Broken hair... - Hair Problems Message Board

Shy One · 11-16-2003, 09:43 AM

I have very long straight hair and i've noticed that I have a lot of broken off peices of hair. I don't color it or blow dry it or anything. I read on here about how Pantene covers your hair with wax and can actually cause it to break off so I think that is my problem. Does herbal ess. do the same? Or is suave or something better? Has anyone used Garnier Fructis? Hehe... any good conditioners that will help me repair my hair? Suggestions...

quietly_serene · 11-17-2003, 11:10 AM

The different conditioners on the market, in spite of what they say, don't actually, repair your hair. They make your hair *feel* less dry and more silky. It's all a matter of which one feels better to you.

Your hair is actually dead. No blood vessels are in the shaft of the individual hairs, thus the hairs get no nutrients. Taking vitamins and drinking lots of water only helps the hair that will grow out.

Now, having said that, I must admit that I have long hair. What I've used successfully so far on my hair is coconut oil - I put it on right after I shower, on wet hair and I braid my hair (no blow drying or anything like that). My hair is pretty healthy now, but I had to cut it pretty short once I realized how damaged the very ends were. I usually do the bathroom haircuts myself, just pull everything to the front and try to do it even. Works ok. Can't really tell on my hair since it's all the way down my back. I also use hot olive oil treatments (heat up the oil, put it on my scalp and cover with a shower cap and a towel for as long as I can stand it - hours sometimes).

Since I have psoriasis, I use pretty harsh shampoos and I wash my hair every day. If I didn't have that, I'd wash my hair every other day, or even longer. Washing is pretty hard on the hair. I use any conditioner I find on sale. Cheap ones work fine for me since I only need them to make sure I can comb my hair. Oh yeah, I don't brush, I use a wide tooth comb. I try to protect my hair as much as I can so I minimize brushing and I minimize anything else that may be too harsh. I only use soft scrunchies, or the 'ouchless' rubber bands with no metal clasps. I love those plastic clips, but I usually have to get a really big one.

I've seen recommendations for women with long hair to sleep on a satin pilow to minimize friction and save your hair, but I never spent the money on a good pillow. I just loosely braid my hair in two braids before bedtime and I sleep fine and my hair isn't so tangled.

And that's about it. I hope this helps.

~serena

BeautyScience · 11-18-2003, 09:51 AM

I would concentrate on replenishing moisture and elasticity rather than change shampoos...
Even though there are a number of good conditioners and products out there, I have found a much more effective way to treat my hair, mayonaise! Yup, ever since I started using it on my over-damaged hair, my hair has been stronger, healthier and shinier.
Apply plenty of mayo to cover scalp and hair, you might want to comb your hair to make sure it is fully covered with mayo. Leave it on for as long as you can, the longer-the better with a minimum of 30 minutes, once or twice a week. The wash, condition and style as ussual.
My hair was severely damaged due to changing colors every 2 months and over bleaching. I have been using mayo for 3 months now and the results are incredible even though I still abuse my hair by coloring and blow drying etc.
(Also, try to be gentle with your hair when you brush etc.)
Well, I hope this helps, good luck!

Ashizzle · 12-01-2003, 01:58 PM

I'd say try Redken Extreme Deep Fuel. It's a deep conditioning treatment, its about $15 but it works great. You can sleep with it on overnight or just leave it on for 15 minutes. Try **** too, they might carry it cheaper.