will not remove bondings to the cortex of the hair; it only works on the surface of the hair strands, hence I use this phrase specifically to convey exactly what it does do, and by implication, what it won’t do. Therefore, if coloring, ACV should not remove applied color from hair. That said, some report that ACV specifically (Apple Cider Vinegar) imparts a reddish hue to the hair strands, and blondes shouldn’t use it. I am a blonde and use it with no issues, and have never witnessed such a discoloring with ACV.
3) ACV, of course, as already stated, will not remove anything that has had an opportunity to dry on the hair. It works only in that specific hair wash. Names matter: it’s not ACV Clarify; it’s ACV Rinse. A rinse in the hair world tends to be temporary and effective immediately yet for a short duration.
4) ACV can not be applied on a subsequent hair wash to ‘prevent’ anything.
5) ACV is used, by many, though, in the process of a clarify hair wash since the way a clarifying shampoo works (whether a home recipe or a store bought product) it lifts the cuticle (luffing it if you will—stolen sailing term) and leaves the scalp skin in a highly alkaline state. ACV will shift the pH more towards the acid end, the result ending somewhere in the center, the balancing point between these two polarities of acid and alkaline (often on pH spectrums referred to as base), (depending on strength somewhere between 5-7…6.5-6.8, but some skin responds better more in the 5.+ range); and moreover, the cuticle will be bound to a tighter formation helping with a quicker recovery from clarifying, but ACV is not the clarifying agent in a clarify hair wash scenario. As always, any clarify hair wash should include a hearty conditioning session, perhaps even a deep condition, to replace what’s literally been stripped away. Clarify hair washes of any sort strip the hair’s surface completely of all dirt, sebum, product, and any and all moisture. Clarifying leaves the hair in a very dry state and must include as part of the process quality conditioning. Clarifying should not affect applied color; however, those with porosity issues may need to carefully consider clarifying. Clarifying should not be needed often; thus, perform this action as needed (not on a regular schedule unless there’s a rather compelling reason). On the other hand, there are cases where clarifying does not remove some things and in these instances, it may be necessary to chelate, which gets at bonds to the cortex. However, in deciding upon a home care remedy of a hair issue, always begin with clarifying. Chelating is an upping the ante of things. It’s not often needed in natural hair care regimes. If one colors, discuss chelating with a coloring specialist first, BEFORE chelating. This is also true of any chemical process applied to the hair.
On the point of white dots, see the link. I think you will find it of interest, particularly the photos.
As for the crux of your post, to trim or not to trim:
1) If you want to trim, trim. I am not there and can’t see your hair nor touch it, so I can’t really provide a whole lot of good ideas on this point.
2) You can find a hairstylist who will trim the shorter layer; you may have to do some homework on this project. Another month or so of waiting til you find the right connection won’t hurt.
3) Some people here self trim. I’m not brave enough. That might be a thought.
4) Continue dusting.
5) If you have hair coloring in your history, say perhaps in the 3 year range, those ends (the 1-3 inches, I would safely say), are old and it will show: white dots, splits, easy breaking, etc. Also, the more recent the coloring, the more likely there could be an undercurrent porosity concern to keep in mind. Never forget, the ends always represent the oldest section of hair from daily drag when detangling, hair washing/drying even if with good practices, any chemical processes that altar base structure of hair or affect pigment, and so forth.
6) I don’t believe, based on your description, that you have a protein issue that in other circumstances could be a cause for breakage.
Oh, Heidi! I hoped you would chime in on this one!!
March 8 2006, 7:57 PM
Thank you for your time and information! Also, thank you for "clarifying" about ACV!!! I had mistakenly believed it removes build up--OOPS!! i will have to do a "true" clarifying treatment of some sort to remove any build up. (Baking soda, perhaps?) I wonder if my occasional use of Pantene could be making my problem worse? I will look into the conditioner you recommended.
I definitely do not, nor have in the past colored my hair, so that should not be an issue.
Perhaps I need to do the following:
Clarify.
Try some new products.
Deep condition more.
Wear my hair up more to protect it.
Get a trim by someone who will not be scissor happy.
Hmm...will have to think about it.
Oh, and thanks for the link...really fascinating photos!
BusyHSmom
Growing out layers!
22/27/I've hit my first goal of BSL! Waistline, here I come!
Bangs have passed my chin
type 2cM-Cii
When I first started swimming regularly, I thought my conditioners were not conditioning enough, that my hair was "dry" -- although the splits were as they always were -- not good not bad. My hair was very stiff and felt "cottony" instead of "silky."
So I got my Negate clarifying treatment, the first time I've ever used any clarifying treatment. It worked miracles, my hair was silky again. It was drammatic.
Mermayd
2bfii
18/31.75/34
Nexxus Therappe shampoo
Nexxus Humectress conditioner
Zerran Negate clarifying treatment (for chlorine)
Zerran Chemical Modifier (after bi-monthly color treatment)
Joico K-pak reconstructor (once every other week or so)
jojoba oil as a leave-in on the ends only
coconut oil treatments (whenever I get the chance)
wide-tooth jumbo rake comb (for wet hair)
wooden comb (for dry hair)
"sleep tail" at night
Responding to your ideas for change...how to know when to clarify
March 9 2006, 10:12 AM
Do one change at a time, not two or more changes at once. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, you won't know what is the 'wrong' not working thing. It can't be isolated. Think scientifically.
I just used the conditioner generic version I found at Sally's last night that I mentioned in my above post (the generic version of Biolage's Conditioning Balm). Works just like the full priced version only 1/3 the cost. I did find the companion shampoo to lather slightly less, but then again, lather isn't what cleans; lather is psychological training. (Can you say Pavlov's dog? woof. click. out comes the treat.)
As for clarifying, only clarify when there actually is build up. In other words, as needed. How do you know?
A hair wash does not have its usual results; hair becomes really oily super fast, for example, because hair still had some left on it (speaking of scalp related hair).
Conditioner no longer seems to be doing its job.
Unusually and rather highly tangly.
Knotty.
There might be a crunchiness to the hair even though conditioner and oils may be on it and absorbed. From product buildup that's drying.
And be darn sure to condition quite well as part of clarifying or the hair will be left dry, overly fluffy, fly away, static-y...and it will take a few washes to calm it down.
"A hair wash does not have its usual results; hair becomes really oily super fast, for example, because hair still had some left on it (speaking of scalp related hair)." --CHECK (I usually don't even struggle with oily hair, but lately it has been oily scalp, dry ends.)
"Conditioner no longer seems to be doing its job." --CHECK (My hair feels dry as soon as I remove the towel after washing)
"Unusually and rather highly tangly." --CHECK (Bird's nest at the nape of my neck everyday unless I put it up.)
"Knotty." --CHECK (I assumed this was just because it was dry)
I guess I will start with a clarifying treatment and then go from there.
BusyHSmom
Growing out layers!
22/27/I've hit my first goal of BSL! Waistline, here I come!
Bangs have passed my chin
type 2cM-Cii
Very common when any hair type of hair is worn down. It's part of the deal. This type of tangle not necessarily a sign that clarifying is needed.
Overall length tangles overly (more than usual).
If the tangles are isolated to the last 1-3 inches, that could be a sign of a small trim being needed to remove the oldest hair since the cuticle layer is likely broken down a fair amount. No repairing that.
Please visit Sticks and Stones Hairsticks The best place for totally custom sticks!!
*detangle before and after bed*
Great for skin & nails, heavy for my hair
Special thanks to Carlynn for my custom doll signature!
i will have to do a "true" clarifying treatment of some sort to remove any build up. (Baking soda, perhaps?) I wonder if my occasional use of Pantene could be making my problem worse? I will look into the conditioner you recommended.